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Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of AAUW

THE STEINER AWARD

The Appreciation Plate

The plate was donated by Winnie Steiner in 1987, to be given to a member who has been an inspiration to the givers – for “services” to the branch. It was decided we should use it to express our appreciation to members every three months or so, passing it on from one member to another. The member who receives the plate keeps it at least three months; she then passes it on to a member who has helped or inspired her. The member who passes the plate on should put some small token item on it (i.e. baked goods, fruit, note cards) – nothing expensive, just a thank you token – thus it passed from member to member.

2017

Lani McManus

2016

Carol Holzgrafe

2015

Marygrace Colby

2014

Dianne Lorenz

2013

Carole Chumbler

2012

Ronda Hoffman

2011

Lani McManus

2010

Paulette Jones

2009

Merrie McLaughlin

2008

Satsie Veith

2007

Pat Nohrnberg

2006

Cheryl Knudsen (Caldwell)

2005

Ronda Hoffman

Mary Johnson

2004

Claudean McAlexander

2003

Katie Rosenberg

Mickey Harnage

2002

Lynn Layton

Carole Chumbler

2001

Kay Zimmerlee

2000

Laurie Baker

Connie Rogers

1999

Lora Schiffner

Marygrace Colby

Karen Hilleman

1998

Carol Braun

1997

Kay Hinerman

(Detailed records lost)

Lynn Eads

Gevean Pregill

Peggy Richards

Gina Morgan

Barbara Roberts-Schill

Levon Becker

Beth Pitney

Lora Schiffner (twice)

Henrietta Henderson (twice)

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HISTORY OF THE PARADISE BRANCH

by Historian LaVere Aulie
Written in 1980

For many years the AAUW members living in Paradise belonged to the Chico Branch. Many of these women would not drive to Chico for night meetings, so they could not be participating, active members of that group. In late 1979, Wini Steiner and LaVere Aulie talked about organizing a Paradise Branch. Since LaVere had previously organized a Branch at South Lake Tahoe, she agreed to serve as chairman for the organizing committee. Members of the committee included Wini Steiner, Carol Gorden, Peggy Arms, Mabel Balen Joffre, Carol May and LaVere Aulie.

With the help and guidance of the California State Division officers, the long process leading to chartering was begun. In March of 1980 the By-laws had been approved by the AAUW Association so a meeting was called to introduce AAUW to the women of Paradise, elect officers and vote on the By-Laws. This first meeting was held on March 18, 1980 at the Odd-Fellow Hall. Lynn Harris, president-elect of the California State Division, explained the history, purposes, and activities of AAUW to 45 enthusiastic women.

On April 29, 1980 the following officers were elected to lead the Paradise Branch:

• Carol Gorden, President
• Wini Steiner, First Vice-president, Program
• Peggy Arms, Second Vice-president, Membership
• Charlotte Hodges, Secretary
• Carol May, Treasurer

Charter membership was kept open throughout the first year and 74 women composed the base for the continuing growth of the Paradise Branch of American Association of University Women.

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TEN YEARS OF GROWTH, ACCOMPLISHMENT AND FUN
A History of Our 1st Ten Years of Paradise AAUW
1980-1990

By Kristi Youngdahl
Published in 1990

Prior to the chartering of the Paradise Branch of AAUW in 1980, women from the Ridge who wished to be part of the organization joined the Chico Branch. Often the commute to Chico for evening meetings was difficult and members found that they were not as active as they wanted to be. Recognizing the problems of belonging to a group in one community while living in another, LaVere Aulie and Wini Steiner decided the time was right to form a Paradise Branch.

In late 1979 the two started the long process needed to charter a new branch. LaVere, who had helped organize the South Lake Tahoe AAUW, agreed to be chairman of the organizational committee. Other members of the committee were Wini, Carol Gordon, Peggy Arms, Mabel Balen Joffre, and Carol May. With guidance of the California State Division (CSD), the committee wrote the by-laws. These were approved by the Association in March of 1980 and Paradise became California’s 177th branch. Through newspaper articles the public became aware of the organizational efforts and on March 18, 1980, forty-five women arrived at the Oddfellows Hall to learn more. Lynn Harris, then President-Elect of the CSD, was there to explain the history, purposes and activities of AAUW. On April 29, another meeting was held and officers elected to guide the fledgling Paradise Branch. Leaders that first year were: Carol Gordon, President; Wini Steiner, 1st Vice President-Program; Peggy Arms, 2nd Vice-President-Membership; Charlotte Hodges, Secretary and Carol May, Treasurer. Charter membership was kept open throughout the first year and 74 women joined. Of those 74 charter members, 24 were still on the active roster in 1990.

The first year we had minimal funds for operation, but that did not stop the group from becoming an active and visible part of the community. A variety of interesting programs drew other eligible community members to the group. A smorgasbord of special interest groups - potluck, dining out, contemporary books, bridge and gourmet-offered members a chance to become acquainted.

One of our first steps into the community was taken by the Parenting Study Group, first organized in the fall of 1980 by Wini Steiner, Eleanor Zahnd and Kristi Youngdahl. In August of 1981 the group invited others from the community to join them and the Community Coalition for Responsible Parenting was formed. Public awareness of the need for Family Life Education was created by the Coalition and they successfully petitioned the school board to appoint a Community Family Life Advisory Committee. Their efforts eventually led to community support for peer counseling programs at the Intermediate School and High School and to the funding of a counseling position at the Intermediate School. Coalition members went on to serve on district and curriculum advisory committees and eventually a district-wide health curriculum encompassing many of the Coalition’s original concerns was implemented.

In the fall of 1981 we launched our first fund raising effort for the Educational Foundation Program (EFP) with a "Trinkets, Trash and Treasure Sale" chaired by Marilyn Fairchild and Alice Price. Proceeds from the sale enabled us to send $500 to EFP and select Rub Schwartzlow (posthumously) as our first EFP Named Honoree. Since the first effort we have raised $7500 for EFP and named fifteen of our hardworking members as Honorees.

Not only have we worked hard to raise money for EFP but we have benefited from those funds- nearly $2700 in EFP grants have been awarded to members. In 1983 Charlott Hodges received a public service grant of $850 for "Families in Conflict", a workshop on child abuse and domestic violence. In 1985 Kristi Youngdahl received $920 for an individual research and projects grant to prepare a manuscript on women’s roles during WW II. In 1988 Ronda Hoffman received a public service grant of $800 for "Stress Inoculation Day" a workshop designed to teach youngsters how to cope with stress.

In the spring of 1983 we took another major step into the community when Lora Schiffner organized the first Math-Science Workshop for 8th Grade girls. The seminar was such a success it became an annual event. Over the years it gradually changed shape and focus. In 1988, in response to community request, the workshop was revised to include boys and was renamed Career Day. That year we worked with parent members from the Intermediate School to organize the event. In 1989 Career Day was turned over to the Intermediate School Parent Organization and it continues under their guidance.

As we grew our original focus on community involvement never wavered. We provided garbage containers along the parade route for several Gold Nugget Parades, we painted playground equipment at two local parks, and Wini Steiner and France Pence started networking with eight other community women’s groups to support each other and coordinate efforts on common goals. Our continued concern for the youth of our community was addressed in 1984 when Wini Steiner and Marilyn Walsh formed a committee which conducted a survey to determine if there was adequate, affordable child care available on the ridge. Their efforts brought public attention to the problem of latch key children. In 1985 Frances Pence implemented the first "Real Women’s Essay Contest" for local students. The popular event continues to be supported by our branch. In the fall of 1989 Frances organized a job shadowing program for ninth grade girls to expose them to local professional women.

Always, we have kept education a high priority. Speakers from the educational community and our own representatives to school board meetings have kept us abreast of progress with the district. Several of our members hold positions on a variety of school district advisory boards. In 1989 Gina Morgan spearheaded a committee to raise funds and award a re-entry scholarship to a local woman attending Butte College. The first scholarship was given to Jan Eaton, a young Paradise widow with three children. In March the board voted to name the scholarship fund the Frances Pence Memorial Scholarship Fund in memory of Francie whose dynamic leadership helped shape our branch during its first ten years.

We’ve also maintained an interest in providing cultural events for our community. In 1986 Madge Ebright planned an Opera Workshop which performed at the Elementary and Intermediate schools. Two art shows many theater parties and two Opera Galas have served the dual purpose of providing cultural events and raising EFP funds.

Never did our interests stop at the borders of our ridge community. An active International Relations Group has helped to focus our attention on world events. In 1983 our volunteer efforts extended far beyond Paradise when the board elected to host ten West Germans in celebration of the Tri-Centennial of German settlement in America. As we grew we expanded our knowledge of AAUW by sending members to District meetings, State Division Fall Conferences and Spring Conventions. Frances Pence became our first member to serve at the CSD level. She held offices on the CSD until her death in February 1990.

As we face our second decade we can certainly look back with pride. We have made a visible impact on our community, we have provided our membership with intellectual stimulation and opportunities for personal growth, on-going interest groups have provided social outlets for members and spouses and we have formed special friendships, many of which are inter-generational. We have worked hard to further AAUW’s mission, but we have had lots of fun along the way!

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THE SECOND TEN YEARS OF GROWTH, ACCOMPLISHMENT & FUN
A History of Our Second Ten Years of Paradise AAUW
1990-2000

By Dianne Lorenz and Marygrace Colby
Published September, 2001

Paradise Branch entered its second decade, we counted among our membership 24 women who were charter members ten years earlier.

Always a dynamic group as a whole, we paused to acknowledge the recognition granted to individual members. In observance of the D-Day anniversary the Enterprise Record published a series of articles from Kristi Youngdahl’s unpublished book, "Forever Changed: The Women Behind the American War Effort 1941-46". Kristi’s book was supported by a research grant from the AAUW, and several of the women whose stories Kristi told were members of the Paradise Branch AAUW. Kristi’s dedication to research and writing culminated with the publication of her book, The Arams of Idaho, in January, 1996, by the University of Idaho Press and is available in bookstores nation wide.

In the early 90’s, when our Butte County’s Library system struggled to keep going, volunteer help often made the difference between reference services, or no service. Branch member Margaret Finch was dubbed " our outreach program" by assistant Librarian Eleanor Gordon for her tireless efforts and dedication. Soroptimist International of the Americans, Inc. recognized Branch President Helen Foster for "advancing the status of women" with a certificate of appreciation and merit.

A very special recognition was granted in memoriam to charter and activist member, Frances Pence, who died in March, 1990. On April 26, 1991, the most distinguished award given by the California State Division of AAUW, the Education Foundation Named Honoree Gift was awarded in honor of Frances Pence and was presented to her daughter at the State Convention in Costa Mesa.

Grand Marshals of the 1993 Gold Nugget Celebration were Lois and Archie McDonald, selected by the committee for their community service and dedicated efforts to preserve the history of the Ridge. Archie joined the branch in 1989, and he spent many years as our sole male member. His outstanding work on behalf of the Legal Advocacy Fund continued throughout the 1990’s.

In 1992 Ronda Hoffman was honored as the "Citizen of the Year" by the Elks Club, while Shirley Sait- Huneven received recognition by the National AARP for "outstanding volunteer work on behalf of the AARP’s Health Advocacy Services Program. In 1999 Lois McDonald was honored as "Citizen of the Year" in Paradise. Her research on the history of Paradise has continued for many years.

In December, 1997, Barbara Roberts, who along with her spouse had run a successful law firm in Paradise for 15 years. She was appointed by the Governor, as a Judge to the Butte County Consolidated Court. Barbara’s appointment made her the second woman judge in the County’s history.

Paradise Branch continued to contribute to the community in a variety of ways. The Branch co-sponsored a special music concert for area wide school children which continued through the 1990’s. In 1999 the first live concert in the new Paradise Performing Arts Center was a youth concert, for which the Branch provided women to assist in supervision of students in attendance. Jane Lesko has spearheaded this project for many years.

Interest groups such as bridge, books, potluck, international relations, gourmet dining and dining out have remained as popular events along with the yearly Soup Suppers and Holiday events. Outstanding speakers have made presentations at Branch Meetings, keeping up with current events and various programs on the national and local levels.

Joining the fun of the time-honored Ridge celebration of Johnny Appleseed Days, our branch held a cheesecake sale during the event for several years. Besides increasing our visibility in the community, the proceeds of the sale benefited the Education Foundation Fund . Another fun and gala event was the AAUW Theater On The Ridge Party. Champagne, desserts and a production staged by TOTR were enjoyed by all who attended, while the proceeds went going to the Education Foundation and the branch.

In 1994, under the guidance of the Education Committee and spearheaded by Lora Schiffner, Claudean McAlexander, and Gina Morgan, a math-science seminar for girls was re-introduced as a branch project. The project evolved into a career exploration experience that allowed young girls a hands-on experience with jobs that utilized math and science. In May of 1998, Station 35 of the CDF, and Companion Animal Hospital (owned and operated by member Valerie Caruso) were among the sites visited. Also, the Butte College Career Center allowed girls and their parents to visit the campus, with the focus being an orientation to introduce college and career opportunities. In June electronics and physical therapy careers programs were offered. Involvement with local girl scouts in career programs continued; and in 1998 the Branch took over Paradise Charter Middle School for an entire day, offering eleven different career presentations to both boys and girls. Branch members assisted yearly in the CSU, Chico "Expanding Your Horizons" conference which involved over 300 girls from the Northstate area.

In 1998 California AAUW started a new unique Math-Science summer camp program at Stanford for girls going into the eighth grade. Lora Schiffner undertook the selection of campers and the Branch began fun raising so that at least one girl would be presented with a scholarship each summer. Girls from the Ridge first attended Tech Trek Camp in 1999 and continue to do so. The interview process has proved to be an educational experience for all involved, whether or not the girls were selected to attend camp. Campers have made special presentations to the Branch each year. Branch member Marygrace Colby has served on the Stanford Camp staff as Physical Education Director.

The celebration of National Women’s History Month continue the tradition of sponsoring an essay contest for local elementary school children, in which they recognized notable women, both national and locally. In 1991 another dimension was added, as the children included creative programs in addition to the essays. Never a group "to rest on its laurels", the Branch created a new project for it’s celebration of Women‘s History. In 1995, under the direction of Joan Dresser, Branch women researched notable women in history. Dressed in period costumes, they told the stories of the women. A presentation was made to Ridge Elementary School children during the day, and then the program was presented for members and the public. The project met with tremendous success, and was continued on a yearly basis. Carol Braun took over as organizer/director, under her guidance, the presentations grew to be a much anticipated event. Ridge teachers designed history visits around curriculum. In 1997 Women’s History traditions were combined with student participation, with six high school girls who depicted the famous women. As our second ten years ended, this program was still going strong with Branch members active in portraying famous women in school and Branch events.

Throughout the second decade, the Branch continued its commitment to the Frances Pence Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provided scholarships for local re-entry women. By 1997, the Branch commitment to fostering education for women resulted in the awarding of not just one, but two re-entry scholarships. Rummage sales were held rain or shine in the Branch efforts to continue this program into 2000.

Another popular Fundraiser was Bunco night, the proceeds supporting the Educational Foundation fund. The fundraiser began in 1996 and was held annually until 1998. When speaking of fund-raisers, the various bridge-playing interest groups must be noted. Besides making grand slams, socializing and dining, the groups have contributed funds to the Educational Foundation and Frances Pence Scholarship.

In the summer of 1998, our branch increased its visibility in the community and had a fund-raiser at the same time by participating in the 1st Annual Farmer’s Market and Street Faire in Paradise. We have sold super spuds and lemonade. Carol Braun spearheaded a fund raising project with the publication of "Soups cum Laude" in 1999, which was a collection of favorite soups made by members for the Annual Soup Supper.

Yearly recognition continued with local branch members being recognized for their commitment to AAUW and its mission through the Educational Foundation Named Honoree program. The Presidential award for dedication and service to the local branch and the Winnie Steiner Service Award continue to be given each year.

Recognition of our branch did not go unnoticed by our States Division. We received letters of congratulations and certificates for our 10th, 15th, and 20th anniversaries, a newsletter achievement award in 1993, and an International Interest Star. In 1996 our branch was recognized for having the highest percentage of returning members in the medium size branch category. Recognition continued on a yearly basis with National AAUW 5 Star being granted to the Branch in 1999, for which much credit was due to President Karen Hilleman's efforts. Educational Foundation and Membership Stars were presented at the Spring Luncheon, along with Sierra-Cascade Girl Scout recognition for our service programs for youth.

The Branch is proud of its artists Gina Morgan, and writers Kristi Youngdahl, Shirley Bailey and Lois McDonald. These dynamic women continue to be well recognized in our community.

The varied experience in the Paradise Branch has produced many members on the move in positions of prominence in the community. School district officials on local, county, state level boards, authors, a lawyer and judge, Town Council, Park and Recreation and water and various community boards, Presidents of Community Concerts, Gold Nugget Museum (3), Historical Society, Soroptimist, Rotary, Ridge Women’s Clubs, Feather River Hospital Auxiliary (3) along with Environmentalists, tutors and mentors, and just plain volunteers make up the Branch membership.

Each year the Branch closed its program year with a recognition luncheon and the installation of new officers. In 1999 a celebration for our many members, age 75 years and older, was called "The Way They Were". Pictures Boards, Family History and memories were outstanding. Celebrating our 20th year in May 2000, the Branch took a trip through 20 years of Paradise Branch history, with a program with pictures and recognition of charter members and past presidents. The "traditional" Hat Day, which was a special event at the tenth year celebration, was revived with awards being given for the best hats.

The mission statement of the Branch is: "AAUW Paradise Branch is committed to advancing lifelong educational opportunities and equity for girls and women. We do this while providing growth opportunities and support for our members and establishing a positive visible presence on the Paradise Ridge". The original Branch focus was on community involvement and that has certainly never wavered. Members continue to be provided with intellectual stimulation and opportunities for personal growth. Social outlets for members and their friends and spouses have been evident. The branch is to be congratulated on their efforts to further the mission of AAUW. They have had fun along the way and the special friendships made during the many hours spent together will last forever.

The ending quote from the twentieth 20th year celebration luncheon was entitled "Women Facing Change- The River of Change flows on relentless and women are always in the thrust of the current."

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FIVE YEARS OF GROWTH, ACCOMPLISHMENT AND FUN
A History of Paradise AAUW After the Millenium
2001-2005

By Kay Hinerman
Published May, 2005

After a year of many worthwhile community and social activities in our Paradise branch, we closed a decade with our annual holiday celebration at the Gold Nugget Museum.

2001 – The January meeting kicked off a new year and a new decade with a brown-bag lunch. The guest speaker, Dr.Gregory Davis, addressed women’s current health issues.

A series of monologues were given by four of our members in celebration of National Women’s History month. These monologues were presented in classrooms at four local schools that had studied the background and experiences of famous women in history. Our performers, dressed in costumes of the time these women lived, generated many questions and interest from the young audiences.

Our members, Carol Braun and Connie Rogers, accepted an award for the Gold Nugget Museum for outstanding service from the Parks and Recreation Department on behalf of the community.

Outreach activities included the Public Relations booth at the Farmers’ Market during the summer as well as sponsoring two 8th grade girls from the community to Tech Trek Camp at Stanford.

Re-entry scholarships were given two well-deserving women who continued their education at Butte Community College. Presenting the scholarships at an awards assembly at the college in late August has been an event our branch has participated in for several years.

The year drew to a close with many members designing and distributing colorful collection barrels. These flashy receptacles were placed at various businesses around town to collect coats – used, outgrown, or new – which were then distributed to deserving children. We all felt good helping “Recycle America” while cleaning out our closets.

2002 —InterestGroups expanded this year with the addition of Armchair Travelers, Gadabouts, and Past President’ Club. The potluck group divided into four groups, dining out had a surge of new members, and the Gourmet Group added another section to accommodate the membership. A casual observer might say, “That branch certainly enjoys getting together to eat!”

2003 —In April Danielle Warren, a former Tech Trek Camper (1999) and Junior Counselor for Tech Trek (2001), was chosen for the queen’s court for Gold Nugget Days.

A total of 22 books were donated to the Paradise and Sterling City libraries and Pine Elementary School. These books were given in memory of recently deceased members. Mountain Ridge Middle School students attended an in-depth career day at Feather River Hospital. Medical careers were the focus of this day, and were presented by members of the hospital staff. Many girls returned to their schools inspired by all the career possibilities they learned about in medicine.

2004 —Dr. Diana van der Ploeg, the new president of Butte Community College, was the guest speaker for the first branch meeting in 2004. She gave an overview of the current college programs and addressed member’s questions.

A women’s history program this year spotlighted five prominent local women from Paradise and Magalia from 1850-1993. Prior to the school performances, each school class where the presentation was made was given a detailed story board of the famous women.

Molly Earl, Year 2000 Tech Trek participant sent by our branch to Stanford, was crowned Gold Nugget Queen. Like other contestants, Molly sewed her winning outfit.

2005 —The annual soup supper broke attendance records this year. Over 80 guests were served a wonderful meal. In addition, Judge Barbara Roberts gave the audience a detailed account of the Butte County Juvenile Court System. Judge Roberts, a former member of our branch, is a dynamic speaker. Her talk generated many good questions.

The women’s history program this year was a huge departure from past years. Much preliminary work went into the final presentation. A partnership was formed with Paradise Unified School District’s fourth grade teachers and the Women’s’ History Committee. All fourth graders studied the five famous women in history in the classroom before our members supplemented the students’ curriculum with our performer’s presentation. Detailed storyboards were completed and placed in the libraries of the different schools. They were rotated to different school libraries throughout the school year. The five performers gave a presentation to our membership at the March general meeting similar to the one they gave in the classrooms.

These past five years our membership has leveled out somewhere close to 80 members. As new residents have moved into the area, our membership has expanded; yet death has taken fourteen members over the past five years. We continue to support our community with scholarships to the local community college. Assistance is given to Paradise High School in any way we can. On the national level of our organization, we contribute annually to the Educational Foundation and the Legal Advocacy Fund.

To respond to the ending quote from the 20th Year Celebration – Women Facing Change – we can heartily say: “The relentless ‘River of Change’ flows on, and our branch is doing very well in the current!”

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EDUCATION IS OUR MISSION, AND WE DO OUR PART IN PARADISE
A History of Our Next Five Years, 2006-2010,
Brings us to Thirty Years of the Paradise Branch AAUW

By Paulette A. Jones
Published June, 2010

A big change went into effect, as amended by our 2005 Convention. Now an “Associate Degree” in an academic degree program, conferred by a two year college after successfully completed studies, makes one eligible to join AAUW. This also includes RN diplomas - often two or three year programs. The Convention felt that this change would help increase our membership.

Fundraisers:

• Baking Goods Sale
• Silent Auctions
• Rummage Sale in Senior Citizen Center’s parking lot
• Farmer’s Market
• Soup Supper from EF LAF to Tech Trek recipient
• Art Fest
• Cook Books (1999 - 2006) Soup Cum Laude

The Farmer’s Market always had an excellent turn out. We sold Lemonade and other goodies. Many fliers were handed out and we gained a couple of new members from our booth. The event was successful as good community visibility but actual financial profit was minimal.

Pence Scholarship - Our branch continued a re-entry scholarship fund called the Frances Pence Memorial Scholarship, started by the branch in 1989. We have been able to give two scholarships per year to women returning to school at Butte College. We have done fund raising in many ways such as: Pennies for Pence, The Art Fest, and Bridge. Regretfully, our Pence Scholarship Fund does not qualify as a tax deductible.

IBC - Our branch continues to be a member of the Interbranch local Council (IBC). This group includes: Chico, Oroville, Yuba City/Marysville, Gridley and Paradise Branches. Each February a joint meeting is held with an interesting speaker or program. The last few years we have had programs on “The Story of Stuff” (about renewal sources & recycling), State AAUW Officers, and a program on Water Issues in California.

Tech Trek - Each year the Paradise Branch of the American Association of University Women selects and two to three young women to attend Tech Trek Summer Science Camp at Stanford. As of summer 2010, our Branch has sent 32 Ridge students to Tech Trek. Three of these young women have returned as Junior Counselors.

The week long residential summer camp offers girls entering the eighth grade a spectrum of hands-on-activities in math, science and technology, with core classes, mini labs, a marine biology trip, field trips and special evening activities. All teachers, presenters and staff members are women and, except for core teachers, all volunteer their time. Each year we do fundraising and send two to three girls to camp. The main money raiser from 2006-2010 has been our annual Soup Supper.

Interest Groups - Many of our Interest Groups continue year after year, some come and go and new groups begin. Two new groups joined in this five year period. One group is the Hiking Group. They hike in the country side as well as towns, learning history of those areas. The other new group is the Paper Arts; that meets monthly. They make greeting cards, scrapbooks, etc. The group learns new skills from a member or invited speaker.

• Book Discussion (Day and Evening Groups)
• Bridge (couples and singles)
• Dining Out Groups
• Gourmet Dining
• Gadabouts
• Hiking
• Paper Arts
• Potluck Supper/Brunch

The Fires occurring in the Summer of 2008 caused many of our members to evacuate their homes. Marygrace Colby helped with the North Valley Animal Rescue Disaster Group during the fires. In 2008 and 2009 we had two interesting and helpful General Meeting programs because of the fires. The first one, we had a speaker explaining what legal papers and materials we need to take with us upon an evacuation. The second program, Marygrace spoke of the ongoing work to be prepared to move animals into safe environments when there is any type of natural disaster. Robin Hoffman gave a presentation on evacuation routes and their development.

Career Trek - Starting in 2009, Members have participated in a day long IBC sponsored Career Trek for Eighth Grade girls, on the Butte Community College Campus. Gridley, Oroville, Chico and our branch sponsored and volunteered at event. The Career Trek educates girls on career development possibilities in math and science. Butte College was very supportive and provided classrooms and some great instructors. Community Achievements by our Members

Citizen of the Year: In 2010 Connie Rogers was honored as the "Citizen of the Year" by the Elks Club. We in Paradise AAUW already knew what a special lady Connie is, holding many offices and Committee Chairs positions.

Named Scholarship: Madge Ebright, a Paradise Branch charter member, has been honored by the PEO, (Philanthropy Education Organization). This group has named a new scholarship to recognize Madge’s many years of work in creating the “Strings in Schools ” classical music training Program. We salute the “Madge J. Ebright Scholarship.”

Community Leadership: Kelly Connnor, a member since 2004, is the 2010 newly elected President of Paradise Chamber of Commerce.

EF and LAF Changes - This financial effort is now AAUW Funds (formerly Educational Foundation – EF). Through a series of endowments (including our Paradise branch EF/AAUW Fund donations), money is available for fellowship and grants for young women striving to further knowledge and understanding (more than $3 million for more than 200 fellowships and grants in 2009-10). In addition, the Eleanor Roosevelt Fund for Women and Girls supports teacher fellows and research on gender equity in education. During the 2009-10 academic year, AAUW is offering more than $3 million for more than 200 fellowships and grants.

LAF is now under the umbrella of AAUW Funds. LAF programs include community and campus outreach. It also has a resource library and online advocacy tools, a Legal Referral Network, and various research reports. LAF also provides support to workplace sex discrimination cases that have the potential to make a difference for all women. Branch donations earmarked for LAF help support these cases and public outreach and education as well.

Donations to AAUW Funds include:

• Educational Opportunities Fund
• Eleanor Roosevelt Fund
• LAF
• Public Policy Fund
• Leadership Programs Fund

The above Funds are all tax deductible because they are 501(c)3 funds.

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In Memoriam

2019:

• Marcia Hamilton
• Lucinda DeYoung

2015:

• Peggy Burgess-Schilling

2014:

• Madge Ebright
• Lynn Layton

2013:

• Carole Chantal

2012:

• Gevean Pregill

2011:

• Lora Schiffner

2010:

• Katie Rosenberg
• Arlys Loew
• Sally Stansfield

2009:

• Lavon Becker 

2008:

• Lou Page 
• Kay Myers Carson
• Victoria Sulski

2006:

• Al Braun
• Eloise Sears
• Dorothy Weed

2005:

• Shirley Bailey
• Jeanne Farrell
• Lois McDonald

2003:

• Jean Hine
• Jane Josselyn
• Roma Jean Ropp

2002:

• Carol Braun
• Henrietta Henderson

2001:

• Linda Jones
• Midge Kenyon
• Archie McDonald
• Majorie Nielsen
• Clara Barton Vironda

2000:

• Violet Clifford
• Rosamund Plummer
• Lois Matlock
• Mary Underhill

AAUW Mission Statement

The purpose of AAUW is to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. 

AAUW Paradise Branch Vision Statement

AAUW Paradise is committed to advancing lifelong educational opportunities and equity for girls and women. We will do this while providing growth opportunities and support for our members and establishing a positive visible presence on the ParadiseRidge. 

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