Page 8 - Scene Magazine 42-06 June 2017

Did You Know?
Battle Creek Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW)
BY KATHY BANFIELD SHAW
Did you know that the Battle Creek Branch of American Associ- ation of University Women (AAUW) has been a branch in Battle Creek for 100 years? No,
Jan Emery hasn’t been a member since then, but she is the person responsible for bringing back the Used Book Sale. AAUW is a national organization, which began in 1881 when wom-
a way to get involved in her new com- munity... and did she ever get involved! Jan has held just about every leadership position available at the local level, and served on the AAUW of Michigan State Board of Directors for almost 10 years. It was during her time on the state board that she learned about a program for middle school girls that another branch sponsored called Explorathon, an event that introduces middle school girls to alternative careers. Jan found a way to bring that event to Battle Creek in the
the first book sale on the lawn of the Dot- son’s, next door to the Kimball House, in collaboration with the annual Straw- berry Festival. Jan and the branch were thrilled when they brought in $1000 that first year that could help fund the now growing Explorathon as well as make a branch contribution to AAUW’s national programs as well.
Since the startup in 2003 the book sale continued finding locations to store and sort books thanks to gen- erous local business owners such as
Ray’s Optical and Michael Beck. The generosity of the Battle Creek Commu- nity Foundation is how the current location at 34 West Jackson Street became the new home of the A AUW Used Book Sale. Sales will take place this summer on the second Wednesday of June, July, August, and September.
Jan continues to stay active in the local AAUW branch with fundraising, attending monthly program meetings as well as interest
groups, serving on the Centennial Com- mittee, and working at the used book sale. But that’s just AAUW... she also sings in the First Presbyterian Church choir, the Battle Creek Community Cho- rus (rehearsals and concerts), and takes private lessons at Kellogg Community College. Jan says singing has always been a part of her life, a part she real- ly enjoys and it keeps her brain active. Jan’s four children and their families are spread around the world but she makes time to travel to visit and attend college graduations for her grandchildren.
As Jan says it, “I don’t want people to say about me, ‘Oh here’s that sweet little, old lady,’ I want them to say, ‘Good Grief! What’s she up to now?’ ”
This year Jan will stay busy helping to plan the centennial celebration of AAUW which includes plans to collab- orate with Kellogg Community College and a gala celebration in October. For more information on membership con- tact Chris Phillips at (269) 968-9014.
en were allowed to attend
college but couldn’t receive
a degree. Since the begin-
ning, members have fought
for equal opportunity for
women and girls in college,
in the workplace, in public
schools, and in life. The
mission statement today
states AAUW advances eq-
uity for all women and girls
through research, educa-
tion, advocacy, and philan-
thropy. The local branches
such as Battle Creek fund
projects at the local, state,
and national levels such as scholarships, fellowships, and leadership programs. The Used Book Sale assists the branch in funding these programs and involves the local community in raising funds for these programs.
Jan began her journey with AAUW in South Bend, Indiana and when her family moved to Battle Creek she joined the local branch when she saw it was
AAUW of Battle Creek is celebrating 100 years as a Branch, 1917-2017. Members recently cut the ribbon at the opening of AAUW’s Used Book Sale site at 34 West Jackson Street. Members present at the event are from the left, Deb Ensign, Janet Miller, Jackie Sheldrick, Kay Calley-Martin, Joanne Geise, Norma Dudiak, Jan Emery, Mary Ann Charron, June Sims, and Judy Douglas.
mid 1990’s. Then she learned the branch wasn’t able to contribute to the nation- al organization’s funds for fellowships and grants for women earning graduate level degrees. She talked to other branches through her contacts on the state board and learned how they spon- sored profitable used book sales. Jan promoted the idea to the local branch and in 2003 AAUW of Battle Creek held
The members of the Battle Creek Branch of American Association of University Women are proud to celebrate 100 Years as a branch.
Watch for information on our Used Book Sale the 2nd Wednesday of June, July, Aug., & Sept.
!
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