SPRINGTIME BRINGS BIRD SONG, MUCH NEEDED SHOWERs, HOPE for a COVID-FREE WORLD AND…………

CAMBRIA UNIVERSITY WOMEN NEWS

Donna Crocker, president     APRIL 2021     Gayle Jenkins, Webmaster

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

APRIL 19th  Gayle Jenkins, Matter of Taste owner, will give a food demonstration via Zoom from Rebecca Hendricks’ kitchen.  The product of Gayle’s efforts will become our delicious luncheon dish.  Further, Gayle has donated a Matter of Taste raffle basket, full of goodies, including wine, for the drawing.  The slate of UWC officers for 2021-2023 will be presented by the Nominating Committee. Watch for the Flyer!

MAY 17th Virtual Scholarship Luncheon.. 

     ..during which our 15 Coast and Leffingwell scholarship recipients will speak of their future plans.  Members can enjoy a lunch prepared by Chef Giovanni at Harmony Cafe and will elect the UWC Board for 2021-2023.   

     Kudos to Scholarship Co-chairs Sharon Delp and Sharon Jordan-Evans, and committee members Jackie Hogan, Penny Johnson and Avril Allan for selecting the scholarship recipients.  

     A special feature of this May’s event will be the presentation of the Jean Chinnici Scholarship to a student by Jean’s children.  Jean, who was an educator and past president of University Women, passed unexpectedly during the Christmas holidays. 

JUNE 21 Installation of Officers for 2021—2023

Program TBD

NEW MEMBER: C.* ANN RAMSAY CICHOWSKI

Most of Ann’s professional career has been in the field of education, teaching in public, private and parochial k-12 schools, as well as institutions of higher learning.  She received a BA in Sociology, a BS and MS in Education from Louisiana State University and Tulane University.

     Ann began her teaching career during the 1970’s as a “cross-over” teacher in Louisiana;  one of three  Caucasian teachers teaching in an all-black school…part of the first attempts at desegregation.  In the 80’s and 90’s, she taught science and math, mostly for fourth graders at the Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, WA.  During her last three years at Charles Wright, she became the science and math coordinator for the Lower School.  Her expertise and creativity led to several curriculum development opportunities;  she worked for Seattle’s Pacific Science Center, the state of Washington, Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo, the city of Seattle and the Weyerhauser, a large corporate lumber business.  Over the last thirty years, Ann has been involved with the training of future teachers in math and science at Pacific Lutheran University and Cal Poly State University.

     Ann lived in several places in the United States and abroad and feels very fortunate to have had these opportunities.  She would love to share the stories behind these opportunities.  She is a firm believer in the 6 degrees of separation.

     In retirement, Ann became an active member of Beautify Cambria, Greenspace-The Cambria Land Trust and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.  Most recently, activities with the latter two organizations have kept her busy.  At the present time, she is interested in joining the University Women of Cambria, a group with many friends.  It is an organization that she knows she will find women with similar interests and may also find some very good friendships.  

*C.= Catherine, a beautiful name, however, only  Social Security and Medicare know or call her by that name.  Her mother’s name was also Catherine.  In Ann’s younger years, one could hear “Catherine Ann” being shouted out!                 Helen Pitton, Membership Chair

REMEMBERING OUR FRIENDS WHO HAVE PASSED

As we distribute our scholarships to students this year, let’s remember three dear UWC friends who have passed during the pandemic:  Marion Fitzgerald, Jean Chinnici and Emily Penfield. Marion was the delight of our morning book group and the muse of our Cambria Chorale, as she and her talented granddaughters were present each year at our Youth Music Scholarship Recital to give the Jim Fitzgerald Award to a bright student, in memory of Marion’s husband, Jim, Chorale director for several years.
 

Marion Fitzgerald & Sparky

Jean Chinnici was a past UWC Scholarship Chair and President.  She was also active in Native Daughters of the Golden West, the League of Women Voters, Retired Teachers and Santa Rosa Church.  She was a long-time friend of Marj Sewell, who was her San Jose State College roommate.  


Jean Chinnici

Emily Penfield was a past president of both UWC and the League of Women Voters.  Her daughter, Ann Havlik, current co-president of the League of Women Voters, recently joined UWC.  Ann and her husband Neil made sure that Emily could stay in her home on Ardath during her final months.  Emily was a delightful friend to me; there was always wisdom, but with wit and joy.  I will miss her.  


From LtoR: Vera Wallen, Ann Havlik & Emily Penfield

Remember Spouses of Members:

Debbie Johnson’s husband,Bob, has passed.

Dora Lane’s husband, Bob, has passed.

Remembering Children of Members:

Eunice’s son, Geoff Wilson, has passed.

God Bless

Georgia Spelts is our Sunshine Chair.  I was the previous Sunshine Chair, so I can testify about the extraordinary number of times I have called upon her to send cards to members in need.  Thank you, Georgia !

Let Georgia know if someone in UWC is in need of a card.  

BOOK GROUPS

MONDAY MORNING  First Monday of the Month

April 5th, 10am Zoom Meeting is facilitated by Donna Crocker & led by Chair Kathy Hurrle.  The book is The Huntress by Kate Quinn.

May 6th, 10am Zoom Meeting’s discussion will be about American Dirt by  Jeanine Cummins.  Phone Kathy for information:  927-2271

MONDAY AFTERNOON  First Monday of the Month

Members share a variety of individually selected reading material.

Contact Diane Young for information:  927-8798 

When book groups begin to get full, new book groups can be created.

NEW GROUPS?

Our March 15 speaker was Willow Baker, Peace Education Program Director of the Prem Rawat Foundation, a video-based workshop program which helps people discover and develop inner strength and personal peace.The program is being taught in 70 countries in 35 languages.  Several UWC members expressed an interest in taking a course as a UWC group.  For information about the program ask Rebecca Hendricks and Cori Zinn or go on TPRF.org

As we break out from the pandemic, we may want to start another Bridge Club or perhaps renew the Computer Club.  Just come to the UWC Board with your good ideas.

Did you see in The Trib our very own Marj Sewell who beat the odds and wrestled Covid-19 to the ground?  Also in the Trib was our favorite veterinarian Casey Erickson who rescued a puppy GiGi whose owner had passed.  Kudos! And, finallly Debbie Humphrey-Markham, ace tennis player, showed her form on the court.

INFANT ESSENTIALS in FUNDRAISING MODE

Heather Markham, founder and president of Infant Essentials, has had great demands for her nonprofit’s services during the pandemic.  With the help of her treasurer, our UWC Membership Chair Helen Pitton, and her Secretary, UWC Past President, Heather is conducting a fundraiser which involves the sale of cards.  But, of course, donations are still appreciated.  See the flyer below: 
Donna G. Crocker