The Tri-Branch Luncheon featured camaraderie and a great speaker

Article by Kathy Garfinkle

Fremont branch members at the luncheon.

The Fremont, Hayward-Castro Valley and Livermore-Pleasanton-Dublin branches sponsored their annual Tri-Branch AAUW Funds Luncheon on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 11:30 – 2:30 p.m.

The 72 members and guests in attendance enjoyed an afternoon that was highlighted by guest speaker Mamie Chow.  Mamie is the recipient of the Career Development Fellowship Grant from our National AAUW.

Mamie Chow attended the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Science where she studied traditional Chinese medicine.  She shared a little of her personal story and told the audience that she was sexually abused as a child.  “This,” she said, “changes who you are.”  Mamie said that she would always carry this painful experience with her and that this terrifying kind of abuse must be stopped.

She talked a little about the efficacy of Chinese medicine.  Much of it is spiritual practice that offers calm and quiet.  She believes we can stay in connection with our bodies and develop and inner sense of safety and freedom through Chinese medical practice.  She would like to especially bring this message to women in difficult circumstances — like those in poverty.  The AAUW Tri-Branch audience was inspired by her message.

Each branch had an opportunity to make announcements about upcoming events.  Jo Harberson was unable to attend but Anne Les made the traditional announcement that Jo would match funds for every donation made to AAUW leadership.  The basket winners, BTW, were Janice Longo, Kathy Colemere, Jean Felton, Florence Silver, Dorothy Bishop and Carol Guarnaccia.  Each branch will receive about $152.30 from the basket fundraiser.

Please click on a photo below to enlarge: