Activities

See what we’ve been up to lately!

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Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Saratoga Library, February 2024

We had a “packed house” for this timely and fascinating presentation at the Saratoga library on February 17.  Ajit Barwe walked us through the basics of what artificial intelligence is and how it might be used for good or bad purposes.

He graciously provided a .pdf file of the slides for his talk.  Click here to access the .pdf.

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Amigos de Guadalupe at the Saratoga Library, January 2024

On January 20, Stephanie Jayne and Laura Delgado of Amigos de Guadalupe, Center for Jusitce and Empowerment, came to the Saratoga library to speak with us about their passion and their programs.  If you missed it, here’s a .pdf of the slides they shared and  a little video they shared with us:  Click to watch the video.

Laura Delgado (2nd from left) and Stephanie Jayne (3rd from left) with Laurie and Arleen

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Author’s Luncheon, May 2023

On May 13, we held the first in-person Author’s Luncheon since the beginning of the pandemic.  Despite challenges with the arrangements at the Florentine Trattoria in Saratoga, it was success — mostly due to the wonderful authors that spoke.  Many thanks to the committee members for planning this event:  Arleen Pickett (chair), Marilyn Fuller, and Eleanor Yick.  Here are some photos by Louise Quenon.

Arleen Picket – Author’s Luncheon chair

room at Florentine Trattoria in Saratoga, CA

dessert!

 

Lucy Bledsoe

Books by Lucy Bledsoe: No Stopping Us Now, Tell the Rest

Lucy Jane Bledsoe is a writer of novels and a champion for women’s equality.  She was recently featured in our AAUW Title IX program.  She talked mostly about her book “No Stopping Us Now”, which is a novel based on her own life experiences.
Lucy’s newest novel is “Tell the Rest”.
Her website contains more information about her background, upcoming events and how to purchase her books:  https://www.lucyjanebledsoe.com

Traci Bliss

Big Basin Redwood Forest

 
Traci Bliss holds a PhD from Stanford University and an MPA from the LBJ School at the University of Texas, Austin.spoke about her book “Big Basin Redwood Forest”.  Big Basin state park “in her blood”, both literally and figuratively.  She spoke of the history and the critical role of women in creating this wonderful park.  She also spoke of her hope for the future recovery of Big Basin.

Traci’s website is:  https://tracibliss.com

In addition, Traci recommends purchasing her book through www.thatsmypark.org/shop.  $10 of each purchase will be donated to support Big Basin.  You may also purchase the book at a park store in Wilder Ranch, Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz Mission, or Seacliff State Beach.

Shirley Tallman

Sarah Woolson Mystery Series
Shirley Tallman is the author of the Sarah Woolson Mystery Series.  She spoke to us about her journey to becoming an author and a mystery writer.  She started out as a columnist and a radio and TV writer.  She is also a screenwriter.  Shirley received her BA in Radio and Television from San Jose State University.

The main character in Shirley’s mysteries is an attorney, working in 19th-century San Francisco.

She is currently working on the 6th book in the Sarah Woolson Mystery Series.

Shirley’s Linked-In profile can be viewed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirley-tallman-14563651/

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Blossom Festival 2023

The Saratoga Blossom Festival is a community event where we can have a presence to promote AAUW, our mission and our branch.  This year, we were well represented by Virginia Turner, Laurie Lindsey, Lynn Sprague and Mara Otlans.  (Thanks to Mara for the photos!).  We were located right next to Kay Duffy’s location, so there was time to visit and peruse her beautiful watercolors.

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Brave Little Nell

Our first in-person event after the pandemic was a big success, with more than 60 people in attendance.  Laurie Strawn treated us to a one-person play about Eleanor Roosevelt.

Laurie researched and designed this presentation over a period of several years and has presented numerous times to various schools and organizations.  It was an interesting and captivating performance.  Even die-hard Eleanor fans learned something!

For a list of Laurie’s credits, see the following link:  https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/327589-laurie-strawn

 

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Womens March 5/14/2022

Represented by the San Jose and Morgan Hill Chapters, AAUW participated in the Women’s March.  In the “kitty cap” is our own Carol Fitting.

History of Activities