LAST MEETING: November 13, 2025
BRANCH MEETING RECAP
(An email will be sent out to the membership when the video file is available to view.)
Carol Anthony called the meeting to order and announced that meetings would now be held on Zoom, with Carolyn Brown uploading the recording to the BC site for future reference. The mission statement was read, and November hostesses and co-chairs were acknowledged.
Janet Sloey, co-president, thanked attendees and requested approval of the October 2025 branch minutes which were posted on the website. She also announced the nominating committee, consisting of Betty Bude, Marge Andersen, and Marcia Block, who are tasked with encouraging members to run for office. Bette Bude discussed officer and director positions that need to be filled with nominations being accepted until December 20th.
Carol Anthony announced that Kathy Lask, the Secretary, is unable to complete her term due to illness, and Marge Andersen, along with Cay Noble and Pat Shores, will cover the remaining months. She also announced creating a new audio-visual position to alleviate the program coordinator’s requirement responsibilities.
Marian Bauer, substituting for Karen Francis, provided an update on AAUW Fund activities and encouraged members to support the organization with donations, aiming for a five-star branch status.
Angie Janik discussed various public policy issues in Missouri, including the redistricting referendum and Amendment 4, which has not yet received support from Missouri AAUW or the League of Women Voters. She mentioned that the Missouri Right to Read Coalition, led by the National Council of Jewish Women in St. Louis, is working to combat book banning and encouraged members to read their newsletter and watch the documentary “The Librarians”. She also announced an upcoming talk by Chief Justice Mary Russell of the Missouri Supreme Court which is free but requires registration.
Janet Sloey discussed the results of a recent survey which showed members prefer smaller fundraising events like game days and raffles over large-scale fundraisers. She announced plans for a game day event, though details like venue and pricing are still to be determined.
Marian Bauer updated the group on the DFS event at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, noting that the government shutdown has delayed the event’s scheduling.
Marcia Block and Elaine Eltomi promoted the upcoming Winter Party on December 11th which will include lunch, entertainment by the Valley Park show choir, and an Elegant Edibles auction.
Joe Regenbogen delivered a presentation on foreign policy, emphasizing its importance in a globally interconnected world. He highlighted how the United States, despite being only 4.2% of the global population, contributes over 26.3% of the world’s wealth and has a military presence in 150 nations. Joe discussed the historical context of U.S. foreign policy, noting its shift from isolationism to a more active global role, and encouraged the audience to consider the implications of these policies. Policies in addressing issues like climate change, the economy and military security sparked discussions on the U.S.’s role in global affairs.