🪻President’s Letter

Springing Into Fun!

Spring is here, and your AAUW Gilroy leadership is already dreaming up sunshine‑filled activities for the summer. We’re exploring ideas like a Wine Trolley outing and live music weekends at local wineries, along with a few other surprises to keep us connected and enjoying our beautiful community. As always, we’re looking into all kinds of fun ways to bring our members together and make this season memorable. Your ideas and suggestions are always welcome!

Jodi & Patty Co-Presidents of Gilroy AAUW

Gilroy Branch Board Members 👥

Quilt Show Appreciation

A huge thank‑you to everyone who helped make this year’s Quilt Show such a success, from the dedicated setup crew to those who stayed through the final takedown, and to all who generously loaned their precious quilts. Your teamwork, creativity, and commitment made the event shine.

Because of your collective effort, we are thrilled to share that the Quilt Show brought in over $13,000. These funds will directly support our Tech Trek scholars and our AAUW Gilroy scholarships, opening doors for girls and women in our community.

We also want to recognize the Tech Trek girls, past and present, and the high school students who stepped in to help with the kitchen and hospitality. Their energy and willingness to pitch in added so much to the day.

A very special thank‑you goes to Judy Bozzo and Marianne Peoples, whose steady leadership and behind‑the‑scenes work kept everything running smoothly. Their dedication is felt in every detail.

This event simply wouldn’t have been possible without each person who participated. Thank you for showing up, working together, and helping us continue our mission.

Congratulations to Patty Maroudas and Marianne Peoples for winning the Opportunity Quilt raffle!

🌸 AAUW Gilroy Spring Luncheon

Saturday, May 16 • 11:30 AM

The luncheon is at Old City Hall (7400 Monterey Rd.) The Ladies Spring Luncheon is $25, and we kindly ask that you RSVP by May 12. Please send your payment to:

AAUW Gilroy P.O. Box 1962 Gilroy, CA 95021

By submitting your RSVP, you confirm your attendance and agree to the cost of your reserved lunch.

🌟 Guest Speaker

Michelle Fernandez, League of Women Voters, speaking on civic engagement, women’s leadership, and the power of informed voices.

🎓 Meet Our Tech Trek Scholars

We’re proud to introduce some of this year’s outstanding Tech Trek 2026 bright young women ready to explore STEM and soar.

💐 Ladies Luncheon Welcome

We’ll also be honoring all members who joined us in the past year and greeting our incoming members with open arms.

A beautiful afternoon of connection, inspiration, and purpose awaits.

Interest Groups

🍷Wine and Whine * Friday, May 1, 2026 5:00pm to 7:00pm Mama Mia’s Restaurant. 1360 1st Street RSVP Patty Maroudas 408-710-8333

Join Our Once‑a‑Month Lunch Bunch!

🍣Second Wednesday Lunch Bunch*  Wednesday, May 13 – Second Wednesday of the Month

Meet us at 11:30 a.m. Pop’s 1300 1st St.

Separate checks available. Please RSVP to Janet Espersen by lunchtime Tuesday at (408) 702-8706 or janetespersen@yahoo.com.

📚 Book Clubs Fiction Book Club — All Are Welcome

We offer several book clubs, fiction daytime and evening sessions. Fiction:  May 12th 7:00 pm with a 6:45pm check in ONLINE ZOOM and last Thursday of the month May 28th. Call/email Susan Valenta for details (408-482-7804 or svalenta5170@gmail.com). 

Everyone is welcome to join. Each month, members discuss the book they’re currently reading, share recommendations, and often exchange books once they’re finished. It’s a wonderful way to discover new authors, explore different genres, and enjoy great conversations with fellow readers. Come read, connect, and be inspired.

💡 Fundraising Committee– Please join us if you are interested in helping with fundraising. Current members: Evelia Rosso, Judy Bozzo, Annedore Kushner, Pat Maroudas, Jodi Barr, and Priscilla Martinez. Next Meeting TBD at 2:00 pm at Dry Creek Village, 8339 Church St., Conference Room.

🥗 Gourmet Club Kickoff — Spring Update

Our Gourmet Club had a wonderful and successful first gathering in March, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going!

Our next meeting will be on May 20th at 5:30 p.m., hosted by Judy Bozzo, 727 5th St., 408-607-1621. If you plan on attending the cutoff for RSVP is May 18. This month’s theme is Italian Cuisine, so please bring an Italian dish along with a copy of your recipe to share with the group.

We’ll continue shaping and developing the club as we go — exploring new themes, sharing ideas, and building a fun, flavorful AAUW tradition together.

Looking forward to another delicious evening!

🎭 Upcoming Local Plays — May

1. Pintello Comedy Theater

8191 Swanston Ln, Gilroy, CA 95020

⭐ Current / Upcoming

• First Night (Romantic Comedy by Jack Neary) A lively, funny, heartwarming story about second chances and rediscovering love. Performances at the Gilroy Grange Hall. (This is the show currently running.)
• The Savannah Sipping Society (May 3–25, 2026) A Southern comedy about four women forming an unexpected friendship over cocktails and life’s curveballs. (Great option for an AAUW outing — strong women-centered story.)

2. Morgan Hill Community Playhouse (SVCT)

Venue: 17090 Monterey Road, Morgan Hill

⭐ Upcoming

• The Odd Couple (Female Version) Dates: May 2–18, 2026 A witty, female-led twist on Neil Simon’s classic comedy.
• Groundhog Day: The Musical Venue: June 20th, 2026 Morgan Hill Community Playhouse A big, energetic musical based on the beloved film. (You asked earlier — yes, this is the correct venue.)
• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Dates: May 23–June 8, 2026 A hilarious, interactive musical featuring quirky middle schoolers and lots of improvisation.

🌸 Matinee Outing Interest

If you’d like to reserve seats for a weekend matinee, please let Jodi know. You can reach her at 408‑892‑2128 to be added to the interest list.

🌎 Earth Day Appreciation-Gilroy Branch

Even though this year’s Earth Day arrived with dreary skies and steady rain, our AAUW Gilroy spirit still shone through. A heartfelt thank‑you to Jan Duffey and Marian Yoder for representing our branch as part of the Environmental Action & Justice Committee. Your dedication, rain or shine, reflects the heart of our mission.

Jodi and Patty braved the weather and arrived just in time for a photo, adding to the moment of camaraderie and commitment.

We are especially grateful to Jan and Marian for the steady commitment they bring to our branch. Their willingness to show up, advocate, and represent AAUW Gilroy — even in the rain — reflects the heart of our Environmental Action & Justice Committee. If you feel called to protect our environment, promote sustainability, or stand for environmental justice, we would love to have you join us. Your passion and your voice help shape a healthier future for our grandchildren and for our community.

Environmental and Justice Action: The Climate Reality Project June 3 7pm at the Gilroy Library. Tristia Bauman Directing Attorney at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley

Tech Trek 2026

We are excited to announce that 10 outstanding girls have been selected for the 2026 Tech Trek program. These students demonstrated curiosity, leadership, and a strong interest in STEM, qualities that reflect the spirit of Tech Trek and the mission of AAUW Gilroy.

Camp Hopper@ UC Santa Clara July 5-11

Isabella Bermudez– South Valley

Aurora (Stephanie) Espinoza-South Valley

Camp Carson@UC Santa Cruz July 12-18

Madison Salinas-Brownell

Vivienne Gales– Brownell

Violet Ramirez– South Valley

Valeria Valencia– South Valley

Hilda Rivera Lustre- South Valley

Linda Diakova– Solorsano

Alyssa Aparicio– South Valley

Evelyn Ortiz – South Valley

🤝 Volunteers Needed 2026

Both camps are seeking day volunteers, and this is a wonderful opportunity for members and community partners to:

• Share STEM expertise
• Support hands‑on workshops
• Encourage and mentor young students
• Experience the energy and excitement of Tech Trek firsthand

Your presence makes a meaningful difference in creating a supportive, inspiring environment for these future STEM leaders.

Volunteer Tech Trek

New Members

JoAnne Markowska moved to Santa Clara County from upstate New York in 1995. She has a BS in Business from SUNY Binghamton. She worked for MHUSD for 21 years, starting as a health clerk and, after getting a Master’s in Educational Counseling from SJSU, moved to the Counseling Department. She retired in June, and hearing many great things about AAUW decided she would like to join. She is also a member of Morgan Hill AAUW.

Dear AAUW Gilroy Members,

Membership, Renewals, or Dual branch registration, update:

Our yearly dues are now $134, reflecting a $2 increase from AAUW National. Thank you for your continued support of our programs, scholarships, and community outreach — every membership truly strengthens our mission here in Gilroy.

We have made it convenient for you to renew:

1. Make a check payable to AAUW Gilroy and send to AAUW Gilroy Branch P.O. Box 1962 Gilroy, CA 95021
2. You can pay online and log into your account on my.aauw.org and use your credit card to renew your branch, state, and national dues.

Thank you for helping us keep everything running efficiently as we move into a new year of programs, scholarships, and community impact.

📢Dates to Remember

🍽️ Applebee’s Fundraiser

🍎 June 10th Lunch Bunch = Applebee’s Fundraiser!

Our June Lunch Bunch will double as our Applebee’s Dining‑to‑Donate Fundraiser. To make sure a portion of each meal goes to AAUW Gilroy, members must present a fundraiser coupon when ordering.

At the luncheon, we will be handing out:

• 2026–2027 Member Lists
• Applebee’s Fundraiser Coupons (required for AAUW to receive credit)

Please pick up your materials at check‑in so you’re ready to support the fundraiser throughout June. A delicious way to give back.

If local resources are needed, you can simply click the service that applies to your needs or your home. This will connect you directly with the support options available in Gilroy—whether they’re recycling, community programs, or assistance services.

Next Board Meeting:

Monday, May 26, 4:00 pm Dry Creek Village 8339 Church Street

Public Policy

AUW California and AAUW National are both deeply engaged in public policy and government advocacy, and the current cycle (2026–2027) includes several major priorities and legislative efforts underway. These guide everything from Lobby Days to branch‑level action—including the work we do in Gilroy.

📌 What AAUW California Is Focused On (Overall Themes)

Across late spring and summer, AAUW California continues to advance gender equity through advocacy, guided by its statewide priorities:

• Economic security for women
• Equal access to quality public education
• Social and racial justice These pillars are reaffirmed in the statewide public‑policy program and legislative advocacy resources .

🌼 MAY 2026 — Legislative Push & School Board Monitoring

May is typically one of the busiest months for AAUW California public policy work because the state legislature is in full session.

Key Activities

• Legislative Advocacy: Members track bills through the AAUW California Bill Tracker and participate in “Take Action” alerts as legislation moves through committees.
• School Board Project: Branches continue monitoring local school boards for compliance with California laws, especially around curriculum censorship, book bans, LGBTQ+ protections, and Title IX.
• Public Policy Newsletter: May issues often highlight mid‑session bill updates and statewide advocacy opportunities.

🌞 JUNE 2026 — Voter Education & Equity Initiatives

June shifts toward voter‑focused education and equity awareness, especially with the 2026 election cycle approaching.

Key Activities

• Voter Issue Guide Distribution: AAUW & AAUW Action Fund release the 2026 Voter Issue Guide, covering gender‑equity issues at stake in the election.
• Pay‑Equity & Economic Security Messaging: AAUW’s updated Not So Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap continues to be used in branch programming.
• Title IX Advocacy: National webinars and resources highlight threats to Title IX and how communities can support equitable learning environments.

School Board Projects California AAUW

🌱 What This Means for AAUW Gilroy

These statewide issues translate into local opportunities:

✔ Attend or monitor Gilroy Unified School District meetings

✔ Use PlainPolicy to help members understand ballot measures

✔ Participate in Lobby Days and Action Alerts

✔ Highlight Equal Pay Day and economic equity in branch programming

✔ Track local city council decisions through CCAMP

✔ Continue strong STEM advocacy through Tech Trek and school partnerships

DONATIONS:

💛 Supporting Our Work Through Personal Donations

If you would like to make a personal financial donation to support our programs—including Tech Trek scholarships and our Send Girls to STEM Camp project—please mail your contribution to:

AAUW Gilroy Branch P.O. Box 1962 Gilroy, CA 95021

Every gift helps us expand opportunities for girls and young women in our community. Thank you for your generosity and partnership.

Gilroy News

📢 Call for Member News & Events!

We want to support the amazing work our members are doing in the community. If you are involved in a local project, board, or upcoming event that you’d like the group to support or attend, please let us know!

Whether it’s a fundraiser, a community performance, or a volunteer initiative, we want to help spread the word.

• Submission Deadline: Please have your articles or event details submitted by the 25th of each month.
• Newsletter Publication: This ensures we can get the word out to the entire group when the newsletter is posted on the 1st of the month.