Regular meetings are held at the Waterfront Country Club in Moneta, VA. These include lunch, a speaker, and a business meeting. We meet on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and adjourn by 1:30 p.m. Special events occur throughout the year except for summer months.

2024

We will continue to highlight local women as speakers with our agenda “Women at the Lake: Taking Care of Others and Ourselves.”

2023

January 21, 2023 – Branch Meeting – Taylor Kusseling, Cyber Security Professional

Members will meet at 10:30 am at the 4H Center in Wirtz.
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities and plans for 2023.
Our speaker is a cyber security professional who will discuss her experiences entering the field as a young woman.
She will also recount her experience traveling cross-country for six weeks with just her rescue dog.

March 25, 2023 – Branch Meeting – Amanda Noell Stanley

Members will meet at 10:30 am at Kaleidoscope (The Gathering Place) in Hardy.
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities.
Our speaker is a professional teacher, coach and consultant who previously served as President and CEO of DePaul Community Resources..
She will discuss her new business The Artisan Leader, and its goal to help organizations carefully design their tomorrows in this new age work environment.

May 20, 2023 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Members will meet at 10:30 am for an update on branch activities at the 4-H Center in Wirtz.
President, Membership VP and Treasurer positions will be elected for 2023-2025.
The budget for 2023-2024 will be presented for approval.
Three $4,500 Scholarships will be awarded to local students pursuing degrees.
Scholarship winners will speak to the members.

September 23, 2023 – Branch Meeting –

Members will meet at 10:30 am at Kaleidoscope (The Gathering Place) in Hardy.
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities.
Our speaker will be Rear Admiral (Retired) Terri Clark.
Terri will discuss her career in the US Public Health Service.
Personal care items will be collected for local shelters.

November 15, 2023 – Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fashion Show at the 4H Center in Wirtz.
Fashions will be shown by The Birdcage and Weekend, located in Roanoke.
Silent Auction and Door Prizes are included in the festivities.
Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

2022

We will continue to highlight local women as speakers with our agenda “Women at the Lake: Taking Care of Others and Ourselves.”

January 15, 2022 – Branch Meeting – “Loving Decision and Memory Loss” – Karen DeBord Phillips

Members will meet at 10:30 am via Zoom
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities and plans for 2022.
Our speaker is a retired university professor of human development, local civic leader, successful entrepreneur, and now published author.
She will discuss her book Sweetness Begets Sweetness based on her mother’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease.
Karen will discuss prevention and management of the disease and decision points along the way

March 29, 2022 – Branch Meeting – “Oh Deer, Where Did My Flowers Go?

Members will meet at 10:30 am at the Bethlehem Methodist Church in Moneta.
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities.
A pot luck lunch will be followed by our own Peg Gorman, professional horticulturalist.
Peg will speak about “deer proof” plantings and demonstrate creating a successful container garden. The masterpiece will be the door prize.
A sale of member-supplied used books and puzzles will also be held.

May 21, 2022 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Members will meet at the Waterfront Country Club for an update on branch activities – 10:30 am.
VP Program and Secretary positions will be elected for 2022-2024.
The budget for 2022-2023 will be presented for approval.
Two $3,000 Scholarships will be awarded to local students pursuing degrees.
Scholarship winners will speak to the members.

September 10, 2022 – Branch Meeting – Brunch at the 4H Center in Wirtz

Members will meet at 10:30 am at the 4H Center in Wirtz
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities.
Our speaker will be Nina Brooks, Executive Director of the 4H Center.
Nina will discuss her years-long career at the Center, leading to her current position – quite an accomplishment for a young woman.
She will also discuss programs at the Center.

November 16, 2022 – Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fashion Show at the 4H Center in Wirtz.
Fashions will be shown by Comfort and Joy in Moneta.
Silent Auction and Door Prizes are included in the festivities.
Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

December 5, 2022 – Presidents Reception at Ramulose Ridge Vineyards

Gathering to honor our current president Betsy DeWeese and past presidents
Winetasting and heavy hors d’oeuvres served, tickets purchased at the door.
Virginia AAUW President Lane Stone will be a guest and will address the group.

2021

January 16, 2021 – Branch Meeting – “Reinventing Libraries” with Jennifer Golston, Manager of the Moneta Library

Members will meet remotely via ZOOM for an update on branch activities – 10:30 am.
Presentation by Ms. Golston on the dramatic changes for libraries with the arrival of automation and digitalization and, lately, with the pandemic.
Questions and answers will follow.
RSVP to receive ZOOM invitation.

March 20, 2021 – Branch Meeting – Brittany Webb-Lane, Park Ranger at Booker T. Washington National Monument

Members will meet remotely via ZOOM for an update on branch activities – 10:30 am
Presentation by Ms. Webb-Lane, Park Ranger for the National Park Service, about our local monument and the educational opportunities there as well as her career history leading to her position at Booker T. Washington.
Questions and answers will follow.
RSVP to receive ZOOM invitation.

May 15, 2021 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Members will meet remotely via ZOOM for an update on branch activities – 10:30 am.
President, Membership VP and Treasurer positions will be elected for 2021-2023.
The budget for 2021-2022 will be presented for approval.
Two $3,000 Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees.
Scholarship winners will speak to the members.

September 18, 2021 – Branch Meeting – Rebecca Goransonn – Frankin County Family Resource Center for Domestic Violence

Members will meet at 10:30 am at the Waterfront Country Club
We will hear from Ms. Goransonn about the mission and activities of the Resource Center for Domestic Violence
Our business meeting will include an update on branch activities and plans for the Fashion Show and Silent Auction in November.
We will be joined by our May 2021 scholarship awardees.
Members are encouraged to bring a contribution of clothing for the Center.

November 17, 2021 – Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fashion Show at Waterfront Country Club with Chico’s of Lynchburg
Silent Auction and Door Prizes
Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

2020

January 18, 2020 – Branch Meeting – Brenda Muse, EdD, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Franklin County Schools

How we can impact the positive things going on in Franklin County Schools
Plan for an exciting project in 2021!

May 16, 2020 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Members will meet for an update on branch activities
President, VP Program and Secretary positions will be elected for 2020-2022
Two $3,000 Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees

September 19, 2020 – Branch Meeting – AAUW Virginia Co-Presidents Suzanne Rothwell and Leslie Tourigny

Members will meet remotely via ZOOM for an update on branch activities -10:30 am
Presentation: “Making Progress in Challenging Times.”
Questions and answers will follow.
RSVP to receive ZOOM invitation

October 1, 2020 – Drive-by Cupcaking, a thanks to Janet Potter

Members will cruise by the Booker T Washington picnic area to honor our past president
12:30 – 2:00 pm, Picnic Area
Drive by, grab a special cupcake and honk and holler “thank you” to Janet
RSVP to Fran Cross

October 24, 2020 – In Your Own Back yard – Fall Picnic

Meet at Skyway Animal Farm – a nonprofit organization assisting children and adults with physical, cognitive and mental health challenges
10:30 – 12:30 pm (or later) – totally outdoor activity
Bring a sack lunch, comfortable shoes and a lawn chair
Visit resident alpacas, goats, chickens and anatolians
RSVP by October 19th

November 21, 2020 – Branch Meeting – Speaker, local resident Pidge Morgan

Members will meet remotely via ZOOM for an update on branch activities – 10:30 am
Presentation by Ms. Morgan about her mission to promote education for young girls and women in Tanzania
Questions and answers will follow.
RSVP to receive ZOOM invitation

December 16, 2020 – Holiday ZOOM Happy Hour

Dress in holiday attire and ZOOM in with your favorite beverage in hand – 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Fran Cross will share a tour of her lovely home decorated with items collected over 45 years
Share a special childhood holiday memory, a holiday entertainment or shopping tip, lead a carol, or just visit with your buddies – no designated driver required!
RSVP to receive ZOOM invitation

2019

January 19, 2019 – Chloe Johnson, Site Director for SML Good Neighbors Middle School Academy

Volunteer program mentors middle and high school children through after school activities.
Began in 2016 and serves Bedford and Franklin County students.
Serves rising 6th through 9th graders, emphasizing leadership and community service.

March 16, 2019 – Pamela Cobler, Ed.D

This accomplished motivational speaker shares her personal experiences as a wheelchair restricted woman.
A former Ms. Wheelchair Virginia and 2nd runner up to Ms. Wheelchair America. Ms. Cobler discusses the impact of equine and animal therapy.
Born and raised in Martinsville, VA, she earned a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and a doctorate in Education Administration.
Appointed by two governors to the State Rehabilitation Council, Mr. Cobler still serves of the Executive Board.

May 18, 2019 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Prospective members join us for lunch and a description of branch activities
Two $3,000 Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees

June 2, 2019 – President’s Reception, Ramulose Ridge Vineyards, Moneta, VA

Wine tasting with appetizers gathering at Ramulose Ridge Vineyards
Spouses and prospective members welcome

September 21, 2019 – Unconscious Bias

Business meeting focusing on preparations for the November fundraiser
Short presentation on unconscious bias
Kickoff meeting for the new year

November 20, 2019 – Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fashion Show at Waterfront Country Club with Chico’s of Lynchburg
Silent Auction and Door Prizes
Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

2018

January 20, 2018 – Rebekah Broughton, Communications Coordinator, Street Ransom

Since 2014, Street Ransom has worked in the Roanoke area to spread awareness about sex trafficking and to serve survivors.
In response to the growing need for support and shelter for survivors in Virginia, the organization is developing a crisis shelter for juvenile girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking.
Please join us as we learn about the realities of sex trafficking in our area, what Street Ransom is doing to combat the issue, and how you can help.

March 17, 2018 – Cynthia Gunnoe, Local Businesswoman

Vice-President of the Gunnoe Sausage Company
Ms. Gunnoe will share her family history and her experience in the family-owned business in a male-dominated industry.
Growing up in Bedford County, Ms. Gunnoe attended Jefferson Forest High School and graduated from William and Mary.

May 19, 2018 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Prospective members join us for lunch and a description of branch activities
Two $3,000 Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees

September 15, 2018 – Membership Social. Ramulose Ridge – RESCHEDULED for June 2, 2019

Wine tasting with appetizers gathering at Ramulose Ridge Vineyards
Spouses and prospective members welcome
Schedule usually allows plenty of time for those participating in the Jim Cameron Memorial walk sponsored by LCM

October 20, 2018 – Franklin County Sheriff’s Office on Personal Awareness

“How to Keep Yourself Safe When Out and About”
Lt Erik Mullen presented tips on safety in a variety of situations

November 14, 2018 – Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fashion Show at Waterfront Country Club with J&J Fashions
Silent Auction and Door Prizes
Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

2017

January 21, 2017 – Dr. Karen Hiltz, Gills Creek Rep, Franklin County School Board

Issues in education from the perspective of one who has years of military and management experience
Her decision to study education and put that knowledge and her career experience to use on the local school board
Dr. Hiltz received her Ed.D in Leadership from Lynchburg College with a focus on charter schools.

March 18, 2017 – Josselyn Gregory, High School Career Coach and LCM Volunteer

Progress and challenges of LCM’s program to assist its clients succeed on their own
As a Career Coach for Bedford County a trained instuctor for Lake Christian Ministries, she will share her experience with us – what it means to be without means and the progress that is possible to help motivated people up and out of that situation.
As a member of our branch, Joss facilitates many of our activities with local students

May 20, 2017 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Prospective members join us for lunch and a description of branch activities
Two $2,000 Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees

September 16, 2017 – Membership Social

Pot luck wine and appetizers gathering at the home of Margee Kauffman
Spouses and prospective members welcome
Schedule usually allows plenty of time for those participating in the Jim Cameron Memorial walk sponsored by LCM

October 21, 2017 – On the Light Side – Container Gardening Throughout the Year

Branch Member Carol Miekina shares her expertise
Fashion Show planning update

November 15, 2017 – Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fashion Show at Waterfront Country Club
Silent Auction and Door Prizes
Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

2016

January 16, 2016 – Personalized Learning at Moneta Elementary School

Melissa Charlton, Master Facilitator of Personalized Learning at Moneta Elementary will speak to the branch.
Moneta is a pilot school for the program for 2015-2016
SMAAUW branch members are volunteering in classrooms for math and language art

March 19, 2016 – Local Efforts to Protect Women and Children

- Patrick T. Nix, Esquire, former Assistant Prosecutor for Franklin County
- 16 years’ experience in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and 2015 candidate for Commonwealth’s Attorney
- Chaired Children’s Advocacy Programs of the Blue Ridge
- Served on Franklin County’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team
- Mr. Nix will discuss challenges facing law enforcement in protecting the vulnerable in our area, including Internet use, human trafficking, and domestic violence and abuse.

May 21, 2016 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Prospective members join us for lunch and a description of branch activities
Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees

September 17, 2016 – Membership Social

Winetasting and Social at Ramulose Ridge Vineyards in Moneta, VA
Spouses and prospective members welcome
Schedule allows plenty of time for those participating in the Jim Cameron Memorial walk sponsored by LCM

October 15, 2016 – Southern Roots

On the fun side – demonstration on home decor leading into the holidays
Fashion Show planning meeting

November 16, 2016 – Annual Fashion Show

- - - - Luncheon and Fashion Show at Waterfront Country Club with Chicos presenting
      - Silent Auction and Door Prizes
      - Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

2015

January 17, 2015 – Human Trafficking

Erin Kulpa, Assistant US Attorney for Southwest Virginia will speak to the branch.
How does this international problem affect our state and region?
What can “nice ladies like us” do to help raise awareness in our community?

March 21, 2015 – Virginia Tech Carilion Medical Center and Research Institute

Deborah Kelly, PhD will speak on brain research being performed at VTCRI.
Dr. Kelly’s field: studying how cells communicate on the tiniest scale .
An April tour will follow up on this presentation.

May 9, 2015 – Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards

Prospective members join us for lunch and a description of branch activities
Two Scholarships awarded to local students pursuing degrees

September 19, 2015 – Celebration of our 15th Anniversary at Ramulose Winery

Wine tasting with light refreshments to celebrate the branch’s 15 years
Spouses and prospective members welcome
Schedule allows plenty of time for those participating in the Jim Cameron Memorial walk sponsored by LCM

November 18, 2015 – Annual Fashion Show

- - - - Luncheon and Fashion Show at Waterfront Country Club with Chicos presenting
      - Silent Auction and Door Prizes
      - Profits benefit the Scholarship fund and other outreach activities

Smith Mountain (VA) Branch

Meetings and Special Events – Current and Past