Our next book discussion will be at 12:30pm on Thursday, December 5 at the Clubhouse. Susan Shaver will lead the discussion of The Violin Conspiracy by Brendon Slocumb.

The riveting story of a young Black musician who discovers that his old family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius: when it’s stolen on the eve of the world’s most prestigious classical music competition, he risks everything to get it back.

Growing up Black in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian’s life is already mapped out. But Ray has a gift and a dream—he’s determined to become a world-class professional violinist, and nothing will stand in his way. Not his mother, who wants him to stop making such a racket; not the fact that he can’t afford a violin suitable to his talents; not even the racism inherent in the world of classical music.

When he discovers that his beat-up, family fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, all his dreams suddenly seem within reach, and together, Ray and his violin take the world by storm. But on the eve of the renowned and cutthroat Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—the violin is stolen, a ransom note for five million dollars left in its place. Without it, Ray feels like he’s lost a piece of himself. As the competition approaches, Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin, but prove to himself—and the world—that no matter the outcome, there has always been a truly great musician within him.  https://www.brendanslocumb.com/the-violin-conspiracy

If you are not already a member of our Book Club and would like to attend in person or via Zoom, contact us!

At our November 15 program, we welcomed 4 NMU International students — 3 from Germany and 1 from Jamaica.

• Donna Hanning – Sports Science
• Merle Richter – Graduate Student in Sports Psychology
• Vanessa Stiegauf – Sports Science
• Chrystal Walker – Finance

Each of the students chose NMU because of the sporting opportunities in secondary education that are not available in the their countries.  Their biggest culture shock upon moving to the Upper Peninsula was the food!

We learned that Germany has a statement in their constitution about equal rights for women, although the percentage of women in leadership roles is much lower than the men’s percentage (even with a female Chancellor) and there is still a significant salary gap. In Jamaica, women are not a valued part of the society, and are often degraded in the media. More women than men go into higher education, but are not promoted in the work place. “Women have a right to get an education, but are not recognized as intelligent.”

We are pleased to be able to encourage these women on their journeys and thank them for helping us to understand the status of women in other cultures.

November 21, 2024

All Board meetings will be held on Thursdays via Zoom.

With one exception:
in April on Monday prior to the Book Sale potluck, we’ll meet in person at the Presbyterian Church.

Donations honoring AAUW members may be sent via check to AAUW-Marquette and addressed to AAUW Financial Vice President Ruth Ziel, 734 Lakewood Lane, Marquette, MI 49855. On your check, please indicate whether your donation is for Greatest Need, STEM, or Scholarship Fund Campaign.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness!
in honoring women who have been tireless advocates
for equity for women and girls.