AAUW Centipede

On May 20, 2007, twelve brave AAUW walkers made history by creating the first-ever “Centipede” to enter the anual Rhody Run.  Fashionably attired in red AAUW t-shirts with black pants, carrying a teal canopy and AAUW banner, our Centipede team finished the 7.5 mile course in less than 2 hours 10 minutes, an amazing feat considering the complications related to potty stops, the singing of AAUW fight songs, and the struggle to keep the banner aloft in the wind.  The Centipers were proud to place “First” in their category (OK, actually they placed “Only” in their category).  This AAUW publicity stunt garnered two articles in the Peninsula Daily News, repeated mentions by the Rhody Run announcer, and much attention from curious entrants.  The envy of other walkers was obvious:  Dozens asked permission to duck under the AAUW canopy in case of rain, and at least one entrant was heard to declare: “My goal next year is to beat the Centipede!”

Our twelve intrepid Centipeders were: 
Kay Goetz, Mary Weeding, Charlene Santjer, Diana Cowen, Anita Snell, Celeste Marie Archambault, Danna Owens, Lynne Bennett, Mary Kippenhan, Diane Allen, Celeste Dybeck and Carol Brannan, who organized the team.  Rodie Abrams was Team Mom.

News coverage of the Centipede: Peninsula Daily News 5/15/07 & 5/23/07

Lobbying for Women

Port Townsend AAUW members join members of other AAUW branches from throughout the state to participate in an annual Lobby Day in Olympia. Members are briefed about pending bills so that they may be effective advocates as they meet with their elected representatives. Members interested in public policy issues can receive regular updates from AAUW on legislation affecting education and the general welfare of women and girls.