Burrrr – fall has arrived! In the last month, our branch has settled into a new year. Our three focus areas of support for girls and young women are moving forward. We were encouraged to hear from the Tech Trek girls at our September meeting. The enthusiasm from the girls was exciting to hear. Lynda Buehring and Joyce Leak created a Membership Soiree mid-October to celebrate new members and all members as we build community for our branch. It was a delightful event at Rose Olson’s party barn!

November is the general election of local offices for mayor, city council and school board. We chose not to have a candidates’ forum this year. I know all of us have informed ourselves about those positions and will be voting by mail. The mid-term election will be November 2026 and we need to have a candidates’ forum in October 2026. Please contact me if you want to be part of the group that creates the forum.

Joanne Drewsen is our Public Policy chair. Joanne is new to the position this year and presented a list of public policy areas our us to consider as a focus for our branch. See page 4 for her general information on important Public Policy issues.

This month we look forward to learning about Camano Island native, Pearl Wanamaker, Washington State Legislator 1928-1940. As we have done in previous years, we will have our Holiday Luncheon in December. This is a wonderful way to socialize and celebrate our year together.