Stella Hadjimarkos 925 8735-1441

RSVP to Margie Goldware 925 820-8456

Bring your friends and neighbors for a fun evening. Start your holiday shopping early while enjoying light appetizers and dessers. Everyone is weocome!

Stella Hadjimarkos 925 8735-1441

The film depicts the early life of Temple Grandin, now a world-famous professor at Colorado State University, who is renowned for her contributions to animal science and for causing sweeping changes in the humane treatment of cattle raised for human consumption. Grandin is equally recognized for her advocacy for individuals—and their families—who face the challenges of living with autism.

Beverly Swann, M.A., a psychotherapist who practices in Pleasant Hill and Concord, will provide commentary during the intermission and lead a brief discussion of how Temple Grandin overcame seemingly impossible challenges in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Not only did Grandin have a brain disorder that is poorly understood to this day, she chose to enter a discipline that was almost exclusively the domain of men.

Tickets are $25, and are tax-deductible. To purchase, call (925) 973-3343 or go to http://www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/parks/theater/default.htm. Refreshments will be served at the intermission.

Janice Colby

A state Department report states that 14,000 cases of Human Trafficking were reported in the US in 2009. California is one of the largest destination states with 43% of international trafficking taking place here.

To highlight an awareness of this issue and find ways to deal with it constructively and proactively in our communities, the Contra Costa County Interbranch Council of AAUW (American Association of University Women) has joined with the Contra Costa County Commission for Women to bring you an informative program.

Three dynamic speakers will discuss various aspects of HUMAN TRAFFICKING on Sunday, January 29th at the Lafayette Library. The event is free and begins at 2 pm.

Jennifer Alderete, Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations, is currently assigned to the Human Trafficking and Smuggling Group where she investigates cases involving forced labor and human trafficking. She will talk about the laws involved and how the various governmental agencies work together.

Cindy Liou is a staff attorney with Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach - the only legal organization in California to provide comprehensive legal services to victims of human trafficking. The U.S. Department of Justice has selected it as one of only 3 programs in the entire country to be replicated on a national basis. Ms. Liou will share some stories from clients.

Caritas Foster with the Holy Family Sisters has dedicated her ministry to educating the public on trafficking. She is a member of Cross Bay Collaborative which was recently funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement of the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. She will suggest some practical ways for the general public to help victims of the trafficking.

The public is invited to attend.

Any questions, contact Tena at 925 837-0826.

Our branch has co-sponsored this event with the Soroptimists for three years now. If you can volunteer a few hours (the entire day is not necessary), it would be appreciated. Most volunteers will be observing and assisting in the workshop. Contact Holly Ito if you can volunteer a couple of hours.

Holly Ito