American Association of University Women

The Washington, Iowa Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) met at the Robert Nicola Conference Room of the Washington County Hospital and Clinics on March 17, at 7 p.m. Co-hostesses for the evening were Jennine Wolf, Mary Wagamon and Marie Dare. Guests Rosellen Stelton and Maisie Martinez were introduced.

Highlights of the business meeting included Virginia Bordwell sharing that due to the great popularity of the Little Free Library at the Goodwill site more books are needed and members were encouraged to make donations. The Nov. 18, 2015, date for the Washington High School National Honor Society Reception for students and their parents was announced. Linda Studevant reported that advertising for the 2015 women?s local scholarships will begin soon. Jennine Wolf offered to interview a ?Woman in Agriculture.? Information will be shared at the state meeting in Cedar Falls in April. President Marde McConnell thanked the members for coordinating the following upcoming career speakers for the WRAP (Washington Regional Alternative Program) students: EMT, pharmacy tech., as well as job opportunities working at the casino and at a retirement home. In closing, the group voted to make a $200 donation to assist two girls to attend Camp Invention.

Richard Young, director of the Washington County Ambulance Service, gave a very informative program to the group. He shared that the ambulance service has 28 employees, 14 EMTs and 14 paramedics, as well as two high school internship students. He added they are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He said that their annual budget is $1.1 million, with about 65 percent of that going for salaries. Mr. Young told that their service responds to 2,000 calls per year, with about one cardiac arrest per month. He reported that they offer other services: education courses, CPR, first aid and continuing education classes, as well as car seat checks. In closing, Mr. Young made arrangements for the group to view an ambulance ?up close? and to learn about all the specialized equipment the ambulance team has at their disposal for both adults and children.

Anyone wanting more information about AAUW, feel free to contact Marde McConnell at 653-3884 or Jennine Wolf at 461-1497.