Branch Program 3/24/2014

Monday Interest Groups
9:30-10:30 a.m.

  • BOOK DISCUSSION: The Round House by Louise Erdrich
    Heritage Room
    Discussion Leader: Lynne Benz
    Thirteen-year-old Joe Coutts seeks justice and understanding following the brutal rape of his mother on a North Dakota reservation. Winner of the 2012 National Book Award, this is a coming-of-age story, a mystery, and a moving novel of family, history, and culture by one of Minnesota’s finest novelists.
  • TRAVEL
    Presidents’ Hall
    Leader: Janet McLandsborough
    Charlotte Morrison will share amazing photos and adventures from her trip to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • HANDWORK/CRAFTS: Knitting
    Dining Room
    Leaders: Ellie Dahlstrom, Susie Erickson, and Ann Harding
    See expert knitters demonstrate their skills. Bring your own knitting to share.
  • Mah Jongg
    Association Room
    Leaders: Mary Indelicato and Linda Blaisdell
    Apply your skills and play American Mah Jongg. Bring a game if you have one.

  • Writers’ Group
    Library
    Leader: Bev Erickson
    Join fellow members who enjoy writing of all kinds. No experience is necessary.

PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA: The Big and the Small of Immigration
10:45-11:45 a.m.
Presidents’ Hall

Speaker: Dr. Robert Werner, Professor of Geography, University of St. Thomas

The emphasis of this talk is the big-picture geography of human migration, beginning with the causes of migration and basic definitions. Three case studies of recent Minnesota immigration – Hmong, Somali, and Karen – will be presented. Werner will conclude by summarizing a recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report on migrants’ use of public assistance vs. the contribution of taxes they pay. -Martha Wilson

Announcements
11:45 a.m. – Noon

Luncheon
12:00-1:15 p.m.

Luncheon Hostess: Elaine Braun
Guest Hostess: Marlyn Barber

  • Community Outreach – Association Room
  • Development Committee – Association Room
  • International Guest – Heritage Room

PUBLIC POLICY: From Choice to Justice: Roe Plus 40 and Beyond
1:15-2:15 p.m.
Presidents’ Hall

Speaker: Rev. Kelli Clement, Executive Director, Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice

Many have been pressing for reproductive rights for decades, and the challenges are great. Now there is a shift in emphasis that can help move from the polarities of pro-choice/pro-life into a more holistic understanding of reproductive justice. -Joyce Prudden