• News - AGM Date!, Stars and Stripes New Format, Calif. Primary Election
  
  
• Volunteering - Starlight Craft Room
  
  
• Fundraising Items - Thanksgiving
  
  
• Social Groups - An update on all upcoming social activities
  
  
• Did You Know? - Memberships are overdue! and Your Opinion is Needed!
  
  
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Mark Your Calendars for the AWA's Annual General Meeting!
Date: Tuesday evening, Oct 6, 2009
Time: 6:30 - 8pm
Place: Lightening Ridge Opal Mines;
175 Flinders Ln,  Melbourne CBD

Lightening Ridge has been a big supporter of the AWA over the past few years.  2 years ago they hosted our AGM to huge success, so we're doing it again this year.  Come sip a lass of wine, learn about all the exciting things in store for the AWA's '09-'10 year, meet the board members and of course learn more about opals.  More details to follow as the date approaches!

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Stars and Stripes has a new format!
3 years ago I created the first Stars and Stripes newsletter as a way to stay in more constant communication with our membership base.  Now that I'm back on the board, I've decided to implement a few new changes which I hope you will enjoy.  (And please, do share your thoughts and feedback for what will make the Stars and Stripes most interesting and beneficial for you!)

Each issue, I'll highlight the various areas of the AWA:  News, Volunteer Opportunities, Fundraising, Social Groups and a 'Did you Know'.  This will be highlighted and linked to specific areas of the newsletter, so if you don't want to read the full newsletter or are particularly interested in a  feature, you can jump straight to it.  Miss the fun graphics, let me know?

Hope that you like the changes and I look forward to the feedback!
Ann Marie Johnston, VP of Member Communications

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California to Hold Special Primary Election - Tues Sept 1
There will be a special primary election in the 10th Congressional District of California to determine candidates for a special general election on Tues., Nov 3rd.  For specific information on registration, requesting a ballot and submitting a ballot, contact Carolyn Appelbe on 0425-734-421.

Starlight Crafts Room
The AWA's day at the Hospital has been moved to the first Monday of the month (but will vary in Nov. and Dec. due to school holidays).

Upcoming craft days are Mon. Sept 7th and Mon. Oct 4th at the new time of 9:30 - 11:30am.  If you are interested, please contact Lisa Bowman , 9318-2013 or 0448-448-545.

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and this is one of the AWA's major fundraiser for the year.  The committee is only just forming and volunteers who can donate anywhere from an hour or two+ are much appreciated.  Please contact Heidi Hooks , our VP of Fundraising, if you're interested in volunteering or donating to this important fundraiser.

Bayside Memory Makers -
Come scrap at Carolyn Appelbe's on August 12, 10-4.  Drop in/drop out, BYO lunch, morning tea provided.  Please advise Carolyn (0425 734 421) if you think you might make it just so she has enough tables set up.

Class Acts
Class Acts is in search of a new chair person.  If you have a little time to offer up and would like to organise cultural events around Melbourne, please contact Shoshana Jackofsky

Evening Book Club
The evening book club is reading 'Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawk for August.  The next dinner will be on Thurs. August 27th at 6:30 pm to discuss the book.  Restaurant TBA.  Contact Heidi Bergmann for more information.

Gourmet Lunch Group
Our September meeting will be held on Wed. 2 Sept.  Please contact Miyuki Yoshida if interested in joining in.

GenX
Join GenX for dinner/drinks at Bimbo Deluxe, Thursday, August 27 at 6PM. Contact Melanie Hughes if interested in joining the GenX email list.

Moms and Tots
Moms and Tots will be meeting only once a month on the first Friday of the month from 10-12 am.  Melissa Dornhart, is in need of volunteers willing to host at their homes.  Please contact her to express your interest in the group and hosting at your home.

Movie Night
There will be no Movie Night in August due to the Melbourne International Film Fest, but mark your calendars for 13 September.  Contact Kalene Caffarella if you would like to be added to the Movie Night email. 

Wine Appreciation Group
Please join the Wine Appreciation Group at a 5 course dinner paired with Shelmerdine wines at Chloes on Thursday, Aug. 27th. Contact Shani and Heidi if interested. 

Memberships Overdue
Just a kind reminder to let you know that memberships are overdue! If you haven't renewed your membership, do so right now . 

Please note, If you have not renewed your membership by Oct 1st, you will be removed from the AWA membership, so don't wait,  please, act now ! 

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Your opinion is sought and needed!
Be on the look out for a survey coming your way.  The board wants YOUR input about what is important to you.  Did you join the AWA more for volunteering opportunities, social activities, or to be part of an 'American' group?  Do you want to see the 'Ball' return next year.. or are you ready for something different?  When you receive the survey, please give us your time and thoughts,   More on this soon!

Want to sponsor/advertise with the AWA's Stars and Stripes?

Stars and Stripes is emailed 2X a month to a targeted group of 250+ Melbourne women. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities with the AWA.