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The Danville-Alamo branch of the AAUW celebrated 40 years of service and accomplishments at an Oktoberfest on Oct. 10 at the Danville Community Center. The event was attended by 130 members, including 25 past presidents, 12 charter members, and six VIPs.

The American Association of University Women's Danville-Alamo branch was chartered in 1969 with 64 members who shared their talents and energies to accomplish educational opportunities and community improvements as well as create new leadership roles for women in the community. Members have served on the SRVUSD school board, city council, and numerous others local, state and national boards advocating for women's equity.

Members actively participated on the Incorporation Steering Committee for Danville incorporation in 1982 and supported the building of the Danville Library in 1996. Additionally, After School Foreign Language programs were initiated by the branch along with creating the Speech Contest for SRVUSD.

Proceeds raised from the annual Holiday Home Tour provide middle school girls camperships to attend summer math/science camps and local scholarships are awarded to women in college and graduate school. More than $90,000 has been awarded to local women for these respective scholarships. Additionally over $300,000 has been raised from grants and the annual Garden Tour held in May for the AAUW Funds and Legal Advocacy.

At the Oct. 10 event, certificates of recognition and letters were presented to the branch for 40 years of outstanding service to the community, school district, state and national contributions. Awarding the certificates of recognition were: U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney; Lia Munoz from State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier's office; State Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan (a branch member); Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich; Superintendent of Schools Steve Enoch; and Gloria Taylor, co-president for AAUW CA.

A traditional Oktoberfest buffet was served to the guests with a historical virtual scrapbook presentation and past presidents' performance.

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