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AAUW Southern NH Branch News 

“Diversity in New Hampshire” January 26, 2021 via Zoom

      The Southern NH Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has scheduled the second program in their Civic Engagement Series – Part 2 on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7 p.m. Photographer and author, Becky Field and Southern NH University alumna, Mahboba Akhtarzadah will present their program, “Diversity in New Hampshire”, via Zoom. The program is free and open to all.       Since 2012, Becky Field has been documenting the lives of immigrants and refugees in New Hampshire. Her project shows that while we have different

Becky Field

backgrounds, we all have the same dreams for good jobs, a bright future for our children, and freedom to practice our traditions. Becky’s photographs have been honored by immigrant groups and arts organizations. Her project is being archived at the University of New Hampshire. Her first book (2015), Different Roots, Common Dreams: New Hampshire’s Cultural Diversity (pub. 2015), won two national awards. Her newest book, Finding Home: Portraits and Memories of New Hampshire Immigrants (pub. 2020) is a collection of 40 essays by immigrants about resettling in New Hampshire. Books are available at some libraries and also bookstores including the Toadstool Bookshops. 

      Becky holds a Certificate in Photography from the New Hampshire Institute of Art, and studied photography at centers in the Northeast. In past work she was a federal research ecologist and university professor. She has a doctoral degree in wildlife ecology and lives in Concord, NH. 

Mahboba Aktharzadah

      Mahboba Aktharzadah came from Afghanistan to the United States in 2013 on a full scholarship to SNHU and graduated in 2018 in Information Technology. She now works in that field with a federal government contractor. Having contracted polio as a child, she faced many challenges during her schooling in Afghanistan, which made her a strong advocate for good education. She gives inspirational talks throughout the country to help Afghani women raise their voices, motivate them toward a better future, and break down stereotypes. Mahboba now lives in Arlington, VA. 

      If interested in attending the program via Zoom, please contact Program Co-chair Johanna Tigert at for the zoom link information. 

The third program in the series will be held on April 14. A speaker from the NH Women’s Foundation will address the issue of women’s status in this Pandemic economy.  

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Closing the Gender Wage Gap – Work Smart Online - FREE Course

      While waiting for the economy to get back on track, consider a program developed by AAUW to help women in salary negotiation. Work Smart Online is a free course that helps women earn the pay they deserve. To access the online course type salary.aauw.com in your search bar and begin preparation to negotiate a better salary and benefits. An easy, engaging e-tool will teach participants to learn the market value of their skills and experience, determine an equitable “target salary” based on skills and experience, and ask for the pay they deserve. In surveys nearly all participants reported having more confidence and better negotiating skills after taking the class. For additional information, contact Susan Hoover at 213-6601. 

AAUW Southern NH Branch Book Discussion Program for 2021

      The following is the list of books chosen for discussion in 2021. Discussions are expected to continue being held via Zoom. Questions will be sent out ahead of time. If interested in participating, please contact book discussion facilitator Mary Marsh at amherst993@comcast.net.

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      – Monday, January 4 “Saints for all Occasions” by Courtney Sullivan 

      – Monday, March 1 “The Moment of Lift” by Melinda Gates 

      – Monday, April 5 “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett 

      – Monday, May 3 “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead 

      – Monday, June 7 “The Beekeeper of Aleppo” by Christy Lefteri 

Holiday Magic

Sponsored by The Amherst Garden Club

AWARD WINNERS

“Child’s Delight’’

*Donoghue/10 Waterview Drive

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Honorable Mention:

Moriarity/3 North Meadow Road

Sclwartz/96 Baboosic Road

Silvia/ 3 High Meadow Lane

Stone/20 North Meadow Road

‘’WOW!’’

*Ray/1 Walnut Hill

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Honorable Mention:

Goldberg/15 Roberts Road

Sarro/15 Oak Hill Road

Walulik/24 Oak Hill

Whitcomb/18 Cricket Corner

“Norman Rockwell’’

*Hall/ I Davis Lane

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Honorable Mention:

Benner/7 Church Street

Chan/25 The Flume

Dalrymple/37 Mack Hill

lndelicaco/11 Stillwater Drive

Spencer/7 Church Street

J&S Warren/ 7 Davis Lane

Zeolie/8 Foundry Street

The Tour was broken up into 3 areas around town.

The following list are mainly the 45 who registered, however, there were many others along the way.

The Amherst Garden Club thanks everyone for lighting Amherst up this holiday season!

AREA 1:

- 87, 96 Baboosic Lake Road (HM)

- 40 Chestnut Hill

- 25 The Flume (HM)

- 6 & 19 Winterberry Drive

- 22 & 31 Williamsburg Drive (lots of lights)

- 4 & 8 Madison Lane (17’ Frosty-don’ miss!)

- 44, 47, 49, 54, 55 Old Manchester (lots of lights)

- 1 Walnut Hill Road (Winner) 

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AREA2:

- 3 Pinewood Drive)

- 69 Steams Road (whole street)

- 10 Waterview Drive (Winner)

- 11 Stillwater Drive (HM/whole street)

- 18 Cricket Corner (HM)

- 3 & 20 North Meadow Road (2 HM)

- 15 Roberts Road (HM)

- 12 Village Woods Drive

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AREA3:

(Check out the train on Amherst St. before the Police Station - opposite side)

- 37 Mack Hill (HM)

- 3 High Meadow Lane (HM)

- 12, 15, 23, 24, 27, 29 Oak Hill Road (2 HM)

- 7 Church Street (HM)

- 9, 14 Courthouse Road

- 2, 8 Cross Street-(HM)

- 5 Carriage Road

- 19 Main Street

- 1, 7 Davis Lane (Winner, HM)

- 8 Foundry Street (HM)

- 85 Christian Hill Road