Talk of the Town: Need some help? Call in the Marines!

Let’s hear it for the United States Marines. I know who to call when I need help. Lt. Col., USMC (Ret.) H.L. “Rich” Richey came through for me when I requested an escort for the Gold Star Mother at the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. He stepped up to the plate and I want to thank him. As the Marine motto goes: “Semper Fidelis” or “Semper Fi,” meaning “always faithful.” Richey lives by this motto as do many of the other Marines I spoke to who said they would step in if Richey was unable to attend. I talked to Larry Kossak, commandant, Marine Corps League Chapter 1126, who reassured me that our Gold Star Mom, whose late son was a Marine, would have an escort no matter what. She did, thanks to Richey. All the Marines came through in my mind.

The Green Valley Branch of the American Association of University Women installed its officers for 2009-10. The 2009-10 officers are: Claudette Haney, president; Randy Westrope, past president; Libby Beyrer, program vice president; Lynda Linker, program vice president-elect; Joyce Klabunde, membership vice president; Sandy Maratos, membership vice president-elect; Marlene McNiece, treasurer; Nancy Griffin, treasurer-elect; Ellen Herring, corresponding secretary; and Betty Hummer, recording secretary.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research. The Education Foundation provides grants and fellowships for women’s education. The Legal Advocacy Fund is used to help female employees who seek legal redress from discrimination. The Green Valley Branch presents relevant programs, sponsors the biennial Authorama, raises money for community programs, and supports scholarships for women through the Pima Community College Progress! program.

Director Tim Bremser and the de Anza Players are holding auditions Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Community Performing Arts Center, 1250 W. Continental Road for “And the Nightingale,” a play that takes place in 1939 during the London Blitz. Bremser describes the play as light, with numerous scenarios featuring a cast of seven including four men and three women. The show is scheduled to run Aug. 7-8, 12, 14-15.