Kiwanians learn about Historic Women

Kiwanis Club recognized Women's History Month by inviting three members of American Association of University Women to their March meeting. The women are members of AAUW's Storytellers Group who impersonate women who have done important things during their life.

Diane Bergstrom, dressed in a 1930s style, portrayed Pamela Travers, the author and creator of Mary Poppins. She explained that was not her real name but one she chose. Her father's first name was Travers, and he died when she was only seven. She just liked the sound of Pamela and put the two names together. She went on to explain her philosophy about life and how it shaped the character of Mary Poppins. She wrote a total of nine books. Walt Disney made the 1964 movie about Mary Poppins, but it is not exactly as Travers would have portrayed the story. Travers felt it was too sugar-coated, and life is not that way.

Laura Amstead portrayed Beatrix Potter, author of many children's books. She brought a basket of some of her favorite pets, stuffed of course, but they represented Peter Rabbit, Hunca Munca, and other characters from her books. After many rejections, her first book was self-published. It was so successful that a publisher contacted her. She wrote many books, and they continue to be published and purchased to this day. Upon her death she left her large farm with many acres to England's National Trust, and it makes up most of the Lake District National Park.

The Tehachapi Kiwanis CLUB meets Wednesdays at noon at Big Papa's Steakhouse (1001 W Tehachapi Blvd). (Except for the fifth Wednesday of the month.) Guests and prospective members are always welcome. Please call (661) 822-5379 for further information.