Interest Groups provide members with similar interests an opportunity to learn together and to enjoy one another’s company. Interest Groups also introduce potential members to AAUW. New Interest Groups may be formed by notifying the Board. Current Interest Groups are:
FICTION BOOK CLUB
Chairs are Jessica Barron, 239-302-6773, jessdbarron@gmail.com and Gwyn Goodman, 239-595-4064, gsgoodman11@comcast.net
The group meets at 10:00 a.m. in the Choir Room, New Life Church.
2023-24 Book List:
October 24, 2023: Carnegie’s Maid – M. Benedict
November 14, 2023: Lessons in Chemistry – B. Garmus
January 23, 2024: West with Giraffes – L. Rutledge
February 27, 2024: Horse – G. Brooks
March 26, 2024: Lessons – I. McEwan
April 16, 2024: Demon Copperhead – B. Kingsolver
GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP
Chair is Pat Santiago, 239-389-4767, psantiago378@gmail.com.
ZOOM meetings on the FIRST and THIRD THURSDAYS of the month at 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time). The group meets “virtually” all year. The readings are usually short stories, which makes this an ideal group for those who do not want to commit to reading novels. The 2022-2023 season beings in September with The Best American Short Stories 2006 (edited by Ann Patchett). “This vibrant, varied sampler of the American literacy scene revels in life’s little absurdities, captures timely personal and cultural challenges, and ultimately shares subtle insight and compassion.” (Amazon website review)
As the group usually reads 2-3 short stories per meeting, additional anthologies will be chosen as the year progresses. Selections are not limited to American authors. Past reads have included works penned by authors from around the world. The group welcomes book selection suggestions and encourages all members to consider what our “next read” will be.
GREAT DECISIONS STUDY GROUP
Chair is Liz Haines, 239-642-1843, echaines3@aol.com.
Great Decisions is a program sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association and is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching documentary film series and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today.
The Study Group will meet on Wednesday, in person and via Zoom, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. every other week starting in January (after the books have been mailed). You must be a member of AAUW or spouse of a member. Usually, members of the group take turns leading the discussion.
CASUAL CONTRACT BRIDGE
Chairs are Lunn Tuttle, 603-289-1448, tuttlemarco@gmail.com and Colleen Moser, 218-507-0218, colleengary@gmail.com
This is a new activity and arrangements are being finalized as the groups get going. At present the plan is to have two bridge groups, “Bridge Before” and “Bridge After,” as noted below. Each one will meet once a month from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Lynn or Colleen to get the latest information.
BRIDGE BEFORE: This group will meet before our Monthly Cocktails & Conversation the first Monday of the month at CJ’s on the Bay from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. The inaugural meeting is planned for January 2nd.
BRIDGE AFTER: This Group will meet after the Fiction Book Club (on a Tuesday), also from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. The inaugural meeting is planned for January 24th.
COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION
First Monday of the month at 5:00 P.M. at CJ’s on the Bay