Hello,
We are all looking forward to the holiday season but with a different lens……not quite so busy with holiday events and parties with extended family and friends, but safely in the comfort of our homes with those close to us. We will miss our annual Holiday Luncheon, but send our heartfelt wishes to everyone for an enjoyable change of pace…….…somewhat quiet but maybe a time to develop some new traditions.
We hope that you will look forward to some interesting and enjoyable programs planned for the coming new year. If you haven’t yet attended a program on Zoom, it is a very accessible method to use to stay connected and even to see the faces of your friends. In January on Monday, the 11th at 3:00 pm, we will have an informative program titled “You Have the Power to Outsmart the Scammers,” presented by our branch member, Jennifer Wilken. Please look for the list of other coming programs in this issue. In the meantime, once again, please enjoy the holidays until we can gather in a hopefully changed New Year!
Mary Ann Dion, Co-President
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We have awarded three Back-To-The-Books scholarships/grants. We wish to congratulate them on their accomplishments.
Alexandra Wirtas of Downers Grove attends Rush University and is getting her MSN in Nursing. (left)
Becky Joy Kristula of Westmont attends National Lewis University and is getting her Masters of Business Administration. (center)
Tara Schmidt of Downers Grove attends Elmhurst University and is getting her MS in Data Science. (right)
Since our first award in 1987, we have awarded 73 scholarships and grants for a total of $120,250. Our 62nd Annual Used Book Sale, which through the work of our membership and volunteers provides the funds for the scholarships and grants, was cancelled due to the pandemic. Through an online appeal and personal donations, our branch membership generously donated the funds toward this year’s awards.
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Used Book Collection & Sale
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Unfortunately, book collections continue to be suspended and we are unsure when they will resume. Given the unpredictable pandemic situation and our concern for our donors and volunteers’ health, the earliest possible used book collection might be early 2021.
We are in the early planning stages for our next regular sale we hope to hold in June (or summer) of 2021.
Keep your eye on this Public Programs Notice for updates and protocols regarding future used book donations and the used book sale.
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Most interest groups are currently meeting on Zoom! Below are the covers for the books being discussed at December and January meetings of three of the four book groups & our Great Decisions group. Join us to learn more!
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Branch Membership includes access to over fifteen Interest Groups, leadership roles on the board and committees, planning and production of monthly public programs, the annual Equal Pay Day Rally as well as the Used Book Sale. PLUS State and National informational emails and opportunities!
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Monday, January 11, 2021 from 3 - 4 p.m.
via Zoom
"You Have the Power to Outsmart the Scammers"
Featuring branch member Jennifer Wilken
Incidents of fraud are on the rise, and scammers' tactics are becoming more complex. That's why it's important to educate yourself about fraud. And while no one is immune, there are steps you can take to Outsmart the Scammers.
Join us for this presentation and learn important strategies to help protect you and the ones you love. We'll share:
- How to spot certain red flags that may indicate a fraudulent encounter
- Resources you can turn to in the event you or a loved one is targeted
- Steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones
You must register for the event HERE by Friday, January 8 to receive the link to the meeting.
All those registered will receive the Zoom link on Saturday, January 9.
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February 4, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Mary Hobein presents "Nellie Bly"
March 18, 2021 at 7 p.m.
"Eleanor Roosevelt" by Leslie Goddard
April 15, 2021 at 7 p.m.
"Laudable Ladies, Revisited and Revised"
PriMerry Players
Presented by Joyce Tumea & Cast
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NOVEMBER FUNDRAISER
Thank you to everyone who supported our November restaurant fundraiser at Chipotle in Downers Grove. Our branch received $84.99. If we use Chipotle again, we’ll provide better instructions about where to put the code for your online order.
Our next fundraiser will be in January – to be determined.
We all must eat! Please try to support these fundraisers, as they are a painless way to raise funds to support our operations that support our mission. Thank you.
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The Public Programs Notice is archived on the Past Programs page of our website.
The next Public Programs Notice will be released on on or about January 5th around 9 a.m. Prevent your newsletter from being marked as Junk or Spam by opening it right away!
Kim Venzon, VP Communications
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Public Policy Notes this I
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- The link to AAUW national public policy needed changing after their extensive website changes.
- There is a new link for finding the names of Illinois Representatives and Senators corresponding to a given residential address.
- There is also a list of the addresses and telephone numbers of the one US Senator, Richard Durbin, and the five (!) US Congressmen representing members of our branch.
Coming up with that was quite an education in gerrymandering. Can you believe that a single zip code can be split among as many as three US Congressional Districts! I will replace Daniel Lipinski’s information with that for his replacement, Marie Newman, after she takes office in January. Now that you have mailing addresses and telephone numbers for your representatives, I expect you to use them! Expect an article on gerrymandering soon.
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AAUW Reacts to Stagnant Gender Pay Gap Numbers
U.S. Census data shows the wage gap has barely budged. Stay tuned for AAUW's update of its annual research report, The Simple Truth About the Gender Wage Gap, which this year will focus on how racism influences the wage gap for women of color.
Read more
www.aauw.org
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Branch #4023: Darien - Downers Grove - Lisle - Westmont - Woodridge
Advancing equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.
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2020-2021 BRANCH BOARD
** CO-PRESIDENTS Mary Ann Dion & Sandra Sansone Brennan * VICE-PRESIDENT PROGRAMS Mary-Jo Bryan Wolsky * VICE-PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP Kristen Beirne * VICE-PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS Kim Venzon * SECRETARY Sue Stealey * TREASURER Coleen Walter **
APPOINTED OFFICERS * AAUW FUNDS Harriett Lindstrom * PUBLIC POLICY Emily Owens
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AAUW Greatest Needs Fund
This fund allows AAUW to respond rapidly, in our communications and advocacy, to critical issues affecting women as they emerge. Giving to Greatest Needs is a great way to ensure AAUW’s continued visibility, relevance and sustainability.
Read more
www.aauw.org
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Planned Giving - AAUW : Empowering Women Since 1881
Charitable gift annuities, often called CGAs, can be a wonderful way to help AAUW provide for the next generation of women. In addition to the benefits of making a gift to the organization, you will receive fixed payments for the rest of your life.
Read more
www.aauw.org
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Liz Moore and Associates - Real Estate. Reinvented.
Liz Moore and Associates, LLC is dedicated to making accessibility a priority. We are reaching out to our partners in an attempt to better provide products and services that are accessible to all users regardless of ability.
Read more
www.lizmoore.com
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Stature Custom Homes
Building Above the Rest. At Stature Custom Homes, our mission is to build quality, custom homes designed to your specifications and fit any budget. We build quality, custom homes in Downers Grove and the Western Suburbs. Dream. Design. Build. Enjoy.
Read more
staturecustomhomes.com
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Law Office of Eileen R. Fitzgerald
Growing older can bring about a wide range of legal concerns. I am an elder law attorney with more than 30 years of experience serving clients with compassionate and effective legal guidance.
Read more
www.efitzlaw.com
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Dusty Dreams Music
Sharon West brings an original and new sound to New Age music which blends elements of classical, jazz and electronic music. She composes music and songs that help people to relax, rejuvenate and find comfort in the world today.
Read more
dustydreamsmusic.com
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YOUR ad
could be here!
for information about supporting our branch through an ad
in the Members Only newsletter(about 100 members!) and the
Public Programs Notice (currently 54 subscribers and growing every day.)
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CRS Designs Inc.
CRS Designs, Inc. by Connie Rabias-Sbarboro is a full service Chicago area interior design firm. A Certified Kitchen Designer and Licensed Residential Interior Designer, Connie Rabias-Sbarboro has been designing beautiful interiors since 1987.
Read more
www.crsdesigns.biz
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2014, 2015, 2016 Houzz Award Winner - Gailani Design Inc
Since 1992, Gailani Designs Inc. has been creating fully customized window treatments, bedding, and other soft furnishings for residential and business clients in Naperville, IL, and the surrounding areas.
Read more
gailanidesigns.com
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