Programs

Branch Programs 2024-2025

All programs begin at 7 pm and are held
on the first Wednesday of the month
at the Elmhurst Public Library unless otherwise noted.
Guests are welcome at all our programs.

September 4. 6 pm
September Supper: Progressive Dinner
Five of our members have agreed to host our branch for one of three courses at their homes. Each guest (that’s you) will contribute either an appetizer, salad, or dessert of your choice. (Yes, you read it correctly. The salad will be our main course.) Here’s how it will progress:

  • You decide that you would love to attend.
  • Call Carolyn Heiney at 630-674-1426 or email her that you will attend. If you absolutely know what dish you prefer to bring, tell Carolyn your choice; otherwise, you will be assigned a dish as needed. (This is the most helpful choice.) Reservations should be made by August 27th .
  • Once the reservations are completed, you will be contacted and told if you are scheduled to bring an appetizer, salad, or dessert and the homes at which you will dine. Please make sure that your dish portions are adequate to feed at least 8-10.
  • All members who have their reservations in on time will be divided into two groups for the appetizer and salad sections. You will not necessarily be in the same group for the first two courses. All our members will gather together for dessert.
  • Wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available with appetizers. A monetary donation for wine would be most appreciated.

You are welcome to invite guests who are not currently AAUW members but are not currently members. It’s an easy way for them to meet us and enjoy our company in a relaxed atmosphere. Please join us for a delightful evening of good food and wonderful conversation.

Make your reservation NOW!!!

October 2
Fair Pay and Economic Equity for Women in Illinois
with Susana Mendoza, Illinois Comptroller
All are welcome to join both the AAUW Elmhurst Branch and the League of Women Voters Elmhurst members to hear our Illinois Comptroller, Susana A. Mendoza, speak about the status of fair pay and economic equity for women in the state of Illinois. Starting as the youngest member of the 92nd Illinois General Assembly, Susana was routinely recognized for her leadership in the areas of social services, education, job creation, law enforcement, and animal welfare.

This program will be live and virtual with full details coming by the end of September.

November 6
The Dignity Index
If you could help ease the divisions in America, would you do it? Our disagreements aren’t causing the divisions in our country; it’s what we do when we disagree. Do we treat the other side with dignity or with contempt? The first brings us together; the second drives us apart. The Dignity Index will show us the difference. We will even have the opportunity to practice rating quotes and changing speech to make it more dignified. Thanks to the Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles Branch for sharing their expertise.

December 4
Annual Holiday Party
Marcia Goltermann’s Home, 295 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst
Join together to celebrate the holidays at the lovely home of Marcia Goltermann. Members with last names A-L will bring appetizers; members M-Z bring desserts. A $10 fee collected that evening covers beverages and incidentals.

January 8
Annual All Branch Read: The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray
This year’s book discussion features the novel The First Ladies. It’s the story of the remarkable friendship and partnership of two strong women, Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune Cookman College and civil rights activist. At a time when friendship between women of different races was uncommon, they worked together to improve the status of women and minorities in government and society despite political headwinds.

February 5
Author April Nauman
Author April Nauman whose short stories have appeared in Chicago Quarterly Review and many other journals, whose work has been recognized in Best American Short Stories and Pushcart Prize Anthology, who has been granted an Illinois Arts Council Award and heard on NPR will share her insights on her second novel, Down the Steep, a story about a young girl growing up in Virginia during the 1960’s. Her father was a school administrator and a leader of the KKK. It’s a compelling story that closely resembles April’s life. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear April and her story.

March 5
Women’s History Month
The Elmhurst Public Library cosponsors this program to celebrate National Women’s History Month. Speaker to be announced.

April 9
Artificial Intelligence
In today’s world, what are some of the uses for AI. Speaker John Schuster, web developer, will demonstrate the many ways AI has enhanced his business. He will share ways for us to use AI in our own lives. Join us to learn more about this fascinating topic.

May 3
Spring Luncheon
River Forest Country Club 15W468 Grand Ave., Elmhurst, 12 noon
Join us for a lovely spring luncheon in a beautiful setting with delicious food. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy conversation with