Interest Groups

Small groups with common interests meet regularly (September through May) in homes of members and elsewhere.  Interest groups provide opportunities for education, self-development, socialization, and involvement in the branch. Members are welcome to create other special interest groups for membership involvement.

 

Bridge Group
Chairwoman – Connie Frerichs
Meets in members’ homes (almost) every 4th Wednesday of the month.

 

Book Group (Evening)
Chairwoman – Carol Heisler
Meets the fourth Thursday evening of the month in members’ homes.
Members take turns selecting the book titles.

 

Community Inter-Action (CIA)
Chairwoman – Carol Heisler
This group was created in 2017 in response to members wanting to do more to promote AAUW’s mission in our community.

  • Pads Project: CIA is working with Bookfriends International on its sewing project to provide re-usable sanitary pads to enable girls in Africa to stay in school.  This ongoing project requires people to help cut, sew, and assemble the kits, and meets at Bethany Lutheran Church in Crystal Lake.  All volunteers welcome.
  • Giving Tree at CLPL:  In late November, our branch sponsors a Giving Tree benefitting Home of the Sparrow.  Branch members create ornaments, decorate the tree, and transport donated gifts to Home of the Sparrow through the end of December.
  • Reel Life Movies at Crystal Lake Public Library: Movie screening and discussion at the Crystal Lake Public Library, co-sponsored by our branch. Movies are selected because of their relevant subjects for and about women in today’s society. Dates and titles announced in the library newsletter and on this website.
  • Christmas Tree Lane in Depot Park: Each year Downtown Crystal Lake and the City of Crystal Lake provides trees which local organizations sponsor and decorate in Depot Park. Our Branch has participated in this program since its inception in 2019.

 

Great Decisions
Chairwoman – Vel Dysart
The Foreign Policy Association publishes the “Great Decisions” booklet annually that frames discussions.  Fee involved for the booklet and shared cost for DVD.
Members meet the third Wednesday (January through May and September through November) at 9:30 am, at members’ homes.

2024 Great Decisions book cover