Our branch holds monthly membership meetings from September through May, which include programs on topics such as women’s issues, history, education, international relations, arts, and public policy.  The branch also holds a special fundraising luncheon in the spring.  Guests are welcome to all activities.  See below for descriptions of the programs as we hold them, from September 2024 through May 2025.

Monday evening meeting schedule (unless otherwise noted):
6:30 pm – Social Time
7:00 pm – Business Meeting
7:30 pm – Program

Saturday morning meeting schedule (unless otherwise noted):
10:00 am – Social Time
10:30 am – Business Meeting
11:00 am – Program

March 2025 and May 2025 meetings will take place at:
Algonquin Township
3702 Northwest Hwy
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

March 3, 2025
Meeting and Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Description: 
Kim Hankins, Director of the MCC Sustainability Center at MCC, will share interesting and valuable information with us about McHenry County resources, environments and more.

Kim is the full-time Manager of Sustainability at McHenry County College. Under Kim’s direction, the Center’s initiatives include the publication of the Green Guide, a comprehensive listing of recycling resources throughout McHenry County and beyond; the Green Living Expo, held annually in early November, food scrap composting program at MCC and the installation of 12 elective vehicle charging stations. The Sustainability Center hosts and manages the ReUse It corner, which offers students gently used office supplies for free. To date, the ReUse It corner has saved MCC students over $85,000.

Kim is also the current President of the Board of the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and oversees the Board of Directors, Action Team Chairs, and four staff.

February 8, 2025
Field Trip and Meeting

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Description:
Members will visit McHenry County College’s Upward Bound students and faculty. Nancy Middleton will provide a brief introduction on AAUW to the group, we will see a PowerPoint presentation highlighting Upward Bound, and listen to a few students as they share their personal stories.

The MCC Upward Bound assists students, grades 9 through 12, in completing high school and pursuing a college degree. The program provides an array of support services and resources, so students may be prepared and successfully access postsecondary opportunities. Program services are free for Upward Bound students and are offered during and after school.

December 9, 2024
Meeting, Program, and Bake Sale

 

 

 

 

 

Join us for our annual holiday season bake sale, and program featuring music by Pat Gaughan.

Pat Gaughan, known for her rich voice and intricate guitar playing, is a musician who has performed throughout the Midwest on the folk circuit for many years, presenting programs of traditional Irish music, folk, and original compositions.

Pat’s music has been played on public radio stations in the United States and in the U.K. and she has appeared live on numerous radio folk programs including “Higher Ground”, “Hotel Milwaukee”, Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Simply Folk”, WFMT and WDCB folk program. She has a Masters of Music degree, and in addition to performing has taught guitar for many years and teaches a World Music class at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake Illinois.

November 4, 2024
Meeting and Program

 

 

 

 

Program Description:
Leonetta Rizzi shared information about the McHenry County Mental Health Board which is a special purpose unit of government whose mission is to lead and contract for quality behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services in McHenry County. Leonetta has been the Executive Director of the McHenry County Mental Health Board
(MCMHB) since January 2022.

October 7, 2024
Meeting and Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Description:
Dr. Janelle Crowley is an active retired Human Resources Officer. She shared her observations working in higher education, along with the effects of population trends and technology on both students and universities/colleges.

Dr. Crowley currently serves at the pleasure of the President as the Chief of Staff for Governors State University. She has served as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for higher education in Wisconsin and Illinois, where she provided leadership and management for organizations from 1,200 to 3,400 employees.

 

September 9, 2024
Meeting and Program
Welcome back!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Description:
Esperanza Gonzalez, Vice President of the Illinois Migrant Council, and Margarita Rivera (pictured) explained what the Illinois Migrant Council does. They also shared some individual stories, challenges, and how women’s empowerment is an important part of their mission.