AAUW Medford Branch 2021-2022
These small groups provide opportunities for members to meet others who share a similar interest. All groups are free of charge. For more information, members may contact one of the group contacts or Therese Stevens, Interest Group Coordinator, 541-601-0101, tmstevens56@gmail.com.
BOOK GROUPS
Great Decisions: Our group encourages discussion and debate of the important global challenges of our time. While not a book group, the Foreign Policy Association publishes a study book with a DVD presentation for each topic, which we use as a basis for our discussion. We meet 8 times a year on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM at the Rogue Valley Manor. Contact: Janice Williams, 541-857-6300, janice.m.williams@gmail.com.
Happy Bookers: We meet once a month at a member’s home for discussion of a book which has already been chosen for the months of September through May. We meet the third Wednesday of the month at 2:30 PM for good conversation! The month of January is a time of sharing food and a book exchange, and in June we have a potluck lunch to choose books for the coming year. For more information contact Therese Stevens, 541-601-0101.
Morning Book Group: This group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the Chetco Room of Skyline Plaza at 10:00 AM. The books are selected by vote in May and include fiction and non-fiction. Members choose in June the date and book they want to review. The meetings last for one hour, and the discussions are always lively. In December we have a feast and exchange books for fun. Contact: Mary Wright Gillespie, 541-857-6083, Sharon Purkerson, 541-857-6513.
Murder Most Literary: This is a book group for those who love to read mysteries. A theme is selected for the month and the person in charge prepares a bibliography. At the meeting after an initial discussion of the topic each person reviews her book with an emphasis on style without giving away the plot, and she shares if the book is worth reading. The group meets on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Chetco Room of Skyline Plaza. Contact: Mary Wright Gillespie, 541-857-6083.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
ACT (AAUW Community Team): ACT is a group of 10-15 women who work on a short-term community project, usually for a few hours only. Events planned all are worthwhile tasks that put AAUW in the public eye and generate new members. Currently, due to the Pandemic, ACT is asking members to send checks to support two organizations: Maslow Project, P.O. Box 999 Medford, OR 97501 and Rogue Retreat, 711 E. Main St. #25 Medford, OR 97504 Contact: Therese Stevens 541-601-0101, tmstevens56@gmail.com.
OUT & ABOUT: This group gets together about once a month to attend community activities e.g. theatre, art shows, music and other events. Anyone may suggest an outing. Activities are usually announced in advance in the Musings, and an e-mail contact list is maintained. All are welcome to attend any event. Contact: Janet Brougher, home #541-857-2862, cell #541-326-1767, jjbrougher@gmail.com.
Dining/Wine Tasting/Social
DINE: Dinner Is Never Enough. Good friends, laughter and wine enhance the experience. We meet at a different restaurant at 6:00 the 4th Thursday of each month, except November (skip) and December (date moved). Reservations are required by Monday of that week. Contacts: SVirginia McGraw 541-245-6035.
Lunch Bunch: The “Lunch Bunch” is a congenial group of ladies who like to go out for lunch! We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at a different, local restaurant. Venue is decided at the previous lunch by the group, and the bill is always handled as separate checks. We typically meet at the restaurant at 11:30 am, but we have ventured outside of Medford via carpools as well. RSVP’s via email. Contact: Mary Fowler mlfowler1951@gmail.com.
Wine & Whine: The Wine and Whine Group meets once a month, usually on a Friday at 2:00PM, depending on the availability of each winery. All participants have input as to which wineries they would like to visit. Get ready for a relaxed environment with good friends and good wine. The only requirement is that you RSVP so proper reservations can be made. Contact: Jan Purkeypile, 541-621-4916.
Social Club: This Interest Group is perfectly matched to our Covid-19 World! Actually, it is easier, as you do not need to wear a mask – just a way to get onto Zoom and a beverage of your choice. Join us for lively conversation and a chance to connect with each other. Call Carol Koszyk at 541-601-6837 or email her at thekoszyks@msn.com to find out the Zoom link/password for the next meeting.
GAMES
Dessert Bridge:: The Afternoon Bridge group meets the first Wednesday each month at 12:30 pm for dessert and “party” bridge in members’ homes. Members also have the option to plan a “no host” lunch at a restaurant before we play, in which case we meet at the venue at 11:30 am. Contact: Pat Stoddard 541-890-3828 patstoddard@gmail.com.
Mah Jong:The Mah Jong group meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month to play. Our group plays a version of American-Far East style Mah Jong. We do not use cards for hands. Joyce Ellis, one of our members, has taught the game for years to many groups, and we are fortunate to have her coaching us. We meet at the Quail’s Nest Bistro at the Manor, we meet at 1:30 pm and play goes from 2 to 4 pm. Everyone is welcome. Contact: Jackie Baker at 541-857-6849.
Interest Group Suggestions
How about a new group? With enough members signed up we can get a group up and running. One such group is OUT-OF-DOORS: Garden Joys: This is a group for the gardening enthusiast who wants to (1) learn new gardening tips, (2) hear speakers on topics related to gardening, and (3) take field trips to nurseries, private gardens, and associated businesses. Contact: Barbara Basden 541-772-0579 or Marlene Olson 541-245-1117 if you are interested in getting the group started again.
Another possible group is Outdoor Adventure Group: This group is a low-key outdoor adventure group where we explore Southern Oregon in a variety of ways. Hiking is one of the main activities. We hope to incorporate some winter activities which will include snow shoeing and cross-country skiing. Day, times and places vary depending on the activity. Questions, contact Jan Purkeypile, 541-621-4916.
If you have a suggestion contact: Therese Stevens 541-601-0101 tmstevens56@gmail.com