Activities

Happening NOW Summer 2023

                                                   

Read for Unity in Our CommUNITY! The Beaver Dam branch of the American Association of University Women, in collaboration with the Beaver Dam Community Library, invites the entire community to participate in its second annual summer read with the book, “The Gift of Our Wounds: A Sikh and a Former White Supremacist Find Forgiveness After Hate” by Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Singh Kaleka.

The book was selected to continue a community discussion about the impact of hate. It is a true story about how Kaleka, son of the Sikh leader who was killed in the mass shooting at the temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and Michaelis, former leader of the skinhead movement, came to an understanding to work together for a better world.

The AAUW/Beaver Dam Library committee is asking the community to help make the read a success by encouraging friends, neighbors, and fellow workers to participate. In addition to multiple copies of the book and audio versions at the library, “The Gift of Our Wounds” can be purchased at a book store or on line.

On September 20, as a culmination for the read and an opportunity for community discussion, there will be a special public program at the Beaver Dam Community Theater.

                                     

Above, the Beaver Dam AAUW and Beaver Dam Community Library are collaborating in presenting a summer read for the entire Beaver Dam community. Recently, the committee selected the book , “The Gift of Our Wounds: A Sikh and a Former White Supremacist Find Forgiveness After Hate” by Arno Michaelis and Pardeep Singh Kaleka. Committee members are (l to r) Betsy Ramsdale, AAUW; Sarah Cornoyer, Library Administrator; Anita Streich, Information and Community Services Librarian; and AAUW members Andrea Utrie, Margaret Furdek, Ellen Sushak and Annette Kamps.

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Programs for 2023-24 

All programs are on Wednesdays, usually the third Wednesday of the month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 

August 23 – We are kicking off our new year with a social for old members to reconnect and potential new members to come and see what AAUW is all about!  Come anytime between 4:30 and 7:00 to Ooga Brewing Company at 301 S. Spring Street.  We will be outside on the patio.  Snacks will be provided, and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.  All are welcome! 

September 20 – Pardeep Singh Kaleka, co-author of “The Gift or Our Wounds”, will be our guest speaker for the community read book discussion at the Beaver Dam Community Theater, 117 W. Maple Avenue.  Open to the Public. 

September 28 THURSDAY – We’ve added a social event for all you gamers out there.  Join us for a fun game night at the Dragon’s Den Lounge at 126 South Spring Street at 6:30. Bring a game and a snack if you would like. 

October 18 – Join us for our annual Scholarship Gift Basket Auction at Old Hickory Country Club.  Doors open at 5 p.m.

November 15 – John Smedema will talk about his Loaves and Fishes free community meals program.  Meet at Landmark Credit Union, 106 East Main Street.

January 17 – Show your creativity by painting a canvas at Art on the Town, while enjoying snacks and a glass of wine.  Meet at the studio at 127 Front Street.

February 21 – AAUW member Betsy Ramsdale will present a program on Demographics, Immigration, and Social Services.  Meet at the Beaver Dam High School.  

March 13 (note that it is the second Wednesday of the month)  – Tour the new P.A.V.E. facility with Executive Director Emily Schier.  Meet at 111 E. Burnett Street.

April 17 – Join AAUW member Andrea Utrie and her husband, David, for a lesson in Ballroom Dancing.  Location to be determined.  

May 18 – Annual Brunch, First Lutheran Church, 311 W. Mackie Street at 9:30 a.m. Members whose last names begin with A through M are encouraged to bring a brunch dish to pass.

BOOK CLUBS

Our AAUW Branch loves to read!  We have two book clubs, one that meets in the morning on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Higher Grounds Coffee Shop at 9:30 a.m.  The other book club meets 4th Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the home of the host.

AAUW MORNING BOOK CLUB 2023-24

September 12 – “Mad Honey” by Jodi Picoult ~ Host:  Susan Nienhuis

October 10 – “The Light We Carry” by Michelle Obama ~ Host:  Christa Slinger

November 14 – “Go Tell it on the Mountain” by James Baldwin ~ Host:  Annette Kamps

December 12 – “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus ~ Host:  TBD

January 9 – “When Mckinsey Comes to Town” by Walt Bogdanich & Michael Forsythe ~ Host:  Carmen Hanson

February 13 – “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge ~ Host:  TBD

March 12 – “Simply Lies” by David Baldacci ~ Host: TBD

April 9 – “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver ~ Host:  Andrea Utrie

May 14 – “Enchantment” by Katherine May ~ Host:  Margaret Furdek

 AAUW EVENING BOOK CLUB 2023-24

September 26 (Tuesday) – “The Gift of our Wounds” by Arno Michaelis & Pardeep Singh Kaleka ~ Host:  Andrea Utrie

October 23 – “The Maid: A Novel” by Nita Prose ~ Host: Lori Degner

November 27 – “Payback Jack” by Timothy Gene Sojka ~ Host:  Jan Sutter

January 22 – “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver ~ Host:  Carmen Hanson

February 26 – “Milked:  How an American Crisis Brought Together Midwestern Dairy Farmers and Mexican Workers” by Ruth Conniff ~ Host:  Robin Hanson

March 25 – “Horse:  A Novel” by Geraldine Brooks ~ Host:  Mary Kahler

April 22 – “The Lincoln Highway:  A Novel” by Amor Towles ~ Host:  TBD

May 20 – “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus ~ Host:  Crystal Boling