AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Newsletter
November, 2026

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President's Message - November 2026

Dear AAUW Friends,

It’s always a pleasure to come together, learn something new, and enjoy the friendships that make our Wyandotte-Downriver Branch special!

Our last program with Jeff Day was both interesting and informative. His presentation of historical maps gave us a fascinating look at the early years of the Downriver area. A special thank-you to Jean Carnahan for his visit. I’m also looking forward to the surprise guest speaker LeAnn Shade has planned for our next meeting. Thank you, LeAnn, for keeping us curious!

The holidays will soon be here, and I hope you’ll join us for our Christmas Luncheon at Perdino’s on December 8 at 2:00 p.m. It will be a wonderful opportunity to share good food, laughter, and friendship.

As one of your co-presidents, one of my goals is to see our branch become more active, more involved, and continue to grow and flourish for many years to come. I’ve challenged myself to bring one guest to each meeting this year, and I’d like to challenge each of you to do the same!

As a newer member myself, I’ve truly appreciated how welcoming this group is. I’ve enjoyed making connections, learning together, sharing ideas, and participating in the activities that keep AAUW moving forward.

Each of us has something valuable to contribute, and inviting a friend, neighbor, or colleague to a meeting is a simple way to share what makes our branch special. Together, we can welcome new faces, strengthen our connections, and help ensure that our Wyandotte-Downriver Branch continues to thrive for years to come!

Thank you for all you do to keep our branch moving forward. I look forward to seeing you at our next gathering!

Warmly,
Kathleen Forrest, Co-President 26-27

Upcoming Branch Events

November 12th - 12:30pm
STEM Savvy Committee Planning Mtg., Southgate Library,
14680 Dix Toledo Rd.
No STEM Committee Meeting in December.
No Branch Meetings in January or February, 2027
January 14th - 12:30pm
STEM Savvy Committee Planning Mtg., Southgate Library,
14680 Dix Toledo Rd.
February 11th - 12:30pm
STEM Savvy Committee Planning Mtg., Southgate Library,
14680 Dix Toledo Rd.

Public Policy Updates

STEM SAVVY 2027

At our October STEM Committee meeting, we got a start on recommendations for speakers, including some who have presented previously.

It takes a lot of members to bring off a successful day for approximately 125 girls to attend 3 different workshops and also have lunch.

If you have any suggestions for speakers or are willing to volunteer to help with the many planning jobs we have on the committee you would be welcome.

Also we always need additional volunteers on the big day of STEM which will be held, Thursday, May 13th, 2027.

Our next meeting will be on November 12th, and we will not meet again until January 14th, 2027

Jean Carnahan

STEM Committee

November Birthdays

10/3: Karen Wilson Smithbauer

10/8: Carol Steiner

10/24: Jenna Dicker

10/30: Cathy Stallman

AAUW-WD MEMBERS:

BE SURE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR RECRUITMENT & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE SOUTHERN WAYNE COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER!

One of the perks of our chamber membership is that any of our members who wish to attend an event can do so at member pricing.

We can also take advantage of discounts on e-blasts, expo tables, newsletter articles, marketing opportunities, and other perks.

Just be sure to note that you are an AAUW-WD member when registering for any event!

To find the list of chamber events happening this month, please visit www.swcrc.com

AAUW - Statewide/Branch Events in November
Please support these other branch events when you are able.

Legend:

AAUW-MI State Events
Branch Events
Important Dates to Know

Sunday 11/1:
Start of Native American Heritage Month
Sunday 11/1 - 7:00pm:
Bylaws Counterpart Zoom Meeting for Branch Bylaws Directors
Contact: Jan Van Gasse / janicevangasse@gmail.com
Monday 11/9 - 6:00pm:
Ludington Branch Sugar Plum Auction and Potluck Event
Members & Guests Invited!
Methodist Church, 5810 Bryant Road, Ludington
Contact: Betty Tabor / bjtabor4@gmail.com / (231) 845-5972 or Jane Mengot / mengotjane8@gmail.com / (231) 233-3073
Wednesday, 11/11 - 6:30pm:
Dearborn Branch Meeting - guests are welcome!
McFadden Ross House, 915 N. Brady St., Dearborn
Contact: Joan Reed / jreed100193@gmail.com / 313-673-4207

Saturday, 11/14 - 9:00am - 10:30am:
Virtual Conversation with the Author Deborah Allen "Flipping the B.I.T.C.H Switch."
To register, go to www.bitchswitch.net to purchase the book which will automatically register you for the webinar. $35.00
A confirmation email with the zoom link will be sent the week before the webinar.
Tuesday, 11/17 - 7:00pm - 8:00pm:
AAUWMI Public Policy Committee Meeting
Contact: Ruth Brown / travelgirl4@comcast.net
Wednesday 11/18 - 11:15am:
Birmingham Branch Meeting - "Days for Girls"
Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Twp.
Cost: $34.00 - Email cacmdm@gmail.com for payment options
Contact: Kathy Rice / 2489247008 / krice48301@comcast.net
Wednesday, 11/18 - 7:00 - 8:00pm:
Branch President's Quarterly Meeting with Barb Duran
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9465293885?omn=83078263497
Thursday, 11/19:
Native Women's Equal Pay Day
Friday, 11/20:
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Wednesday, 11/25:
Native American Heritage Day

Thursday, 11/26: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

AAUW of Michigan News & Updates

"Meet the Author" Webinar -

November 14th

Join us on Saturday, November 14th, at 9:00am for a Zoom conversation with the author of "Flipping the B.I.T.C.H. Switch." You will be able to ask questions and discuss the book directly with the author.

Scan the QR code from the image below or go to www.bitchswitch.net to purchase the signed book and be automatically registered for the webinar.

You don't have to be an AAUW member to participate in this webinar.

AAUW National News & Updates

There are lots of ways to get involved with AAUW’s work to advance gender equity. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Growing the Next Generation - Legacy Circle

Including AAUW in your estate plans is a lovely way to leave an enduring legacy that will support women and girls long into the future. By making a planned gift to AAUW National, you become a member of the AAUW Legacy Circle and affirm your commitment to equity. These gifts — or bequests — are donations that you designate in your will, estate or trust.

There is no minimum gift requirement to join the Legacy Circle, and the benefits are many. For example:

Planned gifts afford you flexibility to provide for your family and support AAUW.
Certain planned gifts may reduce estate or capital gains taxes.
Planned gifts need not affect your cash flow during your lifetime.
Certain types of planned gifts allow you to support AAUW while also providing income for the rest of your life — or a fixed income for a loved one.
The joy of knowing that your legacy gift will sustain AAUW’s programs for years to come is the ultimate benefit!
Receive custom communications, invites to special events, and public recognition in AAUW National publications.

To learn more or sign up for the Legacy Circle, click here.

Download the Legacy Circle brochure here.

2026 Webinar Schedule

These webinars are designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to negotiate better salaries, enhance your career, and achieve financial independence. Whether you’re a student stepping into the professional world or a seasoned professional aiming to advance, our webinars offer valuable insights for every stage of your career.

AAUW Start Smart

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2mXmLwueSv-FVS-LCvjI1A#/registration

AAUW Money Smart: Smart Finances

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QujLAjb3QHeYmznRXEaThQ#/registration

AAUW Work Smart: Know Your Value and Get Paid

Thursday, November 19, 2026

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jSNq4JxBTx6yirHhsRS1Aw#/registration

2026-27 Five Star Program Criteria:

The Five-Star criteria are used to recognize branches for mission-aligned work. The Branch & Affiliate Annual Report applies more broadly to branches, state organizations, and other AAUW affiliates as instructed by AAUW.
All AAUW affiliates must complete the report for affiliate reporting purposes by June 30, 2027. Information on the Five Star Program and the Affiliate Annual Report criteria can be found here.Register Now

AAUW Two-Minute Activist:

Join AAUW in the fight for gender equity!
Take an action by clicking here to get regular Two-Minute Activist alerts on when and how to engage on pressing issues.

BRANCH INTEREST GROUPS

Daytime Book Club w/Jan Ingle

Nov. 6, 1:00pm:

Culpability by Bruce Holzinger

Venue: Olive Garden, Southgate

Dec. 4, time TBD

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Venue: Sibley Gardens, Riverview
(joint w/Afternoon Lit group)

Please RSVP to Jan Ingle at janingle40@gmail.com to confirm your attendance each month for restaurant headcount!

Everyone is welcome to read the books and join in our discussions.

Afternoon Lit w/Jean Carnahan

Most meetings will be the 3rd Tuesday at the Southgate Library from 2;30 – 4:00 pm.

The books for discussion are as follows:

Dec., 4, “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans - time TBD (at Sibley Gardens with the Daytime group)
Feb. 18, 2027 ”A Fortress of Sand” by Ruta Sepetys
April 20,2027 ” Kin” by Tayari Jones
June 15, 2027 “The Whistler” by Ann Patchette
Aug. 17, 2027 “Mad Mable” by Sally Hapworth (time and place TBD)

NOTE THE CHANGE IN MEETING TIME

Call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914 for information

Great Decisions w/Jean Carnahan

All meetings will be the 4th Tuesday at the Southgate Library from 2:30-4:00pm.

Our readings for discussion are as follows:

Nov., 24, Chapter 7, ”U. S. Engagement with Africa”
Jan. 26, 2027, Chapter 8, ”The future of Human Rights.….”

NOTE THE CHANGE in MEETING TIME

For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914

Fisher Theater Group

The new season, starting in Sept. consists of the following productions.

All shows will start at 1:00 at the Fisher Theatre with the exception of “Death Becomes Her” which will be at the Opera House.

Nov. 22, 2026,”The Great Gatsby”
Dec. 6, 2026,”Boop”
Jan 17, 2027 “Operation Mincemeat’
March 28, 2027, “Death Becomes Her” (at the Opera House)

Times and locations for brunch TBD.

We welcome all AAUW members to join our group.

Our season tickets are for the first Sunday matinee.

For information call Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914

Detroit Symphony Group

If you are interested in future plans for this group, contact Jean Carnahan at 313-382-1914.

If you would like to join the small group of members that have season tickets for Open Book on the dates listed below at 2:00pm, call Jan Piana at 734-676-4829 for information.

Optional dinner after the play.

Our dates are as follows:

Nov. 8: Woman In Black

Jan 24: The Art of Floating

Mar. 21: Hattie: A Seat at the Table

Click here to purchase tickets:

https://openbooktheatrecompany.net

Correspondence

Please let Barb Duran know of any surgeries, illnesses, accidents, deaths, congratulations, etc., or any occasion that would warrant a note or card from us, as a community of concerned & supportive women.

You can reach her by e-mail at barbduranaauw@gmail.com or call/text her at 313-300-1710.

2026-2027 Board of Directors

Co-President: Kathleen Forrest
Co-President: Andrea Witkowski
President-Elect: OPEN
Foundation Chair: Melanie Orr
VP of Finance: Sue Stoll
Recording Secretary: Marsha Bardoni
Corresponding Secy: Barb Duran
College/Univ. Director: Barbara Banyai
Equity/Inclus. Director: OPEN
Historian: Pat Cox
Public Policy Chair: OPEN
Communications Chair: Barb Duran
Fundraising Chair: OPEN
Membership Chair: Barb Duran
Nominating Chair: Andrea Witkowski
Programs Chair: Lee Ann Shade
Scholarship Chair: Kathleen Forrest
STEM Co-Chair: Jackie Hector
STEM Co-Chair: Andrea Witkowski

Join Our Movement!

To learn more about AAUW and how you can be a part of our movement of "women supporting women" in championing education for all, advancing economic security, and protecting civil rights and social justice, please visit aauw.org, click on "Membership", then click on "How to Join a Branch." Select "Michigan", then select "MI4058 - Wyandotte-Downriver. "

If you wish to join with a check, click HERE to download the membership application, then bring it to a branch meeting with your payment, or email our membership chair HERE for a mailing address.

Dues are $110.00/year, which includes membership in AAUW National and AAUW of Michigan.

DID YOU KNOW....that if you join AAUW at one of our branch meetings, you will be eligible for a 50% discount on your national dues (a savings of $38.00)? We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month - scroll to the top of this page to see the details for our next branch meeting.

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AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver NewsletterNovember, 2026