Seeking Nominations for AAUW “Woman Making History”
Have you noticed a woman in Otsego County who goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in our community? Do you see her legacy lasting far into the future? Here is your chance to show her that her hard work has not gone unnoticed. Nominate her for the 2026 “Woman Making History” award, sponsored by the Gaylord Branch of AAUW. Traditionally, the award has gone to a woman “first in her field” and who continues to make a difference in the county.
Download the application here. Fill it out and return by no later than January 16, 2026. Mail to: Renee Alias, P.O. Box 1031, Gaylord, MI 49734 or email the completed form to relias@rocketmail.com. Nomination forms can also be picked up at Oliver Chiropractic, 970 N. Center Ave., Gaylord during regular business hours.
The woman selected this year will be honored at AAUW’s 33rd annual “Woman Making History” luncheon in March (date to be determined). The luncheon coincides with the celebration of “Woman in History” month.
Barbara Fleming (center) received the 2025 Woman Making History Award. Event co-chairs, Mary Tomaski (left) and Renee Elias (right) congratulated Barbara on her award.
Nora Hanley Receives AAUW 2025 Winter Continuing Education Award
AAUW Gaylord Area Branch recently granted Nora Hanley the 2025 Winter Continuing Education Award.
After graduating from Gaylord St. Mary, Nora attended Northwood University where she studied Business Administration and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She received the Jeffrey A. Bennett Accounting Award for “excellence in academic ability and leadership potential in Accounting.” Now at Walsh College, Nora is working on her master’s in accounting with her sights on also acquiring her CPA license. Nora will apply the AAUW Gaylord Area Branch Continuing Education Award toward school loans. She will be working for Deloitte after graduation. Congratulations, Nora!
The Gaylord AAUW Branch raises the educational award funds through the proceeds garnered at the annual Used Book sale held every October. See related story below.
Nora Hanley received the AAUW 2025 Winter Continuing Education Award.
Annual Used Book Sale A Resounding Success
The Gaylord AAUW Branch held a very successful “Used Book Sale” on October 10th and 11th, raising $2,700! All proceeds from this sale go towards educational awards and programming for local girls and women.
We truly appreciate all who turned out and made purchases of gently used books. Many thanks to community members who donated thousands of books! Members collect the books from the donation barrels at the United Way, Family Fare, Oliver Chiropractic, Gordon Food Service and Meyer Ace Hardware. Then, we sorted them and hosted the Used Book Sale at the Otsego County United Way building.
As always, this achievement could only take place with the assistance of many local organizations and individuals. Otsego County girls and women will reap great rewards from your generosity and efforts!
One of the many happy customers at our annual Used Book Sale
Elodie, Morgan and Daelyn from the Gaylord High School Key Club were one of many volunteers who assisted this year.
AAUW members thank all who helped with this year’s sale.
New Branch Co-Presidents Installed
At our August meeting, the AAUW Gaylord Branch welcomed new Co-Presidents Mary Fox and Hallie Mooney. We also expressed our warmest appreciation to past Co-Presidents Mary Tomaski and Helen Mate for their dedication and excellent leadership. We’re all looking forward to an exciting and productive 2025-26 year for our Gaylord Area Branch.
Mary Fox and Hallie Mooney – Gaylord Branch’s new Co-Presidents
AAUW’s “Future of STEM Road Trip” took place on March 1, 2025. Plans are underway for another “Road Trip” to take place on March 14, 2026. Stay tuned for details.
A recap of the 2025 trip and links to STEM related videos are found here.
One Otsego County girl experienced a STEM job first hand.
AAUW Prepares Community Meal
On February 14th, AAUW volunteers prepared a Community Meal at the First Congregational Church. This year’s menu was sloppy joes, cheesy potatoes, and slaw. Many AAUW members made cookies and donated funds cover the cost of the meal. Several guests came out to enjoy the food and comradery. Thank you to all who helped!
AAUW volunteers (l to r) Hallie Mooney, Jan Kellogg, Brenda Brummel and Helen Mate
Please Join Us!
Starting in fall of 2025, we began changing our meeting times and places each month. We generally hold our meetings on the second Wednesday of the month. To find out where and when our next meeting will be, email us at aauwgaylord@gmail.com.
AAUW members celebrated Christmas together at Mary Fox’s house.
AAUW Membership Meeting and Potluck was held at Hallie Mooney’s house in November.
Consider donating to AAUW
All funds go towards Education Awards and programming for local girls and women.
Mail your contribution to AAUW, P.O. Box 1031, Gaylord, MI 49734
Make your check out to “AAUW-Gaylord Area Branch”
Thank you!
AAUW Gaylord Area Branch: Advancing equity & education for women & girls since 1973.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide organization that advances equity and education for women and girls. The Gaylord Area Branch empowers through education awards, educational programs, and honoring the achievements of local women. For more information email aauwgaylord@gmail.com.