Exciting Opportunities From AAUW Gaylord Branch.  Deadlines Are Soon!

AAUW Gaylord Branch is planning some exciting opportunities for Otsego County girls and women.  Deadlines to participate are coming soon.

• Winter Education Award:  Application deadline January 24th
• Woman Making History Nominations:  Deadline February 7th
• The Future of STEM Road Trip:  Registration deadline February 23rd.

Scroll down for the full details about each opportunity.

AAUW Offering “Back to School” Financial Assistance

The Gaylord AAUW Branch is seeking applications for our Winter Education Award.  If you are a woman living in Otsego County and are continuing your post-secondary education, click here for more information.  At least one $1,000 award will be granted to an Otsego County woman to help finance her continued schooling.  Deadline for submission is January 24, 2025. 

AAUW Gaylord Seeks Nominations for “Woman Making History”

Have you noticed an Otsego County woman who goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on our community?  Has she been a mentor or pioneer, boldly striding ahead even if there was no one to show the way?  Do you see her legacy lasting far into the future?  Would you like to see her get the recognition she deserves for her accomplishments?

If so, here is your chance to nominate her for the 2025 “Woman Making History” award, sponsored by AAUW’s Gaylord Branch.   Click here for the nomination form.  Deadline to apply is February 7th.  If you have questions, contact information is found on the nomination form.

This will be the 32nd year we have given this award.  For a list of past honorees, go to our “Awards” page.  Last year’s award went to Brenda Brummel.  Scroll down for an article describing her accomplishments.

Calling All Otsego County 6th to 8th Grade Girls for the “Future of STEM Road Trip”

The AAUW Gaylord Branch is inviting 6th-8th grade Otsego County girls to join us on a bus trip to “Girls Math & Science Day” in East Lansing on March 1st.  We are chartering a bus to take us to the Michigan State University campus for a fun-filled day immersed in all things “STEM”.  More information and a link to the registration form is found here.  Hurry, registration deadline is February 23rd.

Click here to download this event’s flyer.

AAUW Used Book Sale a Roaring Success!

The Gaylord AAUW Branch held a very successful “Used Book Sale” this past weekend, raising close to $3,000 (a new record)!  We truly appreciate all who turned out and made purchases of gently used books, as well as those who donated books to this cause.  All proceeds from this sale go towards educational awards and programming for local girls and women.

As always, this achievement could only take place with the assistance of many local organizations and individuals.  Thank you SO much to Family Fare, Oliver Chiropractic, United Way, Otsego County Sportsplex, Gordon Food Service and Meyer Ace Hardware for letting us park donation barrels at your locales.  Assistance in holding this event came from the United Way of Otsego County, Crossroads Industries, Walmart Academy, the Otsego County Fire Department and Bobby McNamara of McNamara Insurance.  Thanks to all AAUW Gaylord members who lent a hand with this event from start to finish.  Otsego County girls and women will reap great rewards from your generosity and efforts!

Brenda Brummel Honored at 2024 Woman Making History Event

Brenda Brummel was honored by the AAUW Gaylord Area Branch as this year’s “Woman Making History”.  A luncheon was held on March 10th at BJ’s Event Center, where 65 attendees came out to congratulate Brenda.  A silent auction was held during the event to raise funds which are used for education awards given to local Otsego County women.

Brenda was honored for the impact she has had on innumerable local youth through her open-minded approach to community, philanthropy, and spirituality.  Sponsored by her church, Brenda led KIDZ ON A MISSION, a class in which the students studied various religions and visited several churches, temples and mosques.  She is currently the youth group leader at the Gaylord First Congregational Church where the same approach has been taken to introduce the students to diverse religious, ethnic and racial populations.

Following the sudden death of her son, Brenda found comfort and support in Compassionate Friends, a nonprofit organization aiding loved ones in coping with devastating loss. Her involvement led to becoming a co-chair of the national conference and producing the newsletter.  She continues her involvement in the local Otsego County Chapter. In this capacity, she has guided many devastated parents through the agony of their losses.

AAUW Prepares Community Meal

On February 23rd,  AAUW volunteers prepared a Community Meal at the First Congregational Church.  This year’s menu was ham, cheesy potatoes, beans and slaw.  Many AAUW members made cookies and donated funds cover the cost of the meal.  Over 60 guests came out to enjoy the food and comradery.  Thank you to all who helped!

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Please Join Us!

If you want to see what we do you can stop by our lunch meetings to check us out. We meet at noon on the second Wednesday of the month at the Otsego County Library (700 S. Otsego Ave.,Gaylord, MI 49735), and feel free to bring a sack lunch. We do not meet in July. In June and December we have an informal potluck at various locations.  If you can’t make it to our lunch meetings, you can still be involved in our mission through our various activities (see the “About Us” page).

In case of inclement weather: If Gaylord Area Schools are closed for weather, we will not meet.

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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.