Whether you are interested in dining, travel, reading, quilting, or dancing, gaming, drinking, or enjoying a movie with friends, the AAUW Springfield, IL Branch has one or more interest groups for you. Our interest groups offer additional opportunities for members to interact and socialize.
All AAUW Springfield, IL Branch members are welcome at any group— just contact the hostess so that there are enough chairs and refreshments for everyone. Hosts’ contact information may be found in your membership directory. Check the Branchline for monthly meeting place and other pertinent information.
Interest Group Coordinator Susan Wood
2025-2026 Monthly Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | ||
| 1st | Board Meeting | Quilting
Stitchery |
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| 2nd | Lunch Bunch | ||||||
| 3rd | Themed Cuisine | Pinochle | |||||
| 4th | Diversity Book Group | Mystery | Illinois Explorers | Globetrotters |
Diversity Book Group
- We meet monthly via Zoom video conference to discuss book selections which encompass all the ways in which people differ, including gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. A lively discussion encouraging personal growth always occurs! New members are welcome at any meeting.
- Chairs: Pat Braun
- Meets: Fourth Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Globetrotters
- In this group we share pictures and impressions from our travels, whether far-flung or close to home. Join us to experience the wonders of nature, the splendors of art and architecture, and the pleasures of interacting with people from many different cultures. If you’d like to join this group but haven’t already, just let Laura or Irene know; you’ll receive future e-mails as plans evolve.
- Chairs: Laura Gundrum & Irene Reischel
- Meets: Fourth Thursday, 7:00 pm
GOURMETS DINE OUT (FORMERLY COUPLES GOURMET)
- Couples Gourmet with a twist. Wonderful food and fun without the cooking. Join other group members for a delicious dinner at a restaurant or a nearby location for a catered meal. Couples and singles are welcome to enjoy dinners 3-4 times per year. Additional details will be in the Branchline.
- Chairs: Carol Kerins and the Team
ILLINOIS EXPLORERS
- Travel to places within about 2 hours of Springfield via car or longer via train. The group will meet the 4th Wednesday of the month at 8:00 am at a designated rendezvous point. We will need to arrange to carpool. Participants “host” and plan the itinerary for each trip. Come join this interest group as they explore central Illinois and eastern Missouri.
- Chairs: Pat Braun & Marianne Stremsterfer
- Meets: Fourth Wednesday, 8:00 a.m.
Lunch Bunch
- AAUW friends meet monthly for lively conversation and interesting food in a variety of area restaurants.
- Chairs: Meise Fahsl & Sue Garland
- Meetings: Second Thursdays, 11:30 am
Mystery
- Whether you prefer cozies or hard-boiled, we are sure to have something to please you.
- Chair: Sandy Ransdell & Meise Fahsl
- Meets: Fourth Tuesday, 7:00 pm
Pinochle
- Join us for a fun afternoon of Pinochle! All skill levels are welcome.
- Chair: Cheryl Wycoff
- Meets: Third Thursday, 1:00 pm
Quilting
- Learn how to quilt, expand your knowledge of this early American craft, share your personal expertise, and enjoy the company of AAUW friends while helping create a beautiful quilt to raffle in support of education and equity for women. (Meets with Stitchery Group)
- Chair: Susan Wood
- Meets: First Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.
Stitchery
- Bring a craft or stitching project and enjoy an afternoon of socializing and fun. (Meets with Quilting Group)
- Chair: Pam Hughes
- Meets: Second Wednesday, 7:00 pm
THEMED CUISINE
- Each monthly dinner has a theme representing a different type of cuisine. Teams are formed at the September meeting; each team cooks once during the year. Additions to the sub list are welcome during the year.
- Chairs: Cornelia Powell & Lori Cox
- Meets: Third Wednesday, 6:30 pm
Wine Tasting
- This group enjoys sampling various wines about 4 times per year. Details will be in the Branchline.
- Chairs: Paula Seifert