AAUW Palo Alto Branch has a variety of interest groups, both social and intellectual. Look on this page for general descriptions of currently active sections.
If you are interested in visiting, joining or forming a section, let us know! Please refer to your Branch directory for contact details for the section contact person.
Books, Drama and Writers
Afternoon Books
We choose novels or non-fiction, those based on literary prizes, or books that help to illuminate an historical event. We draw up lists of books to read and make a selection from those for the next month or two. Some books more than others provide a rich platform for discussion. We choose books that have been out for a couple of years so that there is a greater possibility of borrowing books from the library rather than purchasing them. Recently we read The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. Our current read for discussion in August is The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Due to the Pandemic, we will be trying out the use of Zoom for our discussions. We meet the third Tuesdays from 2:00 – 4:00. We welcome new readers to our group and with Zoom it may be a way to enjoy books another way. Contact Joyce Freiberg for further information
Mystery Books
This section meets monthly. An author(s) or topic is pre-selected for discussion. Although it is nice to have read the selection, members are encouraged to join to learn about new authors even when they do not have time to read. Reading suggestions can be obtained by phoning the hostess listed in The Key. Second Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinator Marcia Baugh.
Drama Reading is designed for around the table play reading. Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month from October to May at a member’s home. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinator Millie Saxman.
Writers members meet to read their writing (poetry or prose, fact or fiction) and to give support and suggestions. New members welcome. Meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the homes of members. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinator Marcia Baugh.
Discovery, Adventures and Travel
Gadabouts
Until the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we hold a weekly chat group on Zoom each Monday to stay in touch.
The goal of the Gad-About section is to provide opportunities for its members to make friends by participating in rewarding and fun activities. Join us if you like the theater, museums, art galleries, outdoor nature experiences, historic walking tours in San Francisco, ferry boat rides, and much more. Almost all activities are done using public transportation. Planning meeting fourth Monday at 1:30 p.m. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinator Scotty Martinson.
Walkers
This section has been suspended at this time.
Food and Wine
Wine Tasting
During this time the wine tasters are Zooming together once a month, just to keep in touch . . . and because we’re social beings. We’ll resume home gatherings when the health department says that’s OK.
Members study and taste wines, domestic and imported, selected by members of the group. Spouses are welcome. Meets on the 4th Sunday of the month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinators Carol Hansen or Barbara Bowden.
Games
Mah Jong invites beginners and advanced players to play Mah Jong, a Chinese tile game. Meets on the 1st and 3d Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m at members homes. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinator Marcia Baugh.
Self Knowledge
Meditation
Meditation is the practice of stilling the mind in order to balance the inner and outer aspects of daily life. We will experience meditation as a way of keeping in touch with the Self within. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m at the home of Marcia Baugh. For information about the next section meeting contact Section Coordinator Marcia Baugh