Our annual Welcome Back picnic to kick off our official AAUW year will once again be held at North End Riverside Park, 17700 Trestle Bend Drive, in Big Rapids. Guests are welcome to join us as we discuss possible projects, events and how YOU can help during our upcoming AAUW year!

This year's lunch offerings will be from BR Lunchbox, which advertises "Gourmet lunch on the go!"

Last year's Welcome Back picnic

We will have three salad options to choose from for the meeting. Each meal will be $16.50, which includes tax and tip. Please contact Deb Kennedy (aauwkennedy@gmail.com or text/call 734-552-7149) to let her know your choice by 12:00 p.m., Monday, September 9. Also let her know if you have special requests to omit any toppings or substitute a different dressing.

• Option 1: Greek Pasta Salad: Mixed greens, pasta, feta, kalamata olives, tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, Greek vinaigrette
• Option 2: Apple chicken salad: Mixed greens, moist breast of chicken, apples, celery, Craisins, light mayonaisse dressing
• Option 3: Vegetarian Salad: Mixed greens, black beans, corn, tomato, boiled egg, cheese, creamy Dijon dressing

All meals include a roll and dessert. Please bring your own beverage. Note: Alcohol beverages are not allowed in the city parks.

Programs Vice President, Deb Kennedy is in the process of booking speakers for October and November. Stay tuned for details. You can mark Saturday, December 7 on your calendar for our annual Holiday Meeting and celebration of our scholarship recipients. This year's gathering will be a brunch at Pere Marquette Bistro and Catering in Reed City. Pere Marquette has always been a great place to hold this holiday celebration, but it's a lengthy drive for our Canadian Lakes members, especially at night in winter, so we're moving to a brunch event so everyone can make the drive to Reed City in daylight. We'll have more information closer to the event.

Report on July's Cocktails and Convos

It was a small group that assembled for July's Cocktails and Convos, but it was a great conversation with Tessa Gawrylowicz, Senior Organizing State Campaigns Manager for Reproductive Freedom for All. Tessa shared her personal story of how she embarked on a career of advocacy.

Artworks lost electrical power just before the event was scheduled to take place, and Kathi Parker graciously agreed to be backup host with no advance notice. Thank you, Kathi!

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