STUDY GROUPS
Bacchae
Contact: Phyllis Wargo, 610-797-9158
At the January meeting of Bacchae, hosted by Rita Bergstrom with Amy Fields as co-hostess, we continued our “tour ” of European wineries. Our hostesses chose wines from Portugal, both of which were blends of grapes which were new to us. The white wine was Aveleda Fonte Vinho Verde from 2022, and and the red was Terras Do Grifo Douro from 2021 – both of which we enjoyed. We will not be meeting in February but will meet again on March 14, and Joanne Wagner and Louise Wisser will be co-hostesses. The place for our 3 o’clock meeting will be determined later. Any questions, contact Phyllis Wargo.
Group tastes and studies wine in all its aspects. New members welcome.
Hot Topics
Contact: Randi Blauth, read4joy@ptd.net
1st Wednesday, 1:00-2:30pm in members’ homes. No December meeting. Using various media, this inter-branch group will examine current issues from multiple perspectives. Members will choose topics and information used for discussion. Members must contact Randi to receive the readings, etc. for the month and to RSVP. Please join us for lifelong learning, meaningful discussion, and camaraderie!
Mystery Paperback
Contact: Susan McNamara, 610-861-8066
The Mystery Group will meet next on Tuesday, March 26 at 1:00 pm for a conversation about Linda Fairstein’s Lethal Legacy led by Shirley Daluisio. Cathy Gumlock will host. At the center of this detective mystery is a book that is part of a rare collection at the New York Public Library. While our mystery group will not be going to the NY Public Library for books, we will begin assembling our lists for 2024-25 reading in advance of our AAUW-Bethlehem Book Fair with its own great mystery collection. We welcome new members to our group and if you have your own list of “I want-to- read mysteries” and can perhaps recommend some, now is the time to join. Just let us know!
Out to Lunch Bunch
Contact: Amy Fields, Joan Howe
OTLB started 2024 at Kingfish American Bistro & Wine Bar on Freemansburg
Avenue on January 10, 2024. Conversations abounded with 11 women sharing their holiday adventures. It was a cold, windy day outside and while the company was outstanding and the food delicious, it was a little cold in the restaurant. We were fairly alone in the restaurant, so perhaps if it had been crowded, the temperature would have been better. The food was delicious and the service excellent. OTLB will gather February 14 at Anatolian Kitchen, 3016 Linden St, Bethlehem. Joan Howe will be collecting names.
Paperback I
Contact: Mardi Metzger
We will meet Tuesday, February 27, at 1:00 pm at the home of Mardi Metzger to discuss the book, Running with Champions by Lisa Frederic. New members are warmly welcomed. Running with Champions was written by an amazing woman who followed her dream even as it became bigger and bigger. For more information about this book see the Book Nook article.
4th Tuesday, 1:00 pm.in members’ homes. Sept.-June, no Dec. meeting. June meeting held at a restaurant. Members choose and read same paperback book of various genres for discussion at meetings. New members warmly welcomed.
Paperback II
Contact: Mary Lou Vernon, 610-442-1810
Unfortunately, the PB II Book Club meeting for January had to be canceled because of weather. We are hoping for better weather for our next meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. We will meet at 7:00pm. Pat Knoll will review and lead the discussion of the book The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson. This is a non-fiction book which is quite long. But don’t let that stop you from attending if you have not yet finished the entire book. There is no surprise ending to give away. Our next meeting will be March 19 to discuss the book Necessary Trouble by Drew Gilpin Faust. Linda Zimmerman will be the reviewer.
3rd Tuesday, 7:00pm in members’ homes, September through May, no December meeting. Members choose and read same paperback book of various genres for discussion at meetings. New members welcome.
Public Policy
Contact: Joan Howe
The Public Policy Study Group met at the home of Mary Dawson on Monday, Jan. 8,
2024. We had a lively discussion on the impact Grassroots organizations had on the Nov. election. MaryLou Vernon and Joan Howe wrote more on this topic in the Public Policy article. The next meeting is February, 12 at 3:00pm.
2nd Monday, 2:00pm. This group enjoys discussing nonpartisan issues in a casual, welcoming setting. We choose a small monthly action to follow up on our discussion. Branch members are welcome to attend any month.