Sparta The Sussex County Branch of the American Association of University Women celebrates the 125th anniversary of the organization, this month. Today, the association is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations dedicated to advocating for women’s rights, possessing a rich tradition of leadership, scholarship, advocacy and action. The Sussex County Branch celebrates its 60th birthday next year. In addition to holding regular meetings, the branch provides scholarships to women who are majoring in the arts at Sussex County Community College; sponsors career awareness trips for middle school girls in Sussex County; addresses gender issues and sexual harassment in local schools; and sponsors fundraisers for scholarships. Seventeen like-minded female college graduates, experiencing the same feelings of social ostracism for their educational experiences, founded the AAUW in Boston, Mass. on Nov. 28, 1881. At present, the association continues to increase its numbers to more than 100,000 members, 1,300 branches and 500 college and university partners. Sussex County Branch co-presidents Carole Monesmith and Margaret Anderson are excited about celebrating this milestone at a local Birthday Bash at 7:30 p.m., November 14, at the Sparta Ambulance Building. Guest Speaker, Dr. Yana Rodgers, Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Rutgers University will address the topic, “Our State’s Secret has Surfaced Children are Hungry in New Jersey, Women Can Make the Difference by Addressing this Issue.” Economist and researcher in gender issues, Dr. Rodgers will discuss how women can bring solutions to this problem. Friends, interested guests, past members, and prospective members are invited to attend this evening of festivities. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 973-786-6238 or 973-729-3904. For more information about AAUW’s history, visit our Online museum at www.aauw.org/museum/index.cfm.