2013 wrap up

NEWSLETTER Volume 2

Issue 5

End Of Year 2013

Moment with Michelle CALENDAR Jan 23 5:30 p.m. – Monthly Meeting@ Big Rack’s Steakhouse Feb. 1 Conference fee invoice sent to club treasurer.

Request for conference delegate/alternate sent to club president Feb. 11 5:15 p.m. – Planning Meeting Feb. 16 10:00 a.m.

Meals On Wheels @ Sunset Nursing Home Angie and Michelle Feb. 17 – Reports and Agenda Items Due Feb 20 – World Day of Social Justice

WOW! The middle of January…I’m over halfway through my year as president. I’m not sure where the last 3 months of 2013 went but they flew by in a flurry of activities, crazy weather, holidays and celebrating.

As I looked back at our last newsletter and items to be included in this newsletter I was struck by two things.

1. I can’t believe there hasn’t been a newsletter since September (many apologies) 2. What a year 2013 was for us!

This newsletter is a 2013 wrap up and contains items from the end of September, all of October, November and December. In addition, a look back at what we accomplished throughout 2013 is included. I hope you’ll take a moment to review that and feel rewarded by your role in how our “small but mighty” club continues to grow and make a positive change in our community. Your time, energy and financial support are greatly appreciated.

Here’s to a helpful, happy and healthy 2014!!

Michelle

Feb. 27 5:30 p.m. - Monthly Meeting – Membership Event - Sips and Apps

Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide

INITIATIONS September and October brought us two new members sponsored by Kathy Wright Salvidio.

At our September meeting, we welcomed Becky Smith. Pat Mitchell performed the initiation at the lodge of member Martha Daly and her husband, Dan.

RADA FUNDRAISER You can still order Rada online by going to www.helpourfundraiser.com and using customer number 504568 with the password altrusa (password is case sensitive). There is no additional charge for ordering online and the products are shipped directly to your door.

Rada products include kitchen cutlery, utensils, stoneware, cookbooks, soy wax candles and quick mixes. All the products have been 100% made in the USA since 1948.

All proceeds help fund our work here in our community.

SCENES FROM SEPTEMBER’S MEETING

In October, Lisa Graham became part of our club.

The initiation took place at Big Racks Steakhouse and was performed by Sandy Robbins.

Welcome Becky and Lisa!

A beautiful fall evening for a wiener roast and a club photo Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

DISTRICT SIX CLUB VISIT In November, we were very fortunate to host district visitor Dana Vierck, First Vice Governor.

Dana answered our questions about incorporating, club revitalization and trademarks and shared the latest updates from International and District Six. It was a nice evening getting to know each other and we appreciate the long drive Dana made to come and meet us.

Pat Mitchell, Lynne Waldrop and Michelle Florea planted bulbs at the Jeannette Ann Children’s Center to provide some spring time color for the clients and staff for Make A Difference Day

Members decorated a tree for the kids at the Jeanette Ann Children’s Center.

Pictured at left are: Sandy Robbins, Becky Smith, Jennifer Clanton, Pat Mitchell and Michelle Florea. Not pictured/taking the photo Kathy Wright Salvidio

Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide

SALVATION ARMY BEARS Again this year, members dressed up bears to display and be voted on. Bears are provided by the club and members dress up/decorate the bear. Bears are displayed at MidAmerica National Bank and visitors to the bank vote for their favorite with monetary donations. The money and the bears are then donated to the Salvation Army to be given to children in the area for Christmas.

MOTHER NATURE’S WRATH

Kathy and Becky ringing bells for the Salvation Army

2013 FLASHBACK *Outfitted the play room at the Jeannette Ann Children’s Center *Family Super Saturday * Attended the opening of the Jeannette Ann Children’s Center * Attended District Conference *Received award from Fulton Mason Crisis Service for work on the Children’s Center * Audit/New Budget *Food Pantry Donations *Meals on Wheels *Elected new officers * Garage Sale Fundraiser *Box lunch auction fundraiser * Hung out with Macomb and Quincy clubs at Macomb’s meeting * Welcomed Jennifer, Becky and Lisa * Donated magazines to nursing home residents *Cleaned up Big Creek Park for Nelson Mandela International Day *Back to School Bash Book Giveaway * Scholarship for a local college student *Visited Clayberg and gave residents care packages for Grandparents Day *Updated the strategic plan * Planted bulbs at the Jeannette Ann Children’s Center for Make A Difference Day *Hosted Dana Vierck, First Vice Governor *Bears for the Salvation Army *Christmas gifts for the pediatric residents of Renaissance Care Center *Bell Ringing *Tree Decorating at Children’s Center * RADA fundraiser *Reminisce Magazine for area nursing homes

This is a small glimpse at what we woke up to on December 14, the day we were planning to get together for our Christmas brunch. Due to cold and hazardous travel, the meeting was cancelled.

However, Becky and Kathy braved the elements to pick up gifts from members for the residents of Renaissance Care Center and delivered them to the home’s Christmas party the next day.

Thanks ladies!

Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide

GETTING TO KNOW YOU Becky Smith

Becky, tell us a little about you….

I was born on April Fool’s Day. I grew up in St. David, IL and went to Lewistown High School. I attended Spoon River College and Lamont's International School of Cosmetology. I have an amazing husband David that I have been with for 23 years. We met while working at Farm King in Canton. We have no children.

We do have a 23 pound cat appropriately named Fatty...he is our baby. I have 2 sisters, 3 nieces and 2 nephews that I am very close with. They keep me very busy.

What’s rocking your world this month???

The fact that it is November, I can't believe another year is almost gone. I am looking forward to the week of Thanksgiving; David and I are going to Las Vegas for the week.

What do you like to do in your free time/on vacation?

I love to travel. We will go anywhere any chance we get. I really like tropical destinations (Jamaica, Mexico, the Bahamas) but there's nothing like staying in the states and seeing what we have in our own back yard.

I like to shop, scrapbook, go to wineries, spend time outdoors, and spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy volunteering my time in my community.

How did you get involved with Altrusa?

I was introduced to Altrusa through a dear friend, Kathy Wright Salvidio; we have been friends for over 20 years. She became an Altrusa member and said how much she enjoyed the group and what they do for the community. I was interested in joining a group that makes a difference locally.

What do you like best about being a member of Altrusa?

The type of projects and services that are involved. I like to help make a difference right here in my own community. Altrusa gives me that opportunity. By keeping our services and donations local we can see a difference. The group of ladies in Altrusa make the experience that much more enjoyable. It's a great group to be involved in. I feel lucky to be a part of this organization.

Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide

MEETING NEWS The February meeting will be a membership event hosted by the club board members.

Each member is asked to bring someone to introduce to Altrusa with the hope of joining our club.

An invitation that can be customized and printed or e-mailed to prospective members will be sent out to everyone.

Please take this opportunity to invite someone you know who might be interested in joining.

A final headcount will be needed one week prior to the meeting so start going through your contacts now for ideas.

COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR JUNE 27 Presidents SEPTEMBER 26 - Board DECEMBER TBA - Board MARCH 27 Membership

JULY 25 Finance OCTOBER 24 Finance JANUARY 23 Communication APRIL 24 Service

AUGUST 23 Membership NOVEMBER 14 Service FEBRUARY 27 Sips & Apps MAY 22 Communication

HOW TO FIND ALTRUSA INFORMATION Altrusa International, Inc. of Canton Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/cantonilaltrusa Altrusa International Website: www.altrusa.org

DON’T FORGET District Six Conference will be held in Springfield, Illinois May 2-5, 2014.

Visit our web page at: http://districtsix.altrusa.org/District-Clubs/DistrictSix-Illinois/Canton-Illinois/Canton-Club-News.aspx Altrusa International’s Blog can be found at: www.leadingtoabettercommunity.com

Make plans to attend this fun event!!!

Altrusa is an international non-profit organization making our local communities better through leadership, partnership and service. We are civic-minded people who strive to create better communities worldwide