Fall 2015 In Touch

In Touch

IllinoisIndianaKentucky

Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2 The quarterly newsletter for Altrusa International - District Six

Governor’s Message

Where does time go…I was reminded this morning when I woke up and it was 45°F outside this morning! Fall is approaching. However, I love the changing of seasons and welcome what each season brings. Now that summer has come to an end, I am sure many of us are busy working on service projects and fundraising to support our community service projects. It seems as if I just unpacked my bags from the 54th International Convention just yesterday!

It was an honor to serve as your Governor at International Convention and represent our District along with 18 other fellow District Six Altrusans. We had a great time in Kansas City…full of learning, leadership and lots of barbeque and jazz (see Dana Vierck’s article on Page 2). It is amazing how much “good” is going on with Altrusa.

Chris DeVlieger 2015-2017 District Six Governor

Inside this issue  Governor’s Message  International Convention Wrap-up  Leadership Development  Club News  News to use

I know membership is on everyone’s mind. It is important to note that as an international organization we experienced membership growth for the first time in 25 years. International President Silvia Silverman along with her Board and Committee Chairs have established goals and provided tools to help us continue to grow and serve our communities. Resources are starting to become available on the International website, and if you have not already joined the blogs and Facebook groups, don’t wait (see Bev Herzog’s article on page 6 regarding leadership). You can also check out the 2015 Convention Wrap-up for more information (after you log in as a member).

As we near our 100th anniversary as an organization, it is important not only to celebrate the past, but to look ahead to the future. Imagine how cool it would be to have 10,000 Altrusans in our organization when we celebrate 100 years in 2017 at the 55th International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee!

Thank you to those Clubs who have completed the incorporation process. The deadline for Clubs to incorporate is December 31, 2015 in order to be included under the Group Exemption Number of the Association. See the Incorporation Toolkit under Publications on the International website or contact one your District Six Board members should you have any questions about this.

Enjoy the coming of fall…with it comes football games, campfires, the beautiful color of leaves, and hot chocolate with a little caramel (see Page 5). It sounds delicious!

With Altrusa Love, Chris DeVlieger, Governor

Page 2 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

International Convention Wrap-up Altrusa International Convention 2015

by Dana Vierck, Governor-Elect

District Six attendees at the International Convention

Kansas City, Missouri lived up to its cool

I had so much fun greeting and meeting old

vibe! Jazz, bar-b-que, the arts, museums, the fountains, and the shopping! There is so much to do in KC and Altrusans had a wonderful time sight-seeing and experiencing all KC had to offer during the Altrusa International, Inc. 2015 Convention.

and new friends in the hotel lobby before the opening banquet. District Six was represented well! During the parade of flags, my heart swelled with pride that I am an Altrusan. Seeing the countries all over the world that are home to Altrusans like me brought our mission in focus.

Jazz it up! The theme of the 54th International

The Business Sessions were well run and informative with many committee reports, candidates' forum, and All-Conference Session Workshops. The first of three Keynote Speakers was Jody Urquhart, speaking to us about service, how to embrace humor, and to say “Goodbye to

Convention had Altrusans dancing, singing, talking, and learning during All-Conference sessions and the workshops presented many opportunities to network and share new information and great ideas.

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 3 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

International Convention Wrap-up Burnout”! They say laughter is the best medicine and she certainly had the room laughing all morning. She then returned to lead an All Conference Session Workshop on “How to lead and influence others.” Our second Keynote Speaker was Dr. Patricia Sulak, Altrusa Member from Temple, Texas. Her message was “Living WELL Aware as an Altrusan: A Doctor’s Perspective”. Dr. Sulak also presented an All Conference Session Workshop about stress in our lives. Dr. Sulak donated the sales of her book to the Altrusa International Foundation! The final Keynote Speaker was Brigadier General (Ret.) Julia J. Cleckley, who gave an inspirational speech about her life and her leadership in the military.

Award was presented to Past International President Zaida Perez-Mendez. Membership Club Net Gain Awards were also presented to clubs during the luncheon. At the Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. Luncheon, members were informed about the activities of the Foundation during a presentation on the Foundation service projects, Club 21, and an introduction of the Lucente Lamplighters. Newly elected Foundation Board Members were also installed at the luncheon. During the luncheon, members had a surprise visitor, Maxine, courtesy of the Hallmark Corporation (Corporate offices in Kansas City). Her presence offered humor and fun for all at the luncheon!

At the first session of workshops, we played Altrusa Jeopardy-designed by Governor Chris DeVlieger. In Chris’s presentation attendees were divided into teams and Altrusa trivia was presented Jeopardy-style. This is a great way to engage club members and also to introduce Altrusa to prospective members. The Altrusa International Foundation was another topic, and Leadership-Envision Your Future was presented by the Altrusa International Leadership Development Committee.

The second

workshop session, club members had

Outgoing International President Ilona Kirby giving the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award to Past International President Zaida Perez-Mendez with incoming International President Silvia Silverman.

At the Awards Luncheon clubs were recognized for the Leatha H. Brown Literacy Award, Mamie L. Bass Service Award, and the Dr. Nina Fey Calhoun International Relations Award.

The prestigious Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian

several options to attend. Membership focused on how to turn your prospects into club members.

The Altrusa International Membership Development Committee debuted their new Facebook Group Page-Altrusa Membership Development along with the new Altrusa Leadership Development Committee Facebook Page. Daily, each group posts tips, information, suggestions that club members can use at their meetings. Sign up for those Facebook groups today!

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 4 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

International Convention Wrap-up District Six Governor Chris DeVlieger chaired the Celebration of Life, a

I love attending the International Convention for many reasons. Networking,

moving memorial service honoring Altrusa members who have passed away. The memorial service was designed in the New Orleans jazzinfluenced funeral tradition, ending with funeral parade of club members to the tune of As the Saints Go Marching In! It was a wonderful way to remember our club members who devoted their time and talents to Altrusa.

learning new ways to recruit members, method for membership retention, how to use Social Media to communicate to others about Altrusa, sharing ideas with club members from around the world, and learning how club service projects are making their communities a better place and making our world a better place. It is at the International Convention that I make new friends and keep the old – members I get to see only every two years but we have become lifelong friends and keep in touch with the help of technology - that is the best reason to attend the International Convention. I am honored to have a world-wide network of Altrusa friendships!

The final event of the convention was the

Installation Banquet.

The installation theme centered on music! International President Ilona Kirby passed the gavel to incoming International President, Silvia Silverman and Reba Davis, District Two Governor-Elect, served as installing officer for the 2015-2017 International Board of Directors. Included in that evening’s festivities was the passing of the International President’s Banner to the home club of the incoming International President.

Montgomery County, Maryland (District Two) club was the recipient of the banner to host and display for the next two years. What a wonderful honor for any club!

Altrusa International, Inc. will celebrate our 100th Anniversary at the 55th International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee!

Mark your calendars for July 21-24, 2017 and start your plans now to attend!

What a celebration we will have!

I hope to see you there with District Six! --Dana Vierck Governor-Elect

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 5 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

2016 District Conference April 15-17, 2016 will be in

Carmel Indiana It’s going to be sweet!

To start thinking "Caramel Thoughts" about the Carmel 2016 District Conference -- here is a caramel recipe!

Best-Ever Caramels!

(Sarah Johnson, District Six Foundation Chair Lafayette Club) 

2 cups granulated sugar



1 cup brown sugar



1 cup light corn syrup



1 cup heavy cream



1 cup whole milk



1 cup butter



1 ¼ tablespoons vanilla

Combine all ingredients except vanilla.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugars are dissolved and mixture begins to boil.

Reduce heat to low and continue to cook at a low, steady boil, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 240 degrees. Then stir constantly and vigorously to prevent scorching until mixture reaches 244 degrees (firm ball stage).

Remove from heat and after about 2 minutes add vanilla.

Pour into a generously buttered 9” x 9” x 2” pan.

When candy starts to get firm, mark in ¾” strips with sharp knife.

When cool and firm, about 3 hours, cut in strips; remove strips from pan, one at a time; place on cutting board and with a sharp knife, cut in squares or rectangles.

Wrap in wax paper.

Optional—add ½ cup chopped pecans with vanilla.

Makes 2 ½ pounds.

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 6 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

Second, we are providing resources that all

From your 2015-2017 International Leadership Development and Training Committee “Leading to a Better Community” is not just a tagline, it’s a commitment that the International Leadership Development and Training Committee pledges to help Altrusans everywhere achieve. Our goal is to make leadership development a benefit to every Altrusan at all levels of our organization, a benefit that will benefit our clubs and our members’ personal and professional lives. So, how do we plan to deliver this?

First, we’ve put together a terrific team, which President Silvia asked me to lead based on our experience serving together on the Altrusa International Board. I requested Beth Blair, immediate past governor of District Nine, to serve as vice chairman. During our terms as governors, Beth and I both saw our districts grow to more than 1,000 members. Beth also oversaw the creation of two new clubs in her district and the start of one that chartered shortly after the biennium. Joining us are Laure Bruner (District Nine), Christine DeVlieger (District Six), Linda Dorr (District Two), and Maureen McGough (District Two).Each of these members has served in a district leadership position, served in a strong leadership position in her career, and/or has leadership training as part of her job description. All committee members have been assigned primary responsibility for two or three districts so we can provide our districts with more personal attention.

Altrusans can access. The centerpiece of this is a Facebook group, open only to Altrusans (one person can add your club members, but Beth or I will verify and approve each member), which shares leadership tips and inspiration and encourages discussion among members to share their thoughts and experiences. Because it is a group (not a page), any member can post and start a discussion. We know there is much leadership talent and expertise in Altrusa, and we want to encourage everyone to share. We will also post resources there and have already posted Beth’s convention workshop on developing a vision. In a commitment to inclusion, resources are also posted on the International website. (To find them, log in, then go to committees, then Leadership Development and Training on the drop down menu, then follow the arrow to get to “resources” and click on that.) To supplement the Facebook, Beth has started a blog with weekly articles that can be accessed by anyone, regardless of whether you are a member of the Facebook group. You can find it at http://altrusaleadership.blogspot.com/. We also welcome guest authors to the blog.

Contact me or Beth if you would like to be a guest blogger.

Lastly, we will provide articles like this for district service bulletins or other district distribution, update manuals, and respond to

your requests to develop specific training materials. A good leader listens and responds to her followers. Please let us know how we can help you.

Bev Herzog 2015-2017 Altrusa International Leadership Development and Training Chairman blherzog@illinois.edu

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

District Six Clubs receive International Award The following clubs received The Power of One Membership Award certificate at the 2015 International Convention: · · · · · ·

Kokomo, IN Lafayette, IN Canton, IL Chillicothe, IL Connersville, IN Hamilton County, IN

International President, Ilona Kirby, presented the certificates to Governor Chris DeVlieger and asked that these clubs be recognized for helping to meet the biennium challenge of achieving a net membership gain of two or more members. The District Six Board visitors will deliver the Award certificates to each of the clubs when they visit.

Member Information

Mwmvwe IndoemROINmMembers News

New Members June 2015 Carol Coburn – Champaign-Urbana, IL Kelly Boeger – Champaign-Urbana, IL Elaine Brownfield – Decatur, IL Lois Hinz – Decatur, IL Jacky Schwartz – Evansville, IN Karen McBride – Evansville, IN Rosie Bigge – Evansville, IN Brenda Ferguson – Indianapolis, IN Annette Harris – Kokomo, IN Diane Hebert – Lafayette, IN Cindy Weintraub – Macomb, IL Amanda Yonally – Muncie, IN Beth Kroehler – Muncie, IN Diana Smiley – Muncie, IN Diane Mahon – Muncie, IN Erin Brooks – Muncie, IN Sue Williams – New Albany, IN Ann Tierney – Quincy, IL July 2015 Margaret Hurd – Chillicothe, IL August 2015 Mary Barnes – Bedford, IN Stephanie Thome – Fox Valley, IL Chris Boyd – Springfield, IL Margaret Burke – Jeffersonville, IN Rita Schreiweis – Jeffersonville, IN Stephanie Mora – Jeffersonville, IN

With Sympathy…

Altrusa Club of Decatur IL member Bob Fallstrom passed away July 9, 2015. He served as the President of the club and was the only male member in the club.

Bob was professional, sweet and truly cared for people, his club and the community.

Page 8 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

Club news

From around our district – Illinois  Indiana  Kentucky

Illinois CantonChampaign-UrbanaChicago's South SuburbsChillicotheDecaturDeKalb-SycamoreElgin Fox ValleyGalesburgLake CountyMacombParisPekinQuincySpringfield

Fox Valley New Board officers were installed and enjoyed small bottles of wine for each new board member.

Springfield 2015 CAP (Career Assistance Program) Scholarship Recipients with Altrusans Lonnie and Pat. Quincy Quincy Club awarded a number of grants to local organizations to assist with literacy programs. Here Denise Hufendick from St. Peter's School accepts a grant for 100 new titles for the classroom library.

Lake County President Caroline Jacobsen of Lake County Club presents scholarship awards to Samantha Nixon from Warren and Gina Palmieri from Libertyville.

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 9 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

Club news

From around our district – Illinois  Indiana  Kentucky

Indiana BedfordConnersvilleEvansvilleHamilton County HuntingtonIndiana Dunes IndianapolisJeffersonvilleKokomoLafayetteMarionMuncieNew AlbanyNew Castle Terre HauteWarsaw

Terre Haute This club had a big event on Sat. Sept. 12 - the 33rd Annual Altrusa Chili Cook Off. It included a Chili tasting, Silent Auction and Beer Garden.

Connersville Connersville Altrusans worked in the Kiwanis booth selling hot dogs for Community Youth Day.

Hamilton County Three Altrusan members who are avid readers attended the Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) Author Tea. Guest author Susan Lewis spoke.

Indianapolis Indianapolis members hosted "Canvas for a Cause" - a fundraiser where participants pay to learn to paint a picture.

The club raised $900 to help with their continued projects!

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 10 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

Club news

From around our district – Illinois  Indiana  Kentucky

Kentucky FrankfortLexington Frankfort Altrusa Club of Frankfort KY promoting their club at the summer concert series at the Old Capitol. Listening to good music and recruiting new members!

August meeting concluded with members enjoying a beautiful evening cruise down the Kentucky River in Frankfort!

Lexington Six Altrusans from the Lexington KY Club worked the NoLi Night Market on June 5th.

Donated jewelry was offered and a $90 profit was realized for their Foundation account.

Attention -all Club Communication Chairs!

Please send us your newsletter so we have your news!

Each month send a copy of your Club newsletter to the following: 1. Heather Munro at Heathernewsletter@gmail.com for In Touch District Six newsletter 2. Sue Creighton at sscreighton44@gmail.com for Altrusa District Six Facebook 3. Nevata Salmon at nsalmons@adams.net for Altrusa District Six website 4. Tanika Wilson at tanika@Altrusa.org for Altrusa International website Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 11 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

News to use Altrusa District Six

Plan Ahead!

District Communications

In Touch - the quarterly newsletter for

September Sept. 8 International Literacy Day Sept. 15 Grant applications due to International Foundation Sept. 21 International Peace Day

October Treasurers – Prepare Form 990 to be sent to the IRS. (Form 990 is due on the 15th day of the fifth month following the end of the organization’s taxable year.)

Oct. 16 World Food Day Oct. 24  United Nations Day  Make a Difference Day -What will your club be doing to make a difference?

Altrusa International—District Six

All issues available online: http://districtsix.altrusa.org/NewsRoom/District-News/InTouch.aspx Heather Munro In Touch Editor Heathernewsletter@gmail.com

District Six website www.districtsix.altrusa.org Neveta Salmons Altrusa District Six Webmaster nsalmons@adams.net

District Six Facebook page: Altrusa District Six Sue Creighton Facebook page manager sscreighton44@gmail.com

November Happy Thanksgiving!

December Happy Holidays!

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 12 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

Who is Who in District Six District Six Officers - 2015-2017

Governor: Chris DeVlieger cdevlieger@icloud.com Governor-Elect: Dana Vierck altrusadana@yahoo.com First Vice Governor: Becky Ray braylex@aol.com Second Vice Governor: Jan Fritz Jfritz22@hotmail.com

District Six Committee Chairs ASTRA - Angela Beck angela.beck@oldnationald.com B-R-R - Sandie Moon smmoonlaw@att.net Club Building - Bev Herzog blherzog@illinois.edu Communications/InTouch - Heather Munro heathernewsletter@gmail.com (newsletter info) hrmunro@yahoo.com (personal messages) Facebook - Sue Creighton sscreighton44@gmail.com Foundation Liaison - Sarah Johnson sarahcjohnson@comcast.net Leadership Development - Judi Nystrom judinystrom@hotmail.com

Director: Becky Mercier ramercier@twc.com Treasurer: Sue Whitaker swhitaker@bsu.edu Secretary: Elaine Wolf wolfelaine@comcast.net Immediate Past Governor: Linda Barb lsb21820@gmail.com

Long Range Strategic Planning - Jill Falls geojill2000@sbcgloabal.net Membership Development (Co-Chairs) •Lynne Waldrop lynnewaldrop@yahoo.com •Michelle Florea mdflorea@gmail.com Parliamentary Advisor - Doris Kowalski doris.kowalski55@gmail.com Service Program Development (Co-Chairs) •Mary Ann Roach m.roach1@comcast.net •Patricia Kirkman plkirkman@att.net Webmaster - Neveta Salmons nsalmons@adams.net

Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states

Page 13 of 13 In Touch -the quarterly newsletter for Altrusa District Six Fall 2015 Vol. 3, number 2

Go to the District Six website http://districtsix.altrusa.org

Go to the Altrusa International website http://altrusa.org

Go to the District Six Facebook page

Go to the Altrusa International Facebook page

Also, be sure to visit YOUR OWN club website page and YOUR OWN Facebook page!

If you don’t know how to find them –ask your Communication Chair or email Heather Munro, editor heathernewsletter@gmail.com for assistance Altrusa International District Six www.districtsix.altrusa.org Illinois - Indiana - Kentucky --- 33 clubs throughout our three states