As September begins, we celebrate International Literacy Day September 8 , a day declared by UNESCO on Oct. 26 of 1966 and observed by all UN member states. A clear connection exists between illiteracy and severe poverty and prejudice against women. September is National Literacy Month, talk about your favorite books and authors with the children in your life, or with friends.
And illiteracy exists locally. Imagine shopping and not being able to read aisle markers, ingredient lists on labels, or use instructions on products like bug spray or cleaning supplies. And those who don’t read well are often digitally illiterate too, not able to understand icons or number instructions.
We Altrusans have been concerned about this for many years and want to do our part to improve the community. This month’s program will be a presentation from the R.E.A.C.H. organization. We will be donating books from our own collection, or new ones for people of all ages. Bring them to the JoKell meeting on September 20!
Speaking of JoKell, we continue to meet in this safe space. Although we discussed trying another location, with the Delta surge I am suggesting we remain there for another month.
While many of us as individuals might be willing to assume the risk of eating in groups again, it is important to keep our eye on the “big picture” and not put others at risk.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we all work through this challenging time.
Until we meet in person, read a good book and celebrate the educators who work tirelessly with devotion to improve lives!
Ellen,
President
September 8: Board Meeting (via Zoom) @ 5 pm
September 20: Program / Business Meeting, 6 pm @ JoKell
September 26: Literary Society Booktalk, 1 pm
October 4: Area III Workshop Registration Deadline
Area III Workshop Registration Form
October 13: Board Meeting (via Zoom) @ 5 pm
October 18: Program / Business Meeting, 6 pm
October 23: Area III Workshop, Martinsville, VA
December 3: Bazaar Setup, 6 pm
December 4: Bazaar, 9am-2 pm
JoKell: 628 Innovation Dr. , Chesapeake, VA 23320
Accent
Greetings Altrusans!
I hope this message finds you all doing well. School is back in session and the evenings are beginning to be a bit cooler, thank goodness!
Please take a moment to remember all those who were lost on 9/11. May they have eternal peace & love forever & ever.
Please enjoy a Fall Poem by one of my favorite poets, Robert Frost.
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
Please have a pleasant September.
With Kindness,
Tracey
At the September meeting, our program will be the REACH representative Leslie Clarridge. Additionally, we will host a book drive to benefit REACH. We are hosting a Book Drive, so please review the following information to help make this drive a success.
Our bazaar information was sent to be added to the Virginian Pilot's Bazaar section.
Pansy Sale Info Sheet Pansy Sale Flyer Pansy Sale Order Form
To view Tidewater's Strategic Plan (working copy), click here.
2021-22 Budget for Review
Don and Barbara welcomed their new granddaughter, Lucy Frances Gill in San Francisco, on August 24. Lucy has been to her first grape harvest in Sonoma and has watched two VaTech winning(!) football games.
Barbara and Don took their first camping trip in August to Davis Lakes and Campgrounds. Don learned to hook-up all the important hoses.
Robyn and family spent 5 days in Asheville, NC to attend a wedding and hang out with extended family. We had a great time!
Good Morning Area III Club Presidents
Hope this email finds you each doing well and off to a great Altrusa year of service.
Last evening, an email was sent from Altrusa International to all members in the following Area III Clubs: Capital City, Charlottesville, Martinsville-Henry County, Richmond Club and Tidewater. The information included a flyer announcing the Fall Workshop and the Registration Form. Please Note the registration deadline is October 4. I am attaching the announcement flyer and registration form. Please communicate this information to those members who may not have or use email as a means of communication. If you have any additional questions or need additional information, please let me know. In addition to the two hotels listed on the announcement flyer, I am also including a link to a Bed and Breakfast located two doors down from the Virginia Museum of Natural History for your convenience. The name of the B&B is One Starling, address is One Starling Avenue, Martinsville, VA 24112 and phone number is 276-732-2784.
https://www.virginia.org/listing/one-starling/9615/
Our Club is excited to be hosting the Area III Fall Workshop. We are looking forward to seeing you on October 24, 2021. Please note: At this time the Museum is recommending masks be worn for the safety of everyone attending.
District Two Board and Committee Chairs
This document lists the board and committee chairs.
Summer 2021 DSB
Letter from Governor Tammy
Sherral is pleased to announce this past biennium the Foundation Grants Program distributed $536,615 to Altrusa Clubs to assist with their local service projects.
The 2019-2021 Club 21 Program distributed $71,622. The Club 21 Program centers around supporting children and their families affected by disease and disability. In addition, funds work to support healthcare programs in West Africa.
Disaster Relief Aid offers the Altrusa International Foundation an opportunity to respond with direct aid to residents impacted by natural disasters worldwide. A total of $42,431 was distributed this biennium.