Greeting Altrusans,

The Heart of Summer is here! The heat and rain have both been welcomed guests for our backyard gardens, front yards, and neighborhood trees and flowers. I have been enjoying watching blooms flourish and plants produce a harvest of delicious tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers! Summertime invites us to gatherings of friends and family; BBQ’s, reunions, and trips to our beautiful lakes and beaches. I have just returned from camping in Lancaster County, Virginia. This was my first visit and I enjoyed every minute of walking, reading, and relaxing. The campfires and sitting under the shade of some beautiful oaks and pine trees was just “what the doctor ordered”!

July has so much to offer by way of holidays. Independence Day, in my opinion, is the most famous holiday in our United States. The 4th of July is often celebrated with fireworks and backyard gatherings. Collins Dictionary defines the spirit of independence as when “You have a spirit of independence and self-belief that helps you get on with plans instead of being concerned with other people's opinions”. As Altrusans, we spend time discussing our plans for the year; always focusing on how we will help our communities with love and support. That is what we do and that is why Altrusa is such an amazing organization! Please keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing you all again soon. 

All the Best,

Tracey

Annual Retreat

On July 8th, many of our members met at Jo-Kell for our annual retreat to discuss ideas for service project and fundraising.  We also discussed ways to increase membership while also continue to retain our current members.  Please take a look at the list of ideas discussed and feel free to contact Joanne with any other ideas you'd like to include.  Retreat Agenda & Discussion Topics

Service Committee Meetings

The Service Committee is planning on holding its first meeting soon. I am looking at the following dates to hold the committee meeting:

Wednesday, July 26 at 5:30 pm

Thursday, July 27 at 5:30 pm

Thursday, Aug 10 at 5:30 pm

Saturday, Aug 12 at 9:30 am

Please contact Joanne to let her know what date(s) work best for you.  I would appreciate it If you would please contact me and let me know what date or dates work best for you. 

July Add an Altrusan Service Project

Our local food bank has announced recently that their shelves are empty. In order to help our neighbors in need, some members may wish to participate in bringing non-perishable food to our “Add An Altrusan” social on Monday, July 17. This is on a voluntary basis.

Protein is especially needed. Examples are canned chicken or tuna, peanut butter and canned ready-to-eat ravioli, chili, or stew. Other needed items are shelf-stable milk, canned vegetables, soup, pasta and sauce, rice, etc. They also take hygiene products. Thanks to anyone who wishes to participate.

August Picnic Service Project

We will also be collecting school supplies for Green Run Elem. School at our Family Picnic on Aug 21. Suggested items include:

Black marbled composition books, wide ruled, number 2 non - mechanical pencils, washable markers, wide ruled paper, pocket folders, large box(es) of tissues, rulers, glue sticks, dry erase markers, large and small zip lock bags, blunt tip scissors, wide ruled spiral notebooks, plastic pencil boxes, and colored pencils. Teachers also need post-its and notecards.

Green Run has a room set aside where teachers and parents can "shop" for needed supplies.  Thanks for your continued help in caring for the students and staff at Green Run Elementary School!

Upcoming Service Opportunity!

We had many people help us successfully host the District Two Conference in April, but one person that went above and beyond was Joanne's nephew Dave.  He provided all the multimedia equipment (microphones, audio, speakers, TV for projection) and helped us save the district over $1,000!  He volunteers with an organization - Ping Pong Gives - which looks for volunteers to help make their event a success.  Take a look at their website and consider volunteering your time for this worthy organization that does many wonderful things for many different organizations!

PingPong for Charity - October 6 & 7 in Virginia Beach.

Click here to go to the event page.  Click on the Join Volunteer Team to volunteer to help!

At the June meeting, many of the scholarship recipients attended to be recognized for their selection for Altrusa of Tidewater scholarships.  Their family members were so proud of them and we all enjoyed socializing after the introductions with cake and ice cream!