Hello fellow Altrusans,

Just a few updates and reminders--- Eight members from our club attended the 69th District Two Conference, which was both interesting and informative. Brenda Ruby was installed as our new Governor. Linda Smith, Altrusa's International President was in attendance. She's from Kansas and asked about one of our members also from Kansas. Do you know who that is? Keep reading and I'll let you know. There was plenty of good food and comradery. Our club received a number of awards, which we will share with you at our May 19th meeting. 

Please bring donations of personal items for TCC students who are facing financial challenges. These donations will ease some of their struggles as they are continuing their education. Dr. Natali suggested any of the following: Toothpaste and toothbrushes, body wash, shampoo, combs, hairbrushes, hand sanitizer, feminine products, lotion, and baby wipes.  I think household products would also be helpful, such as dish detergent, laundry detergent or facial tissues. 

We will be celebrating Altrusa's 59th birthday on Sunday, May 18th at 2:00 at the Olive Garden in Greenbrier. Please let me know if you plan to attend as I need a count. Please do not reply to all. Just let me know either way about whether or not you plan to attend.

We will have our new board members installed at the May meeting. 

Please pay annual dues of $100 at the May meeting if you have not already done so. 

Our club's end of the year report requires a count of our total service hours, not counting our monthly meetings. Countable hours include, but are not limited to: Board meetings, production of a newsletter, workshops, conference attendance, service and other committee meetings, time spent in planning, preparation, execution and evaluation of fundraisers and service projects. These hours are important for our club to be designated a Distinguished Club, which is the highest honor given to a club.  

At the conference, it was suggested that we should note the number of random acts of kindness we perform. Please think of the Random Acts of Kindness you have performed. There are so many types of these. We can discuss and get a count to report to International.   

What's the answer to who Altrusa International President Linda Smith asked about? It was Ellen Barta! Apparently, they are from neighboring communities in Kansas. 

Hope as many as possible can join us for our birthday celebration and our May meeting. 

Kathy

Greetings Altrusans,

I hope this message finds you happy and well! As we continue our journey together, I just want to take a moment to say thank you — your support and friendship mean the world to me. Over time, these bonds we share feel more and more like family, don’t they?

On May 15th, we celebrated the UN International Day of Families, a perfect reminder of how important family and community are in our lives. This year’s theme is “Family-Oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development.” If you'd like to learn more, here’s a link to explore:
UN International Day of Families

Let’s always remember — families build communities, and strong communities can unite the world. Our sisterhood is full of kindness and grace, and it’s the small, thoughtful things we do that make a lasting difference.

As May continues, we’ll also take time on May 26th, Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s to come! Let’s keep supporting, inspiring, and lifting each other up every step of the way.

Warmly,
Tracey

Please bring TCC Items to our meeting on May 19th

 TCC Student Empowerment and Resource Center Supply Bank Items needed include: non-perishable foods; hygiene products; baby wipes, lotions, other baby needs, but not diapers. TCC students take classes year around. 
There is always a need. Thank you. 

Green Run Elementary School - Teacher Appreciation 

Altrusa of Tidewater celebrated the educators of Green Run Elementary School with special treats during Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Members contributed healthy snacks and sweet treats for the event. The club purchased fruit and water to add to the snacks. Joanne and Ellen met to set up three tables with a colorful display of goodies. The teachers were invited to take a lunch bag and select as many items as they wished. There was lots of excitement expressed for the event. Thank you to all our members for their generosity and support of these wonderful educators. 

Our Environmental Project  Won 1st Place!!

Our submission is titled:

"Green Initiatives:  Spotlight on Environmental Projects Making a Difference “

The Award spotlighted the many ways our Club made a difference. 

“In addition to our monthly focus on recycling opportunities in our community, partnering with another organization by collecting plastic for an eventual bench, continued Days for Girls participation, partnering with the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center by planting pansies which led to the planning of a sensory garden for residences, presenting a program on Earth Day, collecting gently used items for our Christmas bazaar and finally saving tons of paper by having our newsletter on line, our Club did become more aware of how we can interact more responsibly with our environment.  As habits gradually change with education and awareness, our environment benefits.”