Altrusa International of Tidewater, Inc.

July 2026

Please note:

The July meeting will not be held at Jo-Kell this month. Instead, we'll gather together at the the Dedication of the Sensory Garden created by our amazing Altrusa garden group.

See special event section below.

President's Message

GREAT NEWS

Thank you to all the members who worked so hard this year and submitted their service hours! Tidewater was awarded DISTINGUISED CLUB again for 2025-26! Well done Tidewater!!

It is certainly summer! Temperatures go up and down and we're grateful when it's in the 80s! I hope the high temperatures aren't putting a damper on your summer fun!

We have a wonderful event coming up on Monday evening at the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center. Our garden group has done wonderful things with one of the gardens at the Veterans center and I hope all of you can attend the dedication that will honor our own Martha Frost, as an avid Master Gardener and Altrusan, as well has her husband, Jack Frost, a veteran. Please wear your Altrusa shirts if you have one. Also, please be sure to let June and/or Barb S. know your intentions to attend so they know how many will be there. Please see the graphic above with the address. This is a wonderful opportunity for our club to support the veterans in our area, as well as the wonderful work our club members have done for our community.

The Service Committee has been working to plan a service calendar for this club year. Please take a look at the list below so you will know what we are suggesting. This year we will have to look very closely at the number of members who will pledge to participate in an activity before we plan it. Often in the last few years the level of participation by members has dropped, which truly limits the impact we can have for an organization. The more participation we have by our members, the larger the impact on the organzation AND the more we all get out of the hard work that is done. Remember, service is more than donating money, it is giving our time too. Both are important, so please look at the list and consider how you will participate as an Altrusan.

I look forward to seeing everyone at Monday's Sensory Garden dedication at Jones & Cabacoy Veternans Care Center! Together we make the greatest impact in our community!!

Sincerely,

Shari

Holdiay Social Committee

We need a few members to work with Jennifer to deterine a replacement social in lieu of the Holdiay Social (at least the date/time).

If you're interested in working on this... please let Jennifer know.

Update your Yearbook Info!

If you have had changes to your information in the yearbook, please contact Barb S. or Lisa C. to update. They will be working on the yearbook soon and we want to ensure that all the information is correct.

Board Actions - July 2026

The Board has not taken action on this, but it was brought up at the July Board meeting: Governor Brenda has requested that Tidewater host the 2029 District Two Conference. I know it seems like yesterday that we finished our last conference, but it may be out turn again. I did not agree, but we will need to discuss this at the September meeting.

Please keep in mind a few things... if the District Two Leadership progresses as expected, that will be the conference that I will be installed as Governor. Of course I would love to have as many of you attend that conference, but I do know that it is a lot of work. The Board discussed the possibilities of sharing responsibilities with another club (or two). So please think about this so we can discuss/decide in September.

July Accent

Greetings Altrusans,

I hope this message finds you all doing well. In the days following our Fourth of July celebrations and the 250th anniversary of our nation, many of us are still holding onto the joy of time spent with family, the sparkle of fireworks over our Virginia skies, and the pride we feel in our country.

Here in Hampton Roads, where history surrounds us and our waterways connect our communities, this celebration felt especially meaningful. As we gathered with loved ones, we were reminded of the freedoms that have shaped our nation—literacy, free speech, freedom of expression, and the freedom to choose our own paths.

These values are deeply connected to the work we do as Altrusans. Over the past weeks and months, we have continued to support literacy in our local schools and neighborhoods, helping to give others the tools to find their voice and share their stories. In doing so, we carry forward one of our nation’s most important promises.

More than anything, this season reminded us of what we hold closest—community, family, and kindness. Whether we were volunteering, connecting with neighbors, or simply spending time together, those small moments made a lasting impact.

As we look ahead, we do so with grateful hearts and a renewed commitment to serve. Together, we will continue to uplift our community through literacy, compassion, and the enduring spirit of Altrusa.

With appreciation, pride. And Happy (Belated) Independence Day!

All the Best,

Tracey

Special Event: Dedication of the Sensory Garden - July 20th

Please plan to attend the Jones & Cabacoy Veterans Care Center's dedication ceremony celebrating the love, hours of teamwork, and huge success achieved by members of our club as they created a sensory garden for the Center's patients, families, and staff.

Please wear your Altrusa shirt and best smile as we introduce our club to the Center and their families.
Please Arrive in time to be seated at 6:30 pm.
The plan right now, is for an outdoor event. If the weather changes, they'll move it inside.

(Thanks to Jennifer for these amazing posters.)

Committee Reports

Service Committee - Joanne

Where do I submit my hours?⬆️⬆️

⬆️Follow these arrows.

⬆️ Click the Service Hours image directly above this paragraph.

⬆️ Answer a couple of quick questions.

How do I check the hours already submitted? click here
As you add your hours, you may also add a reminder for yourself.

If you have any other questions about this, please contact Shari.

Service Committee Suggestions for Projects/Activities:

The projects/activities listed are only for service, not environmental, scholarship, or international activities.

TBD: Lynnhaven River Now, Literacy Nights at GRES and Jennifer’s School.

Looking for a cool, helpful, service activity this summer?
We've got TWO of them for you!

FOR ALL YOU BOOK LOVERS...

How about helping the folks at REACH in Norfolk sort the books they've received?

Tuesday, August 4th
11:00 am - 4:00 pm

They've got tables with books (low impact) in an air conditioned space and are looking for 5 volunteers.
For more details, please contact Jennifer.

How about a
Reusable Bag Sewing Workshop?

Meet the folks at Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach and learn to make a reusable fabric bags for your own use or as reusable items for those in need.

Saturday, July 18th
10:00 am - 12:00 noon

No need to bring anything, all supplies will be available.

For more info or to sign up,
* SCAN the QR code on the poster ➡️➡️➡️➡️
or * VISIT LRNow.org/events

Still got a question? Please contact Ellen.

Scholarship Committee - Cathy M.

Scholarships Awarded at June Meeting - Big Plans!

Seven Hampton Roads students were selected by our committee to each receive an award of $500, payable to the school. Three of the students were unable to attend our meeting.

Each of the four scholarship winners who attended our June meeting were engaging, proud, and very clear in their interest in starting their next stage of learning.

Hampton Roads schools represented by the winners were: First Colonial (2), Kellan (1), Kempsville High School (2), Bayside (1) and Tallwood (1). Their colleges of choice are: Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, Old Dominion University, and University of Connecticut, Liberty University, and VA Union University. We wish them each all the best!

Communication Committee - Lisa C.

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last names should not be included on any ANYTHING that might/will be posted online.

Check out the info about Club 52!

Read the October Governor's Message for more information - and how to join as a charter member!

To view Tidewater's 24-26 Strategic Plan,
click here.

Want to order items from Amazon for HOPE Village and other service projects? Check out this wish list created by Joanne (with a little help from her sister, Karen)!

Joanne's Altrusa List