Altrusa Oak Ridge January 2023 Newsletter

Altrusa International

Oak Ridge

January 2023

A NOTE FROM

OUR PRESIDENT

Dear Altrusans:

First, I’d like to say Happy New Year to all our members! I hope everyone was able to safely

gather with friends and family over the holiday season. And a sincere thank you to everyone

who supported us in 2022.

I am extremely grateful to be President of Altrusa International of Oak Ridge. It is a special honor, and I’m excited to take on the challenge. I look forward to continuing to work with our Board, membership, and visitors.

I’d like to thank the Programs Committee for the wonderful Holiday party and to the Service Committee for your hard work with the Angel Tree. I know there were a lot of happy children on Christmas morning thanks to your dedication to making their dreams come true.

I look forward to settling into my role as president and I want to engage with as many members as possible - especially those who are unable to attend our monthly meetings. Please remember to fill out a notecard (left on each table) with the name of any member who is dealing with personal health issues that could use a smile or a reminder that we care.

Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to serve, and I wish you a safe and productive start to your new year!

Yours in Altrusa Service,

Kesha Waters

President, Altrusa International of Oak Ridge

***SAVE THE DATE***

Altrusa 5th Wednesday

March 29, 2023

Creative Edge Dance Studio

297 Oak Ridge Turnpike

5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy a time of socializing and fellowship! If you know a potential member, please bring them with you!

_________________________

Thank you to everyone who donated and shopped for the Angel Tree in 2022. Because of you, 25 children in ten families were able to have a joyous Christmas. Thank you also to Service Chair Samantha Berven and her Committee for their hard work!

Club Officers

President

Kesha Waters

President-Elect

Judy Gooch

First Vice President

Communications

Beth Hickman

Second Vice President

Programs

Secretary

Treasurer

Director, Service

Director, Membership

Vacant

Director, Literacy

Amber Roberts

Immediate Past President

Wendie Aurin

Get Involved

Below are some of our projects and the Altrusan to contact if you want to help.

Scholarship

Betsy Peck

International Relations

Betty Ann Domm

Literacy

Amber Roberts

Partners in Education & Angel Tree

Samantha Berven

MMC Literacy Tote Bags

Bookmobile

Special Projects

Welcome Home Baskets

In Her Shoes

Race for the Cure

Cancelled for 2022

Days for Girls

Betsy Peterson

Calendar

Altrusa Lunch Meetings

2nd and 4th Wednesdays

DoubleTree Hotel

11:30 a.m. Social Time

Noon Program

Board Meetings

1st Wednesday at Noon

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland Office

5th Wednesdays

March 29, 2023

May 31, 2023

District Four Conference

Montgomery, AL

April 20-23, 2023

International Convention

July 20-23, 2023

San Antonio, TX

COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT:

Programs – Selects, contacts, schedules, and introduces speakers for regular Club meetings. Sends information to the media prior to the lunch. Decides on speaker gift books. Plans the Holiday Party and the Annual Dinner. This year's Program Committee Chair is Carol Smallridge.

2023 Lunch for Literacy

featuring Kim Michele Richardson, celebrated author of

The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek and

The Bookwoman's Daughter

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Oak Ridge High School Auditorium

11:30 a.m.

The program will consist of a networking time followed by the keynote presentation. Ms. Richardson will be attending via Zoom projected on the big screen in the auditorium, and there will be a live moderator to facilitate audience participation for a question/answer period. Boxed lunches will be available to "grab and go" or "grab and stay" to visit with friends in the Food Court following the presentation.

Tickets will be $50 and will go on sale in early February. There will be a "community read" of Ms. Richardson's books, and books will be available to purchase with your ticket.

More details will follow soon!

The Lunch for Literacy Committee meets on Mondays at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom leading up to the event. If you would like to participate, please contact Amber Roberts to join the fun!

***There will be no Altrusa lunch meeting Wednesday, March 22nd due to the Lunch for Literacy!***

January Programs

January 11th, Noon

Doubletree Hotel

"Preparing for the Unexpected/

Getting Your Life In Order"

Guest Speaker: Bailey Schiermeyer, Elder Law Attorney

Starting the new year with information that will encourage your personal check list of things to do now to avoid worries later!

Menu: House Salad with Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette; Beef Tips with Rice; Mandarin Glazed Carrots; Yeast Rolls and Butter; Chef's Choice Dessert; Water, Iced Tea, and Coffee

January 25th, Noon

Doubletree Hotel

"Child Advocate Resources"

Panelists:

Tracy Spitzer, Director of Juvenile Court Services, Anderson County Juvenile Court

Margaret Durgin, Executive Director, Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County

Kesha Waters, Executive Director, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland

A panel discussion from 3 sources who are making a difference addressing the needs of children. They will share what ages they work with, who these young people are, and what type of services they offer.

Menu: House Salad with Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette; BBQ Bone-In Chicken Breast; Grown-Up Mac and Cheese (NO MEAT); Fresh Steamed Broccoli; Yeast Rolls and Butter; Chef's Choice Dessert; Water, Iced Tea and Coffee.

If you plan to attend either lunch meeting, please click here to make a reservation. If you have standing reservations and are unable to attend, please click here to cancel your reservation.

The Days for Girls Team is Changing Girls' Lives!

Making Reusable Feminine Hygiene Kits

Workshops are in full swing! If you would like to be a part of this great, busy group or would like more information on how you can help, contact Team Leader Betsy Peterson at 865-207-7295 or by email at betsy.peterson11@gmail.com