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President's Message

Greetings!

The month of February is known for many holidays. We celebrate most notably Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. But for those of us who are civic minded, we also raise awareness for Black History, Heart Health, Woman’s Health and Cancer Prevention during the month, too. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States and can affect women at any age. Nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through lifestyle changes. February 6th is National Wear Red Day - The Go Red for Women movement empowers women to prioritize their heart health. Let's wear something "red" for the February 11th zoom meeting.

We also celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This month our speaker will be one of the Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowship winners. The Amelia Earhart Fellowship was established in 1938 in honor of famed pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart. The US$10,000 Fellowship is awarded annually to up to 30 women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering and space sciences. See more information about our program speaker below.

Remember to join us via Zoom on Wednesday, February 11, gathering at 5:45 pm for the February membership meeting because of winter weather (details will be emailed). This is a good meeting to invite your friends to learn more about the Zonta Club activities and consider joining us to Build a Better World for Women and Girls. Please let me know of any guests so we can welcome them.

Kathy Gates, President

February Meeting - International Day of Women and Girls in Science

In February we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Our guest speaker this month is Kirtee Ramo, a winner of a ZI Amelia Earhart Fellowship 2025 scholarship.

Following completion of her Ph.D. at State University of New York at Stony Brook where she studies planetary geochemistry and mineralogy. she hopes to continue working on space missions at a national research laboratory. Ultimately, she aspires to serve as a science advisor for a legislator or nonprofit organization, helping to bridge the gap between scientific research and public policy.

Send an email to zontaclubhbg@gmail.com if you'd like to join our Zoom meeting.

Greenlight Operation recently published an article on the role of local focus toward disrupting human trafficking.

"Dismantling the cultural and criminal infrastructure of human trafficking requires a counteractive system centered on prevention, justice, and restoration. Central to this solution: carefully crafted, consistently enforced policies driven by community advocacy. "

BREAKING NEWS - The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act has been signed into law, providing federal relief for survivors of human trafficking who were forced to commit non-violent and some violent crimes as a result of their exploitation. After an almost decade-long fight for this legislation, this long-awaited historic victory is pivotal to supporting survivors of human trafficking who are working to reestablish their lives, allowing them to clear their records of nonviolent offenses they were forced to commit. (Hope.Inspire.Love. Facebook post).

Click here to read more from Greenlight Operation about the legislative work still to be done in Pennsylvania.

New year, new and familiar service projects

Join us for a creative project on Saturday, February 7, making Valentine Day cards to share with individuals in the community. Please sign up. You’ll receive additional details following your RSVP. Questions? Please contact Brianna Hoglen.

We have a workday at Mission Central scheduled for Tuesday, February 24. Please contact Suzanne Gale to sign up for a meaningful morning (9:15 - 11:45) of preparing kits to be shared with those in disaster areas.

Looking ahead we're scheduling a workday at Libby Urie Food Pantry in March.

The Committee is pursuing in-person tours of several significant programs in Central PA to help deepen our understanding of the issues and needs facing women in our community.

We received sincere thanks from several of the recipients of our Party with a Purpose event in December.

Membership Update

Check out our fabulous Zonta artifacts display at the beautiful Simpson Library located at 16 North Walnut Street in the heart of Mechanicsburg during the month of February. Thanks to Claudia and Kathy for setting up the display and Suzanne for making the arrangements.

We are always interested in growing the membership and there is an opportunity to join at this time of year. If you know of someone who would like to learn more about the Zonta Club mission and service opportunities, invite them to attend the February 11th Zoom meeting. The membership dues for the 2nd half of the year (December-March) are offered at a reduced price. Anyone joining in April will get the advantage of 14 months dues payment.

It was great to see everyone at the Zoom meeting on January 14th. There were 16 members and 3 guests on the call.

February Birthdays: Maggie Fitter

Fundraising Update

Please add our 5th Annual Bingo event to your calendar and invite your friends and family to join us Saturday, April 18 at the Hampden Township Recreation Department Community Room.

Food and fun guaranteed. Winners for every game - will you be one of them??

Pre-event: Over the last few years, we have learned that advance ticket sales and players in the seats help make this a successful event! Members will receive tickets in February to begin lining up participants.

Day of: There will be a variety of ways to support this FUNdraiser on April 18 with your time and donation for food and beverage needs.

A donation in honor of birthdays, anniversaries or other special events is a great way to support the Foundation throughout the year.

Donations to the Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey Foundation may be sent anytime to;

Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey Foundation

P.O. Box 590 ~ Hummelstown, Pa 17036

Thank you for helping to build a better world for women and girls!

Heart attack and stroke are life-or-death emergencies — every second counts. If you think you or someone you’re with has any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

Read here about the Signs and Symptoms to know.

Ending Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence, specifically violence against women and girls, is a severe violation of human rights. Violence not only negatively affects women and girls; it also affects their families, communities and countries. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace and in open spaces, and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and in conflict.

Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey Calendar