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How powerful a quote can be. This month, I would like to quote Socrates “The unexamined life is not worth living”.
What does it mean? Think about your actions and values to live a meaningful life. During the Jewish High Holy days, I went down to the river for Taslich, a traditional ceremony. There I tossed away my sins of the year to start with a clean slate. As the water carries away my sins, I think about what I can do better in the new year. How can I be a better person to those I know and those who are suffering due to food insecurity, homelessness, domestic abuse and human trafficking. How can I live up to the values and mission of Zonta?
As a club, you are doing fantastic service and advocacy projects. What did we do in September? Lots of committee meetings for sure, workday at Libby Urie Food Pantry, Applefest parking, conference in Baltimore attended by Kathy, Kathleen, and me, Walk the Mile in Carlisle with the YWCA.
October promises to be an even fuller month: October 11-International Day of the Girl Child; October 16-World Food Day, and Awareness month for Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer. Go to the back of the State Capitol (East Wing) and see the beautiful pink water in the fountain, a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and a symbol of hope for survivors. One out of every 8 women will get breast cancer in her lifetime. We must do better than that.
Our guest speaker for the October meeting will be from Jewish Family Services, now located at 1500 Paxton Street in Harrisburg. The topic is Foster Care and aging out of the system. If you would like to donate, consider either food or healthcare items for the pantry or small gift cards ($5-10 dollars) for the clients to places such as Starbucks, Five Below, McDonald’s, Sweet Frog -places they can go with kids. Additionally, Kathryn Smith from YWCA Carlisle/Cumberland County will give a brief update on their latest happenings.
Remember,” The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” Tony Robbins
See you all October 14 at 5:30 for social hour.
You have a voice. Let us hear it. Heather C. Jackson, President
Advocacy Counts | Service Counts | You Count | You are Incredible Women
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October 14, 2026 Meeting - Giant Store, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill
We look forward to seeing you at the October meeting as we meet and hear from Rachel Kuhr, Director of Adoption and Foster Care for Jewish Family Services since 2005.
Having grown up in Western PA, Rachel studied in Boston, at Northeastern University, and then received her Master of Social Work from University of California, Berkeley.
She has spent her professional career in the Child Welfare field in varying positions: in home placement prevention, child abuse investigator, foster care caseworker, and adoption work. In her free time, Rachel likes to hike with her dog Ryder, read, bake and do crossword puzzles.
We'll also welcome Katherine Smith, Director of Development for YWCA Carlisle/Cumberland County to share updates from their work and the recent HERStory walk.
Please note: Contact Heather (717-580-7796) this month by noon, October 12 if you cannot make the meeting or are bringing guest/s. Remember, we are all recruiters!
The menu will reflect Fall with soups, croissants, chips, drinks and yummy desserts.
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As September comes to a close, the Advocacy Committee continues to educate and engage our members while preparing for several upcoming efforts focused on women and girls.
We continued to prepare for the YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County’s “Walk the Mile Because HERStory Counts” on Tuesday, September 29th. The event raised awareness of sexual assault and family violence while supporting services for survivors. We appreciate everyone who joined the ZCHH team, donated, or helped spread the word. Enjoy the images of our walkers later in the newsletter!
At the ZCHH September membership meeting, we highlighted Pennsylvania House Bill 2345, which would establish a Domestic Violence Home Security Grant Program to help enhance home security for individuals affected by domestic violence. The bill is currently before the House Judiciary Committee and is one example of legislation the committee will continue to share with members as we stay informed about issues affecting women and girls.
Looking ahead, October 11th is International Day of the Girl. This year’s United Nations theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights,” highlights the importance of protecting the rights and opportunities of girls around the world. The theme has special significance for ZCHH. In 2020, Pennsylvania changed its law to prohibit anyone under age 18 from obtaining a marriage license. ZCHH followed and supported this legislation, making this year’s observance a meaningful reminder of how our efforts can contribute to lasting change.
DVSCP has two opportunities available to us this month to support their efforts around education and awareness about domestic violence.
Both events are on Thursday, October 15:
- a luncheon "Men Meeting the Moment", acknowledging men have an important role to play focused on the role men can play in preventing and responding to domestic violence, building a culture of respect, accountability, and safety. The luncheon is open to everyone and requires registration.
- their Annual Candlelight Vigil is from 6:00 – 7:00pm. The Vigil is held to remember and honor those who’ve lost their lives to domestic violence in Cumberland and Perry Counties. The vigil is open to the community.
All the information you'll need you'll need if you want to participate is available at this link: October DVSCP Event Details.
Finally, planning continues for our Tuesday, November 17th press conference at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. This year’s theme, “Housing Insecurity: Women and Girls,” will focus on the impact of housing instability on women and girls in our communities. Community partner tables will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the press conference from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
We look forward to sharing more details and hope our fellow Zontians will join us as we continue to educate, engage, and strengthen partnerships throughout our community.
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The Membership Committee is working on plans for new tee shirts and tote bags to be available for ordering. We will have samples at the October meeting. It was great to see 17 members and 5 guests at the meeting at the Giant Center in Camp Hill in September.
Kathy Gates will be updating the Member contact list so if you have had a change to your personal information, please contact her.
Congratulations to the following members for these celebrations:
October Birthday:
Somebody somewhere, just no current members of the ZCHH :-)
Zonta Anniversary:
Karen Shirey - 10/1/1988, Kym Vest - 10/8/2025, Alice Kirchner - 10/13/1999
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At the Governor’s conference on September 26, District 3 awarded $500.00 Membership Grants to two clubs. We are happy to announce that the Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey was one of those clubs.
Congratulations to the Membership Committee for their work in submitting the application. It will be used for opportunities to introduce the work we do to potential new members.
Judy Levy, D3 Lt. Governor presenting award to Heather Jackson, President of ZCHH.
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Service Committee Update
So many possibilities to make a difference in our Community!
We hope you'll consider joining us for upcoming service projects in support of our efforts to make a better world for women and girls. See what's on the calendar, with a variety of days and times of days.
Wednesday, October 14 (monthly membership meeting) – small gift cards to local businesses with particular appeal to children. The foster care team at Jewish Family Services finds them to be a great 'tool' for building bonds with staff and family members. Also, personal hygiene products are always needed for their pantry and YWCA Carlisle/Cumberland County.
Tuesday, October 20, 10 - 11:15 am - provide lunch at DVSCP (email Alice)
Saturday, October 24, 9 - 11 am - food distribution at Hanna's Pantry (email Brianna)
Thursday, November 5, 9 - noon - packing kits at Mission Central (email Suzanne)
Monday, November 9, 9 - noon - stocking / shopping with clients at Libby Urie Food Pantry (email Suzanne)
Thursday, December 3, 12:15 - 3:00 pm- packing kits at Mission Central (email Suzanne)
A Monday this Fall, TBD - supporting Dress for Success (a YWCA Harrisburg program)
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Libby Urie Food Pantry Support
Members of the Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey were volunteering at the time a truck from Central Penn Food Bank made an all-important delivery to Libby Urie. So of course, we got right to work unloading the truck and restocking the freezers and refrigerators in the new pantry location.
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Fundraising
Wreath sales have begun - please use this time to reach out to friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to give them a chance to participate in holiday preparations while supporting a good cause - us!! As soon as we hear about the pecans for sale, you will too!
Our club's first annual fundraiser was our long-standing New Cumberland Apple Fest parking project, helping festival attendees get excellent parking close to the festival entrance. Thanks to the club members and their family members for supporting the event.
| | | | (L) Zontian's in training - we can count on the support of passionate family members to help out with creativity and energy! (R) And maybe they get it from our member and new Club Treasurer, Gloria! Thanks to everyone who helped with the parking project. | | |
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!
| | Recent Facebook posts on issues we believe are important. | | |
District 3 Area 3 Director’s Report
Kathy Gates, Heather Jackson and Kathleen O’Malley attended the one-day Governor’s conference at the Marriott Hotel near the BWI airport on Saturday, September 26th. The theme Climate Justice Community Action Collective Impact was well received and there was lots of discussion about Climate Justice to share with the clubs. We filled bags of chili supplies as our service project for the local food pantry.
As part of the Climate theme, we were asked to fill out the Zonta USA Climate Pledge. You can see it on the District 3 website, Zonta Says NOW.
By taking the pledge, individuals commit to learning about the unequal effects of climate change, making more sustainable choices, supporting women’s participation in climate leadership and advocating for fair, gender-responsive climate policies. We will have some forms available at the October meeting.
Kathy Gates
District 3, Area 3 Director
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Participants representing the Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey at
YWCA Carlisle/Cumberland County YWCA 'Walk the Mile' on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
(Top photo - provided; bottom photo - Carlisle Sentinel,Sept 30 )
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