June 2015 - Altrusa International

THE BEAT of AUSTIN
June 1, 2015
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
Volume 3
INSIDE
Issue 1
“VIVA ALTRUSA” IN SAN ANTONIO – APRIL 17-19
Viva Altrusa - Conference
Wrap-up ................................ 1
President’s Message ............ 2
Upcoming Summer Events ... 2
MEMBERSHIP
Meet our newest Altrusans ... 3
Membership Retreat ............. 4
Austin Altrusan Recognized
by Local Elementary ............. 4
SERVICE PROJECTS
Smart Meals Tasting at
Goodwill Excel School .......... 5
ASH Dash 5K Bunny Run .....5
Williams Community School
5K Run ................................. 5
Breakfast at Sanchez
Elementary ........................... 6
DID YOU KNOW?
The Newly Revised Altrusa
Logo ..................................... 6
Altrusa International of Austin
Board of Directors:
June 2015 - May 2016 .......... 7
Altrusa International
Foundation of Austin
Board of Directors:
June 2015 - May 2016 .......... 7
Upcoming Dates .................. 7
This year, Altrusa’s 59th District Nine Conference was held at the Airport Hilton in
San Antonio, Texas. During Conference, we were able to network with Altrusans
from other clubs in Texas, meet and learn from Altrusa International President
Ilona Kerby and other District Nine leaders, and dance together at Fun Night in
our Elvis glasses, capes, and sideburns. Austin Altrusans attending were Linda
Nichols, Ann Whitt, Donna Jones, Kristina Mitchell, Nellie Hartsell, Carlene
Sanders, Joy Riley, Robyn Riley, Kelly Netherton, Holly McCoy, Peggy Lenke,
Debbie Mabry, and Cindy Jolly.
Recognition for our fun night costumes, club scrapbook, video and display goes
to Robyn Riley, Joy Riley and Kelly Netherton. Both Peggy Lenke and Kelly
Netherton crafted items for the silent auction. Thank You for your hard work and
time!
Altrusa International of Austin received two awards at conference for 2013-2014:
Joella Terrill Butler Membership Award - First Place and Linda Nichols Foundation
Contribution Awards - Average Contribution Per Member.
Erin Field, Nicole Trubee, and Cindy Jolly received Member Sponsor Awards.
Perfect Attendance Awards for 2013-2014 were awarded to Ann Whitt, Cindy
Jolly, Erin Field, Carlene Sanders, Brenda Reeves, Jenna Wade and Nicole
Trubee.
Total contributions to Altrusa International Foundation funding disaster relief and
grants to local clubs netted $26,000.
District Nine 60th Conference is scheduled April 22-24, 2016 in Fort Worth Texas.
Altrusa of Temple has the bid for conference in April 2017.
PAGE 1
JUNE 1, 2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Austin Altrusans,
Leadership is Key to Altrusa success! Governor Sylvia
Zamora shared this message at District Nine Conference.
This year, Austin Altrusans have been AMAZING leaders
in our club and our community. I am so proud of YOU
and all you have accomplished! Many thanks to our club
officers, committee chairs, and committee members for
your time and commitment. It is an honor to serve as your
Club President this coming year.
Our successes include growth through service, membership, grant funding,
and fundraising. We are following our long range strategic planning, improving
communications, and ensuring flexibility and inclusion in our membership.
April and May have been “crazy busy” months for Austin Altrusans – Service,
Retreat, District Nine Conference, Garage Sale and Golf Tournament
Fundraising. Altrusa International Foundation of Austin was awarded grant
funding towards the Smart Meals Project. Kudos to Cheryl, Tanya and team
who worked many hours executing Smart Meals and preparing the successful
grant application. Seventy-five percent of Austin Altrusans participated in the
March 26 Smart Meals event at Goodwill Excel School. At year end, Austin
Altrusa volunteer service totaled 990 hours for projects during the year in the
classroom and helping other organizations.
“Thank You” Carlene for opening your lovely home to our April 11th Retreat
attendees. Altrusans who made the trek to Lago Vista were not disappointed.
We welcomed Melissa becoming an Altrusan while at Retreat. Hostess
Carlene ensured everyone was welcomed, relaxed and playful. Elvis capes
were created and modeled for dancing at Conference Fun Night (thank you
Brenda for decorating my cape with jewels).
Member consensus is to socialize and network more in coming months and at
our new meeting location at Café Express. Café Express on the third Tuesday
at 6:30pm provides a more centralized location, and it is wonderful to see new
faces and everyone having a good time
June 1st is Happy New Year for Altrusans! Our first Altrusa Golf Tournament is
June 7th at Morris Williams Golf Course. Thank you for your time and efforts
toward its success. Club committees will also meet in June to plan for the
2015-2016 club year. Watch for upcoming news and events on Austin Altrusa’s
website. Many “Thanks” and appreciation to Webmaster Robyn for managing
our website and club communications.
Cheers to YOU, the heart and soul of Austin Altrusa, as we begin our new
Altrusa year!
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
SUMMER
EVENTS
SPOTLIGHT
ALTRUSA OF AUSTIN
GOLF TOURNAMENT
FUNDRAISER
Sunday, June 7th @ Morris Williams
Golf Course. Shotgun Scramble
begins at 1pm.
Altrusa of Austin members helping
with set-up should arrive around
12pm to help check teams in. If
members are baking desserts they
should arrive at 5pm.
Fajita Dinner will begin around 5pm
and is open to guests for $12 per
person.
For more information please check
the Golf Tournament Fundraiser
tab under Events / Calendar on the
website.
ROUND ROCK
EXPRESS BASEBALL
GAME WITH ALTRUSA
OF AUSTIN AS THE
FEATURED CHARITY
Wednesday, July 29 Altrusa of
Austin will be the featured charity at
the Round Rock Express Baseball
game.
Altrusa of Austin Members should
arrive at 5:05pm to set-up prior to
the gates opening.
Tell the Parking Attendant that you
are with the Chasco Community
Partner for the evening and you
won’t have to pay the parking fee.
For more information please check
the Get Involved page on the
website.
In Altruistic Love,
Cindy Jolly
PAGE 2
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
June 1, 2015
MEMBERSHIP
NEW ALTRUSAN MELISSA MATHEWS BY CARLENE SANDERS
Welcome to our new Altrusan, Melissa Mathews, who joined at our April 11th
Retreat. Melissa has previously attended several Altrusa meetings as Robyn
Riley’s guest.
Raised in Austin, Melissa attended Anderson High School and now works as
the business office supervisor at Austin Radiological Association in North Austin.
She and Robyn met at Camp Gladiator where they both work out. Melissa has
wanted to find an organization in which she could volunteer within her community
and have the flexibility which Altrusa offers. She is also very interested in health
and finds our Smart Meals project especially appealing because of its focus on
helping families with children build a healthier lifestyle.
We are very happy to add Melissa Mathews to our Altrusa family!
NEW ALTRUSAN MOLLY McKINNON
BY CARLENE SANDERS
Molly McKinnon says she was actually named after her father’s award-winning
black angus cow from his days in FFA. Although born (a twin) and raised in Dallas,
Molly’s love of travel took her to California immediately after she graduated high
school. She spent the next 8 years living in various cities from San Francisco
to L.A. and even studied abroad at the University of Vienna in business and
marketing. Recently she returned to Texas to be closer to family, choosing Austin
over the larger Dallas.
Molly now works as store manager at The Impeccable Pig, a boutique on South
Congress. In addition to traveling, she enjoys outdoor activities and volunteering.
She appreciates the Altrusan dedication to service and helping a wide variety
of community recipients. We are happy to welcome Molly to our Altrusa family.
Thank you, Kristina Mitchell for bringing us Molly.
NEW ALTRUSAN MICHELLE HENSON BY CARLENE SANDERS
New member, Michelle Henson, was born and raised in Austin and played a
little basketball in high school. Married, with a young son under two years old,
Michelle laughed when asked about hobbies though she enjoys gardening and
cooking when time permits. She works at the Internal Revenue Service as a
Revenue Agent, auditing tax exempt organizations. Michelle looks forward to
volunteering and getting to know like-minded ladies in Austin Altrusa. Thanks to
Robyn Riley, we welcome Michelle Henson to our fold!
We are very happy to welcome Michelle to our Altrusa family!
PAGE 3
JUNE 1, 2015
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
RETREAT BY CARLENE SANDERS
The month of April is always a busy one for Altrusans, and this year was no
exception. On Saturday, April 11th, we met for a one day retreat and celebrated
Altrusa of Austin’s 92nd birthday. Our goals for the event were threefold: new
member orientation, conference planning, and (of course) socializing. And, we
definitely accomplished those goals!
We all agreed that each of us learned new things about Altrusa history and
tradition with our “shared” readings lead by Cindy Jolly. After lunch, we spread
out to work on our Elvis capes for conference…thanks to Robyn and Joy Riley
for all their work and securing of supplies. Two batches of punch (provided by
Joy) went quickly, although the level of the “naughty” version punch dropped
faster than the “nice” version. We were inspired!
As a wonderful surprise, Melissa Mathews, Robyn’s guest, applied for
membership in Altrusa. We could not have asked for a better gift. We all left in
complete agreement…we want more time to socialize with our sister Altrusans.
Thanks to each of you who came, shared, and brought food and drink and
supplies for cape making. You all made this a very special and fun day.
Linda Nichols shows off her
cape to be worn on Fun Night at
Conference.
ALTRUSAN RECOGNIZED BY LOCAL SCHOOL
BY MS. GROTRIAN - TEACHER AT OAK HILL ELEMENTARY
I have to admit, there’s nothing more enjoyable than hearing children laughing
while listening to a story being read aloud to them. As you walk through the
halls of OHE, you’ll often hear a theatrical voice echoing through the open
rooms followed by chants of laughter. This is the sound of Ms. Jodi Picardat
reading to our beloved OHE students. Jodi is one of our many volunteers who
dedicate their time and talent to Oak Hill. It’s definitely a literary treat for our
students, and you’re sure to fall in love each story she reads! She brings her
characters to life with her unique voices and infectious energy. I remember
the first time she came to read to my class, and I thought to myself, “Yes! A
bit of free time to grade some papers!” Little did I know that I would spend
the whole time listening to the story, just as engaged as my students; smiling
and laughing along with them! I can’t imagine the endless amount of students
who have grown to love reading, simply because of Ms. Jodi’s impact! She
has introduced our students to a variety of genres, authors, and characters. Therefore, students are even more excited to venture to the library to get the
next book in the sequel or read another story by the same author.
Kristina Mitchell & Brenda Reeves
decorate Viva Altrusa of Austin
capes on Carlene’s deck at the
Retreat.
Jodi Picardat reading to a
classroom full of engaged kids at
Oak Hill Elementary.
Thus, on behalf of OHE, I would like to take a moment to say “Thank You Ms.
Jodi” for sharing your love for reading with our students throughout the years. Our students will forever remember the way you made books come alive!
EXCERPT FROM PRINCIPAL’S BLOG - “MS. JODI’S STORYTIME AT OAK HILL ELEMENTARY”
PAGE 4
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
June 1, 2015
SERVICE PROJECTS
SMART MEALS TASTING EVENT – MARCH 26TH
BY TANYA GOLDSMITH
Altrusa’s Smart Meals Cookbook
A Healthy Guide for Home Cooking
Tanya Goldsmith standing next to
all of the meal bags to be handed
out to the students in attendance.
On Friday, May 26th, Altrusa Austin held a “Smart Meals Tasting” event at the
Goodwill Excel School for the students and faculty. We introduced the Smart
Meals cookbook and set up five stations for the attendees to visit and either
sample recipes from the book or learn how to read the labels on our foods. Cards
were provided so that the students could get checked off for each table they
visited and drop the card in a fishbowl for a drawing for prizes. Austin Altrusans
had donated cookware, crock pots and blenders for the drawing.
Altrusa was fortunate to have a terrific guest speaker, Karen Flanagan a registered
nutritionist to speak about healthy habits and how to use the book. Karen also
owns a local organic egg farm and brought one of her ‘retired’ laying hens “Henny
Penny” to illustrate how important natural foods are to our health. The event was
very well attended and a huge success for everyone.
Karen Flanagan, Henny Penny
& Carlene Sanders at the Smart
Meals Tasting.
Austin Altrusans at the Goodwill Excel School hosting their Smart Meals Tasting.
Cindy Jolly, Joy Riley, Robyn Riley
& Kristina Mitchell pose with the
ASH Dash Bunny after the 5K.
ASH DASH 5K BUNNY RUN – APRIL 4
For the second year, Austin Altrusans participated in the 5K run/walk benefiting
Austin State Hospital. Participants were Joy Riley, Robyn Riley, Kristina Mitchell
and Cindy Jolly.
WILLIAMS COMMUNITY SCHOOL 5K RUN – APRIL 25
Carlene Sanders & Ann Whitt
handing out water at the Williams
Community School 5K Run.
Austin Altrusans volunteered at the William’s Community School 5K fundraiser
by hosting two water stations and volunteering with check-in and cheerleading.
Altrusan Kelly Netherton ran the race, while Cheryl Taylor, Tanya Goldsmith,
Carlene Sanders, Ann Whitt, and Cindy Jolly were volunteers. The focus of
Williams Community School is to serve children who have an autism diagnosis as
well as children with other learning differences. Many thanks to Melinda Caldwell
at William’s Community School for inviting Austin Altrusa to serve.
PAGE 5
JUNE 1, 2015
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
BREAKFAST AT SANCHEZ ELEMENTARY – MAY 8TH
BY TANYA GOLDSMITH
On Friday, May 8th, Altrusans Cheryl Taylor, Jessica Lester and Tanya Goldsmith
attended the Sanchez Elementary Principal Coffee. Altrusa of Austin provided
coffee, breakfast bagels, sweets and fresh fruit for the staff and parents. We
presented the Smart Meals cookbook and garden project to the group. The
Sanchez parents are very excited about the garden project as they have put a lot
of work into renovating their community garden and see it as a way of involving
their children in learning about healthy eating.
Immediately following our May 19 business meeting, Austin Altrusans assembled
the garden packets which will include the Smart Meals cookbook, Bilingual
versions of the garden how-to handout, containers of zucchini seeds and recipes.
We have also created a bilingual glossary for the cookbook to make it easier for
the Sanchez community to use.
Smart Meals cookbooks handed
out to the Goodwill Excel School
students along with the parents
at Sanchez Elementary at the
Principal Coffee.
Final distribution is scheduled for May 29. Altrusans will speak to the students
during the end of year assembly about Smart Meals and healthy habits. The
packets will be given to the teachers to distribute.
DID YOU KNOW?
THE NEWLY REVISED ALTRUSA LOGO
BY BRENDA REEVES
The new logo was designed to be reflective of the Altrusa brand which is based
on clarity, flexibility and inclusion. Clarity is seen in the clean lines and open
space evident in the design. The flowing lines of different heights rise and fall
to demonstrate flexibility. The lines start and finish together with all that falls
between, symbolizing inclusion, various aspects of Altrusa service, and our
diversity. There is one line that connects, yet extends upward and beyond the
rest, representing the leadership development inherent in Altrusa membership.
The beauty is that each of us can see a unique personal story as we participate
in all the lines of the Altrusa activity. As you look at the structure of the logo you
will see that the image is the letter “A” standing for Altrusa. There are three cross
bars to the A, each having a different color and lending a different perspective to
the image as you view it. This further represents the concept of flexibility which is
perhaps the most important aspect of our brand.
The tallest line (banner, ribbon, or path) is the new deeper shade of blue. Picture
the color of the oceans linking lands around the globe (think Bermuda, New
Zealand, and Puerto Rico), and representing the worldwide nature of Altrusa.
It is like the crest of a wave, and used for the highest arch representing the
International organization. The much darker shade of blue grey is symbolic of the
wave base; the depth and foundation of the sea which represents the clubs and
districts that make up the Altrusa organization. They are parts of the same whole,
only together do they make the letter “A”. The golden colored banner represents
ASTRA, Altrusa’s treasure and our future. The brilliant red line, a very special
one, is the color of the heart, and strength of Altrusans. It represents all those to
whom Altrusa is important; our members, our communities, and those with whom
we partner. Together we are “Leading to a Better Community” wherever we are.
Excerpted from the International President’s Message Dec., 2012
PAGE 6
THE BEAT of AUSTIN
June 1, 2015
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS
CLUB
MEETINGS
2nd Thursday of every month
Board of Directors phone
conference 6:30 - 7:00pm.
3rd Tuesday of every month at
Café Express, 2418 N. Lamar Blvd.
Social Time / Networking from
5:30 - 6:30pm
Business Meeting / 6:30 - 7:30pm
CONTACT US
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL OF AUSTIN, TEXAS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: JUNE 2015-2016
President: Cindy Jolly
President-Elect: Joy Riley
Secretary: Kelly Netherton
Treasurer: Nicole Trubee
Treasurer-Elect: Jenna Wade
Directors:
Erin Miles-Field, 2015-2017
Linda Nichols, 2015-2017
Ann Whitt, 2014-2016
[email protected]
Check out our “Get Involved” page
at www.austin.altrusa.org
UPCOMING
DATES
June 6 - No Activity Meeting
June 7 - 1pm Golf Tournament
Fundraiser
June 11 - 6:30-7pm Club Board of
Directors meeting
June 16 - 6-7:30pm June Business
Meeting
July 4 - No Activity Meeting
July 9 - 6:30-7pm Club Board of
Directors meeting
July 14 or 21 - July Business
Meeting
July 17-20 - International
Convention in Kansas City
Left to Right: Ann Whitt, Linda Nichols, Joy Riley,
Kelly Netherton, Nicole Trubee, & Cindy Jolly
ALTRUSA OF AUSTIN COMMITTEES
SERVICE
Service - Linda Nichols Chair
Programs - Nellie Hartsell and Linda Spigelmire, Co-Chair
MEMBERSHIP
Membership Development - Carlene Sanders, Chair
FINANCE
Finance - Nicole Trubee, Chair
Fundraising - Joy Riley, Chair
COMMUNICATIONS
Communications - Robyn Riley, Chair
Historian/Archives - Holly McCoy, Chair
ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL OF AUSTIN, TEXAS
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
JUNE 2015-2016
July 21 - Business Meeting
July 29 - Round Rock Express
Baseball Game with Altrusa of
Austin as the featured Charity
President: Robyn Riley
President-Elect: Donna Jones
Secretary: Cheryl Taylor
Treasurer: Brenda Reeves
August 1 - Activity Meeting Location TBD (Assembling
club records, photos, awards
1998-Present for Archive)
August 13 - 6:30-7pm Club Board
of Directors Meeting
August 18 - 6-7:30pm August
Business Meeting
Newsletter Editors: Cindy Jolly & Robyn Riley
Left to Right: Cheryl Taylor, Donna Jones,
Robyn Riley, & Brenda Reeves
PAGE 7