The local chapter of Altrusa participated in the two-day virtual 65th District Two Conference held April 30 through May 1. The conference was represented by 14 clubs, with a total of 268 members. The local club was recognized for 80 years of service and received numerous awards for their hard work and service to the local community during the pandemic.
Awards received at the conference included:
Edith W. Nelson Environmental Award – First Place
Ann Ayer Yearbook Award – Third Place
Irene Mardis Newsletter Award – Second Place
Mary S. Resh Program Planning Award – Second Place
Betty S. Brooks/Letha H. Brown Literacy Award – Second Place
Betty C. Schwartz Presidential Excellence Award Presented to Karen Cecil-Club President
Altrusa of Martinsville/Henry County met Saturday, May 22, for-the-end of the year meeting led by President, Karen Cecil.
Members celebrated and reminisced on the past year and the many challenges it faced during the pandemic. Members were happy to see each other in person. The May meeting was the first in-person the club has had since last August. All other meetings throughout the year were held virtually.
During the pandemic the club still managed to have signs made showing appreciation for poll workers; these were distributed to area polling precincts the day of the November election in Martinsville and Henry County.
In April, signs were distributed at local daycares recognizing workers at these locations. Thank-you cards were written and distributed to firefighters, law enforcement, and other first responders in September, thanking them for their hard work and dedication during the pandemic.
Members donated and participated in Wreaths Across America in December. The club most recently collected and purchased personal hygiene items for Days for Girls (Altrusa Service Project). These items will be sent to girls in third-world countries to help improve their quality of life.
Officers for the biennium 2021-2023 were installed by Dianne Vann. These included Nancy Bryant, president; Deloris East, vice president; Betty Crotty, secretary; Deborah Belcher, treasurer; Lil Geib, and Evalyn Chapman, directors.
(Submitted by Deloris S. East)
