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Governor's Corner...
 
100 years of service in Texas…….you are part of this historic landmark to commemorate Altrusans serving the needs of Texas.  Since 1923, Altrusans have been leading communities to the best possible solutions for serving the needs of communities.   Over time, Altrusans have grown to contribute as much as $3,000,000.00 on an annual basis to communities in the form of in-kind services and volunteer hours as well as financial support for individuals, schools and other organizations.  
 
We will celebrate and step forward to begin the next 100 years of service at conference in April beginning on Friday with our Leadership luncheon at Noon, April 21, 2023.  We will step forward on Sunday with a newly elected board of directors on the exact day of our anniversary from when the first club was chartered in Austin, Texas, on April 23, 1923.   You must be present to experience the celebration and joy of marking this occasion for years to come.  
 
Conference will be like no other conference.   You will have the opportunity to hear from Past Governors, the International President and leaders among the board and program team.    Special sessions are planned for Friday afternoon for incoming Presidents and Treasurers to address concerns and needs for the upcoming biennium.   Delegates will elect the team to lead District Nine into the next 100 years with a celebration of all that is possible at the Governor’s Banquet on Saturday evening.   Sunday will be a party of stepping into the next biennium of leadership and the next century of service.  
 
As is custom, we will have some fun as we kick off conference with a gathering on Friday night to celebrate each and every Altrusan’s place in history with a birthday party celebration to continue through the weekend.   Don’t miss this conference!  Be ready to celebrate your club’s accomplishments in your community as part of the BIG IMPACT all of our District Nine clubs have had on the great state of Texas.  
 
Learn about some women you may not have known about who formed the foundation of who we are today.   Ignite you passion for serving your community and be a part of the community called District Nine.   We never stand alone and this is our opportunity to RISE & SHINE in celebration of 100 years of successful leadership and love of Texas and beyond as Altrusans.
 
With my sincere gratitude for all those who are working to make this event special,
Mary Black Pearson, Governor of District Nine—Truly the MIGHTY NINTH!         
 
Dear District Nine,
 
We are just a few short weeks away from Conference Season and I hope your plans are already in the making to attend your upcoming event.  Conference is a time to find out what’s happening around your District, to celebrate accomplishments, network with others, spend time with old friends, and make new friends all while doing the work of the District.  I know your District Governor and your Host Conference Committee have put many hours in developing an event that you will not want to miss.  You will return to your clubs renewed, re-energized, and eager to do the work of Altrusa which is Service to Others Leading to a Better Community. 
 
I look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things you’re doing in your communities as you strive to live up to the mission of this wonderful organization.  Never doubt that you are making a difference, and never forget that …United We Can Achieve Much!!
 
Kathy Folley
International President, Altrusa International, Inc.
 
Texas Altrusa clubs will be celebrating 100 years of service to Texas in April 2023, and YOU are invited to join our celebration!
 
Founded in April 1917, Altrusa International is the first, original, women’s service organization in the nation.  The first Altrusa club in the State of Texas was chartered five years later in April 1923 in Austin, TX. 
 
Our Texas-size party will be held at District Conference in Grapevine the weekend of April 21-23, 2023.  Part of our celebration will be a big centennial party on Friday night that you won’t want to miss!  We will also have a “100th Anniversary” video that will highlight each of our club’s history.  Our final celebration will be Sunday, the closing day of conference, that will usher in the next 100 years of service to Texas. 
 
The 100th Anniversary Committee has designed a special charm to mark this once-in-a-lifetime event.  They will sell for $23 and can be reserved by going to the District Nine Website (https://altrusadistrictnine.com), look for the dropdown tab for the 100th Anniversary of Altrusa in Texas and click on “Charm.”.
 
A “Century History Book” will be produced showing the impact of 100 years of service in our Texas communities.  The book will include historical documents, our leadership, projects, and information highlighting each club and the service they have given their communities since they were chartered. The celebration events at conference will also be included in the book.  Orders for the book will be taken at conference as well as on the District website.
 
You and your club are invited to show your support and appreciation for the service of your club and your leadership by submitting either a “brag” or a larger ad that will appear in the conference slide shows, the history book, on our social media page or in the video. The ad levels and order form will also be available soon on the District Website.
 
We hope every District Nine Altrusan will make a special effort to join us in Grapevine for our “Texas Size” celebration of Altrusa in Texas.
Get registered for conference and make your hotel reservation ……NOW!
 
 
Getting registered for conference and making sure you have a room will put you in the center of the fun celebration that marks this landmark point in time.
100 years and on April 23, 2023, Texas Altrusans step forward on day 1 of the 101st year.
 
 
Commemorate the event by reserving your 100th anniversary charm that will always remind us that the Mighty Ninth’s decades of service are based on the leadership and devotion of many incredible Altrusans.   Charms MUST be pre-ordered.   No extra inventory will be for sale.
 
Important Dates for Presidents to Remember
 
  • February - Elect district conference delegates/alternates and forward their names to Hope LaGrone at Hope.pruett@yahoo.com no later than March 1.
  • March 15 - Grant application due to the International Foundation Office 
Thank you for your devotion to District Nine
 
On behalf of the board of directors for District Nine, I want to thank the Altrusans who graciously served on the nominating committee.   Building the team to begin the next 100 years of service to Texas will carry District Nine Altrusans forward with strength and stability.   We appreciate your willingness to serve in this capacity.   The committee has recommended a slate for presentation at the upcoming conference.   The recommended slate will be presented and nominations will be opened from the floor.  
 
Please join me in thanking these Altrusans for their service for this important responsibility:
 
Martha Hardwick Hofmeister, Downtown Dallas, Chair
Mary Standfield, Greenville
Sharon Tramonte, San Antonio
Sharron Vance, Dallas
Versie Lusk, Southwest Dallas County
 
                                                                                      Thank you,
Mary Black Pearson                  
Governor                                 
Candidates for the 2023-2025 District Nine Board of Directors:
 
Governor Mary Black Pearson will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors in the role of Immediate Past Governor without a vote.
 
Governor-Elect Shirley Raymer will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors in the role of Governor without a vote.
 
Proposed slate as recommended by the Nominating Committee: (Note:  nominations may still be made from the floor during the business session on Friday evening, April 21, 2023.  The positions for parliamentarian and secretary are non-voting positions and will be filled by appointment by the incoming Governor, Shirley Raymer.)
Governor-Elect – Kimberly Kierce has been a member of Altrusa International of Richardson since 2001. She served as in all Club Board positions including Club Treasurer and Foundation Treasurer.  Kimberly has also served as Chair of many committees over the years.
 
Kimberly is a dual member with Altrusa Collin County and Altrusa Denton County. where she served as the Altrusa Denton County Club Treasurer and Secretary. For Altrusa District Nine, Kimberly served as the Service Committee Chair (2009-2011, 2011-2013), member of the Revitalization Committee (2013-2015 and 2015-2017).  She served as District Treasurer (2017-2019), Second Vice Governor (2019-2021) and surrently serves as the First Vice Governor for District Nine (2021-2023) and as the communications liaison and Program Chair.
 
Ms. Kierce earned a BA in Psychology from the University of North Texas; Certified Municipal Court Clerk (CMCC) from Texas State University; and Certified Court Manager Certification (CCMC) from the National Center of State Courts. She has 29 years of experience in municipal courts management and is the Court Administrator for the City of Richardson Municipal Court. Ms. Kierce serves as the Treasurer (2017-2021) for her professional association, Texas Court Clerks Association (TCCA), in which she has also serves on the TCCA Annual Conference Planning Committee (2010-2021). She also served as TCCA North Texas Chapter President (2007-2014) and has received several awards/recognitions from the Association over the years.
 
Although Ms. Kierce is a native Texan, she loves to travel and see the world.  Her adventures have taken her all over the United States, Canada, China, Australia, and most of Europe. She is an avid Dallas Stars Hockey Fan and fur-mom to two adorable Maine Coons cats, Mandy Jane and Tyler Skye.
First Vice Governor – Linda Hurt has been an Altrusan with the DFW club since 2002.  She has served in many positions including President and Treasurer of both the Club and the Foundation.  Linda is currently a District Nine Director and has previously served as District Nine Treasurer (2011-2013); Conference Treasurer, 2016; Conference Registration Chair; and Mamie L. Bass Award Coordinator, 2017-2019.  Linda has held board positions with the Center for Transforming Lives (formerly known as the YWCA of Fort Worth and Tarrant County) where she was the President of the Board, and Emporia State University Foundation (her alma mater) where she has worked on the Finance Committee since 2015 and the Executive Committee since 2018. 
 
Linda holds a BS in Business degree with an accounting major from Emporia (Kansas) State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.  She spent her entire career with BNSF Railway Company and its predecessor companies, beginning in 1977.  She held the positions of VP-Investor Relations from 2007-2010 and Treasurer from 2000-2007.  She represented BNSF Railway on the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust from 2004-2007.  After her retirement in 2010 Linda has enjoyed doing a lot of volunteer work (especially with Altrusa), traveling with her husband and family, participating in Bible studies, playing a little golf and babysitting her two-year-old grandson.
Second Vice Governor – Guadalupe Carvajal has been a member of Altrusa International Club of Dallas since 2002. She has served in several Club and Foundation Board positions including President, Vice President, Director, Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer. She has also served as Chair of several club committees, including Membership, Communications, Finances, and Ways and Means, and Chaired numerous fundraisers and service projects. Guadalupe is currently the President of the Dallas Club and Director on the District Nine Board.
Treasurer – Elle Reese has been an Altrusan since 2016 with Altrusa International of Dallas, Texas Inc. She is currently Immediate Past President and Communications Chair. Elle has previously served as Club Treasurer, and Foundation Treasurer (twice), and is involved every year in the Dallas luncheon fund-raiser. Elle Reese provides technical consulting and bookkeeping services to small businesses via her own business, and provides technical support to her local community when needed. During her term as President she was instrumental in development of a format for use of technology allowing the club to conduct meetings in a hybrid format using zoom. 
Candidates for the position of Director:  (in alphabetical order)
(Each delegate and person eligible to vote will vote for two candidates for director.  The two that receive the most votes will hold the position of Director for the 2023-2025 biennium.)
Frances Dalbey became an Altrusan in 2003. She served as President of the Greenville club in 2009-2010. Her theme was “Light your World.” This has been a motto that she always attempts to live by. She has served in most offices within the club, except Recording Secretary. She has served as committee chair or co-chair for all four club committees. She is currently serving as Foundation Treasurer. 
Frances has served at the District level for several years, having helped with First Timers events, communications workshops, memorial presentations, District Conference program, Communications Co-chair, and most recently Service Chair. Frances attended several international conventions and enjoyed representing her club.
 
Frances is the Outreach Specialist for a local hospital, she has worked in retail management and non-profit. She has always been involved in her community; from an early age working in her church Frances learned that not everyone is at the same place in life. She was taught that it was our job to help where and when we can. She is also involved in several chambers and Daybreak Rotary.  Frances and her husband, Rich, live in Greenville with their four-legged children. 
Michelle DiGaetano has been an Altrusan with the Temple club since 2013. She is currently Immediate Past President. Michelle has been President, President-Elect, Vice President, Director, Club Corresponding Secretary and served on the Altrusa Temple Foundation board. Served on the Taste of Holidays fund raiser as; Invitations Co-Chair-2017, Invitations Chair-2018, Underwriting Co-Chair-2019 and Underwriting Chair-2020. Michelle has served on the District Membership 2.0 committee.
Community involvement: Michelle has served on the Temple Community Clinic Board since 2013 and is a Past President. Altrusa International of Temple supports the Temple Community Clinic thru volunteer hours with the annual Caring Ball and the Living Well in Bell health initiative.

Laura Frias has been a member of Altrusa International of Southwest Dallas County since 2008. She has held various positions in the Club including President, Treasurer and Director and is currently President of the Club Foundation Board.  She has served on various club committees as well. 

Laura has been a retail store manager for many years.  In her free time she enjoys walks with her fur baby, listening to true crime podcast and spending time with family and friends.

Betty Sainz has been a very active Altrusan with the Garland club since 2013. She is currently holding the positions of immediate Past President and Parliamentarian. Betty has been President, President-Elect and Director on the club board. She has been active as Communications Committee Chair and publishes the club directory and the monthly newsletter. Throughout her years in the Garland club, she has been very active on most of the service projects and a member of the Fundraising and Membership committees.
 
Betty was Garland’s liaison in helping form the Rockwall/Lake Cities club with Greenville in 2013 and was a charter member. She is currently a dual member of Lake Cities and is the Recording Secretary. Previous positions for Lake Cities were Treasurer and Fundraising.
 
In District Nine, Betty was asked to be a member of the Service and Marketing Committee. She also participated in the Membership 2.0 Discovery Team and is currently on the Membership Team Leadership committee. Other District Nine commitments were Conference Co-Chair for 2018 & 2023 District Conferences. Altrusa has become a very important service organization for Betty. She enjoys the camaraderie and friendships she has gained by being an Altrusan.
PRELIMINARY CONFERENCE SCHEDULE 2023—GRAPEVINE
(All times and topics are subject to change)
 
THURSDAY, April 20:
2:30 pm to 6:00 pm             District Nine Board meeting
7:00 pm                               Dinner:  Board Members, PG’s, conference chairs (buy your own dinner)
 
FRIDAY, April 21:
10:30 am to 11:30 am         District Nine Reception come & go with Club Presidents & Board 
Members
10:00 am to 6:00 pm          Registration and Credentials Open
10:00 am to 6:00 pm          Club Display and Foundation Silent Auction open
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm          Leadership Luncheon –INCLUDED FOR ALL ATTENDEES
11:00 am to 10:00 pm        Vendor Fair open
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm            Governor Elect Shirley Raymer’s Program Team Meeting
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm            President-Elect workshop with Shirley Raymer
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm            Treasurer workshop with Mary Powlen
3:45 pm to 4:30 pm            First-timers workshop
4:45 pm to 6:00 pm            Opening Business Session including presentation of the slate for election and 
                                           nominations from the floor, if any (Candidates will be introduced and given time
                                           to speak on Saturday morning)
6:45 pm to 10:00 pm          Let’s Celebrate 100 Years of Service:  Friday Fun Night with Cash Bar
                                           (dinner included with registration for Altrusans)*
 
SATURDAY, April 22:                   
7:00 am to 10:30 am          Registration and Credentials Open
8:00 am to 9:00 am            Service Breakfast (included with registration for Altrusans)
8:30 am to 6:00 pm            Vendor fair open
9:30 am to 11:45 am          Business Session including candidate forum
11:45 am to 12:15 pm        Voting
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm          Foundation Luncheon (included with registration for Altrusans and ASTRA members)*
2:15 pm to 4:30 pm            Business Session shall resume at close of luncheon (same space as luncheon)
                                           All Conference workshop—ASTRA IS OUR FUTURE (same space as luncheon
                                          Workshops-Communications/clubrunner; Membership/new club development support
6:00 pm to 7:00 pm           Club Photos and group photos:  Board of Directors, Current Presidents, Past                                                          Governors and International Representative
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm         Cash Bar
6:30 pm                             Line-up of Altrusa Dignitaries and head table
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm           Governor’s Banquet and Installation of New Board (included with Altrusans’ registration)
9:00 pm to 10:00 pm         Reception to Honor Incoming Governor and all Past Governors
 
SUNDAY, April 23:
7:30 am to 8:30 am           Happy Birthday Breakfast (included with registration for Altrusans)
8:00 am to Noon               Exhibits and Auction items to be removed
8:30 am to 9:30                 Memorial Service
9:45 am to Noon               Closing Session
12:30 am to 3:00 pm         District Nine Board of Directors’ Meeting
 
*Altrusan Registration form includes 5 meals.  ASTRA registration form includes Foundation Luncheon.
Guests must register for each meal specifically.  ASTRA registration may not be used by Altrusans or guests.
Tips for “being in the know” about Altrusa happenings in District Nine:
 
Are your club’s officers and their email addresses correctly listed in ClubRunner and Group Tally?
 
If not, your club will not receive the up-to-date information on a variety of topics such as conference, the 100th anniversary, the times for conference calls etc.  Update that information as soon as possible.
 
Please note that you should NOT reply to a Clubrunner email.   You must direct a question or comment through email to the sender’s email.  
 
Need assistance:  contact your First Vice Governor, Kimberly Kierce.   Kimberly.kierce@cor.gov
 
Is your club President or an officer participating in the monthly conference calls?
 
The President of a club can designate a board member to participate in conference calls if the President cannot participate.   Reminders are sent out by ClubRunner emails with the links to join the PRESIDENTS’ call on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  This is a great source of information.
 
Is your Membership Chair or designated 100th Anniversary chair participating in the monthly calls as we prepare to celebrate Texas Altrusans’ 100th Anniversary at conference?
 
Debbie Mabry and Sharon Tramonte are sharing valuable information in these calls about the following: 
  1.  Each club’s contribution to a commemorative book on the service of Texas Altrusans for 100 years;
  2. A charm that will be available for purchase commemorating the 100th anniversary; and
  3. Friday fun night at the upcoming conference.
Don’t be left out of the fun.   Contact Debbie at tdmabry@yahoo.com to make sure your club is represented on the call.  Any Altrusan may participate but we don’t want to leave a club out.
 
Are you receiving News of the Mighty Ninth?
 
If not, here’s what may be happening.   NOMN is sent through the ClubRunner software.  Your email (particularly if it is a “gmail” address) may be sorting it into a newsletter category which may appear in your social media or promotions category of emails versus your INBOX.   Some emails will sort it to SPAM.   Please search and look for your NOMN to make sure you designate it to be received in your INBOX.   
 
Are you sharing the excitement of the 100th anniversary celebration about to happen at conference?
 
As one Altrusan said on a call recently:  “This is a BIG DEAL!”  This is the time to participate in a statewide Altrusa conference and share in the fun, the learning and the accomplishments of so many who serve the needs of Texas.   Register for Conference and bring your fellow club members.
 
 
Club Membership Chair Quarterly Meetings
 
The Quarterly Club Membership meetings are a great place to exchange information, discuss membership ideas, or perhaps to look for ways to overcome membership obstacles.  It is designed for club membership chairs and teams but is open to all Altrusans. Club Presidents and their board are encouraged to attend.
 
The meetings are the 4th Mondays, quarterly, at 6:00 via zoom.  They will be recorded for the website as well.  Please put this date on your calendars.
 
Next meeting: March 27th, 2023
This will be the last Quarterly Membership Meeting for this biennium.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89600028844?pwd=V3BHZ0dMQ3haTXU0RWtqYlp5VElDZz09
Meeting ID: 896 0002 8844      Passcode: 059035
Dial by your location:  346 248 7799
 
Policy Corner: The Nuts & Bolts
 
by Debbie Mabry, District Nine Membership Cochair
Keeping your Members Engaged
 
If you google the word “retention”, you will get hundreds of articles written by lots of people with steps detailing how to improve retention.  They all have different specific steps, but basically boil down to deciding how much effort you are willing to put into retention. 
 
Two steps were common to most all lists:
1. Discover why your members joined in the first place, and then do more of it.
2. Create personal connections
 
Step one:  Why your members joined in the first place
There are many reasons we come to Altrusa – most include the word SERVICE, but there are other reasons as well.  Wanting to make connections in the community, wanting to get to know people and wanting to have an opportunity to hone leadership skills are just a few. Think about the reason you came to Altrusa and consider: 
  • Have we, as a collective club, met YOUR expectations? Has your club met the expectations of your members?
  • Do YOU feel satisfied in the service your club is providing to your community? Do your members feel what they do in the club is important and satisfying?
  • Do YOU feel connected to other Altrusans, or do you still feel on the periphery? Do your members feel a part of the club or still like a new member trying to get connected?
Find out why your members were attracted to your club in the first place and do more of it!
 
Step Two – Create Personal Connections
Remember when you first became an Altrusan and either did not know anyone or knew very few in your club? What happened to make you feel personally connected to others in the club?  What did others do to help you make that connection?
 
YOU can be the catalyst to make personal connections happen in your club. Attend projects and get involved in club activities making a special effort to get to know your new members. Sit with someone you don’t know at every meeting and create a connection.
 
One common step to good engagement in any organization is to thank your members and make them feel valued.  So, no matter if you gave one hour or many, THANK YOU.  YOU ARE APPRECIATED.
 
Welcome New Members initiated Septembe 2022-January 2023
Club New Member Sponsors
Anderson County-Palestine, TX Patricia Leach Marla Naylor
  Annette Bussey Laure Bruner & Lois Durant
Copperas Cove, TX Mary Ann Davis Sylvia Miller
  Editha Natividad Laura Garrett
  Juline Smith Angea Carroll
Garland, TX Maria Contreras Christina Contreras
  Barbara Johnson Shirley Raymer
  Christy Miller Shirley Raymer
  Renee Nicholas Stephanie Noland
  Debra Summerville Tina Rhodes
Montgomery County, TX Grace Jacobson Cindy Hanerhoff
  Susie Merritt Cindy Hanerhoff
  Eva Ray Cindy Hanerhoff
  Sundaye Speed Maria Lyons
  Eva Wolf Maria Lyons
Pampa, TX Susan Baumann Micki Hicks & Brenda Tucker
  Sandra McKinney Kerrick Horton & Judy Warner
Richardson, TX Beth Leos Kimberly Kierce & Sue McElveen
  Christina Gill Nancy Rohm & Samantha Slaight
  Ginger Mayo Nancy Rohm & Gayle Ingle
San Antonio, TX Ayad Kaisi
Sharon Tramonte & Carol Fochler
Temple, TX Jane Gibson Sarah Davison & Mary Black Pearson
  Lorena Hampton DaRonna Ford & Tommi Fettig
  Ariane Hollub Secrest Michelle DiGaetano & Donna Wright
  Ellena Navarro Jennifer Adams & Kennedi Fettig
  Evelyn Waiwaiole Sharon Walzel & Michelle DiGaetano
Texarkana, TX Teresa Leipman Janelle Williamson
  Craig Nakashian Janelle Williamson
  Charity Richey Janelle Williamson & Stacy Hart
The Chisholm Trail, TX Misti Schroll Leslie Russell & Elizabeth Tanaka
  Trisha Williams Sheila Athearn & Elizabeth Tanaka
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Navigating the Web….
 
* Important websites to know!
             www.altrusa.org (click Member Login in the upper right)
             www.login.altrusa.org (go directly to the members area)
             www.altrusastore.com (purchase Altrusa branded items including pins/banners)
             www.altrusaservice.org (browser and share your club’s service projects)
 
Login: altrusan           Password: MamieBass1955
* Give International some feedback and share your thoughts on improving Altrusa with the Suggestion Box.
 
* Important District Emails to know!  
   Membership@AltrusaDistrictNine.org
   Service@AltrusaDistrictNine.org
   Events@AltrusaDistrictNine.org
   DistrictNineBoard@AltrusaDistrictnine.org
   Info@altrusadistrictnine.org
 
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ASTRA Alumni to Altrusa Member

We are looking for you! 

If you are an ASTRA Alumni and are currently an active Altrusan, please contact Laure Bruner, District Nine ASTRA Co-Chair, at bruner01@live.com.

Your District Nine ASTRA Committee wants to recognize you at our District Nine Conference in April, 2023.

 
ASTRA News
 
ASTRA Fall Leadership Workshop held in November
 
Your District Nine ASTRA committee hosted its second ASTRA workshop of the year for our District Nine ASTRA Club members  on November 6th.  Focus was on " Leadership"  which coincided with the Altrusa Fall Leadership event also held in November.  Speakers on the panel addressed different aspects of being a leader in their ASTRA Club and in their community.  Special thanks to our presenters...Laure Bruner, Frances Dalby, Kennedi Fettig,Keira Hoening, Nahal  Ranjbar and Javier Carmona.  Wonderful leadership tips, ideas and personal thoughts and experiences were shared. Topics presented included, what is leadership, what does it take to be a young leader, effective communication, social media, how you can inspire others. District Nine website ASTRA resources and much, much more.  For a copy of the workshop handout "18 Tips To Become a More Successful Young Leader" please contact your District Nine ASTRA committee club liaison.
 
Your District Nine ASTRA committee is ready to assist you!  Contact us with questions on how to start an ASTRA Club in your community.  ASTRA is our future!
 
Important ASTRA Dates to Remember
 
  • March 1: ASTRA Service Award applications must be received by District ASTRA Chair Sylvia Zamora.
  • March 15: High School and College/University scholarship applications must be received by the International ASTRA Committee. 
  • March 15:  ASTRA Grant application due to the International Foundation office.
  • April/May: ASTRA Service Awards will be announced at our District Conference.
  • April/May: ASTRA Alumni Survey information needed.
  • April 15: Scholarship winners notified.
  • April/May:  Senior Graduation Cords ordered a minimum of two weeks before needed for graduation.
  • June 1: ASTRA Club Annual Reports are due to International (submitted online by each Altrusa ASTRA Club chair).
  • June 1: Deadline for each District to submit ASTRA Service Award winner information to International for International Competition.
***ASTRA Forms and Scholarship Applications located on the District Nine website****
      
Altrusa International Foundation Grant
 
Congratulations to the ASTRA Club of San Antonio, Texas- a recipient of an Altrusa International Foundation Grant!
 
The recently chartered ASTRA Club of San Antonio, TX sponsored by Altrusa Club San Antonio applied for a grant during the 2022 fall grant cycle to start a new literacy program at Dr. Martha Mead Elementary school. The ASTRA Club was awarded $1,949.00 of the $2000.00 grant money requested to implement the program in Spring 2023,  The difference is being donated by a private donor.
 
Getting ready to go into the Newcomers classrooms, ASTRA members will be trained in the use of special "Pen Kits' and English/Pashto books purchased with grant money. Below is a brief abstract of the program.
 
District Nine ASTRA Clubs are encouraged to apply for a Spring grant to implement that special service project in their community.
Altrusans, teachers and daughter of Dr. Martha Mead at first training session
Readers Around the World Literacy Program
 
ASTRA/Altrusa Clubs of San Antonio, TX, Inc. will assist newcomer students at Mead Elementary in grades K-5th grade. The goal of this project is to support students who are emerging into the English language and are in need of designated support to improve the immersion of reading in the English language. This project will provide students with literature that provides text and audio in both English and Pashto languages. The school has recently acquired an influx of students who are refugees from Afghanistan and speak Pashto. The Readers Around the World Program will engage and promote the love of reading.
 
ASTRA Club of San Antonio
 
The ASTRA Club of San Antonio has been busy every month since we charted on August 21, 2022. 
 
They have established their By-Laws, meeting dates and continue to schedule Service Projects, in our Communities and in 2023 we will be working on learning on how to implement fund raisers to add to their task.  Our Club is a Community and Hybrid Club.  The students range from Middle School to College age.  They have gotten together with Altrusans and attended the business meeting in November 2022 and listened to a motivational speaker.  
 
The main project they worked on immediately is we applied for a Grant.  We were granted the Grant and ASTRA  has established a relationship with Dr. Martha Meade Elementary where we will be implementing the Grant in January 2023 as soon as all the supplies are received for “Readers Around the World Literacy Project”. 
 
In December meeting they welcomed two new members.
December 5, 2022 ASTRA Club helped the teachers at Dr. Martha Meade Elementary during the children's writing period to write letters to Santa Clause.
ASTRA Club and Altrusans from San Antonio, Texas partnered up with Bexar County Child Welfare Board and filled backpacks with books, coloring books and other goodies on Make A Difference Day.
Back packs were given to the SAPD (San Antonio Police Department) to carry with them in their vehicles to have available for when they respond to Domestic Violence calls.
ASTRA Club of Southlake Carroll
 
It’s that time of year again! Bigs (ASTRA) & littles (PK) helping roll & we are looking forward to 7,500 Red Bags being delivered. Look on your doorstep & donate food for families in need. 
ASTRA Club of Lake Belton High School 
 
November 7th – ASTRA Club of Lake Belton High School made cards for Veterans Day and had a wonderful party hosted by Taryn Cox.
November 21st – This is a special event to honor our passed Veterans during the holiday season. Wreaths were fluffed by Temple Altrusans & members of ASTRA Club of Belton High School & ASTRA Club of Lake Belton High School.  Wreaths were placed on the headstones of Veterans at the Central Texas State Veterans' Cemetery in Killeen for the Christmas season.
 
For comments or submissions regarding this issue or future issues of NOMN:
Contact Mary Black Pearson, Governor of District NINE
marybp21@gmail.com
 
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