Soroptimists donate quilts, make plans for banquet

The Jan. 6 meeting of Kenton-Hardin County Soroptimist International was held at the Mary Lou Johnson Hardin County Public Library at 6 p.m. President Karen Kier welcomed nine members along with three virtually attending members with guest Linda Wilkinson.

Annetta Holmes, chairman of Project Care and Comfort, presented 10 Soroptimist made quilts to Wilkinson for the New Hope Ministry Park Homeless Shelter as well as 4 large quilts and 3 baby sized quilts to Bev Bahr for Hardin County’s Safe Haven.

Following the pledge, various items of the meeting were presented. The Soroptimist Intl. Convention will be held virtually with speaker Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. SI of the Americas will plan to hold the SI International Convention in Ireland in 2023 and the U.S. in 2027. SIA will try to reboot its 100th birthday on March 24. Jan. 24 is the UN International Day of Education. Kenton-Hardin Co.

SI is still asking for volunteers to be its treasurer and delegate. Ruth Ann Cook will gladly guide the volunteer through the steps to be the club’s treasurer. SI Club Grants are due March 1.

Secretary Deb Oestreich’s report was accepted as amended. Treasurer Ruth Ann Cook had her report filed for audit. She also stated that she had given $300 each to the Dream Big Campaign and SI International Fund. The winners of Club 250 were chosen and each will be sent $100 checks for January. Secret Sisters for SI have been chosen and presented to club participants. It was suggested to send cards to Hope Myers, Maylene Deckling, and June Boose. January and February birthdays were announced. 

The committee reports followed. There is nothing to be done presently at Hardin Hills Rose Garden from Linda Moon. Annetta Holmes will check about scheduling the club quilt making day in April. Melinda McConnell is working on nominations for officers for 2022-24. President Kier updated on portal for applications toward Virginia Wagner, Ruby, Violet Richardson, and Judy MaGaw Awards.

The Celebration of Women Banquet is scheduled at ONU McIntosh Ballroom on March 24 at 6 p.m. Face masks and spacing will be required. It was announced that our SI Club will be helping with two awards within our region for individuals from Saginaw, Mich., as well as our own, as some clubs have disbanded during this pandemic. 

Norma Frederick read a thank you note from Helping Hands for all the donations given to them at Christmas. Helping Hands was providing Christmas gifts for 167 families which included 445 children. SI Kenton-Hardin County had helped Hardin Co. Business and Professional Women’s Club, Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association, and Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Intl. from Hardin and Wyandot Counties to provide at least 3 pairs of socks per child through Helping Hands for the holiday.

These groups collected 390 pairs of socks along with various other selections of clothing. She stated that Helping Hands will be providing extra Tampax and personal hygiene products for Soroptimists to distribute to Hardin County school nurses for students who are in need. 

Having no other items of business, Kier stated that the next meeting will be on Feb. 3 at the Mary Lou Johnson Public Library at 6 p.m. Members are encouraged to bring their computers for the SLACK program. Guests are always welcome. The meeting ended with the Soroptimist Pledge. All were wished safe travels.