Helping Valley Promotions at Reach the Beach

Our local non-profit publicist, Lisa Dufault, asked us to help in staffing a station at the Reach the Beach Relay.  The Reach the Beach Relay is a long distance relay race that is run through the picturesque hills of New Hampshire at the start of the foliage season.  It starts at Bretton Woods and ends at Hampton Beach.  This was our first time helping at this event and we directed traffic and runners at Stop 7 at Echo Lake.  It was a fun day with high spirits and beautiful weather.

Welcome Janel!

Our first meeting of the season was held on September 10th following a delicious dinner provided by the Hospitality Committee.  We warmly welcomed Janel to Altrusa of Carroll County with a short presentation ceremony.  During our meeting we also discussed and organized the many service events for the upcoming year.  The calendar on this site has an updated list of events and meetings so be sure to take a look.  We are looking forward to a rewarding and busy year!

Summer Fun at Wells Beach

We enjoyed two fun events over the summer months, with a few of us gathering at Wells Beach for a weekend of fun in the sun.  Later in August,
a large group attended a wonderful Agatha Christie murder mystery at the Barnstormers "And Then There Were None", which had us all stumped.  Before the play, we enjoyed wine and appetizers at Cathy Baybutt's lovely home - thank you Cathy!

Plant Sale at the Cook Library

On June 2nd, Altrusa of Carroll County teamed up with the Friends of the Cook Library to host a Plant and Book Sale fundraiser.  Business was steady all day with this event continuing to be our biggest fundraiser.  Thank you to all our members who contributed plants, time and energy to make this a success!  A special shout of thanks to Diane Robinson who organized and directed our efforts!

Special Meeting at the Laura Foundation Adaptive Sports and Rec Center

Our May meeting was held in Madison at the Laura Foundation's Adaptive Sports and Recreation Center on Eaton Rd.  First, we welcomed our newest member, Teri Cosentino, to our Club. Sponsored by Kathy Miller, Teri has recently moved to Conway from NJ and has eagerly supported our many service projects.  We are delighted to have you join us Teri!

After a delicious dinner prepared by the Literacy Committee, Pat Kehoe described the many programs which have been developed over the past few years to benefit children with autism and epilepsy.  Pat provided a tour of the facilities and the opportunities offered to families.  The barn has been remodeled into a wonderful activity and instruction center.  And of course Lisa tried out the basketball hoop to score a 3-point shot!

Lisa scoring a 3-point shot!

Supporting Habitat for Humanity

Lunch-time providers: Ruth, Kathy, Beth, and Sue Battles, organizer.

On the day before Mother's Day, our Club supported the efforts of Habitat for Humanity at the 11th Annual Women's Build.  Each year, our members provide breakfast and lunch to the 50 hard-working women framing and erecting walls at the newest Habitat for Humanity home in Madison.  Marsha Brown, Kathy Laracy and Sue Battles provided breakfast at the building site, while Kathy Somerville helped with the framing.  Crumb cake was generously provided by Dave's Bagels and lunch was prepared by the Community Market in Madison.

Fun at the Spring Conference

Five of our members attended the Altrusa District One Spring Conference held in Portland, ME.  The enthusiasm of the attendees, the ideas shared, the service projects detailed all added to a wonderful Conference.  So often our energy focuses on our local service projects, but my conversations at the Conference prompt me to step back and see the many projects provided throughout New England and beyond. Learning more about the International Foundation’s service project “Days for Girls” helps me to understand the need for such projects and the simple ways in which we can help girls across many cultures. Altrusa International provides me with an opportunity to easily help in other cultures and continents. It is so rewarding, and just plain fun to be with these women!

Diane, our President-elect, in the parade of banners.

Kathy, Pat and Cathy enjoyed a delicious dinner at Becky's Diner on the waterfront.

Cathy, Beth, Diane and Pat organizing our fundraising table.

We won the Letha H. Brown 2nd Place Award for our
 Mail for Me service project!

We won the Mamie L. Bass 2nd Place Award for our
 Foster Family Christmas Party Project!