International Scholarship Award

Through our member, Cathy Baybutt and her cousin, Peter Duston, we learned the story of Bishmita Dahal of Budhatum, Nepal.  Fourteen-year-old Bishmita will be leaving her home, devastated by earthquake, to study at Washington Academy in East Machias, Maine.  Washington Academy is providing a full academic scholarship to Bishmita based on merit- a strong academic record, her excellent English skills and motivation to study medicine.  However, medical insurance and travel expenses are not covered by her scholarship.  In June, Altrusa of Carroll County awarded Bishmita a $500 scholarship to assist with these costs and awarded an additional $500 grant to the small school in her village which had been destroyed in the earthquake.  We have recently learned that this grant will be used to install a toilet in the school.  We will continue to share Bishmita's story and progress at school.

Children in Budhatum, Nepal.

Celebration of New Member and Board Installation

At a lovely dinner at Remick Farm Museum on June 12th, our Club welcomed our newest member, Beth Wheatley Dyson, and installed Lisa Maggiolo as Treasurer and Ellen Andreano as Board member.  Good food, much laughter and wonderful Altrusa friendships made it a special evening.

Kathy, Beth, Nancy, Barb and Cathy

Barb, Peg, Lisa, new Treasurer, Ellen, new Board member, Nancy

Plant Sale a Success!

On a bright and sunny Saturday, June 3rd, Altrusa of Carroll County worked with the Friends of the Cook Library in Tamworth selling perennial plants and books.  As one of our major fundraisers in which we partner with the Cook Memorial Library, we were happy that business was brisk.  The Calendar Raffle was also a success and Diane will have final numbers for us soon.  Many thanks to the Library for hosting this sale, and many thanks to our members who worked hard digging, potting and selling.

Donna, Beth, Diane and Kathy ready for business.

Plant Sale and Planters

Our annual Plant Sale and fundraiser is planned for Saturday, June 3rd at the Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth Center.  Many members have been digging and potting perennials and today a small group worked on making 12 cement planters which will be offered for sale.  Diane Robinson got everyone organized, bought the mortar mix and taught a small group of us how to make these popular planters.  Don't forget to come to the Plant and Book Sale on June 3rd - and bring a friend!

Ruth Stevens, Lisa Maggiolo, Cindy Hyatt, Pat Kehoe up to their elbows in burlap and cement.

Diane Robinson, Master Mortar Mixer!

Habitat for Humanity Women's Build

At this annual event, Altrusa of Carroll County provides breakfast and lunch for the hard-working women and men at the Habitat for Humanity Women's Build.  This year 40 women and 10 men came to work at the build site in Madison at Sokokis Pines.  On this bright sunny day, the work crew framed the walls and began sheathing them.  Our lunch was enthusiastically received, especially the cookies!  Many thanks to all those who baked and served and the Community Market who helped to provide the food.

Marsha Brown, Beth Dyson, Sue Battles, Kathy Somerville setting up at the build site.

Sue Battles, Ruth Stevens, Pat Kehoe setting up lunch.

Builders enjoying a great lunch!

Serving at the Gibson Senior Center

We volunteered to help the volunteers!  On May 11th the Gibson Senior Center provided a "Thank You Luncheon" for all of their Meals-On-Wheels, Thrift Store, Servers and other volunteers.  It was a special event for which our members volunteered to help and serve this special luncheon.  Attending was our own Kathy Laracy with her husband Rich who deliver Meals-On-Wheels and, as many of our Altrusans do, provide community service in many ways.

Kathy Somerville, Kathy Laracy, Lorraine Streeter, Linda Armstrong

Servers Lisa, Kathy, Lorraine and Linda

Fun at District One Conference

          Mystic, CT was a beautiful location for our District One 61st Annual conference, organized by the NE Connecticut Club.  Six of our club members attended and enjoyed the keynote speakers and the breakout workshop sessions.  Ideas and service projects were happily shared among attendees.  At the Saturday banquet, Anne Rash was installed as District One Governor along with other Board members.

     We also spent a sunny afternoon at Historic Mystic Seaport touring a whaling ship, a Viking longboat, historic schooner, and village craft demonstrations.  The wonderful guides told great stories and answered our many questions.  We even saw the Mayflower II being repaired.
     But the best part was the camaraderie we found among friends with a common purpose.  The talents of the women in Altrusa are what makes this Organization special.  We look forward to next year's Conference in Portland, Maine.

Lisa with Leanne Milligan of New Zealand, International President-Elect

Carroll County Club members congratulating Anne Rash as new Governor.

Carroll County Club members enjoyed time with the Meredith Club members.

Mystic Seaport was an interesting and beautiful spot.