BEDFORD — The Bedford Altrusa Club gathered on September 14 at Southland Church of Christ for its monthly meeting, with Kathleen Row presiding over business reports and updates on several ongoing community initiatives.
During the meeting, Treasurer Sara Kern presented the financial report, and Norma Hoffman read the August minutes.
Community Outreach & Literacy Successes
Members reviewed significant achievements in local literacy and outreach efforts:
- Avoca Free Little Library: Kelly Myers and Susie Turner reported distributing 101 children’s books and 37 adult books throughout August.
- Senior Outreach: Loretta Bailey delivered magazines to residents in area nursing homes.
- National Recognition: Bailey shared a letter from the Altrusa International Foundation announcing a $200 grant awarded for a recent local project—adding to the recognition the Bedford chapter received from District Six during its April conference.
- Memorial Note: A note of appreciation was shared from Brenda Flynn, daughter of emeritus member Pat Kruchten, who passed away in August.
Local Volunteer Efforts
The club highlighted several upcoming and past volunteer activities:
- Fannie Lee extended appreciation to members who assisted at the Claude Akins Golf Tournament over Labor Day weekend.
- Mary Barnes called for volunteers to assist at the front desk of the Lawrence County Museum.
- Norma Hoffman organized a sign-up sheet for members assisting at the Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast on October 4.
- Sara Kern announced plans for the Bedford Parks Department Fall Break Fun Day on October 15, scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Altrusa will host a game table where every participating child will receive a free book.
Guest Speaker: Knights of Columbus
Greg Stanley, representing the Knights of Columbus, served as the guest speaker. Stanley explained how the organization utilizes funds from donations, grants, and its annual Tootsie Roll Drive to support programs at LARC, the Lawrence County Special Olympics, and local special education classrooms across NLCS, Mitchell Schools, Independent Schools, and St. Vincent de Paul School.
The Knights will host a donation drive at the four corners in Mitchell on November 7 and encourage community support.
Annual Nut Fundraiser Underway
Proceeds from Altrusa’s annual nut sale directly support organizations like the Knights of Columbus and various local community programs.
The fundraiser is currently in progress and will run through October 10. Prices remain unchanged from last year at $13 for a 1-pound bag, featuring varieties such as:
- Mammoth Pecan Halves
- Pecans – Large Pieces
- Pecan Praline Halves
- Pecan – Chocolate Amaretto
- Deluxe Mixed Nuts (No Peanuts)
- Double Dipped Chocolate Peanuts
- Whole Jumbo Cashews
- English Walnut Halves & Pieces
Orders are scheduled for delivery by November 15. To place an order, contact any local Altrusa member or reach out to Becky Bailey at 812-583-0961.
Upcoming Meeting
The Bedford Altrusa Club will hold its next meeting on October 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Southland Church of Christ Annex.
