SIDNEY — Altrusa International of Sidney was organized on June 10, 1944. The current Club focuses on literacy, scholarships, and community service in Shelby County and is a 501(c)(3) organization.

“There was much excitement as the year started with the group receiving a $1,500 grant from the local Sidney Elks Lodge 786 for their 12th Annual Adult Spelling Bee which was held on March 21 at Ohio Living Dorothy Love, said Vice President Christi Thomas. “The group subsequently handed out three $1,000 scholarships at their birthday meeting in June.”

Her report continues:

The Club, with some help from Lima Altrusa, hosted the District Five Conference April 26-28 at the Howard Johnson’s in Lima where member Suzanne Cline was sworn in as District Governor. They also presented the Ruth B. Emmons Award for outstanding newsletter. Named for the Sidney club’s first president, the award is presented annually at conference.

The Sidney Club hosted a couple Little Red Caboose ceremonies to honor the kids who had graduated from the Imagination Library program in Shelby County. A big supporter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Altrusa of Sidney had received a grant to hold the ceremonies. They also received a grant to help purchase books, clothing, and personal care items for the men who are living at the new Star House.

Members of the group attended the Quad City dinner in April in Springfield. Quad City is Altrusa Clubs from Troy, Springfield, Lima, and Sidney and each year a different club hosts a dinner while one of the others is in charge of entertainment and the other two donate $100 to a charity.

President Bev Mintchell and her officers Vice President Christi Thomas, Secretary Ann Weiskittel, Treasurer Cynthia McRill, and Directors Kay Miller and Dianne Wells worked on updating the groups’ By-laws. The Foundation Officers are Chair Ollie Anthony, Vice-President and Treasurer Christi Thomas and Secretary Cynthia McRill.

Members hosted a blood drive on July 16 and in October handed out books to the kids attending the downtown kids fall festival.

They also rang the Salvation Army bell at Kroger in December and monthly sponsor a child from Burkina Faso through Compassion International.

Two social events were held during 2019 and new members initiated included Linda Nuss, Mary Hook, and Ruth Hinzman.

Anyone interested in Altrusa may attend one of their meetings which are held the first Wednesday of each month (except July) at the Amos Memorial Library at 5:30 pm.