Kenton-Hardin County Soroptimists Hold September Meeting

The Kenton-Hardin County Soroptimist Intl. Club met on Sept. 3. Twenty members and guests Julie Freshcorn, Si Hancock Co. Pres. Julie Walters, and SI Dist. 2 Sec. Alice Sayer were welcomed by Pres. Jennifer Holdgreve at the HN Public Library at 6 p.m. Holdgreve led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

She began the meeting with thanking the officers for providing the delicious snacks. She passed sign-up sheets for volunteers for Market on Main in Kenton on Sept. 26 and the Ada Harvest and Herb Festival on Sept. 19. Karen Kier sent information about by-laws to be reviewed in South Korea at the SI International Convention. We will be voting later on these new by-laws.

The minutes had been sent electronically so Pat Smith made a motion which was seconded by Maria Santo to accept the minutes from the last meeting. All agreed.

Speaker Julie Freshcorn spoke about Kenton’s S.O.U.P. (Some of us people) held at the Moose basement on the last full week of each month. This community assistance was started in the 1980s as churches took turns to prepare food. Kathy Hilty is now the S.O.U.P. manager at the Moose to provide hot meals. It can be eat in or take home. They prepared 1,048 meals in August. They are thankful for the collaboration with high school students who help serve the meals. There is much preparation in acquiring the food from the West Ohio Food Bank plus getting extra donations for any extra food or rent that is needed. They have filed for grants to aid in fulfilling their needs.

S.O.U.P. does do fundraising such as basket raffles, and a spaghetti dinner is planned on Feb. 18 next year. They have prepared 225 meals and more on some of the days. There are 8 board members to work and plan fundraising. They ask for at least 2 volunteers each day to help with serving the food from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Anyone who is interested can attend a board meeting the first Monday of the last week of the month at 4:45 p.m.

Freshcorn was thanked and Pres. Holdgreve began the meeting. She reminded the group about the recent passing of Brian Holder, custodian of the rose garden for SI at Hardin Hills. The membership committee has met at Missie Austin’s and distributed the forms for our secret sister. The fun exercise will end next June. All were reminded if they were participating to complete and return forms to Austin ASAP. Austin is willing to deliver any packages for those who need it.

It was discussed to have Swap Night at the October meeting. More info will come later. Austin is planning a membership brunch at her home on Nov. 7 from 10-12. Austin is planning a lunch in PJs & pearls possibly on Jan. 16. MW Gov. Ruth Waggoner is working on an SIA membership drive called Driven by Dreams for 2026-2030. Any new member will be entered in a drawing. VP Karie Kalb stated a portal is open for Live Your Dream. The science fair for teen girls is looking for potential dates.

Treas. Marcella Frater had her report filed for audit. She has asked for a club credit card. After some discussion, Laura Ferguson made a motion, which was seconded by Maylene Deckling, to direct Frater to acquire a club credit card. This will help with not being charged taxes while staying at a conference. With this availability, a motion was made by Maylene Deckling and seconded by Pat Smith for the club to pay for registration for our representative at future SI International Conventions. Frater will set up an account.

Various meetings are planned. A webinar will be on Sept. 30 at 8 p.m. for new members. On Sept. 26, SI Lucas Co. has wine tasting. On Oct. 3, SI Hanco, IN, is planning a murder mystery dinner so check FB. On Oct. 4, SI Canton will hold a Quarter Auction. On Oct. 9&10, District 1 and 3 will hold their conferences. On Oct. 15, SI Fremont will hold a purse bingo. On Oct. 22, SI Hancock Co. will hold Bingo School at Findlay. It is to learn the proper bingo procedure from 9-11:30 a.m. On Oct. 23&24, District 2 and 4 will hold their conference. On Oct. 31, SI Franklin Co. will have a purse bingo at Scioto Downs. The SI Intl. Convention will convene in Prague from Sept. 29-Oct. 1. All are invited to attend these meetings.

After discussion, Annetta Holmes made a motion, seconded by Marcella Frater, to stop using Venmo and look for another option for electronic payments. PayPal could be another option.

Program books have been constructed and sent through the mail by Laura Ferguson. Maria Santo made a motion, which was seconded by Ruth Waggoner, to repay Ferguson for postage. All agreed.

Pat Smith offered Soroptimist 101 which was a short history of the club. SI was begun 105 years ago to support women and girls when there were few rights recognized. It is going strong in 130 countries and territories. Pres. Holdgreve offered flowers to Shirley Green for 20 years as an SI member.

Discussion followed about our SI table at Market on Main and at Ada Harvest & Herb Festival. Volunteers are needed to manage the table. Literature will be offered and tickets for a 50/50 raffle will be offered. Bonnie Haney will provide the tickets.

Members circled the room and recited the Soroptimist Pledge. The next meeting will be Oct. 1 at the HN Public Library at 6 p.m. Hostesses are Karen Kier and Shirley Green. Guests are always welcome. The meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by: SI Co. Sec. Norma Frederick