Recap of the October 23rd Hardin Co. Business & Professional Women’s Club Meeting

Pres. Sandy Moore welcomed 6 members and guests Phyllis Cummings and Rozina Eikenbary of the Hardin Co. Business & Professional Women’s Club on October 23 at 5:30 p.m. She thanked hostesses Melissa Tracy and Patty Garmon for the lovely arrangements at Kenton’s Royal Buffet.

Tracy and Garmon introduced Cummings and Eikenbary from Not By Choice. They said that Brandi Rowe is the CEO with Cummings, Eikenbary, and Traci Elliott as volunteer office staff. Not By Choice was begun by Marcia and Ron Retterer after they experienced the lack of local resources to provide needs for cancer patients as they endured the results of radiation or chemo treatments.

The speakers stated that each person on the board has a story of their own cancer experience or have known someone who has endured cancer and its results. This outreach provides all kinds of free items such as wigs, bras, free gas cards, scarves, free food pantry, transportation to medical appointments, etc. There is no restriction to people who are served. Not By Choice is a 501 3c non-profit. It is funded by grants, fundraisers, donations, and memorials with no help from the state or federal governments.

Volunteers have been generous with all kinds of donations. They have made chemo bags which can provide items such as socks, gloves, books, hats, scarves, diaries, and other personal items. A Mary Kay representative helps with make-up choices within the Look Good Feel Good Program. The Top Knot Salon helps with hair styling. There are about 250-300 people a month who are aided in Hardin Co. and then add about 100 people from the surrounding counties.

With such a huge need, there is a fundraiser planned on March 1. This is a purse bingo for $40 a ticket. If anyone wishes to bring a cooler of drinks, it is an extra $5. The office is found at 116 N. Detroit St. and office hours are M, W, and F from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Donations can be sent to NBC Outreach at PO Box 457, Kenton, or call 419-673-9307 or email nbcoutreach@hotmail.com. They have also arranged council meetings at St. John’s Evangelical Church.

Pres. Moore led the group in thanking the ladies for their important information and began the meeting. Secretary Frederick read the minutes from September 25 which were accepted. Treas. Connie Dietz had her report filed for audit. It was decided to enter donations and pin fines into the scholarship fund.

Director Sandy Moore of the Helen Mabrey Shoe Fund gave her report for October. She received a donation from the Blanchard River Church of Christ and sent a thank you. She paid Kenton’s Shoe Sensation for 27 pairs of shoes for 12 families plus a check fee. She received 1 shoe application. All accounts agree with the bank.

In new business, it was voted to donate $25 to Not By Choice. Discussion followed about members attending a Christmas show. Frederick will look for information about ONU’s Christmas Spectacular on Nov. 23.

Members volunteered to hostess the 2025 meetings: March 26 is Sandy Moore, April 23 is Melissa Tracy, May 28 is Connie Dietz, June (TBA) is Norma Frederick, September 24 is Vanessa Brim, and October 22 is Patty Garmon.

All members and the public are reminded that socks and slippers can be brought to Kenton’s Home Savings & Loan around Thanksgiving or whenever they have their Christmas decorations up. These will be gathered on December 11 and taken to Helping Hands for Christmas gifts for their clients’ children. BPW is being helped by the  Hardin Co. Retired Teacher Association, Kenton-Hardin Co. Soroptimist Intl. and Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Intl. All donations are appreciated.

Having no other business, the meeting was adjourned. All were wished safe travels and happy holidays. The next meeting will be on March 26 with hostess Sandy Moore.