Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
On May 20, Altrusa International of Warsaw held their annual banquet at Papa Vinos.
The theme was Celebrating America and Altrusa, according to a news release from Altrusa.
The tables were decorated with stars, streamers and garland of red, white and blue. Members wore red, white and blue attire.
The banquet is held annually in May, the end the Altrusa year. The purpose is to reflect on accomplishments of the past year, install incoming officers and celebrate moving forward into the new year.
Stephanie Booth opened the meeting with a greeting and led the members in the Altrusa grace. Vicki Martin presented a donation to Mandy Bailey of Strengthening Families. Julie Hall, vice president and membership chair, welcomed and formally initiated Charlene Johnson and Shelly Turek to the club.
Bev Faulkner installed the officers and directors for the upcoming year of 2026-27. They are Mary Garrett, president; Jan Sloan, vice president; Carol Vierling and Rosemary Laughlin, co-secretaries; Martin, treasurer; Martie Lennane, Susan Woodward and Julie Hall, directors.
Garrett addressed the club and shared how Altrusa had impacted the community through hands-on volunteering and financial assistance to many organizations.
Garrett chose the theme “Light up the Literacy” for the upcoming 2026-27 year. Each member was gifted a mini flashlight to remind us to promote literacy and reading. One way the club will promote reading will be through the installation of their second Little Free Library later this spring.
During the summer, the club meets once per month.
The next meeting will be June 18 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at Papa Vino’s. Visitors are always welcome.
Follow them on Facebook at Altrusa-Warsaw, IN.
