Altrusa of Cowlitz County ~ The Breakfast Bunch

Post-Holiday Update

2012-01-31T10:49:00.000-08:00

The holidays and all the fun that goes with them have come and gone. At our club Christmas Party this year we got together to make darling stuffed animals that we can donate to one of our local charities. Altrusans chose their favorite animal and brought it to its well-rounded cuteness with stuffing. It was a fun and worthwhile afternoon - a good way to celebrate and be able to pass along that spirit to others.

So - onward to other fun activities!

Our club's major fundraiser, Spell-ebration, is coming up Friday, March 9 at the Kelso Theater Pub. Reservations for 3-person teams and tickets for the event are now available. Click on this link to download more information and the form: http://poouster.com/altrusa/spellingbee-resigistrationforms2012.pdf

The Holiday Season is Definitely Here!

2011-12-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Breakfast Bunch is definitely in the middle of Christmas! We're still taking poinsettia orders, we have the the gorgeous "Jewels on the Rivers" afghans in stock for Christmas giving. (Or hey, treat yourself!) In addition, we're selling raffle tickets for our toy wagon again this year. A $2 ticket will buy you a chance to win a radio flyer wagon heaped full of toys. Talk about one-stop shopping! You can get raffle tickets at Cowlitz Credit Union on Friday, Dec 16, or anytime at Banda's Bouquets on Broadway in Longview.

November Happenings

2011-11-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

November is always a fun month - all those holiday bazaars, thoughts of fall foods, and holiday planning. We can help you with two things - decorating and gifts! First of all, we've started taking orders for our florist-grade, lovely six-inch poinsettias. There are color choices available. They're a great buy at $13 each, fresh, and delivered directly to you - PLUS - you get the added benefit of knowing your money is going to support community programs. The local Emergency Support Shelter is one of our projects, and we were recently honored to participate in their Candlelight Ceremony to support victims of domestic violence.

On to gifts - we have the perfect gift for anyone on your list! Our lovely "Jewels on the Rivers" commemorative afghan is available for $55. It's a finely woven soft cotton tapestry with images of Southwest Washington points of interest and comes with a booklet explaining the history of each "jewel." You can see them at Banda's Bouquets, 1310 Broadway, Longview, or contact us at Altrusa-CowlitzCounty@hotmail.com to place an order.

October Program a Hit!

2011-10-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Carolyn Caines, local poet and author, as our speaker at the October program meeting! She talked a little about her childhood in Longview during the 1950's, and read some poems from her book called In the Noiseless Night. She answered questions about the ways to read and enjoy poetry, and told us about her soon to be released novel based on the life of her grandparents, Passage to Love: an Ellis Island Story. The grandparents were part of the community of immigrant Finns who made their homes here in Southwest Washington.

Fall Happenings

2011-10-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

Fall has gotten off to a great start in our Altrusa Club! One of our ongoing projects is to put together "graduation" baskets for women completing courses at the Emergency Support Shelton. To help start them set up housekeeping, we put together a laundry basket full of essential supplies such as paper towels, cleanser, sponges, dish and laundry soap, toothpaste and so on. Since July of this year we have supplied 13 baskets - wow! This is one of the needed community projects our fundraising supports.

And speaking of fundraising, we will soon begin taking orders for gorgeous poinsettias which will be delivered right around Thanksgiving time. What better way to support our community than to order florist-grade poinsettias from us that you'd probably be buying somewhere anyway? This way, you know that funds are going to help people in our community, plus you get the added bonus of absolutely beautiful plants that are definitely suitable for gifts. More information on that project coming soon.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend always signals the "end of summer" as school starts and fall schedules start filling up. We're hoping for a continuation of this late summer weather here in our area, though. The Breakfast Bunch is busy finalizing budgets and brainstorming ideas for community service. (Not that there aren't lots of opportunities - just picking the ones with the most need.) Wednesday, September 7 begins our fall calendar with a business meeting at 7 a.m. followed by the program meeting on September 21 when we'll hear from one of our active community groups. Please join us - you're invited!

August Program Meeting

2011-08-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday at our month program meeting, Lisa Allen, owner of Banda's Bouquets in Longview and a member of "The Breakfast Bunch," was our speaker/demonstrator at the program entitled, "Flower Arrangements for Dummies." Wow! Lots of great hints and ideas for gifts and centerpiece arrangements from plants growing in our yards, how to use greens and berries to enhance just a few flowers, and how to liven up a grocery store bouquet. She created two styles of arrangements for us, and presented them to audience members. It's fun to find out what our members do for a living. Lucky Lisa works in a 'scented' office.

Summer Happenings

2011-08-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

Even though summer finally started around here and lots of things are going on to pack our calendars, The Breakfast Bunch has been busy lining up this year's projects and priorities.

We held a successful Planning Retreat on June 12. Our new president Adele Gowdy talked about her priorities for the coming term and members discussed past projects and new ideas. We also held a Bunco party in June, which is always a great time. We also hosted Phillip Olson from Progress Center at our June program meeting, when he described the work his organization is doing in our area.

In July we participated in "Bark for Life," which is organized by one of our members, Brenda Courser. Our July program meeting centered around Altrusa, including history, organization of the international and local clubs, and present-day testimonials by members.

Since May we have provided supplies and goodies for a baby shower at the Emergency Support Shelter, plus delivered six baskets of suppplies for Shelter graduates who are moving on to their own homes. This month we're looking forward to a summer BBQ at Betty Trembly's house for members and their spouses.

There's always something cooking in our club!

2011-05-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

CHANGING OF THE GUARD
The Officers and Board of Directors for 2011-12 were installed May 19 at a dinner party held at Parker's Steak House. The installation was carried out with a "Canine Friends" theme, using flower arrangements shaped like puppies, dog bone and paw-shaped cookies, and bookmarks outlining the positive attributes and character each person brings to our club, as exemplified by pets. It was a fun evening!

From left back row: Eleanor Clapp-Shumaker, Sandra Putaansuu, Gail Barber, Lisa Allen, Joyce Leitner, Betty Trembley, Marion Olmsted, Winona Smith; front row Adele Gowdy, Maggi Miollis, Virginia Russeff, Debbie Johnson, Darlene Little, Krista Mead.

Immediate past president Lisa Allen presented the Altrusan of the Year Award to Joyce Leitner, explaining Joyce's steady, can-do attitute and calm demeanor has been a helpful attribute to the entire club last year.

Lisa was presented with a lovely Altrusa travel blanket, a token of thanks from the officers and members for her leadership over the past two years.

New President Adele Gowdy gave a short introduction to the upcoming year, thanked members for their confidence in her leadership, and said she is excited about the upcoming year.

She invited members to sign up for their choice of committees and announced the annual planning retreat on June 12 to map out the goals and projects for the 2011-12 year. Everyone's input and ideas are important!

Officers and Directors, 2011-12

Adele Gowdy, President

Gail Barber, Vice President

Lisa Allen, Immediate Past President

Debbie Johnson, Secretary

Eleanor Clapp-Shumaker, Treasurer

Virginia Russeff, Assistant Preasurer

Sandra Putaansuu, Communications Director

Winona Smith & Betty Trembley, One Year Directors

Marion Olmstead & Joyce Leitner, Two Year Directors

IT'S SPELL-EBRATION TIME!!

2011-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Come join us for Our Third Annual
SPELL-EBRATION

Adult Spelling Bee on Friday, March 18th

@ the Kelso Theater Pub

Brought to you byAltrusa International of Cowlitz County
(The Breakfast Bunch)

Put your SPELLING TEAM together in costume...(or not)
and spell for a cause.
Get your teams ready and break out those dictionaries
and practice, practice, practice.

Pick up your registration form in the lobby of the
Kelso Theater Pub, Banda's Bouquets
or call 360-673-1983 or email jleitner@kalama.com
or click here to print out the rules and entry form.

The 2011 Spell-ebration Entry Form and Rules are now available.
There is only room for 25 teams so BUZZ your entry form in today!!!

There will be fantastic prizes and fun galore for the entire family PLUS
THE FABULOUS PIZZA and BEVERAGES
THAT ARE OFFERED
by the KELSO THEATER PUB staff!

Everyone is welcome...team members must be 21 or older.

A special thank you to all of our terrific sponsors this year and

everyone who works so hard to bring this fun,
family event to our area!!!

Sponsoring All the Balloons

Sponsoring the Beautiful Decorations!!

Sponsoring all the Flyers, Posters and More!!

Sponsoring all the Note Pads!!

We hope to see you all there!!

Save the Date

2011-01-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars.....get your team together....

pick out those costumes.....and study, study, study.

The 3rd ANNUAL

SPELL-EBRATION

will be held on Friday, March 18, 2010

at the Kelso Theatre Pub.

Applications will be available soon.....

but mark you calendars now

so you don't miss out on this great evening of fun and frolic.

Poinsettias for the Holidays

2010-11-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

Once again it is that time of year that we think about the holiday season. What a better way to let your friends and family know you care that with a beautiful poinsettia!!

We have just what you need. We are offering lush 6" plants in either RED or JINGLE BELLS for sale for only $12 each.

Please click on this link to download the order form. Just complete the form and send it to the address on the form and we will order your plants. The poinsettias will be available sometime between November 29th and December 4th.

Thank you for your continued support of Altrusa of Cowlitz County...."The Breakfast Bunch". All monies raised are used to benefit our community and make Cowlitz County a better place to live and raise our children.

Jewels on the Rivers

2010-09-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful Jewels on the Rivers 2010 afghan is now available!! This gorgeous afghan is done in lovely earth tones of greens, blues and browns to showcase the wonderful area of Southwest Washington.

This afghan will make a wonderful gift for the holidays, birthdays, going-away or thank you gifts.....and don't forget to get one for yourself.

The afghan is a 51"x71" tapestry with images of Southwest Washington jewels and includes a book that explains the history of each of the rivers, towns and their Jewels.

All profits from the sales of this afghan go to support worthwhile community projects such as; Scholarships, Emergency Support Shelter, Birthdays for Children at Risk and Literacy Projects.

Get yours today. Available at Banda's Bouquets or CLICK on any link in this post to print out the order form an send the form and payment to Altrusa International of Cowlitz County, PO Box 574, Longview WA 98632

Fundraising ... Our Gift Wrap Catalog Now Available

2010-09-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...time to stock up on gift wrap and other fun gifts. Interested? Just contact us via our blog or email and one of our energetic members will rush a catalog right over to you.....deadline is October 15th...so contact us today!!

The "Breakfast Bunch" Introduces Scholarship Recipients

2010-08-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Altrusa International of Cowlitz County presented scholarships to two nursing students. Thor Jones (third from left) received the Maggie Miollis scholarship and Lindsey Belden (fourth from left) received the Altrusa scholarship. Club members pictured here are Virgina Russeff and Maggi Miollis, (on the left) and Adele Gowdy is on the far right.

We're Taking it to the Dogs - Raising Awareness for Cancer

2010-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

This year we are helping save lives from cancer by taking part in the American Cancer Society Bark for Life.

Please join us for this dog walking event that gives dog owners (and the dogs that love them) an opportunity to come together to raise much-needed funds and awareness to help the American Cancer Society save lives and create a world with less cancer and MORE BIRTHDAYS!!

Please support us in our efforts by visiting our personal web page to make a donation.

BARK FOR LIFE COWLITZ/WAHKIAKUM

Cowlitz Expo Center

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Join Our Sister Altrusans

2010-04-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Our sister Altrusans, the

Longview- Kelso Noon Group

are having a Service Auction

WHEN: April 25, 2010

WHERE: Longview Public Library

1600 Louisiana Street, Longview

TIME: 2pm - 4pm

All services and items are donated by Altrusa members and all proceeds will be donated to Celebration for Literacy!

Refreshments will be served.

Item examples are home-made quilt, a day of skiing, homemade meal with the family, a warm pair of socks, etc. (The picture is only a graphic...this is not a picture of the quilt that will be auctioned).

Please plan to attend this worthwhile function
....see you there!!!!

Spell-ebration SPELLS SUCCESS.....

2010-03-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all at our 2nd Annual Spell-ebration!! Our Queen Bee buzzed around and got all the participants in the mood and the Kelso Theatre Pub offered up there fabulous pizza and green beer!!

But in the end...it was proved that if you know your three "R's" and how to spell "abscissa" then you are a winner!! With a single S, the Three R's outspelled last year's champions and runners-up to win. "Been spelling it wrong for 20 years, I guess," said a rueful Larry Colby after Nerdz With Attitude. The defending champs left out the first "S" in abscissa, a geometry term. The winners - The R's — George Raiter and his sons, Brian and Ted — also defeated George's wife, Judith Bartholomew of the Bee Attitudes.

Thank you to all of our sponsors and participants for another successful Spell-ebration! We look forward to all of the teams participating again next year...see you all then...same time...same place!!

Time is ticking...tick, tock, tick tock.....

2010-03-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

Time is ticking away.....but we have extended our deadline.....be sure to get your team together and register today for our fun fundraiser....

2nd Annual Spell-ebration!!!!

Click on any of these links to get the team registration form and the official rules.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 17th - 7:00pm

WHERE: Kelso Theater Pub

Come one, come all for a great night of family fun!!

We will see you there~~~

2010 Spell-ebration Entry Form and Rules Now Available.

2010-02-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

Come join us for the Second Annual

Altrusa International of Cowlitz County

Spell-ebration Adult Spelling Bee

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Kelso Theater Pub

The 2010 Spell-ebration Entry Form and Rules

are now available.

Just click this link to print the offical rules and entry form....

there is only room for 25 teams so

BUZZ your entry form in today!!!

SAVE THE DATE......

2010-01-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Mark you calendars.....get your teams ready and

break out those dictionaries and practice, practice, practice.

Altrusa of Cowlitz County Annual

Spell-ebration will be held on

Wednesday, March 17th @ 7:00pm

Kelso Theater Pub

Applications, rules and tickets will be
available soon so stay tuned......

Season's Greetings

2009-12-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for supporting our fund raisers and our causes....without your support we would not have been able to do all that we do. We are wishing everyone a magical holiday season and a very happy and healthy New Year. Stayed tuned to find out what we are up to in the coming year...and please plan to join in all the fun1!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year "The Breakfast Bunch"

Toy Wagon Raffle Tickets Now Available......

2009-11-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Toy Wagon Raffle tickets are now available....what a great way to surprise your favorite little girl or guy on Christmas morning.

...and if you don't have kids...you can donate this to one of the many deserving families in our area.

Tickets are only $2.00 each

We will also be selling tickets at the

Cowlitz County Credit Union

December 4th, 11th & 18th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm

The drawing will be held at the Monticello Hotel

on Saturday, December 19th at 1:00pm.

Tickets are also available from any "Breakfast Bunch" Altrusan

or email us a Altrusa-CowlitzCounty@hotmail.com

and someone will contact you to get tickets to you.

Thank you for supporting our Toy Wagon Raffle

All monies raised are used to support our local community projects.

Here Come the Holidays.............Are You Ready?

2009-11-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here it is November already and the holidays are right around the corner!! This year has just flown by!! The shoppers are out and the stores are filled with toys and holiday goodies. We know everyone has busy, busy schedules and we are ready to help you out with your gift giving needs.

First of all, we are taking orders for holiday Poinsettias....just email us at the link below and we will be happy to take your order. We have 12" plants in your choice of red, white, pink and marble for only $12.00 each. We are taking orders until November 30th

It is also that time of the year that we are having our Annual TOY WAGON Raffle. The wagon is plump full of toys and holiday goodies all ready to give to your favorite child. This would also be a great gift if you and your coworkers are adoping a family in the area this year. Tickets are only $2.00 each and will be available at the Cowlitz Credit Union on Fridays in December on the 4th, 11th and 18th or by contacting any of the Altrusa Breakfast Bunch members or sending us an email by clicking on the link below.

And we have beautiful holiday wrapping paper, gifts and cards available and we are currently taking orders. Please email us if you would like to see our catalog. We are taking orders until November 4th and delivery will be by the first week in December.

We hope we can help make your holiday season merrier by our fund raisers, and always remember the best gift is one from your heart. And don't forget during this bustling holiday season, remember to slow down and think about all that is special in your lives.

As always, all monies raised from our fund raisers are used to benefit our many community service projects and provide scholarships for local students. The Breakfast Bunch thanks you for your continued support and wish the best of the season to you and yours.

Quote of the Day...........

2009-10-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

"Practicing an attitude of gratitude spills over to acts of generosity".

Thank you to everyone who donated towels for "Make a Difference Day". YOU made a difference!!!

Happy Fall ya'all....

Annual Towel Drive Going on Now......Please Donate!!!

2009-10-10T19:23:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine taking a bath or shower and having nothing more than a wash rag or hand towel to dry off with? Full-sized bath towels are something that a majority of us take for granted. But what if you didn't have any available??

Upon hearing of the need at the Emergency Support Shelter, Altrusa International of Cowlitz County "The Breakfast Bunch" decided to make a difference ONE TOWEL AT A TIME!

Your help is needed ... and this request is a HUGE one. Please bring your donation of new or gently used bath towels, hand towels and wash clothes to any of the following locations listed below before October 23. If you have donations, but are unable to deliver them, please email us by clicking the link below and we will come and pick up your donation.

All donations will be presented to the Emergency Support Shelter on Saturday, October 24th by the "Breakfast Bunch".

Thanking you in advance for your generous donations!!!!

Banda's Bouquets, 1310 Broadway Street
Blue Water Wireless, 1035 Vandercook Way

Gift Wrapping....Now Available

2009-10-05T20:25:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it ... fall has arrived ... where did the summer go?? As fast as time is passing us by, the holidays will soon be here.

Now is the perfect time to order all the gift wrap you will need for Christmas, Hanukkah or those upcoming birthdays and special celebrations.

And the "Breakfast Bunch" has just what you need....as another one of our fund raisers, we are currently taking orders for holiday wrapping paper and holiday gifts. There are wonderful gifts in our catalog also along with the best gift wrap with fun, festive designs. Please send us an email by clicking the link below or ask one of the "Breakfast Bunch" members to share a catalog with you. We will be taking orders until October 30, 2009.

....and don't forget....we are still taking orders for our Poinsettias...so be sure to get your order in early.

As always, all monies raised from our fund raisers is used to benefit our many community service projects.

Quote of the Week: "Technology does not replace people - it enables people; it only replaces people when they do not know how to wield it".

Here Comes Bertie Bear ....

2009-09-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Mindful of our mission in literacy, our club conceived a plan to bring stories to young children to help open the world of books for them at an early age thereby enriching their lives and opportunities for their success in the future.

“Bertie Bear Literacy Program” is a fun, rewarding experience that allows volunteer members of our club to be guest readers in local Head Start classrooms, taking along a very popular 3 ½ foot stuffed bear named Bertie. “Bertie loves story time,” we tell the children. We read a story about a bear, donate the book to the classroom, plus give them coloring books with a story about Bertie Bear on its pages. This program has proven very popular with Head Start area teachers, the kids we read to, and extremely rewarding for our members.

Cowlitz County suffers from a high unemployment rate, significant high school drop-out rates, and many children qualify for Head Start assistance. Three of our members are teachers and know firsthand the joy that books can bring to youngsters just discovering stories. They are also very aware of the lack of reading done in many area children’s homes.

Virtually every member of our club has been involved in this project in some way. Many of us are done raising our children so spending a hour or two with these youngsters and their vivid imaginations and boundless energy makes us all feel younger too, so it is a win-win situation in our minds. If you wish to donate funds to help us purchase books and coloring books, please click the email link below and contact us.

And if you get a chance, read a goodnight story aloud to a child in your life tonight.

Christmas Is Right Around the Corner ... So Order Now!!

2009-09-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

Christmas is right around the corner .... I know Halloween or Thanksgiving aren't even here yet, but Christmas is coming ... so it is time to order your holiday Poinsettias. The "Breakfast Bunch" Altrusa of Cowlitz County is selling Poinsettias for the holidays so be sure to place your order early so you don't miss out!! Just send us a quick email at the link below to place your order.

The current choices available are red, white, pink and marble and they are only $12.00 each. They are lush, full, gorgeous 6" pots and the pick up date will be approximately November 24th - just in time to deliver to all your friends and family for the holidays!!

Our fund raising efforts fund scholarships at LCC, the Emergency Support Shelter, plus many other deserving organizations in Cowlitz County so your generous donations and purchases of Poinsettias will be very much appreciated.

Please contact us if you have any questions and thank you for making this fund raiser another great success for The Breakfast Bunch!!

Make A Difference Day .... October 24, 2009

2009-09-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

What is make a difference day? Make A Difference Day is the largest national day of helping others - a day of neighbors helping neighbors - and best of all - everyone can participate!!

Can you imagine taking a bath or shower and having nothing more than a wash rag or hand towel to dry off with?

Full-sized bath towels are something that a majority of us take for granted. But what if you didn't have any available??

Upon hearing of the need at the Emergency Support Shelter, Altrusa International of Cowlitz County "The Breakfast Bunch" decided to make a difference ONE TOWEL AT A TIME!

Your help is needed to make this difference a HUGE one...so please bring your donation of bath towels to any of the following locations listed below the week of October 18-23. If you have donations, but are unable to deliver, please contact us and we will come and pick up your donation.

All donations will be presented to the Emergency Support Shelter on Saturday, October 24th.

Thank you for your generous donations!!!!

Banda's Bouquets, 1310 Broadway Street
Blue Water Wireless, 1035 Vandercook Way

Meet Sylvia......

2009-08-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sylvia was nine years old when The Breakfast Bunch first adopted her. Both her parents are deceased and she lives with her aunt in the Wakiso District of Kampala, Uganda. It is a poor rural district of Kampala. As Altrusans do, we are reaching out to help those less fortunate. None of us have ever been to Uganda, but from what we have seen in documentaries of Africa, Uganda is very beautiful. We support Sylvia in terms of schooling and we have purchased a goat for the family as well as mosquito netting. Our goal for this year is to buy chickens or other items for the family as well to help make their lives just a little bit easier.

We support her through the Dove Uganda Children's Fund which was formed by the First Baptist Church in Longview and the First Baptist Church in Princeton, Illinois. Both congregations are committed to work as a team and to move forward together to help the children of Africa in light of the devastation the HIV/AIDS epidemic that has left so many children without parents and homeless.

Yes, Sylvia is poor, but she is fortunate also…..compared to children living on the streets in the larger cities, Sylvia is one of the luckier ones; poor but she has a roof over her head and is getting an education. And she is very thankful as we receive correspondence from her often.

If you are interested in donating to our club to help Sylvia, please contact us. If you are interested in the Dove Uganda Children’s Fund, please click on the link.

Hoping we are inspiring you, The Breakfast Bunch.

Our New Blog.......

2009-08-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone and welcome to our new blog. We hope you will add us to your favorites and watch as we grow. We are a dynamic group of women who are always on the move. We have tons of fund raising projects planned and will post them on this blog. We offer scholarships to our local community college so look for links to that information to be posted soon.

We are a group of givers and shakers.......so stay tuned and watch The Breakfast Bunch go and grow!!