Our Zonta Club of South County Rhode Island raised over $1,200 for our charitable fund by selling gorgeous poinsettias. Members sold more than 95 plants, distributed on December 4th to recipients who raved about their high quality and beauty.
On December 10, 2024, our Zontians enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant. The evening began with a brief business update, followed by enjoyable food and conversations. This popular event is likely to become an annual celebration of our club’s accomplishments and the friendships that Zonta has fostered.
At our October 2024 meeting, the Zonta Club of South County Rhode Island celebrated our first anniversary. In addition, we welcomed new members, as well as new officers and committee members. We were fortunate to have special guest Verna Fresca, liaison to District 1, who serves as Treasurer of the Northampton MA area club. Her club will be celebrating 90 years in March 2025. Verna presided over the installation of board members and the induction of five new members.
At our June 2024 meeting, a representative from Jonnycake Center of Westerly spoke about the programs and services her organization provides to Washington County and surrounding area residents. Over 3000 families take advantage of their food bank. They also provide social services, financial aid, housing assistance, job training and more. They rely heavily on donations of money and goods, as well as volunteers to assist with their thrift shop, where 50% of their funds come from. In May 2025, the Center will celebrate 50 years of serving the community.
On September 1, 2023, Zonta International issued a charter for Club No. 2041 to the Zonta Club of South County Rhode Island, signed by International President Ute Scholz. On December 12, 2023, the members of the newly formed Zonta Club of South County RI held their official chartering ceremony at LeBlanc Place, South Shore Village in South Kingstown, RI. This was an historic moment for the Club, the District, and ZI, as this was the first ever Zonta Club to be established in the state of RI. In attendance for the ceremony were District Governor Donna Sroka, and District Secretary Mary Knight from the Sponsoring Club, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. Also in attendance via Zoom were ZI Vice President Fernanda Gallo-Freschi, ZI Membership Chair Theresa Harris, and District Lt. Governor Donna Raycraft. Mary Knight inducted the new members of the Club and Donna Sroka installed the officers and members of the Board. Nadine Salley past District Governor and President of the new Club addressed everyone there. A reception followed with spouses and family members in attendance. Articles about the ceremony and creation of the club were published in local newspapers. In January a first service project was done...
At the April 9 meeting of the Zonta Club of South County, guest speaker Elizabeth McGann, Program Manager for Girls on the Run Rhode Island shared information about this local group of an international organization and their mission to support girls, helping them discover, build and grow their self-confidence.
On May 4th, Green Line Apothecary in downtown Wakefield will be donating 20% of its fountain sales to Zonta Club of South County. Please be sure to visit between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and spread the word to friends and family. Soda Fountain What’s old is new again. Full-service pharmacies and vintage soda fountains – serving Rhode Island with free delivery, 7 days a week. Curated goods available to ship nationwide. greenlineapothecary.com
The South County RI club was pleased to accept a candidate for the 2024 Young Women in Public Affairs Award. Mae Delfina Lial of Rhode Island will be attending Barnard College in the fall. According to Joan Graham, Scholarship & Education Committee Chair for the club, “Should Ms. Lial be chosen as the best candidate for Zonta District 1, she will be eligible for a $5000 Scholarship.” Wishing her the best of luck. Click here to learn more about Zonta Education awards.
In January, the Zonta Club of South County held a paper drive in response to the Domestic Violence Resource Center’s urgent request for paper products. We donated 65 rolls of paper towels, 111 rolls of toilet paper, 18 boxes of tissues and 3 packages of paper napkins. See the thank you note from DVRC below.
