Zonta learns about issues at meeting

President Pam Phillips called the Sept. 5 Zonta Club meeting to order. Guests for the evening were Morgan Bossman and Alyssa Hanson. Kim Kapp presented 120 seconds regarding women’s issues. She reported that although many men who serve in war-torn countries lose their lives, statistically, war casualties are highest among women and children.

The United Nations country highlighted was South Sudan. South Sudan formally seceded from Sudan July 9, 2011, and was admitted as a new member state by the United Nations General Assembly on July 14, 2011.

United Nations and Zonta International was the program topic presented by Danica Chaput. A brief summary was given of how ZI and the U.N. came to work together. As an international non-government organization ZI brings women’s concerns to the U.N., suggests solutions, draws public attention to issues and encourages its members to participate at the local level. Zonta International is the only service organization to have general consultative status with the U.N.

Laurel Haroldson presented the Jane Klausmann Scholarship to Morgan Bossman. Bossman is pursuing a degree in business administration and will graduate in December. Her accomplishments include a trip to Kenya to work with Village Hope Core Inc. While there she worked with granting loans to farmers. Farmers were required to use the loan within two weeks and pay it back within a year. If the loan was paid back within eight months the farmer could request another loan. Bossman shared that the most memorable part of the trip was handing out the loans and seeing how they made a significant effect on people’s lives.

Zonta of Jamestown will be conducting the annual nut sales fundraiser. The plan is to have the nuts available for purchase by Nov. 4.

On Sept. 20, Zonta raised additional funds by doing identity checks for the Jamestown Speedway Calcutta event. Use of these funds is yet to be determined.

Mary Reed reported that the Zonta District 7 website has been revamped and can be viewed at www.zontadis trict7.org.

The next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Gladstone Inn & Suites. Prospective members and guests are welcome. Let Kara Helgeson know in advance so a meal can be ordered.

Tags: life, clubs