In the absence of President Eileen Foster, Anne Boyd opened the meeting at 1:30 pm by welcoming the 31 ladies in attendance. Before the meeting, everyone enjoyed fifteen minutes of conversation and snacks.
Ramona Lalka explained the voting for the 10 charities to which we’ll gift $1,000 each. Everyone in attendance was given 10 tickets. There were 18 charities on the ballot. The top ten vote-getters would each receive $1,000. Ladies voted, results were announced at the close of the meeting.
Anne Boyd asked any First Timers to stand and introduce themselves. Newcomers were Ruthann Fuentes, Jeanne DeMartinis, and Sue Gibson. We’re grateful for the new faces and everyone’s help. An opening prayer was said and the ladies offered prayer requests. New members were presented with the LBS brochure that Kristyn Russell from the parish office made.
Special thanks to Connie Latuszek and Dorothy Kociba for coordinating the snack table and to Isabel Viges, Laurie Babinski, Joyce Cushman, and Elaine Warakomski for bringing treats.
Also thanks to all who brought winter wear for the students of Pine River Elementary in Bullock Creek.
We wished a happy November birthday to Agnes Brewer (11/06), Betty Kubisiak (11/12), and Lucille McDonald (11/15.
The minutes of the October 3rd meeting weren’t read but copies of the minutes were placed at all the tables.
Elaine White introduced Amy Hovey, MyMichigan Behavioral Health Telehub Supervisor. Amy’s topic was “Suicide Prevention and Awareness”. Key points from Amy’s presentation: Suicide prevention is a public health issue and My Michigan Health is dedicated to the safety of everyone in our community. Over 49,000 people in the US died by suicide in 2022. That number includes 1471 deaths by suicide in Michigan. We were encouraged to listen to people and to pay attention to our loved one’s moods and behavior. It’s okay to ask someone who is struggling if they are planning to harm themselves. We were encouraged to help people feel connected and less isolated. People contemplating suicide usually feel horrendous emotional pain and a loss of hope. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of mental health counselors so it’s not easy for people to immediately get the help they need. We should call 911 if a suicide attempt has been made, a weapon is present during a suicide crisis, or if the person is out of control. Also, use the national suicide prevention lifeline which is simply 988. Thanks to Amy Hovey for her wonderful presentation.
The Ladies of Blessed Sacrament made 63 fleece-tied blankets in October. The two blanket-making sessions were a great way for everyone to work together and socialize at the same time. The blankets will be donated to West Midland Family Community Center and Midland Community Former Offenders Advocacy and Rehab (MCFOAR).
Treasurer Tana Zemanek reported that the fleece for the blankets cost $877.80. A total of $833.04 was the net profit from our cider and donut sales on two Sundays in October. We are especially grateful for a generous donation from Midland Ace Hardware “Cops and Donuts”. Our current treasury balance is $18,891.85. However, that will soon be reduced to $8,891.85 due to our $10,000 donation to 10 charities.
These are the 10 charities that will be receiving a check for $1,000:
- Toni & Trish House
- Phoenix Community Farms
- Shelterhouse for Women and Children
- Blessed Sacrament Emergency Funds
- Gateway Family Urgent Care
- Guatemalan Stove Project
- Saginaw Eastside Soup Kitchen
- Wings of Mercy
- The Bridge Food Center
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace
In closing, Judy Kawiecki led us in a quick “I am thankful for…” and an inspirational verse.
No business meeting in December but come to our Christmas potluck on Tuesday, December 5th at 6 pm. Please bring a guest, your own table service, and a dish to pass. Our entertainment will be the Midland High Meistersingers. And only if you wish, please bring a $10 food or gas gift certificate to be given to each of the singers.
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine White