As I look at the calendar, I have 10 days till the official end of my term as governor. It has been such a wonderful experience for me to get to share all that your clubs are doing and to get to know more about the members. Thanks for your confidence in me and your support.

I'm looking forward to that first News of Mighty Ninth coming out in June. And I'm excited about the coming biennium with Kathy at the helm. What great things are coming for District Nine!

I hope to see many of you in Indianapolis August 6-10!!
Altrusa Love,
Brenda

When your copy of the International Altrusan magazine comes, sit down and look it over. It is a NEW format, new layout, and something that is much easier on the eye. Inside the front cover is a message from Incoming International
President, Donna C. Johnson, and I hope you will read what she has written. She talks about one of our very own District Nine Altrusans - I'll just let you read it to see who.

Be sure to go to the International website to play the video that we saw at Conference if you want to go over it again, but also view the video on the proposed budget that will be presented at International Convention in Indianapolis. Come prepared to discuss and vote for the future of Altrusa!

It's been a great ride for me this biennium. Thanks so much!
Altrusa Love,
Brenda

I know your club has had some awesome projects this year - I've heard about many! Share what you did by completing and entering award entries for the 2008-09 year. This is a great way to help other clubs to improve their own projects and for you to get the recognition you deserve!

It is helpful to your president for the committee who does the project to write up an award entry upon completion of the project - then all she has to do is finesse it, sign it, and mail it in!

Don't miss out on the awards (and the money!!) because you didn't submit any projects for judging. All clubs may enter. Mail by May 31, 2009.

Take a bow,
Brenda

If you didn't make it to Killeen, you really missed a great Conference! The Temple club outdid themselves to provide all we needed this weekend. My program team put on workshops, Kathy Folley trained the incoming presidents, and Debbie Mabry conducted a wonderful installation for Kathy and her Board. I'm sorry you missed it if you did.
On the other hand, if you were there - WOW - wasn't it great?? Wasn't our International rep wonderful? I had so much fun (trying to make up for last year!) that I was totally exhausted when I got home. But it was worth it and I would and I will do it again.
Thanks again to all of my team for this biennium. You were FABULOUS...
Altrusa love,

It is nearing time for Presidents to begin the process of considering projects for award entries if that has not already been done. The entries are easy to do, and I encourage EVERY club to submit entries in all four categories: Mamie L. Bass Service Award, Letha H. Brown Literacy Award, Dr. Nina Fay Calhoun International Relations Award and the Edith DeBusk President's Award. In addition, your clubs will want to submit entries for the Communications Award (newsletter and yearbook are now in this one) and Club Display award. Don't forget that the club who brings the largest number of First Timers and the club that brings the highest percentage of First Timers to Conference gets a monetary prize. Besides getting money, though, you're getting more committed Altrusans in the deal.
The addresses of where to send all entries is in the March 2009 issue of News of Mighty Ninth that has recently been posted to the District website.
Check it out.
With high expectations,
Brenda

It is always exciting to hear of a new Altrusa club being chartered. The newly chartered District Nine club in Central Texas is up and running. Years ago, clubs were asked to make a small donation to newly formed clubs to give them some operating monies. If your club has some extra money and want to feel good about perpetuating service in other areas of Texas, consider making a donation to Altrusa International, Inc. of Central Texas.
If you need a mailing address, check News of Mighty Ninth for the president's contact info. I'm sure she would love to hear from you!
Thanks for all you do.
Brenda

January is typically the month wherein each club hosts an "Add an Altrusan" event. If you missed yours due to weather or other issues, plan one for February. Any time is a good time to bring a guest or potential member. We want to see Altrusa grow, and the way to do that is for each of us to be thinking of who might be a good fit for our club, or who might have an ability that we are lacking, or who might open new doors for service or fundraising. Think! And see whose name comes to mind.....then, call and invite them.
Brenda

Altrusans, if you don't Google on a regular basis, today I want you to Google "Altrusa Obama" and see what happens. I think you will be amazed and pleased.
A new era for Altrusa is on the horizon. The upcoming International President, Donna Johnson, is as tuned in to wanting Altrusa to become a household word as we are. I think this is proof that she and her program team and friends are already at work to thrust Altrusa into the public eye.
So - hone your Altrusa 30-second commercial as you just may be needing to use it!
Altrusa Proud,
Brenda

The District website has the Conference issue of News of Mighty Ninth posted. The registration cost is lower this year, breakfast is included in the room rate (or fix your own in your room). Register now and reserve your room. This will be an awesome Conference and you won't want to miss it!!
Kathy Folley will be installed as the Governor for 2009-2011; we will have a tremendous keynote speaker; we will celebrate the service of Altrusa clubs all over Texas.
Please decide now that you are going and send in that registration form. I can't wait to see you!
Altrusa Love,
Brenda

This past week, I had the awesome privilege of installing the new officers of Altrusa International, Inc. of Central Texas. The banquet at the Shilo Inn in Killeen was beautiful, the theme was a very creative use of snowflakes in the decorations and the the installation. Laura Trainor, New Club Building Chair, did a wonderful job of initiating the Charter Members.
I hope that District Nine will turn out for Conference in Killeen at the Shilo Inn to meet these newest Altrusans. They will learn from us at Conference, but we may also learn a great deal from them.
Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to bring the organization of this club to fruition - especially Mary B. Pearson and Tamara Clothier from the Temple club and the Temple club members. And thanks to the Copperas Cove club for their support as well.
If you'd like to send a letter of congratulations to this club, let me know and I'll give you the president's address.
Brenda Tucker

I don't know about you, but changing the year is difficult for me - especially on those rare occasions when I write checks. Thank goodness, most of my bills are paid online, so that I don't have to "remember" the year.
The good thing, though, about a new year is the opportunity it presents for us to do better, to learn more, to be more useful. I hope each of you will take every opportunity to make your life better and the lives around you better in 2009. By doing so, you can't help but be a positive influence -- and that attracts others to you.
So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! Go forth and bless those with whom you come into contact. And think about inviting someone to your next Altrusa meeting.
OH - and put the dates on your calendar for Conference. If you haven't checked out the December issue of NOMN, it's on the website.
Brenda
Altrusa Love,
Brenda

I want to wish each and every one of you a blessed Thanksgiving this week. I hope you have all that you need, loved ones to share it with, and good health to enjoy it.
God Bless!!
Brenda

"The Wall", a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial travels throughout these United States, and last week, we were honored to have it stop here in my city and stay through Veterans Day. It was a solemn reminder of those who gave their lives for freedom.
If you had an opportunity to buy a poppy or thank a Veteran yesterday, I hope you did so. We are so blessed to live where we do, but our freedom was not free. Many made sacrifices and continue to do so today.
I want to thank those clubs whose projects carry over to the military and their families. We know how we feel when we provide service to people who don't appreciate it; let's not leave our soldiers with that empty feeling. Thank a soldier next time you see one. I'll bet it will make you both feel good!
Patriotism-Efficiency-Service
Brenda

I had an Altrusan approach me at the Fall Leadership Event and ask me if District events were always this good. It was her first time to attend something put on by the District. I gave her an emphatic "yes!" as a response.
District events are planned to inform you, to allow you to share ideas, and to have fun if we can figure out a way to incorporate that - and believe me, we work hard to figure out a way! We recognize that we all have a limited time resource and want to make the time you spend in a District venue worth every minute you give to it.
You can't go back and catch what you missed, but you can vow to be a part of the next District event: Conference in Killeen - April 17-19, 2009.
Trust me - there will be learning, fellowship, friendship, and FUN!!
Brenda

Well, if you hear about the hilarious events on Saturday morning and were not there, all I can say is that I tried my best to get you to come to Abilene for Fall Event. Tutt Daggs puts on a great program. LaVone and the Abilene clubs did a FABULOUS job in coordinating this event. Dinner at the Beehive was delicious and fun - and you should have heard the stories told! The things you learn...
And the panel of experts who spoke regarding the economy and how it affects us personally, our futures, and non profits were well received and shared valuable information with us.
Please, please, please put April 17-19, 2009 on your calendar with the intention of coming to Killeen as the Temple club hosts conference and Kathy is installed as 2009-2011 governor.
You will not want to miss it!
Brenda

Don't be one of those people who says "I wish I had gone to that" when you hear about the Fall Leadership Event in Abilene. Load up and GO!! Grab a friend/fellow club member, share a room, share gas expense, shop together afterward or go to the Buffalo Gap Historic Village fundraiser that night.

Don't sit by and let the presidential election go by without voting. You want to be able to say "I helped him win" and not, "If I had voted, he might have won." Vote early if you think something might prevent you from voting on election day.

Regrets occur because we could have or should have done something we decide not to do. Don't let them nag at you. What you miss, you miss. You can't go back. Take advantage of the opportunities that come your way. They will enrich your life.

I will be in Abilene on November 1 - will you?
Brenda

Make A Difference Day is this Saturday, October 25. I encourage EVERY club in District Nine to implement a Make a Difference Day project, if you don't already have one in place. Do something to make a difference, and let our Service Chair, Jodi, know your plans. We want to know what your club did. Of course, International would ideally like your project to take place on Make A Difference Day, but sometimes that is not possible. Perhaps one phase of your project can be held on that day. If not, don't let that keep your club from making a difference in your community.
Brenda

Altrusans,
As you prepare to come to Abilene for Fall Leadership, please remember to bring your empty little bags that come with promotional makeup sales - Clinique, Lancome, Estee Lauder, and many others. The Big Country club makes up travel bags for bus travelers placing little toiletry items in these bags. The Abilene club donates items to the Noah Project, a battered womens shelter. If you're like me, you have more of those handy little bags than you use, so please share.
I think they would also be happy to have your travel size toiletries as well. And both clubs could use small books for young children.
So, come to Abilene for a real TREAT and bring these items to treat others as well. If you can't come, send your items with someone in your club.
I'm looking forward to seeing you, and having a great Altrusa time!
Brenda

Fall Leadership Event is coming up quickly - Saturday November 1. At the Fall Event, the District Board has our mid-year board meeting and we also put together a leadership program for the members of District Nine to have an opportunity to get together. This year's Leadership program consists of a morning speaker from Tutt Daggs - a highly recommended team from Abilene. They travel all over the U.S. making motivational, FUN presentations. Then, our District Communications chair will present instruction on navigating the District and International websites and will show you what is new on the District site. This will be great information. After lunch, LaVone has put together a panel to discuss the current economical events and how they affect not only us as citizens, but our clubs and non-profits in general. This is timely, useful information.
I hope that we will have Altrusans present from every club in the District to not only glean the information provided, but to meet and greet your fellow Altrusans. See you soon!
Brenda

Hi! I just returned from a 'trip across Texas' making club visits and it was wonderful. What I continue to find are clubs that are unique to their area with great ideas, good projects and creative fundraisers. And, as I learn things from one club, I share them with other clubs that I visit. It's a great way to share Altrusa.
But another thing that I like even more, is that I get to know Altrusans all over our state and spend time with them. How that has enriched my life, I can't tell you. But you probably don't need to be told; you are an Altrusan - so you already know.
Keep doing what you're doing, making a difference in your community and in yourself.
Brenda

Come to Abilene for Halloween and wear your most fun costume or wig or mask - whatever. We're going to have a great time downtown on the trolley and then head over to the old train Depot where there is a Martini Bar - if that interests you... Downtown Abilene has some fun shops! And of course, we'll be eating around 7:00. It will be a fun time together. Even the District Board is meeting early so that we can participate.
Registration is only $25 and I believe you will feel like that's a bargain when Saturday is over. Please fill out your registration form and mail it today!
See you soon!
Brenda

Today is International Literacy Day - and we in Altrusa celebrate it. With Literacy as our International Focus, this is an opportunity to kick off any project your club may have that involves Literacy for this year. Literacy is a critical skill as success in reading leads to success in so many areas of life. I hope your club is working on a project involving literacy sometime during the year - remember that Make a Difference Day is next month, and the International office likes for Literacy to be a focus within your project.
Share your literacy ideas with all of us - the sharing is what makes Altrusa continue to be a tremendous organization.
Brenda

Hey, District Nine - a new club is about to officially form! Be on the lookout for announcements of the Charter Banquet of Altrusa International, Inc. of Central Texas.
If you have friends or nice relatives in the area of Killeen, Belton, Harker Heights, and they have heard you rave about Altrusa, they may be interested in being a part of this club. Send me their names and I'll get the info to the right people.
Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend.
Brenda

GREAT NEWS!! The International Foundation Board of Trustees approved increasing the maximum grant amount to TWO THOUSAND dollars! That is double what was available before.
If your club wants to apply for a grant to support a local project or assist an individual to improve their life, time is running out. Deadline is Sept 15 and the forms are on the International website.
Remember, the number of grants and amount awarded depends on the available funding and the number and quality of the applications. But one thing is sure...if you don't ask, you won't get anything.
Think about it - and make your application!
Brenda

On August 23 and 24, the Dallas Women's Expo will have booths from all types of organizations to reach women. Altrusa will be there. District Membership chair, Kathaleen, has secured a CORNER booth, electricity, a link to our website and some free advertising for Altrusa. Now we need some Altrusans to make this all work. This is an opportunity to share Altrusa and what it means to you and to meet some women who may want to be a member of your club. If you live in the Dallas area and are available to help set up on Friday, Aug 22, or to work some on Saturday or Sunday, we want you. We need you.
I can't imagine you won't have a good time. You'll be with Altrusans!! Won't you give it some thought and call Kathaleen today to volunteer? Ask your president for her contact information if you don't have it.
Thank you. Brenda

When dues renewal comes, it is often confusing for the District treasurer to determine who the club members are in each club. International sends out a roster showing club members with their contact information. That roster is sent to the club. A copy of that roster goes back to International with International dues and the Convention fee, a copy goes to the District Treasurer with District dues, and a copy remains with the club treasurer.

Evidently, several clubs did not send that list to the District Treasurer this year, so we don't know if your club has any new members, if you had members you added between April and June that you wrote in on the list, or who is actually in your club. We would like to have that information. We try very hard to keep our membership records as accurate as possible.

If you are a club president or treasurer and are reading this, would you kindly submit a copy of your club roster of members with paid dues to Bonnie? I know she is making phonecalls to clubs, but that is alot of extra work for someone who already has a full plate. Thanks so much for helping us out!! I appreciate all you can do to make each of our jobs easier. We'll try to do the same for you.

Thanks for all you do!

Brenda

I have been on the Yahoo Altrusa group site lately, and am just so excited about all the idea-sharing that goes on there. Several District Niners have posted some great information about former Altrusans.
District Governors and Governors-elect are sharing ideas and thoughts, members are helping other clubs in other districts with things that worked for their clubs....it is just a tremendous avenue for picking up new ideas.
Any Altrusan can sign on to Yahoo and join the group after telling the monitor who they are and why they want to join.
We all want to see Altrusa grow and prosper and become a household name - this is one small way to help in that regard when bright women/men share what they know with others so that each club doesn't have to spend time recreating the wheel.
So, if you are interested in knowing other perspectives on all things Altrusa, check it out.
Brenda

Wouldn't we all like to be in on the latest goings on in District Nine? Sometimes it's hard to let everyone in on the newest idea, the plan on the horizon or great news. But NO MORE! The awesome District Nine Communications committee is planning to debut "What's Happening Around the District", a monthly email newsletter sent out to all members who provide their email address. We are asking club presidents or treasurers to send those email addresses to Beth at bethelene@tx.rr.com so that she can make up the distribution database. By allowing the mail to go directly to our members, word travels faster. And in this day and age, we want immediate information because we have been programmed to expect it.
I'm so excited, not just about the creation of the monthly newsletter, but about the District Nine committee members who love Altrusa enough to just keep thinking about ways to Focus on Our Future (AND our present)!
So, if you're a club president or treasurer with the roster of members, please get the email addresses of your members to Second Vice Governor, Beth McPherson so that your club members will be among the first to receive the news!
Brenda

As things begin to get rolling under new club leadership, I want to encourage ALL presidents, committee chairs, and vice-presidents/presidents-elect to keep good notes. For current presidents, this will be invaluable for you when you begin writing your end of the year speech and completing your club activity report. Write down every single thing your club does! For committee chairs, notes will provide you with information that might be the vital difference between your project submission and someone else's. Our minds don't seem to hold onto all the details like a notebook can. And for you vice-presidents/presidents-elect...notes can help you plan your year in advance, showing you what worked and what you may want to tweek next year, who did a great job, and whose talents might need to be used on another project.
So, since it's early in your club year, go ahead and get that spiral notebook out and start writing things down. Later on, I bet you'll be so glad you did!!
Wishing you a most successful club year!
Brenda

Have you wanted to do something for a soldier overseas, but didn't know what or how? There are probably numerous outlets for service; I'll tell you about two. The first one allows you to select items to be shipped to either a male or female soldier, and you can select the branch of the service they are in, and their home state. Treats for Troops provides items that individual soldiers have requested. Go to www.treatsfortroops.com to place your order. If that is too much for your pocketbook, you can participate in HBO's promotion to provide items free if you sign on to www.genkilltroopdrive.com and select an item to be sent. They are promoting an upcoming miniseries, from what I can gather. A friend sent me the link so I'm sharing that info with you.
When I saw the items shown, it reminded me how much they do without that we take for granted every day. If you are so inclined, I'm sure any donation would be appreciated. This can be done individually, or by clubs.
Have a blessed day!
Brenda

While I do not live in a large metropolis, I have started taking my own bags to the grocery store. Initially, I requested paper instead of plastic, a choice I was allowed, although often met with sighs by the young sacker. But a trip to our local dump opened my eyes to where all those plastic bags go - treetops, fences, high lines - wherever the wind takes them. People were working to roundup what they could, but success looked almost impossible. And I live in a small town that still has an outdoor landfill. I had to wonder, how many of those did I contribute??
I don't usually describe myself as being on the 'green' wagon, but I will say that I can carry in three shopping bags and leave the store knowing I probably saved them using ten plastic bags.
Large areas are beginning to ban these plastic bags. So I wanted to use this forum to encourage you to start taking your own bag shopping or at least ask for paper over plastic. It's a small thing. You are one person. But it can help. How does it tie in with Altrusa? Well, it's efficient. We aren't wasting resources to make the bags. It's patriotic - making our country better. And it's a good service to our community. Plus,it's just a good idea. Don't believe me? Pay a visit to your local landfill and see if it changes your mind.
Have a great day!
Brenda

I know it is only July, but the District Nominating Committee is already thinking about next biennium. They need names of possible nominees by August 31 - to Carolyn Rash, chair. All officers on the District Board with the exception of the Treasurer must have been a club president. Treasurer must have been either a club president or treasurer. The secretary and parliamentarian are appointed by the governor, so there are no nominees for those non-voting officers.
Nominations may be made by Past Governors, District Board members, or Altrusa clubs. Again, the deadline for submitting names is August 31. She will need their contact information and will want to know if the nominating party has contacted the prospective nominee for permission to submit her/his name.
Brenda

Once again, we in America celebrate our Declaration of Independence this coming weekend. There will be fireworks, cookouts, and spending time with family and friends. I hope all Altrusans will recall our motto which espouses patriotism. This is a time to be thankful for all we have because brave people stood up for independence. It wasn't easy.
I love this country and the freedoms we enjoy as I know you do. I love this state and the beauty found in every section of it. And I love this great organization of which I am a member. I hope each of you has a safe, inspiring, restful, fun-filled, memory-making weekend.
Brenda

Altrusa International, Inc. of Richardson has received a National Award from United Cerebral Palsy for their work with Ability House. If you've were at Conference, you may have met some of the residents at the Awards Luncheon on Saturday.
The club received the 2008 National United Cerebral Palsy Outstanding Community Service Award! I congratulate them on receiving this honor. Of course, the joy the members receive from interaction with the residents of Ability House is reward enough, but it is nice that others notice their contribution. Past President Bobbi Klein went to Washington, DC to accept the award on behalf of the Richardson club.
Way to go!
Brenda

The Club Activity Reports have been summarized and distributed to International and the District Board. Sadly, just over half of you submitted this valuable report. But there is good news. Ten clubs identified areas of potential club building in Texas. The areas are: McKinney, Lewisville, Keller, East Texas, Johnson County, Rockwall Katy, Pearland, Baytown, Sugarland, Allen, Murphy, Hillsboro, Harker Heights/Killeen.
Do you know anyone or have any relatives, business contacts, or acquaintences in any of these areas? If so, we would like to have their contact information AND we would like for YOU to let them know you've given it to us so that when contacted, they aren't going, "how did they get my name????" Tell them about Altrusa and what it means to you. And give them our District and International websites so they can begin checking us out and becoming interested. Building Altrusa can be done by anyone. The New Club Building committee has an abundance of information for any club or individual interested in helping spread Altrusa around our great state.
The Killeen/Harker Heights area is off and running - so if you have contacts for that area, they want them!
To give information, contact Laura - District New Club Building Chair or me and I will pass it on.
Brenda

I want everyone to know that since there is no International Convention this year, that this is the year of the Fall Event in District Nine. This year, Fall Leadership Event will take place in Abilene, TX. We are working to finalize the date, but tentatively, it is November 1. More to come on that soon.
Fall Event is not only a Leadership event, but a time to see your friends from across District Nine. I hope you will put this on your club calendar and make plans to join us for a day of learning and fun. Abilene in the fall is generally mild weather, so fill up the car and drive over. The more the merrier (and the cheaper the gas).
See you in Abilene for the Fall Event - bring those new members, too!
Brenda

I know that completing forms is a pain, and some of us no longer even have access to a typewriter (please don't say - what's that??). We're trying to make it easier for you at the District level. Beth Mc has put a WORD document on the website whereby you may complete your officers and committee chairs and then email it to me and International - instead of completing it by hand, finding an envelope and a stamp, and dropping it into the mail. We really like to have the info on the form, though, and not just a list as we would like contact information as well as the names.
So, if you have sent us a list of names, please consider going to the website and finding the Word document, completing it & emailing it to me.
Thanks for your help in this endeavor!
Brenda

District Officers are each assigned club visits for the 2008-09 club year. The club president's notebook will have the name of the visitor assigned to your club. If you don't hear from your visitor soon, feel free to contact them first to schedule a time that is convenient for your visitor as well as your club. Officers really look forward to these visits!

I encourage you to invite your visitor to stay with you. It's a great way to get to know the Board members and for them to know you and your club better. All we need is a bed, nothing fancy. It sure beats staying in a hotel alone in an unfamiliar city. So, give that some thought, if you will.

This is an exciting time in the year - new goals are set, new committees are formed, and things take on a newness that generates enthusiasm within the clubs. Best wishes as your club embarks on this new year!
Brenda

The June, 2008 News of Mighty Ninth has just been posted to the website. As usual, Susie has done a tremendous job in getting this issue finished.

There is much information about conference in this issue, so if you missed conference like I did, this will help you feel more in touch with all that happened. AND, if you missed conference this year....put it on your calendar right now for next year in Killeen, TX hosted by the Temple club. April 17-19. You will not want to miss this one.

For those who questioned the reasoning behind reading the Conference Resolution on Sunday morning (I heard through the grapevine), you will want to read Martha's article on the whys and wherefores of the Resolution. I hope that will explain it for you.

In closing, a couple things....if you haven't paid your dues, do so today. Make sure your personal information is correct on the roster that International sent to your Treasurer. It's hard to reach you with the wrong information. And, while Conference is fresh on your mind, let me or LaVone know if there are workshops you'd be interested in having next year. We want to make it better for you.

Brenda

We are embarking on another new year in Altrusa. District Conference is history, but look for pictures and a little blurb on Altrusa International's site as well as in the International Altrusan. You'll get to see what other Districts did at their conferences, too.
I hope every club submitted award entries to the appropriate committee for judging. Each submission should have had three copies except the Presidents Award, it needed four. If you only sent one, you still have time to make extra copies and mail them to the coordinator.
And what do you think of this new website? Didn't Paula and Beth do a great job? I'm so proud of all of the committees this biennium. They work hard for you!
Brenda

Check back soon for messages from your Governor, Brenda Tucker.