Thursday, October 21, 2010

Story-Telling Photos

We like to document the work we do and the people who participate in Women's Service Day, and this year was no exception. You can view photos from the event online, and order prints through Kodak Gallery if you'd like your own copies.

Thanks again to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for plans for next year, our 10th Annual Women's Service Day, set for October 6.

Friday, October 1, 2010

We'd love to hear your stories!

We've counted up the numbers, and can report that we had 90 women serving 12 agencies throughout the Women's Service Day yesterday. We also contributed over $1,000 to Hospice of Holland, the results of our auction and raffle. We didn't count up the pounds of cheese in the breakfast strata; we'll save that for another time.

If you participated in the day, you'll soon receive a request for your feedback. And if you have any stories about what you did or who you met, feel free to share them in comments here.

Thanks again for joining us for a day of service to women and children in our community!

The speediest thank-you!

Before we'd even gotten back to our computers after our event yesterday, we'd received a thank-you note from the resource coordinator at Community Action House. We'll follow up with a more complete summary of the day, but this note captured the spirit, so we wanted to pass it along:

"A little note to express a big ‘Thank You’ to you and all the ladies who served our community today. I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful crew of women [on...] Pine Avenue. This home is a transitional housing residence maintained by Community Action House. I saw other women working on various projects throughout our city. How sweet is that!

"Kristen, Kristi, Karen and Amy were willing workers and did a great job of painting doors, trim, a pillar and an upper level deck railing with lots of spindles. Their great work was only overshadowed by their positive and pleasant attitudes. They did a splendid job and even performed a great cleanup of the area and tools from the job. They jokingly challenged me to attend the breakfast next year as they related that there were no men attending this year’s breakfast. How sad. I will do my best to attend the 2011 Women’s Service Day breakfast.

"Please feel free to pass on this ‘Thank You’ from Community Action House to those you feel would like/need to read it. You ladies are THE BEST!"

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

An apron from a WSD mom

Edith Maassen, the mother of one of the Women's Service Day planning crew members, made this apron and contributed it to the silent auction, the proceeds of which benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost in this past year. The apron provides full coverage, has a handy pocket, and is fully washable, of course. Best of all, it's made from a pattern taken from the aprons my grandmother always wore, so there's plenty of cooking karma included at no extra charge.

To see the full list of raffle and silent auction items, see our earlier post.

Leaves of concrete! from Diane Aamoth

Sounds unlikely, yes? But it's true! Diane makes leaves of concrete. They're lovely in a garden, or cupping a little water for a birdsplash. We'll have four, two in each of two sizes, at the silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost in this past year.

To see the entire list of raffle and auction items, see our earlier blog post.

All-wool afghan from a collaboration

This afghan is the collaborative result of knitting by Cheryl Murdoch and Barbara Loveland, and assembly by Barbara. It's a sampler afghan, with a different knitted pattern on each square. It's all wool, so it's guaranteed warm and cozy for the upcoming winter. And it's donated to our raffle or silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year.

To see the full list of raffle and auction items, see our previous blog post.

MotherTongues MINGA T-Shirt

The Women's Service Day planning crew learned that coincidentally, local firm MotherTongues was introducing a new T-shirt this week that says MINGA. If that doesn't resonate, read this definition of the South American Quechua word: "In a MINGA, community members gather to accomplish a task that benefits the community-as-a-whole. A MINGA is called to build schools, health or community centers, to repair roads and water systems, or to replenish forests. Similar to a barn raising amongst a cultural group such as the Amish, a MINGA gathering is hopeful, festive, and committed work by individuals, families, and neighbors. Strangers become friends. Today, we join in the spirit of MINGA when we are engaging in a community of volunteer service. It is giving from one's heart and receiving so much more. As expected, MINGA exists as a concept in many other cultures, where it is called by different names. MINGA anticipates that every person and every community, at some point, will need the help of others. Experience the life-giving spirit of MINGA and carry someone else."

That explication was so strikingly on point to us, we bought shirts for the planning crew to wear on the day of the event. MotherTongues founder Michelle Hamman donated a T-shirt for our auction. And if you're not the lucky winner, you can purchase one for yourself (or learn more about MotherTongues) at her website. The shirts are 100 percent organic cotton and printed with waterbased inks. A dollar for the sale of each T-shirt is donated to the Center for Women in Transition, helping women and children deal with significant life challenges. And MotherTongues is a member of Green America and 1% for the Planet.

To see the complete list of items included in the raffle and silent auction, see our previous blog post. All proceeds are for the Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

All-Occasion Cards from the WSD Planners

The Women's Service Day planning crew contributes these all-occasion card sets for the silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year. Each set includes one each of the five cards shown. The cards were made by the crew based on designs by Jackie Bolhuis, Zeeland-based Stampin' Up distributor.

The planning crew also offers two sets of notecards made by daughters and granddaughters.
To see all of the items available for the raffle and silent auction, check out our earlier blog post.

Pillows from Cathy Brooks

Very popular items in previous auctions, these pillows are handmade by Cathy Brooks. They'll be available in multiple sizes and colors; check out what's available on Thursday morning!

For the complete list of items available at the raffle and auction, see our previous blog post. All proceeds from both will benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

Rock Rifle Run Pottery for Silent Auction


These two contributions to our silent auction, a small quiche dish and a cream and sugar set, come from Kay Hubbard. They were made by Rock Rifle Run Pottery, in Shade, Ohio; the potter is Susie Abramovitz, and Jean Valentine, Kay's sister, does glazing, packing, and slab construction.



Monday, September 27, 2010

Full apron from Nancy Corvers


Nancy Corvers contributes this apron for the silent auction, proceeds from which go to Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year. Tie one on! The full apron has a double pocket with lace trim. Fun ruffles on the bottom go completely around to cover your... where you typically wipe your hands. Made of a cotton/polyester blend fabric; machine washable in cold water, machine dry. Other sizes are available.

To see the full list of raffle and silent auction items, see our earlier blog post.

Handblown glass by Waltraud Beckmann



Handblown by Waltraud Beckmann, these glass vessels will be part of the silent auction and raffle. Proceeds from both will go to Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year. One vessel is orange and blue; the other is green and black. To see the full list of raffle and auction items, see our previous blog post.

BOO pillow from Nicole DeSchaaf

This handmade pillow sham from Nicole is appliqued with BOO on the front; the back of the pillow sham is a whimsical cotton print. A separate pillow insert is included. This item is among those donated by talented area women to be auctioned to benefit Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year.

For the full list of raffle and auction items, see our earlier blog post.

Glass serveware from Mary Jo Campbell

Mary Jo Campbell contributed serving pieces for the raffle or silent auction, the proceeds from which go to Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost this past year. Called "Hang on to Summer," the set includes 8- and 10-inch square glass serving trays, along with a square bowl for dip. The pieces are ornamented with colored gemstones reminiscent of the Caribbean.

To see the full list of auction and raffle items, see our previous blog post.

Cross-stitch for the holidays


Beverly Koetsier contributed this round cross-stitched tablecloth. Capture the playfulness of the holiday season with this gingerbread scene that rings "visions of sugar plums" to both young and old. All proceeds from the raffle and silent auction are designated for Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

To see the full list of raffle and auction items, see our previous blog post.

Handmade Glass from Sally Kibler

Among the handmade items for our raffle and silent auction are these glass items handmade by Sally Kibler. All proceeds from the auction and raffle will go to Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year. To see the full list of auction and raffle items, see this blog post.

This fused-glass clock is decorated with dichroic glass frit. And Sally knows just what that is.

This wire-wrapped pink and white breast-cancer awareness pendant necklace was made by Sally and donated by Cindy DeGraaf.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Prints by Kathy Stanton for Raffle/Auction

We'll be posting images of the items donated by talented area women for our raffle and silent auction as we receive them (and as Blogspot.com cooperates with their uploading). To see the full list of items available, see our previous blog post; all proceeds from the raffle and auction will go to Hospice of Holland, in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the past year.

These digital images were donated by Fennville artist and graphic designer Kathy Stanton, whose work can also be seen at the Saugatuck Artists' Collective:

"Autumn Birch" is a 16x20 limited edition digital print. Its retail value is $250.


"Crayon-Colored Hills," a 9x20 digital print, is also a limited edition and has a retail value of $125.


"Flutter" is a 9x9 digital print with a retail value of $50.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Fabulous Raffle and Silent Auction Items

Once again, we're thrilled with the items donated for the raffle and silent auction. Proceeds from both will be given to Hospice of Holland in honor of friends and colleagues lost over the last year.

We'll add photos and more items and details as we receive them, so check back to see just how fat your wallet should be when you arrive at Women's Service Day on September 30! All items are handmade by women in or connected to our community.

--decorative leaves from Diane Aamoth
--Blown glass vessels by Waltraud Beckmann
--Handmade pillows by Cathy Brooks
--Handmade glassware by Mary Jo Campbell
--A full apron by Nancy Corvers
--A pillow with appliques by Nicole DeSchaaf
--Salsa and a pinata by Andrea Galvan
--A "Minga" T-shirt designed by Michelle Hamman of MotherTongues.com
--A clock and glass pendant made by Sally Kibler
--A cross-stitched holiday tablecloth, just in time for seasonal planning, by Beverly Koetsier
--an apron from Edith Maassen
--Three digital prints by Kathy Stanton
--Pottery from Rock Rifle Run Pottery in Shade, Ohio
--An afghan knitted and assembled by Cheryl Murdoch, Barbara Loveland, and Linda Powell
--All-occasion cards made by the Women's Service Day planning crew

All evidence of the talent within our midst. We're grateful for their contributions.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Donation Drive for Two

As part of our event, we'll collect donations for two local organizations.

Rick Rack is a new nonprofit in the area, housed in the City on a Hill facility. This organization provides clothing to teens in foster care. Founder Casandra Collins is responding, in part, to her own experience as a foster child decades ago, when she was required to leave her home with only a single grocery bag of clothes. Learn more about Rick Rack at their website, and think about what you might contribute to bring dignity to a young life at a difficult time. Specifically for our event, they're looking for new or gently used jeans and t-shirts (long or short-sleeved, but only with appropriate sayings or artwork) for kids from 11 to 19 years of age.

Sylvia's Place is an organization we've been honored to support in the past. Located in Allegan County, on the southern edge of our service area, Sylvia's Place operates a safe house for victims of domestic abuse, but also offers services to those who are looking to rebuild their lives: counseling, legal advocacy, and referrals for housing and other resources based on the survivor's needs. At the top of the list of Sylvia's Place needs are: paper towels and toilet paper, deodorant and body wash, and laundry detergent and other cleaning supplies. Check out the Sylvia's Place website for more information or more ways you can help.

If you're coming to the Women's Service Day 2010 on September 30, we'll have boxes set up to receive your donations. If you can't make the event but would still like to contribute, either contact the agencies directly or contact the planning team by e-mail at womensserviceday (at) gmail (dot) com.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

It's Time to Register for Women's Service Day 2010!

Our sign-up page is now live, so you can register to participate in Women's Service Day 2010, scheduled for September 30. Be sure to spread the word to your friends, family, and co-workers--women over 18 are invited to participate in this day of service to women and children in the Holland and Zeeland community. And remember to register! Because we need to plan with agencies for volunteer projects for all participants, this event is first-registered, first-to-serve.

If you'd like to understand more about this community service event...
... How to sign up to receive ongoing communications, including early notification of the 2011 event date.
... Our current list of participating agencies for the 2010 Women's Service Day
... Read about last year's event if you'd like to know more about what to expect. We'll distribute and post an agenda for this year's event as soon as plans are finalized.
... Meet the planning team, which looks, two years later, even younger than we do in this 2008 photo.

Looking forward to seeing you on September 30!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Where We'll Serve on September 30

These are the agencies for whom we will paint, nail, sort, cook, clean, organize, assemble, tote, rake, and more as part of Women's Service Day 2010 on September 30:

  • 70x7 supports women (and men) coming back to communities and families from jail/prison and overcoming addictions. Their services include relational support and programs to sustain mentoring and transitional living programs, employment services, addiction recovery, and leadership.
  • Camp Sunshine provides a camping experience for persons with developmental disabilities in an inclusive environment that embraces their recreational, emotional, physical, spiritual and relational needs.
  • Center for Women in Transition creates and sustains an environment that enhances the voice, opportunities and strength of women and girls in Allegan and Ottawa Counties.
  • Community Action House feeds and clothes families, provides housing, and equips community members with skills and resources for sustainable living.
  • Evergreen Commons brings together in one place both leisure
    activities for seniors and the coordination or delivery of services that address many aging related needs of seniors and their families, such as respite care, nutrition, home safety, and the assistance of social workers.
  • Girls on the Run educates and prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.
  • Good Samaritan Ministries uses the power of relationships to effectively meet the needs of the poor.
  • Holland Rescue Mission develops and delivers programs of excellence for the homeless and less fortunate.
  • Hospice of Holland offers comfort and relief to soothe the body, counsel and support to quiet the heart, and resources of faith to strengthen the spirit toward the end of life.
  • Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity builds housing with partner-owners, based on the principle that everyone deserves a decent place to live and that our community is a better place when that occurs.
  • My Sister's House is an adult foster care facility sponsored by the Holland Deacons' Conference.

We'll also have a donation drive, silent auction, and raffle, the proceeds from which will benefit an agency supporting women and/or children in West Michigan. Stay tuned! We'll announce which agencies just as soon as we've completed our investigation.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Sign Up for E-mail Communications

The Women's Service Day Committee is gearing up for the 2010 event! We need to make sure you want to continue receiving e-mails from us. Would you help us out by opting in via this form by August 1?

If we don't receive your permission via the form linked to here, we'll be unable to e-mail you with more information about the event.

Watch for the registration e-mail mid-August!

Monday, July 12, 2010

2010 Event Planned for September 30

We've reserved our breakfast location and alerted the agencies we'll serve: Women's Service Day for 2010 will occur on September 30. "Like" us on Facebook or follow this blog for updates on the planning.

In August, we'll include a link to the registration form--and distribute a link to that form to people we know are interested. We sent out a "hold the date" e-mail on June 30; if you didn't receive it, we may have lost track of your current e-mail address.

Enjoy the summer! We'll keep you posted.