Hutchinson Altrusans will be Mining for Stars as they host the 58th annual Altrusa International District Eight conference.
It’s scheduled for Thursday April 24 through Saturday April 26, and will bring more than 120-members to Hutchinson and the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center.
Altrusa District Eight is made up of 25 Altrusa clubs in four states: Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
The conference offers opportunities to broaden member’s knowledge through speakers, workshops and discussions. “It’s a great opportunity in a supportive environment to learn the valuable skills needed to develop leadership talents. We form wonderful relationships with others who have similar as well as diverse backgrounds in business and personal networks. We can make a difference in our communities if we just keep working at it,” said Marcia Mahoney, current President of the host Hutchinson Altrusa club. Friday’s keynote speaker will be local personality and business owner Martha Slater Farrell. A special guest attending this year’s conference is Immediate Past Altrusa International President, Dona M. Garretson, Loveland CO.
The conference opens with some fun before it gets down to learning workshops and deciding its annual business. “Friday nights are always designated to be our meet and greet fun nights,” said current Governor Sue Hart, Greater Kansas City Altrusa club. This year’s Fun Night will be held at Strataca, Kansas Underground Salt Museum for an interactive dinner theater Murder Mystery theme. “I’m told to be prepared to have my giggle reflex tested,” Sue said. Members will have an opportunity earlier in the afternoon to explore the gallery and see how salt is mined in the only museum of its kind in the western hemisphere.
Each year the club hosting the conference selects a special service project for a local agency. This year First Call for Help was selected. First Call acts as a catalyst in the delivery and use of community and county services for those in need.