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Boys Clothes needed for School
Here is an email from Vania at the Human Rights Center about the human trafficking survivor and her children’s needs.
We have clients who have little boys between the ages of 7 and 12 (probably sizes 8-10); I just received a phone call that they do not have enough clothes for school. As a matter of fact, one of the little boys (age 9; size 
only has two pairs of jeans to attend school. Would you be able to ask people you know if they have clothes that their own children have outgrown to donate to the children.
Thank you,
Vania Llovera
Florida State University
Center for the Advancement of Human Rights
426 West Jefferson Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
850-644-4551
850-644-4633 (fax)
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Refuge House benefit: MusicFest 2010 Volunteer Kick-off Meeting
What: MusicFest 2010 Volunteer Kick-off Meeting
When: Thursday, August 19, 2010
7:30 pm
Where: Unity Eastside, 8551 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee
Welcome MusicFest 2010 volunteers!
I look forward to seeing you at the initial meeting for volunteers this Thursday, August 19 at 7:30 pm at Unity Eastside. This meeting will serve to introduce you to the steering committee and committee chairs, the timeline and major tasks for putting on the event, and provide an opportunity for you to express your interests and provide contact information.
As a reminder, the date for the 2010 event is Sunday, Oct 17 from noon – 5 p.m.
The committees and tasks are primarily
o Silent Auction – Lil Finn, Chairperson
o Activities/Vendors (except Food) – Shannon Caldwell, Chairperson
o Sponsors/Advertisers – Linda Collins, Chairperson
o Promotions/PR – Visit Florida/FL Chamber of Commerce
o Facilities – Wanda Carter, Chairperson, assisted by John Denmark
o Tickets – Christian Weiss, Chairperson, assisted by ________
o Food/Drink/Ice – ________, Chairperson
To help us prepare enough materials for the August 19th meeting, please respond to this email to confirm:
1) whether you are able to attend this Thursday’s meeting, and
2) your continued interest in supporting Refuge House through volunteering to help with MusicFest 2010.
Thank you for your support of MusicFest 2010 and Refuge House. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, August 19 at 7:30.
Thanks!
Linda Collins, Event Coordinator
MusicFest 2010: Sounds of Hope
A Benefit for Refuge House
671-3674
www.MusicFestTally.org
Posted in ZCT News
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Spa Fundraiser date changed to Oct
The August 21 SPA Day is being changed to a date in October! As soon as that date is set we’ll get it out to you!
Posted in ZCT News
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Photos of Service Projects NEEDED by Aug 20
Please submit electronically any photographs you have on last year’s service projects for a slide show I’m putting together at my Agency for the September meeting. I’ll need your pictures by August 20, if possible. Thanks.
Posted in ZCT News
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Zonta International Bylaws Summary
Ladies,
I have just received information from Zonta International President Dianne Curtis. The International Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Chairman has issued a summary of the decisions made on the proposed changes to the bylaws and resolutions by the Zonta International Convention in San Antonio, Texas. These are the items that Jean, Judy and I spent so much a part of our time voting on in the business sessions. Please browse through these and familiarize yourself with these new directives. It is important that all members are aware of the changes that have been made.
This summary can be found on the Zonta International website at:
http://www.zonta.org/MemberResources/Governance.aspx.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Lou A. Armesto, President
Posted in ZCT News
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Holiday Party – need hostess
Felllowship Committee is looking for a volunteer to host this year’s Holiday Party! Let Jeanna know ASAP if you are interested! Contact Jeanna at 273-1856 or at donandjo@comcast.net!
Posted in ZCT News
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Army veteran finally a U.S. citizen
Axel Runtschke sworn in and ready to serve his community. By Gerald Ensley • democrat senior writer • Published: July 31. 2010 2:00AM
Axel Runtschke is now a U.S. citizen. Runtschke, who spent four years trying to gain the U.S. citizenship he said he was promised when he enlisted in the U.S. Army, was sworn in as a citizen Wednesday in Jacksonville.
Runtschke’s plight was the topic of a June 26 story in the Tallahassee Democrat — which led to an outpouring of support for Runtschke, who received dozens of phone calls, letters and e-mails. U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson lobbied U.S. Citizens and Immigration Service (US-CIS) officials on Runtschke’s behalf.
Runtschke’s plight was the topic of a June 26 story in the Tallahassee Democrat — which led to an outpouring of support for Runtschke, who received dozens of phone calls, letters and e-mails. U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson lobbied U.S. Citizens and Immigration Service (US-CIS) officials on Runtschke’s behalf.
The public also donated thousands of dollars, which allowed Runtschke and his wife to keep their home out of foreclosure, pay off several bills and buy clothes and school supplies for their three children.”Since the story in the Democrat, the community outreach has been incredible,” Runtschke said. “It blew my mind how quickly, and how generously, the community stepped up to help me and my family. It was overwhelming.”
Sen. Nelson spoke by phone Friday morning with Runtschke, who took the call flanked by his attorneys and media members in the senator’s Tallahassee office. The senator had planned to come to Tallahassee before Senate business and bad weather canceled the trip.
”Sorry you had to go through all the bureaucratic red tape you did,” Nelson said. “You’re an example of what this country is proud of.”
Runtschke, 32, came to the U.S. with his mother when he was 12. After his mother married an American, Runtschke was granted conditional residency at age 16 — a status that is good for two years, after which an immigrant has 90 days before and after his two-year anniversary to apply for permanent residency.
In 1996, shortly before he turned 18, Runtschke enlisted in the Army and asked the recruiter what he should do about his immigration status. Runtschke said the recruiter promised him the Army would take care of his application.
Runtschke served on active duty from 1997 to 2000, working as a tank mechanic, and remained in the Army reserve to 2005. He assumed the recruiter made good on his promise and he had been granted permanent residency status. In 2006, he lost his wallet and in replacing his papers he learned the application had never been made.
Without legal residency, Runtschke was unable to get a full-time job. His family lived on the salary of his wife, a state worker, and his occasional jobs that paid in cash. His applications for citizenship were denied because he had not filed when his conditional residency expired in 1996.
Tallahassee immigration attorneys Neil Rambana and Elizabeth Ricci took on his case for free, contending the original deadline ought to be waived because it was the military’s fault Runtschke did not apply. In February, Runtschke was allowed to take the citizenship test — which he passed with flying colors — but he was still denied citizenship because of his failure to apply for permanent residency in 1996.
On July 1, following media stories and increased efforts by Boyd and Nelson, immigration officials notified Runtschke’s attorneys they were waiving the original deadline. That allowed Runtschke’s application for citizenship to be approved.
On Monday, he was invited to Jacksonville for fingerprinting and an interview. Wednesday, he was sworn in as a citizen, with his wife, Danielle, and attorney Ricci as witnesses.
On July 1, following media stories and increased efforts by Boyd and Nelson, immigration officials notified Runtschke’s attorneys they were waiving the original deadline. That allowed Runtschke’s application for citizenship to be approved.
On Monday, he was invited to Jacksonville for fingerprinting and an interview. Wednesday, he was sworn in as a citizen, with his wife, Danielle, and attorney Ricci as witnesses.
“It was surreal. I was not emotionally prepared,” Runtschke said. “But it’s amazing. I’m on Cloud 9. To raise my right hand and say the oath of allegiance gave me a lot of pride. There was also a lot of relief and closure.”
Runtschke said Friday he is eager to register to vote — and to find a full-time job. His goal is to become a law-enforcement officer.
Runtschke said Friday he is eager to register to vote — and to find a full-time job. His goal is to become a law-enforcement officer.
“That’s my dream: To serve the community that stepped up and stood behind me,” Runtschke said. “Natural born (Americans) take this for granted. They have no idea what it means to be a citizen of this country. I am humbled beyond words.”
Posted in ZCT News
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Program Committee Needs Members
The Program Committee is seeking members. Please contact Dot Inman-Johnson at Dorothy.inman-johnson@cacaainc.org to join. Thanks.
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Join us for Spa Day – fundraising event
It’s time to get spoiled and pampered away, with hand and foot treatments for
Fundraising Day!
Yes, hand treatments, foot treatments and facial’s t’boot,
Hang with the girls and earn Zonta some loot!
Join us for Spa Day
SATURDAY August 21, 2010 at 2 pm
3700 Capital Circle SE #1001
Veranda’s Apartments
RSVP to Jeanna Olson
273-1856
Dress comfortable and please no makeup.
Pre-spa orders count towards fundraising goal too if you can’t make the event.
Beauti Control Representative – Amy Coughlin. Products start at $8+
Contact Jeanna for more details.
Space limited to 12 attendee’s!
From the Resource and Fellowship Committee