What is Zonta?

Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. There are over 33,000 members, in more than 1,200 clubs, in 68 countries and geographic areas.

 

What does Our Local Club Do?

The Zonta Club of Concord was chartered by Zonta International in October, 1959. Our club is the oldest active Zonta Club in New Hampshire. Current membership is 30 and we are diverse in age (from 30s to 70s). Our members are active and committed. Several Concord members have served as District Governor and Lieutenant Governor as well as in many other District board positions over the years.

 

What are some of the Zonta Club of Concord, NH local service projects?

The Zonta Club of Concord provides volunteer and/or financial support to area organizations and projects, including Concord Hospital Family Health Center; Merrimack Valley Day Care Center; The Friendly Kitchen; Rape and Domestic Violence Crisis Center, serving Merrimack County; Girls, Inc. of Concord; Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Program; The Friends Program; American Cancer Society; March of Dimes; Concord Boys and Girls Club; Project Second Start and Literacy Projects; Child & Family Services; Concord Chapter of the American Red Cross;  Rolfe & Rumford Home; Families in Transition; Shea Farm; Dress for Success of New Hampshire; a local low-income residential facility; local multicultural refugee programs; and others.

Over the last two years, the Zonta Club of Concord has implemented two new service projects: the Concord Hospital Family Health Center Newborn Layette project, and programs to help women and their families who have moved to the local area from other countries.

The Newborn Layette project provides layettes to low-income women and their families which include articles of clothing, burp cloths, blankets, tote bags, and other imperative items for the newborn. In a cooperative effort with our club members, many of these clothing items are handcrafted by women who reside at the New Hampshire State Prison for Women and Shea Farm (a transitional residential setting for women inmates re-entering the community after being incarcerated). One of our multicultural refugee programs involves club members providing “chat” partners for women who have moved to the area from foreign countries to help them with any questions they may have about our culture or services in the area. Also, club members are providing day-to-day living staples such as bathroom and kitchen supplies along with warm-weather clothing to refugee families who have moved into the area.

We provide scholarships such as the Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship, and we award an annual scholarship targeted to non-traditional female student(s) attending our local community college, New Hampshire Technical Institute. In addition to these local projects, we also participate in and generously fund Zonta's International Service Projects. 

 

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What are some of the Zonta International service projects?

Zonta International supports and administers several different international service projects and/or programs. Each biennium, Zonta International sponsors international programs in association with agencies of the United Nations that work to advance the status of women. Most of the programs are in developing nations and are selected by the Zonta International Board and approved by the Zonta International membership. To learn more about the Zonta international service projects for the current and past biennium, visit the Zonta International web site at http://www.zonta.org/ . 

Zonta International also administers several international scholarship programs including:  the Amelia Earhart Fellowship Program which provides post-graduate fellowships to women in the fields of aeronautics and aeronautical engineering; the Jane M. Klausman Scholarship Program which provides college scholarships to women in business; and the Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship Program which offers recognition and scholarships on the district and international level for outstanding young women who are making a difference in their world through service. 

In addition, many Zonta clubs sponsor Z and Golden Z Club Programs that provide mentoring and support for young high school and college aged women. Additional information regarding these and other Zonta International Programs can be found on the Zonta International web site at http://www.zonta.org/ .

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When and where does the Concord, NH club meet?

Club meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the Cat 'n Fiddle Restaurant, 118 Manchester Street, Concord, NH. The club does not meet in July and August. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. The business meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Programs begin at 7:30 p.m.

 

Am I eligible for Zonta membership?

Membership in Zonta International is by club invitation to individuals who are executives or professionals in a recognized business, institution or profession working at least 50% of a normal week and willing to support the objects of Zonta. There are numerous professions an individual could be working in, just a few of which are: banking, law, state government, real estate, public relations, retail and business management, academics, health and human services, and the arts.

 

How much time does Zonta membership take?

Zonta clubs are service clubs and each club has local service projects and fundraising activities. Concord Zonta members actively support club projects and attend monthly club and committee meetings. In addition, opportunities exist to attend one-day annual workshops, a two-day annual conference or seminar, and a weeklong biennial international convention. 

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Who's Who in the Zonta Club of Concord, NH?

 

Current Officers and Directors

President:	Donna Raycraft
President Elect:	Susan Lombard
Vice President:	Marie Lang
Treasurer:	Janice Severance
Secretary:	Laura Miller
Directors:	Sunshine Fisk, Pat Merrill, & Linda Zollo
Immediate Past President:	Nancy Spater

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Past Club Presidents

Past President	Years as President
Lily Cochran *	1959-1961
Alice W. VanDyke *	1961-1963
Gretchen Tobey	1963-1965
Ellen Siegler *	1965-1967
Helen R. Paige *	1967-1969
Marguerite Zielinski	1969-1971
Helen R. Paige *	1971-1972
Carrie T. Colby	1972-1974
Ella Knowlton	1974-1976
Barbara Hanus	1976-1978
Claire D. Clarke	1978-1980
Judith Thyng-Bryan	1980-1982
Darlene Mosher	1982-1984
Florence K. Parker	1984-1986
Laura B. Althoff	1986-1988
Janet Copestakes	1988-1989
Carol Tait	1989-1991
Janet Copestakes	1991-1992
Nancy G. Spater	1992-1994
Linda R. Richard	1994-1996
Carolyn Andrews	1996-1998
Nadine Salley	1998-2000
Sharon St. Onge	2000-2002
Janice N. Severance	2002-2004
Joyce Heck	2004-2006
Jennifer Army	2006-2008
*Charter Members

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How do I find out more?

To find out more about the Zonta Club of Concord, NH, contact President Donna Raycraft at 603-753-6671 or email ZontaConcordNH@zontadistrict1.org