LUDLOW — With more than 18 years of experience as an author and communicator, Jen Deaderick specializes in using writing and social media to amplify narratives about gender, history, and social justice. She will join the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley on Monday, Oct. 13 at Ludlow Country Club to bring her insights on the evolution of women’s citizenship in the U.S. and the impact of our country’s recent withdrawal from its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically regarding gender equality as a fundamental human right.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to create a better and more sustainable future for all by 2030.

Deaderick is the author of She the People, published by Seal Press. Her writing has been featured in outlets like the New York Times, Dame magazine, and Huffington Post. As a founder of the Equal Rights Amendment Facebook page, she has fostered an engaged community of more than 30,000 members, advocating for legal gender equality and raising awareness through impactful content and campaigns. She is a frequent panelist on Greater Boston, a daily news show on WGBH. Copies of She the People will be available for purchase at the event.

The public is invited to attend. A reception is slated for 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the program. The buffet cost is $30, and attendees can pay at the door or online. RSVP by Oct. 6 at [email protected].

BELCHERTOWN — Dr. Mary Ann Rubis and Liz Reeves, service committee chairs for the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, announced that spring 2025 service grants have been awarded to four organizations: Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, Ware River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force, YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and Girls Inc. of the Valley.

Grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 are awarded  twice annually, in May and November, by the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley as part of Zonta’s mission to make a better world for women and girls.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this spring, Girls on the Run is the only national out-of-school-time program of its kind, underscoring the important connection between physical and emotional health and empowering adolescent girls to build healthy physical and mental habits that last a lifetime. Program Manager Coleen Ryan said Zonta’s gift will help support youth who could not otherwise afford to participate.

The River Valley Domestic Violence Task Force is a community-driven, community-led task force covering Ware, Warren, and Hardwick. Its goal is to prevent and respond to domestic violence through community-led projects. Deb Shepard from Behavioral Health Network said Zonta’s gift will help support the Library Book Project on Consent and Boundaries for ages 0-8.

With a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts serves women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and homelessness. CEO Liz Dineen and Communications Director Tiera Wright said the grant from Zonta would boost their efforts to educate families in the Y’s shelter about eating locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables, and to show that it’s not just healthier, but more affordable, too.

A positive youth development organization serving Hampden County girls and young women ages 5-18, Girls Inc. of the Valley provides hands-on programs that focus on long-term academic/literacy support and enrichment, social emotional skill building, college and career readiness, and leadership training to empower youth and prepare them for successful futures. Executive Director Suzanne Parker and Lakisha Coppedge, director of the Licensed School Age Program, said Zonta’s gift will underscore the girls’ connection to the organization, increase their safety, and increase the visibility of the organization in the community.

BELCHERTOWN — Applications for the 2025 Young Women in Leadership Award are available from the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. A local recipient will receive a $1,000 award, funded by the Zonta Club of the Quaboag Valley, and will be entered for the district award. The district recipient will be eligible for a $5,000 award from Zonta International.

According to Zonta Club Scholarship Chair Patricia Pupek, the goal of the Leadership Award is to encourage young women to participate in leadership positions by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements, and dedication to building a better world for women and girls.

“Applicants are asked to reflect on their voluntary commitment to their school and to their community and the problems limiting the empowerment of women in their own country and worldwide,” Pupek said. “The Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award looks to the young women of today to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Applications can be obtained from high-school guidance counselors or at zontaqv.org/scholarships and must be submitted electronically with supporting documentation no later than March 1. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 19 on April 1, studying at a secondary school, college, or university in a Zonta district. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

LUDLOW — Elizabeth Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts — a passionate advocate for women and children throughout her career — knows all the statistics on gender-based violence and other violations of human rights, large and small, that attempt to crush the female spirit. She also has insight to share on finding a way forward, working collaboratively, supporting each other, and modeling for the next generation of women leaders how to live a better life.

Today, Nov. 11, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will welcome Dineen to Ludlow Country Club to inspire attendees and show them a path forward for building strength and resiliency. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m. Click here for Dineen’s bio and information and resources on the issue of gender-based violence.

Tickets cost $28 at the door, or reserve a spot by emailing [email protected].

LUDLOW — On Monday, Oct. 14, the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host an event at Ludlow Country Club celebrating International Day of the Girl Child. This evening is dedicated to mentoring young girls and fostering strong, confident future leaders.

Keynote speaker Alison Berman, council director for Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts, will unveil evidence-based strategies that empower girls to recognize their inner strength, boost their physical activity, and envision boundless possibilities.

In addition, special guest Erin Kraus, entrepreneur with Honey Bear Tea, will spark attendees’ imaginations with her innovative gift ideas.

The event will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $28 at the door or $30 online at zontaqv.square.site. Spaces are limited.

BELCHERTOWN — Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host its 30th annual golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 7. Golfers will tee off at 8:30 a.m. at Cold Spring Country Club in Belchertown for a day of fun, friendly competition, and making a difference.

Whether a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun day out, everyone is welcome. For $120, participants will enjoy a round of golf, a box lunch, and the chance to win prizes. Proceeds will directly fund scholarships and grants that empower women and girls to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. Zonta is working to end child marriage, domestic violence, and human trafficking, while also supporting climate justice, education equality, and women in decision-making positions.

Sign up at zontaqv.org/golf or call Mary Knight at (413) 323-4806. The organization also welcomes sponsorships from local businesses.

Veera Patel

BELCHERTOWN — Dana Burton, scholarship chair for the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley, announced that Veera Patel is this year’s Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship recipient.

Patel is a senior at Minnechaug Regional High School. She is president of the National Honor Society, plays on the girls’ varsity volleyball team, and is involved with Student Council, Key Club, International Club, and World Care Club. She also enjoys volunteering at community organizations and working with and mentoring youth in sports and social skill building.

Zonta’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy. When asked about her thoughts on this mission, Patel noted that, while she is proud of her Indian culture and background, she is aware that the role of women in many Indian societies is secondary. “Through my leadership efforts here in America, my ambition is to inspire other females, not only Indian, to learn how to stand up for themselves and know their value.”

Looking forward, Patel would like to pursue the fields of business finance and law at Bryant University in Rhode Island.

The Young Women in Public Affairs Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for demonstrating leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. As an awardee, Patel will be presented with a certificate of accomplishment and a check for $1,000 to use toward college expenses. She is also eligible to compete for the Zonta District 1 and Zonta International award of $5,000.

BELCHERTOWN — The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley is now accepting applications for the Young Women in Public Affairs Award and the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship.

Young women (ages 16-19) who have demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes are encouraged to apply for Zonta International’s Young Women in Public Affairs Award. The deadline is March 8. For details, visit www.zontaqv.org/scholarships.

Zonta International’s Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship is open to women of any age who are pursuing a business program at an accredited university, college, or institute with specialization in accounting, economics, finance, business management, business technology, information technology, marketing, operations management, human-resources management, international business, or entrepreneurship; demonstrate outstanding potential in the field; and are living or studying in a Zonta district/region. The deadline is June 15. For details, visit www.zontaqv.org/scholarships.

BELCHERTOWN — The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley will host a virtual information session on climate change and its impact locally and globally on Monday, March 14 at 6 p.m.

Ollie Perrault, a 15-year-old climate activist and youth climate leader of Easthampton, will be the guest speaker. She has been working with other local climate-action organizations to spark social change since she was 11.

Perrault is a founding member of a new, local, youth-led climate-action group, Youth Climate Action Now, that works to empower other young people to lead the next steps in the fight against the climate crisis.

The virtual meeting is free and open to the public. To receive a Zoom invitation, e-mail [email protected].

“Climate change is a major global crisis,” said Mary Knight, communications chair of the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. “While Zonta International is not an environmental or disaster-response organization, climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, and action is needed from a gender-equality perspective.”

Across the globe, women and girls are more heavily impacted by climate change than men because women, as caregivers and food providers, are more vulnerable when flooding and drought occur, Knight said. Even in stable regions, women can face systematic violence that escalates during periods of instability, and during extreme weather events, women are at greater risk of being injured, killed, displaced, and unemployed.

“Globally, women have less socioeconomic power than men, so it is harder for them to recover from disasters,” she added, noting that the United Nations highlights the need for gender-sensitive responses to climate change, but average female representation on negotiating bodies is well below 30%.

“Much of this disadvantage can be rectified through Zonta’s existing advocacy, health, education, and violence-eradication programs,” Knight said. “However, we need to ramp up our activities to ensure that girls are educated, child marriage is ended, gender equality gaps are closed, and women are supported to take on leadership positions in the workplace, community, and political spheres.”