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The Meridian Weekly – November 28, 2021

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Cover Photo: Beaming Proudly from Left to Right: Lisa Jelenek, Director, and Board members: Julie Cooper, Cheryl Sickles, Kristyna Baynes, Connie Hinton. Missing from the photo is Tom Jelenek, owner of the buildings housing The Clothesline and The Connection Tutor Center.

Laingsburg Clothesline Accepts a $21,600 Gift

by Karen Anderson, Laingsburg Correspondent

LAINGSBURG – On Wednesday, November 17, 2021 a $21,600 check from the Owosso group – 100+ Women Who Care was presented to the Laingsburg Clothesline (501-C 3 non-profit). The presenters shopped and toured the clothing store which all money from the sales is directed into an account to build and fund The Connection Tutor Center located at 104 Grand River which the group also toured in downtown Laingsburg.

Managed by Lisa Jelenek, retired Laingsburg teacher along with volunteers and board members. (See Pix) Jelenek states that “a projected date has not been finalized for the Grand Opening of The Connection until funds are raised to complete the interior.”

The Electrical has been started and the gift from the Women Who Care Owosso group will be used for electrical, lighting, insulation, drywall, and roofing will be getting started. Labor is also on a volunteer basis.” Jelenek continued to explain, “The progress is contingent on continued donations and volunteers. Also, an application has been submitted for a $25,000 Main Street DDA Grant and we will receive notification after the next meeting.” If granted they should know by mid-December. The matching grant will be earmaked towards HVAC, plumbing and
flooring. “We are getting close.”

The idea of the 100+Women Who Care was formed in November 2006 by Karen Dunigan of Jackson, Michigan who organized 100 women to raise $10,000 for baby cribs need in their city. Their membership has grown to over 300 and continue to grow. Many other groups are meeting across the United States and into Canada.

The first 100+ Women’s group in Owosso, Michigan have meet 17 times since January 2016. It was organized and launched by Cindy Schluckebier, Sue Ludington, Lisa Hood and Becky Hartnagie, from Shiawassee County. The concept comes from a group of like-minded compassionate women who found that by contributing to local charities together would increase the financial impact by the gathering of a larger group of donors.

Each woman donates $100 and is put into a drawing. Three names are pulled out of the bin. Each woman will present a favorite charity or cause describing the need. Then the group will vote for the one to receive the gift of money for their organization. To date members of the Shiawassee County group have donated over $334,00 to local community needs. Sue Ludington from the Owosso group explained how blessed they are to have over 200 members who are committed to making a difference in their community.

For more information and a schedule of meetings go to owossowomencare.com Information and donations for The Connections find information on www. TheLaingsburgclothesline.com or on Facebook.