Photo by Charity Maness/Fall River County Herald Star

Southern Hills Zonta member Ebun Adelona, far right, gifts a yellow rose to Boys and Girls Club child care providers, Candi Pattiani, Melanie Adcock (Director), and Elizabeth Davis for International Women’s Day. (Not pictured: Alivia Scearce, Tray Roberts, Ethan Johnson and Lidia Inskip)

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By Charity Maness

HOT SPRINGS – Members of the Southern Hills Zonta Club recognized child care workers at the Hot Springs Boys and Girls Club and Bethesda Lutheran School Wednesday March 8th in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Each year, on International Women’s Day, Zonta has created a program titled Yellow Rose Day in which the club honors people who have made a major contribution to the collective wellbeing and the building of a better world through their service.

This year the club has chosen to recognize child care workers acknowledging their integral part of the community as workers who are essential to the economic prosperity of the city and encourage all citizens of the City of Hot Springs to join in recognition of the efforts of these essential workers.

Southern Hills Zonta member Ebun Adelona explained the mission of Zonta as focusing on building a better world for women and girls. 

When presenting the roses Adelona read the Zonta proclamation which stated, in part, that the need for child care in Hot Springs which is filled by local Child Care Centers provide responsive and responsible care giving that then creates an opportunity for early learning while allowing parents the opportunity to focus on work and other demanding aspects of their lives. The proclamation also recognized the child care providers for creating an atmosphere that provides opportunities for developing motor, social, language and cognitive skills through play.

“I love children,” said Candi Pattiani as she received her rose, “I absolutely love this work.”

Her sentiment was reiterated by both Melanie Adcock (Director), and Elizabeth Davis, both choosing this field with their hearts.

Founded in 1919 in Buffalo, New York, USA, Zonta takes its name from the Lakota Sioux Indian word meaning “honest and trustworthy.” Zontians volunteer their time, talents and energy to local and international service projects to advance the status of women.

Locally the group, founded in 1995, raises not only awareness of women in community workplaces and women of excellence, but also raises funds for scholarships for girls and women who wish to elevate their education.

For more information on the Southern Hills Zonta Club call 605-517-6182 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You are may also attend a meeting which are held at noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, at Custer County Library meeting room.