BANGOR – Members of Zonta Club of Bangor will celebrate both International Women’s Day and Zonta Rose Day on Wednesday, March 8.

International Women’s Day is marked by women’s groups around the world, commemorated at the United Nations and designated a national holiday in many countries. Its story is the story of ordinary women as makers of history, one rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men.

A past international president of Zonta, Val Sarah, first suggested linking Zonta Rose Day with International Women’s Day. For decades a yellow rose, a symbol of friendship, has been used by Zonta International. Zontians worldwide are encouraged to publicly distribute yellow roses, accompanied by information about Zonta and issues relating to improving the lives of women. Members of Zonta Club of Bangor will distribute yellow roses to local women who have benefited their communities.

Founded in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1919, Zonta International is a service organization of executives in business and the professions working to advance the status of women. Nearly 33,000 members belong to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs worldwide.

Zontians work to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women through community and international service, encourage women to advance in their careers and excel in all their endeavors, share friendship and fellowship through a local and global network and further a legacy of women’s rights and progress that began in 1919.

The Zonta Club of Bangor celebrated its 76th anniversary in January. It comprises 30 members from a variety of professions who work together to raise money to support several local service organizations. The club also awarded $5,700 in scholarships for this year.

According to Alex Turallo, vice president, “Our club is at a very exciting point. Wonderful new members are joining with the energy and enthusiasm to carry on the heritage of service for which our club has long been known. We are also working together to bring newer, more updated fundraisers to the Bangor area, such as the Lifestyle and Fashion Expo, set for Saturday, March 25, at Spectacular Events Center.

“Participants will have a choice of two fashion shows, but also have the added benefit of viewing and talking directly with more than 40 vendors about their merchandise and services.”

For information about membership, contact Teresa Millett at 942-0786. For general information about Zonta Club of Bangor or the Lifestyle and Fashion Expo, call Alex Turallo at 299-3817.