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December 2002 Volume 2, Number 2

Soroptimists Celebrate Success
news from around the region

District I
Chrisann Nicholson, Director

The past few months have been extremely busy for me as your district director, participating in a local advisory council, at church, and at work. As usual I feel the approaching holiday season speeding upon me. I admit that sometimes (especially now that my girls are 22 and 26 years old), I've secretly thought that I'd like to just skip the holidays. And then it happens! It never fails. Someone or something zaps me with the holiday spirit.

This year it was because of our District Project, S.O.S. for Kids, the collection of suitcases and backpacks for foster children. In Alameda County we have been getting our project "organized" so that once we started it the foster children and social workers could count on getting suitcases on a monthly basis.

As I called our Alameda County contact I was feeling guilty because our trial run of 80 suitcases were delivered in April, just before conference. My guilt was relieved temporarily when her answering machine picked up. I left the message that we were finally getting into action and the date we would like to deliver the suitcases.

Later that afternoon, Wilma Lasada from DSS returned my call. I gave my apologies for the delay and said I wondered if it would be all right to change the delivery date. I know this sounds "hokey" but her voice was angelic (soft, filled with love, appreciation, and kindness) as she said, "We are so happy that you are able to help us, we will accommodate the delivery any time you can do it. We appreciate anything you can do and can't thank you enough."

ZAP, the holiday spirit got me! This is Wilma's "job" and her thankfulness reminded me of why I am a Soroptimist. It is always a surprise to realize how much the little things we do can mean to others.

I hope each of you gets zapped with the Soroptimist Holiday Spirit and that you can pass that feeling on to your loved ones.

District II
Terry Comiskey, Director

The District meeting for District II on October 12th was a grand success. We were fortunate to have our new SIA President Nancy Walker, a member of SI Concord, and Past Governors Carol Rose and Linda McDoniels attend. Each of the eleven clubs in our District was represented. There is a lot happening in the District and club members had time to meet other members, share ideas, and receive helpful tips. The Region Executive Board's presentation on Violence Against Women though difficult to hear gave us all food for thought.

The highlight of the day was meeting and hearing from Susan Hagen, the coauthor with Mary Carouba of Women At Ground Zero. Her narrative on how she and Mary were inspired to write their book by their journey to New York and the stories of the women there brought new meanings to the words selfless and commitment.

Thanks for a well-organized day go to SI Pittsburg, the President, Gloria Soderbery, Registration chair, Dion Weaver and all the club members. Kudos too, go to the Liberty Hotel's owner and member of SI Pittsburg, Lili Santoso, for wonderful food and excellent service.

District III
Carol Finley Stein, Director

Historic Benicia's City Hall was the site of the District III Meeting, Sunday, October 6, 2002. Everyone was delighted that over ninety members attended with representatives of all twelve clubs and six Region officers. In addition, Governor Mary Ann conducted a Region Induction Ceremony for eight new members. How exciting that was! Everyone was pleased to hear that at least two new clubs will be chartered in District III.

Most of the morning session was devoted to Region business, with reports from Region Treasurer Joyce Strand and Region Secretary Sue Finch. Members and delegates received lots of information regarding Region committees and their activities. Following the reports, the Region Board presented a moving, fact-filled forum: No More Hiding -- Violence Against Women.

During lunch, the District III Literacy Project was presented by Director Carol, in which she challenged each of the twelve clubs to carry out a literacy project of their choosing. She emphasized that these projects could cost a lot or a little, be big or small, involve adults or children, involve the members or just donate funds. She explained that in our country, it is estimated that 20% of the adult population is functionally illiterate for a variety of reasons. Guest speaker, Judy Wolf, spoke of the relationship of illiteracy and domestic violence.

Afternoon was fun-filled and educational. A "Wellness Survey" found the clubs competing for the best score. A SoroptiGame developed by Director Carol had the members working with people from other clubs to develop lists telling what Soroptimist is and does. The Vacaville club insisted on being the hosts for the 2003 District Meeting. Club baskets were raffled, bringing in over $1100 for Founder Region Fellowship.

Chairman Bonnie Silveria, President Kathy Griffin, and their committee and club members did an awesome job hosting the District III Meeting.

District IV
Linda Simon, Director

The District IV Meeting was held on Sept. 29, 2002, at the Villa Chanticleer in Healdsburg. The hostess club, Soroptimist International of Healdsburg did an outstanding job getting us the beautiful location, good food, and having Mary Carouba, as our guest speaker. Mary is the co-author of Women at Ground Zero. She had a slide presentation and told us about this venture to date. She was extremely excited about these women coming to Healdsburg on 11/6/02 for a week of rest and relaxation.

Fellowship Director Lynn and President Linda Sue were on hand to bring us the latest on Fellowship. Coupon books are available for those who want to put a little aside each month to become a "Fellow". District IV raised over $1,000.00 for Fellowship. The Presidents will pick a worthy person to be presented with the Fellowship at our Region Conference in May.

Region Committee members gave brief overviews on how they will assist the membership during the next two years. Naturally they hope to hear from the clubs and be invited to speak at a meeting. Our Region Officers also had an opportunity to educate us. They topic "No more Hiding - Violence Against Women" addressed the various types of violence against women. It was extremely powerful and certainly encouraged each of us to be aware and advocate against violence in its many forms.

Since this was my first District meeting to chair, I was extremely anxious. I should have known I didn't have to worry. The presenters all did an outstanding job! We had 80 in attendance, which is a great turnout for 10 clubs! The membership always is supportive and encouraging and keeps me excited and looking forward to seeing each member again. I hope you will all consider coming to our next District meeting in 2003. I know you'll be able to learn about our organization, share ideas, renew friendships, and meet new & exciting Soroptimists! Many thanks to all who attended.

District V
Elaine Reed, Director

Founder Region District V meeting was held on September 27 & 28, 2002, at the Red Lion in Eureka with 96 members attending the event. This space was a little cramped due to the overwhelming numbers of attendees. The previous average was 80. Director Elaine opened the meeting with a greeting to all attending. The pledge to the flag was led by a Girl Scout. Several Committee reports were given after dinner. A game of Soroptimist Squares was played to end the evening.

The meeting was reconvened on Saturday morning with President Kris Chorbi of the hostess club, S.I. Eureka, welcoming everyone. The Regional Board gave reports and the remaining Committees gave reports. The Regional Board presented "No More Hiding--Violence Against Women". Past Governor Carol Rose presented two awards: S.I. Humboldt Bay received "Soroptimist Celebrating Success" award for Public Relations and S.I. Noyo Sunrise received "Make a Connection" membership award. Every club in District V won the WOA patch as well as the club award patch from Federation.

Donna Ayers presented past District Director Sue Finch with a lovely engraved vase from the clubs in the District for her service. Our guest speakers were Lisa Schaffner and Tiffany Mitchel of S.I. Healdsburg who presented the program on the "Women of Ground Zero." Lolita Beltramo, S.I. McKinleyville, spoke on the Women Helping Women Grant which her club received. District V Clubs sold over $1200 in Fellowship tickets and Sue Finch was chosen to receive a Fellowship from the clubs. The drawing for the baskets followed. District Director Elaine thanked everyone for coming and thanked S.I. Eureka for being the hostess club and presented them with their patch. The meeting was then adjourned.