“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

The Soroptimissle

A Quarterly Newsletter for Members

Soroptimist International of Hanford, CA

Sierra Pacific Region District III

www.sihanford.org

A Message from the President Linda Silveira

As Soroptimists we strive to recognize and honor the individual gifts women

and girls bring to society. Each individual is unique and special, and for that

reason we cherish them, and are ourselves amazed at their fortitude, talent, and

unselfish devotion to a dream. Our role in their progress is never more evident

than at the annual Live Your Dream Awards Banquet. And while our part in their individual paths may be

modest, it is no less significant. Furthermore, by either economic empowerment or public acknowledgement

of these women and girls, we continue to promote the very core values of Soroptimist that we embrace, spe-

cifically gender equality, empowerment, education, diversity and fellowship.

And so, I wish to thank the 2014 Awards Banquet chairpersons Sharlene Bogan and Brenda McNary for a

marvelous evening that accomplished all of the above and more. Furthermore, I wish to thank Linda Clark,

Tana Elizondo, Leah Forte, Gloria Morgan, and Karen Puente for serving on the Committee. They certain-

ly contributed to an event worthy of the Soroptimist ideals, and are themselves the very best of women.

As the year progresses, please keep in mind that there are women and girls in our community who are de-

serving of recognition and support. Through our collective effort we can make a difference in many individ-

ual lives, and thus leave a lasting legacy of a better society for our children and grandchildren.

SPRING 2014

April

1 Speaker Meeting

8 Business Meeting

15 Speaker Meeting

20 Easter Sunday

22 Monthly Birthday/Fun Tuesday

29 No Meeting

May

6 Speaker Meeting

6 Board Meeting (Budget Review)

13 Business Meeting

16- 18 Sierra Pacific Region Conference

20 Speaker Meeting

21 Early Registration Deadline Biennial Convention

26 Memorial Day Holiday

27 Monthly Birthday Celebration & Fun Meeting

June

3 Speaker Meeting

3 Board Meeting (Finalize Budget)

10 Business Meeting

17 Monthly Birthday Celebration & Fun Meeting

18 Pre-Registration Deadline Biennial Convention

24 Installation of New Board Members & Officers

July (Club Year Commences)

1 New Board Meets (Time and Location TBD)

4 Independence Day Holiday

8 Evening Business Meeting

23-26 Biennial Convention Vancouver, BC, Canada

SPRING—SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE

“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

SI BIENNIAL CONVENTION - VANCOUVER, CANADA

JULY 23 - 26, 2014

The Soroptimist International biennial convention twill be held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Consider visit-

ing a fantastic city with your SI friends; dance the night away at the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” Soropti-

mist Dance Party; plan a shopping spree in one of Vancouver’s many trendy neighborhoods. For more infor-

mation on Vancouver and to investigate hotel options, visit the member section at www.soroptimist.org .

Regional Director, Tana Elizondo, shared that “For or those with inquiring minds and who like to venture on......Every even year SIA does host a "Convention" (bi-annually) which is the grandest of all. All members within our international waters are in attendance, this would include many from Mexico, Philippines, Japan and of course those that grace our lands in the USA. This will be over a 5 day period and we are offered a variety of educational breakout sessions from Leadership, Fund-raising, Programs, and much more. The celebration level is times 10, you will need a good pair of shoes and don't expect to get any rest, this is truly what some will call a working vacation.”

Speak to your membership team leader or Cheryle Boeve as soon as possible to get more information about

cost, accommodations, program and more. A portion of your expenses (excluding travel) will be paid by the

Club. If you are even considering attending, do make sure that your passport is valid and current. There may

be some restrictions for passports expiring within 6 months of travel, so check to be sure. Do not wait until the

last minute and spoil your plans. Girls just want to have fun, or so we hear.

“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

GETTING TO KNOW

Rosalind Wong

How did you choose to become interested in Soroptimist?

I heard of Soroptimist as my co-workers, Janet and Rebecca, are both members. They encouraged me to

volunteer for the child spree. After that day, it made me want to become a member because that was

such a wonderful event, and seeing an organization giving back locally is even better.

What do you hope to achieve by volunteering?

I hope to have the opportunity to make a difference in the community.

How has the orientation been so far? Because we always want to make people feel welcome, we

look always for ways to improve. Do you have any advice for us in this regard?

Orientation has been great! I do feel welcomed and I've enjoyed getting to know so many great women.

What projects have you worked on to date, and how has experience been for you?

Tree festival!!! It was such an awesome experience. Seeing everything come together the day of the

event made all the hard work pay off.

Please tell us a little about you on a personal note, where you work or worked, and in what

capacity; what do you enjoy doing for recreation, hobbies, and such.

I am a Certified Public Accountant for M. Green and Company, LLP. I know this may sound weird, but

I love taxes!!!! I knew I wanted to be a CPA since I was a little kid (don't know why). I enjoy challenges

so I love jigsaw puzzles that are 1000+ pieces. I also enjoy puzzle games like Candy Crush. I've

"beaten" the game for now... (there are no more levels to complete until a new update). Also, I enjoy

reading a good book, traveling, and watching sports.

Do you have any interests in 2014 projects?

I'm looking forward to all 2014 projects.

What book have you read, movie seen, restaurant visited, trip taken,

dish cooked, or item created, that you can recommend?

Thumbprint cookies - However, if you're on a diet, I don't recommend it - too much butter and calories!

Please take the time to welcome Rosalind and all the new members, making them part of your team.

“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

CATCHING UP WITH CHAMPA BIDWANA

PUROK JARDINE DAY CARE CENTER BACOLOD, PHILLIPINES

We were pleased to hear that the Day Center and Com-munity of Bacolod were spared from the terrible typhoon that devastated much of the Phillipines recently. The fol-lowing letter was kindly sent shortly thereafter.

Happy New Year to all of you from the Soroptimists of Bacolod! I am sending you a few pictures of the Christmas party at the Purok Jardine Day Care Cen-ter which you all have been supporting for so many years. All the parents were there too. The parents prepared food and had a good time too. In the 1st picture, the Day Care teacher, Sally is wearing a bright yellow blouse. I am in the 4th picture together with Melba Tan, the Soroptimist President of SI Ba-colod. The children sang and danced and they had a presentation of the Nativity Scene. The most powerful storm recorded, locally named Yolanda spared Bacolod but wreaked havoc to many towns in the North of our island. Of course the damage to other islands like Samar and Leyte was horrendous. We have been hearing also about the cold and very bad weather conditions in the US also. Has it been affecting you? Hope all is well with you. Please do keep in touch.

Yours in Soroptimism, Champa Gidwani

Additional Photos Are Available

Sierra Pacific Regional

Conference

May 16 — 18, 2014 Visalia Convention Center

The event will held over a week-end, be-ginning on Friday and ending on Sun-day. The Friday evening program is more of a casual gathering. Saturday begins the first official business meeting. There will be opportunities to select a work-shop, participate in club sales, and share in fellowship with other clubs. SIA President Cheri Fleming from head-quarters will be the keynote speaker. Also on the agenda will be the oppor-tunity to meet the regional winners of Women's Opportunity, Violet Richardson and the Ruby award. Finishing up on Sunday winners of the Regional Mary El-len George and Fellowship Awards are announced. We will also have time to celebrate life, celebrate club success and have an opportunity of share and obtain ideas with others in our region. Rooms have been reserved at the Raddison Ho-tel so that we may relish the fellowship. Please advise your team leader or Presi-dent Linda now if you wish to attend. Club will defray some of the cost and the registration fee.

“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP

Kendall Fults, Senior Vice President of

Adventist Health accepting a $10,000

donation from President Linda for the

new Women’s Birthing Center. Con-

struction on the new building has begun

at Mall Drive. Anticipated opening date

scheduled for 2015.

Women in the community will be privi-

leged to avail themselves of state of the

art equipment and modern facilities.

Maureen, Sue, Mary, Linda C., Linda S., and

Sharlene attended a Sierra Pacific Region Meet-

ing led by Tana Elizondo, Regional Director.

Members heard update on SIA direction, and

shared information on club news and activities.

On the way home the ladies visited Charming

Charlie’s. Sharlene’s shopping bag was indeed

the largest and did not fit in this photo!

“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

‘S’ Club Regional Conference hosted

by Sierra Pacific H.S., with help

from Hanford West and Hanford

High. Advisors: Sharon, Judy, Lin-

da S., Linda C., Melanie, and Wendy

donned their circus theme attire in a

fun filled afternoon. Students

shared storyboards of their commu-

nity service activities, played games,

learned to laugh and created mini

body pillows for patients of Chil-

dren’s Hospital of Central California.

Debbie Wilson and Sharon Farr pre-

pared a marvelous lunch enjoyed by

all. Afterwards there was popcorn

and cotton candy and shaved ice.

SPR Board Members Governor Pat Jones,

Governor Elect Debbie Jensen, and Bonnie

Silveria attended the conference interview-

ing nine students from the Sierra Pacific

Region for the Mary Ellen George Award.

Three students were granted awards,

Frances Wilson and Emily Bloomqust of

Hanford and a student from Taft High

School.

Each of the ‘S’ clubs in attendance brought to the

event a large donation of dog food for the Kings

County Animal Shelter, the program chosen to benefit

from their volunteerism.

“Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

Soroptimist International of Hanford PO Box 192

Hanford, CA 93232-0192

Club Number 117211 Chartered November 22, 1958

Sour Cream Butter Biscuits

Ingredients

2 cups self-rising flour

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temp.

1 cup sour cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Grease miniature muffin pans.

Mix the flour and butter together, add the sour cream, and blend well.

Place spoonfuls of the batter in the muffin pans.

Bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

From Paula Deen and Shared by Tana Elizondo.

Third Annual Salad Luncheon was held in February. A review of the Salad Luncheon, including its’ inception, success and challenges to date, and how it relates to the Child Spree was present-ed at March club meeting. For those who missed the opportunity and wish to receive a copy of the Power Point presentation, please contact President Linda or your membership team leader.

Soroptimist Core Values

Gender Equality

Empowerment

Education

Diversity

Fellowship

Brenda McNary arranging cookies

at the Salad Luncheon

Karen Puente, Debbie Wilson, Cassidy Hutton, Pattie Hill and Leah Forte preparing take-out box-es at the Salad Luncheon. Nice apron Cassidy!