Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin September 2022
(LtoR) Rae, Cindy, Lori, Shari Lynn
Welcome New Members
The club welcomes Lori White, who was inducted at our September business meeting. In addition, the club is delighted to introduce and welcome Cindy Jacobs, a Soroptimist who transferred from the South Placer club.
(LtoR) Jenny, Rae and Eileen deliver food to Loomis Senior L.I.F.E. Center
Club Supports Mosquito Fire Evacuees
Carol has been volunteering her time identifying services needed to help the victims of the Mosquito Fire. She reached out to our club to assist with the meals. Several of us were able to help make chicken sandwiches and potato soup for evacuees.
At present, many of the evacuees have been able to go home, which left an abundance of perishable food at the facility. Our members were delighted to receive excess food that we could deliver to the Loomis Senior L.I.F.E. Center. Items included bread, cheese, water, lunch meat, tortillas, eggs, potatoes and paper goods.
Club Plans Projects for Year at Retreat
Thank you to President Rae for hosting the Club Planning Retreat on August 6 and Peggy for providing sumptuous food. The 21 club members who attended reviewed the goals, budget and plans for the coming year within the four pillars of Membership, Fundraisers, Programs and Public Awareness.
Now everyone is encouraged to follow-up with Rae or committee chairs to join at least two committees and help us achieve our club's goals.
President Rae’s Message
We are off to a great start for 2022-2023! Our budget has been approved, and this year our "Club Giving" will exceed $23,750. This amount does not include Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) & Sierra Nevada Region (SNR) membership dues.
I'm especially excited with the service programs we have selected to focus on this year -- Human Trafficking Awareness and maintaining our support for Acres of Hope. Our contributions through the Awards Program have increased to not only meet our community's needs but to stay current with inflation that we are all experiencing.
The Board has scheduled a fun-filled calendar, and with all of your continued involvement, support and ideas, we can all enjoy this year "Rising by Lifting Others."
Thank you all and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any ideas, questions or concerns.
We Rise By Lifting Others,President Rae
Pictured above: 2022 Award Recipients
Our Club is Accepting Award Applications
The deadline for students, teachers and community leaders to apply for Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin awards is November 15.
Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award is for women who provide the primary financial support for their families and are pursuing more education to increase their employability.
Teacher Grants are for teachers in the Loomis Union School District to fund special projects.
The Loomis Soroptimist Investing in Dreams Award recognizes a girl at Del Oro who demonstrates leadership as a community volunteer.
The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who make a difference in the lives of women or girls.
Help us spread the word. Share the information and applications that can be found on the Soroptimist Loomis website under theAwards tab.
Members Enjoy Summer Meet-ups
Thank you to Bev, Julie and Shari Lynn on the membership committee for organizing casual summer meet-ups for the club. We gathered at Bru, The Ugly Mug, Petroglyph Ceramic Lounge and The Brass Tap. Thank you to Shari and Jack for hosting the end of summer Wine Down in August where the club raised $181 for the Delegate Fund through a boisterous White Elephant.
Join us October 1 for the Loomis Eggplant Festival
The club will have a booth at the Loomis Eggplant Festival on Taylor Rd. in Loomis on October 1. We'll be selling these cork pumpkins at our booth.
Shari Lynn is coordinating volunteer signups. Please sign up to help. It is an opportunity to share what we do with the community and attract new members
Members Attend Training Retreat
Several club members attended the Soroptimist Sierra Nevada Region Development Retreat on July 30-31. Club treasurer Bev indicated that specific workshops were especially helpful in explaining various forms and reports required to effectively carry out her responsibilities. "The entire conference was very informative and uplifting," said Bev. "It was well organized, we listened to great speakers, and there was even some fun entertainment."
Jackie indicated that she was inspired by the speakers from the Pivotal Moments podcast. Hosts Siria Gutierrez and Melissa Robaina share stories of change through mindset and wellness, and the impact on relationships.
President Rae attended the Human Trafficking workshop. "Each county in California has been touched by this devastating crime," said Rae. "Human Trafficking is the second largest criminal industry per illicit revenue generated, just behind drug trafficking. It is important to educate ourselves as well as young women and girls in our community on 'How Traffickers Lure Victims, How to Recognize Victims and How to Help Victims.'"
Rae indicated that those attending were women on a mission, trying to attend as many workshops as possible so they could better serve our club as well as our community. "We're all like-minded women enjoying one another, sharing ideas and making good friends," said Rae. All club members are welcome to attend this summer conference.
Club to Host District 4 Meeting
Our club will be welcoming members of surrounding clubs to Loomis on October 22 for the District 4 meeting. It will be held from 9 AM to 2 PM at the Loomis Meeting Spot, 3601 Taylor Rd.
Members are encouraged to volunteer to help make this event successful. Everyone is welcome and those attending this meeting will learn more about Soroptimist and our impact in the region and beyond.
The guest speaker is Karen Wilkes, Days4Girls. Our club has supported this project and hopes it will spread to other clubs.
Congratulations to the club for being selected the Best of the Best Nonprofit by The Loomis News with Gold Country Media!
Make Someone’s Year by Being a Secret Pal
Sharla announced that our Club is doing the Secret Pal activity again for this 2022-2023 year. “It is a completely voluntary activity that allows us to get to know another Soroptimist a little better and have a little fun giving and getting surprises throughout the year,” said Sharla.
Those who want to participate will fill out a sheet about themselves.
Return the form to Sharla.
Everyone who completed a form will randomly draw another member’s form to get her Secret Pal for the year.
“What you do from there is up to you, but typically, participants send a card or a small gift for special occasions and holidays, or sometimes just because,” said Sharla. “It doesn't have to be anything big or expensive.” Members often say that a token arrived at just the moment when they needed a boost so it is a way to carry out our theme, “We rise by lifting others.”
Sharla sent out an email with the full instructions and the form to fill out.
Meet Shari Lynn
According to Shari Lynn, our club has “FUN” while raising money for specific causes supporting women and girls. “My favorite club project is Dream It, Be It,” said Shari Lynn. “I want to ensure that we offer young girls: the opportunity to interact with successful women, an arsenal of tools to set and attain career goals, the knowledge that they can overcome any obstacle and mentorship.”
Shari Lynn indicated that volunteering on different club committees and projects has fostered new friendships. “I appreciate the acceptance without prejudice,” said Shari Lynn. “I have greatly benefited being a part of this amazing club.”
Shari Lynn’s career dream was to become an elementary school teacher. “Circumstances kept me from attending college fulltime,” said Shari Lynn. She held many jobs and had a career at Hewlett-Packard in the warehouse, finance and marketing departments. Shari Lynn achieved her dream by graduating from college at the age of 40 and earning her teaching credential. She taught in Elk Grove and was an adult education teacher at Folsom State Prison. As a result, Shari Lynn started the club Christmas Dream Project that provides educational and personal items for inmates in the Folsom Women's Facility.
Although she retired in 2020, with COVID and other challenges, she says "official" retirement really began this month. “I enjoy not having to be anywhere or do anything,” said Shari Lynn. "Freedom is fun!” And thanks to her "Soroptimister," Jack, for all he does for the club
Experience this International Organization in Dublin Ireland
Soroptimist International will be holding the next international convention in Dublin, Ireland July 27-29, 2023. Several people from the club are attending. If you are interested, talk to Chris. Registration is open and is filling up quickly as well as accommodations. Learn more:Soroptimist International
Convention Dublin 2023 - Soroptimist International
“It’s in the Bag, Designer Purse Event” on Jan. 18, 2023 Spread the word that plans are already underway for our largest fundraiser.
Contact Alaire if you have any questions about these ongoing fundraisers:
Calendar
SEPTEMBER
28 Celebrating Success SOLT Program Meeting - Annex at the Blue Goose @ 5:30-7PM
28 Induction - New Members
OCTOBER
1 Eggplant Festival - Friendraiser
3 Board Meeting @ 4 PM
5 Business Meeting @ 5:30 -7 PM Round Table Loomis
19 Program Meeting - Pumpkin Succulent
22 District 4 Meeting - Loomis Meeting Spot
NOVEMBER
31 Oct Board Meeting @ 4 PM
2 Business Meeting @ 5:30 -7 PM Round Table Loomis
16 Program Meeting - Leoa Foundation
23 Day Before Thanksgiving Parade
30 White Elephant - Delegate
DECEMBER
1 Chamber Mixer ~ Loomis Christmas Basket
5 Board Meeting @ 4 PM
7 Business Meeting @ 5:30-7PM Round Table Loomis
15 Senior LIFE Center Christmas Lunch
21 Program Meeting - Club Holiday Party
TBD Folsom Women Prison Project
Conventions
April 2023 Sierra Nevada Region Conference, Reno, Nevada
July 2023 Sierra Nevada Region Development Retreat, Reno, Nevada
