Soroptimist International Loomis Basin News
January 2021
|
|
Club Delivers Meals to SeniorsOn January 21, Becky, Bev and Karen delivered meals to seniors not able to come to the Senior LIFE Center to pick them up. We always enjoy the chance to chat with theses members of the community during deliveries. More volunteers are always welcome for this once or twice a month community project. Usually it is mid-day on a Thursday and takes about an hour, depending on the location and number of homes.
|
|
|
Members Celebrate Hearts and Minds
At our program meeting on January 21, Rae organized a hands-on project that we could all craft while on zoom. In addition to catching up on each other’s news, we got to know each other by sharing some personal stories.
Rae made natural bird feeder hearts for all of us. They were packaged with a ribbon and included a tag with our slogan for this year: “We’ll find a way.” She sent out the recipe so we could make them on our own since it would be hard to do while on the computer.
We also made paper heart chains with strips of construction paper provided by Rae. Once we started making them, we got creative and showed each other different ways to assemble them. Now, we’ll hang these in our homes and enjoy seeing these decorations celebrating love.
“Getting crafty” was a great way to relax at the end of the day combined with our laughter as we shared experiences. We heard some great stories when we asked: what was the best career or marriage advice you got and what wisdom do you wish you could pass on the younger you?
Thanks to Rae for organizing this virtual program and preparing everything in advance. We appreciate Chris and Ashley for allowing members to pick up supplies at the Hebard Insurance office.
|
|
Toni enjoying the beach on horseback with her husband, a very supportive "Soroptimister."
Member Profile: Toni Zachery
Toni's Soroptimist Story is that when she moved to Loomis in 2008, she wanted to get involved with the community. "I met a couple of current members and was invited to a meeting," said Toni. "Right off the bat, I liked everyone and their outward enthusiasm for the Soroptimist mission. It was clear to me that these gals cared about others and giving back was not a chore, it was a blessing. I still feel this way about this wonderful group of ladies; I have maintained friendships and business relationships to this day."
In addition to providing her graphic skills to many committees, Toni has been part of many other projects. "I look back at past Eggplant Festivals and remember having to make change at the local bank right in the middle of my shift," said Toni. "I had tons of $20 dollar bills in my apron and ran like crazy to Wells Fargo. Coming back to the beer booth was even funnier, since I now had far more bills in denominations of $1, $5 and $10. But I realized how great a place like Loomis was with its small town charm and friendliness. No one bothered me, the bank didn't flinch about making change and everyone got their beers on time! SILB has funded a lot of projects through a thirsty public."
"But seriously, there are so many projects that I've witnessed that touch others' lives. And the creativity of club members in realizing ideas that truly work in both times of prosperity and trying times such as those we live in today ... THAT is very special."
Toni has been a freelance graphic designer for over 30 years. "I started Smithtonian Graphic Design in 1992, working three part time jobs until I could fly on my own," said Toni. "These jobs were 1) pouring wine at an Amador winery, 2) marketing for a traffic control firm and even doing occasional traffic control and 3) helping to produce a monthly horse magazine. I have many successful, great clients and love the ability to work on my own. Those of you who own businesses understand that we make it or break it. It's all up to us. And after a long career, I am now looking forward to slowing down as I head towards retirement."
Toni says that what she likes best about being a member of the club is "helping others who haven't had an easy road in life. I'm so happy that I married my husband and landed in Loomis, and I feel we should all give back when we can. The interaction with members and the community is icing on the cake. We really do live in Mayberry!"
|
|
Club Makes Progress on Goals Mid-year
During the January 7 club business meeting, we reviewed our progress on the goals set at the retreat held during the summer of 2020.
- The Membership goal is to increase 10% from 28 to 31 members: We've added one member; two more to go.
- The Fundraising goal is $23,775 and we've raised $5,208, within $250 of where we expected to be mid-year.
- Programs (Awards, Dream It Be It & Days for Girls): Only 400 more shields are needed to complete 200 Days for Girls packages.
- Public Awareness goals for social media and the newsletter included increasing Facebook followers 20% from 339 to 407 and we are at 386.
|
|
|
Club Supports Christmas Basket Program
Since our club was not able to co-host the Loomis Chamber of Commerce December mixer that raises funds for the Loomis Christmas Basket program, we donated $250 to the 2020 effort. Although different this year due to COVID, the “parking lot giveaway” of gift cards was still very successful. Everyone stayed distanced and volunteers were able to deliver Raley’s gift cards of $120 to families and $60 to couples or singles. Each child received $40 in Target or Walmart gift cards. In addition, $60 in Raley’s gift cards were delivered to five low income apartment or mobile home communities. Loomis Basin Christmas Baskets served a total of 235 children and 415 adults this year.
|
|
Loomis Library Building Now Locally OwnedAt the end of last year, club members were very excited to hear that the Library Building was purchased by the Town of Loomis from Placer County for $1. This will enhance local control and administration.
Over the years, our club has supported the Loomis Library with donations of Lego tables and books featuring “Mighty Girls.” Several members are actively involved as Library volunteers and have served on the board. In 2020, Carol Mason, Vice President, Loomis Library Executive Board, received the Soroptimist Ruby Award for Women Helping Women and a donation for the Loomis Library in her honor. The club recognized her leadership in re-opening the Loomis Library after Placer County closed it and for acting as librarian for 18 months before the town could hire someone to fill the position.
|
|
|
Secret Pals Brighten Members' Days
To help members become more acquainted and provide support to each other, our club has a Secret Pal program. Sheila recently noted that you never know when a friendly note or sweet gift could make a difference in someone's life. Especially with the pandemic, our Secret Pal efforts are more relevant than ever in reminding others that we care about each other. Thanks to everyone who is participating and to Sharla for coordinating this uplifting project.
|
|
|
Our Club is Not Alone
The Loomis Basin club is part of District 4 of the Soroptimist Sierra Nevada region. In January, the presidents met to share ideas.
Clubs are staying connected during the pandemic by leaving members surprise porch presents, having themes for zoom meetings where members dress up and staying involved by volunteering on Saturdays at the Stand Up Placer Thrift Store.
To raise funds, other clubs have held parking lot sidewalk sales, hosted music trivia, sold rice bowls, participated in Papa Murphy fundraisers, organized online auctions and asked previous sponsors to virtually support their club even though events can’t be held.
Members have educated themselves with speakers from the FBI on online precautions, local authorities on sex trafficking and health professionals on cancer awareness.
Some of these ideas may sound good for our club. If so, let’s talk about it.
|
|
Calendar
If you are setting up your 2021 calendar, the club meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month except in July and August.
February 2021 and beyond
- February 1st-Board Meeting
- February 3rd-Business Meeting
- February 17th-Program Meeting
- SNR Virtual Conference April 30-May 2
- SNR Retreat July 10-11
- SI International Convention in Dublin, Ireland July 27-29, 2023
|
|
|
|
Our theme for 2020-21 is "We'll find a way!"
|
|
|
Websites:
Loomis Basin Club
Sierra Nevada Region
Soroptimist International of the Americas
Facebook: @SILoomis
Instagram: @SILoomis
Officers:
Karen Fraser-Middleton, President
Rae DeGabriel, President-Elect
Shari Lynn Goodwin, Treasurer
Sharon O’Donnell, Secretary
Cyndie Whitefoot, Two-Year Delegate
Sheila Lee, One-Year Delegate
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2020 Soroptimist International Loomis Basin, All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
