Equal parts droll and gorgeous nostalgia book and heartfelt plea for a renewed sense of adventure in the lives of boys and men, Conn and Hal Iggulden's The Dangerous Book for Boys became a mammoth bestseller in the United Kingdom in 2006. Adapted, in moderation, for American customs in this edition (cricket is gone, rugby remains; conkers are out, Navajo Code Talkers in), The Dangerous Book is a guide book for dads as well as their sons, as a reminder of lore and technique that have not yet been completely lost to the digital age. Included are mini-chapters about the wonders of the world, grammar, historical battles, understanding latitude and longitude, the Declaration of Independence, poetry, Latin phrases, literature, the Ten Commandments and also how to talk to girls. Practical advice also abounds: how to tie knots, start fires, build a shelter, for instance. Retro yet apt for today's audiences, this book is fun to peruse and would spark good discussions.

Birthdates and Anniversaries:

December

Birthdays:

11.Susan Glen

Anniversaries:

January

EZ Pudding

This is a must recipe for anyone with kids.

1 Cup maple syrup or 1.5 cups dates

2 medium avocados

1/2 cup raw cocoa powder or carob powder

Throw the ingredients into a blender and blend well. Stop the blender and scrape the sides to be sure all the ingredients mix thoroughly. Blend until fluffy.

If you use dates, rather than maple syrup, soak the dates in orange juice before using.

You can dress this up with Berrys, mint leaves or even some whipped cream.

*****

Sunny Pate´

3 Cups sunflower seeds, soaked 8 - 12 hours, and sprouted 2-4 hours

1/4 - 1/2 Cup lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped scallions

1/4 - 1//2 cup tahini

1/4 Cup Bragg Liquid Aminos

2 - 4 slices red onion, cut in chunks

4 - 6 Tablespoons coarsely chopped parsley

2 - 3 medium cloves garlic coarsley chopped

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

1 - 2 Tablespoons minced ginger (found at middle eastern stores ie* Corona fresh produce)

1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

In a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth.

Note: This will last at least 10 - 14 days in the fridge.

Serve over the holidays with Whole Grain crackers or if you want to get all those fresh veggies into the body use Celery sticks, lettuce or cabbage wraps. This is a hit at every party.

Happy Holidays

President's Message

These last two months were full of great information and fun events at our club: Irena's baby shower; three outstanding speakers; Doreen Van Leeuwen from A Better Way Counseling "Decompressing your Stress"; Ursula Mentjes from Potential Quest, Inc. "Selling With Intention" and Lynn Mata from the Corona Fire Department "Earthquake Preparedness". On October 12 and 13 some of us attended Fall Conference hosted by SI Apple Valley - what a way to bond with our Soroptimist friends! We played, we learned, we laugh and we cried, or at least I cried. You see, it is very exciting to hear the words SI Corona for almost every single certificate they gave away at the conference, I am very proud to be a member of this club. Anyway, moving on, at the end of October of course, we had our famous "Chocolate, Wine and Jazz Festival", which once again was a total success. The committee did an outstanding job and most of our club members and partners participated in one way or another; a big thanks to all our members for your hard work and a job well done!

Chocolate Wine Jazz

On November 14^th we invited for lunch the local schools Principals, Counselors and Assistant Principals and gave them a detailed review of all our projects. We handed out a folder with applications of the various awards and scholarships for them to help us distribute and to spread the voice in the community. On October 31^st we had the Holiday Auction within our club members and made good money towards our general fund there. In addition to all this fun, two new members got inducted during the last couple of months: Ellie Van Dournum and Judy Marburger. Last but not least, this week I implemented a Mentoring program for the newer members to get more familiarized with our terminology and with all the programs at the local, regional, national and international levels, plus it will be a great way to make connections among our members and to learn more about each other at a personal level, don't you think? Well, as you can see October and November were busy and exciting months for SI Corona, stay tuned to learn about my Mentoring Program's results in our next newsletter.

Happy Holidays to all of you and your families!

Marcy Decato, SI Corona President 2007 - 2008

Ps. Don't forget to visit the new SIA's web site, it is awesome... www.soroptimist.org

The Latest

By Teresa Costa

It's hard to believe the holidays are upon us. Congrats once again to Debbie Miller and her team for yet another successful Chocolate, Wine and Jazz festival. Even with all the fires in Southern California going on that week, we had a great turnout and a good feedback from all who went. And the important this is that we made money! Congrats also to Paola Ringer and her husband for winning the Grand Prize getaway!

And who has been missing?????

Let's make sure that Sylvia Fleming, Joyce Pavez and Valerie Rucinski all pay a fine for going on their Alaska and Pacific Coastal cruise. It sounds like Valerie got to really know the Martini Bar!

Teresa Costa needs to pay a fine for her 2 week Canada and New England cruise, and Julie Fredericksen was off to exciting Amsterdam and Copenhagen!

Who is in the news??? Great articles on both Life Member Andrea Puga on her and her husband Jerry's retirement. Also, kudos to Amy Brown for the super story in the paper on her and Dos Lagos!

How excited was Cyndi Monroe to share with us her son Jordan's awesome photo of his baseball achievements?

Congrats to Debbie Miller on her daughter Morgan's engagement.

Babies are here! Welcome Bianca Annaliese Norton. Born to Irena on Oct. 18^th!

And new member Kristy Kenney surprised us with the news she is expecting!

Keep in mind that Tracy Mauser has implemented a "new and improved" fine schedule that should help us with our ways and means. Any time you have a "brag" you pay the appropriate fine!

Meeting notes:

We had a very informative meeting with the assistant principals and counselors from the various High Schools and Jr. Highs back on Nov. 14^th. Hopefully by presenting our service program information to them, it will make our service programs that much more successful.

Our Thanksgiving meeting was spent sharing our thoughts on what we were thankful for and what we may not be Thankful for this past year. It's always great hearing from members and getting to know them better.

SAVE THE DATE***IMPORTANT DATES

It is hard to believe that our biggest service project, Dreams and Decisions is only 3 months away. Please save the date of March 1^st, 2008 to be available to work this project. This coincides with Soroptimist International's "Saturday of Service" program. We need all members to volunteer for this worthwhile project!! Listen for announcements on meeting dates!

Treasurer's Note
by Paola Ringer

One of the biggest rewards serving as your Treasurer this year has been to be able to witness first-hand your generosity. From a financial perspective, it is reflected in our sound Financial Reports. On a personal level, I see it at every meeting; in your welcoming smiles, and spirit of goodwill.

Our annual Chocolate, Wine, and Jazz Event was another astounding success this year. As a club, we are nearing the $30,000 goal in net-profits. Our many thanks to our Chairperson Debbie Miller, and the hard-working committee Chairs.

We celebrated our Holiday Auction October 31^st. While we were a small group that day, we were big in numbers, laughter, and fun! By the time our luncheon was over, we had raised $820.00

Our Assistant Treasurer, Kim Taylor has been very hands-on with her support and graceful demeanor. Kim will be sending out our latest membership statements in the coming days.

I want to close by thanking you for your ongoing cooperation and wishing all a joyous and eventful Holiday Season!

From the Chocolate, Wine & Jazz committee chair:

What can be said other than "GREAT JOB"!! The Chocolate, Wine and Jazz Festival was once again the "hit" event of Corona for the year! We made close to $30,000. while increasing our direct sale of tickets and decreasing our expenses. Thanks to the full membership for the continued support of the event through your committee work, sale of tickets and sponsorships.

The committee for Chocolate, Wine and Jazz is made up of some very fine women who all bring their expertise to the event, each of you are wonderful and great friends of the community, and especially to our Soroptimist ideals.

I thank you for all that you do to make this club SHINE in so many ways!

Debra Dematteis-Miller, CWJ Chair

Visit our web site and enjoy the beautiful slide show by Photo Art by Marie: www.sicorona.org

Making a Difference for Women Award

By Committee Chair, Valerie Rucinski

The Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women award is to honor women that work to improve conditions for women and girls through their personal or volunteer efforts

In the past Soroptimist honored women and businesses through the three award programs...Women of Distinction, Women Helping Women and Advancing the Status of Women. This new award makes it easier for clubs, regions and the federation to honor theses women and publicize the program.

The Making a Difference for Women Award recipient should be a woman who:

has worked to improve the lives of women and girls
has had a significant impact on the lives of women and girls
would inspire and encourage other women

The Soroptimists Making a Difference for Women Award, begins at the local level where clubs recognize a woman in their community. Clubs submit their entry to the region level, where the region selects a woman to honor at the region conference. The regions submit their entries to the federation level where one woman is selected to receive a $5,000.00 donation to her favorite charitable organization. The recipient may also be invited to accept her award at Soroptimist's biennial convention or other federation meeting.

Eligibility Requirements

A Woman in the community who is improving the lives of women or girls through her professional or personal life.
By identifying and focusing on a need of women and girls, this woman has contributed to the improvement of their lives.
Although clubs may honor a woman for a lifetime of good work, the majority of the work should have occurred within the past two years.

Applications have been sent out by the Chamber in their monthly mailing. Or Valerie Rucinski has applications, and will have them at all future meetings.

Everyone knows someone who goes out of their way to contribute and improve conditions for women and girls. Everyone in Soroptimist should send in at least one application.

Applications are also available on our web site.

Hello from Spain!

by Matti Ameli Matti Ameli

I hope you are all doing great! First of all, let me say that I miss the group very much. I miss your warm smiles, your great energy and your enthusiasm that always made my Wednesdays so special. SI Corona has a special place in my heart even though I am far away. I am so sorry to miss Marcy's presidency... I know she is a wonderful leader.

We have been here in Spain for over a year and a half now. We are pretty much settled and like our new life style, although we miss a lot our friends in the US! Valencia is a beautiful city and we have a very nice climate, very close to the LA weather.

Victor turned 3 in September and has entered preschool full day. He loves it and has a lot of fun. He also has English classes every week and has started counting in English too! His school is very close, walking distance. They have a big painting project this year: they study one artist every month. They also have a recycling project, which is very interesting.

Now that Victor goes to school, I have the whole day for me after 3 years! I go to the gym everyday and I also do yoga and meditation. Everyday, I do things that I enjoy and it feels great! I am also involved in the PTA and am learning a lot about the school system here. I might do some volunteering to help women too if I find a good opportunity. This year I will be focusing on my health, well-being and family.

Sal is doing well. He has a high responsibility job and he is learning a lot. The good thing here is that we have 4 weeks of vacation every year so we can relax and travel. For now we have been traveling mostly in Spain since Victor is still young but we hope to go to California later on to visit family, friends and all of you off course!

The move to Spain has been a big transition for us but overall we are very happy and grateful. The best gift I was given as a mother, since Victor was born was the comment I received from his teacher recently: " Victor is a very kind and affectionate boy. He hugs and kisses everybody and all the teachers just love him. He is a very happy and joyful boy".

Please keep in touch and write to me from time to time and I promise to keep in touch too.

A big hug!

Matti

SOROPTIMIST BEGINNINGS

By Valerie Rucinski

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NEW TO SOROPTIMIST, YOU MAY NOT KNOW, THAT SOROPTIMIST WAS STARTED BY A MAN.

AT THE BEGINNINNING OF THE 1920'S WOMEN IN NORTH AMERICA HAD ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES IN THE P0LITICAL ARENA THROUGH SUFFRAGE, AND IN THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD, AS A RESULT OF WORLD WAR 1.

IN THE SPRING OF 1921, STUART MORROW, AN ORGANIZER OF MEN'S SERVICE CLUBS VISITED OAKLAND, CA. TO ORGANIZE A MEN'S OPTIMIST CLUB. MORROW CALLED ON THE PARKER-GODDARD SECRETARIAL SCHOOL, PRESUMING IT WAS RUN BY MEN. HE FOUND INSTEAD TWO WOMEN OWNED THE SCHOOL. EXPLAINING HIS MISTAKE, MORROW EXCUSED HIMSELF. AS MORROW LEFT, ONE OF THE WOMEN RE-MARKED SHE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN JOINING SUCH A CLUB FOR WOMEN. AND THAT WAS THE BEGINNING OF SOROPTIMIST. SOROPTIMIST, MEANING THE BEST FOR WOMEN!!!

SIA Corner

Soroptimist Partners with Women's Edge to Help Women Worldwide

The Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive Act (GROWTH Act) has recently been introduced in the United States Congress. This act creates important changes in U.S. international assistance and trade programs by prioritizing economic opportunities for women living in poverty.

Soroptimist is proud to partner with Women's Edge to ensure the passage of this important legislation. Clubs in the United States are asked to make sure it gets passed by holding a club meeting about the act and encouraging elected officials to support it. Clubs outside the U.S. are asked to encourage U.S.-based friendship links to support this important legislation and also examine how their countries distribute international assistance and to ensure that women's needs are being met.

For Detailed information about the GROWTH Act click here

Joke

Submitted by Seema Lechner

Divorced Barbie

One day a father gets out of work and on his way home He remembers that it's his daughter's birthday.

He pulls over to a toy store and asks the salesperson, "How much is the Barbie on the display window?"

The salesperson answers, "Which one? We have:
Work out Barbie for $19.95
Shopping Barbie for $19.95
Beach Barbie for $19.95
Disco Barbie for $19.95
Divorced Barbie for $265.95
The amazed father asks: "What? Why is the Divorced Barbie $265.95 and the others only $19..95?"

The salesperson annoyingly answers:
"Sir..., Divorced Barbie comes with:
Ken's Car, Ken's House, Ken's Boat, Ken's Furniture, Ken's Computer and...One of Ken's Friends."

Learn About Our Members

Every issue will feature a Life Member and a Regular Member. Please make sure to submit your bio and photo for our library.

Life Member:

Judy Horan

Brought up in the ethnically mixed neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Life member Judy Horan learned early the skills necessary to get along with others. Judy was very involved right from the start in high school, with her yearbook caption "First in activities and first in the hearts of her classmates". To this date, the same could be said about her involvement in Soroptimist.

Judy's move to California occurred in 1964. She adapted easily to the California lifestyle, often telling others, "I'm a native Californian who happened to be born in Connecticut".

Judy's teaching career in California has included English and drama teacher and English Department chair. She was instrumental in the designing of the English/Social Studies building and the Little Theatre while at Norco High. This is one reason our club decided to honor her with naming a scholarship after her.

She has also served the Corona-Norco School District as an administrator at Norco Intermediate and Auburndale. She retired in 1999, but you can still tell that education is in her heart and soul.

Outside of work, Judy leads a very active life. She is of course a very active life member of Soroptimist International of Corona, involved strongly with AAUW, serves on the Arts Advisory Committee for the City of Corona, heads up the Roger Rickson foundation, to honor her longtime companion and continues to be a vocal proponent of all issues which seek to improve the lives of women and children.

Does she have spare time? Well, with what time she does have, Judy loves to read, cook, travel and as we all know...shop.

Judy's quotes keep us inspired, and her knowledge and wit continues to be a true value to our club.

Regular Member:

Lou Sanderson

Lou Sanderson

Most of us know Lou for her quick and warm smile. But there is a lot more to this great lady than meets the eye! Lou was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountain state of Colorado. She married her husband Carey in Colorado and they decided to move to California after deciding she did not want to deliver another baby in a blizzard!

Their first California home was Yorba Linda when they moved in 1985, then made the transition to Corona in 1989. She and her husband Carey have two children, Jennifer who is 24 and was born in the blizzard, and Jesse, who is 19 and was born in Whittier, not a Colorado blizzard!

Lou's interest in Real Estate began early. She understands that it is the biggest investment that most people make in their lifetime. Having the right knowledge, however, can either make you wealthy or homeless. Her interest turned to the commercial or retail side of real estate where she continues to help people with their future.

Like most, Lou loves to travel and wishes to do more. She recently traveled with the Corona Chamber to China, which is certainly an exciting experience.

Her favorite pastime is just spending it with family and friends. Her favorite thing about Soroptimist is the sisterhood within the club and all the wonderful women that are involved. Her ongoing support and enthusiasm to volunteer in the club holds true to her saying " You get back more than what you give".