Hope everyone had a great summer and is excited about coming back to club! I sure do miss seeing everyone in the months we are dark. Well, it has only been 2 months since the start of my presidency, and how exciting it has already been. I am looking forward to starting the club year with just that much zest.

Our installation dinner was held in the end of June at the beautiful home of Laurie LoFranco. The night was where East met West. The board was dressed in East Indian clothing and our palettes were delighted with East Indian food. Nirali, who I have known for the past 16 years, performed a modern Indian dance to give us just a taste of the culture. Judy Horan performed the installation and I might add, did a wonderful job integrating the theme. Thank you so much to Shawn for making this a memorable evening for me.

The following weekend, Tracy Mauser, Frances Armenta, Paola Ringer and I were off to Phoenix to follow the yellow brick road to leadership training. We received lots of information and knowledge on how to make the year run smoothly.

Two weeks later, Tracy Mauser, Paola Ringer Marcy Decato and I left for Taiwan for the biennium convention. It was such an honor to be among the 1700 women that represents SIA! We learned a lot about Soroptimist as well as enjoyed the local flavor of the country. We felt very welcomed by our hosting club as well as the hosting country! The highlight of the trip was receiving 2nd place award in fundraising for our Chocolate, Wine and Jazz and also an award for our website (yeah Marcy!). Keep in mind; this is for all of Soroptimist of the Americas!

In August, Shawn opened her beautiful home for our summer social. We had a guest of honor, Mattie Ameli from Spain. Mattie was an instrumental part of our club prior to moving to Spain 2 year ago. It was great seeing her, Sal and her cute son Victor. We enjoyed Mexican food and great conversation under the stars!

I look forward to a vibrant year as we do our part in helping women and girls. Let the year be full of fun, laughter and friendship, for cherished moments create forever memories!

Seema Lechner, SI Corona President 2008 - 2009

Soroptimist International - Corona - Installation

SI Corona's Installation - July 2008

Notes From The Editor - Marcy Decato

I want to start by giving Seema and her board a warm welcoming. During this summer we had our Board Retreat and I tell you, we are set up one more time for a terrific year full of Soroptimist accomplishments.

Let's recap on some end of the year events:

1) Allocations: Every year Soroptimist International of Corona allocates the money raised mainly through our fundraising event "Chocolate, Wine & Jazz" and other club auctions. We donate funds to organizations in our community that meet the criteria of our goal.
In 2007-2008 we selected the following organizations to be the recipients of our service funds:

-      $500 to Corona Vista High School Teen Parent Program
-      $1,500 to Alternatives to Domestic Violence
-      $500 to The Foundation for Community and Family Health
-      $5,000 to Inspire

We also had the opportunity to recognize and thank those who helped us achieve our goals with beautiful certificates and a gorgeous red rose:

Money Donations:
-      $800 from The Counter Restaurant
-      $1,000 from Sylvia's Treasures
-      $500 from Waste Management, Inc.
-      $2,000 from Mary Kay Senior Director, Frances Armenta
-      $500 in auction items from The Divas for Cancer

D&D Counselors, Presenters:
-      Rachel Ligtenberg, Citrus Hills Intermediate
-      Chris Sullivan, City of Corona
-      Gina Palmer, Alternatives to Domestic Violence
-      Tami Segert, Studio 700
-      Sue Schaeffer & Nancy Rodenguecger-Daniel, AAUW
-      Judith Horan, Soroptimist Int'l of Corona

2) Our last service project in 2007-2008 was The Scholarships Presentation, chaired by Lou Sanderson and Sylvia Fleming. Job well done ladies! The room was packed with the recipients, school principals and teachers, families and friends. As usual, we could see tears of joy running down people's faces. The pride of the parents and teachers and the excitement of the recipients is what it makes me feel so good to be part of this organization.

But the highlight of the day was definitely naming the Intermediate School Scholarships after our one and only and very well deserved, Sylvia Fleming. I still can't believe I got to do that during my presidency, what an honor!

3) 2007-2008 Spring Conference: Most of you have already heard how exciting this year's conference was for SI Corona, those of us who attended, we could not felt any prouder, our name was called over and over to receive several awards and certificates:

- Certificate on Education with the focus report for High School Scholarship Program
- Certificate on Economic and Social Development with the focus report for Inspire Life Skills Training
- We received the Club Recognition by GWR Governor Judy Harris: In Recognition of club accomplishments, transforming the mission of Soroptimist from a goal to a reality.
- Certificate for participation in Saturday of Service - Dreams and Decisions.
- We got first place with the purse designed by Jane Lavine's husband, Robert
- Finally, the SIA president, Alice Wells put us as an example to follow and recommended that we prepare a workshop for the next conference.

SI Corona also received several recognitions and awards from SIA at the convention in Taiwan this year:

- Soroptimist Celebrating Success - with our CWJ Festival (1st Place)
- Membership Retention semifinalist - with our E-Newsletter
- Web site finalist - with www.sicorona.org

News:

The Corona Chamber's Mega-Mixer and the Library Foundation events gave us great publicity this summer for CWJ and for member recruitment. Our Membership Chair, Marcy Decato will be going that database for recruitment purposes.

*****

Some of us got together a couple of weeks ago at Frances house for Kristi's baby shower. We had a fabulous time and Frances as usual was a terrific hostess.

*****

SI Corona's Board Retreat took place also a few weeks ago at Seema's home. Valerie was the presenter of this year's Strategic Planning. Great planning and new ideas were discussed over an excellent meal and cocktails. After an "exhausting" afternoon we all jump into the spa. That's what we call "Soroptimist stile".

*****

We welcomed Matti Ameli, her husband Sal and her cute son Victor, who visited from Spain this July with Mexican food pot-love at Shawn's home. Another enjoyable afternoon in company of Soroptimists and Soroptimistors. I tell you, I must have gained at least 10lbs this summer between all these eating events. It was very exciting to see Matti and her family and especially to know that she is doing great. Now, we have to go to Spain to visit her. Who wants to go?

Committee(s) Updates

Chocolate, Wine & Jazz Festival:

The committee has been working diligently during this summer recurring wine and food vendors, expanding the marketing and visibility, sending out invitations, and trying to acquire sponsorship which by the way, we ALL need to help with, given the current situation of this country many people are not as willing to donate when there are other priorities, so we have to be creative in how we are going to obtain enough sponsorships to make our event another success. Also, make sure all of you have a stock of tickets available to sell wherever you go. Remember, this is the only event within our club where you have to sell tickets, so let's give it 200%.

Message from our GWR Governor:

Dear Members of the Golden West Region,

The challenge of a new biennium has begun, and I'm truly proud and excited to serve as Golden West Region's 2008-2010 Governor along with the rest of your newly elected Region Board and an extraordinary group of Region Chairs, Committee Coordinators and Committee Members. We have all taken on the challenge to provide region clubs with the leadership and education that will help to keep us a strong and viable region.

The theme for this biennium is "Rise to the Challenge". As Soroptimists, we challenge ourselves to improve the lives of women and girls and we are doing a wonderful job of meeting that challenge. Can we do better? Always! We just need to "Rise to the Challenge" and set our goals a little higher.
One goal we must challenge ourselves to meet is to increase club membership! This is the major challenge a lot of clubs are facing right now. Membership in all volunteer organizations is declining. Without new members, the foundation of our organization, we will not be able to support the programs that we want to do. I challenge each club to meet SIA President Machiko's membership challenge of a net increase of one new member this year, and one new member next year. Remember, the best thing we can offer women is the gift of Soroptimist.

Along with the challenge of recruiting new members comes the challenge of retaining members. If we get them, we've got to keep them! We've got to give them a reason to stay. Worthwhile service projects, fun fundraisers, Soroptimist education, organized meetings, and fellowship - these are the things that will keep members coming back. It's a challenge, but as professional women we can rise to meet this challenge. Remember when you attended your first meeting and you heard about the wonderful projects and programs those dynamic women were doing, and you couldn't wait to attend your next meeting? That excitement is what we need to challenge ourselves continuously to provide our members! If we do, our membership will soar.

(To read the entire message please visit the GWR web site into the members section)

My best to you all,
Governor Karen Haughey
SI of the Chino Valley, Inc
E-Mail Link

Meet Our Members

Regular Member:

Sylvia Fleming

Unlike many of us, Sylvia Fleming grew up in Corona. She attended St. Edward Catholic School and remains its most loyal graduate. It is because of her that St. Edward's is a part of our Intermediate School Awards, and it is because of her that our Intermediate Awards are efficiently executed year after year. These awards are very special and important to Sylvia who has been Chair of this Committee since 1992.

In addition to her devotion to Soroptimist and its ideals she has served on numerous other Soroptimist committees, she is a Past President and a lifetime member. Sylvia has been very active in the community for many decades.

-       She has been a member of the Woman's Improvement Club,
-       Navy League,
-       Catholic Daughters,
-       served on the St. Edward's school board as well as
-       helping with many of the fundraisers for The Foundation for Community and Family Health.

Sylvia and her husband Leroy were the Citizens of The Year just a few years back.
Sylvia is also a recipient of the Soroptimist Woman helping Woman Award, not to exclude the fact that she has also been honored by the Boy Scouts of America.

Sylvia has a passion to help those less fortunate and thru her fundraising business, Sylvia's Treasures where she sells jewelry, purses and gift items she has been able to raise a great deal of money every year that she donates to non-profit organizations or needy families.

This last July SI Corona named the Intermediate School Scholarships after this very special lady.

Jokes

DON'T MESS WITH MOM

Submitted by Seema Lechner

My son came home from school one day, with a smirk upon his face. He decided he was smart enough, to put me in my place.

Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr. Wright? It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room, don't have to cut my hair, no one can tell me what to think,or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, and regardless what you say, I don't have to bow my head,
and I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear earrings if I want, and pierce my tongue & nose. I can read & watch just what I like, get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime. I'll back up all my charges, with the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me, my body's only for my use, not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals, like your Mama did to you. That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these Children's Rights, so you can't influence me, or I'll call Children's Services Division, better known as C.S.D."

Of course my first instinct was to toss him out the door. But the chance to teach him a lesson made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go. A smile crept upon my face, he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping at the local Goodwill Store. I told him, "Pick out all you want,
there's shirts & pants galore."

I've called and checked with C.S.D. who said they didn't care if I bought you K-Mart shoes
instead of those Nike Airs.

I've cancelled that appointment to take your driver's test. The C.S.D. is unconcerned
so I'll decide what's best.

I said "No time to stop and eat, or pick up stuff to munch. And tomorrow you can start to learn to make your own sack lunch."

Just save the raging appetite, and wait till dinner time. We're having liver and onions,
a favorite dish of mine.

He asked "Can I please rent a movie, to watch on my VCR?" "Sorry, but I sold your TV,
for new tires on my car."

I also rented out your room, you'll take the couch instead. The C.S.D. requires just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now, I'll choose what we eat. That allowance that you used to get, will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski, dirt-bike & roller blades. Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights',
It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying, Why are you on your knees? Are you asking God to help you out, instead of C.S.D..?

MOM (Mean Old Mother)

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Women over 50 don't have babies because they would put them down and forget where they left them.

A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... she has 14 kids but doesn't really care.

One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.

My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.

The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.

The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.

The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.

Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing together and setting fire to my pants.

Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!

SEND THIS TO 5 BRIGHT WOMEN YOU KNOW AND MAKE THEIR DAY!!!
LIVE SIMPLY.....LAUGH OFTEN....LOVE DEEPLY