S.I.G.

Soroptimusings
November 2013
Soroptimist International of Glendale
P.O. Box 826 - Glendale, CA 91209
www.soroptimistglendale.org
Chartered April 16, 1943 - Club # 112411
S.I.G.
“Working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”
2013-2014 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Susan Hunt
818-240-0897
siglendale@soroptimist.net
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Paula Devine
1st VICE PRESIDENT
(Programs)
Carol Ann Burton
Margo Bottcher, Assistant
2nd VICE PRESIDENT
(Fundraising)
Kathy Lefkovits
Lola Abrahamian, Assistant
3rd VICE PRESIDENT
(Membership)
Sandy Doughty
Leila Otey, Assistant
RECORDING SECRETARY
Lola Abrahamian
Mary Lotz, Assistant
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
Jill Lewis
Sue Wilder, Assistant
TREASURER
Denise Michele
Gayle Craig, Assistant
2 YEAR DIRECTOR
Kathy Lefkovits
(Vacant), Alternate
“Women — Our History and Our Future”
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Greetings!
This is my absolutely favorite time of year… warm during
the day and crisp overnight ... makes my early morning
walk with Bubba truly invigorating!
Fall Workshop was a smashing success. We were
honored to have SIA President Cheri Fleming attend and
share her vision for Collective Impact. We should be
proud that SIG is already doing so in many ways. It was
my particular pleasure to host it at the YWCA – a place
close to my heart as you know. The building is historic,
the organization is historic, and their mission is solid and
clear – right in line with ours! The “Empowering
Women” portion lines up nicely with our new mission –
“Improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and
economic empowerment.”
In fact, all we do at SIG fits nicely with the mission. We raise funds to meet that
mission ... and our Service Committee is ready to present the list of Grant Awardees
at the November business meeting. Please plan to be there. We will honor all the
grant recipients at the December 19th luncheon, which will be held at the Embassy
Suites – mark your calendar now!
Several SIG members were busy on Sunday, Oct. 20 handing out literature and
purple ribbons to the public in observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Thanks to Paula, Jill, Kathy, and Jacky from our club as well as Liza and Liz from
SITV – we talked ourselves hoarse!
1 YEAR DIRECTOR
Margo Bottcher
Mona Marcos, Alternate
Thanks to Paula and her team for Fall Workshop, to GEM Sandy Schultz and
committee for Service Grants, and to Sandy Doughty for bringing in 3 new members
so far this year! Let’s bring in several more – we have much to share.
IMMEDIATE
PAST PRESIDENT
Gayle Craig
Thanks to all of you for all you do. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families.
— President Susan
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Women in History: Sarah Hale
While I was researching women in history to include a
woman of interest in the newsletter, I discovered an
interesting website. It is www.amightygirl.com which
advertises that it is “The world’s largest collection of
books, toys and movies for smart, confident and
courageous girls.” The website is comprehensive,
featuring resources for parents and teachers.
It seemed fitting to honor a woman in history who had
a lot to do with our upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving.
Meet Sarah Josepha Hale
(pictured at left). Sarah
was born in 1788. She is
credited with being the
individual most influential
in getting Thanksgiving
declared as a national
holiday.
I was drawn to the biography / history tab featuring
books on women. One can filter books by category
with category choices being: Activists, Artists /
Musicians, Athletes, Entrepreneurs / Inventors,
Explorers / Adventurers, Heroes, People of Color,
Political Leaders, Scientists, Teachers, and Writers /
Poets. There were books
such as the one titled
“Eleanor, Quiet No More”
about Eleanor Roosevelt
and how she devoted her
life to teaching children in
the poorest of New York
City neighborhoods, later
going on to become socially
and
politically
active,
including being one of the most controversial First
Ladies in history.
Another book caught my eye. It was titled, “First Girl
Scout: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low” published in
2012 just in time for the
100th anniversary of
the Girl Scouts. I well
remember being a Girl
Scout and the positive
impact it had on me as
a young girl. I looked
forward
to
pouring
through my Girl Scout
manual perusing the
various badges, fulfilling the requirements to earn
them and then proudly sewing them onto my sash!
Last Soroptimusings issue we learned about the
“Knowledge” cards President Susan found and has
been using at club meetings. Now we have a book
resource for girls. There is a wealth of information
out there for us to educate ourselves and others on
the impact powerful women have made in the world!
— Debbie Mallon
November 2013
Sarah was the editor of
Godey’s Lady’s book, the
most widely circulated magazine in Pre-Civil war
times. She was also the author of the famous “Mary
Had a Little Lamb” nursery rhyme. As a successful
and popular editor for forty years, Sarah gained a lot
of respect and influence. She made it her personal
mission to establish Thanksgiving as a holiday
because she felt the United States had too few
national holidays that could be celebrated by all.
At the time Sarah took on her holiday mission,
Thanksgiving was celebrated by only a few states in
the north, such as New England, and on different
days — some states celebrated as early as October
and others as late as January. Sarah’s goal was to
establish one national holiday that would unify the
nation around a single day of gratitude for one’s
blessings. Her advocacy for the holiday began in
1846 and last for 17 years before being successful.
Over the 17 years, Sarah wrote proposals to five
different Presidents, the last being Abraham Lincoln.
Her letter to Lincoln convinced him to support
legislation to establish the holiday. It was felt that the
new holiday would help to unify the nation after the
stresses of the Civil War. On October 3, 1863,
Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation that
declared the last Thursday in November as
Thanksgiving. Prior to Thanksgiving being added,
the only other two national holidays in existence were
Washington’s Birthday and Independence Day. As
we celebrate this year,
we can thank Sarah
Josepha Hale for her
tireless efforts to bring
Thanksgiving to national
holiday status.
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taxes, budgeting, financial statements and consulting.
She is well organized and able to multi-task. In her
free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening and cooking.
Laila joined SI Glendale because she wanted to be
part of a group that gives back and helps women and
children. She also hopes to meet other working
women with similar interests.
SI Glendale welcomed a new member in September
and two new members in October.
SUSAN RIECHEL
New member Susan Riechel joined SI Glendale at the
business meeting in September. Susan is Managing
Director at First Foundation
Advisors.
She has two
children, Elisa (24) and
Doug (22). Her husband’s
name is Don. GEM Sandy
Schultz is her sponsor and
Margo Bottcher is her
mentor.
Susan is a board nominee
at the Pfaffinger Foundation.
Susan’s skills include event
planning, fundraising and
leadership. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and
canning pickles and jams. She also likes to do
quilting and sewing.
Susan joined SI Glendale because she is interested in
supporting women and girls and enabling them to be
independent, self-sufficient and role models for other
women.
HEATHER WATSON GHERMEZIAN
Heather Watson Ghermezian joined SI Glendale at
the program meeting in October.
Heather is a Senior Consultant
for Kaiser Permanente. She has
two children, ages 23 and 28.
Her husband’s name is Vartan.
Miryam Finkelbeg is her sponsor
and Sandy Doughty is her
mentor.
Heather is a member of the
Cabrini Literary Guild. Her skills include organizing
and planning events, fundraising and leadership. In
her free time, she enjoys cooking, eating out and
walking.
Heather joined SI Glendale because she felt it would
have social and charitable benefits.
Sponsor a new member.
Be a mentor to a new member.
See Sandy Doughty for more details!
LAILA VILLALOBOS
Laila Villalobos was inducted at the business meeting
in October. Laila is Vice President at Benadon
Shapiro Villalobos. She has two children, Monique
(25) and Collin (23). Her husband’s name is Carlos.
GEM Sandy Schultz is her
mentor.
Laila is a member of the
California Society of Certified
Public
Accountants
and
American
Institute
of
Certified Public Accountants.
Her skills include accounting,
November 2013
New member Susan Riechel flanked by GEM Sandy Schultz
(left), her sponsor, and Margo Bottcher (right), her mentor.
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Camino Real Region Fall Workshop
Pictured from left to right and bottom to top: SI Glendale members Sandy Doughty, Margo Bottcher, Kathy Lefkovits, GEM Sandy Schultz,
President Susan Hunt, Lynne Raggio, Julie Beers, Lou Rhodes, Joan Allen, Paula Devine, Susan Riechel, Denise Michele, Lola
Abrahamian, Jill Lewis, Heather Watson Ghermezian, Lisa Raggio, Laila Villalobos, Mary Lotz and Jacky Hawley.
From all reports, the 2013 Camino Real Region Fall Workshop held on
Saturday, October 12th was a success! This year, SI Glendale hosted the
workshop at the historic Glendale YWCA, a location near and dear to our
hearts. The blue linen tablecloths and white chairs seemed to really bring out
the pretty colors in the room’s stained glass windows. The centerpieces of
variegated Pothos plants in wicker baskets held 4” x 6” American flags as well
as pictures of military women throughout the ages. Extra centerpieces
adorned the stage as well as the buffet table.
The 100 plus attendees checked in, receiving a zippered portfolio with the
Soroptimist logo embossed on the front and then settled in to enjoy mingling over a continental breakfast that
included yogurt parfaits with granola and fruit in addition to more traditional fare. Later caterer Patrick Campbell,
owner of Bartlett Food Services, would serve up a delicious buffet lunch consisting of a variety of salads, platters of
various sandwiches, a selection of chips, beverages and dessert of delectable cookies, brownies and the like.
Camino Real Region took care of the program for the day, delivering updates and speakers for the workshop.
Warm greetings came from City of Glendale Councilwoman Laura Friedman, accompanied by her 4 month old
daughter Rachel, and from State Senator Carol Liu. Senator Liu gave an update about statewide women’s issues
that we often don’t hear about – like the status of incarcerated women and what happens to their children – as well
as an encouragement for women to run for statewide office so our voice continues to be heard in Sacramento.
“The Wave of Change — Increased Collective Impact” was the main theme of the day, but a thrust of the workshop
was on the importance of recruiting new members into Soroptimist.
Many attendees were moved by the personal story shared by speaker D.J. Casavant, a member of SI Oxnard. Her
story was incredibly powerful – from starting life in poverty, abused, neglected, abandoned, to a successful life as a
medic in the US Navy – blazing trails where women have not been allowed to serve. She had many attendees in
November 2013
Page 4
tears as she shared her story.
SI Glendale President Susan Hunt (pictured with SIA
President Cheri Fleming)
received several awards
during the proceedings — a
Certificate of Participation in
2013 Women's Opportunity
Awards and recognition at
the Builders Level and for
meeting the President's
Challenge for Club Giving
2012-13.
A big thanks to Chair Paula
Devine and all those on the
committee. Paula said she was proud to be the
Chair, but could not take all the credit as it took many
members working on various committees working as
a team. It was truly a collaborative effort. Sandy
Shultz did an excellent job as Chair of reception/
greeting, Lou Rhodes and Margo Bottcher outdid
themselves decorating, Joan Allen, Jill Lewis and
Jacky Hawley all sold raffle tickets with the proceeds
benefitting the Camino Real Region and Lisa Raggio
was instrumental as the contact with the YWCA. The
event stayed under budget, everyone had a fun day
before the workshop helping to set up and many SI
Glendale members pitched in afterwards to clean-up.
All reports were that the workshop went like clockwork
thanks in large part to the great team work exhibited
by SI Glendale participants. Sandy Doughty even
had all SI Glendale members wear teal flowers to
distinguish them as the host club. SI Glendale can be
proud to have hosted a warm, welcoming, fun and
informative workshop for the Region.
Left to right: Julie Beers, Val Douglas, Lou Rhodes,
Jacky Hawley and Dolly Carl gather to plan a party
“Many Hands Make Light Work”
Join a Committee
You’ve heard the phrase “Many hands make light
work” and it’s true. At SI Glendale we have an award
winning Menu of Service Opportunities, one
opportunity of which is to serve on a committee.
Serving on a committee is a great way to learn more
about our club, socialize with other members and get
hands on experience helping us with our mission.
There are a multitude of committees and many
members serve on more than one. When we all pitch
in, it makes the work easier and more fun!
Just this past Saturday, the Christmas Party
Committee met at the home of Chair Lou Rhodes. In
attendance were Julie Beers, Jacky Hawley, Val
Douglas, Dolly Carl and Debbie Mallon. Also serving
on the committee are Lola Abrahamian, Carol Ann
Burton, Nancy Kochi, and President Susan Hunt.
What a fun committee meeting!
Lou served a
delicious home cooked lunch of turkey burgers with all
the fixings, baked beans, a broccoli slaw salad (by
Julie Beers), a relish tray, iced tea and a freshly baked
dessert of yellow cake mix and raspberry pie filling
(yum!). After getting fueled with food, the committee
got down to the business of planning the upcoming
Christmas party, which you will hear more about at the
business meeting on November 7th. A fun time is in
the works and we hope you will be able to attend!
November 2013
Page 5
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH
Liz Mirzaian (SITV), President Susan Hunt (SIG), Liza
Boubari (SITV) and
Jill
Lewis
(SIG)
joined forces to
educate the public
on October 20, 2013
at an information
table located in the
Glendale Galleria. A
useful selection of
information was available on the important topic of
domestic violence. Great job ladies!
“SHOP TILL YOU DROP”
Chico’s at the Americana at Brand held a “Shop Till
You Drop” event on October 30th to benefit
Soroptimist of Glendale. SI Glendale members were
on hand between 4 to 8 pm modeling some of
Chico’s apparel. A portion of the proceeds from each
sale went to SIG. Below are Mary Lotz, Margo
Bottcher, President Susan Hunt, Gayle Craig, and
GEM Sandy Schultz modeling some of the clothes.
November 2013
Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole
in Hollowed Out Orange Bowls
Submitted by Debbie Mallon
I made this dish for Thanksgiving last year and the
family loved it! From www.sheknows.com
Serves 12
Ingredients:
 6 large oranges, halved and hollowed out
 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
 3/4 cup brown sugar
 2 eggs, beaten
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1/4 cup softened butter, plus an additional 3
tablespoons
 1/2 cup vanilla almond milk or plain skim milk
 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large
baking dish, arrange all of the orange cups and
set aside.
2. In a large bowl add the mashed sweet potatoes,
the eggs, one-half cup of the brown sugar, salt,
vanilla, 1/4 cup of the softened butter and milk
mixing well. Add heaping spoonfuls of the sweet
potato mixture to each of the orange cups until all
the cups are filled.
3. In a separate mixing bowl add the flour, the
remaining brown sugar, remaining butter and the
chopped pecans mixing well. Sprinkle the streusel
mixture over the top of each orange bowl.
4. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the
tops are golden brown. Serve warm.
Page 6
NOMINATIONS NEEDED
COMING SOON
The Soroptimist Ruby Award Program offers
widespread recognition to women whose professional
or voluntary efforts have aimed to improve the lives of
women and girls. Nominations are sought for women
candidates who have:

Been dedicated to the well-being of women and
girls,

Had an impact on their lives, and

Inspired and encouraged others to do the same.
The Ruby Award is national in scope:


LIFE IS A CABERNET!
JOIN SI GLENDALE FOR
“WICKED WINES” ON
WEDNESDAY, 11/20/13 AT 6 PM
WHERE: ROSSO WINE SHOP
3459½ N. VERDUGO ROAD
GLENDALE, CA 91208
ENJOY AN ARTISAN FLIGHT OF
4 WINES FOR $35
The recipient of this honorary club-level award
from Soroptimist International of Glendale is then
entered to compete at higher levels of the
Soroptimist organization.
DELECTABLE APPETIZERS
PREPARED BY SIG MEMBERS
AND OPPORTUNITY DRAWINGS
($5 PER TICKET OR 5 FOR $20)
The finalist selected at the national level will
receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of her
choice.
A PAID RESERVATION IS A
MADE RESERVATION
Previous awardees include women working in the
medical and legal fields, and campaigners or mentors
for at-risk women or girls, domestic violence and
human-trafficking victims. A woman can nominate
herself or another woman. However, Soroptimist
members and their family members are not eligible for
nomination.
WINE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR
PURCHASE BY THE GLASS OR
BY THE BOTTLE
SEND PAYMENT TO:
S.I.G. WINE EVENT
P.O. BOX 826
GLENDALE, CA 91209
RSVP TO SUE WILDER BY
11/15/13
SWILDER693@AOL.COM
To submit your nomination:

Complete the attached Nomination Form, with

A descriptive essay (maximum 750 words)
outlining the nominee's relevant attributes.
Nominations must be received by December 1, 2013.
If you have any questions or need further information,
please contact Ruby Award Chair Cindy Miller.
November 2013
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The business meeting in January will be
held on the second Thursday of the
month, January 9, 2014, instead of the
first Thursday of the month. See you on
the 9th at Clancy’s Crab Broiler
on Central Avenue in Glendale!
Page 7
SAVE THE DATE!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
NOVEMBER:
Christmas Party
Sunday
Dec. 15, 2013
5:30 p.m.
The Smoke House
4420 Lakeside Drive
Burbank, Calif.
DECEMBER:
SIG’s
Annual
Service Grants Luncheon
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Embassy Suites
in Glendale
SI GLENDALE
Membership Meetings
1st and 3rd Thursdays
12:00 noon
Clancy’s Crab Broiler
219 N. Central Ave., Glendale, CA
(free parking in rear)
R.S.V.P.
Nancy Kochi
818-243-1494
nskochi@yahoo.com
or
Mary Lotz
818-863-1326
mlotz@glenoaksescrow.com
November 2013
4 - Ascencia Guest Chef Program
Ascencia at 5:30 p.m.
7 - Business Meeting
Clancy’s Crab Broiler at 12:00 p.m.
12 - Fundraising Committee Meeting
Glendale Police Dept. at 6:00 p.m.
13 - Service Committee Meeting
Home of Sandy Schultz at 6:00 p.m.
20 - Wine Party
Rosso Wine Bar at 6:00 p..m.
21 - Program Meeting
Clancy’s Crab Broiler at 12:00 p.m.
2 - Ascencia Guest Chef Program
Ascencia at 5:30 p.m.
5 - Business Meeting
Clancy’s Crab Broiler at 12:00 p.m.
10 - Human Rights Day
10 - Fundraising Committee Meeting
Glendale Police Dept. at 6:00 p.m.
11 - Service Committee Meeting
Home of Sandy Schultz at 6:00 p.m.
12 - Board Meeting
Glendale Unified School District at 6:00 p.m.
15 - Holiday Party
The Smoke House in Burbank at 5:30 p.m.
19 - Service Grants Luncheon
Embassy Suites at 11:30 a.m.
JANUARY:
6 - Ascencia Guest Chef Program
Ascencia at 5:30 p.m.
8 - Service Committee Meeting
Home of Sandy Schultz at 6:00 p.m.
Soroptimusings
Editor
Debbie Mallon
661-254-8482
AhwahneeDM@aol.com
Assistant Editor
Julie G. Beers
JGBeers@aol.com
Publication Schedule
September; November;
January; March; May.
Printed on recycled paper
For further information
about Soroptimist go to:
Soroptimist International of Glendale:
www.soroptimistglendale.org
Camino Real Region:
www.caminorealregion.org
Soroptimist International of
the Americas:
www.soroptimist.org
Soroptimist International:
www.soroptimistinternational.org
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