Signal Features Editor
mbuttelman@the-signal.com
Posted: July 1, 2009 10:35 p.m.
Dora Zavala brought a flame of inspiration to the installation ceremonies of Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley held June 23 at the Tournament Players Club in Valencia.
Zavala was installed for her second term of the new club which was chartered last year.
Cheri Fleming, Soroptimist International Camino Real regional governor, installed the new officers and board members who will lead the club through its second year.
In addition to Zavala, those installed included: Vice President Rose Chegwin; Treasurer Jo Ann Vindigni; Treasurer-elect Greta Boye; Corresponding Secretary Darlene Gandara; Recording Secretary Sheryl Geraci; Vice President, membership Kris Hough, Parliamentarian Tora Brown and board directors Sue Reynolds and Tamra Levine.
The club, which in its first year garnered more than 80 members, hosted several fundraisers during the past year to benefit the club's mission to focus on women in crisis, women's health issues and to celebrate women.
More than 50 Soroptimists and Soropti-Misters attended the evening installation which featured a welcome by Ed Masterson, field representative for Assemblyman Cameron Smyth.
Georgette Manio entertained with a vocal performance of "One Moment in Time."
Zavala thanked outgoing officers Vice President Annie Schwartz, Treasurer Darlene Gandara, Treasurer-elect Jo Ann Vindigni; Corresponding Secretary Rose Chegwin, Recording Secretary Sheryl Geraci; Vice President, membership Kris Hough; Vice President, events Shelley Hann; Vice President Program Tora Brown; Vice President Public Relations Sue Reynolds and Parliamentarian Pam Ingram.
For her second installation, Zavala chose the theme "Lighting the way to live your dreams."
In honor of the theme, each new officer installed by Fleming was invited to choose a candle and light their smaller candles from the larger president's candle. Each officer then also lit small votive candles arranged on a large, decorate display to represent their commitment to the club.
"I can't believe that it's already been a year since I had the privilege of chartering your club and installing your charter president and board of directors," said Fleming. "Soroptimist International of Greater SCV, under the leadership of President Dora and the outgoing board, has contributed greatly to goals in our local community, the Camino Real Region and our Federation. In your first club year, you brought home the Victory Trophy at Spring Conference signifying the highest net gain of membership in our region."
Fleming credited Zavala's leadership with a successful first year for the club.
"Tonight is a special night for me, because I've had the privilege of actually watching President Dora's dream of expanding the Soroptimist vision in our community become a reality," she said. "The flame is universally known as the symbol of light and hope, and the flame of the candle has always been the symbol of volunteer service to mankind. From the bottom of my heart I congratulate each of you and wish you a most successful year. You all light up my life."
Zavala thanked the members for allowing her to serve as the club's president.
"It's a privilege and honor for me to lead such a group of brilliant women," said Zavala. "Together we shine so bright."
Soroptimist International of Greater SCV is the second SCV Soroptimist Club, joining Soroptimist International of SCV. Soroptimist International is an organization of professional women that works through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.
For information visit www.sigscv.org or www.siscv.org.
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