Soroptimist is a coined word that means “Best for Women” and the professional womens’ group is devoted to ensuring that women around the world are helped in various ways.Jammie Cotton, District IV Director of the Camino Real Region, installed the new officers but not before honoring Lax. “It’s a terribly sad but great moment,” to receive a Past President’s Pin, noted Cotton. “Jane was a great leader and wonderful to work with.”The theme of new President Marie McCoy for the coming year is “Meet the Challenge: Be the Best You Can Be” and she is bound to “Lead with discipline and purpose. . .wear this President’s pin with love and strength,” Cotton noted.“With numbers we can make a difference,” said McCoy. “Remember, we’re going to meet the challenge.”Debbie Johnson closed the installation luncheon with the Soroptimist Pledge.Incoming officers installed were: President Marie McCoy; 1st Vice President Cynthia Dunbar; 2nd Vice President Hope Arellano; Treasurer Teresa Badour; Recording Secretary Donna Stewart; Corresponding Secretary Gloria Garcia; Delegate Leslie Cornejo; Delegate Monique Foster.
SISP installs Marie McCoy as President, celebrates year of accomplishment
July 11, 2001
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesSoroptimist International of Santa Paula celebrated a year of community accomplishment and new leadership at its annual Installation Luncheon held recently at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.Outgoing President Jane Lax welcomed the gathering and Leslie Cornejo offered the invocation, followed by the Soroptimist Grace led by Ruby Vogt. Mary Doll led the Pledge of Allegiance.A special presentation of Life Memberships were given to Theda Woodworth, Ruby Vogt and Hazel Kay. Ophie Gonzales inducted new members.Lora Wingo, Chair of the SISP Annual Enchilada Sale spoke about the support offered by Santa Paula Soroptimist to Interface Children, Family Services for the Transitional Living Home, the “safe haven” for families to learn independent living skills after leaving a batterer.Wingo presented Cathy Barringer, an Interface Director, with a check for $2,500, fulfilling SISP annual pledge.Scholarship checks totaling $2,500 were presented by Elaine Hunt and Mary Deines to UCSB student Nicole Ruiz and Georgina Magina, who is sharpening her professional skills. Another check was presented to Mark Gregson, CEO of Santa Paula Memorial Hospital, marking a total of $2,900 presented to the hospital this year and making the purchase of a pediatric crib and other equipment possible.Donations during the SISP fiscal year totaled a whopping $11,167, including $1,000 for the Santa Paula Habitat for Humanity home and assorted contributions to Group Against Graffiti and Santa Paula Mural Project, among others.“And, let’s not forget about all the coats that were distributed to children this past winter,” said Lax, who founded the Coats for Kids project.