Monday, November 30, 2009

Benicia Holiday Parlor Tour

The Benicia Historical Society and the Soroptimists International of Benicia cordially invite you to the 2009 Holiday Parlor Tour, Saturday, December 5 from 1pm to 5pm.  This year's tour includes seven historic homes in Benicia.  Six of the sites are private residences decorated for the holiday season.  The seventh site is the Commanding Officer's Quarters in the historic Arsenal.

The Commanding Officer's Quarters will be the location of a very special part of the event.  The Commanding Officer's Quarters will host the holiday offerings sponsored by our community non-profit organizations.   Your $25 Holiday Parlor Tour ticket provides you entrée to the newly refurbished Commanding Officer's Quarters where you may stroll from room to room and appreciate the city's careful renovation of our antebellum gem.  Various local non-profit organizations have adopted rooms and with the help of local merchants, artists and restaurateurs will provide an array of holiday offerings.  The Commanding Officer's Quarters will remain open until 7pm, an additional two hours after close of the Homes.  Come welcome in the Holidays in Historic Benicia.

Admission is by ticket only.  There are a limited number of tickets and they must be purchased in advance. Tickets are on sale at: Bookshop Benicia, the Camellia Tea Room, the Benicia Chamber of Commerce and Benicia Main Street.  There are stairs at every site.  Please wear soft-soled shoes. No Children on the tour, no backpacks, baby carriers, strollers or photos permitted in the homes.  For further information please call: 707-745-3551.

Committee Chairs

Soroptimists are a very busy group. Here are the committee chairs who can answer your questions about our functions & activities:

Ways & Means - Libby McKendry
Finance - Karen Hubbard
Programs - Helaine Bowles
Membership - Frances Harkins
Retention & Buddy Program - Bonnie Silveria
S-Club - Helaine Bowles

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Programs

Soroptimists support many programs to benefit women. We invite you to explore the programs below to see if there is one that can benefit you or other women you know. For application documents for any of these programs, E.Mail the Benicia Soroptimists at benicia.soroptimist@g.mail.com.

Violet Richardson Award
Are you a young woman between the ages of 14 and 17 who volunteers in your community or school? Do you see challengers instead of obstacles? Hope instead of despair? If you are a young woman who believes in the power of volunteer action, then you may be eligible to win a Violet Richardson Award.

This award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts such as: fighting drugs, fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty. Volunteer actions that benefit women or girls are particularly encouraged.

Soroptimist International of Benicia offers a cash award or $500 for the winner and the charitable organization of her choice. The deadline for application is December 1. For more information and application form, please email Leslie Lessenger at benicia.soroptimist@gmail.com.

The Women's Opportunity Award
This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional skills training and education. Soroptimist International of Benicia will award $1500 to the winner. Deadline for application if December 15, 2009.

You are eligible to apply if you are:
  • A woman with primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependants
  • Attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program
  • Have financial need
For more information and the application form, email Leslie Lessenger at benicia.soroptimist@gmail.com.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Meeting Sites

We are looking for the PERFECT meeting site. The criteria are:
Site supports easy group communication and presenter access
Comfortable for all members
Food available for a moderate price

If you know of any place in Benicia that meets these criteria, please e.mail Linda@LifeDancing.com and put Soroptimists in the subject line.

Thank You
Linda

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

2010-2011 Board of Directors

President
Libbey McKendry
libbeymck@comcast.net

President Elect
Helaine Bowles
helaineb@comcast.net

Vice President
Lisa McVeigh
lisatrainer@sbcglobal.net

Secretary
Mary Lichty
mmlichty@comcast.com

Treasurer
Karen Hubbard
kfeatherer@aol.com

Assistant Treasurer
Cheryl Spence
cherylspence@gmail.com

1st Year Director
Debbie Gee
dgee@ci.benicia.ca.uw

2nd Year Director
Frances Harkins
frances@grossmanfinancial.com