Soroptimist International of Hood River

2011-10-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Women of Distinction 2011: Winners Announced!

Cathy Carter and Elizabeth Garber are the 2011 winners of the Soroptimist International of Hood River’s Women of Distinction Award. Each year since 1975, SIHR has worked with community organizations to honor women whose work in a professional or volunteer capacity makes a significant difference in the quality of life in our community.

The awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd from 11:30- 1pm at the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets for the luncheon are $18 each and available at Waucoma Bookstore.

Cathy Carter grew up in Hood River and has been involved in planning many philanthropic events. Presently she is the Executive Director for Heart of Hospice Foundation. Since 1997 Carter has also been the founder and Principal Organizer of the Fashion Show Gala which benefits the Christmas Project. She volunteers at area schools and has organized the YoHoHs--- Youth of Heart of Hospices, a high school group, whose goal is to bring joy and comfort into the daily lives of hospice patients. Carter also organized the Peg Lalor Rocks party to benefit of Gorge Games founder Peg Lalor after her injury.

Cathy Carter is a creative thinker and has great insight when it comes to marketing and fundraising. But more importantly, people respond to her enthusiasm, passion and sincerity,’ said Jodi Goatcher, Executive Director of Heart of Hospice.

Elizabeth Garber has been an active and continuous community volunteer since the 1970s. She is a founding member of the Columbia Art Gallery as well as the Friends of the Hood River County Library. She has been President of both organizations and continues to be involved as an active volunteer. She was also the first treasurer of the Hood River County Library Foundation serving during the five years of the ‘Millennium Project’, the library building expansion. During that time, Garber accounted for the $1 million raised by private fundraising and grants to support that project. A passionate quilter, Garber has used her skills to raise funds for her causes. She is now serving as President of Columbia River Gorge Quilt Guild, a new organization of the quilters in the six area counties.

Elizabeth Garber brings all her intelligence, heart and skills to any project she undertakes," said June Knudson, retired Library Director. "And because of the way she honors those who work with her, many more are willing to get involved and help her."

2011-10-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

Women's Opportunity Awards

Are you a single mom? Or the primary financial provider of your family? Enrolled in school or vocational training to better your life? In need of financial help to reach your goal?

Then you may be eligible for the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Award: Five $1,000 cash awards! These awards are jointly sponsored by Soroptimist International of Hood River (SIHR) and Soroptimist International of Mt. Adams. (SIMA)

The Women's Opportunity Award is NOT a scholarship - it may be used for tuition, babysitters, gas or books. Hard copies of the application are available at the Hood River News front desk, Columbia Gorge Community College/Hood River Campus, the Hood River Library or the Whitson Elementary School in White Salmon OR you may download and print the six page application included with this post.

The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2011. Send your completed application to SIHR, PO Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 OR SIMA, PO Box 152, White Salmon, WA 98762.

2011-09-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

Women of Distinction 2011

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any woman who has distinguished herself in significant contribution to the quality of Hood River County’s community life is eligible. She must have been active for at least ten years in her endeavors, either as a professional or as a volunteer.

APPLICATIONS

Applications are available from Waucoma Bookstore, 212 Oak St, Hood River and attached to this blog post (above).

APPLICATION PROCESS

As you prepare your application, be sure to tell your nominee’s story both with examples and timelines so that the three judges, previous winners themselves, will be able to understand and compare your nominee’s qualifications against that of other nominees. List all activities that show her dedication, effectiveness, and vision. Letters of recommendation are limited to three.

WHO CAN NOMINATE? Either an individual or organization can nominate.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: SEPT. 28
Applications are due back no later than Wednesday, September 28, 5 PM. Mail completed application packets to: SIHR (Soroptimist International of Hood River), P.O. Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031.

NOTIFICATION OF WINNERS: OCT.5
Nominators and winners will be notified by Wednesday, October 5. Winners will need to be available for an appointment with SIHR photographer Oct. 6-12.

AWARD LUNCHEON: NOV. 2
The Women of Distinction Award Luncheon is Wednesday, November 2nd in the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets ($18 each) will be available beginning October 20th at Waucoma Bookstore.

QUESTIONS? Contact Suzanne Van Orman, 541.386.9290/ email: SVanor@aol.com

2011-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

Wine, Women & WOW!

The BEST women's networking event is back at The Pines in Hood River this fall! Wine, Women and WOW is happening Sept. 28th, 5 pm - 7 pm and promises to be bigger and better than ever! More vendors, more opportunities to connect and forge new relationships with some of the most exciting women in the Gorge!

Vendors, reserve your space at this event by contacting mary@hoodriverredesign.com - see you there!

2011-06-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

2011 Harvest Quilt

This year Soroptimist International of Hood River has been chosen as the sponsor of the annual Harvest Quilt Raffle and will be the beneficiary of the funds raised through the sale of raffle tickets. The quilt will be displayed at various locations - starting this First Friday at Waucoma Bookstore! - until the Harvest Fest, October 14th - 16th. All monies raised will directly benefit women and girls throughout the Gorge through the programs of SIHR. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

2011-05-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

2011-05-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

2011-02-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

LUNAFEST: February 23rd and 24th

• The 10th Annual National Touring Film Festival − LUNAFEST®: Short Films By, For, About Women® − is coming to Hood River!

This fundraising film festival, dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together in their communities, will be hosted by Soroptimist International of Hood River and Mt. Adams at Columbia Center for the Arts at 215 Cascade in Hood River on February 23 and 24.

• Showings are scheduled for 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm each day, with pre-show wine events at 5:30 pm and 7:45 pm.

• Tickets are available at Waucoma Bookstore in Hood River and Sterling Bank in White Salmon. Advance purchase of tickets is advised.

This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, motherhood, body image, aging, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. Visit www.lunafest.org for details and a sneak preview!! Please call 503-637-0361 if you have any questions.

Locally, 15% of the proceeds from LUNAFEST will go to the Breast Cancer Fund and 85% will be used for the community service projects sponsored by Soroptimist International of Hood River and Mt. Adams.

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls. The local clubs work toward this goal by raising funds to assist organizations such as Helping Hands, Next Door and Programs for Peaceful Living, and by providing scholarships to assist women in improving their skills and education.

Thus far, LUNAFEST, which is created and funded by LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®, has raised over $360,000 for Breast Cancer Fund and over $570,000 for other women’s non-profit organizations.

2011-02-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

FREE MOVIE SCREENING FEB. 3RD IN THE DALLES!

At today's weekly SIHR meeting, we learned about a newly-formed group in The Dalles: Half the Gorge Sky, a group of women who have come together with a mission very similar to that of Soroptimists, improving the lives of women worldwide. They were inspired after a book club reading of "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide". In the interest of public awareness and education, Half the Gorge Sky inviteS everyone in the community to a FREE screening of the film, "A Walk to Beautiful," an Emmy award-winning story of healing and hope for Ethiopian women devastated by childbirth injuries. The film follows the story of 5 women, who as a result of their injuries are abandoned by their husbands and ostracized by their communities, undertake the long journey to reclaim their lost dignity and self-worth.

This FREE screening is this Thursday, February 3rd, 6:30pm, at the Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles, Building 3, Room 302.

2011-01-29T12:15:00.001-08:00

2011 Winter Gala!

TONIGHT is the annual Winter Gala fund raiser hosted by SIHR, Soroptimist of Mt. Adams and the Rotary Club of White Salmon/Bingen! Doors open at 7pm at the Best Western Hood River Inn (the Gorge Room) with dancing to music spun by DJ Randy Haines starting at 8pm. The event features a dessert buffet and a silent auction filled with FABulous items! Admission is a tax-deductible $18 per person or $30 per couple. All proceeds from the Winter Gala directly benefit people in our communities!

(So very sorry to have been off-line and out of touch for the last month! Computer issues have all been resolved, so I can return to regularly scheduled updates...)

2010-10-25T14:11:00.001-07:00

Soroptimist Announces 2010 Women of Distinction Award Recipients

The Women of Distinction award is given annually to Hood River County women who have made a significant, long-term difference in the lives of people living in our county.

The community is invited to honor this year’s Soroptimist of Hood River Women of Distinction Award recipients: Anne Holmstrom, Faith Ackerman and Carolyn Bondurant. A luncheon celebrating their accomplishments will be held Wednesday, November 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Best Western Hood River Inn Gorge Room. Tickets are available from Waucoma Bookstore or by calling Jean Harmon, 541-386-3748. The $16 tickets must be purchased by Monday, November 1.

Anne Holmstrom spent over 25 years leading the Cascade Locks School PTO and the local 4-H program. At the school, she organized fundraising and community-enhancing activities, kept up the school landscaping and everyone’s spirits with her commitment to a great quality of life for the school and community. Anne became involved in the Cascade Locks 4-H program when her three children were growing up. They participated, but Anne also made sure 4-H was available to all the community’s children and adults. She continues to help organize the 4-H County Fair to make sure it is a success for all the children and leaders involved. Eight years ago, the local Lioness Club brought the SMART reading program to Cascade Locks; Anne has served as its coordinator ever since, actively recruiting adult volunteers who make sure reading is enjoyable for hundreds of students and distributing countless books to emerging readers. Several years ago, Anne was named Volunteer of the Year by the Hood River County Commission on Children & Families for her tireless leadership and commitment to the children of our county.

Faith Ackerman may be best known for co-founding and leading the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta since 1975, where her dream of having intermediate-level local musicians play in a full orchestra has been realized year after year, thanks to her diligent persuasion and organization skills. In 2005, the non-profit Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association was formed, with Faith as president, guiding the Sinfonietta and the creation of Voci Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus and continuing the String Orchestra for beginning adult and youth musicians. She has served three years on the board of KQAC/KQHR (90.1), bringing classical music to everyone in the Gorge. This mother of four and orchardist’s wife has played the organ at St. Mary’s Catholic Church nearly every Sunday (as well as at countless wedding and funerals) for the last 50 years, often after teaching Sunday school.

Faith is also a registered nurse who has volunteered for decades at immunization clinics and blood drives and on the Mid-Columbia Medical Center Foundation Board. She also, according to her now adult children, provided shots at her home for everyone on their side of the valley who couldn’t make the trip the doctor’s office in Hood River. Faith was elected to serve as a Hood River Valley High School Committee for nine years, volunteers at the county history museum every Friday, and works at FISH Food Bank.

Carolyn Bondurant has spent over 30 years making a difference in the lives of teens and families. As a young mother she started a play group for stay-at-home moms to get together and share parenting ideas while their little ones played. Several years later, Carolyn was hired by Next Door as their first prevention coordinator, helping at-risk families and youth learn to prevent problems. She connected families with community resources and family counseling and facilitated school groups, especially for teenage girls at risk for pregnancy.

From that sprung the notion of providing those kinds of services to families with young children, especially those at risk for abuse or neglect. Carolyn and other community activists did research and wrote grants to create New Parent Services, a program to help parents with their first babies thrive with support from home visitors and parenting education opportunities. She served on and led its advisory board for several years before being recruited as program manager. She and her staff of paid workers and volunteers worked tirelessly to grow NPS into one of the strongest programs of its kind in the Northwest. Her also spent nine years as an enthusiastic, committed 4-H leader.

Carolyn is currently the highly inspiring site coordinator for ASPIRE (Access to Student assistance Programs In Reach of Everyone) at Hood River Valley High School, bringing juniors and seniors together with trained adult mentors who make sure each student can apply for and get into college or other post-high school education. In 1993 only 12% of HRVHS students went on to higher learning; today about 85% enter college or a trade school. In 2008 she received a State of Oregon award for her amazing work with aspiring high school to college students.

For more information about Soroptimist or the Women of Distinction Award, contact Jean Harmon, 541-386-3748 or Michele Sliwa, 509-637-0361.

Portrait photography of the Women of Distinction Awardees by SIHR member, Denise Rehse Watson of Photosensitive Portraits.

2010-10-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

2011 Women's Opportunity Awards:
Applications now being accepted

Are you a single mom? Are you the primary financial provider for your family? Are you enrolled in school or vocational training to better your life? Do you need financial help to reach your goal? Then you may be eligible for the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards.

Seven $1,000 cash awards will be given out; this is NOT a scholarship, so the funds may be used for ANY educational expense such as childcare or transportation, as well as tuition and textbooks.

HOW TO APPLY
Download the 6 page application found at the top of this post; mail the COMPLETED application to:

Soroptimist International of Hood River
P. O. Box 51
Hood River, OR 97031

Applications MUST be received by December 1, 2010. If you have any questions, please call Kate Dougherty at 541-386-3850.

2010-10-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS

Each year Soroptimist International of Hood River hones, through our Woman of Distinction awards, women who have made a difference in Hood River County. Our community benefits from the work of these outstanding citizens an we ask your help in making sure they are recognized. We invite you to submit nominations for this special award using the 2 page nomination form at the top of this post. Nominations are due Wednesday, October 13, 2010.

AREAS OF ELIGIBILITY
We are looking for honorees who have made a contribution in one or more of the following areas:
• Economic and Social Development
• Education
• Human Rights/Status of Women
• Enviroment
• Health

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any woman who has distinguished herself in one of the above categories during her time in Hood River County is eligible. She must have been active, either as a professional or as a volunteer, for at least ten years. Be sure to list all activities that show her to be of exemplary character and a role model for other women. Letters of support are encouraged, but limited to three.

WHO CAN NOMINATE?
Soroptimist welcomes nominations from both individuals and organization. Anyone can nominate a woman for this award.

DEADLINE
Applications are due back no later than Wednesday, October 13th. Please mail to:
Soroptimist International of Hood River
P. O. Box 51
Hood River, OR 97031

NOTIFICATION OF WINNER
You and your nominee will be notified by Monday, October 25th if she is chosen as one of this year's recipients.

AWARD LUNCHEON
The Women of Distinction Award Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 3rd in the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets ($15 each) will be available after October 20th at Waucoma Bookstore or by contacting Jean Harmon (541-386-3748 or 541-207-4226) or Lisa Hargrave (541-386-6825 or lisa@philhargrave.net).

2010-08-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

WINE, WOMEN & WOW!
A networking event for Gorge women

Soroptimist International of Hood River is hosting our third annual Wine, Women & WOW! on Wednesday, September 22nd, between 5pm and 7pm at The Gorge Room of the Best Western Hood River Inn.

Last year's event was packed with over 200 current and future "movers and shakers" from the Gorge. This year's new location at The Gorge Room was chosen to provide more space for attendees and exhibitors as well.

Exhibit space is still available. This is a wonderful opportunity to advertise your business, promote and event or volunteer opportunities to a key demographic: Gorge women! Table space is 24" wide by 30" deep; there are two exhibits per table at $40 per space. You may reserve an entire table for $100. Exhibit space may be staffed or you can create a static display and then cirulate with the rest of the attendees. These fees help pay for the space, fixtures, food and wine servers for the event. You can book your exhibit space by emailing SIHoodRiver@soroptimist.net or calling 509-637-0361; the deadline to reserve space is September 15th.

Tip for Exhibitors: A great way to capture names for your organization's contact list/database is to do a raffle during the event. Donating any proceeds to the Soroptimist Hood River Community Service fund creates goodwill for your business and helps women and girls in the Gorge at the same time!

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2010-07-13T10:51:00.000-07:00

A New Event - Introducing the BAG BAZAAR!

"What is a Bag Bazaar?" you ask? It works like this: Drop your gently used handbag off at BCI at 307 Oak Street in Hood River BEFORE August 13th. SIHR volunteers will then spruce them up and tag them with a price starting at $5.00 up to $20 depending on the bag. The funds raised by the sale of the donated handbags will be used by SIHR to benefit women and children in Hood River County.

Mark your calendar! The Bag Bazaar will be held on Friday, August 20th, starting at 5:30pm at 200 Eugene Street in Hood River. Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served.

If you have any questions about the Bag Bazaar, contact Judy Jensen at phil.judy@hotmail.com or 541-386-3647.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2010-05-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

4th Semi-Annual Frugal Fashionista!

Calling all women and teen girls to Hood River's largest clothing swap! This is a LADIES ONLY EVENT - sorry, no men or children.

ALL ITEMS ONLY $1.00!!! Your cash will go to support Gutsy Girls, a self esteem & empowerment program for elementary school girls.

When and where you ask? Friday, May 14th, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Alliance Youth Center, 2650 Montello in Hood River!

HOW IT WORKS: Clean out your closet and bring your no longer needed, gently used clothing and accessories (jewelry, purses, scarves, shoes, hats and belts) to the Alliance Church OR May Street Elementary School between May 10th and May 14th - all seasons, styles and sizes are welcome! We will set up the donations "store style" and yes, all the items are ONLY $1.00! All leftover goods will be donated to charity.

Enjoy a Girls' Night Out and discover new-to-you treasures! Treat yourself and sample the wares and services of the Spa Vendors! Be good. Be green. Be Glam!

Questions? Contact Mary@HoodRiverReDesign.com - see you there!

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2010-05-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

COMMUNITY BABY SHOWER!

Soroptimist International of Hood River is once again hosting the annual Community Baby Shower for families in need. Today, May 1st, is the kick off and the collection runs until Saturday, May 15th. Whether it's domestic abuse or poverty, babies are born into our community who have families that are not prepared for them.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please bring any of the following unwrapped gifts to one of the locations listed below:

Disposable diapers (newborn size and larger)
baby oil
shampoo and wash
wipes
Q-tips
teething supplies
pacifiers
glass bottles
diaper rash ointment
disposable cameras
photo albums
baby toys
board books
gender neutral receiving blankets and quilts
socks/booties/hats
pajamas/t-shirts/onesies

DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital (main lobby)
Mid-Columbia Medical Center (main lobby)
Walgreens
CenterPointe Community Bank
Bambinos International Learning Center
Hood River News
The Dalles Chronicle
The Enchanted Alpaca
Columbia State Bank

Monetary contributions are also welcomed. You may donate cash or checks (payable to SIHR) to CenterPointe Bank or mail checks to:
SIHR
Post Office Box 51
Hood River, OR 97031

This project is organized by Soroptimist International of Hood River, a not-for-profit service organization, for the benefit of the families served by New Parent Services and Families First, agencies of Next Door, Inc.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2010-04-01T02:10:00.000-07:00

5th Wednesday Party a Rollicking Good Time!

Many thanks to current president, Lisa Hargrave, who hosted last night's event and especially for her delicious (and wickedly strong!) Margaritas!

By the time the gathering had worked its way through the second bottle of tequila, it was decided to get a little work done - an ad hoc Nominations Committee was formed and the following members have been nominated for board positions: Kate Dougherty as President, Michele Sliwa as Treasurer, and Jean Harmon as Secretary. Everyone present agreed that these three women were the perfect choice to take SIHR into a new decade of service!

(Then Lisa's SoroptiMister Phil arrived with more tequila and we all went back to partying...and if you've read this far, well then - April Fool!)

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2010-02-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

LUNAFEST - February 23 & 25!

LUNAFEST is a national traveling festival of award-winning short films by, for and about women. The films are filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance. LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. The films shown include many off the traditional "festival circuit". Collectively, LUNAFEST films captivate audiences, compel dialogue and arm those who participate with both the knowledge and motivation to make a difference in their communities.

This year LUNAFEST will be showing on February 24 and 25 at 6pm and again at 8:15pm at the Columbia Center for the Arts. There will be a pre-show event with wine and appetizers at 5:30pm. Tickets are available at the Waucoma Bookstore in Hood River: $12 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.

LUNAFEST films have won industry awards and audience accolades; the films selected for the 2010 LUNAFEST share this brilliance. From quirky animation to touching documentaries, the 9 selected films are incredibly divers in both style and subject matter, united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling by, for and about women.

With a vision of uniting women through film, LUNAFEST was estatblished in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women's issues, and support worthy women's nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

When Soroptimist of Hood River heard about this annual film festival, we felt it was a perfect fit with our mission. Soroptimist International of Hood River and Mount Adams are part of a worldwide organization for women in management and the professions that is a global voice for women through awareness, advocacy and action. Soroptimist International of Hood River and Mount Adams work towards these goals by raising funds to assist organizations like Helping Hands, Next Door, Gorge high school programs for girls and also provide scholarships for women going back to school.

85% of the funds raised at this film festival will go towards community service projects of Soroptimist of Hood River and Mount Adams and the other 15% will go towards the Breast Cancer Fund.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2010-02-12T10:48:00.000-08:00

Women's Opportunity Awards

Five Gorge area women each received a $1,000.00 Women's Opportunity Award from the Soroptimist International of Hood River club. Awardee Amy Bloodworth was chosen by judges to compete for a regional award of $3,000.00 this coming April 2010.

Women's Opportunity Awards provide financial assistance to women who have primary financial responsibility for their household and who are enrolled in school to better their economic future. Since the Women's Opportunity Award is not a scholarship, the funds may be used for any educational expenses, including tuition, childcare, transportation or textbooks.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-11-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Recent Program Meetings

Our club Vice President, Mary Lively, has given us some WONDERFUL speakers as of late! A few weeks ago, we were entertained and enlightened by Cindy Morus, professional Online Business Manager. In addition to working with businesses to help them uncover overlooked opportunities that will help increase their bottom line, she also spoke about using the same principles and techniques to enable us, as Soroptimists, to reach out to even more, to affect even more of the community with our volunteer and charitable work. We all went away with her mantra, "How am I going to serve more people?" singing in our ears. To learn more about Cindy and how she can help your business, check out her website at www.CindyMorus.com.

One of our latest speakers was Janet Stauffer, who is running for District 7 Circuit Court Judge (Position 2). Ms. Stauffer spoke about her 23 years of experience working within the Oregon Circuit Courts and emphasized her focus on improving the accessiblity of our legal system to ALL members of our community, including those for whom English is a second language, and her continued involvement with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and Juvenile Court. If elected, Janet Stauffer will be the FIRST female Circuit Judge in this District and will bring her thoughtful, respectful and efficient skill sets to the job. Learn more about Janet Stauffer and her campaign at www.JanetStaufferForJudge.com.

Most recently, May Street Elementary School teacher and Child Development Specialist, Susan Jepson-DeResta, LCSW warmed our hearts (and lit a few fires!) by reading aloud letters written by her students who have participated in her innovative "Gutsy Girls" after school program. Unfortunately, the program has been cut for the current school year due to loss of funding that provided a bus ride home for the participating girls. With permission, we have reprinted a couple of the letters here: (spelling and grammar reproduced!)

"I was in Gutsy Girls last year and I loved it. I had alot of fun, and I learnd alot about how to just say no to bullies. But when I heard Gutsy Girls was close to not happening this year, I was pretty upset. Gutsy Girls means alot to me, and I would be heart-broken if girls in the future could not enjoy this awesome club. I know for sure that I need Gutsy Girls. Love, Casey"

"Dear Soroptimist Club, Gutsy Girls helps girls in 4th and 5th grade to relize that they are beautiful inside and out. Ms. Sue does a great job running it and we all want to keep doing it. Gutsy Girls helps build trust, courage, responsibility, and being able to be yourself around all people. We need money for us to keep doing this program. I hope you will be able to help us because Gutsy Girls is a big part of our life. Sincerely, Morgan"

The room was abuzz after Susan's presentation and within the next 24 hours, over $700 in donations (enough to fund the school bus rides and reinstate the program!) were collected by Soroptimists - AMAZING things can happen when women get together!!! If you would like to help support Gutsy Girls, please contact Ms. Jepson-DeResta at sjepson@hoodriver.k12.or.us.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-11-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Women's Opportunity Award Applications Now Being Accepted

The Soroptimist International clubs of Hood River and Mt. Adams in White Salmon have pooled resources. Together the two clubs are offering SEVEN $1,000 Women's Opportunity Awards to Gorge women heads of household. Applications are now available; they are due back by December 15, 2009.

Women's Opportunity Awards provide help for women who have primary financial repsonsiblity for their households, whether single or married. The purpose of the Women's Opportunity Award is to help further a recipient's education to improve the lives of her and her family.

The Women's Opportunity Award is NOT a scholarship; awards can be used for any educational expenses, including tuition, childcare, transportation or textbooks. The seven winners will be notified in late December. One of the awards will be open to a previous recipient.

Michele Patrick, a student who received an Award in 2008, said, "The Soroptimist Club's very generous award gave me the breathing room I needed to be able to focus on my studies for a future career in nursing."

Together the Mt. Adams and the Hood River clubs sponsor The Winter Gala, an important fundraiser for the Women's Opportunity Awards. "Our Soroptimist clubs raise funds locally so that we can help women in our communities, " said SIHR President Lisa Hargrave. "Generous community support will fund seven awards this year."

To be eligible for this award, applicants must be enrolled or accepted in a college or vocational school program. Two of the seven recipients will compete for a $3,000 Soroptimist regional award in April 2011.

Applications are available at the Hood River County Library and the Whitson Elementary School in White Salmon. You may also download the 3 page application from this blog post (see above).

Completed applications are due by December 15, 2009. Send them to: SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or SIMA, Post Office Box 152, White Salmon, WA 98762. Completed applications may also be dropped off at the Hood River County Library or the Whitson Elementary School.

If you have any questions about the awards or the application process, please contact June Knudson at 541-387-7062 or email her at junek@gorge.net.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-11-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Women of Distinction Award Recipients

Soroptimist of Hood River is honored to present the 2009 winners of its Women of Distinction award, given annually to Hood River County women who have made a significant difference in the life of our county. JoAnn Wittenberg of Cascade Locks, Joella Dethman and Jan Veldhuisen Virk of Hood River will be recognized at a luncheon in their honor on Wednesday, November 4th, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Best Western Hood River Inn Gorge Room. The community is invited to celebrate the dedication of these three amazing women. Tickets for the awards luncheon are available from Waucoma Bookstore for $15 per person.

JoAnn Wittenberg and her family moved to Cascade Locks School in the 1960s to teach. Her nominators and supporters say that the countless ways she has been involved in Cascade Locks has made a huge difference in the life of that community and Hood River County. In addition to working and raising a family, JoAnn has served as a 4-H club leader and County Fair judge, as a parenting education coordinator and facilitator, on the City Planning Commission, as a CLIK volunteer (working to prevent alcohol and tobacco use among Cascade Locks school children), organizer of a popular community Christmas celebration, organizer and teacher of a County Extension class for older adults, and an active participant in leadership of the local Lioness Club. As part of the local quilting group, she helps make quilts for each Cascade Locks kindergarten student.

When JoAnn moved from classroom teacher to caseworker for the Department of Human Services, she was charged with placing children in both foster care families and in adoptive homes. Her nominators can think of no one more passionate and compassionate for the needs of these most vulnerable members of our community. In 1987, JoAnn and a group of other individuals recognized the need to help new parents get themselves and their babies off to a good, healthy start. New Parent Services grew from their concerns and continues today as one of the cornerstones for creating healthy families in Hood River County. She also represents Hood River County on the Mid-Columbia Housing Authority Board, helping to provide affordable housing throughout the Gorge.
Joella Dethman began volunteering in the early 1980s when her children were young, serving as the heart and hands of "Make It Click," a child car safety seat rental program for families who couldn't afford to buy one. Joella not only kept track of the over 100 car seats, she also cleaned and repaired each returned seat; some had been used for several years without being cleaned. More recently, Joella found a way to buy car seats at a reduced cost and sell them to families in need. Joella and a group of volunteers teach parents how to use the seats, make sure each seat is properly fitted in the car and the child properly fitted in the seat. She also organizes car seat clinics throughout the Gorge, helping all parents and other caring adults double-check that their child's safety seat is installed properly.

In 1993, Joella became executive director of Hood River County's Commission on Children and Families, where whe works tirelessly to ensure all people in our county are treated with respect and dignity. She has served on and led work groups striving to bring better mental health, drug and alcohol treatment services to the comunity, increase access to health care, reduce school dropout rates, increase literacy levels, prevent unwanted teen pregnancies, reduce domestic and child abuse rates and increase the number of well-trained child caregivers, help develop a juvenile crime prevention system and parenting education. As one of her nominators put it, "Joella doesn't work at the job, she lives it, volunteering hundreds of hours each year to promote healthy lives."

Jan Veldhuisen Virk began volunteering in her three daughters' classrooms and schools in 1996. Just three years later, she was elected to the Hood River County School District Board of Directors, where she has served as both vice-chair and chair and was recently re-elected to another four year term. Jan was insturmental in passing two local option levies and chaired the school bond levy campaign in 2000. Following that successful campaign, she was invited to speak at the Oregon School Board Association Bonds and Ballots workshop on how to run a successful school bond election campaign.

In addition to her many volunteer hours as a board member, Jan has been a dedicated "soccer mom," not only for her children, but for many others who might not otherwise be involved in extracurricular activities. One supporter wrote, "Jan volunteers above and beyond her required duties. Her visibility in the schools, helping with local projects and living the dual roles of parent and Board member, has created a bond of leadership and trust throughout the school district."

Photos by Denise Rehse Watson/www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-10-03T18:11:00.000-07:00

PIE OH MY!

Picture-perfect weather, delicious desserts made from fruit grown right here in the Gorge, an old-fashion pie eating contest and music by Chigwaya, a local youth marimba ensemble...it was an event to remember! Here's a list of the winners and a handful of images to remember a wonderful day by...

• Kathy Hannen-Smith won $500 for Best Apple Pie - award sponsored by Shortt Supply and Providence Health & Services
• Stephanie Haliei won $500 for Best Pear Pie - award sponsored by the Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers
• Linda Mills won $500 for Best Baked Fruit Dessert - award sponsored by the Hood River Heights Business Association
• Monica Haliei won $500 for Best Professional Fruit Dessert - award sponsored by D'lish Delivered

Congratulations to the winners and a big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to help set up, perform as judges, and eat wonderful desserts! All funds raised at today's event will go to Helping Hands against Violence - thanks again for helping us help the community!

Photos by Denise Rehse Watson/www.PhotosensitivePortraits.com

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-09-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

EAT DESSERT FIRST!

It's that time of year again - the days are getting shorter, the kids are back in school, there's a nip to the morning air...must be time for the 7th annual EAT DESSERT FIRST Fruit Dessert Baking (& Eating) Contest!

This year's event will once again be held on the corner of 12th and Belmont, in front of continuing sponsor, Shortt Supply. Contest participants are asked to bring their baked goods on site between 10:15am and 10:45am; the event begins in earnest at 11am!

We proudly announce a NEW CATEGORY for this year's entries: Professional Fruit Dessert! The Professional category entry fee is $20; the general public Best Apple Pie, Best Pear Pie, Best Fruit Dessert category fees are $10. All rules and regulations are included in the Event Entry Form which is available at the Hood River Library, Shortt Supply and Gorge-area fruit stands. (The entry form shown above in this post may be downloaded for your convenience.)

How does YOUR favorite fruit pie recipe stack up? Is it worthy of one of FOUR $500 prizes?!! There's only one way to find out!

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-05-12T15:18:00.001-07:00

Finally, an update!

(First of all, my apologies for not updating this blog in a timely fashion! Soroptimist International Hood River has had SO MANY events in the last few months - I'm going to do my very best to bring you all up to speed on what we've been up to! --Denise, blog editor)

First off, Lunafest - a resounding success with sold-out crowds! That's Lunafest Committee Chair, Michelle Sliwa, addressing the audience on opening night. There was much discussion before the show, stimulated by lobby placards with brief descriptions of the films to be shown. Intermission was enlivened by delicious catering provided by D'lish Delivered.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2009-01-15T14:08:00.002-08:00

LUNAFEST: January 14 & 15

Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women.

LUNAFEST films include many off the traditional “festival circuit.” Collectively, LUNAFEST films captivate audiences, compel dialogue and arm those who participate with both the knowledge and the motivation to make a difference in their communities.

Award Winning Films

LUNAFEST’s films have won industry awards and audience accolades, and the films selected for 2007-08 LUNAFEST share this brilliance. From quirky animation to touching documentaries, the 9 selected films are incredibly diverse in both style and subject matter, united by a common thread of exceptional storytelling by…for…about women.

Click here to learn more about the 9 LUNAFEST award-winning films.

With a vision of uniting women through film, LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

When Soroptimists of Hood River heard about this annual film festival we felt it was a perfect fit with our mission. Soroptimists International of Hood River is part of a worldwide organization for women in management and the professions, is a global voice for women through Awareness, Advocacy and Action.

Soroptimists International of Hood River works towards these goals by raising funds to assist organizations like Helping Hands, Next Door, Inspiration Circle at the Hood River Valley High School and provide scholarships for Women going back to school.

85 % of the funds raised at this film festival will go towards Community Service projects of Soroptimists of Hood River and the other 15% will go towards Breast Cancer Fund.

This year the LUNAFEST will be showing on January 14^th and 15^th at 6:30 pm at the Columbia Center for the Arts. There will be a pre-show event with Wine and appetizers at 5:30 pm.

Tickets prices are $12 for adults and $8 for students; you may purchase tickets in advance at Waucoma Bookstore starting December 15, or at the door.

To learn more ... visit the LUNAFEST website.

2008-11-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

Benefit Concert TONIGHT!

Enjoy the incredible song stylings of Hood River's own Makenzie Rose Bassham at 6 pm TONIGHT, November 15th, at the Hood River Middle School Auditorium. In addition to the concert, there will also be a bake sale and silent auction. You could do a little Christmas shopping and bring home dessert for after the concert!

The concert, bake sale and silent auction are part of a project that has been undertaken by this year's Beginning Leadership Class at Hood River Valley High School - to raise funds for the Foster Care programs of Hood River DHS Child Welfare. A visit by Soroptimists Judy Jensen, Chavalla Lopez-Bassham and Denise Rehse Watson, who spoke about Soroptimist International of Hood River's plans to renovate the Family Visitation Rooms at the Hood River DHS facility, inspired the class to take on this cause as their own. All members of the class have been involved in the planning and execution of tonight's events, including Makenzie Ross Bassham who is a member of the class.

Tickets are $7.00 for students and $10.00 for adults; tickets will be available at the door. All proceeds go to the Foster Care Programs of Hood River DHS Child Welfare. Tonight's event is presented by the Hood River Valley High School Beginning Leadership Class and sponsored by Soroptimist International of Hood River, Mountain Views Therapeutic Massage and Photosensitive Portraits.

EDITED TO ADD: MacKenzie Bassham ROCKED the house that night! Many thanks to her for sharing her amazing talent towards this cause! CONGRATULATIONS to the HRVHS Beginning Leadership class! Your hard work raised $2,500.00 to help redecorate and renovate the Visitation Rooms at Hood River DHS Child Welfare offices!

Photo by Denise Rehse Watson/www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-11-10T16:58:00.001-08:00

Women of Distinction Award Winners!

Susan Hess, Virginia Hosford and Nancy Johanson Paul are this year's winners of Soroptimist International of Hood River's Women of Distinction Awards. Each year since 1975, SIHR has honored women from Hood River County who have worked in a professional or volunteer capacity to make a significant difference in our community. Awardees are chosen from women who have been nominated by friends and peers.

An awards luncheon will be held on Wednesday, November 12th from 11:30am to 1pm at the Gorge Room at the Best Western Hood River Inn. Tickets for the luncheon are $15 each and available at the Waucoma Bookstore or by calling Soroptimist Elizabeth Garber at 541-387-2950.

Susan Hess was selected for her many dedicated years of work to improve the environment, especially in the Columbia River Gorge. Virginia Hosford, chair of the Hood River Library Foundation for four years, has spent her adult life working to improve the educational life of our community. Nancy Johanson Paul, founder of the 20 year old New Parent Services program, is honored for her many years of promoting the health and well-being of children and families in Hood River county.

Please come join us at the Gorge Room on Wednesday, November 12, to say "thank you!" to these three women who have given so much to our community!

Photos by Denise Rehse Watson / www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-10-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Women's Opportunity Awards -
FIVE $1,000 awards to be given away!

• Are you a single Mom or a woman with the primary financial responsibility for your household?
• Are you enrolled in school or vocational training to better your life?
• Do you need financial help to reach your goal?

If you answered YES to these questions - or you know of a woman who fits this description - you should know about the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards!

This year Soroptimist International of Hood River is presenting FIVE $1,000.00 cash awards to eligible women! These awards are NOT a scholarship; they can be used for babysitter, gas money or books! But you've got to apply in order to be considered for these awards. You can pick up a hard copy of the application at the Hood River County Library or you can print the 6 page application at the top of this post. (You will need to print TWO copies of the Reference pages.)

The deadline for the submission of applications is December 1st, 2008. Completed applications must be mailed to:
Soroptimist International of Hood River (SIHR)
Post Office Box 51
Hood River, OR 97031

A local area winner may be selected to compete for a regional $3,000.00 award!

If you need help filling the application out or have other questions about the awards, please contact June at 541-387-7062.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-10-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

WINE, WOMEN & WOW!
Ordinary women working together to do extraordinary things.

Soroptimist International of Hood River invites all Gorge women to an "after hours" event to be held Wednesday, October 29th, from 5pm to 7pm at The Pines Tasting Room located at 202 State Street in Hood River. There will be a no-host wine bar and complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served.

This is a great opportunity to meet other interesting and involved women; a chance to promote your own event, project or program and ask for help with it; an excellent way to find out what's going on and learn how YOU can get involved!

If you'd like to reserve space to promote your own organization, project or event, contact Lisa Hargrave at 541-386-4785 or lhargrave@virtualpremise.com - space IS limited, so be sure to reserve YOUR spot as soon as possible!

One of our inspirations for this event was that evocative quote by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (Women's History professor at Harvard University): "Well-behaved women rarely make history." Please join us for an evening of "misbehaving"!

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-10-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Iron Jawed Angels - Special One-Time Show Only!

Soroptimist International of Hood River is proud to present a one time showing of a moving and thought-provoking film every woman should see.

Oscar-winner Hilary Swank stars in a fresh and contemporary look at a pivotal event in American history, telling the true story of how a pair of defiant and brilliant young activists took the women's suffrage movement by storm, putting their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote.

Make a point of being at the Skylight Theater in Hood River on Saturday, October 11th. This special showing will start promptly at 1:00pm, but come early and enjoy lunch and perhaps even win the raffle that will be drawn at 12:50pm just before the film starts.

This is a Private Party limited to 100 guests only - you MUST have a ticket to attend! Tickets are available at BCI Group on 307 Oak Street; to reserve yours, call Carolyn at 386-3990. A $5.00 donation will be requested at the door of the theater the day of the event.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-10-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Eat Dessert First a Sweet Success!

Eat Dessert First raised more than $800 for Helping Hands Against Violence and drew 36 bakers, nine each in the pear and apple categories and 18 in the baked fruit dessert category.

Monica Halici won the pear pie division; Leslie Sullivan won the apple; and Juliana Dolan won the baked fruit dessert. Each baker took home a $500 prize, donated by local businesses and organizations.

Kate Brownback, Hood River Soroptimist and Event Chair, was quoted by the Hood River News saying, "It was a great day; it felt like America. We so loved doing this and look forward to doing it again next year. It was a perfect day for it and alot of fun."

Many Thanks to our Event Sponsors!

Sponsor for the pear pie division was the Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers Association; apple pie sponsors were Shortt Supply and Billy Sullivan/Simple Works; and the Hood River Heights Business Association sponsored the best baked fruit dessert division.

Other sponsors included: Pacific Northwest Federal Credit Union, who contributed financially; Your Party and Rental Center donated the tables (delivering and picking them up!); Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital provided the ice cream; 10 Speed Coffee provided the coffee and Jamba Marimba played for free throughout the event. The City of Hood River and ODOT issued event and street closure permits at no charge; the Health Department charged only a nominal fee for a food event permit.

Photos by Denise Rehse Watson / www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-09-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

6th Annual EAT DESSERT FIRST!

Soroptimist International of Hood River has taken up where the good folks at Shortt Supply have left off and is proud to bring back the popular Gorge-Grown Fruit Dessert Baking Contest, EAT DESSERT FIRST! this coming Saturday, September 27, 2008.

Once again, there will be three $500 prizes: Best Apple Pie, Best Pear Pie and Best Baked Fruit Dessert. The contest is limited to the first 100 (or so) desserts submitted for judging. (Hey, who are we to turn away a delicious pie?!) Contest entry forms and rules are available at Shortt Supply, the Hood River Library and Gorge area fruit stands. You can also print out and use the entry form at the top of this blog entry.

The event will be held at the same place as in the past, on the sidewalk in front of Shortt Supply at 12th and Belmont, and start at 10am and run until 1pm. Get there early to get your share of some tasty treats!

Community sponsors of this much-loved event include Soroptimist International of Hood River, Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers, Shortt Supply, Hood River Heights Business Association, Billy Sullivan's Family/SimpleWorks, Providence Hood River, Pacific Northwest Federal Credit Union, Your Rental Center.

Jamba Marimba and the Hood River Valley High School cheerleaders will provide entertainment during the judging period.

Proceeds from the $10 contest entry fees and pie and ice cream sales ($3 a plate) will support the good work of Helping Hands Against Violence and promote our delicious Columbia Gorge fruit and its growers.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-07-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

June Knudson – Soroptimist of the Year 2007-2008

In her role as President for an unprecedented two years (normal term is one year), June spearheaded the concept of entrepreneurial leadership within Soroptimist International of Hood River. While acknowledging the balancing act of juggling home, career and community that challenges all women, June inspired us to renew our commitment to SIHR and move beyond the status quo. She instituted Project Managers and encouraged the establishment of a framework for all projects, insuring continuity from year to year and avoiding the starting-from-scratch often faced by new committee members. June established budgets, created flexible agendas and encouraged us to set new goals that reflected our mission of "the best for women."

June Knudson, “the reluctant president,” has been instrumental in taking SIHR to the next level and inspiring both old and new members with her commitment, drive and unflagging good cheer! Thank you, June, for your unfailing energy and contributions to Soroptimist International of Hood River!

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

Photo by Denise Rehse Watson/www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com

2008-07-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Fundraiser for Helping Hands Against Violence

Stacey Shaw and Swirl Wine Club present the compelling documentary “I Know I’m Not Alone” on Saturday, August 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbia Center for the Arts. Proceeds from the viewing benefit Helping Hands Against Violence, Inc.

Two years ago world-renowned musician Michael Franti decided to ‘walk his talk’ and traveled to the war zones of Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This wasn’t a USO green zone sponsored visit – Franti and his team organized a trip that would take him to the core of the red-zoned, war torn neighborhoods of Baghdad, the West Bank and Gaza Strip with his guitar, video cameras and the intent to experience first hand the human cost of war. Out of this journey, Franti has created a compelling documentary film titled "I Know I’m Not Alone."

In addition to his groundbreaking music, Franti is a renowned speaker for social justice and human rights. He has lectured at many of this country’s top universities, including Yale, Georgetown and Stanford, and shared the stage with the likes of Mohammad Ali, Bill Clinton, Michael Moore, Ralph Nader, and Gloria Steinem.

A true armchair travel film, "I Know I'm Not Alone" pulls the audience into these war zones in the company of Michael's guitar, eloquence and wit – you feel the humanity, artistic resilience and sometimes horrific experience of what it's like to live under the bombs and military occupation.

Admission : $5 • Wine : $6 / glass
7 pm – 7:25pm Social/wine • 7:30 pm Film begins

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

2008-07-23T17:56:00.001-07:00

Installation of Officers 2008-2009

On a warm and windy afternoon this past July 3rd, Soroptimist International of Hood River installed our new Officers for our 60th year of service in Hood River. The celebration was everything that Soroptimists are about: camraderie, caring and community!

Shown here is the new board being sworn in by SIHR member, Judy Jensen (in order of appearance):
Lisa Hargrave, President • Harriet Kelly, Secretary • Carolyn Van Orden, Treasurer • Kate Brownback, Director • Mary Lively, Vice President • Vicki Claflin, Director • Michele Sliwa, Delegate

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

Photo by Denise Rehse Watson/www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com

2008-07-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

What do Soroptimists DO?

Hood River Soroptimists are a Very Busy group of women! Here's just a few of the many ways that SIHR contributes to the welfare and well-being of women and girls in the Gorge:

PROJECTS

• The Lunafest Women's Film Festival is a fundraising and outreach program featuring independent films by, for and about women.
• The Community Baby Shower gathers supplies and clothing for infants born to women in poverty.
• Backpacks for Kids - Essential Care for Foster Kids is a partnership with Embarq to collect backpacks and essential care items for children in our community entering the foster care system.

FUNDRAISING RECIPIENTS

• Helping Hands Against Violence offers support and shelter to women experiencing domestic violence.
• The Hood River Young Women's Center provides young women who are leaving abusive situations with a safe, supportive environment while they make a new start.
• The Inspiration Circle is an after-school group that helps young women in high school reach their fullest potential through academic focus and community service.

AWARDS

• The Women's Opportunity Award is a cash award to female head of households seeking to improve their economic status through training and education.
• The Women of Distinction Award honors women who have made outstanding achievement in their professional, business or volunteer activities.

JOIN SIHR!
Send your name, address and phone number to SIHR, Post Office Box 51, Hood River, OR 97031 or email Carolyn at carolyn@bci-grp.com or call 541-386-3990.

Photo by Denise Rehse Watson/www.PhotosensitivePortraits.blogspot.com