Hello Laura, Welcome to the Fall 2024 SI Chico Review, a recap of previous months' Club activities and events. (As a reminder, this publication replaces The Snail paper newsletter from previous years.) Here, you will learn the impact/results of our activities or about programs you may have missed - and meet new members! For upcoming activities and events, be sure to read the semi-monthly e-Blast.

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President Theresa's Message

Happy Autumn, friends! I don't know about you, but I am experiencing the "holiday warm fuzzies." Let's all appreciate the beauty around us and be ever thankful for our friendships and family. I'm thankful every day for each and every one of you who has touched my life! Stay happy and healthy, friends!

~ President Theresa Draper

President's Project: Building Community, Saving Lives,

and Supporting Women's Health

The goal of the President's Project is to further build on the vital role of Soroptimist International in creating safer and more supportive environments for women and girls locally and globally. I am passionate about advocating for women's safety and self-defense, because I believe every woman deserves to feel safe and confident in her daily life. Through my own training, I have seen firsthand how empowering these skills can be. By raising awareness and providing resources, I hope to build up our community where women can thrive without fear.

Women's safety is a holistic concept that encompasses various aspects. So far this year, we've shared information about Disaster Preparedness and Cyber Security. In December, we will learn about practical and easy self-defense tools to help protect and defend ourselves.

In the spring, we will "take it up a notch" and have opportunities to learn "hands on" basic self-defense tactics. April is Women's Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and we will focus on raising public awareness about sexual assault and providing resources and training to help prevent sexual violence and to support survivors.

by President Theresa Draper

3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament: May 12, 2025

We’re “makin’ a list and checkin’ it twice”! No, not for Santa - for the Sponsors of our 2024-2025 Charity Golf Tournament! As you may know, Sponsorships are where this event brings in the most money. While we love our golfers' goodwill and raffle purchases, it’s the sponsorships that enable us to afford important aspects of the event (paying the Country Club, offering a truly sumptuous breakfast, providing wonderful prizes) – and to fund our scholarships and grants.

As we write this, SI Chico Member Shari Hopper stands out as being unstoppable in her quest to reach out to and secure Sponsorships all over Chico! Let's give her some partners!

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

1. Make a list of businesses or supportive individuals you know.

2. Go to sichicogolf.com to learn about the tournament and compare your list to the Sponsors shown there. (That’s the “check it twice” part. We don’t want to double-ask our generous Sponsors.)

3. While at sichicogolf.com, make a few clicks to find materials to share:

Click BECOME A SPONSOR
Then, click the MENU (upper right corner)
From the dropdown MENU, click the following links to display and print:
Sponsor Flyer with Levels
Sponsor Letter with Levels

WHEN SPONSORS SAY “YES!”

THANK them!
Get full contact information for an individual in the Sponsor’s organization
Tell them:
Expect an invoice from us
Get ready to send us a print-ready company logo
Then, go back to sichicogolf.com to sign up your sponsor through our website. (That triggers the invoice email.)

QUESTIONS? Ask any Fundraising Committee member for more information. Check the list below.

Amy Louis

Beth Parsons

Gayle Hutchinson

Linda Allen

Joyce Mikkelson

Teresa Gisske

Margo Graham

Megan Lute

As of this date, we have secured the following Sponsors!

Title Sponsor: Allworth Financial

Eagle Sponsor: CalWater

Swag Bag Sponsor: Virginia Jones Foundation

Breakfast Sponsor: Heritage Insurance

Best Team (Combined) Eagle Sponsor: Newton-Bracewell Funeral Homes

Putting Green Sponsors:

Tee Sponsors:

Program Review

Fun and Fabulous Events &

Speakers Who Informed and Inspired Us

September 11th: Jeff and Brenda Nelson of First Responder Therapy Dogs and the amazing pup, Blitz, joined us for a program describing the healing that can begin when therapy dogs visit first responders and others on site during an emergency. The intense work of handling emergency situations impacts us deeply, often in ways we are unaware of. Since September 2022, the organization has visited numerous sites in Butte County and across the state.

September 18^th: Emergency Preparedness:

In the wake of the recent Thompson and Park fires, President Theresa Draper provided valuable tips and tools for preparing our families’ “go” kits and easing communications between family members and service providers. Each of us left with lists of prep gear, area contacts, and a unique “escape hammer” tool. Thank you, Theresa!

October 9^th: Bring a Friend to Lunch Day:

The SI Objectives Membership sub-committee hosted a very successful “Bring a Friend” lunch event, which welcomed over a dozen guests! SI Chico officers spoke about club focus, projects, and events. During Happy Dollars, members highlighted other great aspects of membership – including fun, camaraderie and friendship.

October 16^th: Cyber Security:

President Theresa shared facts and figures about the impact of cyber criminals in today’s online environment, including ways we can each protect our personal and financial data. Every attendee received an attractive complimentary journal for recording important information.

November 13th: Full Circle of Living and Dying:

Founder Akhila Murphy and doula Kathryn Colburn of Full Circle of Living and Dying Collective gave us valuable information on the rarely-discussed topic of death care. Providing the services of trained end-of-life "doulas," their organization encourages conversation and assists families in creating a plan of family-led care. Akhila and Kathryn explained various options and the rights people have in what can be a complicated and stressful process.

November 20th: Paint & Sip a Holiday Masterpiece!

Local artist and teacher Christine MacShane helped us find our inner artiste` while crafting cute, whimsical holiday masterpieces for our families and friends – and supporting our internal expenses.

Thanks, Internal Fundraising, for this fresh idea!

2024 Sierra Nevada District 1 Conference

SI Bidwell Rancho hosted the Sierra Nevada Region District 1 Conference "You GROW Girl" on October 26^th. Attendees shared ideas and strategies for growing public awareness of our work and growing membership throughout the region. SI Chico members pictured: Back: Linda Sheppard, Sharadin Castaldo, Linda Bates, Carla Bee, Shirley Boracci, Faye Mitchell. Front: Billie Araiza.

The Business of Being Soroptimists

It’s been a busy “business” year so far! In an effort to streamline and clarify our processes while meeting our Soroptimist International club requirements, we have passed the following Motions.

Motion 1: Transfer the responsibility for recommending donations to the SIA Annual Club Giving from the Objectives Committee to the Administration Committee. (Passed 9/4/2024)

Motion 2: Update the SI Chico Handbook to conform with the responsibility changes in the previous motion:

Handbook p. 22: Eliminate “1.3 Committee Job Descriptions, K. SI Objectives Committee, 13. SIA Giving a. Determine amount, up to a maximum of 10% of prior year's primary fundraiser to give to SIA for Club giving. Provide a motion to the Board for a vote by October Board meeting."
Handbook p. 16: Add “1.3 Committee Job Descriptions, E. Administration 2. Responsibilities j. Determine amount, up to a maximum of 10% of prior year's external fundraiser, to give to SIA for Club Giving. Utilize that figure for the SIA Giving line item when preparing the Club budget. Provide a motion to the Board for a vote by October Board Meeting.” (Passed 9/4/2024)

Motion 3: The Treasurer and Treasurer-Elect, in consultation with the Fundraising Committee, will determine the funds needed to fulfill Club operational expenses and communicate the fundraising goals to the internal fundraising members. Responsibilities will be added to the SI Chico Handbook. (Passed 9/4/2024)

Motion 4: Article IX, Section 4 Budget, a: Club operation/administrative income ~~come from membership dues and internal member fund-raising projects :~~ Crossed out portion to be replaced with: “will follow the guidelines outlined in the SIA Handbook.” (Passed 9/4/2024)

Motion 5: Re: The Carol Burr Scholarship: The amount awarded to the recipient of the Carol Burr Liberal Studies Scholarship shall be a minimum of $1,500. Background: As requested by Carol Burr, it should be noted that the maximum amount of the award is determined by the activity of the endowed fund’s investments and, depending on the return, may be greater than $1,500.

SOLT: 2024 Founders Day Commemoration

On October 3^rd, Soroptimist International of the Americas celebrated Founders Day, the day in 1921 when a group of committed female pioneers in Oakland, CA, gathered to form an organization committed to improving the lives of women and girls. Then-President Violet Richardson inspired the group with this hope: “Let us continue the work together and with others, toward the development of a better womanhood, a better manhood, and a better citizenship.”

During our 103 years of experience working with women and girls, Soroptimists across the globe have proven that education is the key to unlocking economic empowerment of the world’s women and girls. As you may know, in the 1950s we became the first and only nonprofit organization to be granted a seat in the United Nations General Assembly, where we continue to provide consultation on matters of gender equality, sustainable development, trafficking, and education.

During our 2023-2024 club year, SI Chico contributed over $40,000 in scholarships and awards to Butte County women and girls! We are part of a vibrant global network of more than 75,000 members across the globe. “Women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.”

Member Highlights

Get to know these amazing members, who have been integral to the success of SI Chico for many years!

Meet Gayle Aylward: A Chico native, I spent the first 4 years of my life on Hooker Oak Avenue, just a stone’s throw from the famous Hooker Oak tree. My family then moved to the small mountain town of Weaverville, where I spent my childhood “Andy of Mayberry" style. I remember riding my Shetland pony down Main Street (Hwy 299) to the park.

Growing up with an older brother, I was a "tomboy" and competed in three sports throughout high school. Sports took me to Shasta College in Redding, where I played field hockey and softball, then on to Chico State for field hockey. After graduating with a degree in Parks and Resource Recreation, I had plans to venture out to be a Park Ranger on horseback somewhere. Choosing to stay in Chico, however, my first job was in the insurance industry, which became my lifetime career. Even though the insurance field is not sexy, I enjoyed helping others make important decisions with this necessary part of their lives.

I loved my 40 wonderful years with my husband, Tom, before losing him to cancer two years ago. I have two fabulous sons, Anthony and Charlie, who live in San Diego. I feel so fortunate to have lived and raised my family in this amazing community of Chico! These days, I enjoy golf, horseback riding, gardening, and traveling with friends. It has been an honor to be a member of SI Chico since 1998 and serve as President in 2014/15. I am passionate about the Soroptimist mission and, most of all, love the friendships that have grown from this club.

Meet Laura Burghardt: Celebrating 30 years as a member of SI Chico is one of my life’s greatest accomplishments… along with my two sons, Gabe (48, living in Japan) and Kiel (42, in L.A.).

As #5 of six children (each born in a different state!) with a dashing Navy pilot dad and beautiful stay-at-home mom, we lived from Rhode Island to Midway Island and many points in between. I grew up extremely shy, craving a “hometown,” and finally found it with our move (sight unseen!) to charming Chico in 1981.

Upon becoming a single mom in my early 30s, I felt the need to expand my income-earning horizons and dove head-first into what would become a never-dull 33-year career in real estate (which certainly helped me overcome my shyness!). A believer in continuing education and self-improvement, I ultimately obtained the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation and Broker’s license, launching City of Trees Realty in 2013 (a local independent brokerage with which I continue to be associated on a "referral" basis).

Retirement age in 2021 coincided with my need/desire to help my sweet mom, who broke a hip at the age of 96 (having survived my dad by 13 years, living in her own home until her unfortunate fall). I feel very grateful to have spent so much time with her during her final year.

My "leisure" time is now spent traveling, gardening (and other outdoor activities) and enjoying various "fiber arts" (spinning, weaving, knitting, quilting). I also enjoy the wonderful friendships and participating in the MANY good works in SI Chico!

Events and Celebrations!

Check out these fun, informative gatherings!

Girls on the Run!

MANY THANKS to Club members Nickie Alcala, Sara Beacham, Sue Bechtol, Deean Decker, Dawn Fedeli, Shari Hopper, and Amy Louis for representing SI Chico at the Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, November 16th. It was a beautiful, crisp and sunny fall morning with almost 300 girls celebrating the completion of the ten-week curriculum. Following a brisk Zumba warmup, the energy was high as the 5k began, with our Soropti-Sisters cheering and ringing cowbells. Our group moved to the One Mile picnic area bridge to direct, safeguard and continue cheering the girls on as they ran the last leg toward the finish. It was a great start to the day and an energizing morning for all!

(L to R: Nickie Alcala, Sara Beacham, Shari Hopper, Amy Louis, with Bonnie Chapman and sweet Nara, lower right)

by Bonnie Chapman

SUDS at Farmers Brewing Restaurant and Taproom (1950 Market Place, in the Meriam Park Community)!

The weather on October 12^th was perfect for our first SUDS of the Club year. Kudos to Val Bowlby and Lupe Medrano for a successful launch of this year’s SUDS! See if you can spot all the members (pictured above with some of their friends/significant others) Left side: Bonnie Chapman, Sara Beacham, Pam DeMello, Susan Kehm, Kathy Erickson. Right side: Joyce Brown, Elizabeth Goldblatt, Amy Louis, Carla Bee, Shari Hopper, Val Bowlby.

We're Poppin' Up Everywhere!

You never know where Soroptimists will pop up! This time, we found President Elect Jami McNamee and Vice President Jeanne Smith representing our Club at the Saturday Farmers Market! They report that two women they spoke with may be interested in joining our Club. Nice work, sisters!

Where will YOU pop up? Got some free time and a passion to share SI Chico? Two more opportunities to help staff the booth: 12/7 and 12/21!

SIGN-UP LINK

Celebrating the Life of Dina Volenski

On October 30, 2024, following a short-but-fierce battle with cancer, our dear friend Dina Volenski gained her angel wings. Dina was a former Soroptimist - Sierra Nevada Region District 1 Director, a dedicated longtime member of Soroptimist International of Chico, and current member of Soroptimist of Bidwell Rancho. Born February 22, 1965, Dina and her family moved to Paradise, CA, where she was on the high school flag team and a scorekeeper for the wrestling team. She graduated in 1983. She completed her bachelor's degree later in life. Dina started her work life at William Sharrett Bookkeeping in Paradise. Later, she pursued a career in public service, working ten years for the Butte Community College Foundation and then 16 years for the Town of Paradise. In 2022, she was named the Municipal Clerk of the Year by the City Clerk’s Association of California, in recognition of her work during the Camp Fire. She was a powerful, uplifting force who will be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and compassion for all. Those of us fortunate enough to have known Dina will cherish the special friendship that we shared.

From the Editors

The past few months have been so fun and informative! We hope you enjoyed this first/Fall issue of The SI Chico Review (SICR) for Club year 2024-2025 – your source for a summary of Club projects, progress, and growth (people!) spanning the past three months. May you and your family have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Laura Burghardt and Sybil Hunt, Editors

SIC Communications Committee