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Education Fundraiser “It’s in the bag” Jan 28

Erica & Chis DSC07429 (2)Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin will host “It’s in the Bag – the Ultimate Girl’s Night Out” on Thursday, January 28, 2016. The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 8:30 PM at the Blue Goose Event Center, located at 3550 Taylor Rd. in Loomis.

The funds collected will be used for education projects focused on girls as well as teacher grants, high school scholarships and the Live Your Dream Award to help women going back to school to support their families. To address an unmet community need, in 2016 SI Loomis will develop a new program with Koinonia Foster Homes/Group Home for girls. The Dream It Be It project helps girls in secondary school overcome obstacles and plan for future success. The women in the club will share their professional talents as mentors, offer career education and introduce resources to help girls live their dreams.

Fundraiser event tickets are $30 and include dinner, water, table games and door prizes. Wine will be sold separately. Tickets are available from Hebard Insurance & Tax at 916-652-0404 or  3837 Taylor Rd, Loomis.

The event sells out so the community is encouraged to buy tickets early from Soroptimist members, according to Chris Hebard-Summers, co-chair of the event. Event attendees buy purse raffle tickets separately and enter them for a chance to win the designer purses that they like best. “There are also chances to win table games as well as purses,” said Hebard-Summers. “Best of all, it is for a good cause.”

To support SI Loomis education projects, businesses are encouraged to consider becoming sponsors. The Platinum sponsor contribution of $1500 enables companies to be recognized on all event materials as well as enjoy a table for eight with two bottles of wine and table service at the event. Gold level sponsors receive logo recognition on event materials for $1000. Table sponsors benefit from a reserved table with two bottles of wine for $500. Swag Bag sponsors may provide 250 items by January 15 for inclusion in the attendees’ gift bags.

To learn more about this 501(c)(3) organization, join SI Loomis Basin for weekly club meetings at the Train Depot at Taylor Rd. and Horseshoe Bar Rd. in Loomis. First and third Wednesday meetings are held at 5:30 PM, and second and fourth Wednesday meetings are held at 8 AM. Also find the club on Facebook under Soroptimist Loomis Basin.

Soroptimist (soroptimist.org) is an international volunteer service organization for business, professional and retired women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Loomis Soroptimist Accepting Award Applications

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is accepting community awards applications, due in December. The application forms are available at www.soroptimistloomis.com.

Women’s Opportunity Award

This award aids women who need additional skills, training and education to upgrade their employment skills to better support their families. Candidates should be heads of households, completing undergraduate programs or entering vocational or technical training programs, and reside in the Loomis Basin. Applications are due by December 15, 2013.

Violet Richardson Award

This award recognizes young women who make the community and the world a better place, particularly for women and girls, through volunteer efforts. Girls must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on December 1, 2013 and reside in the Loomis Basin. This winner receives a cash award and an additional cash award for the non-profit of her choice. Applications are due by December 1, 2013.

Teacher Grants

These small grants help fund teachers’ long-term projects that will benefit numerous classes over time. Previous recipients have used the funds for books, music, science project equipment, historic costumes and other similar projects that benefit the students and community. The grant request can be from any area of study. Applications are due by December 1, 2013.

To learn more Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin, go to www.soroptimistloomis.com, visit a Wednesday 8 AM weekly meeting at ‘The Train Depot’ (Taylor Rd. & Horseshoe Bar Rd.) in Loomis. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month the club holds an evening meeting at Lorenzo’s at 5:30 PM.

Soroptimist (soroptimist.org) is an international volunteer service organization for business, professional and retired women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin (www.soroptimistloomis.com) is a 501(c)(3) organization. The club supports Loomis LIFE center, former foster youth attending Sierra College, and other community and international projects.

Soroptimist offers student & teacher awards

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is accepting applications for community awards; mos are due December 1, 2012.

Student – LOOMIS BASIN Violet Richardson Award Application-Writeable

Womens Opportunity App Writeable SI Loomis

SILB LOOMIS Teacher Grant Application 2012 Rev

Loomis Reader Award application 2012

Violet Richardson Award — This award recognizes young women who make the community and the world a better place, particularly for women and girls, through volunteer efforts. This might include fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; or working to end discrimination and poverty. Girls must be between the ages of 14 and 17 on December 1, 2012 and reside in the Loomis Basin. This winner receives a cash award and an additional cash award for the non-profit of her choice. Applications, which are also available from high school counselors, are due by December 1, 2012.

Women’s Opportunity Award — This award aids mature women who must enter the job market or return to careers in order to support themselves and their families. This award aids women who need additional skills, training and education to upgrade their employability. Candidates should be heads of households, completing undergraduate programs or entering vocational or technical training programs, who reside in the Loomis Basin. Applications are due by December 15, 2012.

Teacher Grants — These small grants help fund teachers’ long-term projects that will benefit numerous classes over time. Previous recipients have used the funds for books, music, science project equipment, historic costumes and other similar projects that benefit the students and community. The grant request can be from any area of study. Applications are due by December 1, 2012.

Sanford J. Weinberg Volunteer Reader Award — This award recognizes a volunteer in Loomis who offers help to elementary school classrooms through reading stories to children and improving literacy. Applications are due by December 1, 2012.

Loomis Soroptimist Funds International Water Filtration Projects

Soroptimist International (SI) of Loomis Basin contributed $1500 to the Seeds Of Hope International Project (SOHIP — www.sohip.org) and $750 to the For One Another Foundation (FOAF – www.foroneanother.org) to support international clean water projects.

According to Eileen Elder, the Soroptimist club is committed to helping women and girls both locally and internationally. “Our club was interested in selecting an international project that would have long-term impact,” said Elder. “After hearing presentations from several local organizations committed to helping those overseas, we decided to focus on clean water for the 2011-2012 year. Clean water makes a significant difference to mothers and their families.” Read more: SILB donates to international water filtration projects June 2012

New Blue Goose Brochure Created

The South Placer Heritage Foundation (SPHF) that owns the Blue Goose Event Center in Loomis recently worked with Marketing Action to create a new brochure.

Lana Greenan, Board Member and Marketing Chair, SPHF said that she appreciated the quality of the new marketing piece and the process of working with Karen Fraser-Middleton at Marketing Action.

“Karen’s ability to understand our needs moved the project along quickly,” said Greenan. “Her communication skills and marketing savvy combined with follow through took us to a new level to broaden our marketing efforts. Karen can keep everyone on target and focused. She motivated me with her professionalism mixed with a great sense of humor.”

Smithtonian Graphic Design and Daryl Stinchfield Photography collaborated with Marketing Action on this project. Learn more about booking an event at http://bluegooseeventcenter.com/.

Soroptimist: Cowboy Chow with Poets Nov 11-12

Cowpoke Fall Gathering dinner tickets available now

Tickets are now on sale for Friday & Saturday dinners, including mealtime entertainment, with cowboy poets who will gather in Loomis on Nov. 10-13 for The Cowpoke Fall Gathering.

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin will be serving up large baked potatoes stacked with hearty beef and a bazoo of tasty toppings, salad and dessert from 4-6 PM on Friday night, Nov. 11, for just $10.

Tri-tip, baked beans, salad, cornbread and dessert are on the menu for Saturday, Nov. 12 from 3-6 PM at $15 per person.

A no host bar will be available both days. Meals will be served at the Loomis Veterans’ Memorial Hall, located at 5945 Horseshoe Bar Road in Loomis. Tickets are available by calling (916) 652-6113 or online at cowpokefallgathering.com. The meals are open to the public.

17th Annual Cowpoke Fall Gathering performers will attend the dinners. “All Hat, No Cattle” will be performing on Friday during the meal. The band is known for a very unique cowboy-country style mixed with a little blues and distinctive originals. On Saturday, John Kintz will perform poetry and songs during dinner. Kintz resides in Loomis, raises cows and horses, and performs for trail rides and cowboy gatherings.

Funds from the dinner ticket sale will support Cowpoke Fall Gathering charities: Ride to Walk, Tough Enough to Wear Pink and the South Placer Heritage Foundation as well as Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin community projects.

To learn more Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin, visit a Wednesday 8 AM weekly meeting at ‘The Train Depot’ (Taylor Rd. & Horseshoe Bar Rd.) in Loomis, or contact Nancy Hogan, President at 530-613-1541.

Soroptimist (soroptimist.org) is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is a 501(c)(3) organization. The club supports Loomis LIFE center, women’s transition home and other community projects.

Spooktacular Dance benefits Military Oct. 7 in Loomis

The 3rd Annual Red, White & Blue “Spooktacular” Benefit Dance dedicated to American Armed Forces and Veterans will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 PM at the Blue Goose Fruit Shed, located at 3550 Taylor Rd, in Loomis. Bring your friends and neighbors for a fun evening of dancing, contests and showing your appreciation to our military.

Enjoy dancing to live 60’s & 70’s music by the 9.5 band, a no-host bar, raffle prizes and supporting the Armed Forces. Entertainment includes Miss Placer County helping with Halloween Costume and Hula-Hooping contests. Come early to take part in a Free Group Swing Dance Class 6-7PM. Tickets are $25 per couple and $15 for single and available at Camelot Costumes, 3717 Taylor Rd in Loomis and the Loomis Chamber of Commerce, 6090 Horseshoe Bar Road in Loomis, as well as by calling 916-652-8441, or at the door.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Wounded Warriors Family Support Division (http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ) and Courage For The Journey military and veterans services offered through the Gold Country Chaplaincy (http://www.goldcountrychaplaincy.com/).

This year special recognition will be given to survivors of Pearl Harbor, according to Red, White & Blue Spooktacular Dance organizer, Sheila Lee. “I have been privileged to hear many stories from our veterans that they usually don’t share,” said Lee. “It makes me so proud and I am passionate about making this benefit a success so we can give support to military families.”

Lee is also collecting photos to post at the dance and encouraged people to drop off copies of photos of their military experience at her store, Camelot Costumes, 3717 Taylor Rd in Loomis, email them to camelotcostumes@sbcglobal.net or call her at 916-652-8441.

Demonstrating her patriotism by organizing this event, Lee wants to give others a way to show their support to those who serve or have served our country. She often quotes G.K. Chesterton – “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.” “Join us for a great evening that will make you proud to be an American,” said Lee.

Event sponsors include 92.1 KHITS, Black Bear Outdoors, Loomis Brewing Company and Camelot Costumes. Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin and 17 other businesses, organizations and individuals are also contributing to the benefit.

Loomis Soroptimist Presents Awards

Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin (SILB) presented community awards on Wednesday, March 23 at the Train Depot in Downtown Loomis. The club’s fundraising efforts such as the recent Tostada Bingo, held March 12, enable the club to support women and children in our community.

Violet Richardson Award

Sarah A. Dietz (16), a student at Del Oro High School, received the Violet Richardson Award that recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. She won a cash award and selected the Senior L.I.F.E. Center of Loomis as the non-profit organization to receive the other half of the award. Dietz also volunteers at the Sacramento Crisis Nursery. “When we were there, we played with the children cooked dinner and did an activity,” said Dietz.

Women’s Opportunity Award

Ashley Day of Citrus Heights, a single mother of two children, won the Women’s Opportunity Award that aids women who must support their families and need additional training to upgrade their employability. Day attends Intercoast College with the goal of becoming an Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Instructor Donna Brint said that passion, desire and education are essential elements for a counselor. “Ashley has passion and desire and with the help of Soroptimist will gain her education,” said Brint.

Ruby Award

Amy Beazizo, R.N., BSN, OCN, won the Soroptimist Ruby Award for Women Helping Women that is given to those who improve the lives of other women or girls through their professional or personal activities. Beazizo is the Clinical Manager of the Breast Health Center at Sutter Roseville, a Not for Profit Organization that provides support and education to women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. According to Brenda Newsom, SILB Past-President, Beazizo helps women who seek emotional, intellectual and physical support as they begin their journey with Breast Cancer. “Amy meets with each woman seeking help, listens to her story and moves the woman into their program of counseling and free services,” said Newsom. “She is making a dramatic improvement in the lives of countless women who have heard the words, ‘You have breast cancer’ by moving them out of the terror zone and into the educated zone.”

Senior L.I.F.E. Center of Loomis

Fred & Acsa Hitchen received a grant to continue their work at the Senior L.I.F.E. Center of Loomis, a place where adults over 55 years of age can enjoy leisure through social and educational activities. Soroptimist International Loomis Basin helped establish the center and has supported the program since its inception.

Teacher Grants

SILB provides small grants to help fund teachers’ long-term projects that will benefit numerous classes over time.

Laurel Nichols, Second Grade Teacher at H. Clarke Powers, will use her grant for DVD Listening Center to expose children to wonderful stories and teach them phrasing, expression and accuracy.

Steve Harber and Linsey Dalben, Sixth Grade Teachers at H. Clarke Powers, received a grant to help pay for the shipping of 50-60 care boxes being sent to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan with the daughter of the school clerk.

Tiffany Senkbeil, Fourth Grade Teacher at Franklin Elementary, expects to purchase a set of 30 Island of the Blue Dolphin books for her class with the grant. The story consistently engages and interests students in reading and other cultures.

Carolynn Basque and Kathryn Leupp, First Grade Teachers at Franklin Elementary, plan to use the grant to purchase sets of leveled reading books to teach each child at his or her reading level or ability.

Christie D’Ambrosio, First Grade Teacher at Loomis Basin Charter School, intends to use her grant funds to help purchase an incubator and heat lamps to raise chicks and teach students about embryonic development.

Justin VonSpreckelsen, Second Grade Teacher at Loomis Basin Charter School, received a grant to purchase MP3 players so that students can record themselves reading and then classmates can listen to the recording as they read to improve fluency, compression and expression.

Soroptimist (soroptimist.org) is an international volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The club supports Loomis Women’s Shelter, Loomis LIFE center, Relay for Life, and other community projects.

To learn more Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin, contact Rhonda Morillas, president, 916-652-5276. Meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays at 8 AM (first Wednesday excepted).

Are competitive hawks stealing your clients?

There was a huge hawk sitting at the end of my driveway in Loomis with a chicken at its feet. Of course, I didn’t have my camera in the car so you can barely see the bird in flight in this picture. I didn’t see it happen but I can only imagine the chicken was unsuspecting as the raptor swooped down from the sky. Are you being hunted by the competition?

In this economy, it is more important than ever to guard your customers by providing excellent service, anticipating needs and regularly checking in to identify potential problems. When you aren’t looking, other vendors are promising better service at a lower cost.

What can you do to protect yourself from competitive hawks? Take marketing action:

  • Ask your clients what one thing you could do to improve the service you provide.
  • Proactively provide new ideas and bring trends that may impact their businesses to their attention.
  • Promote your clients to your associates to help their businesses grow.
  • Express your appreciation for the trust your customers place in you.
  • Invite clients to educational forums as your guest to expand their knowledge.
  • Bring customers to professional association meetings or other networking groups.
  • Get to know your clients and provide referrals and information related to their personal interests.

Don’t let competitive hawks ruffle your feathers by attempting to steal your chickens. With solid relationships that respond to your clients’ needs, they’ll be safe to lay eggs for years to come.

Soroptimist Supports Cowpoke Fall Gathering of Cowboy Poets

With the Soroptimist International Loomis Basin, I volunteered at the Saturday dinner for the 16th Annual Cowpoke Fall Gathering, a cowboy poetry event that benefits community organizations, and celebrates western traditions and values. The Cowpoke Fall Gathering was held at the Blue Goose, a fruit shed in Loomis that was renovated by the South Placer Heritage Foundation. This year, most attendees wore pink demonstrating that they were “tough enough to wear pink” in support of breast cancer awareness. Hats off to the Braun’s who have created this wonderful cowboy poetry event that brings together the community and supports community organizations such as Soroptimist International Loomis Basin, Loomis Union School District and the South Placer Heritage Foundation.