VOLUTEER WEEK - APRIL 7 - 13

WOMAN OF OPPORTUNITY WINNER

SIPN members joined in congratulating our Woman of Opportunity Award Winner, Ryan at a dinner meeting at Christie's Restaurant.  The evening program also included a presentation from a former W.O.A winner Darlene Shaw who told members how her award had changed her life.

Ryan is a single mother who left an abusive partner with a then, 4 month old baby, moving from New York back to Portland. I was taking courses on line at the time, and knew I had to stick with it once I left to provide a better life for my daughter. Although living off college loans and food stamps has not been an easy task, my daughter and I are safe and happy. I am renting a room that my daughter and I share from a friend because the rent is cheap. 

Ryan (L) receives award from President Evie (R)

The process of receiving my education has made me strong, confident, and independent person which are attributes that women who are the primary financial supporters need. A better education is also teaching me how to navigate resources to find better job opportunities. With my education I plan to help and encourage throughout my life.

After completing an associates degree Ryan's next educational goal is to complete her Bachelor of Art in Community Health. She is within two terms of completing this goal. Ryan has found ways to manage life's many trials and tribulations and has continued with her studies and has been successful at school, parenting and is currently interning at The Northwest Indian Health Board. She is very determined, seasoned and disciplined to complete her educational goals

WINE TASTING SUCCESS !

  SIPN's Wine Tasting Event produced the taste of success for the club as nearly 70 people attended the event at St. Johns Cellars.  Cool weather and no rain until the last hour or so of the event helped bring folks to sample the many varieties of Oregon wines offered by SJC.   

      Margaret (at the desk) and Joe (white jacket in background) were tireless promoters, arrangers, facilitators, and organizers!  Thanks to both of them for their solid support of this fundraising event.





Member Rebecca brought the most family members to the event and also took the honor of guests travelling the furthest distance (Taiwan)!
     Pictured from left to right, Yu Yen, Rebecca, Yu-Chyong, Cheng-ho, Jennifer, and Jih-ling.  Not shown in the picture was Rebecca's sister Jih-ping and brother Ju-Junn.

SPRINGTIME - SOROPTIMISTS BLOOM!

AREA MEETING

This year the meeting is in White Salmon, Washington on Saturday April 5, 2014 from 10am - 3pm.  Raffle drawing for the benefit of Programs for Peaceful Living (domestic & sexual abuse prevention provider).  Bring a donation of women's sanitary products, disposable diapers, toothbrushes, personal care items would be greatly appreciated.  Meeting fee is $14 per person.  Raffle prizes include Gorge Goodies and Wine basket and a nights stay at the White Salmon Inn.  See Heidi for tickets and additional details.

WINE TASTING EVENT

Our newest fund raising event for 2014 is coming up March 16, from 2 - 5 pm.  Are you a wine connoisseur or someone who likes a glass of wine once in awhile?

No matter your level of wine appreciation, you will enjoy tasting the large variety of wines made from Oregon vineyards.  Experts will be on hand to explain all about the kinds of wine, how they are created and why they have distinctive tastes.

St. Johns Cellars will present Chardonay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Merlot, Marechal Foch, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Blanc wines.

Tickets are $20 which includes complimentary appetizers and your choice of 5 wine tastings - or - a glass of wine.  St. Johns Cellars are at 6635 N. Baltimore, #102

See the flyer for this event on the pages list to the right.   

CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

Our members enjoyed a wonderful evening at Heidi's home. The annual Christmas Party for members continues to get better each and every year!  The club purchased a ham and members brought many different dishes to sample. Our hostess provided liquid refreshments and a warm inviting home to enjoy ourselves.  Part of the evening was a voluntary gift exchange which included a game of passing the wrapped gifts back and forth.  In the picture we have completed the swapping of packages and are opening them to be surprised by what can be had for under $10.

HOT CHOCOLATE OR COFFEE?

Again this year, SIPN Members were in the "hospitality booth" at the Optimist Christmas Tree Lot dispensing smiles, hot chocolate and coffee.  Tree customers were happy to get a free cup of their choice to enjoy while selecting a fresh cut tree for their home or business.

Club members, Joe, Evie, Kathy and Margaret are seen here at the change of shifts.  Other members volunteering their time this year to earn money for the club were; Carole, Kristine, Babs, Tina, Leslie and Faye

Thanks to all our great helpers for their personal efforts and willingness to get out of their comfort zone to brave some of the freezing weather that made hot coffee and chocolate so appealing!