Soroptimist Hamilton / Burlington

Cheque presentation to Good Shepherd Centre

2011-11-30T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the members presenting a cheque for $4500 to Wendy Kennelly and Kristine Viljasoo of the GoodShepherd Centre, to continue our support of the baskets provided at the

Women'sCentre.

The money is a result of the Jazz in June event held on

June 16,2011.

Summer / Fall Activities 2011

2011-11-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Our members attended the Fall Area Meeting in Markham on Oct. 15th atthe lovely new Monte Carlo Inn.

We attended the Good Shepherd fall dinner. Thetables were really decorated well for the season. It was quite the celebrationof their new buildings.

Marion is receiving a certificate from MacKids for our 9years of involvement. Yeah!

Millie is receiving our award for being a true"Renaissance" club.

Sr. Sheila receiving the Hall of Fame Award. Corinne Hyatt in the picture with her.

Member Sylvia with Grace Diffey and Sheree Meredith from theCommunity Foundation who presented at our October meeting.

Marion receives Soroptimist of the Year honour by her club

2011-07-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Marion was honoured by her fellow club members with the distinction of the 2011 Soroptimist of the Year award. Congratulations, Marion!

Margaret MacRae, Lifetime Achievement Award

2011-07-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Margaret MacRae received the LifetimeAchievement award at the ECR Spring Conference on July 10th, 2011, in Montreal.

Congratulations to her for all that shewillingly and eagerly does for Soroptimist. Congratulations to MarionCavasin, too, who is our club's Soroptimist of the Year.

Awards night 2011

2011-03-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Awards night was held in March. The 2011 winners are asfollows:

VRA winner isMegan Richardson and the WOA winner is Kristina Krawiec.

Kids help Phone Bowlathon, 2011

2011-03-12T20:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone had a fabulous time at theBowlathon. It was a fun day and we support this group annually.

We had a junior bowler!

The ladies are in winning form!

Yea, team!

Winning pose!

These two had thrown their draw tickets into the waste basket as the numbers were being re-drawn. Here, they are fishing them out...but they were not the winning tickets, after all!!! Better luck next time!

Book Sale 2011

2011-03-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

Kudos go out to the student volunteers who help out atthe sale.

Shoppers look over the wide selection.

Fran and Pat staff the cash registers.

Margaret shows off the SI display board.

Marion stocks the shelves with the latest hardcover books.

Good Shepherd Centre opening January 2011

2011-02-08T14:29:00.000-08:00

Good Shepherd Women’s Services thank theSoroptimist International of

Hamilton – Burlington for providing funding tostock each Martha House unit.

December events - Good Shepherd donation and Christmas 2010

2010-12-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

The Club donates $10,000 to the Good Shepherd

Cathy Wellwood accepts the cheque

Christmas celebrations at Deb's. The Salvation Army band

entertains on the front lawn

Having some cheer - this year, the President's appeal goes to

3rd world (Club Sierra) projects

Keeping warm with hot cider while listening to the music

Walk a mile in her shoes, August 31, 2010, held at Hamilton City Hall

2010-09-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

A first in Hamilton, this event's purpose is to help women walk away from Poverty and violence. The mission to help women and children - a mandate that goes hand in hand with SI's philosophy.

Seen here are Trevor in his red shoes, and his wife, Sylvia. Trevor was man enough to don the 'heels' and to proudly sport the Soroptimist t-shirt.

Cheering from the sidelines are, from left, Helen, Deb, Trevor, Marion, Sylvia and Margaret.

My, but those shoes are lovely!

What a variety! Which ones to choose???

Si Hamilton / Burlington sponsorship, Pump Level.

The men all receive a rousing ovation for their participation. Any blisters? Any broken heels?

SI Biannual Convention, San Francisco, Spring 2010

2010-08-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

San Francisco greeted us in April with one day of hot, torrid temperatures and then the following days were cold and foggy.

There is so much to see and do there that I am sure I understand why the singer 'left his heart in San Francisco'.

There were several tours of the city and suburbs. Here, avid photographers take snaps of Alcatraz.

Legend has it that prisoners were supplied with only hot water that when they tried to escape, the cold water of the Bay would change their minds and they would head home. Apparently, only 6 prisoners ever escaped.

John Muir, a Scottish-born American environmentalist,

We visited the John Muir National Monument, the world's most famous grove of virgin redwoods whose age range from 400 - 800 years. Salmon spawns in the creeks at Muir Beach.

Amazingly, there was not a single mosquito felt or seen!

The trees grow from seeds and form a 'family circle'.

I could easily have written about elves and gnomes hidden among the massive trunks.

'A few minutes ago every tree was excited, bowing to the roaring storm, waving, swirling, tossing their branches in glorious enthusiasm like worship. But though to the outer ear these trees are now silent, their songs never cease. Every hidden cell is throbbing with music and life, every fiber thrilling like harp strings, while incense is ever flowing from the balsam bells and leaves. No wonder the hills and groves were God's first temples, and the more they are cut down and hewn into cathedrals and churches, the farther off and dimmer seems the Lord himself. ' ~John Muir

Alcatraz is in the distance, shrouded in mist. It was called The Rock by Machine-Gun Kelly and is filled with adventurous yarns and mayhem. Once the gates closed behind you, you would never walk out again, alive. It closed its doors about 40 odd years ago.
From the mid 30's to the mid 60's, it was the Americas maximum security prison, the final destination for the hardest of criminals, a place of contradictions and grim past.

The contingent from Eastern Canada.

Nancy, Aline, Millie and Faye at the airport on way home.

The foot-weary attendees took the opportunity to ride the trolley.

At right, the female 'driver' tried to correct the trolley that jumped the track.

After 20 minutes of trying and a lot of 'help' from onlookers on how to handle the cable, a tow truck finally came to the rescue

and pushed the trolley up a 45 degree

incline to the top of the hill where the driver managed to align the cable.

The passengers were able to breathe a sign of relief as we were not allowed off the trolley.

At right, the 'roundabout' to turn the trolley around.

A visit to the Bay.

Pictured at right - view outside the hotel, Hilton San Francisco.

SI Jazz in June 2010

2010-06-11T21:36:00.000-07:00

June 10, 2010

Here are pictures of some of the SI members.

VanDyke quartet entertained.

We had a good time at the event, held at the Waterfronr Centre in Hamilton.The sunset certainly made for a picturesque location.

Group picture. Some may be missing and I think that is Millie's head in the back.

Nancy does the light fantastic with those Louisiana imports – they certainly made things light up…

Diana and Margaret quickly tag the winning entries for the draws...
happy birthday, Diana!

Other attendees make the evening quite lively and entertaining.

Here are the Steel Magnolias Red Hat group. Their mandate is to have fun. Yeah!!!

This is the Gibbs Party. Where is Arlene? What, celebrating her 70th already? Happy 70th birthday, Arlene.

The Diana Wood Party can liven things up! Evelyn can certainly take a turn on the dance floor!

Proud winners attend ECR conference 2010 at Peterborough!

2010-05-18T01:53:00.000-07:00

Pictured at left: Joan (Kathy's Mom), Daisy (Vivian's Mom), Robin, Director of Pencils for Kids (Vivian's charity) and Vivian. Pencils for Kids will use part of their award for a scholorship in Vivian's name.

At top right is Vivian receiving her award from Joan Sturch, awards chair and Governor Bonnie.

Left: Kathy and Mom Joan

Right: Vivian chats with first place candidate from SI Gueph, Lisa.

Governor Bonnie presents Kathy with her award.

Entertainment at ERC spring conference Peterborough 2010

2010-05-18T01:11:00.000-07:00

Everyone enjoyed the festivities at the Fashion Show on Friday evening.

Aline, Nancy and Marg won three of the 12 baskets! The river view from our balcony.

Trent / Severn River flowed gently pass

Faye, Millie and Dianna try their hands … err… their hips at the Hula dance - kick it a bit higher, Dianna!

Let’s Go to the Hop!

Nancy leads our group in Heartbreak Hotel. Nancy knows every song in that era!

Faye is all decked out in her poodle skirt

Here we are in our Chevy!

At left, the new directors are installed. At right, the two newest directors.

Peterborough 2010 Spring Conference

2010-05-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

Part of the Hamilton Burlington contingent

Aline, Faye, Dianna, Sylvia, Marg. Missing are Millie, Nancy and Debbie.

Deb is receiving SI Hamilton Burlington 'Soroptimist of the Year' award from Past Governor Maxine and new Governor Bonnie

Faye on left and Millie on right, getting their 20 year recognition from Governor Maxine

At left, Deb, Nancy and Millie kicking off opening night.

At right, Nancy is being appointed as a director of ECR

Nancy and Sylvia enjoy the entertainment on Friday evening.

Heritage Fair

2010-05-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Sylvia, Aline and Doreen at the History Fair. Absent from the photos is Dianna.

Spring Library Book Sale

2010-05-11T00:02:00.000-07:00

The spring booksale was again another resounding success, under the capable hands of Helen.

Here are the youth from Sir John A. MacDonald High School – they assisted by stocking shelves and unpacking boxes of books.

It's a wrap - towels for Martha House

2010-03-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

December 2009, we decided to forego the ‘greedy Santa’ game but still have the annual President’s Appeal. With Colleen’s encouragement, we agreed to donate bath towels, face cloths and toiletries to Martha House. Dianna, in the photo on the left, Pat and Faye in the photo on the right, are seen adding their creative touches to their contributions.

Women's Opportunity Award Winner, 2010

2010-03-11T22:05:00.000-08:00

Kathleen Waslyensky is the Hamilton - Burlington winner for 2010. She raises three children on her own, with no assistance. She attends Brock University on a part-time basis, taking once course at a time, and hopes to finish her B.A. in four to five years. She works as an educational assistant.

Breaking News!

It is with great pleasure that we received the news that Kathy Waslyenky, our club WOA recipient, is also the second place winner of the Region Women's Opportunity Award this year.Kathy will receive an additional monetary US cash award and she will be asked to share her story with the conference attendees on May 16.

Congratulations, Kathy!

Ruby Award Winner 2010

2010-03-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

Linda Ense is this year's recipient of the Ruby Award. She demonstrates leadership skills at the Native Women's Centre in Hamilton where she is the executive director. She is passionate about making changes for abused women. She played an integral role in the documentary on violence against aboriginal women - there are over 500 still missing in Canada alone.

She received the 2009 YWCA award for Women of Distinction.

She was born and raised on Six Nations in the Longhouse tradition. She is Onandago Nation, Wolf Clan. She dreams of restoring pride and leadership in her community.

Violet Richardson 2010 Winner - Charity: Pencil for Kids

2010-03-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

Pencils for Kids is a charitable grass roots organization that believes in the power of small scale projects that lift children from poverty through education one community at a time. The organisation work closely with local Communities and Partners in order to ascertain the needs of the students and teachers. Donations raised through this campaign by Pencils for Kids go directly to the community.

The Violet Richardson Award goes to Vivian Leung and her Charity is Pencils for Kids.
Vivian also won the regional award and will be at the Eastern Canada spring conference in Peterborough for another award ceremony. She has contributed over 1100 volunteer service hours through various community events.

2010 Winners

2010-03-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our 2010 Winners!!!
Please read side bar for more info on these awards.

* Women's Opportunity Award winner is Kathy Waslynky of Hamilton.

* The Ruby Award goes to Linda Ense and the organization she represents is The Native Women's Centre in Hamilton.

* The Violet Richardson Award goes to Vivian Leung and her Charity is Pencils for Kids. Vivian was also chosen as the Regional winner!

Pictured are Vivian Leung, left, Linda Ense and Kathy Waslynky

Vivian Leung, our club’s Violet Richardson Award recipient, is also the winner of the Region Violet Richardson Award. The VRA is presented to a student between the age of 14 - 17 years. Vivian will be at a presentation in Peterborough in May when the Eastern Canada Region of SI will hold its spring conference. Vivian's charity, Pencils for Kids' founder, will be attending.

Photo on left: the winners are flanked by some of the SI Hamilton - Burlington members.
Photo on the right : Maxine Tennander, Governor of SIA, Eastern Region, is on the left, with Millie Panton, our president, on the right.

Photo on left: Marion, SI Hamilton-Burlington is flanked by our two guest speakers, Sharon and Carolyn, YWCA Hamilton.
At right, Winner Kathy Waslynky receives her award from PresidentMillie.

Photo on left: Past President Margaret McRae and Millie present VRA winner,

Vivian Leung, with her award.

Photo on right, Sue Gilbert and Millie present Linda Ense with her award.

Some of the audience in attendance
at the award ceremony. The event was held at the Dundas Room at the Hamilton Public Library and was well-attended.

Sample of the gift bags SI
Hamilton - Burlington donate to
Friends for Success, a project of
the YWCA. The bags are filled with grooming items.
At right, remnants of the delectable food served.

At front are the 2010 winners.
SI Hamilton-Burlington members surround the winners. The evening was festive and we all congratulate the winners.

Millie thanked everyone for attending, congratulated the winners and led us in the Soroptimist pledge as we close the festive evening.On her left is Debbie and on her right are Pat and Helen.

2010-02-24T01:07:00.000-08:00

On February 21, some of our members went to Lowville Bistro to audition Vickie van Dyke and her Jazz Trio.We had wonderful food and a great evening of good and tasteful entertainment. The fellow in the white sweatshirt is from Panama and he played some delightful South American Jazz tunes.

Girls Night Out! Aline, Diana, Mary-Jo, Marion, Debbie, Helen and Nancy after a lovely evening of scrumptious food and delectable dessert.

Bowling for Kids Help Phone

2010-02-19T23:42:00.000-08:00

Aline, Sylvia, Millie, Helen, Colleen and Sue attended the bowlathon for the Kids Help Phone on Saturday, February 13, 2010. Missing from photo is Pat.

The Ticat mascot helps us with our bowling.

We relax after an afternoon of fun.

McMaster Children's Hospital - SI visit to PICU

2009-12-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

In December, Soroptimist Hamilton-Burlington visited McMaster Children's Hospital to make a cheque presentation. The Children's Hospital will be expanding in 2010 and there will be a special 'quiet' room dedicated to our Club, in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Presently, several young patients share a room and with expansion, each child will have her own room. The hospital welcomes patients from as far as Niagara Falls, Guelph, Windsor and Burlington.

Here, we are welcomed to the PICU.

Millie, our President, hands over a cheque on our behalf, to Jennifer Watson. On the right is Dr. Cynthia Cupido who has known SI Hamilton - Burlington Charter Member, Marion Cavasin, since childhood.

We are sitting at the Board Room listening to a presentation on the expansion. The Soroptimist quiet room will be a welcome addition to parents and caregivers wishing private space.

Here are the plans of the expansion. A copy was given to us.

Staff at McMaster Children's Hospital, from left: Marg Jones, Agnes Bongers, Barbara Jennings, Jennifer Watson, Millie Panton (our SI President), and Dr. Cynthia Cupido.

Soroptimists worldwide answer call...

2009-11-29T23:53:00.000-08:00

As women and girls around the world struggled with a worsening economic situation, Soroptimists answered their call for support and services. While other organizations cut back, Soroptimists increased (by more than 5,000) the number of women reached through Soroptimist programs. The 2008-2009 Program Impact Report describes the outcome Soroptimist programs have had throughout the federation. The impact at the local Soroptimist club level is outstanding. When combined with the impact around the world, it's amazing! Consider the following:

1,173 women were helped through the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards
11,901 women and girls were reached through Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls
2,610 women and their families benefited from Soroptimist Disaster Recovery Grants

Loonie Tooney Auction

2009-11-29T23:51:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time at the DAF Loonie Tooney auction

in November, 2009. The food was good and the

company was great! Helen was the

only one who remembered her camera!

2009-10-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Eastern Canada Fall Region Meeting
ECR fall meeting was held on October 17, 2009 at the African Lion Safari. Several of us attended and benefitted from the educational sessions presented, including a dynamic power-point presentation by Secretary Margaret Gilby, on Journey to Leadership. All the Sparkle pins we brought to sell for Sylvia to benefit the Salvation Army's Stop the Trafficking campaign were sold out. Our own Past Governor Margaret MacRae spoke about the Hopes & Dreams project, Project Sierra and Hopes & Homes.

Pictured, from left: Nancy Ellison, Past President SI Hamilton-Burlington, receives the Renaissance Club award on behalf of her club. She is flanked, on her right, by Governor-Elect Bonnie Domonchuk and ECR Treasurer, Dorothy Huhtalo. On the far left is ECR Secretary Margaret Gilbey. The Renaissance Campaign is a 5-year campaign that evolved out of a professional research study to streamline and 'brand' Sproptimist International of the Americas. Four main areas of the Renaissance Campaign are Programme, Membership, Fundraising and Media Relations.

There were two inspirational speakers. One was Ruby Award recipient, Casey Cruikshank who spoke about the Comfort Packs that SI Cambridge distributes, how she first heard about SI and her recommended reading is, 'Why did he do that?' The other speaker was SFC Grant Winner, a Cree from Cochrane and a U of T graduate student, and presently a student at the Ontario Institute of Studies, Candace Brunette. She intends to go on to post-doctorate work in theatre arts. She spoke on the essence of being a Cree and the violence suffered by the aboriginal women.

Nancy Ellison receives, on behalf of her Club, an award for a donation of $1000 or more, for the fiscal year 2008 - 2009. She is getting a congratulatory hug from Governor-Elect Bonnie Domonchuk. We were the only club to get this award.

Pictured, from left, Past Governor Margaret MacRae, Governor-Elect Bonnie Domonchuk and Hannelore Nyman from SI Haldimand-Norfolk. Bonnie received the Hall of Fame award for all she does for Soroptimist.

Book Sale, Fall 2009, Success!

2009-09-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

The HPL Book Sale, Fall 2009, was a resounding success.The new book-quarters were quite spacious and the books were neatly organised. There was room for people with shopping carts and strollers to maneuver. Helen did a fantastic job with her organisational skills. The student volunteers did an amazing job.Peter Chan said, "They worked very hard directing people to the book sale and packing up the books after the sale ended."

Jazz in June 2009 marks our 30th anniversary

2009-08-19T22:19:00.000-07:00

On June 10, 2009, Soroptimist International of Hamilton / Burlington held its

Jazz in June

event at the Waterfront Centre, Hamilton. It featured the

Suzanne Ramsay Trio

and a

Special presentation by John Charles