Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region

41st Anniversary Conference

““RReeaacchhiinngg ffoorr tthhee SSttaarrss!!!!”” EEmmppoowweerriinngg WWoommeenn && GGiirrllss ttoo LLiivvee TThheeiirr DDrreeaammss

April 29-30, 2017

Fairfield Inn & Suites Berkshires

Great Barrington, MA

Ann Day, Governor 2016-2018 Ruby Mercado, Governor-elect 2016-2018

Tracy Scala, Conference Chair

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to

social and economic empowerment.

11997766 –– 22001177

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 2

CALL TO CONFERENCE The 2017 Spring Conference of the Northeastern Region, Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. is hereby called to meet in Great Barrington, MA on April 29-30, 2017 for the purpose of transacting such business as may be on the agenda and may properly come before the Conference.

Table of Contents

Letter from Governor Ann p. 3

SIA Northeastern Region Board & Chairs 2016-2018 p. 4

General Conference Information p. 5

Message from Conference Chair Tracy & Directions p. 6

Agenda pp. 7-8

Speaker Bios p. 9

Club Responsibilities & Club President/Treasurer Checklist p. 10

“In Remembrance of Service” Memorial Tribute Form p. 11

Spirit of Soroptimist Award Nomination Form p. 12

Governor’s Award Form p. 13

Soroptimist Pledge & Standing Rules p. 14

Delegates – Frequently Asked Questions p. 15

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 3

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” ~ Harriet Tubman ~ Dear Soroptimist Members, Friends, and Guests, Spring is such a magnificent time to recharge, reflect, and renew! Come join us at our Northeastern Region’s annual Spring Conference. This is an excellent opportunity to learn and to inspire ways that we can further increase our collective impact, so that we may continue to encourage women and girls to keep “Reaching for the Stars!” Through our commitment to improve the lives of women and girls, we have become problem solvers, nurturers, mentors, and role models for the women and girls in our communities and the world. In the process, we have become constant teachers and learners, needing to rejuvenate and sharpen our skills. Our Spring Conference is designed to help you do just that - relax, learn, inspire, and have fun. Friday evening is reserved for relaxing and enjoying the company of fellow Soroptimists - no business, just fun. Saturday morning will begin with updated information on the four pillars: fundraising, program, public awareness, and membership. We will continue with a presentation from our Federation guest, SIA Immediate Past President, Susan “Sam” Collier Buchenau, titled: “What if?” Next on the agenda will be the Award Celebration Luncheon, followed by the keynote speaker, our own Nancy D. Butler, from the Connecticut River Valley Club. She will share: “Living Your Dream. You have one life to live.…tips and tricks to make it the best it can be, regardless of your age.” Nancy’s motivational message will encourage and inspire us to live our dreams. We will share in this inspiration by celebrating the following awards: Dream It, Be It Club Recognition, Live Your Dream Award, Soroptimist Celebrating Success Awards, Membership Milestones, Governor’s Award, and the Spirit of Soroptimist. Saturday evening, we will host a wine, hors d’oeurves and pizza party so that we may relax and socialize. On Sunday, after breakfast, we will gather for a memorial tribute to our dear Soroptimist sisters who have passed. This tribute will be followed by a presentation on the United Nations/Commission Status of Women Update. Our Region Board has worked hard to create this outstanding Spring Conference for you. This is an exceptional opportunity to share our Soroptimist experiences and dreams. I leave you with a quote from one of my favorite first ladies: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ~ Let us continue to help women and girls reach for their dreams. Sincerely,

Governor Ann Day

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 4

Soroptimist International Northeastern Region Board Members 2016-2018

Elected Positions

Governor: Ann Day, SI Haverhill/Merrimack Valley, MA Governor-elect: Ruby Mercado, SI Connecticut River Valley, CT Treasurer: Linda Decelles, SI Greater Hartford, CT Secretary: Deb Bradley, SI Haverhill/Merrimack Valley, MA

Immediate Past Governor: Dr. Bernice Szafarek, SI Willimantic, CT

Appointed Positions Fundraising Chair: Joan Merritt, SI Willimantic, CT Membership Chair: Dr. Bernice Szafarek, SI Willimantic, CT Program Chair: Gladys Mercado, SI Greater Hartford, CT Public Awareness: Courtney Smigiel, SI Farmington Valley, CT

Parliamentarian: Kathie Lang, SI Meriden, CT

Conference Chair: Tracy Scala, SI Farmington Valley, CT Web Design: Barbara Straub, SI Willimantic, CT

Clubs Presidents SI Connecticut River Valley, CT Kaitlyn Rodriguez SI Connecticut Shoreline, CT Elizabeth Peterson SI Farmington Valley, CT Susan Bullock SI Greater Bridgeport, CT Deirdre Green SI Greater Hartford, CT Leslie Wilper SI Greater Providence, RI Terry Moretti SI Greater Waterbury, CT Denise Weik SI Haverhill/Merrimack Valley, MA Judy Holmes SI Meriden, CT Janice Conway

SI Willimantic, CT Christine Warner

Together, we have the Power to Change Another Woman’s Life

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 5

General Conference Information

BUSINESS DATES: Saturday, April 29 & Sunday, April 30, 2017 LOCATION: Fairfield Inn & Suites Berkshires – Great Barrington, Massachusetts LODGING: Room rates are $129 plus tax (2 Queen beds or 1 King bed). Total per night is approximately $145.

Reserve your room today by using this link: RESERVE a room at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Berkshires NOTE: This special rate is only good while rooms last and until

March 25th! Don’t wait – RESERVE NOW! REGISTRATION: $45

DELEGATES: THREE (3) required per club at $45 each ($135 total) (*see Delegates - FAQ for more information)

DRESS CODE: Business/business casual attire for meeting (bring your bathing suit!)

MEALS: $10 Saturday Light Breakfast $30 Saturday Awards Luncheon Buffet $20 Saturday Wine /Pizza Party (NOTE: Breakfast is included with a hotel stay)

SUMMARY: Fri. 4/28 – Pre-Conference Board Meeting, Dinner (pay on your own) Sat. 4/29 – Registration, Conference Business

Guest – SIA Immediate Past President Sam Buchenau Awards Luncheon – Keynote Speaker Nancy Butler

Wine/Pizza Party/Game Night Sun. 4/30 – In Memory of, Workshop, Post-Conference Board Meeting

RECOGNITION: First Time Attendees, “In Remembrance of Service” Memorial Tribute, Member Milestones, Governor’s Award (to a region club!), Spirit of Soroptimist Award, Laurel Society and Club Giving

DEADLINES: Payment & registration form received no later than 4/14/17

(if received after this date, a $20 late fee per club will apply!)

MAIL or E-MAIL MEMORIAL TRIBUTE, SPIRIT OF SOROPTIMIST, and GOVERNOR’S AWARD FORMS TO GOVERNOR ANN (address on forms)

CONFERENCE QUESTIONS??? Email tracyscala@sbcglobal.net

Phone (860) 299-5113

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 6

Hello Most Fabulous SIA Northeastern Region Soroptimists ~

I’m so excited to bring to you an amazing Spring Conference in the Berkshires! There’s nothing like spring time in the mountains – there is a “new beginnings freshness” that is truly inspiring and fills one’s soul with joy!

I WANT YOU! I’m obviously not “Uncle Sam”, but I do want to see your lovely faces at Spring Conference! We need to come together to inspire each other and say, “You are an amazing woman & Soroptimist!” CONGRATULATIONS to the clubs that have taken advantage of the region’s “MemberSHIP” promotion and added members. CONGRATULATIONS to the newly chartered CT Shoreline club – an amazing group of women that I know you’ll all love meeting!

Although most of the Conference business will be conducted on Saturday, I invite you to make it a “weekend away” and stay Friday through Sunday. The hotel has given us a phenomenal rate of only $129 a night (plus taxes) – and, it has an indoor pool and hot tub! Don’t you already feel relaxed and excited to see your Soroptimist friends? But, book early because there are a limited number of rooms in our block and they are only available through March 25th.

So, is there any reason why YOU wouldn’t want to come spend the weekend with your Soroptimist “besties” and CELEBRATE??? I can’t think of one so I WANT YOU!

Cheers, Tracy Scala, Conference Chair

P.S. Take a look at the hotel’s website by clicking Fairfield Inn & Suites website.

There are a limited number of rooms reserved in our block, so RESERVE NOW!

By using the RESERVE NOW link, you will be taken to the special online reservation system for the hotel and the Soroptimist $129 rate will automatically be applied. Again, this rate is only valid through 3/25/17 and as long as rooms are available in the block. Don’t miss out on the fun!

DIRECTIONS

Address of the hotel:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Lenox Great Barrington/Berkshires 249 Stockbridge Road, Route 7 Great Barrington, Massachusetts 01230

CLICK HERE for Directions

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 7

Agenda (tentative)

Friday, April 28, 2017

4:00 - 6:00 PM Pre-Conference Board Meeting & Healthy Region Discussion Arrivals & Dinner (optional – pay on your own; RSVP on registration form)

Saturday, April 29, 2017

7:30 - 8:30 AM Registration, Mini-Mall, Light Breakfast (optional - $10; RSVP on

registration form) 8:30 - 10:00 AM Morning Session

Pledge of Allegiance

Welcome and Introductions

Appointment of Tellers

Credentials Report Reading of Standing Rules

Adoption of the Official Program

Official Correspondence/Proclamations

Recognition of First Time Attendees

Financial Update YTD 2016-2018 Biennium & Budget Vote

Bylaws Update & Vote

Fundraising Update (Region Club Giving, Laurel Society)

Program Update (Live Your Dream and Dream It, Be It Programs) Public Awareness Update (Interns, Social Media)

Membership Update 10:00 - 10:15 AM Break Mini-Mall Open! 10:15 - 11:00 AM Official Visitor’s Presentation “What If” SIA Federation Guest, Immediate Past President – Susan “Sam” Buchenau 11:00 – 12:00 PM Region Discussion

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 8

12:15 – 2:15 PM Awards Celebration Luncheon (optional - $30; RSVP on registration form)

Buffet Lunch Keynote Speaker – Nancy Butler

Living Your Dream. You have one life to live.…tips and tricks to make it the best it can be, regardless of your age.

Dream It, Be It Club Recognition

Live Your Dream Award Region Recipient

Soroptimist Celebrating Success! Awards

Membership Milestones (member awards)

Governor’s Award

Spirit of Soroptimist Award 2:30 - 3:15 PM Workshop - Social Media & Public Awareness 3:15 – 3:30 PM Break Mini-Mall Open! 3:30 - 4:45 PM Sharing Our Success (6-7 minutes per club, please!)

4:45 – 5:00 PM Closing for the Day (if leaving, please fill out & return evaluation)

Basket Drawing

5:00 – ??? PM Wine, Hors d’oeuvres & Pizza Party (optional - $20; RSVP on registration

form)

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Breakfast on your own (included with hotel stay) 9:00 – 9:45 AM “In Remembrance of Service” Tribute

9:45 – 10:30 AM SI in the United Nations/Commission on the Status of Women SIA Federation Guest – Susan “Sam” Buchenau 10:30 – 11:00 AM Closing

Final Thoughts

Evaluation

Soroptimist Pledge

Adjournment 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Post Conference Board Meeting & Lunch

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 9

Speaker Bios Federation Guest – Susan “Sam” Buchenau, Past President Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.

Susan "Sam" Collier Buchenau is the Immediate Past President of Soroptimist International of the Americas (2015-2016). As president, Sam oversaw strategic planning and program development and chaired the Board of Directors for this global organization representing 20 countries and territories. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Soroptimist International, and chairs SIA’s Fundraising Council Nominating Committee.

Sam is a member of Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro. A Soroptimist since 1981, she has held numerous elected and appointed leadership positions, including SIA fundraising council chair, Governor of Desert Coast Region, district director, district secretary, and club president.

Sam’s working life has encompassed a variety of duties of progressive responsibility in legal and investment adviser firms. Most recently serving as Vice President of Asset Management for an SEC registered investment adviser with nearly $4 billion of assets under management whose clients are limited to trade union related funds, where she coordinated due diligence investigations and title holding entity formation, as well as supervising the preparation of acquisition and closing documentation, and assisting in quarterly client reporting and client relations.

In addition to Soroptimist, Sam is an active member of the United Church of Christ, both locally and denominationally. She shares her life with husband, Tom, who is an equally devoted and involved volunteer.

Keynote Speaker – Nancy Butler

Nancy built an asset management and financial planning business from scratch as a single parent with no other source of income and only $2,000 to her name, to approx. $200 million in assets under management and then sold it.

For the last ten years Nancy D. Butler, CFP®, CDFA™, CLTC is the owner of “Above All Else, Success in Life and Business”, a national professional motivational speaker, award-winning author, business coach and continuing education instructor.

Nancy uses her personal, business and financial knowledge to help business owners do a better job for their clients while improving their bottom line and helps individuals live more successful, fulfilling lives and realize their dreams.

Nancy has been quoted in many local and national publications including Money magazine, USA Today, Forbes, The National Business Institute, The New England Real Estate Journal, The Financial Planning Association magazine, AARP, The Chicago Tribune and many more. She has been a speaker for major corporations such as Pfizer, General Dynamics and Dow Chemical and has been a guest on many radio and television shows.

Nancy is the author of the book “Above All Else, Success in Life and Business” published in 2012 and “A Realtor’s Guide to Greater Success, Above and Beyond the Competition” published in 2014. Her new book, “Above All Else, Independence, Happiness and Success in Your Senior Years” will be available in early 2017.

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 10

Hostess Clubs Waterbury & Hartford Goodie bags, city welcome/proclamation Registration Farmington Valley & Meriden Print name badges, open registration table Credentials Providence & Bridgeport Verify credentials, file reports with Secretary Fundraiser Joan Merritt with Interns Raise $1,000 for Conference expenses & project Awards Luncheon Willimantic & CT Shoreline Program, provide decorations, host/emcee Saturday Wine/Pizza Haverhill & CRV Plan entertainment (game night) Program Governor Ann, Governor-elect Ruby, and Conference Chair Tracy First Time Attendee Membership Chair, Bernice Prepares recognition for 1st time attendees Memorial Tribute Francie Avella - Haverhill Plans tribute, coordinates with Governor Ann Conference Chair Tracy Scala Manages conference logistics Protocol Kathie Lang Advises Governor on Soroptimist Protocol

*** All attendees should bring a bottle of wine for the popular wine raffle. ***

CLUB PRESIDENT/TREASURER CHECKLIST PRIOR TO CONFERENCE o By March 1st - Distribute the “Call to Conference” via email or mail to your

members. Members can download from Region website’s Home page at www.soroptimistner.org

o By March 25th – Make room reservations at the hotel…RESERVE NOW! o Before April 14th - REGISTER & PAY for 3 delegates, attendees, and meals; submit

all forms to appropriate people

REGISTER USING the FORM PROVIDED – one per club, please! Send check(s) with Registration Form to NER Treasurer: Linda Decelles 16 Garland Rd. West Hartford CT 06107

*** Checks payable to “SIA Northeastern Region” ***

Want to pay with a credit card or have questions about registration???

Call Linda at (860) 729-5911 or e-mail her at ldecelles_siner@comcast.net

Club or individual mini-mall tables are available for $15 each!

Or, share a table with another club! Bring your club sales items and displays of activities for your

table for “Sharing Our Success”!!

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 11

“In Remembrance of Service”

Memorial Tribute Form

A memorial tribute will be held at conference in memory of members who have passed away since April 2016. Please include a brief description of the deceased member's club, her personal accomplishments and some photos and e-mail these items to Governor Ann Day at annday22@aol.com Or, send by mail to her at 51 Hazel Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 no later than April 14, 2017. *The club President or a club member is encouraged to talk about her at the service. Name of Deceased Member: _____________________________________ Number of Years as a Member: _____ Charter Member: ____ Yes ____ No Description of Accomplishments/Comments:

Submitted by: Soroptimist International of ______________________ Name: _____________________________Phone: _______ ______ Address: ____ ____________________________________________

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 12

2016-2017 SPIRIT OF SOROPTIMIST AWARD

Name of Club Awardee: ________________________________________________

Club: _____________________________________________________________

Our winner will be attending the Region Conference: Yes ____ No ____

This award honors a Soroptimist who exemplifies the “spirit” of Soroptimist. It’s not a

popularity contest. This member may not be the one who is most visible, but may have served quietly over the years; she may be the one who is always there willing to help, educate, support, and listen. She may be the one who always volunteers.

We will acknowledge each club’s recipient at the conference. It is our hope to have 10 terrific women to recognize. One of these finalists will be selected as NER’s Spirit of Soroptimist Award recipient. Deadline for club entries is April 14, 2017.

Please write a paragraph about this woman. Include information such as why your club chose her, what about her makes you think of the spirit of Soroptimist, her accomplishments, how long she has been a Soroptimist, her passion, and anything else you feel is relevant. _____________________________________________________________________

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Form due by April 14th to:

Governor Ann Day 51 Hazel Street, Haverhill, MA 01832

annday22@aol.com

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 13

GOVERNOR’S AWARD

Send Governor Ann a summary of events/activities that your club has completed to date this club year, and she will select a club that has worked in all 4 pillar areas (fundraising, membership, program, public awareness) and fully embraced the Soroptimist mission at the local, region, and federation levels.

Club/President: SI of ____________________________________________

Event/Activity Date(s)

Area(s) – Fundraising,

Membership, Program,

Public Awareness

Brief Description &

Objectives/Outcomes

E-mail completed summary to Governor Ann at annday22@aol.com

Deadline is April 14, 2017 – this is a hard deadline! TOOT YOUR HORN! No one else will and your club may be

selected to get the award!

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 14

Soroptimist Pledge

I pledge allegiance to Soroptimism and to the ideals for which it stands:

The Sincerity of Friendship The Joy of Achievement The Dignity of Service

The Integrity of Profession The Love of Country

I will put forth my greatest effort to promote,

uphold and defend these ideals, for a larger fellowship in home, in society,

in business - for Country and for God.

Conference Standing Rules

1. The voting body of the Conference shall be the Northeastern Region Board, the club

Presidents, the duly accredited Delegates or their alternates. 2. The Official Program and the Agenda shall be the order of the day. 3. All Delegates are expected to be present at the beginning of each session and remain in

the room for all business sessions of the conference. 4. On a discussion a member shall rise, be recognized, address the Chair, and state her

name and club clearly. 5. A voting Delegate shall take precedence over an attending member in being recognized. 6. The first Delegate to rise shall be recognized, providing she has not already spoken on

the question. 7. A voting Delegate may speak twice only on the same question for two minutes at a time. 8. A Soroptimist who is not a voting Delegate may speak once only on a question, for not

more than two minutes. 9. All substantive motions shall be submitted in writing to the Chair.

10. A voting Delegate may not leave the Conference session when there is a motion on the

floor unless given permission by the Chair.

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Northeastern Region’s Call to Spring Conference 2017 pg. 15

DELEGATES ~ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Delegate? At Soroptimist conferences and conventions, a Delegate is a voting representative on behalf of her club. All clubs in good standing may nominate and/or elect any regular member of their club to serve as a Delegate. A Delegate must be a regular member who is in good standing (i.e., has paid her full annual dues in the current club year, July – June). A Delegate’s responsibility is to report valuable Soroptimist region and Federation information to the local club members. A Delegate should be prepared to attend the entire conference. Questions and requests for additional information are always welcome.

What does the Delegate do? The voting body shall be the members of the region board and the accredited Delegates of each attending club in good standing. Delegates must check in and be seated prior to opening of the business session. The Delegates present will be reported at the opening of conference session during a Credentials Report. See Standing Rules for more instruction of voting and discussion during conference session.

Is the club required to have a Delegate? It is in the best interest for the club to have a voice at conferences and conventions. At the Region Conference, the clubs are asked to send THREE (3) club Delegates. The club is required to pay for the registration fee of all three Delegates out of their club finances even if all do not attend.

General Attendees Soroptimist members and guests are encouraged to attend the conference for the rich learning and networking opportunities. All attendees pay the regular fees as indicated on the registration form, however they are not allowed to vote during session – only Delegates are allowed to cast a vote.

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and

the passion to reach for the stars --- to change the world.” ~ Harriet Tubman ~