DOWNEY – Geezer’s Restaurant was the place, but Geezers is not a name one associates with this group. A more youthful and industrious group you will not find. This was Downey Soroptimist’s first meeting since the summer break, and everyone was eager to catch up.

To start its 70th year in Downey, Soroptimist inaugurated Carrie Rios Estrada as president. Tables were set with bunches of big sunflowers, and diminutive brown paper goodie bags with candies and ribbon-tied opportunity tickets, for all Soroptimist to sell for the next fund-raising opportunity, a Santa’s Helper drawing to be held in October.

President Carrie already served one term, but everyone agreed that because of the COVID she had not had the chance to do all she planned, so another year is coming up.

“We are dedicated to making a difference,” said Carrie, “for women and girls. SI Downey raises money to award to deserving women and young people in our community to help advance their training and education.”

“Last year we did manage to connect with a Downey family that was homeless,” said Carrie, “by working with TLC. We made sure they were not in need, and this year we hope to focus on several more families. Social services and TLC - True Loving Connections - will help us locate them.

“And we gained one new member despite the shutdown last year,” Carrie said. A Downeyite saw the flock of flamboyant flamingos that Soroptimist places under cover of night on residential lawns. Residents must pay Soroptimist a “fine” to have them removed. This woman liked the idea, saw the Soroptimist name on the lawn sign, and said, “I’m calling that number.”

“I’m proud to be president of a group like this, that does so much for and with the Downey community,” said Carrie. Soroptimist International was founded to give business and professional women an avenue to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Linda Haines, past club president and also past District Governor of Soroptimist, did the induction honors. In her history of Soroptimist, Linda noted that 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of this international volunteer organization.

Linda began her remarks by saying, “Tonight, your new incoming board will begin their own risk-taking year. Your board members bring together their special talents.”

**Incoming Soroptimist president Carrie Rios Estrada, right, and president-elect Giggy Perez-Saab. (Photo by Lorine Parks)**

Linda gave each a token candy bar that tied in with each board member’s accomplishments, for example “One Hundred Grand” to the treasurer, and “Sugar Baby” for the new president.

Soroptimist is known for its lively parties. Vice President in Charge of Fundraising Mia Zimmerman said they were concentrating on projects one step at a time, namely the Oct. 21 opportunity tickets.

“We’ll have a casino night again, in the spring,” Mia said, “but we haven’t set the theme or the date yet.”

“This year we intend to concentrate on recognizing local ‘Women of Distinction,’” said Carrie, “and continue with our youth scholarships. We are also looking for women who have turned their lives around and need scholarship funds to go back to school and learn a profession. We call that program, “Dream It, Be It.”

There was an aura of energy to the afternoon, with a definitely feminine touch. For example, during the recognition time, more traditional service clubs acknowledge their members’ achievements by fining them. Here, it’s called Bag Lady time, and a purse is passed around into which each member puts a donation in dollars and describes her latest doings.

During the Bag Lady moments, a universal pent-up desire to travel was clear. “Our family’s flight plans to Italy have been changed so many times,” said one, in an understatement that summed up the year for all of us. Several mentioned they were retired, but all look too sleek and vibrant to stay still for long.

Another shared that her family had suffered six deaths due to COVID, and also that she has a new grandbaby. Coincidentally, as a party favor each attendee was presented with a hand-made bright blue mask with the Soroptimist name and logo on it.

This year’s watchword is “Keep On Shining,” and the afternoon was an affirmation of fellowship and that purpose.

Carrie Rios Estrada gets second term as Soroptimist president