**Martha Sodetani, center, chats with Carol Kearns and Linda Saldana. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)**

“Not many people,” said emcee Dr. John Garcia, superintendent of the Downey Unified School District, “could get together an assortment of civic and community leaders and longtime friends, like Martha.”

The occasion was an affectionate celebration, a farewell gathering held at Pace Elementary School for retiring Board of Education member Martha Sodetani. All 50 white chairs were filled during the presentations, and a

larger number were standing, to honor Martha for her 17 years of service. The variety and scope of the attendees’ lives testified to how active Martha has been in the city’s volunteer and philanthropic organizations.

Martha welcomed guests informally as she moved through the crowd. Several of her children and two grandchildren were there too. Dressed in a black skirt and jacket with a white blouse with a draped neckline, Martha wore several splendid leis, a nice reminder of her late husband Gordon’s birth in Lahaina, Maui. One floral necklace was made of white orchids; another, delicately braided purple and white petals.

In attendance were past and present members of the school district, various elected officials, and her family. Martha continues to serve actively on PTA Helps Food Pantry, the Downey Coordinating Council, and the Assistance League. She figured in Gangs Out of Downey, and in 2018, was marshal of the Downey Christmas Parade.

Seen mingling before the program were former superintendent of the DUSD Dr. Ed Sussman and wife Freddie, looking fit and enjoying retirement in Orange County. Newest city council member Hector Sosa and Mayor Claudia Frometa, who was sworn in to her second term on the council on Thursday last week, were there, Claudia in black with pearls.

Stan Hanstad in between vacations in Maui, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Roger Brossmer attended, and Mario Guerra and wife Ann. Mario is busy with his newly assigned deacon duties at St. Philip the Apostle in Pasadena. “It’s not far,” said Mario. “Near the Rose Bowl, where UCLA plays.”’

Darrell Jackson who established the 10-20 Club for the GOOD program talked with Betty Ferraro. Former school board member Betty looked sharp in a dramatic black and white and red silk outfit. Board member Nancy Swenson joined the group. Many more important people were there, too many for me to see and report here, but I do want to acknowledge them. You know who you are.

Man about town, former mayor and restauranteur Kirk Cartozian, came too. Bobbi Bruce from the Downey Historical Society and Connie Kirkwood in a red velvet print jacket. Martha’s daughter Skylar went to the Kirkwood Christian Schools. Claudia Dailey, librarian at the Downey City Library, is in charge of the children’s reading programs.

A finger-food buffet was served, and Steve Roberson, long time associated with the Downey Family YMCA, was holding a plate and chatting with Carol and Frank Kearns. Carol, former vice president of the Downey Symphonic Society, is president of the Downey Coordinating Council, and Frank is the publisher of the boutique Los Nietos Press.

I had a chance to talk with Anita, Martha’s housekeeper for the past 17 years. Anita wore a faux leopard coat with a red blouse, and came with her daughter Gabby, who wore a rosy beige knitted pants outfit. Knowing the home front is in Anita’s capable hands frees an always busy Martha.

“When someone is in need and I can connect that need with an organization or a group that offers help there,” said Martha, “that’s where I feel that I’m of value.”

Karen, Martha’s friend from the United Methodist Church, wore her grey curls in a corkscrew topknot. A sidelight on Martha’s contribution to the church: long before she settled in Downey, Martha had a career as a dancer, and her upright posture and deportment show a dancer’s innate sense of balance.

“I was an instructor in dance when I was 14,” Martha said, “to earn money to buy my dance lessons.”

Ultimately Martha danced professionally in revues in Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas. “I learned all the parts,” Martha said, “so if anyone got sick I could go on.” Now Martha performs liturgical dances at UM church services.

Is this gathering of Martha’s friends assorted enough? Add Jim Mogan, president of DEA, the Downey Education Association for Downey’s teachers; Jennifer DeKay, publisher of the Downey Patriot; and Gilbert Livas, recently retired city manager, looking spry. Jorge and Maru Montero and Ray Mesler from Downey Federal Credit Union. Jorge and Ray are members of the Rotary Club of Downey.

When the presentations began, it was obvious that Martha’s son Gordon would need to help her carry home the plaques and scrolls she received.

Martha responded to each tribute, and remembered how one presenter had loaned Martha a scooter for an event when Martha had just had toe surgery.

A field rep from retiring congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard’s office presented Martha with a Congressional plaque for her commitment to the School Board. Another delivered a truly splendid illuminated scroll detailing Martha’s history with the Board of Education.

Mayor Claudia Frometa also presented a plaque from the City of Downey, in appreciation of Martha’s 17 years of service to the School Board. Phil Davis, “retiree extraordinaire,” as Dr. John described him, sang a song for Martha, with the refrain, “You are the star.”

Then came personal tributes, and as Betty Ferraro said, “It’s impossible in a snap shot to tell all Martha has done.” Betty said Martha had been her mentor and friend, and she noted Martha’s love for children and work with foster and adopted children. Martha is Thirty-Third District Executive PTA Foster Children chairman. Martha’s own family consists of six children. As she and husband Gordon liked to say, “Some are biological, some are adopted, but we can't remember which.”

Donald La Plante, long time School Board member serving with Martha, described her as “a high energy person. I don’t know where she gets it, to do all she does. She has perfect posture and a glorious smile. And she is a carefully spoken and thoughtful person.”

“It was such a jump for me,” said Martha, taking the mike, “to go from a foster parent and helping one child at a time, to being on the School Board and representing and helping 22,000 children. This has truly been the greatest honor in my entire life.”

“I’m so thankful to be able to serve,” said Martha. “Serving does not mean you have to do everything. It’s just looking around and doing one thing with a happy heart.”

“These are some words I live by,” said Martha. “Choose happiness now. People say, ‘I’ll be happy when…’ Choose to be happy now, enjoy the talk and laughter.

“And I like the saying ‘aim for the stars. You may hit the fencepost, but it’s better than aiming for the fencepost and hitting the dirt.’”

Dr. John ended the evening by presenting Martha with her very own metal nameplate, “for your desk at home;” her own gavel, and “the first ever issued” retiree ID name badge for the Downey Board of education. The overflow crowd applauded Martha for a job well done.

Martha Sodetani: a job well done