Gaithersburg, Germantown Women Honored by Soroptimist Club

The following announcement was submitted by Johann Drertchen, of the Soroptimist International of Upper Montgomery County:

On September 22, 2012, a Traditional Tea was held at the Serenity Tearoom in Frederick, MD by Soroptimist International of Upper Montgomery County (SIUMC) to pay tribute to four very special women: Julia Walker of Gaithersburg; Cindy Manarin of Washington; Bea Nicewarner of Germantown; and Mary Lok of Barnesville. 

SIUMC (www.si-umc.com) , a volunteer organization for business and professional women of all ages is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. The four honorees, who among them have been members of SIUMC for more than 155 years, exemplify the definition of “A Soroptimist”-a woman who is devoted to the highest ideals of friendship, understanding, service and human dignity. Among the many SIUMC projects these women have championed are the annual Soroptimist Womens Opportunity Award which is a cash award for a female head of household, who is attending or has been accepted to attend, a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program; and the Violet Richardson Award, which is a recognition program for young women ages 14-17 who are engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. Local community projects included the development of a coloring book for pediatric patients at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, the purchase of curtains and the installation of an intercom system for the Noyes Children’s Center, the preparation of monthly meals at St Martin’s soup kitchen, the donation of an incubator for premature infants to Montgomery General Hospital and square dancing with service men at Bethesda Naval Hospital.

Today, these women continue to support annual Soroptimist award programs and SIUMC local/international projects that are currently underway which include support to local food pantries, support to women and family homeless shelters, support to wounded soldiers and the sponsorship of a Human Trafficking Awareness Program, which will be held in April, for students and their parents. SIUMC also sponsors the Girls’ Club for middle school girls providing mentorship and volunteer opportunities for the students to earn Student Service Learning hours for graduation.

For more information on SIUMC contact Johann Drertchen at jdsd1021@gmail.com or 301 602 6218.