Trenton & Downriver Area Soroptimists' Installation Ceremony 2022

The evening’s ceremony, held at Portofino’s of Wyandotte, began with new president Ann Peraino’s invocation.

2020-2022 president, Abby Premoe, welcomed new members Rebecca McNally, Rose Cook, and Chanel Olson during the induction ceremony.

Abby also installed the following women to their new office positions: President Ann Peraino, President-elect Mary Pilon, Vice-president Tessa Smith, Secretary Kim Stoddart, Treasurer Chris Speedie, Assistant treasurer Cathy Infantado; as well as Directors Janelle Rose, Breanna LaPlante, and Jill Blackson.

Membership chairperson Linda Crisi presented a ten-year membership milestone pin to Mary Pilon, fifteen-year pin to Lida Chapple, twenty-five-year pin to Sharon Kelly, thirty-year pins to Linda Crisi and Nancy Nagle, and bestowed forty-year membership milestone pins to Pat Gonyea and Chris Speedie.

Special recognition is given to a new member who starts off her membership by jumping into activities. The new “Rookie of the Year” is Cindy Gouth. The “Key Member of the Year” is Breanna LaPlante for taking on additional responsibilities.

Because she was going to be on a travel vacation, 2021 Soroptimist of the Year, Janelle Rose presented the 2022 Soroptimist of the Year, Tessa Smith, with her award at the June business meeting. Tessa’s dynamic personality and tenacity have served Soroptimists in every way, whether it’s diving headfirst into every fundraiser and service project, or volunteering for almost every activity. From the “Dream It, Be It” programs, “Mommy & Me Tea Party,” the children’s road rallies, “Hope in a Handbag,” “Battle for Freedom,” “Save the Girls” motorcycle rides and “Biker Nights,” master basket raffle creator, to the amazing return of over 22,000 bottles and cans during the Covid bottle drive, Tessa has always been smiling. Members of Soroptimist International of Trenton and Downriver Area voted for the most deserving and remarkable woman.

Finally, last year’s Soroptimist of the Year winner, Janelle Rose, was presented with a plaque to commemorate her achievement.

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center, and the fourth Tuesday at Portofino’s of Wyandotte. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundations that the Soroptimists support on smile.amazon.com and krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea or sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com.