That’s exactly what happened on Saturday, November 1, 2008 for the Soroptimist International Camino Real Region Fall District Workshop. The annual workshop was hosted by the Soroptimist International of Santa Clarita Valley club and held at the beautiful Paseo club in Santa Clarita.
Most local residents were surprised by the booming thunder; the electric light parade the night before and the ominous gray skies. However, the Soroptimists were not at all surprised considering that the last time Governor, Cheri Fleming; Governor-elect, Michele Memmot; Region Treasurer and SISCV club member, Chris Blazey and SISCV Club president, Terri Cadiente were together was in July in Taipei when that city was hit with a typhoon.
Despite the weather, 165 Soroptimists from 29 clubs found themselves huddled together in the big white tent enjoying an informative day long program. In addition to the Governor’s remarks, the Renaissance chairs’ reports, and other Soroptimist presentations, the audience was honored to hear Dr. Fan (Peng Thim Fan, MD, FACP) world renowned rheumatologist address the subject of arthritis and the advances being made relative to this debilitating disease.
The highlight of the event was the first public showing of a short film, “Stuck in Traffic” produced by SISCV club president, Terri Cadiente, author, Hollywood stuntwoman and life coach. The film will be submitted to the Sundance Institute for consideration in the category: Documentary with a Human Rights issue, in hopes of being awarded a grant of up to $150,000 to turn the seven-minute documentary into a 49-minute film which would then be entered into the Sundance Festival.
California’s 38th District Assemblyman, Cameron Smyth, was pleased to add his name and support to this important Soroptimist project. One of Cameron’s personal triumphs was getting a bill on this subject signed into law earlier this year. Thank you Assemblyman Smyth!
Another Soroptimist friend, highly respected Hollywood stuntwoman, Sandy Gimpel jumped in to assist Terri and directed the filming of “Stuck in Traffic”. Sandy entertained, but more importantly she instructed the ladies on a few easy and effective self-defense moves and shared some simple everyday stretches to start your day.
The general consensus at the end of the workshop was…it takes more than a little rain to dampen the spirits of a tent full of Soroptimists!
If you are interested in learning more about Soroptimist or joining a local club, contact Sandi Naba, Membership Chair at SISCV at 661-645-1893 or Kris Hough, VP-Membership at SI Greater Santa Clarita at 661-255-9250.