Zonta Club of SCV transitioned from the 2013-14 year to the new 2014-16 biennium in its own unique fashion during the recent installation dinner. The theme, kept as a closely held secret until the actual event, was “Camp Happy Zonta,” in tribute to incoming President Karen Maleck-Whiteley’s love of camping.
Table decorations consisting of miniature campfires and bags of s’more ingredients transformed a section of the Tournament Players Club’s Oaks Grill into a camp setting, and themed “gifts” to each incoming officer and director carried out the camping motif during the installation part of the evening.
The early evening was focused on outgoing President Laura Peckham and her board, with presentations of honoraria and a stirring “farewell” speech by Peckham. Zontian of the Year winner Phyllis Walker was announced, and presented with her “Z” award.
After dinner, the club’s past presidents drew laughter and applause as they entered the room complete with giant marshmallows on sticks and sang the camping song, “Make News Friends,” as a lively round.
Zonta District 9 Director Lori Montigel then installed President Karen and her board: Michelle Woodfork, first vice president/programs; Cherise Moore, second vice president/membership; Cheryl Wasserman, treasurer; and Jorja Harris, recording secretary. Since the club adopted its new biennial calendar, there is no president-elect to be installed for Karen’s first year.
“I am so proud to be entrusted with the leadership responsibility for our 40th anniversary year and beyond,” President Karen told the attending club members. Her formal theme for the coming year is “Practice the Art of Living: Best Self, Best Club, Best Community, Best Life.” She also espoused the Biennial Goals for Zonta International president-elect Maria Jose Landeira Oestergaard: “Living Up to Our Mission: Conviction – Commitment – Courage.”
Additional newly installed directors include Danise Davis, Sue Hayward, Patrice Rifkind, Marilyn Ruman and Rosalind Wayman. Laura Peckham serves on the board as immediate past president, and the 2014-16 Nominating Committee members are Adele Macpherson, Laura Peckham and Karla Edwards.
District Director Montigel also installed the Zonta Foundation trustees: Suzie Alziebler, Adele Macpherson, Michelle Wodofork, Barbara Meyer, Sharon Langenbeck, Alicia Estrada, Mary Ree, Cheryl Wasserman and Karen Maleck-Whiteley.
The installation was chaired by Past President Jo Ann Rodriguez, and organized by a committee of all the club’s former presidents. Nickie Bonner, District 9 governor-elect, served as mistress of ceremonies.