Reservations taken for Soroptimist banquet

The annual Soroptimist Awards Banquet will be held on Friday evening, March 23, at Days Inn in Vandalia, at 6:30 p.m.
Reservations for the banquet should be made by calling Judy Wasmuth, 283-2989, no later than Monday, March 19.  Limited seating is available, so early registrations are requested.
The local Soroptimist Club is honoring three women in the Soroptimist International of America programs:  Trisha Holliday, Women’s Opportunity Award; Katie Shields, Violet Richardson Award; and Laurie Mabry, Ruby Award (Women Helping Women).
The Women’s Opportunity Award is given to a woman who is head of her household and has returned to school to educate herself, so that she can provide a better life for her family.
The Violet Richardson Award is given to a young woman, age 14-17, who volunteers her time to make the community and the world a better place.
The Ruby Award is presented to a woman who either through her job or volunteerism makes a difference in the lives of women and girls.
Recognition is also given to a number of women who have made a difference in the community and the world in the following fields:  Sandy Stombaugh-Health;  Amy Vieregge-Education; Julie Withers-Social & Economic Development; Kim Taylor-Environment; Shana Stine & Lindsey Lash-International Goodwill & Understanding; Deanna Clark-Human Rights/Status of Women; and, The 1st Assembly of God Ladies-Advancing the Status of Women.
A Woman of the Year Award is also presented for outstanding citizenship and/or volunteerism.  This year’s Woman of the Year is Mary Cole.
Along with the above honorees, the Soroptimists recognize one of their own as the Soroptimist of the Year.  That person will be disclosed at the banquet and presented with the traveling plaque.  
The Soroptimist Club of Vandalia invites the community to come and share in this evening of honoring women who otherwise go unthanked for the many hours of devotion to our community.