Soroptimist International of Pinenut Valleys held their 'Live Your Dream Award' via zoom on March 8, 2021, also International Women's Day. Jade Meshaw (3rd row, 2nd over) is one of the awardees, a working mom and studying to be an English teacher.
The mission of the nonprofit volunteer organization Soroptimist International is to provide women and girls with the access and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Formed in Oakland in 1921, Soroptimist has since grown to include nearly 1,300 clubs in more than 120 countries around the world.
Soroptimist International of Pinenut Valleys has been active in the Carson Valley and Smith Valley areas since 2019. The group dedicates their efforts to providing assistance in whatever way is most needed for women to better themselves and improve their lives.
The club recently presented Live Your Dream education and training awards to support two local women in achieving their scholastic goals. Live Your Dream awards are granted to women who provide the main financial support for their families and may be used to offset any costs associated with their efforts to pursue higher education.
The group also assembles bags containing clothing, toiletries, and personal items, which are passed on to Family Support Council and distributed as needed as a way to offer care and support to women affected by sexual violence.
Soroptimist Nickey Kuzmicki said they are looking to grow their membership roster and increase their local fundraising efforts and activities. To expand their outreach and provide information about their club to the community, the group plans to have a booth setup during the Main Street Gardnerville Third Thursday Wine Walks that start in May.
Joining a Soroptimist club offers networking and leadership opportunities, valuable contacts, new friendships, and fun. Local meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Please call club Treasurer Danielle Kennedy at 775-720-4739 for more information about how to get involved. Kennedy can also be reached via email at yandapanda@gmail.com.
To learn more about the work of Soroptimist International, visit soroptimist.org. SIPV’s Facebook page can be found online at facebook.com/SIofPV/.
Lyrids light up the sky
One of the best nighttime sky shows of the year happens during the latter part of April. The Lyrids meteor shower is active April 19-23 and reaches its peak tomorrow and Friday.
The Lyrids are named after the constellation Lyra, which represents the lyre, a U-shaped, stringed musical instrument often associated with ancient Greek poets and musicians. The Lyrids don’t originate from the Lyra constellation, however. This meteor shower’s source is Comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1 Thatcher), which was discovered by astronomer A.E. Thatcher in 1861. Check out solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/comets/c-1861-g1-thatcher/in-depth/ for more information about this comet and the meaning behind its name.
Although cloudy skies and light from the waning moon could pose obstacles to viewing opportunities, don’t get discouraged. Stay hopeful and keep your focus upward, and you might just spot a streak of magic across the sky.
Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com
