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MOMS president begins third term

Shiloh Allen has been elected president of the MOMS Club of Patterson the third year in a row.

She will join 2008-09 board members Gillian Roque, administrative vice president; Nikole Strohl, membership vice president; Erika Durbala, treasurer; and Patty Gallardo, secretary.

The local MOMS Club branch is a support group for at-home mothers, established in March 2003 by Patterson resident Grace McCord.

“We are very excited about the upcoming year,” Allen said. “We plan on helping the community again throughout the year, as well as having activities for our moms and kids.”

MOMS, which stands for Moms Offering Moms Support, is part of a national organization established in the 1980s to help stay-at-home mothers get together and provide activities for them and their children.

Local activities include a breakfast club, kids crafts, field trips, playgroups, moms’ nights out and an exercise club. The club also donates money to the Patterson Recognizing Individuals Determined to Excel scholarship group and gave out four scholarships to graduating seniors this year. Mothers have a team for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Patterson in May and participate in the Patterson Recreation Department’s Fall Family Festival each October.

Officers say being part of the club helps them feel they are not alone.

“I truly feel a calling to reach out to stay-at-home moms that are looking to make a connection with other moms,” Strohl said. “The job can be rewarding and fulfilling, but at times isolating. Having moved to this area with no friends or family nearby, this club has been a wonderful resource for me.”

Roque said she, too, feels part of a “good thing.”

“The MOMS Club members have really been a great support group for me, whether it be to vent, get advice or for comfort in a brand-new place,” Roque said. “I can’t think of a better way to get involved and make a difference in our community.”

The MOMS Club has a monthly business meeting the second Monday of each month at New Hope Church of the Nazarene, 1720 E. Las Palmas Ave., to plan the calendar for the following month and discuss timely topics.

For information: 577-8464 or 892-2158.

• Club Notes describes events and happenings of clubs in Patterson and on the West Side. If you have information to share about your club, send e-mail to Maddy Houk at maddy@pattersonirrigator.com, or call 892-6187.

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Covolo to serve as president of Soroptimists

Joel Covolo was installed as president of Soroptimist International of Patterson when members met June 24 at the Patterson Branch Library.

Covolo, who has been a member of the club eight years, has served on a number of committees and most recently was the club’s recording secretary.

She said she plans for club members to keep helping others. Soroptimists donated a total of $7,000 to more than 30 individuals and groups since a year ago.  

“We will continue to help women and girls throughout the world,” Covolo said. “And, in the coming year, we will keep on supporting programs and organizations in Patterson.”

Soroptimist means “best for women.” Since the local club was chartered in January 1955, members have donated money to Patterson needs and to causes as far away as the fight against AIDS in Africa.

Coleen Sanguinetti installed the officers in a “‘Judge Judy”-style courtroom. Officers who will serve on the board with Covolo are Juanzette Hunter, first vice president; Kim Garro, second vice president; Maddy Houk, treasurer; Gloria Satcher, recording secretary; and Roberta Petty, corresponding secretary. Lorena Tafoya is one-year delegate, and Brinda Gillaspy is her alternate. Houk is two-year delegate, and Karen Fink is her alternate. Elaine DeLash is a one-year director, and Michele Havener is two-year director. Sanguinetti is parliamentarian of the club.

Over the past year, the local club has worked with the Del Puerto Health Care Center to organize two women’s health days, where uninsured women get blood tests and breast cancer screenings. The club has also hosted a Christmas luncheon and bazaar, the Apricot Fiesta Tea and a designer-inspired purse party. Some of the money raised went to Westside Theatre in Newman, Doctors Medical Center Foundation, Patterson High School Sober Grad Night, Patterson-Westley Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July Families in the Park Day and Patterson Parks and Recreation aquatic programs.

Soroptimists meet at noon Tuesdays, September through June, at the Patterson Library building, 46 N. Salado Ave.