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Thursday, Sept. 3: It's Official! Our lobster is missing! Our lobster is missing! Has anyone see Lola the Lobster? She disappeared in October 2019, shortly after our successful Soroptimist International of Vacaville lobster dinner fundraiser! Description: Wearing red, two claws, two antennae, known to wear purple, goes by the name Lola. Be on the lookout! Just like her namesake, past president Lola Devan, our Lola is impeccably dressed and is quite adventuresome. Last year she and many of her friends and relatives were caught off the coast of Main and air-lifted to Vacaville. They were to be the star attraction of our lobster dinner. But once Lola realized she WAS dinner, she escaped. Could she be headed back to Maine? Or maybe Main Street in Vacaville? Follow here on Facebook or here on our blog! ____________ Saturday, Sept. 5 Lola the Lobster was spotted visiting Wasserman Travel this week. Apparently she was with owner Jim Kellogg looking at brochures showcasing Maine when she spotted her cousin Lesley on a plate! So she may be planning a trip, but probably not back to Maine!
____________ Wednesday, Sept. 9 Lola the Lobster heard KUIC morning anchor John Young interviewing Soroptimist International of Vacaville member Lisa Hilas about the Missing Lobster Dinner this morning (Thank you, KUIC!!) and knows we are onto her! She's going to have to be more careful as she high-tails it around town, or we're going to catch her! Lola was happy to learn that the "Missing Lobster Dinner," is going to benefit fire victims. We have her full support for both the "missing-lobster theme," and for helping fire victims through the Vacaville City Firefighters Charity Fund.  ____________ Thursday, Sept. 10 Lola the Lobster was spotted at Pawsh Place getting a physical exam from veterinarian Dr. Celina Hatt. Apparently she wanted to make sure she is fit before her journey. Dr. Hatt, a Soroptimist, didn’t realize it was THE Lola she was treating, or maybe should would have detailed her! And while Dr. Hatt has treated many different types of animals, Lola was her first lobster. Apparently Lola is the epitome of a healthy crustacean. Sadly for us, she was cleared for travel. We don’t know where she’ll go next, but please keep an eye out for her, Soroptimist International of Vacaville needs her.
____________ Saturday, Sept. 11 While Lola the Lobster was visiting Pawsh Place last week, she ran into Darci Chadwick, and they started chatting about social media. Lola realized she needed a publicist to ensure that she was always putting her best foot, er claw, forward. Darci, owner of Modern Brand Marketing, promised all that and more. And although Sorotpimist International of Vacaville can’t seem to find Lola, we are finding lots of social media posts about Lola, including her very own Instagram account, Lola.thelobster. If you’re helping us in our quest to find Lola before she escapes on her next adventure, you’ll want to check out her Instagram account and report any sightings to us.
____________ Sunday, Sept. 12 Lola the Lobster is getting sneakier and sneaker, as she scuttles across Vacaville, visiting various businesses and organizations. We know she plans to abscond soon, but apparently she stopped by Stems Florists to frolic in the flowers. Stems Owner Caryn Mikovich never actually saw Lola, or she would certainly have arranged for her return. Please keep an eye out for Lola, as Soroptimist International of Vacaville needs her.
____________ Tuesday, Sept. 15 Lola the Lobster heard that Vacaville firefighters could use a hand, er a claw, what with all the wildfire and smoke plaguing California. She thought it was only appropriate, as a portion of the proceeds from the Soroptimist International of Vacaville’s “Missing Lobster Dinner,” is going to fire relief. And, she pointed out, fire engine red is her color!
____________ Thursday, Sept. 17 Lola the Lobster was spotted at Thrasher Law Office working with Attorney Yvonne Thrasher on her trust. After all, “A Will is a Thrill, but a Trust is a Must,” even for a Lobster. Looks like she’s intent on some serious travel and soon. Yvonne, a Soroptimist, didn’t realize it was OUR Lola, or she would have surely put her under citizen’s arrest. Please keep an eye out for Lola, Soroptimist International of Vacaville needs her.
____________ Friday, Sept. 18 A message from Soroptimist International of Vacaville: Those of you who have already ordered your “Missing Lobster Dinner” from Erica Marie Catering know that she provides sumptuous, gourmet meals and even offers cooking classes on occasion. Well, it turns out Lola the Lobster knows it too, and showed up at Erica Marie Catering’s kitchen all decked out in her chef hat and apron. Apparently she’s interested in learning how to make NON-seafood dishes. Lola is still on the lam, but wants to remind you to purchase your Missing Lobster Dinner tickets a soon as possible. For $100, you get a meal that will feed four people plus wine or Brenden Theatres movie tickets.
____________ Saturday, Sept. 19 Since wildfires have caused such destruction in the Vacaville area, Lola the Lobster knows that construction companies are going to be busy – too busy to notice if a crustacean slips in under a hardhat. And so she got swanky at Swank Construction Inc. on a recent visit.Unfortunately, Soroptimist Joy Swank was not in the office during Lola’s visit, or she would have apprehended the lively lobster.
____________ Tuesday, Sept. 22 Everyone knows Joe the Barber, right? Even Lola the Lobster! She decided to visit Joe at Cornerstone Assisted Living recently, and they had a grand time, talking about her namesake, the devine Lola DeVan, who was a Soroptimist International of Vacaville member once upon a time! Lola snuck out before anyone was the wiser and is still missing!
____________ Wednesday, Sept. 23 Lola the Lobster is apparently checking in on her investments, to make sure she has enough funds for a trip out of town. (Out of state? Out of country?) Sounds like the possibilities are endless, now that she conferred with Financial Adviser Beth Rowe, in her Edward Jones Investments Vacaville office. Turns out, Beth and Lola planned for travel as one of her goals . . . Lola was thrilled that they planned for this and decided now was the time! “She could be headed anywhere,” said Beth, a past president of SI Vacaville and co-fundraising chair.
____________ Thursday, Sept. 24 Lola the Lobster is the charitable type, and she heard that Sandy Esparza of Cal Inc., is also so inclined. So she stopped by to check in on Sandy’s work and found that she wholeheartedly support the Relay for Life, which supports the American Cancer Society. Lola applauded Sandy’s efforts to have a virtual event this year and wished she had time to stay until next year’s event, but she has a big trip coming up, and snuck out quickly. By the time Sandy realized she’d come and gone, all that was left was a little puddle on her couch.
____________ Friday, Sept. 25 Lola the Lobster was so excited! She enrolled in the Witness Protection Program, so she could make her great escape, and *thought* she was going to get a facelift. But instead of arriving at 1-800-FACE-LIFT, she landed at I-80 Forklift Inc. She thought about taking a ride on one of those lovely lifts, but was afraid she’d attract attention, so she scurried off the lot.
____________ Saturday, Sept. 26 Being an organized and law-abiding crustacean, Lola the Lobster scurried over to CPA office of G&J Seiberlich & Co., LLP, where Soroptimist Yolanda Williams works. Not realizing it was our Lola, Yolanda dutifully discussed various alternatives. They agreed her tax situation was complicated, requiring much more documentation. Yolanda quickly printed up some forms to have Lola apply for an extension on her taxes. You wouldn’t think a crustacean would need such services, however, Lola has been on the lam for a year and has had to support herself with some very creative endeavors. She knows Uncle Sam has ways of finding out if you owe him anything, so she is handling her financial affairs responsibly and staying out of trouble.
______________ Breaking News Sunday Sept. 27th Oh no!! Lola the Lobster apparently convinced The Reporter to publish last year’s press release in today’s newspaper!! Obviously a ploy to throw everyone off her scent. Make no mistake, this year we are having the “Missing Lobster Dinner.” Soroptimist International of Vacaville is contacting the authorities, requesting a publication of the correct press release, and warning the community about Lola. She’s sneaky  ____________ Tuesday, Sept. 29 Lola the Lobster could not leave the city of Vacaville without a musical tribute to her many fans at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre. With her magical claws, she tickled the ivories, but alas, it was to an empty house because of COVID-19. Still, rumors persist that the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre may have caught the performance on tape and could possibly have a pay per view event coming up. Stay tuned for that. VPAT has been very enterprising of late with virtual performances!
____________ Wednesday, Sept. 30e time for coffee? Even Lola the Lobster likes an occasional latte, letting the caffeine bring out her inner crustacean. So of course she stopped by Steady Eddy’s because she heard they rock the beverages, and since she’s got cousins who are rock lobsters, it all made sense. She slurped her way to a caffeinated crescendo and took off for her next adventure before anyone was the wiser. Soroptimist International of Vacaville is still searching for her. She escaped from last year’s lobster dinner, and we need her to help us with our fundraiser.
____________ Wednesday, Sept. 30 NEWS BREAK! Thank you to The Reporter for publishing the true tale of Lola the Lobster in today’s edition! Lola is clearly on the run, keep an eye out for her!  ____________ Thursday, October 1 LOLA HAS LEFT THE COUNTRY!! Lola the Lobster thought she spotted a long-lost relative at Sacramento International Airport, but alas, when she got closer she saw it was a giant red rabbit, part of an art project. “Harrumph,” she snarled as she made her way to the gate. At least there weren’t very many people standing between her and freedom! Looks like she boarded an international flight to put some distance between her and Soroptimist International of Vacaville, which is looking high and low for her. Who knows where she’ll go next?  _____________ Saturday, October 3 First stop on Lola the Lobster’s sojourn abroad appears to be Cancun, Mexico, where our feisty Crustacean was spotted skinny dipping at Playa Laghosta. Since Lola doesn’t speak Spanish, she had no way of knowing she was at “Lobster Beach. It appears she may have gotten a bit sunburned – she is very red.  _____________ Tuesday, October 6 Is that Lola the Lobster? At the Taj Mahal? Word has it that Lola visited Soroptimist Dawn Shepherd and husband John before her trip and she was so inspired by the newlywed’s love that she decided to visit the Taj Mahal, which was built as a monument to a great love between a Maharaja and his beloved wife. Lola couldn’t resist jumping in.  _____________ Wednesday, October 7 “‘O sole mio, sta nfronte de te...” Who could resist the charms of a singing gondolier! Not our Lola the Lobster. She was seen in Venice, enjoying all the sights, including the lovely waterways. At this point, she knows Soroptimist International of Vacaville is looking for her, but her answer? “Ciao!”  _____________ Thursday, October 8 You have probably seen those funny photos of tourists holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Well, would you believe that our silly Lola the Lobster is measuring the Eiffel Tower between her claws?  _____________ Saturday, October 10 Is that the Amazon River? Lola the Lobster! What are you thinking? Don’t you know there are creatures in that river that could eat you for dinner? And you thought we were the enemy?  ____________ Wednesday, Oct. 14 This just in: We have intel on how Lola the Lobster is eluding customs from country to country! It seems Lola stopped by All Size Flooring Center before she disappeared. During her visit, owner Colleen Stafford tucked something special into Lola’s suitcase. Colleen is a Twilight Soroptimist, and she probably didn’t realize that SI Vacaville had an All Points Bulletin out for Lola’s return. Otherwise, she would have notified us pronto, as our clubs are very friendly! But Lola is as charming as she is devious, and so she tricked All Size into giving her not just any carpet, but a magic carpet! Who knows where she will go next?
____________ Thursday, Oct. 15 Co-fundraising Chair Lisa Hilas files a Missing Person, er Lobster, Report with the Vacaville Police Department. Watch out, Lola, the PD is looking for you now!!  ____________ Friday, Oct. 16 Lola the Lobster was spotted walking on the Great Wall of China! She could be very ambitious and walk 1,000 miles or more, if she wants to. Although she is quite fit, we hope she is not planning on going very far. We need Lola to come home.  ____________ Saturday, Oct. 17 Lola the Lobster has found her way to the Cannes Film Festival. Where are the celebrities? Lola wanted to see the rich and famous. However, in fear of being trampled, she has scurried out of the crowd, back to a quiet park. If only there had been some Soroptimists’ in the area, she would have been FOUND and returned to us.  ____________ Sunday, Oct. 18 We have tracked Lola the Lobster down to a street fair somewhere in Europe. We think it could be France, or Italy, judging from the masterpieces she’s considering. Even more important, where will she be next?  ____________ Tuesday, Oct. 20 Lola the Lobster is quite familiar with sand, but not hot dry sand with a camel and pyramids. She thinks a ride on the camel would be great fun, but the camel is simply not having it. Better to have a siesta and relax in the heat.  ____________ Thursday, Oct. 22 After the heat in Egypt, needing to cool off, and never one to pass up an opportunity for a little fun, Lola The Lobster traveled to Switzerland. While in the alps, she couldn’t miss a little frolic in the snow. She found a saucer just waiting for her to take a mad dash down the mountain. We hope she dashes back to Vacaville soon, we miss her!  ____________ Monday, Oct. 26 SHE’S BACK IN VACAVILLE! Apparently Lola The Lobster learned that the Vacaville Farmer’s Market was extended to Oct. 24, and so here she is, pinching peaches with those claws of hers! If you spot her, please notify a Vacaville Soroptimist member ASAP! We think she’ll be happy to know that lobster is NOT on the menu this year. But many other delectable dishes are! You won’t know how delicious unless you buy your ticket for “The Missing Lobster Dinner!”
 _____________ Tuesday, Oct. 27 Be on the Lookout: Lola The Lobster was last spotted clawing her way around Main Street. She was spotted by one of our roving photographers trying to sneak into Fuso’s Italian Restaurant. Could she be looking for Soroptimist International of Vacaville? It could be, as we met at Fuso’s every week, prior to COVID-19. Oh Lola! Just say the word and we’d be happy to meet you somewhere!!  ______________ Wednesday, Oct. 28 Vacaville Museum staff were shocked to find Lola nonchalantly posing on a plate in their Sole Italiano exhibit. Perhaps she was thinking about what it would be like to BE dinner. As you know, you are not allowed to touch the artifacts in a museum, so she was quickly shooed away. It all happened so fast they didn’t have time to call us before Lola had scurried out of the museum.
_____________ Saturday, Oct. 31 Lola The Lobster HAS BEEN FOUND! She was visiting The Place of Peace, which is a lovely spot in Andrews Park, down by the creek. (In fact, Soroptimist International of Vacaville contributed to establishing the Place of Peace, which was the brainchild of one of our former members, Patricia Hunter, who dreamed of a community where there was no room for bigotry or hatred.) Past President Jill Hunter, President Mary Dickey, Publicity Chair Diane Barney, and Past President and event Co-Chair Lisa Hilas were tipped off and found Lola checking out the plaque. We were able to convince her that she doesn’t need to run from us anymore. We will keep her safe until next year’s Lobster Dinner. In truth, Lola has become a local celebrity, so she will NOT be on the menu!  
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 Soroptimist International of Vacaville, an international volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, is seeking local applicants for its recognition program targeted to young women who make the community and world a better place.The Violet Richardson Award honors young women, between the ages of 14 and 18, for volunteer action such as helping disadvantage people; fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty.
The award program is named after Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in 1921. Richardson believed in personal responsibility and the motto, “It’s what you do that counts.” She lived her life accordingly, as an active member in her community who was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women. Soroptimist established this award to honor her memory and her dedication to volunteer action. Judges have the discretion of presenting up to $1,500 to a winner (or winners) and up to $1,500 to the charity of the winner’s (or winners’) choice. Applications for the award program are available online at vacavillesoroptimist.org [vacavillesoroptimist.org]. Just click on “Apply” or contact Susan Mays at smays-soropt@att.net. Applications must be submitted to Soroptimist International of Vacaville by Nov. 15. Here is a short cut to download the application and the media consent form. Click below! VRA Application | Media Consent Form Chartered in 1960, Soroptimist International of Vacaville is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, which has its headquarters in Philadelphia.  What has happened to Soroptimist International of Vacaville’s annual lobster dinner for 2020? Depends on who you ask.
Some may say it’s a clever marketing campaign, while others will point to a thread of Facebook clues that challenge visitors to solve the mystery of “The Missing Lobster Dinner.” “For 18 years, SI Vacaville has hosted a wildly successful lobster dinner every October, with themes ranging from Peace, Love & Lobster to Mobster Lobster and Lobster Safari,” explained President Mary Dickey. “But now, with a global pandemic raging, we had to get creative.” So apparently, did the lobster – nicknamed Lola – who “disappeared” after the 2019 “Lobsters Around the World” event. According to a website account, she was seen in downtown Vacaville booking a trip at Wasserman Travel. There have been other sightings – at Pawsh Place, Stem’s Florist, and other businesses around town. There is some speculation that Lola is planning a trip abroad – to escape the boiling heat of Vacaville. “Apparently there are no travel restrictions for Crustaceans,” explained club member Tara Baumann, who created Lola’s image for a milk carton message. It reads: “Last seen 2019. Description: Wearing red, two claws, two antennae, known to wear purple, goes by the name Lola. Be on the lookout!” While there won’t be a lobster dinner for 2020, there will be a dinner, insists past President Lisa Hilas, who teamed up with past President Beth Rowe to organize the lobster-less virtual event. The group is selling a $100 meal ticket for a dinner provided by Erica Marie’s Catering. The chef features one, two and sometimes three different entrée courses a week, and those who purchase a ticket will be able to decide when they want to use it. The meal will feed four and includes salad, bread, an entrée, two sides and dessert. It also comes with either a bottle of red or white wine, or two tickets to Brenden Theatres. The price does not cover tax, tip and special packaging. Dinners can be picked up at Erica Marie’s Catering at 819 Davis St., Suite A. “We thought this was a great way to support a local, female-owned business, and still maintain social distancing,” said Lisa. In addition, a portion of the proceeds earned from the fundraiser will go toward fire relief. “It’s been our tradition to have a “Fund-a-need” highlighted at our lobster dinner every year,” explained Lisa. “This year, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Vacaville City Firefighters Charity Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting victims of tragedy and underfunded programs in the community.” Raffle tickets are available via email (lobsterdinner@soroptimist.net), and are four for a $100 donation. Raffle prizes include a bouquet of flowers each month from Stems Florist for a year; a dessert of the month, every month for a year; and a catered lobster and beef dinner from Erica Marie’s Catering for eight. “Even though we can’t get together and celebrate at this time, we think ‘The Missing Lobster Dinner,’ will be fun for everyone who decides to participate,” said Lisa. “This is our key fundraiser and will help us support all the many programs, awards, scholarships and international projects this year, and will go a long way in helping us make our community a better place for women and girls.” To buy dinner tickets, visit www.vacavillesoroptimist.org and select “Events.” Sponsorships are also available for $250, and come with a dinner ticket, a visit from Lola and a choice of wine or theatre tickets. “We invite everyone to follow us on Facebook and watch for Lola sightings! Share with your friends,” said Lisa. “It’s all for the good of the community.” In the meantime, SI Vacaville’s Facebook page will offer posts twice a week to help visitors discover the whereabouts of Lola. Everyone who correctly guesses the final stop in her tour will be entered into a drawing. The winner of a gift basket will be announced in October. |
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Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6054, Vacaville, CA 95696-6054
Club Email: sivacaville@soroptimist.net
Soroptimist International of Vacaville, Inc., Club #115332 | Federal ID# 94-6130798 501(c) (3) is a non profit organization, charitable contributions support its programs.
Copyright: All materials posted on this site are subject to copyrights owned by Soroptimist International of Vacaville and/or other individuals or entitites. Any reproduction or retransmission of all or part of any document found on this site is expressly prohibited, unless Soroptimist International of Vacaville or the copyright owner of the material has granted its prior consent.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 6054, Vacaville, CA 95696-6054
Club Email: sivacaville@soroptimist.net
Soroptimist International of Vacaville, Inc., Club #115332 | Federal ID# 94-6130798 501(c) (3) is a non profit organization, charitable contributions support its programs.
Copyright: All materials posted on this site are subject to copyrights owned by Soroptimist International of Vacaville and/or other individuals or entitites. Any reproduction or retransmission of all or part of any document found on this site is expressly prohibited, unless Soroptimist International of Vacaville or the copyright owner of the material has granted its prior consent.