Story, photos by Barbara McCormick
DEERFIELD BEACH — Brooks Restaurant in Deerfield Beach was the setting for the Soroptimist International Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach Chapter Installation Celebration.
The sunset affair included a social hour, where club members reflected on the highlights of the past season, congratulated one another on the club’s accomplishments in staying true to their goals of creating a better life for women and girls in need. Kathi Pease, Soroptimist past governor, returned for her fourth term as “Installing Officer.” and ceremoniously inducted the following slate of officers for 2012-13.
President, Mariela Montgomery
1st.V.P. Membership, Kim Champion
2nd V.P Programs, Carmen Uceda
Corresponding Secretary, Carole Hart
Recording Secretary, Mary Dent Maher
Treasurer, Cynthia Cummings
Matriarch and Honorary Advisor Helen Babione presented a rose to all past club presidents in attendance and noted their years of service. Following applause for the two successful years under past President Lorry Herdeen, Lorry made the presentation of a large bouquet of red roses to welcome incoming President Mariela Montgomery. 
Mariela joined Soroptimist in 2008, and has held chairmanship of most of the club’s activities, including Co-Chairperson for three years of the popular Women of Distinction Breakfast. A group of her colleagues from Bluegreen Corp. attended the ceremonies.
In closing, Helen Babione announced the Soroptimist Women of Distinction Awards Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, October 3 at 7:30 a.m. at Boca West Country Club.