Seaford Soroptimists honored with historical marker

By Glenn Rolfe
Posted 5/24/21

SEAFORD — On hold one year due to COVID-19, a Delaware historical marker now stands at Soroptimist Park, recognizing the power of women and Soroptimist International of Seaford’s …

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Seaford Soroptimists honored with historical marker

Posted

SEAFORD — On hold one year due to COVID-19, a Delaware historical marker now stands at Soroptimist Park, recognizing the power of women and Soroptimist International of Seaford’s community influence for more than 70 years.

The Delaware Public Archives formally dedicated the marker May 17, commemorating the Soroptimist Club., an all-volunteer organization that was formed on May 24, 1950.

“It was a great recognition of really who they are and what they have done in Seaford,” said Seaford Mayor David Genshaw. “They are just really a stellar organization in Seaford.”

State Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, who served on Seaford City Council and then as mayor before moving on to state government, helped to facilitate the effort.

“They have been a great community player. That’s why the city, when I was mayor, and all the mayors including the current mayor have supported their efforts and what they are doing for the city,” said Rep. Short. “They are very quiet about it. They don’t ask for recognition. But we felt it was time to give them some (recognition) and place that marker there.”

Soroptimist Park, located off Middleford Road, is owned by the city and maintained through a collaborative effort with Soroptimist International of Seaford.

“I call it kind of a silent group that just goes along and does their thing, and makes a huge impact back into the community,” said Soroptimist International of Seaford President Renee Morris. “The word ‘soroptimist’ is actually a Latin word that means ‘best for women.’ It’s a women-based organization to empower and betterment lives for women not only in our communities, but also internationally.”

Next to the park is the Soroptimists’ Nellie G. Allen Curiosity Shop, a thrift shop that turns donations of clothing, household goods and other items into financial support benefiting the community.

“Certainly, Soroptimists has been a great organization. It’s a bunch of women that do a great job as far as volunteering and helping the community,” said Sussex County Council President Michael Vincent, who served on Seaford council before being elected to council. “And all that money goes back to the community. They do great work for the community and surrounding areas. They are good people. That shop, besides generating income that they give away, employs some people. So, they help the economy in that way, giving people jobs. Those girls do great work. They are a big asset to the city of Seaford.”

In 2009, the nonprofit launched Cinderella’s Closet (the name has since changed to Your Sister’s Closet), which offers women and girls a low-cost dress/apparel alternative for proms, homecomings, weddings and beauty pageants. Your Sister’s Closet has a location on High Street in downtown Seaford.

“All of the gowns are donated. We have well over 200 gowns. We get so many wonderful donations for that,” Ms. Morris said.

For decades, the Seaford chapter has awarded annual scholarships. This year, SIS is awarding a total of $20,000 through five scholarships to graduating seniors in Seaford and surrounding Western Sussex County area, Ms. Morris said.

Other major programs include the Women’s Opportunity Award, the Best for Women Award, the Suitcase Project, Youth Forum (which enhances speaking/presentation skills) and the SMART Girls program through the Boys & Girls Club along with some international projects.

Abroad, SIS provides funding support for Wells for Ghana. The Seaford organization also helps women in underserved countries start up businesses through a revolving funding program that is reinvested.

“So, we are empowering women to kind of get on their own feet and be independent,” Ms. Morris said.

At home, SIS supports women through homeless shelters and programs addressing domestic violence.

The Seaford chapter’s membership spans the age spectrum. The oldest of four life members with Soroptimist International of Seaford is 97. Combined, those four life members have over 200 years of service to the Seaford chapter, Ms. Morris said.

“And we have younger career women in the working field, wanting to give back to the community,” said Ms. Morris. “I will say it is a wonderful group of women – very dedicated.”

Mr. Vincent, who grew up in Seaford, has vivid memories of the property that now houses the park and Seaford Soroptimists’ thrift shop.

“My first exposure to that piece of property was I was about 4 years old, and my father took me there to see a Seaford Eagles baseball game. That property is where the Seaford Eagles minor league team played ball,” said Mr. Vincent. “Then after that, at some point in time, the Soroptimists took that place over and they put a softball field back there. I played on the fire company softball team for years.”

Ms. Morris, whose two-year term as president will end in June when she will pass the president’s reins to current 1st Vice President Trisha Newcomer, recognized Rep. Short for his assistance in securing the marker and the funding. “We’re very appreciative to Danny for that,” she said.

“It’s just a fantastic organization of women. Just don’t get in their way … if they are on mission!” said Rep. Short with a chuckle.

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