Barbara Kroon, new SISP President to serve with belief that ‘All You Need Is Love’
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: June 27, 2008
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(Right) Donna Stewart, outgoing Soroptimist International of Santa Paula President, passes the gavel to incoming President Barbara Kroon. (Photo by Debbie Johnson)
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By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Soroptimist International of Santa Paula’s newly installed President Barbara Kroon believes “All You Need Is Love,” and the famous Beatles’ tune will guide the path of the professional women’s organization through the coming year.
President Kroon and the SISP Board of Directors were installed at the Glen Tavern Inn/Iron Horse Restaurant on June 18, with guests sitting at tables decorated with Kroon’s own floral arrangements. Those in attendance included Soroptimist International members of the Fillmore and Conejo Valley organizations, as well as Cindy Brand, the director of Soroptimist International Camino Real District 4, who oversaw the installation ceremony.
Outgoing two-term SISP President Donna Stewart thanked the 2007-2008 Board of Directors, noting that their challenging duties “kept the club together... we’re so appreciative for all your help.”
“We all know that Soroptimist is best for women” with “an idea, an ideal, a dream,” that Brand said will benefit the status of others. Noting Kroon’s devotion to The Beatles and her use of “All You Need Is Love” as the theme of SISP’s coming year, Brand patterned her own installation on a Beatles’ tune, “Yellow Submarine” - “...and there will be no mutinies on this ship,” but rather a “positive outlook” and steady steering towards bettering the future of women and girls.
Of the new SISP president, Brand said the “captain of the Yellow Submarine is the highest ranking officer” whose duties include not only leadership, but also “keeping the crew informed and running a tight ship.” Also installed were Vice President Hope Arellano, Treasurer Teresa Baron, Recording & Corresponding Secretary Ann Perez, and Directors Cindy Jordan and Donna Stewart.
The Beatles and “I arrived here the same year, and a very early childhood memory of seeing ‘Yellow Submarine’” was an event Kroon said started her lifelong love of the Fab Four and their messages of love, peace and understanding. Significant events in Kroon’s life and their memories are also anchored by Beatles songs, and she noted, “About five years ago, when I moved to Santa Paula and met members of Soroptimist International, I found them to be kindred spirits, friends and caregivers... the point of Soroptimist International is love,” demonstrated by the organization’s helping others, “all from love.”
Kroon quoted verses from “All You Need Is Love”:
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It’s easy.
Nothing you can make that can’t be made.
No one you can save that can’t be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It’s easy.
Nothing you can know that isn’t known.
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.
It’s easy.
“All you need is love, love.” said Kroon. “Love is all you need.” The audience jumped to their feet to give President Kroon a standing ovation.
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