Newsletter - October 16, 2001

GUESTS

On October 9, our visitors were Gloria Jean Trevino, who attended with Gloria Kelly (both from Roy Maas' Youth Alternatives); Tom Heffron, guest of James Halsell; Shirley Crane, guest of her son Tom; and former member Jim Blackwell, guest of Jim Hollerbach, Randy Wilson and Tom Trimble.

WHAT THE CREED MEANS TO ME

Pres Harland has asked that members occasionally address the club on the significance of the Optimist Creed to them.
   Tom Carnes said that having worked for police and sheriff's departments in California, he learned that people in public safety jobs generally are optimists. They feel they can have a positive effect on the lives of others. The firemen and EMS technicians who rushed to the World Trade Center on September 11th didn't go because they had to, they were compelled by an inner drive to help others.
   His mentor in the Sheriff's Department in El Centro, CA taught him that even though law enforcement officers deal with pretty unsavory characters, the really effective officers know that there is almost always something good in everyone - if you look hard enough.
   An Optimist Club is all about helping people.

PLANS FOR THIS YEAR

On October 2, Pres. Harland said he hopes to have a "members only" meeting each quarter in order to let everyone know what activities are coming up and how you are going to be able to participate. He showed a chart of the various committees and VPs James and Howard summarized the jobs of each one: James is in charge of the fellowship and internal programs of the club (greeters will be assigned alphabetically, etc.); Howard is in charge of "the rewarding side" dealing directly with kids. Social activities are being planned and our reputation for good speakers will continue.

GOLF REPORT

Beautiful weather! Beautiful place! Lots of volunteers! 103 of the 104 registered golfers participated. 93 people stayed for the Awards Dinner. Not all the figures are final, but it looks like we have INCOME: $19,600 in sponsorships & entry fees; $1,800 for mulligans; $2,240, silent auction; $180, extra dinners. EXPENSES: $6,864 in green fees; $2,615 for food & beverage; $1,626 for prizes & awards; $223 for sponsor signs, $214 in misc/admin costs. TENTATIVE NET PROFIT IS $12,270+ (or $5,000 more than 2000-01 Tree Sale and All Star Basketball profit, combined).

TIMELY TOPICS

Columnist Carlos Guerra said it would be all right to give tax abatements for economic development if we would just be smarter about it. We should require the applying company to put in escrow a deposit equal to the value of the abated taxes and require approval by the city of the sale of a company having an abatement agreement. Special Taxing Districts increase demands on city services and infrastructure and are a burden on the rest of us. We must protect our quality of life by facing up to environmental issues. Higher education and graduate programs at UTSA must receive support from the legislature.

GOLF COMMITTEE MEETING

The 2002 Golf Tournament Committee will meet Monday, October 22, for lunch at Cascabel Restaurant, DoubleTree Hotel, Loop 410 at McCullough. Want to help with the SECOND ANNUAL Tournament? Come join us.

NEW MEMBERS

It always happens...You wait and wait to publish the membership directory, then just after it is distributed a batch of new members join the club and/or members move and have new addresses and phone numbers.

PLEASE WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS...

ROSS TIPTON, ThyssenKrupp Elevators, Inc.
Enrolled by John Anthis

"ROCKY" ARANDA, Registered Professional Surveyor
Enrolled by Don Hand

MARK ALLISON, Ford, Powell & Carson Architects
Enrolled by Tom Trimble

   Bob Amari's company, Roadway Ins., has bought a new office building, so change his office address.

   These 3 members submitted resignations in September, so please remove their names from the directory: Sabrina Evans, Ben Pruett, Bill Waring.

   Are there any other changes out there that we don't know about?

CALENDAR

October 16 - Calvin Finch, SAWS, Water Conservation

October 23 - Marty Wender

October 30 - Gloria Duhaime, "What the Tax Law Changes Mean to You"

November 20 - NO MEETING, NO BULLETIN (office closed) THANKSGIVING WEEK

HELPERS

Greeters for October:
Amari, Anthis, Bath, Battles

October 16 - Table Host: Clark

OPTI-MRS. NEWS

We had a great meeting on October 3. What made it really memorable was the attendance of Anita and Jim Keyes. Everyone was so glad to see them. They were greeted with hugs and kisses and words of welcome. It was truly a happy occasion.
   Gussie Mae enjoyed 2 happy get-togethers over the weekend. On Saturday she drove to Round Top to attend a family reunion, then on Sunday she enjoyed a birthday party given by her sister, Anna Belle. The party honored 4 members of Anna Belle's family: her daughter, Patti, her husband, her mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law. Just as they were sitting down for dinner, the doorbell rang. There stood Patti's son, who flew in from New York for the occasion! This was a complete surprise to everyone. There were 4 birthday cakes on the table and they sang "Happy Birthday" 4 times so that all the celebrants were properly honored.
   Fran and Gus Gustafson spent a costly weekend in Las Vegas-no winnings!!! But they had lots of fun. They had signed up for a fabulous cruise to Singapore, ending in Sydney, Australia, but the cruise was cancelled-the cruise line filed for bankruptcy!
   The sewing group gave 23 blankets to Youth Alternatives. The blankets are light-weight, and can be used as blankets or as bedspreads. It is always a pleasure to do something for Youth Alternatives. They are so very appreciative.