Newsletter - October 1, 2002

GOLF NEWS

The next meeting of the Golf Committee will be at Noon on Monday, September 30 at Cascabel Restaurant.

   Lots of really good silent auction prizes are coming in. Entries are still being received. Don't forget we need the names and handicaps of all the players on each team. When you invite someone to play, remember that for this charity event we will also accept Visa and MasterCard payment for entry fees, mulligans and the silent auction.

GOODIE BAGS

Following the club meeting on Tuesday, October 8th we asking for volunteers to help assemble the goodie bags that will be given to all the golfers. With several people assisting, this shouldn't take too long.

NON-GOLFERS

Just because you don't play golf, doesn't mean you can't have a part in helping with our tournament. We need helpers at the registration table. We will need a volunteer photographer to take pictures of all the teams, and we'd like to have photos of the sponsor signs that will be posted at the various tee boxes, too. There is always a need for "runners" and "gofers".
   You are certainly welcome to attend the dinner (a barbeque buffet), but we will need your reservation by October10. The dinner cost is $20.00

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
SEPTEMBER 24, 2002

OPTI-MRS. INSTALLATION

Outgoing President Betty Cermin reviewed their club's achievements and projects for the past year (including 30 dozen home-baked cookies for the HOBY Seminar!) and thanked the ladies for making her term so enjoyable. Vice President Gussie Mae Dean presented a plaque to Betty in appreciation for her love and dedication to the members.
   Gov. Joe Chamberlain paid tribute to the ladies for their organization's high ideals, friendship and activities that aid others. He charged the incoming officers and the members to do their best to work for the betterment of the organization.
   New President Peggy Clark said she looks forward to a great term and having the help of all their members to continue their work.

OPTIMIST OF THE YEAR

Tom Trimble, acting for the Board of Trustees, reviewed all James' Halsell's contributions to the club, so it was easy to see why he selected "Optimist of the Year" for 2001-02. He has served as Director, Secretary, Vice President (3 times) and is now President Elect. He has chaired the club's fund raising projects and always helps get prizes for them. He's very active in the service projects, always participating and getting membership prospects to become involved, too. He is one of the most productive members of the Membership Committee, and has personally enrolled 10 members. He has been Program Chairman and is a willing song leader. He represents the club on the Youth Alternatives Board of Directors. James was given a Life Membership in Optimist International in appreciation for his dedication and support. He responded with a quote from Lord Chatsworth, that a man becomes like the people with whom he surrounds himself.

OUTSTANDING NEW MEMBER

As recognition for her contributions to the club in the 2 years since she became an Optimist, the Board of Directors selected Cathleen Elkins as "Outstanding New Member" for 2001-02. As their representative, James Halsell told us that in addition to the enthusiasm she brings to every activity, she has been active in many service projects, as a lane host for the Bowl-a-Thon (and includes her sons as helpers, too), she has gotten speakers, and works hard on the Membership Committee, she personally sponsored a team in last year's golf tournament. Cathleen said she is enjoying learning how to be an Optimist.

HARLAND'S REMARKS

Outgoing Optimist President Harland Huntoon said he was so grateful for the members' support all year. Because of the full schedule of activities the time passed very quickly. He reviewed our service projects and congratulated everyone for the successful fund raising events. We still need to work hard on membership, but the new members we are enrolling are of the highest caliber. Harland reminded us that the club's purpose is to help children. As at his installation last year, Harland paid tribute to long-time Optimist O.P. Schnabel, who was his business mentor. Harland was given a Past President's pin, a plaque, his gavel and a gift certificate from the club in appreciation for a job well done.

GOVERNOR'S REMARKS

Gov. Joe Chamberlain told the members that they are going to be the leaders of the club because they have given the new officers leadership positions and must keep them working for children. The result is like ripples in a pond, the influence for good moving out in all directions

NEW PRESIDENT

Incoming President Barrett Evans said the Optimist Club is a club of smiles, members believe in its tenets, they root for the underdog, they give everyone a pat on the back and they believe no child should be forgotten. In explaining the 4 reasons he became an Optimist, Barrett acknowledged the influence of his sponsor. Otto Tezel. He went on to relate how the club, the Creed and the members unknowingly ministered to him during a difficult time in his life. Then he said we continually minister to each other in the club's fellowship; you are somebody in the WGOC-a group of amazing people. Our primary objective always is to minister to children. To give love and hope to those most vulnerable in our society. His final reason was the influence of his father, David Evans, who was not an Optimist Club member, but lived the creed and practiced it everyday in his business, in his love for his family and in helping the community. Barrett read Psalm 15, which he said describes his father so well.

GOLF SHIRTS

Don't forget to pick up your W.G.O.C. shirt at the next meeting. If you have not paid in advance, please be prepared to pay when you pick up your shirt. ($25 each). Thanks.

THANKS!

With the assistance of Jim Hollerbach, Brad Rollins of Dayhill Industries has obtained a newer copier for the club office (free!) from a business that was upgrading its equipment.

COMMITTEE INFORMATION

Please use the Interest Form available at meetings to let next year's Vice Presidents, Howard Kasanoff and Mark Morkovsky, know the committees you have decided are of interest to you this year. You can find a description of the committees, with the form attached, on the back table at club meetings. There are some new projects this year.
   Optimist International has made the Childhood Cancer Campaign a major focus for at least the next 5 years, and our own District Governor Ron Graves wants every club to find some way to participate. Talk to Mark if you'd like to help design this club's project or an activity...several people are needed to brainstorm here!

FIRST QUARTER MEETING

...Attend the history-making combined First Quarter District Meetings of the North Texas, South Central Texas and Southeast Texas Districts of Optimist International on November 1st, 2nd & 3rd in College Station at the Hilton Hotel. Optimist President Bill Teague and Vice President Bob Aune will both be present. Registration forms are available now-be sure to turn yours in early to ensure your participation. A special hotel rate is available until October 11. Perhaps several members could car-pool for the Saturday activities.

IT'S A BOY!

Congratulations to Ray and Joanna Harris on the birth of their son William Ray Harris, III, on Saturday, September 21. Young master Will "was 7 pounds 9 ounces and in perfect health," according to his proud father.

CALENDAR

September 30 - Golf Committee Meeting, Noon, Cascabel Restaurant

October 1 - "An Economic Overview", William H. Sirakos, Exec. V.P. Frost Bank

October 1 - Board of Directors meeting

October 7 - Golf Committee Meeting, Noon, Cascabel Restaurant

October 8 - Don Wold

October 8 - Goodie Bag prep right after club meeting

October 14 - 2nd Annual "Friend of Youth" Golf Tournament, Palmer Course at La Cantera Resort

October 15 - NO MEETING AND NO BULLETIN

November 1-3 - 1st quarter District meeting, college Station

OPTI-MRS.NEWS

We won't have the pleasure of singing "Happy Birthday" at our October meeting - not even one of our members was born in October!
   September was celebration time for the Clark Family. Peggy reports that Dale and his daughter, Connie Hudson, were honored at a party in the new covered pavilion at La Fonda on Main. It was to celebrate their arrival in Texas from Ohio 50 years ago, on September 9, 1952. Connie's husband, Gordon, hosted the cocktail dinner party, complete with live music, for the 80+ friends who attended the event. Dale, the eternal Optimist, is looking forward to another party in 50 years!
   Nell Sharrock's new heart pacemaker is doing a good job for her. Nell is already driving her car and participating in most of her usual activities.
   Helen Tezel spends most weekends at the family vacation at Medina Lake. Last week was a busy one. Her son, Paul, had some painting to do there. His wife couldn't accompany him, so Helen went instead. Paul needed someone to be there in the event he fell off the ladder while painting. That same weekend, family and friends gathered to celebrate Mark's birthday.
   Ruth Tarrillion has been under the weather, but is feeling much better now. She says Paul is an excellent nurse.