PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends and Sponsors,

Linda Pepper did such a great job at the luncheon today making volunteering at Driscoll Children’s Hospital sound so interesting. She did a great presentation.

I have been blessed that I have not had to work outside the home for much of my life or else I didn’t choose to, whatever. Therefore, I have been able to do a lot of volunteering from being a volunteer social worker in the renal metabolic clinic at the Children’s Hospital in Dallas, to training volunteers for Family Outreach in Dallas, to being the volunteer coordinator for a theater in Philadelphia to name but a few.

I know that I always received much more than I gave. Being new in our community, volunteering is such a great way to get acquainted with our city. It not only changes the people who are the recipients of the volunteer, but also helps you become a better person. Each one of us is setting an example for someone else and we can truly shape the concept of community. But it still remains the individual act of caring, the single act of kindness that is eternal.

For those of you that have some free time in your schedule, I would encourage you to considering volunteering. Driscoll Children’s Hospital would be an excellent choice. They only ask for four hours a week. There are many other choices in Corpus Christi. Being a docent at the Art Museum, ushering at the Harbor Theater, working at the public library, helping build a home for Habitat for Humanity to name but a few. There would be many choices depending on your interests. How cool! To know that we can truly help to make our community a better place to live.

Love in Fun and Friendship,

Joyce

Scrapbooking Club and Board Games Club have been cancelled.

New clubs are welcome and encouraged to form. Remember to start a club there needs to be a member willing to chair the club. Any member interested in forming a club, please contact Candy Duncan, Club Coordinator for assistance in getting started

The Hearts & Hands Club is recruiting volunteers to work shift(s) for the YWCA Children’s Island at Bayfest, September 24 – 26. You will be seated under a tent and receive free entrance to Bayfest for the day worked. The funds raised at Children’s Island support YWCA programs, such as Carousel of Learning, Young Parents, and Y Teen Clubs. All of the proceeds at Bayfest go to community charities.

To sign up or have questions answered, call Nancy Gray at 986-9175.

Congratulations to Joe and Julie Herrera, the big prizewinners at a recent fishing tournament. They won two round-trip airline tickets to anywhere. Must have been a really big fish!

In August Mollie Zick headed for Seattle to see her daughter and family. While there all went to Vancouver Island to visit Mollie’s brother who has a summer home on the island. That’s a great way to beat the heat in CC.

Bobbie Sue Doye’s son now has his driving permit. Pray for his safety and all those around him. Also, the Doye’ Family Reunion in July in Oklahoma was a huge success, with 46 in attendance. Bobbie Sue has been able to organize it for 2005 at the same place.

Linda L. Pepper, Volunteer Coordinator, thanks the members of NNL for welcoming Driscoll Children’s Hospital to the August luncheon. Linda presented her program about volunteering via a fun game of Bingo with lots of prizes.

The program brought back memories for Glenda Tvrdik, of when her 11-year-old grandson Kyle was a chemotherapy patient at Driscoll last year. He was given a jar with a butterfly cocoon. They watched it until the butterfly came out, then he was instructed to let it go when the wings dried out. He then returned the jar to the volunteer who had given the project to him. A nice memory, and Kyle is now through with treatments and cancer free.

Bob and Julie Schultz, after a trip to England and Austria, were on the move again. This time they traveled to see their daughters in up-state New York. The area was just beautiful! They visited grandchildren in the Syracuse and Ithaca, NY areas. After a marvelous vacation in cool mountains they returned home.

While Marion Gholston visited her daughter in New Jersey they spent three days and nights in "Noo Youk City" in the Novatel (a French hotel) at Broadway at 52^nd Street. They went to three plays including "The Frogs" starring Nathan Lane, who also adapted this ancient Greek play by Aristophanes. Marion says it was "a wonderful vacation".

Mary Stewart and her daughter, Susan Foster from Tulsa, OK, went to Fayetteville, AR on a Saturday in July to attend Bill Clinton’s signing of his book "My Life." It was held at a WalMart where he signed 1,000 books. "We were in line for 10 hours. WalMart provided us with ice water and umbrellas. The whole parking lot was like a huge festival with everyone having a good time. The hours just flew by really fast. Even though we were #804 and #805, President Clinton took the time to tell us of the fond memories he had of his visit to Corpus Christi. It was a wonderful and exciting experience we will never forget."

This must be a record for NNL. Maury H. and Anne Foster were honored by their children and grandchildren on their 70^th wedding anniversary with a party. Congratulations and best wishes for many more years together!

Billie Snowden says: "I want to express my appreciation for your care and concern the day of my son-in-law’s surgery for cancer, especially Joyce, who led the prayer. He is recovering and doing well and we hope for the best. God bless you all."

July/August found Jim and Sylvia Whitworth in Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Poland was devastated by the Nazis and repressed by the Soviets, but it is now new and beautiful, the Old Town rebuilt from original architectural drawings. A Chopin concert celebrated Poland’s native son. Their visit to Krakow included a sobering trip to Auschwitz/Birkenau. The 11^th century salt mine was fascinating, seeing the statues, chapels and chandeliers carved by miners out of salt. Prague, Czech Republic, with its Castle and Charles Bridge is filled with music. They attended Mozart’s "Don Giovanni" – written for the people of Prague, the premier directed by Mozart at the current opera house. Bratislava, Slovakia was the home of Hungarian kings for generations. The Danube divides Budapest, Hungary with its castle hill, many church spires, and excellent centuries-old restaurants and restful spa.

Stephanie Guest is pregnant and will be due in March. Stephanie, her husband Norman, and daughter McKenzie are very excited about the big news. Also, McKenzie will be having her first birthday September 3rd.

Sylvia Whitworth

Sunshine Chair

Sprouting up in Iowa, our summer Rose has roots that run both deep and far. Reared in the Hawkeye State she graduated from Drake University earning a double major in Sociology and Psychology.  Marriage to husband Joe marked the next landmark of her exciting life, along with a move to Kansas City.  It was in KC that this proud Rose introduced two very important additions to the world – children Kimberly and Brad.

Relocating to Long Island, NY, our Rose fondly recalls meeting the acquaintance of many neighbors, especially George, who also worked with Joe in the direct mail business, and his wife. Acquaintance with George was practically an annual event at national conventions particular to their business, and those interactions with him created fond and lasting memories for this month’s honored member.

Roots spread further with a move to Dallas, where now nearly grown Kimberly and Brad attended school and college. After Dallas, the couple set out for Philadelphia and then to Los Angeles.  Sadly, after only one year in Southern California, Joe became ill and succumbed six weeks later. 

Far from family and friends – or New Neighbors – our Rose was visited by friend George. Divorced and residing in Washington DC he appeared to lend support in a trying time. Although others had visited, our Rose recognized that George was there to truly listen, while many others had simply tried to distract her from her grief. Our Rose notes succinctly, "It was such a relief to get to talk about it."

George returned to the nation’s capital but continued to call and send flowers. "He scared me to death;" our friend recalls, "but I wasn’t going to tell him to go away!" The two married and George moved to the City of Angels to be with his beloved. When the Real Estate market of Southern California was at its peak, this new pair had a great deal of fun as agents. Our Rose and husband made their mark!

Expanding, the couple moved to San Jose del Cabo to sell real estate and develop property.  Texas – as it is apt to do – beckoned once again; they moved to Austin and stayed for eleven years.  It was the longest either had ever lived in one house. 

One can live in many houses in a lifetime, but it is Corpus Christi that has become home for our Honored Member who came to be close to daughter Kimberly and her family.  "So we are here to stay and we are happy to be settled.  We also have a precious little doggie named Sally," our Rose adds. 

"A couple of people told me about NNL," she said.  "I went to the coffee by myself and met Nancy Gray, who took me to the first meeting.  I hadn't lived here but a month.  I have served two terms as subscriptions chair, one term as invitational chair and of course, one term as president.  Being subscriptions chair and invitational chair, I did those jobs at home alone, so I have really enjoyed being president, as I got to know you all much better.  NNL has been a very important part of my life in Corpus and I have made many wonderful friends.  It has been terrific"

Beyond the pivotal roles our Rose continues to play in our organization, she is actively involved with Grace Presbyterian Church, has led a Disciples bible study group and intends to again.  Also, she is in a renewal group, a 3D group and is Volunteer Coordinator and the Care Group Chairperson.

For fun, she is a duplicate bridge player, participating two to three times weekly, and reads voraciously.

Completing this homage to our treasured Rose, her daughter -- Kimberly Cook -- has just joined New Neighbors. With that, let us congratulate our Dear Rose, our friend, our president Joyce Seitz.

President, Joyce Seitz, called the August 12, 2004 luncheon of the New Neighbors League of Corpus Christi to order. After reading the club prayer, Joyce welcomed everyone in attendance. There was open time for everyone to enjoy their lunch.

Joyce introduced the Vice President, Mollie Zick, Secretary, Bobbie Sue Doye’, and Treasurer, Jana Gann.

Joyce then introduced the Advisors: Lyn Kitchens, Carol Allen and Nancy Gray, the Assistant to the Advisors.

Joyce asked everyone to join her in recognizing the Past Presidents in attendance: Jackie Del Nano and Carol Allen and Ruth Williams.

Sponsors: Joyce introduced a guest, representing Dr. Don Vaughn and Gerry Hackley from Mary Kay.

Andrea Tackett, Membership Chair introduced NNL's newest members: Jane Cheeseman, Tammie Mathis, Theresa Christopherson, Lena Walker, Carol Gigliotti, Vera Goldsten, Diane van Maele and Edna Baldwin.

Joyce introduced Prospective Chair Cara Stoneciper who introduced prospective members: Erica Seigneur, Stephanie McDaniel and Sheryl Fetsis, a guest of Lyn Kitchens. These ladies were welcomed to NNL.

Nancy Gray announced that she is the Movie Club Chair and welcomed anyone who likes movies to join this fun group.

Nancy Gray placed a sign up sheet on each table and asked for volunteers for the Bayfest YWCA; explaining that any funds raised at the booth are given in charity to the YWCA.

Sally Galyon, Social Chair, announced the upcoming Social October 8^th will be "Havana Night" with live music from the band Latin Talk; a buffet dinner of Cuban delights and salsa dancing at the Town Club Crystal Room; starting at 7 pm; for $25.00 per person. She encouraged everyone to attend this exciting fun and friendship event.

Cara Stonecipher announced that the Nominating Committee is looking for volunteers for the next term and that a sign up sheet is on each table so you can sign up and list what position you would like to volunteer for; and that the Nominating Committee will try their best to place you in the position you desire; or another position that you can lend your talents.

Susie Wright, Community Service Chair, announced that there would be a meeting today immediately following the luncheon to discuss plans to donate a basket of goodies for the September Silent Auction.

Joyce announced that the Fun and Friendship award was given to Jana Gann for volunteering to become Treasurer after losing two treasurer’s this term; as well as retaining her job as Scrapbook Chair. Joyce announced that Jana is doing a great job in both positions and we appreciate her hard work and dedication.

Joyce noted that if you see someone new moving into your neighborhood, please introduce yourself and tell about NNL. You can use the form in the Sanddollar or simply phone our Membership Chair with the information. We would love to give them the opportunity to attend a NNL function.

Sue McClurg briefed the lunch group and placed on each table the flyers for "Make it or Bake it", the upcoming Fall Silent Auction. Sue encouraged everyone to participate in this wonderful fund raiser.

Joyce announced that there was an announcement sheet at each table to write last minute notes and reminders about upcoming club events and activities. Joyce encouraged everyone to look over this sheet and to record any pertinent dates in your calendar.

Sylvia Whitworth reminded everyone that the Sunshine Sheet is on each table for any news you wish to share with NNL. Sylvia asked that our name and phone number be listed with our news in case she needs additional information.

Joyce announced that there is a suggestion box on the entry table to place any suggestions, along with your name.

Joyce read a Thank You Note to NNL from Renie Owen for the $25.00 gift given in September, 2003 in memory of Ardean Heil, to benefit cancer patients.

Mollie introduced our program "Altruism and Giving Yourself to Others", with our featured speaker, Linda Pepper, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Volunteer Program Assistant. Linda informed us of the ongoing need for volunteers in every area of the facility. Linda also had us play a game of BINGO related to the hospital functions and provided us with informational pamphlets and passed out wonderful door prizes to members that "Bingoed".

Andrea Tackett also held the August birthday drawing, and the prize was awarded to Jana Gann.

The 50/50 drawing was held and Nancy Gray won $21.00.

Announcements to be noted:

If you have been in the club over 2 years, you need to contact Mollie Zick, our Vice President, to make reservations for the luncheon.

The next coffee is September 7th at 7 p.m. at the home of Candy Duncan. The board meeting will start at 6:00 p.m. before the coffee.

Our next luncheon is September 9th at 10:45 a.m. at the King's Crossing Country Club.

The club thought was read and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Bobbie Sue Doye’

Edna Baldwin ebaldwin@stx.rr.com

Mark your calendars