From Director Judy

 

I hope you have the opportunity to attend Convention in Orlando.  The seminar lineup looks terrific!  And, what a bargain!  Compare the cost with those flyers we all get from unknown providers advertising just one brief seminar for a very expensive price.  Don’t go there ~ come to NAWIC Convention, instead!

           

Dues renewals are due.  By now, you’ve received your renewal form.  For your convenience, you can renew online at nawic.org.  It is a secure site.  But however you do it, don’t fail to renew!  The Association has had very positive growth this year and we cannot allow a step backwards.  Plus, we need YOU!  Remember, dues are prorated in the second year for a new member.  If there is any confusion, please contact your chapter president.

 

I’ve been thinking of what I would say in my final newsletter.  I needed a creative way of saying “goodbye” and my thoughts kept turning to the lyrics of that song in “The Sound of Music.”  To quote it would have been clever; however, I can’t spell the words …. you know, “So long, farewell, blankty-blankty-blank…..” 

 

So, although it’s not very clever, I sincerely want to thank each and every one of you for your support and encouragement these past two years.  Serving as your Director has been a terrific experience – one that I will always cherish. 

 

I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as National Secretary next year and, God willing, I hope to serve in other national offices, but, no matter where life takes me, I am always proud to be a Region 7-Girl in the “Bosom of NAWIC.”  You’re the best, Y’all!

           

WOO-HOOOOO! What a ride!  With that, I’m outta here!

Judy

 

 

From Director-Elect Julia

 

I would like to extend heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to Director Judy DeWeese for a job well done and look forward to the upcoming year she will be serving as our NAWIC Secretary. 

 

NAWIC convention is right around the corner and I look forward to my installation as your Director for the next two years.  As I have already discovered, this position requires a lot of time for planning and correspondence, but I am enjoying the opportunity.

 

Plans are set for our APC on November 10 in Fort Worth at the Hilton Garden Inn.  Registration forms have been made available so mark your calendar to attend.  This conference is shaping up to be educational, informative, and fun.  As soon as our agenda is finalized I will forward a copy to you. 

 

There are still many vacancies in our Region 7 Committees/Representative positions. Volunteering for one of these committees is a wonderful way to share your talents and ideas with the NAWIC members, so please let me know if you have an interest.  I will be happy to answer any questions regarding the responsibilities of each position.  Following is a list of positions open:

 

Construction Industry; Membership; PR/Marketing; Safety & Health; Strategic Planning; Tradeswomen; WIC Week; NEF Building Design; NEF CAD/Drafting.  (Tracey Hart, Fort Worth has signed up for NEF Block Kids.)

 

I would like to remind each of you that I will always be available to assist in any way, so please do not hesitate to call or email any time.  Thank you for your support.

 

Julia Campbell

Julia.nolan@yahoo.com,

(817) 821-9600 - cell

 

Welcome New Members!

(New Region 7 members processed 7/28/07 – 8/24/07)

 

Bridget A. Feldman, McCaslin-Hill Const, Inc. (Dallas)

                (no recruiter listed)

 

Welcome to NAWIC, Region 7! Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I hope you are all able to take full advantage of all your chapter has to offer.  If you joined as a member-at-large please don’t hesitate to contact a local chapter and attend their meetings.  Also, attend regional and national events so you also will get the most from your membership. (And, you can transfer your membership to a chapter, if desired.)

 

And a big “Thank you” to the Recruiters!!  If a recruiter is incorrect, or not listed, the new member can contact Sandy Fite at the NAWIC office to have it corrected/added.

 

 

 

 

NAWIC NATIONAL OFFICERS

 

The NAWIC officers for 2007-2008 are …

 

President                     Tamie Taylor, CDT, CIT

President-Elect           Pat McDonald, CIT

Vice President             Robin Fulton Meyer, CIT

Secretary                    Judy DeWeese, CIT

Treasurer                    Debra Gregoire, CIT

Immediate Past-President

                                    Chris Wigginton, CIT

 

 

 

Reminders …

 

As I write this, the new NAWIC website is scheduled to go live on Friday, 8/24.  If you get a chance, pay a visit.  You will be very happy with the “look and feel” and the site will offer much more than the current one (and ONLY ONE password!!).  Eventually, there will be separate pages for each Region and the Director can post her newsletter there, etc.  It may take a while to work out the bugs, so, please be patient.  As always, Tim is standing by to help.  Contact him at time@nawic.org.

 

 

***

 

 

 

News from Around the Region

 

NAWIC Austin

 

 

Katie Loughmiller, President

Austin Chapter #7

kloughmiller@acitexas.com

 

 

 

NAWIC Corpus Christi

 

Our monthly meeting was cancelled due to a variety of issues, we will regroup and have a double dose next month!

 

On July 27^th we held our Casino Night. There was a great variety of games to be played, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Roulette, Black Jack, and Craps.  And we had some great food and drinks for all.  We had a very nice turn out and some great prizes were won by many.

 

I want to thank Lisa Huerta, Virginia Llanas, Christine Lyle, Darlene Omana, Vickie Thompson, and Kim Wilburn for stepping up and filling the committee chairs for the 2007-2008 year.  I am sure they will do a great job and I appreciate all their time and efforts.  You ladies are the BEST!

 

Barbara A. Taylor, CIT, President

Corpus Christi Chapter #4

Barbara_Taylor@ewingcc.com

 

[PS.  My boss was in CC recently and was very excited to see an “Adopt a Highway” sign sponsored by the Corpus Chapter of NAWIC.  He was so impressed and couldn’t wait to tell me about it!  Thanks, Corpus, for contributing to the positive image of NAWIC! … Judy]

 

 

 

 

NAWIC Dallas

 

Greetings from the Dallas Chapter!

 

Although our summer has been relatively quiet, we really got the summer sizzling with our 2^nd Annual Texas Hold’Em Poker Tournament. The event was held on August 17^th and we are pleased to announce that it was an even bigger success than our inaugural foray into the world of Pairs, Straights, Flushes and Full Houses.

 

Speaking of Full Houses, we had 53 total players show up to try their hand at winning the first place prize of $500.00 in American Express Gift Cards and the highly coveted trophy. There were plenty of spectators on hand to cheer on the players, and it seemed that only a smoke-filled room and scantily clad cocktail waitresses were missing. We are also ecstatic that two of our Chapter members made it to the final table. It seems that our ladies are quite the card sharks.

 

We would like to extend our congratulations to the winner, Thomas Williams of KPost Company as well as offer a heartfelt thanks to all our players, sponsors, and volunteers. Because of everyone’s efforts, this year’s event raised well over $5,500.00, a portion of which will benefit the Genesis Women’s Shelter. A very fine job indeed!!

 

We have quite a contingent anxiously awaiting the start of this year’s National Convention. At last count, we have over 10 members making the journey to Orlando on September 5^th to join our fellow WICs. I know we are all looking forward to the many changes in programming which we will all dutifully report back to our Chapter.

 

We are already gearing up for next year’s events. We have scheduled our Block Kids event which will be held on October 6 at the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. This is really one of the most rewarding events that we do, and I encourage all of our members to participate. We have also signed the contract for our Annual Golf Classic and it will be held on April 14^th. This will be the 15^th year for our golf tournament, and I know we will work just as hard to make it a great one. Keep your eyes open for literature about these events.

 

Watching the summer fade away,

 

Tamara S. Crooks

President, Dallas Chapter #2

TCrooks1@aol.com

 

NAWIC Fort Worth

 

[Gracie has been busy lately – planning her wedding.  Since she missed the deadline for the August newsletter, she is submitting August and September this month.  Thanks, Gracie, and congratulations!]

 

August –

NAWIC Fort Worth Chapter No. 1 Trail Duster Playhouse Construction is complete! A very special “Thank You” to Yvonne & Rusty Hall for their hard work and hospitality during playhouse construction. This is a covered wagon playhouse that we are donating to the Child Advocates of Tarrant County and is one of our Construction Industry projects. The Parade of Playhouses Raffle will be held at Hulen Mall on August 18^th. The NAWIC playhouse is always a favorite at this event. Members that participated are Yvonne & Rusty Hall, Lisa & Tim McDonald, Pat & Bruce Meadors, Lynda Dodson, Pauline Lesch, Cristy Treder, Karolene Pittman, Barbara Morgan, Gracie Narey & Bob Stewart.

 

As often occurs during the time we spend together as WICs, we have the opportunity to learn more about each other and about our Chapter. During playhouse construction, Pauline Lesch, Yvonne and I were painting wagon wheels and I learned from Pauline that the Mini-Trade Fair is part of her legacy. Pauline was President in 1992-1993 and one of her goals was to increase networking opportunities between to companies of the chapter members. We hold the Mini-Trade Fair each year in July. This event provides our members with the opportunity to promote their companies. The Mini-Trade Fair is now a 14-year tradition!

 

Past Chapter President Joyce Shore Reeves passed away Wednesday June 27, 2007. Joyce served as Chapter President from 1983-1984 and was an active member for 20+ years. On behalf of our Chapter, I want to thank all of our NAWIC sisters from the Region that sent condolences. Joyce’s feisty spirit will be missed by those who knew her.

 

The Fort Worth Chapter of NAWIC has been invited to attend the Fort Worth Cats baseball game. They are putting our name on the big screen and…it’s Elvis night! We have a total of 40 members, family & friends that are attending.

 

September –

The Fort Worth Chapter was honored to welcome Retired US Air Force Col. Kim Olson as our speaker this month. Col. Olson is the author of “Iraq and Back: Inside the War to Win the Peace.” She spoke of her experience in Iraq and her message was very inspiring and highly motivating. She is truly an advocate for women in non-conforming roles.

 

The NAWIC Annual Meeting & Convention is approaching fast. We will be represented by Karolene Pittman, Cristy Treder, Tracey Hart and Robynn Lehr and Region 7 Direct-Elect Julia Campbell. Julia will be installed on the National Board at this meeting and the Fort Worth Chapter is very proud to be represented by a woman with her strength, knowledge and conviction.

 

On a personal note, I will be out of pocket from September 8^th through September 17^th. Vice-President Pat Meadors will be available in my absence. Saturday September 8^th is my wedding day and I will be in St. Lucia for a week immediately following.

 

Our Joint Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 18^th at 5:30pm at Joe T Garcia’s restaurant and the 2007-2008 Board will be installed at our business meeting on September 20^th. We also present our Chapter Awards at this meeting, which include WIC of the Year, Rookie of the Year and a Community Service award. The guidelines for these awards are documented in our Chapter Manual.

 

It’s been a wonderful year, fast-paced and often hectic, but truly more rewarding than I could have possibly imagined!

 

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
- Anais Nin

 

Gracie Narey, CIT, President

Fort Worth Chapter #1

gnarey@aol.com

 

 

NAWIC Houston

 

Other than the typical HOT Houston summer, not much has been going on with the Houston chapter.  We hosted a Summer Social for members and guests at Champps Bar & Grill after work as a means to stay in touch for the summer months since our chapter does not have a June or July meeting.

 

The board has been busy finding a new location for our meetings and settled on The Briar Club which is centrally located and has a great atmosphere with private meeting room and meeting facilities.  We have been going through this process for almost a year. In a city the size of Houston you think it would be easy, but there are so many restrictions and added costs that is was difficult to find a good place that was affordable for members and guests.  Our September meeting will be held there on 11^th.  We hope the professional atmosphere and central location will benefit our group and help it grow.

 

Houston has 6 members attending National Convention in Orlando.  We are looking forward to a great time and to seeing all our Region 7 friends at the convention. 

 

Our chapter would like to congratulate Judy DeWeese on being elected Secretary of NAWIC and wish her a wonderful year in her position.  We are proud to say you are from Region 7! 

 

We are also excited to seeing our new director, Julia Campbell, installed as our regional leader and wish her a successful two years.  Please let our chapter know what we can do to help you.  We are proud and excited to have you as our director! 

 

Way to go Region 7, we really have some wonderful leaders…see you in Orlando!

 

 

Kathy Sterling, President

Houston Chapter #3

NAWICKathy@aol.com

 

 

NAWIC Oklahoma City

 

 

C.J. Behrenbrinker, President

Oklahoma City Chapter #25

cbehrenbrinker@yahoo.com

 

 

 

NAWIC Tulsa

Hi Region 7:

 

We wrapped our last membership meeting by touring SEM Materials.  What a treat that was!  SEM Materials provides liquid petroleum that is mixed with aggregate to produce asphalt for roads all over the United States, Mexico and Canada.  Our tour guides were Tim and Martha.  Tim is an engineer for SEM while Martha is in marketing.  It was so nice to hear the employees feel like it is a privilege to work for the SEM Group.  Not only was the facility impressive, we hear the employees and owner are equally impressive.  They not only educated us, but they fed us dinner in their employee dining area.  We conducted our meeting immediately thereafter and Sherran Harris gave a NAWIC packet to Martha.  Thanks to Judy Chrisman for doing an excellent job as our Professional Ed Chair this past year.

 

Judy DeWeese told me the time would fly by and I can hardly believe it is my time to hand over the reigns.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the office of President (as long as I remembered to breathe – Tee Hee!)  I look forward to many more opportunities with NAWIC and all the things it has given back to me.  Thank you all for your friendships.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Kasey Baumann, President

Tulsa Chapter #76

Kasey.Baumann@cmc.com

 

 

NAWIC San Antonio

 

It’s August, it’s hot, but the San Antonio Chapter members are ignoring the heat and rolling full steam ahead to finalize the last details for the September 28 seminar “Communication for Women.”  It is the first public seminar our local chapter has sponsored.  The committee has been diligent and successful in getting prepaid registrations.  Congratulations to Terri Pasley for making this idea happen and the members that are helping take care of the details.  A special thanks to Jan Meuth of You Name It Specialties for donating T-shirts for the event.

 

The Chapter also celebrated our birthday with a raffle and auction to raise money for the Susan B Komen fight against breast cancer.  The chapter raised over $1500 in one evening for this important cause.  A special thanks to our past president’s for donating all items raffled and auctioned and our members and guests that made this party an outstanding success.

 

Convention is around the corner.  The San Antonio Chapter will be represented by 8 members.  We’re very proud that Judy DeWeese, our Region 7 Director and our chapter member, will be installed as National Secretary.

 

Martha Simpson, President

San Antonio Chapter #11

mcsnawic@yahoo.com

 

 

NAWIC Waco

 

Seven people attended our dinner at our August meeting.  It was nice to relax and visit but also talk about construction.  Jackie Deskins brought a guest, who will be joining in probably October since it will be the start of the new year and she will also bring a guest to our September meeting.   Jackie is on our Board of Directors and is doing a great job.   Anne Owen had to reschedule taking the CIT test due to illness and she will try again in November.   The AGC building remodeling is coming along but I don't think we will be able to have our meetings in the building until October. 

 

 

Ginger Ritchison

Waco Chapter #14

ginger@centexagc.org

 

Region 7 Committees

 

Safety Committee

 

Staying Cool in Hot Weather

 

Have you checked the temperature lately?  IT’S HOT!!! 

 

Working in the heat involves more than just being uncomfortable.  As temperatures rise, so does the frequency of accidents.  If your hands are sweaty , or if your safety glasses fog up, accidents are more likely to happen.  Also, when you are continuously exposed to heat, your mental alertness and physical abilities decrease.  The physical discomfort you feel in the heat could make you more likely to take shortcuts or overlook the dangers of hazardous tasks.

 

Heart stroke is the most serious heat-related illness because it can be fatal if not treated quickly and properly.  It occurs when your body temperature rises, but your body doesn't perspire to reduce its temperature.  Internal organs shut down because of excessive heat.  Signs of heat stroke include confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature of 105F or higher.  The victim's skin is usually hot, dry, and red or blotchy.  Medical help is needed immediately.  While waiting remove the victim to a cool area, soak all clothing with cool water, and fan the body to improve cooling.

 

Heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat illness caused by excessive sweating without adequate replacement of fluids and salts.  Symptoms include extreme weakness, fatigue, nausea, or headache; along with clammy skin and a pale or flushed complexion.  Have the victim rest in a cool place, loosen clothing, and drink fluids slowly.  Severe cases require professional medical attention.

 

Prevent safety and health hazards by allowing your body to adjust to the heat.  Adequate sleep and good nutrition also help maintain a high level of heat tolerance. 

 

Slow down, take frequent breaks in cool reat areas, and try to save strenuous activities for the coolest part of the day.  In one day, a worker exposed to the heat can produce 2 to 3 gallons of sweat.  It's important that you drink as much water as you're losing through perspiration.  Replenish fluids often.

 

Region 7

Safety Committee Chair

Sherran Harris, Tulsa Chapter

 

 

Professional Education

 

It has been a pleasure to serve as your Region #7 Professional Education Chair for the 2006-2007 year. Region #7 has accomplished great things over the year to enhance the success of women in construction. Keep up the great work!

 

Next year, I am excited to announce that I have been asked to serve as your National Professional Education Co-Chair. At convention, I will learn about the new things in store for the coming year and look forward to sharing them with you upon my return.

 

Thanks for all that you do!

I am here if you need any assistance.

 

Jill Melançon

Region #7 P.E. Chair

jill.melancon@kpostcompany.com

Cell:  817-540-2197

Let’s Take a Break

 

“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret,” – Ambrose Bierce

 

This ever happen to you? I will be the first one to say, yes, it has happen to me. It has taken a long time to learn that angry words can hang in the air for what seems like a lifetime.

 

It can be your boss, co-worker, friend, child or spouse, and yes, even a NAWIC sister that can say or do something that sets you off.  But, what is important to learn is, how do you handle it? You have already discovered yelling and getting angry does not work….so what does?  Each of us is different, we do not think alike, we handle stress differently - life in general is different for each of us. The answer is – there is no “canned” answer. 

 

What you have to do for yourself - discover what and who lights your fuse, then try and avoid any situation that puts you in a war zone with it or them. Of course, with family and your boss, this would not work, but, when you let them make you angry, you are giving them control of you. Control – that’s a pretty powerful word. First you let the situation or person have control and then you let the anger inside you have control. STOP! Take back your control.

 

We have all heard the ole’ saying “it takes two to argue”, well it is true….you ever tried arguing when the other person is not responding to your anger…it kind of takes the wind out of your sail, looks like you are arguing with yourself……..you look like a nut case.

 

Take a few moments to think about the last time you were angry, what did you say or do? Looking back, are you proud of the way you handled the situation? NO? Well, what are you going to do the next time something comes up?.........

 

 

Dates to Remember

 

 

Essential Elements

 

There are essential pieces that make any business or association a success.  When it comes to the success of our NAWIC Region, YOU are an ESSENTIAL ELEMENT.  Our success depends ENTIRELY on the contribution of the TEAM.  We are ALL members of that team; we EACH have a part to play in the victory. 

 

 

Presenting the 2006 – 2007 Team Leaders of our Essential Elements of Success …

 

 

Region 7 2006-07 Chapter Presidents

 

Thank you to my FABULOUS Chapter Presidents!!  You have been an Essential Element in our Success.  My crystal ball tells me that YOU have a FABULOUSLY successful NAWIC future ahead!!  …… jd

 

Katie Loughmiller                        Austin #7

        kloughmiller@acitexas.com

Barbara Taylor                           Corpus Christi #4 Barbara_Taylor@ewingcc.com

Tammy Crooks                             Dallas #2

        TCrooks1@aol.com

Gracie Narey                              Fort Worth #1 gnarey@aol.com

Kathy Sterling                            Houston #3 NAWICKathy@aol.com

C.J. Behrenbrinker                      Oklahoma City #25

        cbehrenbrinker@yahoo.com

Martha Simpson                          San Antonio #11 mcsnawic@yahoo.com

Kasey Baumann                            Tulsa #76

        Kasey.Baumann@cmc.com

Ginger Ritchison                         Waco #14                     

        ginger@centexagc.org

 

 

Region 7 2006-07 Committee Chairs/Reps

 

Thank you to my WONDERFUL committee chairs!!  You, too, have been an Essential Element in our Success.  You ROCK!  ………jd

 

Construction Industry                 Martha Simpson

Membership                                Kathy Sterling &

                                                Terri Pasley

PR/Marketing                             Celeste Estep

Professional Education                 Jill Melançon

Safety & Health                         Sherran Harris

Strategic Planning                       Terry Johnson

Tradeswomen                              Katie Loughmiller

WIC Week                                 Becky Wynne &

                                                Barbara Taylor

NEF Liaison                               Karolene Pittman

NEF Block Kids                           Brenda Corbett

NEF Building Design                    (none)

NEF CAD/Drafting                     Brenda Corbett

Director’s Advisory                     Past Regional Directors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judy DeWeese, CIT

NAWIC Director, Region 7, 2005-2007

JuDeNAWIC@aol.com

210.826-1813 office

210.860-9117 cell