PilotNewsletter2007

 

June 2006

PILOT PROGRESS

Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs

Yvonna Womack, President      

                    Striving for Excellence in Pilot Service

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                                           SPRING FEVER ’06 --- A ROARING SUCCESS

We did it again! Our fundraiser extraordinaire has once again risen to the occasion and topped our previous attendance with a whopping 382 riders.  It just keeps getting bigger and better. The Bicycle-Stuff website had 12 rave reviews and some ended with “I’ll be back”, “a MUST DO event”, “I’ll be back and bring friends”, “I’d rate this ride an A+”, and “Can’t wait to make it back next year.”  As bike rides go, we’ve got it going on.  Many years ago when we worked so hard to earn $500 we kept thinking if we can find one really good fund raising event how great that would be – we’re there.  Our net funds raised is over $7500 with some income still coming in. Fundraising Division Coordinator Diane Nickerson and Co-Coordinator Debra Evans along with their division members have worked very hard and deserve our accolades. Also many thanks to all our members, their family members who were drafted and worked right along side of us and our crew of helpers who always make this event what it is.  Many members commented on how smooth everything went, even with some stolen signs, we all managed to do our jobs without stressing out. We’ve come a long way Baby!   And best of all, we had a blast, our “Pilots for a day” had a blast and most of all our riders had a blast.  What a win-win deal – can’t wait for Spring Fever ’07.

ALWAYS SAY “PLEASE” AND “THANK YOU”

On May 26, the Pilot Club of Sulphur Springs hosted it’s Appreciation Luncheon for the many people who were “Pilots for a Day” and helped to make Spring Fever ’06 a roaring success.  The luncheon was attended by our law enforcement heroes, our Military Coalition heroes, our Campfire Cowboy heroes and several other heroes.  It was such a busy day some of our heroes didn’t even get the chance to finish their lunch. We all enjoyed visiting and exchanging “bike ride stories”.  This has truly become not only a Pilot event but a community event and our many partners who have helped us put on this ride which is “second to none” share the credit for its success. A very special “Thank You” to each and every one of our heroes was expressed.

“Just as there are no little people or unimportant lives, there is no insignificant work.”

      ---- Elena Bonner

       2006-2007 INSTALLATION SERVICE

Please plan to attend our installation service on June 29, 2006 at 6:30 PM.  It will be held at the First Baptist Special Events Center at 217 College Street in Sulphur Springs.  Come and enjoy the silent auction, the good food and the fellowship provided by the “Busy Bees” Pilot Club members!

MESSAGE FROM INCOMING PRESIDENT:

We have completed the budget meetings for our 2006-2007 Pilot Club year.  The year planned by the Divisions looks to be an exciting one.  There are several new hands-on service projects planned along with some of our old stand-bys. There should be something for everyone to be involved in. 

I want to thank everyone for their hard work during the budget process and during this last year.  There is one thing I have learned during my time in PC of SS – we have a lot of willing members if one will just ask for their help!  You guys are the greatest!  I look forward to working with all of you in 2006-2007 – there will be lots of Busy Pilot Bees enjoying friendship, fun and service.

                            Tina Phillips

DIVISION NEWS:

Fundraising Coordinator Debra Evans had a meeting with almost 100% attendance at noon on June 14 at Community Bank. That’s remarkable considering that half the club is on Fundraising. A net goal of $7,000 was set, assignments made and some new enhancements to the ride were planned.  Renee Thomas is Co-coordinator and this division is filled by a very enthusiastic group of ladies.

Projects Coordinator Jane Goldsmith hosted a projects planning meeting at her home treating her committee to a home cooked Italian meal on Monday evening, June 12. There are many ambitious projects planned with the club planning to utilize the funds we have accumulated.  This thoughtful, caring and dedicated group of Pilots have come up with some really wonderful project ideas to present to the club for the coming year.  Co-coordinator Barbara Sanders is helping Jane to head up this Division with enthusiasm and diligence. We have a lot to look forward to in ’06-’07.

Operations Coordinator Sandy Dunston met with members of this division on June 12 at Community Bank.  Co-coordinator for operations division is Cathy Chitwood.  Budgets for the coming year were discussed and will be presented to the club.  The committee members made plans for the ’06-’07 year.  Each of the ladies quickly accepted the various responsibilities assigned to this division and are eager to begin.

PROJECTS UPDATE

Chrysalis House Update.  We have the sheet rock up. The bathroom is all torn out and ready to fix. Our next job is to do the tape and bedding, then we will be ready to get the Pilots lined up to paint and start decorating. We have all new wiring & up to code. A friend who is an electrician did all the work free. Wanda’s YOM kids did the sheet rocking and working on the bathroom. We have the fixtures for the bathroom (they were donated).

More material has been purchased to make additional blankets for moms signing up for WIC. Tina will let us know when we can pick up the material.

PIF is still collecting ink jet cartridges. This has been so successful that it has been extended for another year. Yvonna Womack, our PIF representative, will be collecting the ink jets.

A SPECIAL PILOT HEART AT WORK

This article will come as no surprise to any of you. Our own Pilot personified, Judy Gregg, recognized the opportunity to reach out & touch the life of a child in our school system who had won a chance for a trip to Galveston, however his family could not afford the gasoline to make the trip. Judy heard about this & organized a mini-fundraiser which made it possible for this young man & his family to enjoy this special event. There is no way to measure the effect this act of kindness had on this young man and his family, but their thank you note will give you an idea and will bring tears to your eyes.

Judy also knew that some of the local 8th graders would not be able to attend the banquet because they could not afford dresses.  Judy  organized the collection of  prom dresses and made it possible for those to attend that could not have gone otherwise. 

We realize that Judy’s example of a Pilot heart working not only in Pilot activities and projects but in her day-to-day life should be the ultimate goal of all Pilots. Judy, you do this very well and we’re all very proud of you.

MEMBER NEWS

Monica Littlefield’s daughter, Kylie, has been on an education tour of Italy. Monica is excited but anxious about her being so far away. Mom says she won’t be the same girl when she returns having traveled across the “Big Pond”.

Marilyn Holt’s son, Jonathan, also traveled to Italy.  Marilyn is pleased that he had the opportunity and missed him.  Jonathan has lots of experiences to share with his family.

Congratulations to Janie Crump’s son, Tanner, who is marrying Ashley Welch on July 7.

Janie will be traveling to London this summer with her sister to visit another sister. Have a great time Janie!

Toni Coffee has resigned from our Pilot Club. Time restraints prevent Toni from being as active in the club as she would like to be. We will all miss Toni.

Wanda Galyean has taken 68 youth & adults to Austin on a mission trip.

Continue to keep Rita Stoltenberg in your prayers in the loss of her sister, Mona. Another sister with breast cancer is in remission.

Rita’s daughter Sammie is in Australia for several weeks with a youth group.

Norma McIllwain’s dad fell and broke his hip. He is having surgery June 20.

Renee Thomas’ mother is recovering nicely after double carpal tunnel surgery.

Becky Potts’ tests on her lymph nodes came back benign. She had a mastectomy on one side June 20 and will not have to have chemotherapy or radiation. She will be in the hospital about 5 days. Her address is: 10350 FM 514, Emory, TX 75440-3874. 903-413-3191.  She has expressed how much the prayers, cards, letters and e-mails have meant to her.  Keep on praying and thanking God for the miracle of His healing touch for Becky.

Lisa Gideon has been cruising.  Hope you had a great time Lisa!

PROGRAM MEETINGS

July – Joyce McDonald with Terrific Tuesday

August – Sherry Garrard, Board Member with NE Texas Food Bank.

September – Joanna Horton, Circle of Friends

October – Betty Reese, League of Dreams