A peaceful "invasion" took
place at the annual meeting of the Texas Women Bowling Writers in Beaumont. Accompanied
by music from the current edition of "Star Wars," the Board of Directors
of TWBW entered the meeting costumed as various characters from outer space.
Following the invocation, delivered by TWBW Life Member and TWBA President Beverly
McLendon, the breakfast meeting was opened by TWBW President, Syleta "Captain
Kirk" Halbert. Syleta noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of TWBW
and that six charter members of the organization were in attendance. Each was presented
with a long stemmed white rose. Syleta also explained that our "Alien"
Director, Vickie Bibby was unable to be with them that day due to an inner ear injury
suffered on a recent flight home from the planet Syracuse.
Winners of the poster contest were announced. In the Association category, first,
second and third place honors went to Austin WBA, Montgomery County WBA and the Pasadena
500/600 Club. Taking home ribbons in the Tournament category were Hidalgo County
WBA, Austin WBA and Amarillo WBA.
Expanding on the theme of
"Filling Your Space,"
Syleta then unveiled the newest tool available for those involved in bowling promotion,
a manual entitled "Practical(ly) Painless Publicity." Designed with the
novice P.C. in mind, it is hoped that the manual will be beneficial to others as
well.
In her report to the delegation, "Apollo Astronaut," Cheryl Ross indicated
that even though TWBW had experienced some cyberspace difficulties this year due
to the crash of our computer hard drive, things were now back on track and orbiting
nicely.
In her capacity as Secretary/Treasurer, Cheryl also announced during the acts of
the board that Jan Bacon, immediate Past President was being recommended for Life
Membership in TWBW. The recommendation was unanimously approved. Gail Cantu, a former
Vice-President of the TWBW Board, then made a special presentation to Jan.
First Vice President Jeanne "Mr. Spock," Hester told the tale of a brave
group of volunteers called publicity chairmen who lived on the planet "Won't
you print it?" She recounted the problems they faced and the solutions to be
found with the help of other inhabitants from other planets. Jeanne stressed the
need to include stories in our work, which evoke the warm fuzzy side of our sport
as depicted by Director Leigh Anne "Ewok" Gideon. She urged each P.C. to
engage her creativity, to live long and prosper.
Sgt.-At-Arms, Sharon "Princess Leia" Creagor cautioned the
membership to beware of black holes in their universe. As webmaster of the TWBW Internet
site she noted that information posted on this and other bowling sites must be kept
fresh and ever changing.
The "Woman in Black", Director Ellen Goss, told of efforts to reach out
to former members of TWBW in an effort to bring them back to our organization, with
zero tolerance for any "bugs" that might slip through.
Second Vice President, Ann Powell informed the delegation that "E.T." was
unable to attend due to an injury suffered when his finger got stuck in a phone dial.
As his cousin, "A.P." she had agreed to take over his duties, announcing
the winners of the 1999 TWBW writing contests. They are:
* ATL Award - Anne Marie Rumsis - Killeen/Ft Hood WBA
* Newsletter Award - "Scatterpins" - Austin WBA, edited by Cheryl Ross
* Writer of the Year - Tiffany Saunders - Amarillo WBA
* Wood Award for Excellence - Don Wright, freelance writer fromKilleen/Ft.Hood
The Austin newsletter also won first place in the National Women Bowling Writers
competition.
Director Adna "Darth Vader" Clevenger presented two legislative proposals
to the assembly. Both concerned the creation of a second category of membership to
be called Associate Membership. This class of membership will be open to anyone interested
in bowling promotion and publicity and will entitle the member to receive our newsletter
and any other assistance needed. The right to compete in our contests and vote at
our meetings is reserved for regular members. Both legislative proposals passed unanimously.
Top-Adna Clevenger, Director-Left
Jeanne Hester, 1st Vice President
Right- Cheryl Ross, Secretary/Treasurer
| Nominating Committee Chairman Jerri Wines
offered the slate agreed upon by her committee. Incumbents Jeanne Hester, Cheryl
Ross and Adna Clevenger were all reelected by acclamation. |
Following a brief closing, the meeting
adjourned.
Promoters everywhere are reminded to be diligent in their search for new ideas and
stories -after all,
"The Truth
Is Out There!"
Photography by Jan Bacon
