Clear Lake Chatter 1

New leaders of the Assistance League of the Bay Area get together for a photo at their annual year-end luncheon. They are, from left, Treasurer Cindy Senger-Lewis, President Marie Keener, President-Elect Rebecca Saavedra and Secretary.Sarah Foulds. Assistance League Education Chairman Linda Byrd, from left, visits with Assisteens Liaison Priscilla Magnuson and Strategic Planning Chairman Kathy Tamer at the year-end luncheon. Finance Chairman Elaine Rister is absent from the picture. Other key Assistance League leaders include Vice President Membership Jayne Dannecker, Vice President Marketing Jennifer Maxwell, Vice President Resource Development Sandra Kelver, Vice President Philanthropic Programs Melanie Lovuola, and Vice President Operations Betty Suagee.

Assistance League ends year Assistance League ends year with presentation of awards with presentation of awards

MARIE KEENER, new president of the Bay Area Assistance League, was sworn in at the annual year-end luncheon, as members and guests gathered at Landry’s on the Kemah Boardwalk to celebrate a multitude of recognitions, thank outgoing President Charlene Donovan for all her work, and introduce their new board. Also elected to leadership roles are PresidentElect Rebecca Saavedra, Vice President Membership Jayne Dannecker, Vice President Operations Betty Suagee, Vice President Marketing Jennifer Maxwell, Vice President Resource Development Sandra Kelver, Vice President Philanthropic Programs Melanie Lovuola, Vice President Operations Betty Suagee,Treasurer Cindy Senger-Lewis and Secretary Sarah Foulds.

Linda Byrd will serve as education chairman, Priscilla Magnuson as Assisteens liaison, Kathy Tamer as strategic planning chairman and Elaine Rister as finance chairman. Theme for the yearend celebration was “Hats Off to Volunteers.” But besides the introduction of new officers, a number of awards also were presented:

ABCD AWARD

The Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award is given to members who do not hold key leadership roles but have impacted the chapter’s programs by giving extraordinary amounts of time and service.

MARY ALYS CHERRY

This year's recipients are Mona Farid and Kari

Kelley. SUE BRADY AWARD

The Sue Brady award is presented to a member of the board or an appointive standing committee chairman for leadership and exceptional service to Assistance League goals. This year's recipient is

Sandra Kelver. SUE HOLSTEIN AWARD

The recipient of the Sue Holstein Award is an individual who continues to support our chapter and is a positive voice for our organization. It is a body of work award and signifies contributions over years of membership with the chapter. This year's recipient is Sarah Foulds.

ADA EDWARDS LAUGHLIN AWARD

The Ada Edwards Laughlin award is named for the co-founder of Assistance League who was less visible and filled the role of hard-working behindthe-scenes assistance to Anne Banning. The award winner should be an unsung heroine, having given outstanding service in a relatively inconspicuous way. This year's recipient is Linda Kelly.

ANNE BANNING LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Anne Banning Leadership Award is named after the Assistance League founder, who promoted the growth of effective volunteerism through leadership and education. This award demonstrates the importance and value of leadership to Assistance League chapters, while also honoring the accomplishments and dedication of the recipients. This year's recipient is outgoing President Charlene Donovan.

GLASS SLIPPER AWARD

The Glass Slipper Award is given to a nonmember individual, company, or group for significant contributions to Operation Cinderella. This year’s recipient of the Glass Slipper Award, by unanimous decision, is Clear Creek Independent School District. Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams accepted the award.

H.O.P.E. AWARD

The Heroes of Positive Endeavors (H.O.P.E.) Award is given to a nonmember individual, company, or group for significant contribution to the chapter. When Jill Williams joined in 2000, she brought along Stuart Williams who gave his spirit of caring and commitment to working with the chapter. The H.O.P.E. Award is a tribute to Stuart’s life and service to the chapter. This year's recipient is

Benjamin Taylor.