As a teenager, I always longed to be on the stage, but I was too shy to seek or play a part. Instead, I actively participated behind the scenes, as stage manager and even assistant director. However, when the audience applauded, I always felt a little letdown, as if the clapping was only for the actors and actresses and not for the rest of us who had worked really hard to get everything ready. Yesterday at the conference though, when it was my turn to be on the stage, but I did not feel like the audience was applauding just for me or that when people told me how well the conference had gone, that it was because of me. I KNEW fully in my core that the conference was a success because a great team and their work of planning and attending to every detail and following through had made it all come together. I knew this because I had watched them work and participated alongside them to varying degrees all year long, becoming ever more impressed as the year progressed. Everyone played their part to the utmost and it just all came together beautifully. From Karen Howard to Beulah Foley-Matlock, Theresa McShan, Brazos Valley Affiliates Brenda Grays and Kim Everett, Kara Kelley, Robin Agnew, Audrey Selden and Kim Kizer, and Mercie Zapata, and their teams, and of course Kathy Wilson, Kersten Schofield, Lydia Rudy, and Debbie Peterson, our CMP team, and Cheryl Taylor, Communications Director, Shalyn Bridges, Public Relations/WOTY planner, and Houston Affiliates Denisha Ellis-Broussard and Deborah Clark (EWTG etched wine glasses). Without even one of these ladies and their teams, the conference would not have been the success it was. It is such a pleasure to work with a group of highly motivated and tuned-in women who are “in control” – and if that doesn’t ring a bell, then you weren’t at the conference! Ladies, every one of you Rocks and I stand in awe. Thank you for making this experience for all of the conference attendees and me personally a truly inspiring event.

The Year 2017 is coming to a close, and soon the 2017 Board of Directors turns over the reins to the 2018 Board of Directors to start the New Year. The consolidated board meeting this past Sunday afternoon was productive and fruitful, with in-depth knowledge transfer and good discussions about how to hit the ground running.

It’s been a wonderful experience for me and, even though retired, I have learned a lot that I hope to take forward in my next pursuits. To all of you and especially my team of advisors, my board, and Lydia, Kirby, and Debbie: thank you for putting your trust and faith in me and for giving me this opportunity to take EWTG forward another year as we complete a third of a century of developing women leaders.

I will leave you with a final thought: I once heard someone say that her motto was “A good day begins the night before.” I think this is true on many levels. When I was at the office, I would leave a note to myself every evening about what to tackle first the next day. When I was really on top of things, I would get all my clothes for the week ironed and ready by Sunday evening. Now I get the coffee maker set up and wake to freshly brewed hot coffee every day. There is something about making things easy at the beginning of the day that can leave you smiling throughout the day. You can leave for appointments on time or even early and arrive with less stress. It’s all good. If this is already how you live, I congratulate you, and if not, why not consider making your preparations the day before part of your New Year Resolutions?

Happy Holidays Everyone – And Many Many Thanks Again.

Clare Dyer
2017 EWTG President

EWTG STAR loves to celebrate the accomplishments of our members. If you know of any members who have achieved any accolades, promotions, acknowledgments, recognitions or other achievements, please let us know. We want to share with other members.

Please send the information to communciations@ewtg.org with the subject line– EWTG STAR. The submission deadline is December 27, 2017.

2018 Board Induction | Networking | Festive Menu
Holiday Sweaters | EWTG Ornaments | Teddy Bears

As we look forward to celebrating the close of an outstanding year of accomplishments in EWTG, we invite you to join us for our Annual Holiday Luncheon on December 12, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at the Austin Women’s Club. Grab your coziest Holiday sweater and join EWTG at the Holiday Luncheon for a festive twist on an EWTG Holiday Party classic. Holiday sweaters can be elegant, Christmas tacky, homemade, store bought, celebratory or Plain Jane colors. We are trying to convince Texas that it is time for some winter pizzazz! Fun Pictures & Prize for best sweater!

This year’s holiday luncheon menu includes a mixed green salad with pears, roasted pork loin, and chocolate crème brulee. One of Austin’s finest pianists, Mattie B. Robinson, will provide the music as we dine at decorated tables. A sweater contest (participation optional) will be held, and all attendees will receive a special gift.

We will celebrate and recognize the work of the 2017 Board and committees, and our 2018 Board of Directors will be sworn in by our special guest, the Honorable Judge Brenda P. Kennedy. Judge Kennedy has served this community in a judicial capacity since 1987, and is the current Judge of the 403rd Judicial District Court and the Presiding Judge over all of the criminal courts in Travis County. Judge Kennedy will speak briefly and introduce the 2018 president and perform the oath of office for the new board.

Once again, Teddy Bears will be collected onsite to share with the children of Safe Alliance.

Free parking for the Austin Woman’s Club is located between 7th and 8th Streets on Nueces (view map). The cost of the luncheon is $30 per member. Remember to register early for the luncheon in anticipation of a “full house”.

Online registration will end at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 8, 2017. Please Note: In accordance with EWTG policy, the full cost of the luncheon will be billed for those who register but are not able to attend. The deadline to cancel your registration without penalty is Wednesday, December 6, 2017. If you would like to send someone as a substitute, please contact EWTG at ewtg@ewtg.org by noon on Monday, December 11, 2017.

The American Heart Association had some positive techniques for dealing with STRESS, yes STRESS. In her article “Four Ways to Deal with Stress”, the author offers some simple things we can do to help manage our stress levels.

It is that time of year again – the holiday season - where our stress levels can rise to that red zone. In the red zone, our physical and mental health are tested. When it comes to good health, we all want to pass the test with positive outcomes.

Last minute gifts, last minute guests, and last minute shopping can push any “normal” person close to the edge, if not over. You may get to the point where one more “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” may be the straw that breaks the reindeer’s back. They just ran out the toy your child or grandchild wanted after waiting in line for over an hour. The shopping network ticker said 50 left as you tried to make that order, only to submit the order and have a sold out message displayed.

Below are some simple techniques to help us stay in the green zone and have a pleasant holiday with family and friends.

1. Positive Self-Talk
   Self-talk is one way to deal with stress. We all talk to ourselves; sometimes we talk out loud, but usually, we keep self-talk in our heads. Negative self-talk increases stress. Positive self-talk helps you calm down and control stress. With practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones.
2. Emergency Stress Stoppers
   There are many stressful situations — at work, at home, on the road, and in public places. We may feel stress because of poor communication, too much work and everyday hassles like standing in line. Emergency stress stoppers help you deal with stress on the spot.
3. Finding Pleasure
   When stress makes you feel bad, do something that makes you feel good. Doing things that you enjoy is a natural way to fight off stress.
4. Daily Relaxation
   Relaxation is more than sitting in your favorite chair watching TV. Relaxation should calm the tension in your mind and body. Some good forms of relaxation are yoga, tai chi (a series of slow, graceful movements), and meditation.

See Who Joined and Renewed in November 2017!

EWTG scholarships are awarded on a quarterly basis to those wanting an opportunity for professional advancement or personal growth. All interested members are encouraged to apply; financial need is not a factor. Take a moment to treat yourself to a course you have been putting off or a conference you would love to attend.

Guidelines for qualifying for a scholarship and applications are available on the EWTG website at ewtg.org. Email your 2017 fourth quarter application to the Scholarship Committee by 5:00 p.m. on December 29, 2017.

The EWTG Board holds its monthly meetings at the Mitte Carriage House in Austin on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The agenda for each meeting will be posted on EWTG's website by noon on the Monday before the meeting.

A summary of the board meeting minutes is also posted on the website.

Please look over the Committee Descriptions on the EWTG website and consider becoming more active in the organization.

Participating on a committee is a great way to support EWTG, learn new skills and to meet other interesting executive women. As with so many things, "the more you give, the more you get."