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- November 2020
Stay informed and stay connected!
November 2020
On October 21st, we celebrated the newest "best" Class 36 at their New Class Reception. This year's more intimate reception (smaller due to COVID restrictions) was attended by the new class, LRAA Board members, ROCs and LR Leadership. We missed all of you but hope to have opportunities to get together soon! |
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A huge round of applause to all of you who participated in the LRAA Online Auction this year! From those whohelped contribute auction items to those who bid on items, the auction exceeded our expectations! With this being our first year of holding the auction online, a new level of uncertainty came with this annual fundraising event. Like with all things you rose to the challenge!
If you won an item, you can pick it up at Logotology Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 5:00 pm. Please pick up your item(s) before November 11. If you never received a text with auction information, please confirm the correct mobile number is on your account on the LRAA website. Thank you again for making this year’s fundraising event a success!
Leadership Development: Mastermind Group When: Wednesday, November 18 7:00PM - 8:00PM Register here. Location: Virtual Join Zoom Meeting We had our virtual informational meeting about forming MasterMind groups last week. It was a great turnout for this first event, with 14 participants online and a number of others showing interest. The meeting was basically to introduce what MasterMind groups actually are and to see what type of interest there is in forming groups. It appears we have enough interest to move forward. A second meeting has been scheduled for November 18th at 7:00PM You are encouraged to research Mastermind groups and bring some ideas to our next meeting with your vision of a group. We plan to set a date after the first of the year to start forming groups. There are a number of sites that have information on Mastermind Groups. Here is a link that provided good information: This link has a couple of short videos, " What is a Mastermind Group?" and "Designing a Mastermind Group" We look forward to seeing what the future of Masterminds and LRAA have in store. Please contact Dickie Watkins with your thoughts or questions: 214-460-8237 |
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| It's time to apply for the 2021 Richardson Police Department Citizen Police Academy! This annual program gives citizens a view of the inner workings of the Police Department, in an academic environment where ideas are openly exchanged in an effort to increase community solidarity. It provides the Department an opportunity to be more aware of individual concerns and perceptions so we may be more responsive to future community needs. To learn more and apply, click here. |
| The Boys and Girls Club of Richardson is seeking new members on their Advisory Council. Currently, they are located on Belt Line Rd, near Richardson High School, and provide after-school and tutoring services. The Advisory Council meets once a month (second Wednesday at lunch) and helps fundraise for the club. Although Richardson's Club is part of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas, they are responsible for the funds required to keep the local club operational. It is a great opportunity to give back to the community and the ability to serve a great group of kids. Coby Pewitt is willing to chat with anyone that is interested. |
| The RALC Career Bridge program went online this semester due to the pandemic, but will still have guest speaker capability in the Zoom class. There are volunteer opportunities for Class Speakers, Mentors, and Industry Contacts so they can build out all three of these roles for the program. If you have an interest in helping RALC students please fill out this Career Bridge Volunteer Form. Their new Success Coach, Whusheane Perry, will receive the Volunteer form responses directly and then reach out to schedule class speakers based on relevance to class topics, and connect students with mentors. |
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We have a shout out to some LR alums who are modeling the way in leadership roles. Diana Moore from Class 32 was an inaugural member of a newly created commission in Rowlett to embrace diversity in the city. She has just been named chair of that committee. And the 2021 Richardson Chamber Board is filled with LR Alums, including incoming Chairman of the Board, Eric Peltier (26). Also serving on the board are: Manasseh Durkin (31), Jan Arrant (32), Monica Scott (24), Darren Durrett (31), Stan Bradshaw (25), Taiwan Brown (34), Heather Hurd (32), Anthony Pampillonia (27), Ken Presley (22), Rachel Koster Boelter (34), Marta Gomez Frey (26), Cindy Shafer (33), Grant Tonne (31), Suzanne Williamson (33), Karen Clardy (35), Dan Johnson (12), and Paul Voelker (16). |
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Betty and Stu Schlackman are 2 of my very favorite people, both individually and together, and I’d be willing to bet most people who know them would agree.
Great friends to Richardson and LRAA, Betty and Stu each served as President of LRAA’s Board of Directors and were both awarded LRAA’s Alumnus of the Year, together!
I first met Stu during his year as LRAA President where he served as an inspirational leader while I was just a humble class rep on the LRAA board. I met Betty soon after and was honored to succeed her, several years later, as LRAA’s President. The 2 of them essentially bookend that leadership chapter for me, and I will always be personally grateful for the lessons they each taught and the integrity with which both served.
Love for their community and a servant leadership mindset run deep in the Schlackman household and we are grateful to call Betty and Stu our own.
Please read on for their words of wisdom from as we shine the Thanksgiving Edition of our Past President Spotlight on The Schlackmans!
Magic Michelle
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Where has your leadership journey taken you, since your service year as the President of LRAA?
Betty - Serving as President of this wonderful organization (2016-2017) was such a privilege. I’d been on the board heading up activities before the 3 year hitch (Elect/President/Past President). Did I want to leave our great organization? Heck no! I went right into heading up our Leadership Development program. Of all of our programs – that’s always been my favorite because it’s been my personal philosophy that our organization needs to strive to provide our membership with value and what better way than to offer interesting and pertinent programs for our alumni. Unfortunately, due to health issues, I had to resign from the board last year but am still engaged and Stu and I cannot wait to host the after-golf party whenever that event gets back on the schedule!
What are you doing today and how do you think LRAA has influenced you?
Betty - Because of LR, I became aware of the opportunities at Network of Community Ministries. Our LR group had chosen Network as our opportunity to involve our membership from just stocking food to working at their Santa store. To continue to stay involved in some capacity at Network – I enlisted and did reception duties. More than anything, that experience humbled me. That led me to become a member of WIN – that’s Women in Network. From providing backpacks, formula and good old cash – this organization has been an integral part of Network’s fundraising mission. Once you are involved in your community it just becomes contagious to seek other ways to get engaged in our great city – at least that has been my experience.
Thinking back to your year in the LR class and your service on the LRAA Board of Directors, what do you recall as your favorite memory?
Stu- The camaraderie on the board was fantastic and of course my favorite memories were the board dinners we hosted. 2nd favorite was the golf tournaments.
As LRAA President (or since, as a Past President), what are some lessons you’ve learned and how could they help a future President for the Leadership Richardson Alumni Association?
Stu- Get to know the people in LRAA and build a great board with people that have a priority to give back.
What are your favorite leadership books, podcasts, TedTalks, etc that you recommend to other (aspiring) leaders?
Stu - I love John Maxwell on leadership along with Daniel Pink’s book on Drive.
What is your “call to action” to the current LRAA membership?
Betty -My call to action is make a difference! Don’t be on the sidelines. See a need and meet that need!!Stu - Get involved and get your classmates involved!