Spotlight On...

Op-Tech Eye Lab

Rep:  Kathy Kelly

Twenty-seven years ago, Kathy and Verle Kelly donned their kneepads and headed to the bank for a loan to begin an optical wholesale laboratory.  Verle relied on his years of optical experience for the technical end.  Kathy was a paralegal and handled the office side.  We are still the only locally-owned complete full-service optical laboratory in Colorado Springs. 

Over the years, Op-Tech has evolved into a wholesale/retail operation.  Employees, Kathleen and Elise, have been with our business 12 and 17 years respectively, and are more like family than employees.  The retail end of our business grew by word-of-mouth and networking.  As a result, we enjoy a clientele of many local people who have endeared themselves to us. 

We do safety eyewear for companies such as Spectranetics and Woodford Manufacturing (thanks to Marti and Verna);  and we also visit all of the area's senior health care facilities for repairs, adjustments and eyewear needs.  Our business philosophy is giving value and expertise, making friends, being active in the community and improving lifestyle for our clients, employees, and ourselves.  We are truly blessed to be surrounded by the people we work with and the people we serve (lots of you EWIs). 

This summer we completed a building/landscape renovation, which we would love to show off.  We are located across Union from the infamous East Jr. High School at 1817 Lelaray Street (also across from the Colorado Expo Center).  Stop by - we'll clean your glasses in our ultrasonic while you sip a cup of Purple Mountain coffee.

President's Message The Journey Has Come Full Circle

The Journey has come full circle again.  "There is here", and now we start over. Each of us will change position a bit; each of us will have a new focus, and a new view. 

This year's Journey was made pleasant and rewarding for me because of the relationships - some were born, some reborn, and some nurtured.  What more could we ask?

Some very special ladies made this year something I will always remember and hold dear. 

Each one of you warms my heart:

Linda Williamson's wisdom and depth inspires us all.

Kathleen O'Leary's sparkle and indomitable spirit helped us "get over it".

Susan Wood-Ellis managed to present some pretty dry stuff ("numbers for crying in the mud"!!) with wit and sparkle. 

Bea Steahlin and Jeanne Roblewsky - The Sergeants - What a thing to see.  Bea's beautiful brogue, and Jeanne side-eyeing you, just daring you to say something she will challenge.  What a hoot!

Cathie John, the Silent One.  It's the quiet ones you have to look out for you know.  Still waters run deep; Cathie is deep, insightful, and surprisingly witty.

Kathryn Flobeck is the "The Can-Do Lady"; always ready to help with anything and everything - thank you, Kathryn, for stepping in.

Beth Alexander.  The Actress.  Thank you for always making "everything ok".

Vanessa Moorman, The Sales Lady, pitching the benefits of EWI and getting new members.

Kathy Kelly - when aren't your Irish Eyes smiling?  Thank you for your endless encouragement. 

Kathy Wallace - "PARTY" woman.  (Another one of those "quiet types").  I will always want you on my team.  Thanks for letting us count on and lean on you.

Sweet Lorrie Todd, was always there for us, finding the good side of things.  Your shoes will be very hard to fill, and I'm not sure we can thank you enough.

Kim Roseland came through for us with publicity; we missed you when you weren't able to be there with us.

Michelle Vandepas - talk about inner strength!  This amazing woman just keeps finding new mountains to conquer.  Thank you for your calm strength.

Verna Severson and Joan Saucerman.  "Silent Women Behind-the-Scenes Team" - you two make raising over $13,000 look so easy.  How do we fill your shoes?

Thank you to Sally Seidlitz and Kelly Wood for their patient guidance.  There were a lot of times I was just not "getting it".  Sally and Kelly did their best to help me "get it". 

Thank you to all of you who encouraged and supported us through the year.

And here's to YOU Linda Williamson! You are the best!

News!

Please send submissions for the Chapter Pulse to:

Contact: Beth Alexander

Phone: 593-9458

E-mail: beth@cachetbasket.com

Next Deadline
September 20

Please email as
MSWord attachment.

Thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Last Month's Meeting

We were fortunate to be able to have our August meeting at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.  It was an exceptional experience.  The tours of the school, given by Mary Beth Hernes and Kevin Brown, provided information and insights into the past, present and future of the school.  The school opened in 1874 and at that time, was the only one for deaf students.  Classes for the blind were added about nine years later, and currently the school has 230 students with about 60% deaf and 40% blind.  About half of the students are residential, living in the dorms. 

In addition to the daily class schedule that any school student would receive, the students at CSBD also have the opportunity to learn and practice daily living and job skills.  The CSBD Bulldogs participate in eight man football, goal ball (a very interesting sport for blind athletes), wrestling, and other sports competing against deaf and blind schools around the country. 

During dinner, Susan Stewart from the Board of Trustees spoke to us about the personal experience she has had with the school.  Ms. Stewart has a son who is blind, and they moved to Colorado Springs so he could attend CSBD.  Her son is now a student at CU the Springs and she attributes his success to the education and skills learned at CSBD.  Colorado is fortunate to have such a wonderful school and if you missed this meeting, you missed a great opportunity to learn about the history and culture of a very special part of our community.

Did You Know?

by Wanda Reaves

Sorry - no article by Wanda this month.

September Monthly Meeting

Double Tree Hotel - World Arena

1775 E. Cheyenne Mtn Blvd

Date:  Wednesday, September 8, 2004
RSVP Below by September 3, 2004

5:30 PM Sign In & Cash Bar
6:00 Dinner & Business
7:00  Program

PROGRAM

Transistion of New Board
Installation of New Officers

COST:  $30

MENU

Chicken Cordon Bleu
Confetti Rice
Fresh Green Beans
Mixed Green Salad

RSVP by September 3rd!
Click Here to RSVP

Membership

Changes

New rep for Marsh is Michelle Adkinson.

Sunrise Assisted Living is now Sunrise Senior Living, which bought all the Marriott Senior properties in March 2003.  They are now the premier resident facility centered on continuum of care for the elderly.

Daniels Chevrolet is now Daniels Chevyland.

The Connoisseur is now The Corkscrew Wine Shop.

Gingiss is now Tuxedo Junction.

Condolences

Our thoughts and prayers go with Sharon Berthrong, whose husband recently passed away.  Messages of condolence may be sent to Sharon at 3902 Coral Point, Colorado Springs, CO 80917

From the Nominating Committee: 
Slate of Colorado Springs EWI officers for 2005:

PRESIDENT
Linda Williamson
The Broadmoor Hotel, Inc

VICE PRESIDENT/PRESIDENT ELECT
Kathleen O'Leary
Lane Affiliated- Pepsi

SECRETARY
Georgianna Lee
Old West Cigar Co

TREASURER
Joan Pierce
Accent Photo Imaging

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Bea Steahlin         Co-Chair Patty Klase
Sinton Dairy          Armstrong Moving & Storage

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

DIRECTORY
Cathie John
Lane Affiliated- Pepsi

HISTORIAN
Jeanne Roblewsky
Penrose St. Francis/Centura Healthcare                                              

HOSPITALITY
Donna Berty      Co-Chair   Susan Davis
Sempercare       Wells Fargo Bank

MEMBERSHIP
Kathryn Flobeck
Purple Mountain Coffee

NOMINATING
Marti Hartman
Woodford Mfg.

PROGRAMS
Jerry Jo Shires                    Co-Chair Kathy Kelly
Benefit Designs & Asso.    Op-tech Laboratory: Your Eye Company

PUBLICATIONS
Beth Alexander           Co-Chair Jane Marshall    
Cachet Basket             Pioneer Astro Industries, Inc.

PUBLICITY
Verna Severson
Woodford Mfg

SCHOLARSHIP
Michelle Vandepas             Co- Chair Kathy Wallace
Conscious Destiny Prod.     WallaceVision

TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Lorrie Todd
PageCafe Internet Consulting, Inc

WAYS & MEANS
Pat Cooper
World Savings

Announcements

Former EWI Member firm Tayco Screen Printing & Embroidery, owner Maureen Christopher, has been awarded the printing contract for the 2004 EWI Reading Rally T-shirts: "Be a Leader - Be a Reader".  The Reading Rally will be held the week of October 16-23, 2004.  Tayco is printing and shipping the T-shirts to the participating EWI Chapters, of which Colorado Springs is not one.  The Reading Rally is a philanthropic project that Chapters may sponsor in their own communities and is held at elementary schools and community centers with the Chapters donating the T-shirts, books and prizes to the participating children.

Congratulations and thank you, Maureen.

Want to See Your Name & Photo on the Front Page???

If you are new to EWI, or haven't been profiled in our newsletter lead article in over two years, please email Michelle Vandepas, mav@usa.net so we can schedule an article about you and your business.  This is a wonderful way to network with others in our organization.

EWI Leadership Conference & Annual Meeting: Sept. 23-25, New Orleans at the New Orleans Marriott.

Good luck and our prayers go with Marti Hartman's Marine son, who deployed to Iraq.

Don't forget the Hike the Habitat (formerly Scale the Scar) walk Sat. Sept 18, 8am.at Queens' Canyon. Register for the hike by clicking here!

Paulette Greenberg reminds us to "Save the Date": Friday, Oct. 1^st, at the Antlers Hilton for the Second Annual Go Red for Women Educational Day and Luncheon.  This benefits the American Heart Association, and events include health screenings, medical panel discussions, lunch and speaker, and an auction.  Cost:  Individuals, $60, tables starting at $1,000.  Call the American Heart Association at 636-7688 for information.

Minutes

E X E C U T I V E
W O M E N
I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Corporate Office Contact Information

515 South 700 East, Suite 2A

Salt Lake City, UT 84102-2801

Phone (801) 355-2800

Fax (801) 355-2852

Website:www.executivewomen.org

Email:ewi@executivewomen.org

P R I N C I P L E S

• To bring together key individuals from member firms of EWI to achieve world-class status as an organization through applied standards of excellence.

• Forge and cultivate mutual business and professional goals through personal association and interchange.

• Afford the opportunities and structure for leadership and professional development.

• Provide a wide scope of community, educational, and philanthropic services and contributions.

• Encourage flexibility and adaptability in a membership as diverse in its demographics as in its interest, needs, and staying power