University Parkway Development - Smart Growth?

The Westside Improvement Association’s 2005 Annual Meeting was held on November 17, 2005 at the Old Mill Restaurant. This represents 29 years of continuous involvement by the WIA for the betterment of the west side of Evansville and Vanderburgh County. Although attendance could have been better, there was a lot of camaraderie and many interesting discussions during the Social Hour. Everyone appeared to enjoy the festivities. Of course, the main events were the WIA Award Winners, our Guest Speaker and election of WIA Officers and Board of Director Members for 2006. It was a busy night.

We thank Paul Farmer for the invocation and Bernice Sensmeier for the Treasurer’s Report.

The speaker for the evening was Vanderburgh County Sheriff Brad Ellsworth who is also a member of the WIA. He spoke about several things but, in particular, how well all of the area first responders and subsequent recovery teams reacted to the recent tornado disaster. He mentioned that many of the first responders are carrying the lasting emotions from the emergency and expressed his condolences for the victims and their families. He also spoke about how valuable neighborhood groups are in helping local government and in developing community leaders. He did take a “shot” at Mike Wathen and the fact that he did not wear his trademark rubber work boots that he is seen in most frequently. Most of us could relate. The WIA sincerely thanks Sheriff Ellsworth for taking time from his busy schedule to be with us. It was appreciated. Linda Cleek introduced Sheriff Ellsworth.

Other special guests included Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave and her husband Bob as well as County Surveyor, Bill Jeffers and Mike Wathen from the County Engineers Staff with his wife Q. We are proud to say that Cheryl and Bill are both members of the WIA.
Following are the many awards presented:

• The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Shelby Musgrave for his many years as an educator and neighborhood involvement helping to organize the Poplar Grove Neighborhood Association as well as being the “unofficial” historian for the west side where he and his family have a long history of involvement. Paul Farmer presented Shelby’s award.
• The Award for Community Involvement was presented to Paul Farmer for his many years of community involvement as an educator, neighborhood advocate, a Junior Achievement leader, participation as an advisory board member for many local agencies and, most recently, as President of the United Neighborhoods Of Evansville where he advanced the cause of neighborhoods with many city and county agencies. Fred Padget presented Paul’s award.
• Awards for Outstanding Service to the Westside Improvement Association was presented to Bernice Sensmeier and Bonnie Kolb. Bonnie has very successfully Chaired the Fall Festival Booth Committee since its’ inception in 1986. The Fall Festival Booth is our only fund raising activity, other than dues, and provides financing for the many things we do including our scholarship awards. Bernice has performed exceptionally as the WIA Treasurer for 12 years and before that as our Corresponding Secretary for several years. Bernice always maintained the highest level of integrity in administering the finances of the WIA. The WIA is grateful for both of these outstanding individuals and we are much better off for their long service to the group. The WIA will continue to benefit from their leadership, as both will continue on as board members. Linda Cleek presented Bernice and Bonnie’s awards.

Unfortunately, because of scheduling conflicts, we could not present our scholarship awards but will plan to do so at our February General Membership Meeting.

2006 Officers and Board of Director Members were elected as follow:

Officers elected for 2006
 

Board Members at Large for 2006

 

 
Thanks to our Nominating Committee comprised of Shelby Musgrave, Joyce Moers and Betty Baumgartner who put together an excellent Slate of Nominees for the 2006 election of officers and Board members.

The WIA congratulates all the very special award winners and those elected to serve our organization for 2006. Thank all of you who attended and participated.

        Fred Padget, President
 

Click on photos to enlarge them.

Bernice Sensmeier received an Outstanding Service award for her many years as an officer, first as corresponding secretary and then as treasurer.	Bonnie Kolb, who insists she is retiring from chairing the Fall Festival Committee, received an Outstanding Service award for her hard work.	Shelby Musgrave was recognized for his service as an educator, neighborhood organizer, and unofficial west side historian, with a Lifetime Achievement award.	Paul Farmer, past WIA president and current president of United Neighborhoods of Evansville (UNOE) received a Community Involvement Award.
Sheriff Brad Ellsworth, keynote speaker, with president Fred Padget.	Why are these two so happy?  Could it be because they are PAST presidents?	Past Presidents Paul Farmer, Bill Harty, Shirley James & Fred Padget Not present: Barbara Vandiver & Steve McCallister

© 2008 Westside Improvement Association, Inc.