Monthly Archives: January 2009

(Community Matters) I’m a huge fan of fully funding education. And, I’m not sure the fiscal stimulus program is where we should be paying operating expenses. But I damn sure don’t think this is where subsidies for student lending organizations should be embedded. Hoping (though less & less optimistic that Congress able to deflect the lobby) that we’ll weed out many of the more brazen pieces of candy in conference.

To those Republicans who argue that this supports their concerns and is why we shouldn’t be trying Keynsian tactics, where the hell where you when trillions were wasted in Iraq/Afghanistan rebuilding not to mention the worst earmarks in history? Tax cuts and decreased regulation got us here, teetering on another great depression. Yes, I realize some are better off today. Difference is that the rest of us care that most are not, most are much worse off, many without jobs and retirement savings. And, of course, I’m not talking about all Rs, but to those who fail to acknowledge the failure of GWB, his “policies” and who continue to call for tax cuts over stimulus spending.

(Community Matters) Very pleased to see BHO, Clinton, Mitchell & Holbrooke reaching out and working in concert. The world does need to see another face of the USA. President Obama’s interview with Al Arabiya a smart move. Our willingness to engage Iran, further militarily engage Afghanistan and to even our hand in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will serve our world and country well.

(Community Matters) I’d appreciate your comments. thx

(Community Matters) Bipartisanship doesn’t mean compromising on basic philosophical approaches to rescuing our economy or implementing social policies.  The GOP purports to have found their fiscally responsible religion but they got us where we are by abdicating all oversight and responsibility to history’s worst president and his administration.  And, they continue to trumpet their tired old rhetoric for more tax cuts.  

                                         photo: NYTimes

Neverthless, President Obama spent a good part of today in caucus with Republican members of Congress.  Seeking input and explaining his position is being bipartisan.  And, I’m glad he earlier this week was honest enough to remind the GOP that he’d won, they lost.  The ideas he promoted during the election were voted on and approved by the American people.

(Community Matters) yummy dinner club last night and great catching up with Sandi Aitken (our hostess), Marianne Rochelle, Joene Grissom, Mark Salamanson and Gary Greenblum. We missed Cookie Ruiz and Christopher Kennedy.

Excellent board retreat for PeopleFund yesterday. Jack McDonald has taken over as board chair, following Cloteal Davis Haynes. Jack & Margo Weisz (ED), planned and executed an on-point, concise and specific retreat which generated the right strategic conversations among fellow trustees and senior staff. Carol Kallendorf & Jack Spears reported on our strategic & environmental assessment and staff 360 reviews. Trustee Debbie Ramirez reporting on our new building on the MLK Featherlight tract which should break ground in a few months (has everyone seen the new rail transit stop on the site – quite cool). PeopleTrust board chair Mike Cook joined us and we’ve elected their board members to our board and vice versa. PT is a support organization of PF; nevertheless, we’ve decided to mirror the boards. Kelly Wiess and staff have done a terrific job managing the affordable housing for Robert Mueller. Many opportunities in this space given real estate values.

Lots of good stuff underway.

(Community Matters) Apparently not. AG Abbott opposing Texas courts granting divorce to MA wed gay Texans. here

(Community Matters) Nice treat to receive – from Sat night’s Dell’s Childrens Hospital Gala

(Community Matters) It’s sounding touchy but not over the line. Hate that America’s first major city gay mayor is in the middle of such controversy. And, yet, as the story goes, doesn’t appear to be anything a heterosexual mayor wouldn’t survive. story here

(Community Matters) So good to be back in town and at our church, a place that reflects the diversity of America and the community President Obama’s election reflects.

(Community Matters) Hundreds on hand, might have been a thousand. No evidence of the economic recession when it came to supporting the extraordinary resource which served 88,000 children last year, the Dells Children Hospital. We know they raised over $1,000,000 last night. Results of Entrepreneurs Foundation/Silicon Labs match challenge raised during dinner still not in but a couple raised their hands in at $25k, several for $10k and tens at various lesser amounts. Hoping we raised another $100k, which would mean having leveraged our $50k grant into $200k.

Alyson & Wyeth Wiedeman

Frankly, lots of folks were shocked that Dells was able to pull off a million dollar event in this economy. Aside from the extraordinary Seton fundraising machine and Central Texas’ recognition of the unique asset the Childrens hospital represents, Alyson & Wyeth weren’t about to settle for less – they’re passionately supportive of Dells. And, as Wyeth says, “it’s my life.” Their twin daughter Harper was born premature with cerebral palsy. He can tell numerous stories about how the hospital has saved and improved her life.

Wyeth & his daughter, Madison

Amy Rudy & Jen Hamlin

Since the EF/Silicon Labs grant declined all benefits and services, we hadn’t really planned on attending. Kirk & Amy Rudy invited Steven & me to join their table, which also included Senator Kirk & Liz Watson and Jen Hamlin. hubby John was off helicopter skiing with Andrew Harris.

Kirk Rudy

Kirk & Liz Watson and Steven

Mayor Will Wynn

Hadn’t seen Will in sometime. Enjoyed catching up with what’s next – several part time interests and planning to take some quiet time too. Missed him at the inauguration, though turns out we were nearby at the swearing in and Lincoln Memorial concert. Will flew up his two girls, Larkin & Kyrie. Hard to believe they are 13 and 10.

Judy & Bill Waxman

Judy Waxman recently transitioned from Dells to Dini Partners. Had a wonderful lunch with her Friday and co-chaired (though I missed) the ADL Stakeholders event with her on Thursday evening. Bill was a great guide on estate planning issues early in my career. Met these two nearly twenty years ago through our mutual friend Rebecca Yerly.

Senator Watson, Jan Lindelow, Wyeth

Jan & Britt Lindelow spending lots of time with their grandchildren in Savannah. Steven and I need to take them up on their offer to stay in their Old Town condo sometime. Jan still chairs the Vignette board, retired as CEO of Tivoli. Jan has severed on the Children’s Hospital board for years.

Blaine Wesner & Amy

Unfortunately, Alexa Wesner was home taking care of newborn Tenn, who wasn’t feeling so well. Though enjoyed a lengthy political conversation with Blaine.

Kathy & Doug Thompson

I don’t even know if Doug is still mayor of West Lake or if Kathy is still at Dell. We briefly chatted about Jane & Michelle and promised to catch up soon, maybe in Marfa

John & Amy Chronis

Amy Chronis a favorite female CEO in town. She’s the managing partner at Deloitte.

Lucy Glenn, Nick Fox & Cari Bissonett

(Community Matters) Tonight’s a big night – the Dell Children’s Medical Center 2009 Gala. Evelyn & Wyeth Wiedeman are this year’s gala chairs. Wyeth, a good friend who earlier this year told me he wanted to bust the record of raising $1mm. Looks like he’s done it. Congrats to Wyeth, Evelyn and the gala committee.

The Entrepreneurs Foundation & Silicon Labs launched a $50k match grant which was fully matched through Dell’s year end appeal. These monies will be used to match fund extra donations tonight for a total of up to $200,000 to complete the purchase of special MRI equipment for their Pediatric Neurosciences Center. While a part of the Gala fundraising, no costs of fundraising associated. EF/SLAB and those who have matched so far have waived all goods, services & benefits.

(Community Matters) If you didn’t read this piece in today’s AAS, do so now. Outstanding.