Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Be a Giver!

Be a GIVER!
In this season of giving, we hope you will include Grand Canyon States Games among your charitable tax-deductible contributions. Demands on non-profit organizations today have never been greater as we struggle through these difficult economic times – both in terms of delivering more services and raising the funds to provide those services.

While the daily headlines have focused on our financial well-being, Grand Canyon State Games promotes our physical well-being. We are the largest amateur sports program in Arizona and one of the largest State Games in the United States, encompassing 100 events that annually attract 30,000 individuals and involving 1,000 active volunteers.

The Games are a prototypical community service that motivates people to leave their television sets and computers to take part in physical activity on a regular basis. No matter what your athletic ability may be, we know that individuals engaging in some level of physical activity improves not only their physical condition, but their social and interpersonal skills as well.

Physical exercise reduces the intensity of many illnesses and can even reduce the risk of getting sick, which in turn, can cut down or eliminate the prospect of having to take on heavy medical expenses. Through our educational commentaries, we constantly harp on the merits of physical fitness, proper nutrition and a healthy and positive lifestyle. For young people, in particular, the Games provide a showcase for their talents and aspirations and represent an alternative to drugs, gangs, crime and violence.

It’s easy to be a Giver – and help Grand Canyon State Games. Go to our website (www.gcsg.org) and click the “Keep the Spirit Alive” panel. You can give as little as five dollars and do it all on-line.

Or click the moving figure in our GCSG logo to learn how you can give while you shop on-line - and shop while you give - under our new GIVECLICKS program. It’s easy to install and is non-intrusive. We never ask for any personal information or passwords. It costs you absolutely nothing to sign up, and you will be able to shop on-line with more than 2,000 participating retailers. That’s a win-win for everybody!
As we come to the end of 2008, let me extend my best wishes to one and all as we look forward to a healthy and more positive New Year.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

"A Near Death Experience!"

Travelers from all over the country are working their way toward their loved ones to spend that all elusive family time together during the holidays!
In our case Jess and Jamie are headed this way from Vegas.....driving?
Late last night the phone rang.....chills ran down my spine knowing the kids were on the road!
Sure enough it was Jess, very upset as they got caught in Flagstaff in the middle of a storm!
My hand was shaking as I got on the phone with Jamie and tried to explain to him when I got caught in a rental van coming home from Flag one year after our ski event. So cold, wind was blowing as snow was pelting the van, could not see a thing as the wind shield wipers wouldn't work and I had to lean my head out the window to give myself a chance!
I was sure it was OVER and my life literally passed in front of me.
Truly "A Near Death Experience!"
I didn't want to scare the kids , just alert them to the true danger of such conditions! Thank goodness they made it to Sedona and promised me they would wait for good conditions to come the rest of the way!
To all of you----BE SAFE!
Happy Holidays!

Wid

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

"What Ever Happened To Rick Feldt?"

Christmas Cards.......I love receiving them! Catching up on old friends, seeing the family pictures with new spouses and babies, being reminded of some people that you really should do a better job of keeping up with, and there are always some surprises that brighten your day!
Sending Christmas Cards......Having a picture taken, take it to Costco to be printed, pulling out all the lists, writing the Christmas letter, having it copied on nice paper, spending hours addressing envelopes late into the night, and putting postage on them in preparation to mail!
I must admit,Cinda does it all ,bless her heart!
My only contribution this year was to ask" what ever happened to Rick Feldt?" Rick and Georgine and there three daughters were dear friends of ours back in the days I was coaching with the Oregon Ducks in Eugene. We somehow had lost track of them.
With the help of "Google" we found Rick! I called him and we laughed and shared memories, exchanged family updates, and vowed to stay in touch. Great Stuff!

Wid

Thursday, December 11, 2008

21 is still my favorite number

Here is another new list given to me by good friend, board member and sponsor,
MIKE MCGUIRK, of Arizona Office Technologies
21 SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS

1) Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or
misery.

2) Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

3) Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4) Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

5) Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6) Be generous.

7) Have a grateful heart.

8) Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9) Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10) Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11) Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12) Commit yourself to quality.

13) Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on
relationships with people you love and respect.

14) Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

15) Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

16) Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you
didn’t do more than the ones you did.

17) Take good care of those you love.

18) Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

19) Be loyal.

20) Be honest.

21) Be a self-starter.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

"Decisions"

Have you ever thought of how many decisions you make everyday? Thousands! If you find yourself in a position of leadership the number multiplies and effects more people and often becomes reality!
As a board member of the Blue Ribbon Task Force and Character Counts pertaining to education here in the state, I am often presented with a great deal of inspiring collateral material. Most recently "The Seven- Step Path to Better Decisions":
1. Stop and Think
2. Clarify Goals
3. Determine Facts
4. Develop Options
5. Consider Consequences
6. Choose
7. Monitor an Modify
Sounds simple enough. I once was told by a person I considered a great leader just to make more good "Decisions" than bad ones and you'll be alright. I'll do my best.

Wid