The Presidential Extra Mile Award has been created to recognize volunteers in the District who have contributed over and beyond their normal duties. This Award is given by the District President and is presented at the Lone Star Regional-Houston.

Evvie Gilbert Receives The 2023

Presidential Extra Mile Award

By Betty Starzec

Evvie Gilbert, Houston Unit 174, stepped into the role of Scorecard Editor in 2022 with the determination to evaluate and learn new publishing programs, make an accurate assessment of each program, and determine which product would be most effective to create an amazing publication for our district. The warpspeed with which she was able to accomplish this enormous task was undeniable to all District 16 Executive Committee members, especially to Ken Monzingo who served as Evvie’s mentor during this process. The district receives many compliments on the new and improved Scorecard and these are due solely to Evvie’s unwavering ability to provide a top quality product. As well, Evvie amazingly produces the monthly Unit 174 Newsletter. Needless to say her time management skills are beyond reproach.

Evvie has also undertaken the responsibility of being our Robly Email Marketing coordinator. She has taken on this task working relentlessly with Robly personnel to not only clean up our district’s database, but also provided Robly personnel with information and shortcomings within their own system.

With all the incredible achievements Evvie has made to bridge for our district it was my honor to recognize her with the Presidential Extra Mile Award at the January Lone Star Regional. This award was created by the district to recognize someone who has gone “over and beyond” in their performance on behalf of the district, and Evvie fits the bill 1000% over the top. Congratulations, Evvie.

2022 - Nancy Strohmer

Nancy Strohmer has been a member of the District 16 Board for numerous years starting as the Charity Coordinator in 2014. Since then her organizational and personal skills have enabled the district to move forward on various levels including being President and a District 16 representative on the ACBL Advisory Council. When her position as President expired, she agreed to continue as the Robly contact for the district sending out announcements as required. She also continued to assist with the Lecture Series, which she was responsible for creating. Oftentimes when there is a change at the top, the transition may not be easy, but Nancy is always available to assist whenever called upon. Her continued input as Past President has been invaluable in maintaining the positive direction of the district. Nancy is a member of Unit 174, Houston. Kudo and many thanks to Nancy!!

2021 - Tom Trudeau

When Tom accepted the invitation to join the Board as Executive Treasurer, he dug in the books at lightning speed and made many immediate improvements to our accounting system. He reinstated our tax-exempt status as well as resolved outstanding tax issues successfully.

Under Tom’s watch, the District has saved a lot of money. When the District joined the 99er Nite Club East game, Tom immediately provided a structure to receive the money from these games and effectively distribute money to the participating clubs. Tom has taken the initiative to improve every aspect of our financial area.

Tom is a member of Unit 172, San Antonio.

At the 2020 Lone Star Regional, Nancy Strohmer awarded the 2020 Presidential Extra Mile Award to Rachell Jackson and the 2021 Presidential Extra Mile Award to Tom Trudeau. Both have certainly “made a difference” to District 16 currently and for the future.

Tom receives his award from Nancy Strohmer

2020 - Rachell Jackson

When Rachell was approached to join the Board as Publicity Coordinator which developed into the Publicity/Marketing Coordinator, it wasn’t long before she xoffered to create and manage a District 16 Group Page on Facebook. We now have 617 members and it’s growing.

When asked to create a Policies, Procedures and Job Description Manual, Rachell accepted enthusiastically. This was no small task and became a 9-month daily project! The Manual is exceptional and is in high demand by other districts. The Manual will change how we operate in the future in a positive and productive way. Rachell is a member of Texas Capital, Unit 207.