The Way I See It

By: Cathey Meyer

T’was the Year Before 2021

T’was the night before New Years and all through the universe, not creature was safe from the nasty COVID curse. The vaccine was long promised to keep us all safe, as scientist worldwide dedicated time and efforts to get it in place. People everywhere lamented loss of celebrations and festivities, no more parties and graduations; no more crowded activities. Loved ones and dear friends all missed kisses and hugs, so we all settled in-house like snug bugs in a rug. We drank and we ate and we Netflicked away in hopes that time passed quickly, and we could return to the days of merriment, maskless breathing and encounters with strangers, bar visits and dancing and all those past dangers. Finally, from somewhere there came such a clatter, “The vaccine! The vaccine! We may all be better!” Away to the clinics ran volunteers so fast, no matter the risk, the reason or rash. The call came for women, children and men of all sizes: Come Moderna, BioNTech and Pfizer. The trials began happening all over the world as brave pioneers readied their flexed biceps curls. Flashbacks of times long before quarantines created memories to share before we had to be so clean. It was just last February we stomped through the Rodeo grounds, touching livestock and doorknobs and merry-go-rounds. March was for basketball: high school, college and pros; State and national champions for 2020 were a NO! The pros bubbled up and played alone far away from fans and foes and traditional championship parades. Fiesta was postponed, then delayed and finally cancelled. No cascarones, no show me your shoes, no big, soft pretzels; no NISOA, no Cornyation, no King William Fair, Just a long quiet moment because we could not share our air. Gone in 2020 was Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day too. We created massive drive-bys trying to make do celebrating with honking horns and cars decked in streamers. We made the best of the situations as past party dreamers. A veiled promise suggested the virus might die in the high summer heat, it would pass us on by. But alas it got worse after folks challenged no crowds in places like beaches and bars where people got loud not wearing masks, sanitizing hands or avoiding the human race. Where a mask, wash your hands, don’t touch your face was the summer battle cry all over the place! Then school started again, and it was case by case— Could a student learn at home as good as at school? We now were all faced with a new golden rule: Do not do anything to others than might spread the virus. Our emotions were crumbling deep inside us. Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas passed by. We all did our best to avoid the heavy cry. 2020 please leave and take your evil ways as we are more than ready to start a new day. And then in a twinkling, we all found some hope! The vaccine is here, we can now learn to cope. Just a bit more endurance with active self-control, 2021 will give back what 2020 stole. History will tell our ancestors the stories of the pandemic year of more sorrow than glories. We learned to be patient, hopeful and strong. We learned the answers were difficult; be they right or wrong. But we survived the pandemic and the long 2020 fight, So, to you 2020 GOODBYE and FOREVER good night!

WCR Installation 2021

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Be sure to see and download more pictures from this event and others online:

1. Filling the Board positions for 2021 are Michael Ibarra, Treasurer, Adriana Garza, Secretary; Valerie Wilshire, Membership Director; Ojas Tasker, Programs Director; Kim Miller Perry, President Elect

2. Pat Farrell, 2020 Member of the Year and Rebecca Byers, 2020 WCR Network President

3. Renae Pretty receives the gavel from Rebecca Byers.

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4. Adriana Garza, The Cannon Realty Group, Andrew Ibarra, 2021 Secretary and Gwen Derry, Old Republic Title

5. Cathy Heshmat and Scott

Jauregui

6. Florence Terrell, Keller Williams Legacy

7. Tracie Hasslocher, Hasslocher Boutique Realty, Cher Miculka, Exit Premiere Realty, Jeremy Brewer, SABOR Attorney, Kim Bragman, Phyllis Browning Company and Mindi Stange, JP & Associates

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Michael Irvin, Fathom Realty, Anita McKinney, Olivia Townsend Realty and Zakiyyah Carter, Realty One Group Emerald Windy Minten, TAP FCU.

Mary Jo Schaffer, eXp Realty and Darlene Thomas, Keller Williams City View. Ivonne Perkins, Home Buying Home Selling Realty and Cristian Montalvo, building professional.

Marvin Baker, building professional and John Kuntz, III, local realty. Darrell Walker, building professional and Jen Brearley, Vortex Realty.

2020 VAREP: Joann Quinones, Outreach Director, Connie Chambers, Treasurer, Judy Goldick, Vice President, Pat Farrell, President., Annette Slater, Secretary, Mary Corcoran, Government Affairs Director and Cecilia Sosa, Membership Director

Liz Montoya and Lydia Cox both with Century 21 Burroughs