On June 28, 2022, Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) held their KTB Beautify Awards at the beautiful Austin Sheraton in downtown Austin, Texas. KTB honored the memory of former San Saba City Manager, Stan Weik, by renaming their annual leadership award to include Stan’s name. This Award recognizes the exceptional efforts of those working to enhance their community and protect the Lone Star State.
Gale, a dedicated Keep San Saba Beautiful (KSSB) volunteer and KSSB Board member, was recognized as the first recipient of the Stan Weik Leadership Award. Gale worked alongside Stan for several years as the City Secretary, as the first KSSB Executive Director, and as Board member and officer, (serving currently as Board Vice-Chairperson). Gale does not have only one project or program; she is a volunteer and has volunteered in many aspects even before, her affiliation with KSSB, and therefore very much a leader. She continues to do great things through her participation in several local organizations, such as the San Saba Pierian Study Club, the San Saba High School Alumni, and the San Saba Dilloette Alumni, to name a few. Gale is truly a leader: she is capable; she is willing and ready to assist in various projects to give back and make San Saba a cleaner, greener, and a better place to live, work and play.
JoAnne Weik, together with her husband Stan, had devoted time, energy and joyful spirit to elevating KSSB and KTB, where both were involved for many years and both were Emeritus Directors of the organization. She added to the honor by presenting the award.
Gale modestly accepted the award, thanking KTB for the prestigious honor, and gratefully sharing it with her fellow KSSB Board colleagues and staff, as she acknowledged that this merit was a collaborative effort. Debbie Shahan, Rhonda Killion, and Sandra Vaughn, KSSB Board Directors, and Sarah Saldivar, KSSB Executive Director were present and joyfully supported and applauded Gale, JoAnne and Stan’s memory.
Gale received an individual award but also shared in KSSB’s recognition of other awards to include: 2021 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) for Category 2, 2019-2021 Sustained Excellence Award, and 2022 Gold Star Affiliate.
In grateful appreciation to Gale and KSSB, we also recognize the other members of KSSB which make all this possible: Board Directors - Kathleen Hawkins (Chairperson), Debbie Shahan, Rhonda Killion, Sandra Vaughn, Marcie Butler, Cissy Williams, and Lucia Martinez; Honorary Board Member, Sandra Baskin; Staff: Scott Edmonson, City Manager; and Michael Wadsworth, Code Enforcement Officer.