Katy Lifestyles and Homes magazine Nov 2009: Around Katy2 - Katy Texas Info, Katy People, Homes in Katy, Events, News, Business, Schools

Katy Couple Selected Baylor Parents of the Year. Sandy and Gretchen McCormack of Katy have been named Baylor University’s Parents of the Year for 2009. The couple was honored during the halftime ceremony of the Baylor vs. Connecticut football game.

Sandy and Gretchen clearly remember their years on the Baylor campus, and 27 years after graduation still remain deeply committed to the Green and Gold. They faithfully serve current and future

Sgt. Torrey Kramer, a wounded combat veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom, receives flag from retired Col. Peyton Lumpkin.

katy vfw remembers sept. 11. The Katy VFW Post 9182 held an eighth anniversary remembrance service of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. David Brasell, junior vice cmdr., led the welcoming remarks. A crowd of patriotic Americans endured the rain to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and to honor those who continue to serve and protect this nation.

The symbolic flag presentation, which drew a standing ovation from the audience after the final flag was presented to a young wounded warrior, was led by Post Commander retired Col. Peyton Lumpkin and Ladies Auxiliary President Karon Cramer. American Flags were presented to four extraordinary local heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving the community. Those recognized were Sgt. Mike Waller from the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Department; fireman Bob Frankovich from the Katy Fire Department representing those first responders who died in the terrorist attack; Anne Hodge, president/CEO of the Katy/West Houston Chamber of Commerce, representing those who helped revive the business community after the attacks; and Sgt. Torrey Kramer, a wounded combat veteran from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans from the audience who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan were also recognized.

Senior Vice Cmdr. retired Col. Mike Mastrangelo was the keynote speaker who touched on why it is important to remember “what really happened on Sept. 11, 2001.”

The speeches were followed by Red Skeleton’s Pledge of Allegiance, presented by Chief of Staff Stephen Brady, a 21-gun salute by the Katy VFW Honor Guard and Taps was played on the bugle by George Berg, the oldest member of the Katy VFW.

Katy Elks’ Mystery Dinner Theater Huge Success. Katy Elks Lodge 2628 hosted a Murder Mystery Dinner Theater production of Trouble at the Tropicabana written by Tony Schwartz and Marylou Ambrose.

This event was a fundraiser for the lodge’s Youth Committee, which sponsors a number of activities for local youth including the annual “Hoop Shoot” competition and a number of scholarships.

Dinner was prepared by Rick and Shirley McCool and numerous helpers. The theater performance provided opportunity to practice and evaluate detective skills, and the audience was asked to vote on their chosen murderer at the conclusion. Following the suspense, winners were announced and prizes were awarded.

VFW Supports Scout Membership Drive. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 participated in the opening ceremonies at the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. at the annual membership drive. The focus of the event was recruiting new members and troop leaders.

The ceremony, which included the posting of the colors, was led by VFW members Henry Thomas, Murray Saxton, Steve Griswold, Henry Whitmire and Louis Mehr, Honor Guard commander. The event celebrated Scouting skills and achievements as well as the fun that goes along with scouting.

Baylor students through their roles as Baylor delegates and chapter presidents of the West Houston Baylor Parents League.

And they have truly passed the tradition to the next generation through their children Wes, BBA ‘08; Brandal, a Baylor junior; Clark, a Baylor freshman; and Arden, their Baylor-Bear-to-be.

Having both graduated in 1982, Sandy with a bachelor of business administration degree and Gretchen with a bachelor of science degree, the couple delights in reuniting with their Baylor family at homecoming, All University Sing, parents weekend or during frequent trips to visit their children.

Longtime members of Tallowood Baptist Church, Sandy and Gretchen serve their community as chairpersons of the Katy Area Young Life Committee. Gretchen also gives back through the Baylor University Women ’s Association of Houston, the National Charity League Inc. and volunteer work with M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Sandy has dedicated himself to the field of serial entrepreneurship for more than 20 years.

Dept. since August 1999 and has served as lieutenant, district chief for one-and-a-half years and Station 1 captain for six years.

Kyle Simmons, president of Katy Exchange Club, and Newell Cheatheam, secretary, presented a firefighter trophy to Kinker.

Mike Grajeda, West I-10 Fire Dept. leader/firefighter, spoke to the Exchange Club members and guests about why Kinker was honored with this award. Heather Hyslope, recruiting and retention officer of West I-10 Fire Dept., talked about fire safety in the home.