Experience prepares organizers for their main events

Experience prepares organizers for their main events

Written by Kathy Lesko Sunday, 07 May 2006

Starlet Sattler, Chairman, Pflugerville Deutschen Pfest

When Starlet Sattler’s children were small, their Knoxville, TN, school was allocated monies based on how many volunteer hours they received from parents. Not only did she immediately begin volunteering, but even enrolled in a Red Cross training program and served as school nurse two days a week. She received the “Most Action Seen” volunteer award for her efforts, but more importantly realized that giving of one’s time helps everyone. Embracing the importance of volunteering has always been a mainstay of Sattler’s life. As chair of this year’s 31st annual Deutschen PFest, she will spend close to 150 hours of her own time before the event is finished.

Q. What experiences have helped you prepare for chair of Deutschen PFest?

A. I’ve always volunteered whenever I could. I started with my children’s schools. When we moved to Pflugerville in 1992, I responded to an ad in the Pflugerville Pflag for volunteers to help at the Deutschen PFest. That was eight years ago. Since then, I’ve also assisted with the Chamber of Commerce’s street dance, helped with various parades in town and have even served as a planning and zoning commissioner.

Q. What is one of the biggest challenges you are facing with this year’s Pfest?

A. This year is kind of an experimental one in terms of what we are spending. When the Deutschen Pfest was created, it was nothing more than a huge party for the citizens of Pflugerville, designed to keep the community close-knit and involved in the well-being of their city. This fun community activity began making money, and that was when the decision was made to put the proceeds into the local parks. This year we hope to raise between $17,000 and $20,000. We’ve cut back slightly on what we have traditionally spent on entertainment and increased our promotional efforts. We’re hoping to once again attract a large number of attendees. As far as the Pfest itself, my biggest concern is making sure our gate management team has enough volunteers to man the event. We require between 130 and 150 volunteers. You can’t have the Pfest if you can’t operate the gates. After all, who will collect the money?

Q. What is one of the most rewarding aspects of serving as chair of the Deutschen Pfest?

A. It has to be the smiles you see on people’s faces, watching them have a good time and enjoying all our hard work. When the festival is over, we’ll sit back as a collective group, make notes on what was right, what was wrong and what needs to be changed.

Q. What is your greatest accomplishment?

A. Raising two great kids. I can’t keep an ivy plant alive, but I managed to do that [raise two kids]. Don’t believe me? I even killed a cactus this winter!

Q. What is your summertime guilty pleasure?

A. Taking the day off work and going to the pool.

• Education Henderson High School, Henderson, TX
• Family Married for 23 years, 20-year-old son, 17-year-old daughter
• Contact Information 512-251-5082

Sharon Prete, Coordinator, TAAF Games of Texas 2006

While some people would think relocating nine times within a six-year span would be intimidating, Sharon Prete always saw it as a great opportunity to get out and become part of the community. The wife of an Army officer, Prete served as International Director of Youth Activities for two and a half years while stationed at an Armed Forces Central Europe post. She was responsible for providing recreation programs for youth from seven nations, and ran a teen club and day care center. Once her husband retired, Texas became home, and the longest place of residence she has ever known. As coordinator of the 2006 Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Games of Texas, she is ready to welcome athletes and spectators with open arms to the area of Texas she has grown to love.

Q. What experiences have helped you prepare for your position as coordinator for the Games of Texas?

A. I served as director of the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department for almost 27 years before my retirement. In that position, I had done basically every aspect of what is necessary to bring together these games, from special events to sporting competitions. I’m fortunate that I always enjoyed a great working relationship with my counterparts in the area and across the state. This year’s games will be a concerted effort between Williamson County, four cities and two MUDs. Most of us will be doing what we’ve always done best, only on a larger scale.

Q. What is one of the biggest challenges you are facing with this year’s Games?

A. Making sure that 10,000 athletes, guests, officials and volunteers are in the right place at the right time. And making sure they are fed! We are anticipating using about 1,000 volunteers to help coordinate the games in almost 20 venues. We are fortunate to have the talents of many local professionals to help in our efforts.

Q. What is one of the most rewarding aspects of serving as coordinator of the Games of Texas?

A. Having the opportunity to do it, and do it well. On a regional level, we are welcoming people to the Williamson County area who would normally have driven right through on their way to destinations like Austin or San Antonio. The Games will help accomplish a very important goal for Williamson County and position it as more of a destination location.

Q. What is your greatest accomplishment?

A. Having been allowed to be a part of Round Rock’s growth; watching where it’s come from and anticipating where it’s going. It’s been a great experience watching the city grow the way it has.

Q. What is your summertime guilty pleasure?

A. Sunbathing. Yes, I know it’s not good for you, but I enjoy it in the privacy of my own backyard.

Education Bachelors degree in Recreation, Indiana University

Family Married 41 years, two children, three grandchildren

Contact Information 512-863-9400