About Us
If you want to meet an extensive network of fantastic women, FAN is the club for you. Many are retired nurses, teachers, business owners, and executives; some still work or operate their businesses, and most volunteer in the community.
FAN has remained a respected women's club since its inception in 1979. Early on, FAN was established and is still guided by a set of Bylaws. In addition, a Board of Directors is elected annually to oversee the club's goals, charity, membership, events, and financial decisions. The Board ensures that all activities align with FAN's three primary purposes of the club (see right).
Board of Directors 2023-2024
FAN purpose
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To provide an opportunity for members to become acquainted with others in the community in an atmosphere of friendliness, goodwill, and helpful information.
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To undertake and to promote charitable and humanitarian projects within the community.
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To form enduring friendships.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
Kim Gerrish
Kim has lived in Houston for the past 43 years and is retired from Project Management. Kim was our prior FANfare newsletter Editor for two years, and she had the challenging, albeit successful, task of Fund Raising for our charity during the first outbreak of Covid. Kim is extremely active in her home life with 5 grandkids and her husband Mike of 40 years. Kim heads up our Railroad Canasta group, and she provides training sessions for FAN members who want to learn how to play. She also participates in Mexican Train, Mah Jongg, and Day Trips, as well as Happy Hour Gals. Kim also loves drawing and traveling. She is also a member of Northwest Houston Alpha Phi Alumnae Chapter.
1st VICE-PRESIDENT
Sandy Darst - Programs
Sandy graduated from the University of St. Thomas and has been married to her husband Tommy for 51 years. They run a successful business together while raising three children. Sandy is also a retired educator. She is an active member of the community and is involved in other groups besides FAN where she has served in many executive roles. Sandy was the Membership Directory Chair for the past two years and is involved in FAN groups such as the Potluck lunch bunch, Mah Jongg and Mexican Train.
2nd VICE-PRESIDENT
Gayla Baker - Membership
Though new to FAN, Gayla has been employed at Chevron for 43 years and is getting ready to jump feet first into retirement and our Executive Board! She currently is co-leader of the Antiquers and Junkers activity group. She plays Bunco, gets down and dirty with the Dirt Divas Garden Group as well as the Memorial Northwest Garden Club. Her green thumb will be a blessing as she grows our FAN membership.
SECRETARY
Barbara Pack
Barbara is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She retired after 30 years as a Klein Special Education Secretary, and she joined FAN as soon as she could. She also is a member of Klein Association of Retired Employees and TRTA. She plays Railroad Canasta, Mexican Train, Mah Jongg and Bunco. Outside of FAN her interests are raising succulents, crocheting and camping. Barbara was married to her husband Don for 48 years and they have three daughters and two granddaughters.
TREASURER
Karren Sims
Karren hails from San Antonio and was in education for 35 years, working in the English and Math Departments, before retiring as a High School Counselor. Although relatively new to FAN, she is involved in Railroad Canasta and loves Excursions, where you can usually find her with her camera at the ready. Outside of FAN she is involved in various volunteer positions such as teaching ESL and counseling teens. She enjoys quilting and attending plays and musicals with her sister. Karren and her husband John also love to travel together, especially on scuba diving trips.
AUDITOR
Gail Stone
Gail came to Spring, Texas, by way of Southern California, Miami Beach, Florida and Brooklyn, NY. We are thrilled that she is a FAN member and willing to serve on the Executive Board. She is into arts and crafts and participates in several FAN activity groups including Mexican Train, Mah Jongg, Canasta and Bunco. Her past work experience makes her a great candidate for Auditor.
NEWSLETTER
Laurie Nimberger
Laurie was our Social Media Chair who produced our new website last year, and she also updated our Facebook page and organization brochure. As a marketing specialist in the Oil and Gas industry, she was instrumental in the development of the company newsletter as well as the construction of their website and literature. Currently she co-owns two local businesses. Laurie plays Railroad Canasta and Mah Jongg, and she loves traveling and decorating. Her family and Labrador Sadie are priorities in her life.
HISTORIAN
Claudia Gallagher
Claudia is originally from the Northeast, and worked in Klein ISD for 29 years. She has taught special education, was a technology campus mentor, handled the campus webpage, and created a program providing students with computers and workstations with internet access. Claudia has been active in Northwest Forest Republican Women’s Club, North Harris American Association of University Women, Precinct 4 Encore, Lone Star Academy of Lifelong Learning, NAM, and Retired Teachers of Klein. Claudia was the auction/raffle committee lead for the 2019 Christmas Luncheon and she also chaired the Spring Luncheon in 2021. She is again helping with the auction/raffle at the 2021 Christmas Luncheon this year. Her interests include reading, traveling, cooking, puzzles, Mah Jongg, and card games.
ADVISOR
Kathy Court
Kathy is the former FAN President and became the Advisor per our by-laws. She did an excellent job of leading FAN during her two-year term. Prior to being President, Kathy served as 2nd Vice President of Membership for two years. She is also active in the Thursday Lunch Bunch, Literary Review Book Club, Dragon Ladies Mah Jongg, Giddy Up Girls Mah Jongg and Mexican Train. Her hobbies include cooking, home decorating, reading and puzzles. She has worked for Chevron and Texaco, Eastern Airlines, and state and federal governments. She grew up in rural Nebraska and lived in Miami, Florida for 23 years before making her way to Houston.
EXTENDED BOARD
Activities
Charity
Day Trips
Directory
Greeters
Holiday Charity Luncheon
Hospitality
Social Media
Special Holiday Event
Spring Luncheon
Sunshine
Mary Ales
Mary Papageorge
Carolyn Grimes
Susan Butler
Marianne Steinbacher
Tina Snodgrass
Sally McClellan
Debi Swaney
Jennifer Banks
Donna Morris
Lin Fish