Barbara Baker

When I joined Ennead 4 years ago, to be honest, I really didn’t have a good idea of the community spirit of the organization. I was newly single and looking for a good way to spend my free time. Everyone looked like they were having fun, whether it was wearing a silly hat at Derby or a cool looking costume at Halloween. I guess I assumed there were little party elves doing all the hard work behind the scenes.

Four years later, my little elf fingers have been worked hard. I started out easy with registration, bartending, and decorating. I have seen Marta and her crew do amazing things with PVC and superglue. This year, I realized how hard the Royal Court work just to make an appearance at 1001 parties and functions, and as part of the fundraising committee, learned that the party isn’t over till the paperwork and clean up is finished. As Spades chairman, I even learned to play some decent cards and not yell too loud at my partner for a losing game. 

Why do you want me on the Board? I do have prior experience with volunteer organizations. I was in MIM for over 12 years during the early years when it was ”fly by the seat of your pants” fun. Chair and co chair of numerous committees including Parties (yes, it was a committee), Ambassadors (whole hog was my kingdom), and Entertainment for Musicfest (that was best). I am the President of the Memphis Orchid Society this year and have been on the board for the last several years.  And, by the way, I do work. I bring in a couple of million dollars a year for a division of Bristol Meyers Squibb. Unfortunately, they don’t share well. 

The biggest thing I have learned from both the volunteer side and the profit side is:  Every member must be involved in the organization to some extent. Whether it is attending the parties, pot-lucks, or card games, picking up trash, serving the wine, checking off a name, or representing Ennead in Carnival, it is the Board’s responsibility to show by example and encourage that participation. Not as a mother scolding a child but as a partner in the growth of the organization.  I want to see Ennead grow and thrive.

Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of the growth.

Janice Casey

Janice Casey considers it an honor to run for a position on Ennead's Board of Directors.  She attended the University of Memphis and the University of Colorado and has been employed by Semmes-Murphey Clinic for more than twenty years.  Janice has been supervisor of the E. M. G. department for the last ten years and has headed the Staff Development Department for a five year period, planning large and small functions with many team members.  

She was a member of the Junior League of Tupelo, Ms., and several charity organizations there and in Memphis.  Janice has been involved in Carnival Memphis for over fifteen years and has served as a Queen, Chairman and Duchess. She has been a member of Ennead since 2004 and has served as a co-chairman for our Charity Fundraiser, her experiences in Carnival and Ennead would be a valuable tool for our Krewe. Ennead continues to grow and prosper as the Grand Krewe it is.  Janice believes in Ennead and it's traditions and will work hard to continue them and try to add improvements. 

Kay Clark

It is with great pleasure that I accept the honor of serving as a candidate for the Board of Directors of Ennead. I am a graduate of the College of Communications of the University of Memphis. My experiences in the professional and volunteer sectors include public relations, sales and fundraising.  

Previously I have represented Ennead as Carnival Memphis Duchess, Chair of our Coronation Ceremonies, and Secretary of the Board of Directors.

During my time in Ennead I have worked on many interesting projects. 

Good communications are essential in Ennead. I have served as newsletter editor and a member of the telephone calling committee. Currently, I am responsible for the weekly email “Blast”  to our Krewe.  I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being the Birthday/Sunshine Committee Chair.  

If I am elected to the Board of Directors, my goal is to provide leadership in improving communications and to be a voice of all members. I love Ennead and its members, and I want to help the Krewe continue its proud history and tradition.

Thank you very much for your consideration.  

Susan Hanlon

If elected to Ennead's board, I will work towards two specific goals: membership retention; and a more equitable distribution of the our organization's responsibilities with each member serving on a committee of his/her choosing.  

I joined  Ennead in 2004 and was privileged to be a duchess in 2007. I  served as Sunshine Co-Chairman for two years, and presently I am newsletter editor. 

I am a native Memphian; have three children; and currently teach English as a Second Language for Memphis City Schools.

Again, I want to see Ennead retain our current members, spread the work around, and recruit quality new members to ensure that we are a viable organization for years to come.

Belinda Pittman

Thank you for the opportunity to run for a position on the Ennead Board of Directors and a chance to take on the responsibilities which will be required to hold such a position. I am a native Memphian and have been a member of the Grand Krewe of Ennead since 2006.  I have served in the capacity of Decorating Chairperson this past year and have assisted with decorating the year before that. I have also enjoyed hosting some of the Wine Parties, had an active part in the Black Tie and Tennis Shoes Play, helped to recruit new members and make it a point to be involved in as many Ennead sanctioned events as I possibly can.

 I have been employed by an East Memphis Law Firm for the past 14 years. My position there requires that I deal with clients in person and on the telephone.

Before working for the law firm, I worked with my family for approximately 10 years running a landscape, nursery and florist. My job included, payroll, customer service, inventory control and other management responsibilities. The business was closed after my father passed away.

 I served on the Board of Directors for STAR's (Singles Together Achieving Results), a community service organization, for the past two years.

 I would like to focus my efforts and devotion to the growth and success of the Grand Krewe of Ennead. I hope you will give me that chance by casting your vote for me.

Marta Vinzant

Ennead and the wonderful people who make up the membership have made a huge impact on my life.  From the first moment I decided to submit my application for membership in 1999, I jumped in and became involved in just about every committee and small group possible.

In 2002 I was honored to represent Ennead as a Duchess on the royal court.  I previously served on the board of directors for the 2003 – 2004 terms.  During that time, I organized a Communications Committee, which included publishing the newsletter, a reorganization of the calling committee, implementation of weekly email blasts, and giving birth to our website.

I always serve on the fundraising committee each year and was the co-chair in 2003 and chairman in 2004.  I feel it is an honor to be able to give back to my community and find that accomplishing that through Ennead is very rewarding.  This year at Clubroom, I was honorably recognized by Susan Sanford of The Memphis Food Bank for my ongoing fundraising efforts.

Ennead is foremost a Carnival Krewe and we are held in high esteem by other krewes.  It takes a team effort by the board and members to keep us the best krewe in Memphis and I feel that I could help more by serving on the board at this time.  Your vote would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Beck

After five years in Ennead I somehow feel it is not the same club that it was…nor should it be.  Members come and go with their own preferences but the central theme of the Krewe should remain the same, a social milieu for single people to access Carnival Memphis in an atmosphere of inclusion.  In furtherance of that end, I am running for our Board of Directors.  I see this as a working position not a status symbol.  Members are elected to run your club.  Here is my application. 

Experience:  Membership on the following boards; our own Ennead (Secretary, and Rules Committee), Memphis Police Assn., National Conference of Christians and Jews Law Enforcement Committee, Memphis Jaycees, Leadership Memphis Government Committee, Shelby County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee. 

Qualifications: BS in Police Admin., Masters in Public Administration, Law School, Leadership Memphis, Parliamentarian. Policy Analyst 

Ennead: Joined 2003; Royalty 2004, Board 2005; MC/Auctioneer/DJ 2007 Fundraiser; MC/Auctioneer/DJ 2008 Fundraiser; BTTS (3 yrs); Flagman 2008; and many, many cleanups.    

Philosophy:  Emphasis on Carnival; Adherence to by-laws; activation of new members; enhanced communications. 

I humbly solicit the confidence and vote of all members of Ennead for another tour as a member of our Board of Directors. 

David Brockmann

I am a candidate for the board of Ennead.  I would appreciate your vote.  Back in the 90's I was on the board and it was a good experience.   We had fun and got the job done.  My background goes as follows:   BSBA University of Arkansas,  13 years in Human Resource management, Founded and ran the Memphis Ski Club, been in real estate with rental property for a long time.....also, am a volunteer tour guide at St. Jude's.  Appreciate your consideration.

Don Chenault

Don Chenault joined Ennead in 2004.  As a Duke on the 2007 Royal Court he participated in our Carnival Children’s Charity Initiate and has given many, many hours gladly volunteering to work on our different Krewe projects.  He believes in our traditions and history as a Grand Krewe of carnival Memphis.

A lifelong resident of Memphis, he attended public school at South Side High.  He also attended Memphis State University.  Chenault is a sales representative with NOI, Nashville Office Interiors and has more than 45 years experience in sales and business management.     

In 1960, he joined the Memphis Junior Chamber of Commerce (Director 3 years, Vice President 2 years, Executive Vice President and Treasurer).  A big believer in child care, he started the “Big Brothers of Greater Memphis” program while he was with the Jaycees.  He was one of the first big brothers.

Chenault is also Zipper, a noble clown of the Shrine Circus.  He has been a member of the Al Chymia Shriner’s since 1975 helping to raise funds for their children’s hospitals and burn units. (Secretary 2 years, Vice. President 2 years, President 2 years). 

     Dallas Moore

As a member of Ennead since 2004, I have enjoyed meeting and becoming acquainted with its interesting and diverse membership. The friendships I have made among Ennead are among the best that I have ever known and I am very thankful for each of them. I have always tried and will continue to attend as many functions as possible.and I believe in this club as a great organization that adds to the life of so many people. I've taken so much from it over the past 4 years; now, I would like to give back by serving on the Board. I look forward to lending my experience as a business owner for over 35 years and as a Duke on the 2006 Royal Court.

I would appreciate your consideration and vote for the Board of Directors of Ennead. 

Dick Raichelson

I hold a doctorate in folklore/anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania, and taught at the University of Memphis. Other experience: archivist, exhibits, record producer, genealogist, pianist, and writer. An historian of Memphis music and history, I have written two books, “Beale Street Talks” and “Memphis Innovations.”  Currently, I’m photo editor for two books on the Memphis legal and medical system, and continue to work with Elderhostel groups.  

A founder of the International Association of Jazz Record Collectors, I served seven years as president and six on the board. I’m Monograph and Discographical Editor, and a member of the Meritorious Service, Nominating, and Convention Committees. Other boards include WEVL FM-90 (6 years) and Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum (13 years). Memberships include NARAS (the grammy awards, 24 years), STARS (3 years), and Ennead (1 1/2 years).  

Ennead, with its full slate of social activities, requires an active board and an enthusiastic, supportive membership. Participation on the board is a partnership and a commitment, but it is also a collaboration with the membership in the search for fresh ideas. If elected, I look forward to the challenge of making the coming year an exciting and successful one for members.