CHRVA
Board of Director Elections
At the annual CHRVA General Membership Meeting
on Sunday, May 6, the following individuals were elected to two-year terms
on the Board of Directors: Steve Burinsky (incumbent), Dixie Collins (incumbent),
Lisa DiGiacinto, Charles Ezigbo (incumbent), Arlene Geppi, Karol Shadle
(incumbent), Karan Sorensen, and Eugene Yee (incumbent). Congratulations
to all, and I look forward to working with you. Please see Rod Anderson’s
article (on page 4) for a more complete accounting of the elections.
Immediately following the General Membership
Meeting, the new Board of Directors elected Officers. I will be serving
you for two more years as President, while Rod Anderson will serve one
year as Vice President, and Arlene Geppi will serve two years as Secretary.
My thanks to Steve Burinsky who asked to be replaced as Vice President
(a position he held for two years) and to Laurie Mulford who did not seek
re-election to the Board and who served as your Secretary for the past
year.
A very special thanks to Sue Wainio-Oato and
Shang Hsiung, both of whom have served on the Board of Directors for many,
many years and whose wisdom and insights we will deeply miss. Sue,
Guy, and Emily will be moving to Florida this summer (hope you’ve dusted
off those golf clubs!). I am sure they will have plenty of visitors, particularly
during the winter. Shang, I know your travel schedule is unbelievable,
but I am sure we will see you at most of the Board meetings anyway, that
is, if you can ever find your minivan! In all seriousness, you really will
be missed.
Special Olympics District of Columbia
On May 10, 2001, eight teams of Special Olympics
athletes participated in the volleyball gold medal matches of the Special
Olympics D.C. (SODC) Summer Games. As those who attended can attest, the
energy and enthusiasm was awe-inspiring from the moment the athletes marched
into the gymnasium to the fanfare of the Olympic March music, to the last
point of the final match. Congratulations to all the teams who participated:
Brightwood Elementary, Taft Diagnostic Center, PSI Associates, Kramer Middle
School, Webb Elementary, Thomas Elementary, SOFIT, and National Children’s
Center.
This was the first year of, hopefully, a very
long relationship between CHRVA and Special Olympics D.C. Earlier in the
year, I was asked to be the Volleyball Director for this year’s games,
and the response to my request for volunteers from the CHRVA membership
was overwhelming. In addition, the CHRVA Board of Directors approved a
donation of $3,000 to support SODC’s volleyball development program. Anne
Hughes, CHRVA Commissioner, presented the check to Steve Hocker, Executive
Director of SODC, during the opening ceremonies, which also included an
exchange of gifts (CHRVA tee shirts and key chains) from the CHRVA volunteers
to the athletes. The athletes and coaches were most appreciative of the
support shown by all the volunteers, and the SODC staff sends their sincerest
thanks to all. They commented on the professionalism of the event, from
our Announcer Richard Keller, to the referees—Dick Smith, Larry Liden,
Charles Ezigbo, Tom O’Connor, Tom Brewer, and Tracy Shadle—to the scorekeepers,
lines people, delegation escorts, and ball chasers. This was truly one
of the finest summer games volleyball events in recent history.
I also would like to thank the following individuals
who volunteered their time. You made a difference in the lives of some
very special athletes. I hope that you enjoyed the day as much as I did!
My gratitude to: Tia Allen, Anne Atchison, Jeanne Baily, Rob Baily, Taiwanna
Billups, John Brundage, Stacy Campbell, Jamie Feger, Nellie Freeman, Dottie
Gemignani, Nicky Goren, Angela Huebner, Laurie Johnson, Elisa Kelley, Michelle
Kreeger, Maggie Leary, Adrienne Lees, Don Lees, Lisa Leonardo, Sol Lopez,
Laurie Mulford, Alex Nguyen, DJ Patil, Eric Powell, Jim Reedy, Linda Rowen,
and Maribeth Vance. A very special thanks to JoBeth Killough, organizer
extraordinaire, Anne Hughes (I told you we’d make it on time), and Jill
Pflug (who donated her artistic talents – at the last minute, of course).
I hope to see you all at next year’s games. Note: several SODC athletes
were seen the next day wearing CHRVA shirts at the track and field competition!
— Karol Shadle
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