Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member and 2008 Gala Co-Chair Rick Whitehead.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
Rick: I have been a member of OPALGA for about four years.
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA?
Rick: The first year, I attended a few potlucks and the Gala with my partner, Mike Cochran. I began volunteering my second year as a member.
Empower: In what capacity do you volunteer with OPALGA?
Rick: I’ve volunteered each year at A Day (A Gay) in Our Village. I did the 3:30 a.m. shift one year for the Donut Days fundraiser at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market. I’ve participated in the last three Independence Day (4th of July) parades in Oak Park. I co-hosted an OPALGA house walk with Mike in 2005. I was a co-chair for Table Captains for the 2006 Gala. I’m Co-Chair for the upcoming “Twelfth Night” Gala on April 5 with Lee Latham.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA; that is, how did you first become a volunteer?
Rick: Mike and I were both volunteers on Oak Park Village commissions. Joanne Trapani, then the Village President, who was a Table Captain, first invited us to a Gala. Mike first became active in OPALGA, and then I followed suit shortly thereafter.
Empower: How would you encourage others to become active volunteers with OPALGA?
Rick: To become more active, I would suggest that members read Empower to see what the upcoming events are and where they need assistance. Then, call The OPALGA Center to volunteer. It’s that easy. With the variety of events and programs that OPALGA offers, it is usually easy to match up your interests with the group’s needs.
Empower: There are so many organizations with volunteer opportunities in the Oak Park area; what made you choose OPALGA as the organization with which to volunteer?
Rick: As I mentioned, I had been on one of the Village’s commissions—the Farmers’ Market commission. In fact, for six years, I chaired the commission, which kept me pretty busy, especially all summer. As a member of the LGBT community, however, I wanted to actively support and give back to the community, so I got more active in OPALGA as my workload eased with the Farmers’ Market.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
Rick: No, OPALGA is the only LGBT organization with which I am actively involved.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying, rewarding, or inspirational about being an OPALGA volunteer?
Rick: For myself, I enjoy meeting other new LGBT people in our community. The monthly potlucks, for example, are just amazing places to meet new people and to see friends on an ongoing basis. The most rewarding aspect of volunteering is being able to support the great programs that OPALGA offers for the LGBT community. Growing up, to have the youth programs available that OPALGA now offers would have been so beneficial.
Empower: What is your professional background?
Rick: I am a transplant from the Lancaster, PA, area, but my career brought me to Chicago about 29 years ago. I’ve worked in various roles at the corporate offices of a corrugated container company—Packaging Corporation of America—in Lake Forest. PCA has four paper mills and 68 corrugated plants in the U.S. Most of my career has been on the operational side of the business. My last three years, I’ve been in our Sales and Marketing group, managing Sales Compensation, a fleet of 600+ vehicles and providing training to our 68 plants.
Empower: Is there any other personal information you would like to share with our readers? (Where you live, what your hobbies are, etc.)
Rick: For the past eight years, I have lived on South Harvey Avenue in Oak Park with my beloved partner Mike and our yellow Labrador Jordan. Our home is on a fairly large lot, which allows me to spend much of my time with one of my true loves—gardening. I also have other interests, such as playing tennis and scuba diving. In fact, recently in Hawaii I fulfilled a long-time desire to do an evening dive with manta rays, which was amazing. I recently started a part-time job at a dive shop in Oak Park called H2 Go Scuba, located on Chicago Avenue. I’m working with H2 Go Scuba toward obtaining Master Diver certification. And, living with Mike, I have become quite familiar with the music of Madonna and Barbra.
Thank you, Rick, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
Message From the Co-Chairs
With the unprecedented events of the 2008 presidential election buildup as a backdrop, one consensus has emerged—change is the word of the day no matter which side of the fence you are on. Candidates have thrown this word around at every possible opportunity, letting voters know that the status quo will not be acceptable in the future.
In many ways, OPALGA mirrors the nation. Working with our strategic-planning consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum, during the last four months of 2007, the Board of Directors took a hard, critical look at virtually every aspect of the organization. It may sound trite, but “thinking outside the box” became a necessity rather than a wish. OPALGA is at a key transitional phase in its organizational development, and we must make some major changes as we prepare to undergo significant growth. In short, change is going to be a big part of our lexicon in the coming months and years.
As the Board of Directors awaits the final report from Dr. Goldbaum, we know certain facts. The in-depth examination of OPALGA revealed that we need to make changes in four important areas: membership, programming, management, and finance. Why are these areas so critical? In order to give members of OPALGA the most value for their membership dollars, we need to operate both efficiently and effectively so that you can see first-hand the benefits of OPALGA membership. Membership benefits must be both strengthened and communicated to our members. Programs that meet the many and diverse needs of our members need to be planned and offered. The Board must create a management structure that allows the organization to grow both now and in the future. Finally, a financial structure that allows us to practice fiscal responsibility at all times must be put into place. Each of these areas may sound quite basic, but the Board must now thoroughly examine each area and create a series of action plans with specific responsibilities. OPALGA will become a stronger organization, and the results will become visible to all of you.
How can you help? One fundamental area in which your input has an immediate impact is membership. Think of many of your friends who are not members of OPALGA and plan to introduce them to OPALGA in some way. Bring them to a potluck, and let them see who the members are. Invite them to the “Twelfth Night” Gala, which supports the ongoing cultural and social events for OPALGA members, services for youth and young adults, and our organization’s work with other community groups to promote diversity. We are in the midst of a strong LGBT population in Oak Park, Berwyn, Forest Park, and other surrounding communities, and yet our membership could, and should, be higher. We plan to grow our membership by year-end and to increase it significantly by 12/31/2010. There is strength in numbers, and OPALGA is a strong organization that will get even stronger.
Such growth is a major challenge but one that we gladly accept. OPALGA’s major strength is its membership, and with almost 20 years of our organization’s history behind us, we are in a strong position to continue building on our foundation. So, the next time you hear a candidate call for change, think of OPALGA and how we, too, must change.
One thing to remember about change—when you take a closer look, you might really like what you see!
Celebrate Valentine’s Day: Register!
In 1997, OPALGA organized a community-wide initiative to pressure the Oak Park Village Board to consider and approve an ordinance to establish a domestic partnership registry. In September of 1997, the Village Board approved the ordinance. The establishment of the domestic partnership registry broke new ground: it became the first domestic partnership registry established by an Illinois municipality.
Upon passage of the registry, it was immediately challenged via a petition drive by anti-LGBT forces calling for a non-binding referendum on the ordinance. OPALGA and the entire Oak Park community organized a huge campaign to counter the referendum: “Vote YES Oak Park.” What were the results of the referendum? I am sure that those of you who have visited The OPALGA Center have noticed the framed Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest front page with the banner headline on March 18, 1998: “Big Gay Day!” In a watershed moment for OPALGA and the Village of Oak Park, the ordinance was upheld. Another first: Oak Park became the first municipality in the nation to uphold a domestic partnership referendum by popular vote.
Declarations of domestic partnership may be registered with the Office of the Village Clerk. Domestic partners are defined by the ordinance as two unrelated and unmarried persons of the same sex who are age 18 or older, have lived together in Oak Park for at least six months, and are jointly responsible for each other’s necessities of life. Identification (passport or driver’s license) and proof of residence (lease, mortgage document, or utility bill) are required. The registration fee is $50.00.
In addition, each partner is issued a certified copy of his or her domestic partnership declaration. Registration is available by appointment only at the Village Clerk’s office: 708-358-5700.
Show your love and commitment by registering!
Tribute to Heath Ledger
Respected Actor Changed Hearts and Minds with “Brokeback Mountain” Role
The unexpected death of Heath Ledger on January 22, 2008, has shocked and saddened many in the LGBT community and beyond. Ledger chose his roles for their artistic integrity rather than for their commercial appeal. Many actors were too frightened to play the role of a cowboy who falls deeply in love with another cowboy; Heath Ledger was not.
In 2006, OPALGA Public Policy Chair Alan Amato was asked by the Wednesday Journal of Oak Park and River Forest to write a “One View” column in response to this groundbreaking film, “Brokeback Mountain,” directed by Ang Lee. The editors of Empower felt that a reprint of Alan’s article would be a fitting tribute to the memory of this brave and talented actor. Alan’s column was published on January 17, 2006, and is reprinted, with permission, in its entirety below.
“Brokeback Mountain” Is a Love Story, Not a “Gay Cowboy Film”
A week ago Friday, I joined friends for the opening of “Brokeback Mountain” at the Lake Theatre. For those of you who have not recently opened a paper or turned on the television, this film has generated praise from the majority of movie critics and its share of controversy. The movie has already been pulled from screens in three states, and I am confident, considering the amount of wingnuts, it will probably be pulled from several more screens before the end of its run.
The film, based on the 1997 short story by Annie Proulx, tells the story of two young Wyoming sheepherders, Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal). The film begins in 1963 when the two cowboys meet and, well, fall deeply in love. Considering the time and place, the two men are confused, frightened, and, well, deeply in love. It brought to my mind Oscar Wilde and Victorian England: “the love that dare not speak its name.”
The story of this love affair stretches over a 20-year period. After a four-year absence, Jack (now married) appears at Ennis’ (also now married) door. At first sight, the two hug and kiss passionately. Every year they return to Brokeback Mountain to continue their relationship. All Jack wants in his future is for the two of them to live on a small ranch in Wyoming, to spend their lives together. Of course, considering the attitudes of the time, we all know this is just a wonderful dream.
Enough of the story—I want to encourage you to see the film, so I certainly do not want to give away too much of the story line. However, come Oscar time, I’m sure the film will receive nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Heath Ledger), and Best Director (Ang Lee). The scenery is spectacular, the acting, tremendous, and some of the background music, haunting. Of course, considering my activity in Oak Park with OPALGA, I freely admit I am not the most objective person to comment on this film.
Upon entering the nearly packed house, I noticed the majority of the audience was straight young couples. What would the reaction be when the two cowboys kiss? What would my reaction be to the audience reaction? The cowboys kissed—absolute silence in the theater. As the film progressed, I could hear muffled sobs.
I should point out that, yes, there is nudity and, yes, there are “sex scenes,” although they’re left much more to one’s imagination than many scenes I’ve witnessed in some mainstream straight cowboy movies.
“Brokeback Mountain” is not a “gay cowboy movie.” It is a love story—regardless of sexual orientation.
Have, in 40 years, attitudes changed? Almost exactly one year to the date of the publication of the short story in 1997, college student Matthew Shepard was fatally gay-bashed. Ironically, he was severely beaten, tied to a fence, and died—in rural Wyoming.
All Jack Twist wanted in 1963 was for himself and Ennis to own a small ranch and live as partners. Switch to the present: several states have recently passed state constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage.
All Jack Twist wanted was to share their love and their lives together without harassment, without publicity, without harm. Switch to the present: right-wing religious zealots and their legislative allies fight against comprehensive hate-crime laws. Not only do they fight against same-sex marriage but they fight against any civil protections for same-sex couples.
Have we made progress? Of course we have—especially in the protection of our little “bubbles” across the United States, such as our own wonderful community of Oak Park.
Upon leaving the Lake, I intentionally eavesdropped on people’s conversations. I did not hear a negative comment. I left the theater a bit watery-eyed but smiling—smiling that a movie of two men deeply in love is showing on the big screen in movie theaters across our country. A movie of two men deeply in love may possibly receive the Oscar for Best Picture. Please go see the movie—you will not be disappointed.
I know there are many like “Ennis” and “Jack” out there in rural and urban America. May they see this story and decide to “come out” and not be afraid or confused about their deep and abiding love.
The movie is about a love that could have been. I would have wanted it to be about a love that should have been.
What’s New
Did You Know?
Shop The Book Table in Oak Park at 1045 Lake St. and raise money for OPALGA. The Book Table gives 1% of all book sales to OPALGA when you make your purchase if you let them know that you would like the donation to be made.
Does your company offer a program that matches employees’ donations to not-for-profit organizations? Do they have a grant-making program for community organizations that their employees support? If so, you can double your giving to OPALGA by taking advantage of such employee programs. To find out more, check with your company’s human resources department.
If you have other ideas for ways to increase giving to OPALGA through community programs, please call Susan at 708-386-3463.
Amigos Latinos Apoyando Siempre
Amigos Latinos Apoyando Siempre (ALAS), our Latino men’s group, will be expanding our services again. We are now holding groups every Tuesday night from 7:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. at The OPALGA Center. Some upcoming ALAS events include HIV and STD testing on site, LGBT history night, and a public policy update from OPALGA Public Policy Chair Alan Amato. For more information about ALAS, please call Susan at 708-386-3463.
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member Jan Grillos.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
Jan: I joined the organization over 15 years ago, attending the potlucks and enjoying the social aspect (I am a vegetarian, so I eat dinner before arriving since I have such a strict diet).
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA?
Jan: For over seven years.
Empower: In what capacity do you volunteer with OPALGA?
Jan: I assist with Spectrum and Prism youth, ensuring that any of the kids who arrive are given attention by other kids or by us.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA; that is, how did you first become a volunteer?
Jan: I wanted to invest time in helping youth to cope with issues that they encounter in their daily lives and in school due to their not conforming to general society’s expectations—especially with the bullying and shaming issues.
Empower: How would you encourage others to become active volunteers with OPALGA?
Jan: Simply ask a Board member where help is needed and determine whether you have the interest and time to assist the organization in that capacity.
Empower: There are so many organizations with volunteer opportunities in the Oak Park area; what made you choose OPALGA as the organization with which to volunteer?
Jan: I was familiar with OPALGA since I have been a member for so long—it was natural to consider opportunities right here.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
Jan: Yes. I attend many of the West Suburban Gay Association functions—it is strictly a social organization. In addition, I give major support to the Gay Liberation Network, which is a gay rights activist organization, and I will be volunteering with Howard Brown’s Broadway Youth Center as a mentor for youth. I have also met with a number of GSAs (gay-straight alliances) for middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and I support PFLAG, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU, to name a few others.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying, rewarding, or inspirational about being an OPALGA volunteer?
Jan: The opportunity to have an impact on youths’ attitudes toward themselves and gay society in general. It is also good to see new attendees be accepted and helped by other members.
Empower: What is your professional background?
Jan: My background includes many years as a systems developer. Later, I was a professional sales representative, selling for management consultants, systems integrators, and software companies (I have a business management and marketing degree). I recently changed careers. I am now spending most of the time investing in real estate.
Empower: Is there any other personal information you would like to share with our readers? (Where you live, what your hobbies are, etc.)
Jan: I live in Elmhurst with my partner Chuck (who is from Oak Park). (Living in Elmhurst, one day Susan Abbott asked me “Are you okay?”
I am a vegan vegetarian (due to health reasons) and work out six days per week (three days swimming laps at the YMCA—I’m a member of their 100-mile club, swimming more than 100 miles per year—and three days working out at home for an hour). I am a modern art collector and have painted a number of modern art pieces myself, and I have collected a number of modern sculptures to decorate outside by the deck as well as in the house. And I am very interested in architecture, having seen many of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses as well as being a member of the Mies van der Rohe Society. I enjoy bicycle riding with Chuck and helping him to prepare something fabulous for dinner each night (he’s a great cook; I’m the gofer).
Thank you, Jan, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
Message from the Co-Chair (January, 2008)
As I sit down to write my first column as Co-Chair of OPALGA, I am acutely aware of the huge responsibility that I have agreed to assume, and it is both humbling and gratifying. Although I am faced with a great deal of hard work, I am genuinely looking forward to the coming months. These are very exciting times for OPALGA, and we are on the verge of some significant accomplishments.
First, however, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my predecessor, Brad Bartels. His devotion to the organization was nothing short of amazing, and his generosity with his time and talent serves as an example for us all. Brad has left a legacy that touches virtually every aspect of OPALGA, and we are all better for it.
In addition, Brad’s Co-Chair, Cheryl Haugh, recently decided to step down as of January 1 for personal reasons. Cheryl originally stepped up when Ethel Cotovsky passed away, and OPALGA will always be grateful for her willingness to help. The time involved in serving as Co-Chair is enormous, and I salute Cheryl for helping OPALGA as she did.
The Board of Directors chose extraordinarily wisely in selecting Liz Stallone to serve out the remaining year of Cheryl’s term. I had the privilege of serving as Co-Chair of the 2006 Gala with Liz, and we had a great time working together. Liz brings a combination of enthusiasm and energy that combines with her work ethic to make her an absolute pleasure to work with. I am very happy and excited that we have the opportunity to serve together as Co-Chairs.
So, what exactly are some of the “significant accomplishments” that I mentioned earlier? For starters, consider that OPALGA is presently involved in the following:
• The Board of Directors is nearing the end of its four-month strategic planning process with Dr. Carol Goldbaum, which will better position us for future growth;
• The Board is in the midst of creating its first-ever Policy Manual, which will be an invaluable aid for the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers; and,
• The Gala moves to Saturday, April 5, 2008, at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook and promises to be a Gala unlike any other before it.
In addition, we are planning our holiday brunch for Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Trattoria 225 in Oak Park, and then on Friday, February 1, 2008, we have a spectacular evening of theatre as we join the Steppenwolf Theatre Company for a benefit production of “Good Boys and True.” (Both of these events are described in detail elsewhere in this issue of Empower.)
Moreover, we are mindful that gay and lesbian rights are at the forefront of the upcoming election, and issues such as marriage equality, civil unions, and domestic partner benefits are in the news daily. These issues affect all of us, and we must make certain that we do whatever possible to advocate for these rights on behalf of our members in as effective a manner as possible.
If this seems like a lot of activity to you, it is. While the Board is in great shape with the addition of new members Bruce Broerman, Kim Hefner, and David Rappaport, the Board simply cannot do it alone. We need your help. Pick out an activity that appeals to you, and get involved. While you are at it, talk to some non-member friends and get them involved; tell them what a great organization we have, and invite them to join you as members. Our monthly potlucks are a great opportunity to bring prospective members to a free event where they can see for themselves what OPALGA has to offer. In short, whatever your interest(s), we welcome your participation. If there is an activity that you feel we should be offering that we are not at present, please give me a call or drop me a note at . I again thank you for the opportunity to serve as Co-Chair, and pledge to each of you that I will do the best job possible. Please join me for some exciting times ahead!
Board Awaits Final Strategic Planning Report
Now that the holiday season has come and gone, the Board of Directors is about to turn its attention to a huge task awaiting it in 2008—acting upon the information that will be contained in the final report from its strategic planning consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum. The process has gone very smoothly. The last major step was an all-day working session held on December 1, 2007, during which the Board discussed the priorities of our goals and the action steps needed to achieve each of these goals.
“This has been an incredibly thorough process, and each Board member has benefited from the opportunity to participate throughout,” said OPALGA Co-Chair Mike Cochran. “Thanks to Carol and her dedication to OPALGA, however, the Board is getting more than it originally asked for. We thought we would get a document showing us how to proceed toward the eventual hiring of an Executive Director, but we are actually going to receive that as part of an overall three-year strategic plan. I cannot emphasize enough how much this means to our Board as we work to deliver the best services and events possible.”
The Board of Directors, upon receiving the final report, will most likely spend a portion of its annual retreat (usually held in February of each year) in discussing the strategic plan and how best to implement it. According to Cochran, this timing couldn’t be better for the organization. “The new Board took effect on January 1, and we now have the benefit of additional input from our three new directors—Bruce Broerman, Kim Hefner, and David Rappaport. These individuals bring an impressive array of experience to the Board, and I am very excited about their addition to the mix. When you add these three to the incredibly strong Directors that we already have, it can’t help but produce great results.”
“Dr. Goldbaum has given us an incredible foundation on which to build,” Cochran concluded. “It is now up to each of us to move forward in an effective and efficient manner as we help OPALGA transition itself to the next level. People will be hearing great things from OPALGA in the future!”
Message from the Co-Chairs (December)
Sooner than we may want, the new year will be upon us. Next year, 2008, will bring new challenges for OPALGA with new and renewed enthusiasm to meet them. Several Directors will return for new terms. Lisa Pearson, Davida Williams, and JoAnn Ziebarth will continue serving as Directors. Kim Hefner and Bruce Broerman will join the Board as new Directors. Anita Csuk will become Treasurer, and Mike Cochran will become Male Co-Chair. Brad Bartels will complete a four-year stretch as Male Co-Chair at the end of December and will serve as “past Co-Chair” for the next year.
By design, one Co-Chair remains, while the other is replaced. Last month, the Board of Directors reluctantly accepted the resignation of Cheryl Haugh as Female Co-Chair. Cheryl is saddened to leave the Board but feels that she will best serve the organization in other capacities. She finishes having served two years as Co-Chair—one year in finishing Ethel Cotovsky’s term and one year in which she was re-elected. At the November Board of Directors meeting, Liz Stallone was unanimously appointed by the Board to complete Cheryl’s term.
The re-elected and new Board members will be joining Secretary Sherrie Wolfe and Members-at-Large Lee Latham and Rick McVey. The Board will appoint a Member-at-Large replacement for Liz Stallone to serve out her Board term.
We leave our posts as Co-Chairs in good hands. Liz has been a part of the Board for three years and served as the OPAL Gala Co-Chair in 2005 and 2006. She received the Brian Findlay Award for outstanding and long-term commitment last May. She also provides many of the printed materials for OPALGA, including Empower each month. Mike Cochran served with Liz as the OPAL Gala Co-Chair in 2006. He received the Carol Zientek Award for distinguished service last May and has served as Treasurer for the past two years. Mike was instrumental in establishing the Board working committees this year, which have continued to be productive avenues for accomplishing our goals. He has also largely been responsible for organizing the work being done with our consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum, who is currently guiding us through a strategic planning process that will yield dividends for years to come.
Now, we both reflect on our time served together on the OPALGA Board as very positive for the organization. It has been a time of growth, expansion, and many great memories. We came together to say goodbye to Ethel Cotovsky and Rob Ward, whose leadership and sage advice we miss. In collaboration with the Board of Directors, we moved from an inside office space to a visible storefront. We continued to conduct, modify, and support our youth programs. We identified and honed goals and continually worked toward specificity and reproducibility of policies and procedures. Two things that are always talked about among OPALGA stalwarts are the purchase of our own building and the hiring of an executive director. We have not realized these goals yet, but with hard work and a little luck, our leadership will direct us toward these aspirations.
We all choose to be part of OPALGA for different reasons, but we hope that we share the belief that, as a community, we are better off because of our existence. Some have compared us to that little train, chugging up that long hill, trying to reach the top, while gravity tries to force us backward. Yet, each year, we get a little stronger—our fire is stoked, and our resolve becomes tougher. As an organization, we will get to the top of that hill and the mountains beyond. We will because we believe that we can. We know that it’s too important not to succeed. We owe it to ourselves, to our families and friends, to those who haven’t been able to make the full journey with us, and to those who have yet to join us.
As for both of us, we are richer for having had the opportunity to serve as your Co-Chairs. We look forward to what the future brings, and we take comfort in knowing that success is the only track that the organization is running on—now and for years to come. We may have climbed aboard many years ago, but our tickets are punched for the final destination, and we are looking forward to the trip.
Much love,
Brad and Cheryl
Election Results Announced at Annual Meeting
On November 6, more than 30 OPALGA members gathered at The Oak Park Art League for OPALGA’s 18th Annual Meeting. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres and beverages and informal presentations from Co-Chairs Brad Bartels and Cheryl Haugh, Nominating Committee Chair Liz Stallone, Youth Program Director Susan Abbott, and Treasurer Mike Cochran.
Attendees were welcomed to the meeting by Bartels and Haugh, who presented our mission statement, a brief history of the organization, our priorities and accomplishments for 2007, as well as a thank-you to our professional staff, current board members and officers, youth program volunteers, and programming committee volunteers who are so crucial to our success.
A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the election results for the 2008 Board of Directors and Officers for the organization. Lisa Pearson, Davida Williams, and JoAnn Ziebarth were re-elected for two-year terms as Board Members-at-Large. Current Board Member-at-Large Anita Csuk was elected as Treasurer, while Mike Cochran, current Treasurer, was elected as Male Co-Chair, both for two-year terms. OPALGA members Kim Hefner and Bruce Broerman were elected as Board Members-at-Large for two-year and one-year terms, respectively.
As mentioned in the Message from the Co-Chairs on page 2, in November, the OPALGA Board reluctantly accepted the resignation of Cheryl Haugh as Female Co-Chair. The Board unanimously appointed Liz Stallone to serve out Cheryl’s remaining one-year term as Female Co-Chair. The Board will appoint a replacement for Liz’s Member-at-Large position, and current Board members Secretary Sherrie Wolfe and Members-at-Large Lee Latham and Rick McVey will continue to serve out their terms.
We thank everyone who attended the Annual Meeting, and we look forward to your participation in our activities and events throughout 2008.
