January Message From The Co-Chairs
As we begin a new year, and one in which we will celebrate our 18th anniversary as an organization, we must look back on 2006 with a sense of both joy and sorrow. During the last year, two of our dear friends passed away. We continue to miss both Ethel Cotovsky and Rob Ward. They both gave tirelessly to the association and were passionate about our work. Their passing has reminded us of the importance of those who give their time, talent, and treasure for this organization. We also owe tremendous gratitude to all of our general organization and to the Youth Program volunteers, as well as all of the participants in our various programs and events throughout the year. We must also thank our professional staff, Susan Abbott, our Youth Program Director, and Jan Hannigan, our Office Manager.
We also appreciate the work of our Board of Directors, including Treasurer Mike Cochran, Secretary Sherrie Wolfe, and members-at-large Anita Csuk, Lee Latham, Rick McVey, Lisa Pearson, Liz Stallone, Davida Williams, Michael Williams, and JoAnn Ziebarth. In February of 2006, the Board of Directors met to establish its priorities for the organization. They were:
• Membership Development: Recruitment, encouraging broad involvement and retention;
• Organizational Development: Building future capabilities;
• Marketing of the Organization: Building public relations capabilities and identifying appropriate strategies;
• Fundraising: Develop appropriate strategies for diversifying funding sources and approaches;
• Increased and Diversified Programming: Lay groundwork for the future and develop niche programs applying to a variety of subgroups within the organization.
These priorities have driven both the direction and the work of the organization.
Last, we must thank you, our members and supporters, for your continued support. We look forward to serving you in 2007, and we ask you to continue your support and participation and that you introduce others to OPALGA. Together, we can continue to do great things for our community.
