The chapter continues to be proud that 78% of its budget is disbursed to directly support local programs and national research to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure. For a copy of the chapter’s annual report please call (757) 459-2405.
Highlights Include...
Installation of the Board 
Congratulations to Marcie McMillin, President, Marion Backus, Vice President, Jamie Albano, Vice President, Benjamin Huger, Treasurer and Sheila Powell, Secretary who were formally installed as board officers for 2010.
Recognition of Outgoing Board Members
The following Board of Directors members were recognized for their distinguished service to the chapter and the family we service. We are grateful for the time and resources they shared with the chapter during their tenure of service:
Robert Prestridge – completed 5 years as a member of the Board of Directors. Held the office of Treasurer and chaired the Finance committee. He has been instrumental in launching the chapter’s Tree of Hope campaign.
Kenneth Ogren – completed 3 years as a member of the Board of Directors and served as a member of the Finance committee.
Nancy Faison – completed 3 years as a member of the Board of Directors. She held the office of Treasurer and chaired the Finance committee.
Diane Carvalho – completed 2 years as a member of the Board of Directors. She has helped increase community awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and the Association.
Volunteer Recognition
2009 Volunteer of the Year - Rona Altschuler
Rona chaired the Peninsula Memory Walk. Through her leadership and with the support of a tremendous committee of friends, Rona doubled their goal by raising close to $100,000.
2009 Volunteer Group of the Year - BayPort Credit Union
BayPort is a community-minded organization that has supported the Peninsula Memory Walk for many years. This year, under the leadership of Maria Owens and Rita Earnhardt, BayPort raised over $16,000 – top Memory Walk team and was this year’s local Presenting Sponsor.
2009 Outstanding Volunteers
Administrative Support:
Bob W. Fanning – logged close to 700 hours in the Norfolk office managing the library and redesigning and updating our Resource Manual, making it a quality publication. He is a true ambassador for the cause – always ready and willing to share his story and assist at all levels of family services.
Carol Shoemaker –over the past several years she has consistently volunteered to support the Williamsburg/Peninsula branch office. Her contributions with training support, data entry and assisting walk-in clients have been invaluable.
Advocacy:
Faith C. Amoroso & Marjorie S. Hilkert – when it comes to advocacy Faith and Marjorie are a team. Both represented the chapter at the 2009 Alzheimer’s Public Policy Forum in Washington DC. They both shared their personal stories to members of the U.S. Congress to help advance the cause.
Awareness Building: Cahoon & Cross – donated over 50 hours of media relations support. Through the efforts of Margaret Cahoon and Elizabeth Evans, the chapter benefited from increased public awareness and media coverage of Memory Walk.
Family Services:
Mary Catherine Dziedziak – logged close to 700 hours supporting a variety of Family Services activities such as managing Helpline calls, support group facilitation and data entry. She was instrumental in launching the chapter’s Early Alzheimer’s Support and Education (EASE) pilot program.
Education/Training Support:
Dale Parks – consistent supporter of the chapter’s work on the Eastern Shore. She has been instrumental in championing partnered learning for the EASE program on the Eastern shore by securing a host site, food and participating in training to co-facilitate the program.
Special Events:
Betti Tait-Garber – co-chaired the South Hampton Roads Memory Walk and was a great contributor to the Sweet Memories Champagne Brunch. Her participation helped significantly increase awareness and funding support for both successful events.
Christopher Lewis – is always there whenever you need him to support the mission. He consistently provides behind the scene critical support to make our events successful. He also is a top Memory Walk fundraiser.
Special Recognitions
2009 Distinguished Service Award – Deborah Ogren
Deborah has dedicated the past 18 years to serving families as a support group facilitator. She also served on the chapter’s Board of Directors and held the position of Secretary. She has consistently been a champion for those dealing with the affects of Alzheimer’s disease.
2009 Special Recognition Award
Support group facilitators provide a beacon of light to those dealing with the daily challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Support group facilitators spend at least five hours a month in preparation for and conducting their respective groups. It is estimated that the service rendered by all our support group facilitators in one year approaches 500 hours. The following dedicated individuals have each served at least 8 years as a facilitator:
Theresa K. Davis
Pamela DeYoung
Darlene S. Evans
James Fedor
Wendy Fuller
Judy Hutchinson
Maria L. Irlinger
Jill Mitchell
