About Me.

Coming Theme: “Ohana Koho” – Chosen Family

As my year as President comes to a close, I reflect with deep gratitude on the experiences,

connections, and memories we’ve shared under the theme “Ohana Koho” — Hawaiian for

“Chosen Family.” Having lived in Hawaii for several years, I developed a love for its culture,

where everyone is family — Auntie, Uncle, Sista, or Brother. That same spirit of connection is

what I’ve found within the JCI Senate.

We may have started as strangers, but through our shared passions, challenges, and celebrations,

we grew into more than friends — we became Ohana.

Our year began with a fantastic Summer Outing in Fredericksburg, highlighted by a memorable

Baseball Night cookout hosted by Senator John Mosesso. The Fred Nats game was filled with

laughter and camaraderie.

In the fall, parts of Virginia and North Carolina were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our

thoughts remained with all those affected. A special thank you goes to Missy Pulling and PMI

for their vital support in coordinating relief efforts for the Jaycees and Senate.

Next, we gathered for the MD/VA Fall Social at Occoquan Regional Park, enjoying a beautiful

day of fellowship and Huli-Huli chicken with our extended Ohana from Virginia and Maryland.

In November, we joined the Virginia Jaycees for the VA All Meeting in Harrisonburg. John

Mosesso organized the inaugural “Charcutier Challenge,” adding fun and flavor to a weekend

spent with friends in the scenic mountains.

Later that month, we traveled to Tulsa for the US JCI Senate Fall Board Meeting. There, we

celebrated President Gary Pittinger’s vision of “Destination Legacy” and honored his memory

following his unexpected passing — a first in our organization’s history. Anne Johnson was

recognized with a Presidential Award for her continued dedication.

December brought our Holiday Party in Mechanicsville, hosted by Mike and Sherri Polychrones.

It was a festive and joyful close to the year.

Although I couldn’t attend the National Meeting in New Orleans due to family commitments, I

sincerely appreciated everyone who represented Virginia. From all reports, it was an outstanding

event — and we were lucky to have avoided the record snowfall that followed!

We rang in 2025 with our Winter Meeting in Virginia Beach, joining the Jaycees for Narcan

Training and their Year-End Awards Banquet. It was a weekend full of meaningful moments.

Congratulations as well to the Confetti Queens on their third consecutive win in the Martini Mix

Off. Special thanks to John Mosesso and Brian Morris for making the weekend so memorable.

In the spring, we set sail in Norfolk for the Mid-Atlantic Institute Meeting aboard the USS MAI.

Captains Kay Faries and Sabitha Venkatesh led a stellar crew through a weekend filled with

laughter, a Luau with professional Hula dancers, and surprise birthday performances by National

Secretary Tom King and my little buddy, Jeremiah Sleeth.

Our final event was the joint LMA/Senate Meeting in Richmond, where we elected our new

officers and celebrated one last gathering with our Ohana Koho.

Highlights & Recognition

• Scholarship Success: Congratulations to Cindy Kinney for leading our Scholarship Committee through a successful year. For the first time, we awarded a Vocational Scholarship, and our candidate went on to win the National US JCI Senate Scholarship!

• National Representation: Congratulations to Tom King on his election as Treasurer of the US JCI Senate for 2025–2026. Your dedication and leadership have made Virginia proud.

• Award-Winning Booth: Melissa Sleeth brought home 1st Place for Region III’s Party Booth at the Annual Meeting in Chicago. What a win!

• Presidential Medal of Honor Recipients:

  • 1st Quarter: Sherri Polychrones, John Mosesso, Karen Gage

  • 2nd Quarter: Monica Loving, Linda Carter, Anne Johnson

  • 3rd Quarter: Cindy Kinney, Marissa Garcia, Ariel Jones

  • 4th Quarter: Cathy Rolston, Joanie Cramer, Brian Morris, Kay Faries, Sabitha Venkatesh

• New Senator Presentations: We also welcomed three new Senators: Lisa Agosto, Chris

Thompson and Eric Schuette. Congratulations and welcome to our Senate Ohana!

A heartfelt Aloha to our Chaplain and dear friend Skip Bentley #80472. Skip, you are deeply

missed. May your memory be a blessing to all who knew you.

Final Reflections

As I look back on this remarkable year, I want to express my deepest appreciation to my Board

of Directors and every member who contributed to our shared success. Your dedication, time,

and love made this year truly special.

Special thanks to:

• John Mosesso for serving as both Hospitality Chair and managing Rooms & Reservations with grace.

• Anne Johnson for her tireless work on the Mentors program. She had record participation this year.

• Karen Gage, our VP, who kept me organized and focused throughout the year.

• Marissa Garcia for outstanding communication and beautifully crafted newsletters.

• My trusted advisors: Sherri Polychrones, Anne Johnson, and Ariel Jones — your guidance was invaluable.

Finally, congratulations to Karen Gage on your election as the 2025–2026 President. I have

every confidence in your leadership and know you will continue to lead with heart, strength, and

purpose.

To my Ohana Koho — thank you for an unforgettable year. Time truly flew, and every moment

was a gift.

Mahalo and Aloha,

Tom Cramer

2024–2025 President

JCI Virginia Senate

During the 2023-24 year, Sheri previewed a back to the future style theme with her Explore the Senate, Explore the Future theme.  President Sheri and VP Tom performed the first of many skits at the Summer Outing previewing and highlighting the fun times in

the Senate. After that first skit, everyone wanted more so at each meeting there was a new and equally fun skit. VP Tom Cramer was a great sport dressing up as doc and Sheri was dressed as Marty.

Sheri implemented a mentorship program to activate new senators and partner them with seasoned senators to help them move through the Senate and make sure they knew of events and meetings. This was an important program to help activate new senators. This inaugural year of the program was a great start to this new program. Approximately 12 new Senators participated.

News was spread to the Senate through Just Current Information “JCI” news blasts. They went out usually bi-weekly or monthly depending on the information.

Summer Outing was held the first weekend of August and was held in the Richmond area. We had a great meeting and besides the skit and meeting, we attended the horse races at Colonial Downs. Some Senators learned to bet and others were old pros. The Fall Meeting was held in conjunction with the Virginia Jaycees in Emporia, VA where Saturday night we had a bonfire. The Christmas party was hosted by President Sheri and First Gentleman, Mike. The March meeting was held in Virginia Beach and we were visited by the National President, Hal Williams (FL) along with Region III VP, Randy Willhoite (WV). During the week before we hosted Hal Williams and several senators helped with taking him on tours. We hosted a VIP dinner at The Big Whiskey Grill the first night he was in town. The May Meeting was hosted by the Senate and held in Staunton, VA.

During the year, Alan Richardson was an important advisor for President Sheri. On November 9, 2023, Alan passed away after a ten year battle with cancer. Sheri was incredibly lucky to have two great women assist her and step into Alan’s shoes as Sheri’s advisors. Later they deemed themselves as the “3 Musketeers.”

Sheri was recognized as one of five Outstanding State Presidents at the National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Other National Meetings held that year were: Fall Meeting in Houston and Winter Meeting in Greenville, South Carolina, and Mid-Atlantic Institute (MAI) was held in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Three Senatorships were given during the year to Brian Morris from Emporia, Chris Thompson from Virginia Beach and Mark “Bish” Bishop from Goochland/Chesterfield.

We Explored the Future and Explored the Senate and it was a great, fun year.

We ended the year welcoming 18 new Senators into our family which helped grow our organization + 4 overall. Thank you to the chapters and Jaycee friends from chapters that no longer exist for remembering those most deserving and helping to recognize them with a Senatorship. We said fond good-byes to too many Senators this year. While heart-breaking it also warmed my heart to see fellow Senators attending the funerals of those who passed to let the families know how much they meant to all of us. We travelled at each of our meetings through food and fellowship to Italy, Paris and Mexico. We donned hats, berets, and sombreros to mix it up a little. When 2022-23 US JCI Senate President Susan Hatcher asked all of us to Play Ball, our merry band traveled to many other states Maryland, Delaware, Florida, California, Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee to name a few. Some of us stamped our international passports by attending Senate meetings in Trinidad, Columbia, Great Britain, Germany, and Mexico. Two Virginia high school students were recognized on the National level this year. I was proud to stand on the podium at the closing banquet to have a new named scholarship to ensure future generations of students receive scholarships. At the Board of Directors meeting, the Virginia Senate was recognized as the #1 State for our efforts to support the US JCI Senate Sweepstakes program.

The theme for the year was Join the Journey. It came from the idea that a Senatorship is less a status and more of a journey – you and I each might have our ups and downs with the Senate, but it's our journey together as Senators that matters. The hope was that wherever our members are in their journeys as Senators, that they believe in the value of their support and that the Senate can always be a place they call home, no matter how far or long they might wander away. Through our support, we continually reaffirm that the Jaycee Creed still matters, that service to humanity still matters.

With that theme as our lodestar, we focused the year on exploring and expanding ways to bring Senators into the journey. That started, first of all, with the leadership team. Everybody paddled in the same direction, and each person played their part in trying to leave the Virginia Senate in a better place than when we picked it up. On top of that, we had so much help from many Past Presidents and other Senators.

Together, some of the things we've accomplished this year:

• We took our Communications portfolio to a new level

  • we launched a new website with an updated appearance and more user-friendly features, on a new platform that won't require expert knowledge about websites to manage

  • we honed in on our social media outreach, using our Facebook page even more regularly to share information and engage our members

  • we continued to issue quarterly newsletters, expanding the creativity and information provided

  • in between our newsletters, we launched a new initiative, called our Postcard series -- you may have seen some of them -- to provide more timely information and updates to folks

• We improved our financial management

  • we invested in a laptop that could be passed on from Treasurer to Treasurer in order to maintain our financial information

  • we also invested in accounting software to install on this laptop to bring our accounting work more in line with "industry standards"

  • we started working on a membership database to keep better records

• Our Scholarship Program was very successful, resulting in 3 winners, 1 of whom was awarded a scholarship from the US JCI Senate Foundation. All three of our winners received a $500 scholarship award from the Arlington Jaycees' Skip Hilton Foundation.

• Our Return the Favor Program has been another notable success this year, resulting in nominations from chapters almost every quarter this year, and leading to at least one national award (we're waiting to hear what will happen in 4th Quarter!)

• Gavel starred in several award-winning films, including The Originals with NVP Melissa, American Hustlers with the VA national JCI team, and a remake of the Avengers with National President Mike. In the second half of the year, Gavel launched a singing career, producing various albums with the VA JCI Senate leadership team. Gavel was a rock star, attracting legions of followers around the country, and leaving at least three little gavels to bring more joy into the world.

I'm also proud to share with you that at MAI this year, Virginia Senators won two of the three Region III Awards: Kay Faries received the Konrad Melkus Outstanding Member Award, and Karen Gage, our Hospitality Director, received the Frank Butler Outstanding Board Member Award. And did you know we have 7 Virginia Senators serving on the national team this year?

It was also important to make the Senate and Senate events as accessible to as many of our members as possible. Of course, we continued to have our quarterly meetings and each one was planned for a different region -- Richmond for the summer outing, Lexington-Rockbridge for the fall, Virginia Beach for the winter time, and Arlington for the spring meeting. All of our business meetings were broadcast on zoom, so that even if folks couldn't be there in person, they could participate virtually.

For the winter meeting, we had a fantastic time hosting the US JCI Senate President, Mike Andrews, and his wife Linda, as well as Region III NVP, our own Melissa Sleeth. As usual, we held our signature event, the Martini Mix-off during the winter meeting. This year, we tried a few new things, including making it its own separate event in its own space, expanding judging categories, and allowing audience participation in the voting process. Also, during the winter meeting, Tom King coordinated a moving tribute to Bill Robertson and Camp VA Jaycees.

Aside from the in-person meetings, we also launched a new virtual series, called our Online Speaker Series, where we invited Virginia Speakers to speak on various topics to our members. Some of the topics included the first 50 years of VA Senate History (Doc Serota), A Life of Service After the Jaycees, a retirement financial planning session, and travel and vacation best practices. We also continued our monthly online zoom socials.

Finally, a great effort by our Liaison and Senate Review Committee, along with the Senators who worked hard to raise money and fill out applications resulted in 10 new Senators. With these new members, in addition to our reactivations and new interstate members, we achieved growth every quarter and ended the year at +11. The numbers reflected the tremendous work of our leadership team and other Senators and, most importantly, the value of the Senate in people's lives and why it mattered to Join the Journey.

Jackie joined the Oceanfront Jaycees in 2001. During her time with the chapter, she served as Management Development Vice President, twice, Community Development Vice President, and treasurer. She earned several state awards including the Tucker Watson Outstanding Local Officer, Year End and two State Presidential Awards of Appreciation. She was also State Runner-up in the Write up Competition. In 2007, she served as the Atlantic Region Director until midyear when she moved to Minnesota.

Jackie joined the Rochester Jaycees in 2007. In 2009, while she was Membership Vice President, the chapter earned the 2009 Fall All State Highest Chapter over Base for Second Trimester. That year she was named Fall All State Silver Membership Vice President and 2009 Annual Gold Membership Vice President. Jackie served as President in 2010.

She returned to Virginia in 2011 when she joined the Hopewell Jaycees as Internal Vice President. In 2013, she was elected Management Vice President of the Virginia Jaycees. Jackie served as the 80th Virginia State President in 2014 with the theme of “An Unwritten Future”. She was presented with her Life Membership to the Virginia Jaycees in May 2014 and received her senatorship in May 2015. Every year she said she would “just be a member” and every year, she served in some capacity: Bar Director, Director at Large, twice, Rooms, Reservations and Outings, Vice President and President.

In the middle of the Covid pandemic, Jackie began the 2020-2021 year with the theme: “One Team, One Dream” and did she have the Dream team: Sabitha Venkatesh (IPP), Lillian Cheng (VP), Jodi Dean (Liaison), Sheri Polychrones (Treasurer), Christina Bruner (R,R&O), Melissa Sleeth and family (Hospitality), Marissa Nihill Garcia (Communications), Mike Polychrones (Bar Director), Jack Ferry (Assistant treasurer), Paul Showalter (Website), Hope Ellison (Newsletter) and a host of appointed persons. Our very own Ariel Jones was National President and Alan Richardson was Region III National Vice President.

The start of the year didn’t look good. With pandemic closures, it was not known whether a summer outing could be held. Virginia’s citizens behaved and the governor lifted some restrictions and we were able to meet. The summer outing was held in the Richmond area, where we conducted our first business meeting of the year to pass the budget and to fellowship over a few glasses of wine with a New Kent area winery tour. Jackie represented the Commonwealth at the Fall Board meeting held in Lawton, OK and then again at the Winter meeting in AZ, where we saw our friends Elizabeth and Dan Benka for the last time. The next time our members would see each other would be a few weeks later at Dan’s graveside service, then Elizabeth’s a couple of weeks later. With the help of the Virginia Life Member Association, the Virginia JCI Senate was able to meet the amount to establish a Foundation scholarship in Elizabeth and Dan’s names; the Foundation was so dear to both of them. Jackie presented the final donation at MAI, which was hosted by the West Virginia Senate in Wheeling. It was at MAI that Melissa Sleeth was elected as Region III National Vice President. Her theme was “Rise Up”, inspired by the musical Hamilton.

The Fall meeting was held in Lexington in conjunction with the Virginia Jaycees meeting. We presented a single Senatorship at a Virginia Jaycees meeting this year, to Eboni Lee, and did five local presentations to: Ron Sleeth (via Zoom, when Jackie showed up at his door with certificate and medallion in hand), Laura Murphy, Karen Gage, Patty Lee, Christine Flinton and Stacy Hickman.

We had a Virginian selected as a US JCI Senate Foundation awardee. This person along with the second nominee were the first to be awarded the Skip Hilton Memorial Scholarship, presented by the Arlington Jaycees. The Scholarship committee was chaired by Jennifer Rebby and included Beth McOsker, John Seaborn and Joyce Cooke.

In June, we hosted the US JCI Senate National Convention in Virginia Beach at the Founders Inn. The attendance topped 400 and our members and several local Jaycees showed up in force working an immense number of hours. The result was an amazing year end that will rival all other year end celebrations. The event was chaired by Kathleen King and co-chaired by Jacque Camlet. Success of the convention is the result of behind-the-scenes hard work of the committee chairs: Anne Johnson, Beth Fujishige, Karen Gage, Troy Anderson, Hope Ellison (who chaired the regions party booth and won first place), Sabitha Venkatesh, Sharon Showalter, Paul Showalter, Jodi Dean, Karen Gage, Jim Hart, John Mosesso and Jennifer Rebby.

Several Virginia Senators were recognized at the National Convention for their hard work over the year. Sabitha Venkatesh and Tom King were recognized at Outstanding Appointed Officers, Sharon Showalter was recognized for her Return the Favor efforts, Kathleen King was recognized as an Outstanding Senator, Alan Richardson was an Outstanding National Vice President, Kay Faries and Jackie Julien were presented a Presidential Medal of Honor.

Many thanks for an outstanding and challenging year. We were truly “One Team” with “One Dream”.

Sabitha Venkatesh joined the Oceanfront Jaycees in 2008. She served as Community Development VP for two years, then served as chapter President. In 2011 she served as Community Development VP for the Virginia Jaycees. She is the recipient of the Tucker Watkins award for Outstanding Officer and received the State Robert F. Schultz Leadership Award at the end of her year as Chapter President. She was awarded the Dennis Hamilton Memorial award at the end of her year as the Virginia Jaycees Community Development VP. She received her Life Membership, then her Senatorship in January and November 2012 respectively. During the 2013-2014 year, she served as the Virginia JCI Senate’s Rooms, Reservations & Outings Director and the Virginia Jaycees Life Member Association’s Liaison. She served as the LMA’s President in 2014-2015. She continued serving in various positions with the Virginia JCI Senate as Liaison, Director at Large, Scholarship Chair, Senate Review committee member and Vice-President. For the 2019-2020 year, Sabitha served as the Virginia JCI Senate President and her theme was “Celebrating F.U.N.(Fellowship. Unity. Networking)”. The F.U.N. board consisted of Melissa Sleeth (COB), Jackie Julien (Vice-President), Kathleen King (Hospitality Director), Jacqueline Camlet (Bar Director), Sean Murphy (Rooms, Reservations & Outings Director), Lillian Cheng (Communications Director, First Timers Program Manager), Jennifer Rebby (Director at-Large, S.O.A.R. Program Manager), Sharon Showalter (Treasurer), Jack Ferry (Assistant Treasurer), Paul Showalter (Website) , Dawana Harris-Bey (Newsletter), Lin Martin (Secretary), Lee Wolfe (Chaplain, Products), Lisa Smith (Liaison), Chris Taylor (Return the Favor), Tom King (Audit Chair), Jeff Bobich (Scholarship), Elizabeth Benka (Foundation), Peggy Hughes (Sweepstakes), Dan Benka and Gerry Sproles (Historians), Rod Williams (Constitution & Bylaws), Sam Goin and Kenny Loyall (Sergeant-At-Arms). The Finance Committee consisted of Anne Johnson, Chris Williamson and Alan Richardson. The Scholarship Committee included Joyce Cooke and Jack Ferry. The Senate Review consisted of Kathy Lawson, Ralph Lawson and Andy Herrick. The F.U.N. started with a Summer Outing in Charlottesville which included a cookout, outings to local wineries and Monticello, and a Saturday night dinner. The Fall meeting with the Jaycees and the LMA was held in Farmville and the annual Holiday event was hosted by Kathleen and Tom King at their home in Centerville. The highly anticipated Martini Mix-Off was the highlight of the February meeting in Virginia Beach. The weekend was attended by US JCI Senate President Lawrence Pittman and First Lady Karol, Administrative Vice-President Ariel Jones, Region III National Vice-President John Cotter and Pam Cotter, along with many of our Maryland JCI Senate friends. The weekend also included a special fundraising event for AVP Ariel Jones’ campaign for her candidacy for the 2020-2021 US JCI Senate presidency. The Virginia JCI Senate participated in all of the US JCI Senate programs. Senators nominated for Return the Favor were recognized at the national meetings – Lee Wolfe (Fall) and Paul Showalter and Cathy Sharpe (Winter). Two high school seniors were submitted for their scholastic achievements for US JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship program. President Lawrence presented his People Purpose Passion awards/pins to Kathleen King and Tom King at the National Fall and Winter meetings respectively. Melissa Sleeth and Jennifer Rebby were also recognized for their efforts in line with President Lawrence’s theme for the year. The Greensboro Trail (as part of the S.O.A.R. program – Senate Outreach Activation Retention), encouraged Senators to take photos while attending other states’ events and meetings. Virginia submitted six photos and one was recognized as the top three in the first issue of Mentors for the year. We presented six new senatorships: Marissa Nihill, Aimee Hart, Cindy Kinney, Michael Polychrones, Sheri Polychrones and Laura Murphy. US JCI Senate President Lawrence Pittman recognized the following individuals with his People Purpose Passion awards: US JCI Senate AVP Ariel Jones, Tom King, Kathleen King, Anne Johnson, Paul Showalter, Sharon Showalter, Lillian Cheng, Jack Ferry, Melissa Sleeth, Jennifer Rebby and Sabitha Venkatesh. Christina Brunner received his People Purpose Passion gold pin for revamping the Virginia JCI Senate list serve from Yahoo to Google Groups. Jackie Julien won the First Timers award at the Winter meeting. Kathleen King, Jacqueline Camlet and Sabitha Venkatesh were part of the US JCI Senate contingent attending the 2019 JCI World Congress in Tallinn, Estonia in November. The Virginia JCI Senate continued its support of the Virginia Jaycees at various events – volunteering with the Virginia Beach Jaycees at ECSC, donating items and putting together care packages at the February meeting, and much more. Our relationship with the Life Member Association was strong. At the February meeting, the LMA raised $500.00 and the Virginia Jaycees Foundation matched the amount to raise two scholarships in memory of Skip Hilton for our top two high school seniors. The pandemic changed the course for the rest of the year and as a result MAI, the May meeting with the LMA and the Year-End Convention in Greensboro were cancelled. We quickly discovered Zoom and conducted our meetings virtually. Our Senators were recognized regionally and nationally for their leadership. At the Region II & III virtual meeting, our Region III NVP John Cotter recognized Lillian Cheng as the Outstanding Board Member and was recipient of the Frank Butler award. We were “Proud to be from Region III.” The 2020-2021 Fall Board meeting added an extra day to celebrate President Lawrence’s “People, Purpose, Passion” year. Virginia Senators were recognized for their outstanding achievements for the following: Paul Showalter (one of top five Outstanding Senators), Sabitha Venkatesh (one of top five Outstanding Presidents), Nolan Terrill Memorial Award (Virginia - one of top four Outstanding Newsletters and Communications) and Sabitha Venkatesh (Thomas E. Humphrey, Outstanding Senate State President).

Melissa joined the West End Jaycees in 1994. She served her chapter as Leadership Academy Chairman, Financial Management Director, Financial Management Vice President, President and Chairman of the Board. She was involved in nearly every chapter project, and received the Outstanding First Year Jaycee Award, Director of the Year Award, Key Man Award, and the coveted Herbert A. Perry Memorial Award. Melissa was awarded a Life Membership in West End after she completed her year as Chairman of the Board. She received the State Robert F. Schultz Leadership Award at the end of her year as Chapter President. Then she served the Virginia Jaycees as State Secretary, Battlefield Regional Director and numerous Program Manager positions. She received the Robert L. Woodard Commitment Award. Melissa placed first in the Horace Henderson (John H. Armbruster) Outstanding Jaycee Award Competition, and then placed Nationally in 1996, and was also a National Finalist in the Jaycee Jeopardy Competition the next year. She also enjoyed attending numerous National conventions. Once she received her Life Membership in 2002, Melissa enjoyed serving many roles in the LMA, including Hospitality chair, Vice President twice, President and Chairman of the Board. Melissa received her Senatorship in 2009, and got involved by serving in the roles of Rooms, Reservations and Outings Director, as Secretary, as the Director of Hospitality organizing the village for two years, and then as Vice President. Melissa very proudly took on the mantle of the presidency in May 2018. The theme for the year was We The Senate. It focused on a Senate version of the Preamble to the US Constitution and read as such: WE THE SENATE OF JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL, IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP WITH THE VIRGINIA JAYCEES, ESTABLISH UNITY, INSURE GREAT MENTORING, PROVIDE FOR GREAT HOSPITALITY THROUGH FOOD AND DRINK, PROMOTE AND FACILITATE OUR MEETINGS EFFICIENTLY AND IN A FUN AND ENTERTAINING MANNER, AND SECURE THE BLESSINGS OF OUR FELLOWSHIP AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH EACH OTHER, DO ORDAIN AND ESTABLISH THE THEME OF THIS 2018-2019 YEAR THAT OF WE THE SENATE. We started the Senate year with a May meeting with the LMA at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke where we had the time of our lives. Melissa then welcomed everyone to her college town of Fredericksburg where we had our Summer Outing in August complete with history lessons and a trolley tour. The Fall Board Meeting in Farmville in November was hosted by the vibrant Jaycee chapter there and we enjoyed the beautiful college location along with the LMA. In December Donna Yenney offered her beautiful home for our Christmas party and we enjoyed the holiday season with food, drink and fellowship. We held the Winter Meeting in Virginia Beach in February with the Jaycees and the LMA where we helped with a food project for needy folks in Nicaragua. We were honored to have National President Pete and First Lady Lynn Reinecker in attendance, along with National AVP Lawrence Pittman and his wife Karol, as well as Chairman of the Board John Robinson for the meeting. NVP Tom King and National Secretary Ariel Jones were also a constant presence at meetings and events throughout the year. The last meeting of the year was held in Hopewell in May and celebrated 50 years of the Virginia JCI Senate. We were so thankful to see many former Virginia JCI Senate Presidents, officers and leaders through the years in attendance. There were special displays, food and presentations during the event. We also took a great panoramic group photo. Melissa was very proud to represent the Senate leadership and assist in hosting the meeting, organized and led with a wonderful program by Anne Johnson. The event resulted in a fabulous commemorative book coordinated by Paul Showalter. Over the course of the year Melissa proudly represented Virginia at a myriad of meetings and socials with our friends in the Maryland Senate in Edgewater in July at their Meeting/Social, the West Virginia Senate Steak Fry in August, the Maryland Senate Crab Feed in Westminster in September, the Maryland/Virginia Social in Rockville in October, the Winter National Convention in New Orleans in January, and the year end National Meeting in Clackamas, Oregon in June. Virginia also hosted the Mid Atlantic Institute in Hampton for the rest of our friends in Region III and in Region II in March. Alan Richardson chaired the meeting which was a huge success. Melissa was so honored to provide everyone’s official welcome. Virginia was honored with many awards at the National Year End Convention in Oregon including Jeff Bobich as one of the top three Treasurers in the nation. Melissa was especially delighted to represent Virginia in presenting the Donnie Alvis award to Tom King as the outstanding National Vice President. We added five new Senators over the course of the year. We welcomed the following into our Senate family: Sean Murphy, Jodi Dean, Kyle Jacocks, Luke Brown, and Ryan Colvin. The members of the 2018-2019 Board of Directors were as follows: Art Esenberg, Sweepstakes Raffles; Elizabeth Benka, Foundation raffles; Sergeant at Arms/Parliamentarians Dan Benka and Gerry Sproles, Committee Chairs Peggy McHugh for Return the Favor, Kim Williams for the Scholarship Committee, and Troy Anderson for the Audit Committee. Lee Wolfe served as Products Chair; Joe Mirabile, Chaplain; Sherry King, Liaison; Kay Faries, Historian; Ruth Nefflen, Secretary; Jack Ferry, Assistant Treasurer; Jeff Bobich, Treasurer; Vanessa Kinsley, Rooms, Reservations and Outings Director; Betty Esenberg, Chairman of the Board; Jackie Julien, Director at Large; Paul Showalter, Website and Photography; Dawana Harris-Bey, Newsletter Editor; Jennifer Rebby, Communications Director; Kenny Loyall, Bar Director; Hope Ellison, Hospitality Director; and Vice President Sabitha Venkatesh. We The Senate!

Betty Joined the Virginia Beach Jaycettes when her husband joined the Virginia Beach Jaycees in 1968. She participated in many Virginia Beach and State projects. In 1973-74 when she was President of the Virginia Beach Jaycettes they become State Liaison Chapter to coordinate all of the women’s auxiliaries in the State and with the Jaycees. That year, at the State Meeting at the Lake Wright Hotel in Norfolk, the informal State organization voted to become unified under the banner of the Virginia Jaycettes. They voted in their Constitution and By-Laws and Betty became the first President of the new organization. After an eventful year as President in Virginia, in 1974, at the US Jaycee National Meeting in San Diego, Betty was appointed as one of the first five Vice Presidents of the new National Jaycette Organization. She visited and spoke at meetings in all of her 10 assigned Eastern and Southern States from Delaware to Florida. With the support of all her assigned states and many others, and with the support of the Virginia Jaycees, Betty ran for President of the US Jaycettes. As Art once put it, she was first runner up in a two person race. It was an exciting time for Betty and the US Jaycettes. Betty continued to serve the US Jaycettes on the Speakers Bureau and working on founding the US Jaycette Charitable Foundation. The US Jaycettes obtained great sponsors like Avon Corp and General Motors for the “Buckle Up Babe” National Jaycette Project. Shortly after this Betty started working on her Doctorate at Old Dominion University and aged out of the Jaycettes (35). Art and Betty moved to Utah to work and Art continued his Senate work in the Utah Senate. Betty supported him in Senate offices and NVP of Region X. Just before they moved back to Virginia, Betty was awarded one of the first US JCI Senate Friendship Awards (FR #4). Through her years working with the Jaycees and Senate Betty won many awards in her various capacities, but the highest, best and most surprising was when she received a JCI Senatorship #72227 at the 2013 MAI (Mid Atlantic Institute) meeting “A Capital Affair” in Herndon, VA. She went on to serve on the Virginia Senate Board with other energetic and highly motivated past Jaycees and Jaycettes. Betty was elected the 45th President of the Virginia JCI Senate at the 2017 Spring State Meeting in Richmond. Her Board consisted of Melissa Sleeth (Vice President),Hope Ellison ( Hospitality Director), Jackie Julian (Director at Large),Chris Heinz (Rooms, Reservations, and Outings Director), Chris Taylor (Bar Director), Jennifer Rebby (Secretary), Jeff Bobich (Treasurer), Vanessa Kinsley (Chaplain), Dawana L. Harris-Bey (Newsletter Director), Paul Showalter (Website Communications and Photographic Expert), Kathleen King (Chair Audit Committee), Amy Tenhouse ( Jaycee Liaison), Christina Brunner (Scholarship Chair), Troy Anderson (Return the Favor Chair), Sherry King (First Timers Chair), Lee Wolfe (Products Chair), Art Esenberg (Sergeant at Arms), Jerry Sproles (Historian), and Kay Faries (Chairman of the Board). I also had a Presidential Advisor in Ariel Jones and our Region III NVP Rick Rutter from West Virginia. At every meeting during Betty’s year the Hospitality Room was beautifully decorated in her theme by various Board members led by Hope Ellison U S JCI President John Robinson chose Living the Jaycee Creed as his theme. Betty chose the line “The brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations.” The Virginia JCI Senate became a colony of the United Federation of Planets and the motto was “Live long and Prosper.” The first Senate meeting was held in Virginia Beach on August 4-6. The highlight of the meeting was a ride on the Norfolk Tide Light Rail to a Norfolk Tides Baseball Game. The local Jaycees joined the group who were all given Tides Baseball caps. We all had fun and the Tides eventually won. Guests were Bruce Hufford, President of the West Virginia JCI Senate, and Region III NVP, Rick Rutter. Our planning was completed and our budget was approved including funds to sponsor the MAI (Mid Atlantic Institute) in 2019 “Expect the Unexpected” Chaired by Alan Richardson and Co-Chaired by Kay Faries. The Senators left the meeting energized for the coming year. Also in August Betty then attended the West Virginia Senate Steak Fry where she received a special numbered Bead Lanyard from the Canada JCI Senate. She then attended the Maryland Crab Feed where she kissed the crab and received a decorated crab eating kit from the Virginia Crew. On October 28, Kathleen and Tom King hosted the VA/ MD Social, the Olympic Games (our own creative version). We were glad to have US JCI Senate President John Robinson as our special guest along with Gary Duell, Chief of Staff. This social was very well attended. The Kings were gracious hosts of a very large group and the refreshments and competitions were great. Maryland squeaked by to win – again. November 17-19 the Senate met with the Virginia Jaycees in Sterling,VA. John Robinson couldn’t make it this year so he sent Gary Duell and his wife Diane to represent the US Senate at the meetings and banquet. Betty, with the help of Amy Tenhouse our Jaycee Liaison, welcomed three new Senators into the fold. They were Jack Ferry - #76561; William “Dr. Bill” Incatasciato - #76562; Kristie Kehoe - #76563. Also during this meeting, we voted unanimously to support two candidates for the US JCI Board next year. These were Ariel Jones as a National Secretary, and Tom King as NVP, Region III. On December 2 we held a Happy Holiday Party at the home of Beth and Craig Lane outside of Richmond. Betty appreciated their lending us their beautifully decorated home to celebrate the season with each other. On February 9-11 the Virginia Senate held its meeting along with the Virginia Jaycees in Virginia Beach at the Ocean Front. We again welcomed special guests for the weekend. They were Connecticut JCI Senate President, Nancy Gianetti, US JCI Senate Treasurer Lawrence Pittman and his wife Karol (FR #55). We held our famous Martini Mix-off in the Hospitality Suite. Our US JCI Senate guests judged the hard fought contest and Lisa Smith won the Special Martini Glass Trophy. Also at that meeting Sherry King had to do some “tap dancing” with the Virginia Jaycees to work around their schedule to run the First Timers Program and present the award. She had a successful year and so did Chistina Brunner, our Foundation Scholarship Chair. Virginia was proud to announce our National Scholarship winner, Michael Lenzi, Jr. The Virginia JCI Senate ended the year at the picturesque Spring Election Meeting on May 18-20 hosted by the Virginia Jaycees and LMA (Life Member Association) at the beautiful Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, VA near Virginia Tech. The Pulaski Jaycee chapter provided transportation on golf carts from the cabins to the meeting room. The camaraderie was inspirational. Betty participated in all of the US JCI Senate Meetings during the year. The first meeting was on September 14-17 in Pasco, Washington. We toured while others went to a Rodeo. At the banquet, thanks to the support of Virginia’s Return the Favor Chairman, Troy Anderson, Art Esenberg received the Return the Favor Outstanding Senator Award. Art had been nominated by the Virginia Beach Jaycees for his many hours of work on their projects as well as leadership training. Ariel Jones won the Top Performer of the Quarter Award given by President John Robinson. The Winter Meeting was held in St Augustine, Florida where we escaped a snow storm in Virginia Beach and toured the Holiday lights of the old town on a Trolley Ride with many great friends and ample hot chocolate. Unfortunately we didn’t leave the cold behind. Fortunately the NVP’s put on a great show. If you are able to go to the US JCI Senate National meetings you will appreciate the good times we have as we tour new places, socialize, and review the good work of the States’ Senators in supporting the Jaycees throughout the US. The MAI 2018 meeting was hosted by Delaware in Dewey Beach on April 5-7. We confirmed our Virginia Candidates for National Office and shared good times with many Senators from US JCI Regions II and III. Ron Sleeth (husband of our VP Melissa) was awarded the prestigious “Friendship” award (FR#84) which honors the spouse’s years of support for a hard working Senator. The US JCI Senate year end convention was held in Pittsburgh where a large group of Senators from Virginia showed up to celebrate the year. The Regional Booth Reception is both a celebration of the National President’s theme of the year and a great party for all the States’ Senators. Region III NVP Rick Rutter appointed Vanessa Kinsley to Chair the Region III booth. The theme of our booth was the same line of the Jaycee Creed that Betty had also chosen for her year. We all wore costumes of diverse countries and served diverse treats to show the brotherhood of man. A fun time was had by all at the banquet as we celebrated the elections of Ariel Jones and Tom King, and received various awards. In particular, Vanessa Kinsley was given the US JCI Outstanding Chaplain Award. She provided inspiration to both the Virginia Senate and the US JCI Senate during Betty’s year as President.

Kay joined the Tuckahoe Jaycees in September 1995 and served the chapter as a Director, Community Development Vice-President and in 2003, served as the President. She served the Virginia Jaycees as Camp Program Manager, Capital Regional Director, Chief of Staff, and Presidential Assistant. She was recognized with the Sidney D. Peck Award and the Pablo Cueves Memorial Award. Kay received her Virginia Jaycees Life Membership in 2005 and her Senatorship in 2011. Kay served also Supreme Commander of the Corps Virginia Gentlemen. Prior to being elected President of the Senate in 2016, Kay served as Rooms & Reservations Director, First Timers chair, twice as Senate Liaison, twice as Director at Large and Vice-President. Her board consisted of Betty Esenberg as Vice President, Kenny Loyall (bar), Jackie Julien (rooms, reservations, and outing), Dawana Harris-Bey (newsletter), Paul Showalter (website), Hope Ellison (At Large) and Melissa Sleeth (hospitality) as Directors, Ruth Nefflen as Secretary, Jeff Bobich as Treasurer, Vanessa Kinsley as Chaplain, Lillian Cheng as Liaison, Dan and Elizabeth Benka as Sergeants at Arms, Lee Wolfe as Products, Amy Tenhouse as Return the Favor, Sherry King as First Timers, Gerry Sproles and Troy Anderson as Historians and Peggy McHugh as Immediate Past President. Because of Kay’s career as a teacher, the theme of the year was The University of the Virginia JCI Senate: Where we’re “Keepin’ It Old School.” Throughout the year the Senate suite was decorated with the school related themes of a pep rally and a tailgate, and ended with a graduation party. The year started off with the Summer Outing in Lexington Virginia with a special visit to the Special Collections department of Washington and Lee University. We welcomed our first new senator, Chris Heinz, to the family in a local presentation. This was followed by a joint social with the Maryland JCI Senate. The Fall Meeting was held in Richmond where we raised over $1,200 for our state scholarship winners. The Holiday Party was hosted by Kathleen and Tom King. At the Winter Meeting, in Newport News, we welcomed one new Senator, Chris Taylor, and were joined by US JCI Senate President Jim Mammen. Finally, we had our Spring Meeting in Richmond where we celebrated all our hard work with over 30 senators receiving degrees from the VA JCI Senate University. Through the efforts of many senators led by Jeff Bobich, we were able to welcome our new senators and welcome back over 20 to our family. U.S. JCI Senate meetings were held in Detroit, Michigan in September and in Houston in January. MAI was held in St. Michaels, MD. National Convention was held in Chicago, IL in June where Jeff was recognized as one of the top 5 treasurers in the US; Tom King and Ariel Jones were recognized as top 5 appointed officers for the US JCI Senate; Kathleen King was recognized with the Ron Robinson Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding Appointed Officer; and Kay was awarded the Thomas Humphrey Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding State President.

Peggy joined the Harrisonburg Jaycees and served in many positions on the local and state levels including State Competitions Program Manager and Individual Development Vice President. Peggy became active in the Virginia Senate, serving as a Director, First Timers Chair, Chaplain, Scholarship Committee Chair, Vice President and then being elected the 43rd President of the Virginia Senate in 2015-2016. Peggy’s board consisted of Kay Faries as Vice President, Hope Ellison, Dawana Harris-Bey, Melissa Sleeth, and Kim Williams as Directors, Ruth Nefflen as Secretary, and Betty Esenberg as Treasurer. Chairman were: Lillian Cheng (Scholarship), Sabitha Venkatesh (Jaycee Liaison), Lee Wolfe (Products), Lee Walker (Chaplain), Lisa Smith (First Timers), Jim Hart (Return the Favor), and Paul Showalter (Webmaster), Dan and Elizabeth Benka (Sergeants-at-Arms). Troy Anderson was Immediate Past President, Anne Johnson served as Presidential and Regional Advisor and our very own Art Esenberg served as Region III National Vice President. Activities for the year started with a summer outing in Hopewell/Petersburg thanks to the helpful hands of Dan and Elizabeth Benka with the Moose Lodge Pavilion as our Friday night cookout followed by an amazing tour of the Quartermaster Museum at Fort Lee on Saturday. We had our heavily attended business meeting where COB Troy was presented his long-lost gavel to which he presented to President Peggy and the gavel somehow decided to travel on its’ own with help again for the year. We followed the day with bowling and a fabulous dinner. Our Fall social with Maryland took place on October 31 at the home Kathleen and Tom King in Centreville. We had a costume contest and the first might-be-annual Senate Family Feud which Virginia won. Vice President Kay Faries and Maryland Senator Jim France made up a survey that they gave to 100 Senators at a USJCI Senate Fall meeting in Hartford, CT that provided the answers to the many interesting questions that made up the game. The Fall meeting with the Jaycees was held in November in 13-15 in Arlington. The Winter meeting was held in February in Virginia Beach where we had the annual Martini Mix Off – that was heavily attended and highly anticipated with visits from our National President CJ Jordan, and her Chief of Staff, Pam Padgett, and Secretary John Robinson. Although many tried, the grand martini glass was awarded to Alan Richardson. The May meeting was planned by the Life Member Association as the Virginia Jaycees had opted for two meetings per year (January and November). The meeting was held in Richmond and had a phenomenal turnout of Life Members and Senators – and further enhanced fostering a stronger relationship between the two organizations The Senate signature project of the year was gathering toiletries and given in support for Camp Virginia Jaycee. We were honored to have our own members recognized throughout the year and at the year-end meeting in Greensboro, NC. Vice President Kay Faries, being named to National President CJ’s All-Star Team along with Ruth Nefflen for her work as Secretary and Ariel Jones and Tom King being recognized for their Outstanding work as National Chairs for First-Timers and Jaycee Liaison, respectively. In addition, the highlight of the year-end meeting was the 2nd place recognition of the Region III Party Booth, led by Kay Faries with all States within the region participating. We truly did enjoy a time of ‘having fun and giving back’ as evidenced by the 5 new members we welcomed; Timmy Lawson, Jennifer Rebby, Frank Kovach, Valerie Nelson, and Andy Herrick.

Troy joined the Norfolk Jaycees in January of 1997. He served as a Director, Membership Vice President, Individual Development Vice President, Membership Development Vice President, Management Development Vice President, State Director (twice) and served as Chapter President in 2001. He served the Virginia Jaycees as Government Affairs Program Manager (twice), Atlantic Regional Director, Individual Development Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief of Staff. Troy received his Virginia Jaycees Life Membership in 2004 and his Senatorship in 2008. State awards include the Luther Lee Allison Award, the Seiji Horiuchi national award and Keyperson Award. Troy is a Tenth Degree Jaycee and a Commander of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen. Prior to being elected President in 2014, Troy served as Director at Large, Bar Director, Treasurer and Vice President. His board consisted of Peggy McHugh as Vice President, Hope Ellison (room, reservations & outings), Dawana Harris-Bey (newsletter), Ruth Nefflen (secretary), Lisa Smith (first timers), Paul Showalter (website), Kay Faries (At Large and Liasion), Art Esenberg (treasurer), Hospitality Village, Amy Tennhouse and Jim Hart (return the favor), Scott Grantham (products) Dan and Elizabeth Benka (sergeants at arms), Lee Walker (chaplain) and Kathleen King as Immediate Past President. Troy’s theme was A Fantastic Voyage, focusing on Returning the Favor to support the Jaycees and to support National President Randy Young’s theme of Reflect and Inspire through reaching out to our Jaycees and to our lost Senators whom we haven’t seen recently and get them active again. Fellowship was important to Troy and he treated each meeting and outing as a different themed port of call. Troy’s year started off with the Summer Outing in Williamsburg where Senate business, approval of the budget, and fun were on tap. The outing started off with a pirate themed cookout hosted by our newest Senators Greg and Lisa Granger with attendees in pirate garb followed the next day by our business meeting followed by a round of mini golf and visits to a local winery and brewery. The following month was the national Fall Senate meeting in Gettysburg where Virginia’s Senators were recognized for their commitment to Return the Favor with the outstanding Senator in the nation going to Jim Hart. In early November we journeyed to Maryland to have a day of games with the Maryland Senate; a tradition that had been revived the previous year. A lot of fun was had with the Maryland Senate edging us out in overtime! Later, in November at the Virginia Jaycees meeting, we helped the Virginia Jaycees celebrate their 75th Anniversary and welcomed five new Senators and we had visit from our National Senate President Randy Young. The holiday party was hosted by Senators Tom and Kathleen King at their home. Keeping with the theme of a different port of call, the party theme was Rome and togas were the preferred clothing of choice! At the Winter Meeting in Virginia Beach, we welcomed two new Senators and had an incredible martini shake off! In the Spring, the highlight of the year was the Virginia Senate’s 45th Anniversary held in Richmond chaired by Kay Faries. There were over 90 Senators in attendance including guests from 4 states and 3 regions. Fond memories were shared and we elected a new President, Peggy McHugh. Senators walked the red carpet and the event was an overwhelming success. Nationally, MAI was hosted by the West Virginia Senate and U.S. JCI Senate meetings were held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in September, Phoenix, Arizona in January and the yearend meeting in Rochester, Minnesota where Troy received an award for Outstanding State President! New Senators welcomed this year included Mike Wolfe, Lee Wolfe, Joe Mirabile, Jackie Jones, Lin Martin, Denise Schnabel, Tom Colletti, Christina Brunner, W.C. Fowlkes and Jackie Julien.

Kathleen began her Jaycee career in 1993 when she joined the Norfolk Jaycees. She transferred her membership to the Oceanfront Jaycees in 1999 where she served in various positions within the chapter including State Director, Community Development VP and International VP. She was elected the Atlantic Regional Director in 2005 and then went on to serve the Virginia Jaycees as Community Development VP, Management VP and then State President in 2008. Major awards received include the Luther Lee Allison award for Outstanding Program Manager, the Seiji Horiuchi national award, the Gilbert W. Haith Action award, the Dennis Hamilton Memorial national award for outstanding state vice president and the Allen Whitfield Memorial national award for outstanding state president. Kathleen was elected at the May 2013 meeting in Williamsburg. Her board included Troy Anderson as Vice President, Sharon Showalter as Treasurer, Ruth Nefflen as Secretary, John Mosesso as Return the Favor Chairman and Kay Faries as Liaison and Director of Fun (at large). Directors were Peggy McHugh, Dawana Harris-Bey and Scott Grantham. The first event of the year was the Summer Outing or First Annual Senate Open in Richmond. The budget was approved and after the meeting, everyone played miniature golf and then walked across the parking lot to the James River winery where awards were given for titles such as Slowest Golfer, Most Obnoxious Golfer, the Lost Balls award, and many others. In October, Virginia hosted the long-lost Virginia-Maryland tailgate party at the home of Tom & Kathleen King where the University of Virginia played the University of Maryland. Unfortunately, UVA came up short, but that didn’t seem to matter since everyone was more excited that the long-standing tradition had been revived. The holiday season was kicked off at the home of Craig and Beth Lane where the annual holiday party included a very competitive Chinese gift exchange. The Spring Outing was another fun event in Richmond and featured an adult Scavenger Hunt with a Civil War theme. MAI was held in Grand Island, NY. The last meeting of the year took place in Richmond where the new board was elected. Kathleen ended her year at the national meeting in Baltimore, MD where she received the Tom Humphrey award for the outstanding state president. New Senators welcomed this year included Wendy Wilcox, Skip Hilton, Amy Tenhouse, Lillibet Obrecht, Lillian Cheng, Greg Granger, Lisa Granger, Tracy Bishop, Jim Hart, Patti Polychrones and Michael Easterday.

Art joined the Virginia Beach Jaycees in February 1968. He served as a Director, State Director (several times) and as Internal, External and Administrative Vice Presidents of his chapter. Art was a founder of the Kempsville Jaycees and served as President of that chapter. When Art served as State Director in 1971 the Virginia Beach Jaycees were selected as the outstanding chapter in the Nation in population division VI, winning the coveted Clarence Howard Award at the US Jaycees National Convention. Art served the Virginia Jaycees as a District Director and State Program Manager (4 times). Major awards include the Eldridge K. Hayes award, Luther Lee Allison award, Outstanding District Director Award, and the Darden Towe Award as the Outstanding Virginia Jaycee in 1973 -74. He received his Life Membership in 1974 and his Senatorship in 1979. Art became active in the Virginia JCI Senate in 1988 when he was asked by Brian P’Pool to chair the Senate hospitality room at the Jaycees National Convention in Richmond. He served the VA JCI Senate as a Director for 5 years and as Vice President under Glancy Spain. In 1994 Art moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and became active in the Utah JCI Senate, serving a number of years as a Director then as Vice President, and in 2004 -2005 as President. The following year, Art served the US JCI Senate as National Vice President for Region X. In subsequent years he has served the US JCI Senate as Products Chairman, Presidential Sweepstakes Chairman, and as a member of the Future Directions Committee. Upon returning to Virginia in 2009 Art again became active in the Virginia JCI Senate, serving as a Director for 2 years, Vice President and then being elected the 40th President of the Virginia Senate in 2012. Art’s board consisted of Kathleen King as Vice President, Troy Anderson, Hope Ellison, Dawana Harris-Bey, Melissa Sleeth, and Kim Williams as Directors, Ruth Nefflen as Secretary, and Sandy Fulgham as Treasurer. Chairman were: Peggy McHugh (Scholarship), Bubba Blankenship (Jaycee Liaison), Scott Grantham (Products), Sherry King (Chaplain), Kay Faries (First Timers), Asha Bailey (Return the Favor), and Paul Showalter (Webmaster). Tom King was Immediate Past President and Ariel Jones served as Presidential Advisor. Activities for the year started with a summer outing in Stauton and a trip to the Daylily and Wine Festival. The fall outing was a trip to Colonial Downs Race Track with a good turn out and a number of guest Senators from the Maryland JCI Senate. Our Holiday Party was held at the home of Russ and Alice Dolber in Chesterfield. The Board Meetings of the Virginia Jaycees were in Richmond (fall meeting), Virginia Beach (winter meeting) and Williamsburg (spring meeting). At all of these meetings we had a good turnout of Senators and we added 7 new Senators for the year. The highlight of the year was hosting the MAI (Mid-Atlantic Institute) meeting in Herndon, VA. The event, chaired by Senator Anne Johnson, attracted over 180 Senators and their guests from all over the United States and was the best attended meeting in memory! The other US JCI Senate meetings for the year were held in Charleston, WV. (Fall board meeting), San Diego, CA. (winter board meeting) and Cleveland, OH. (Annual convention).

Tom joined the Warrenton-Fauquier Jaycees in April 1985 and served the chapter as a Director, Management Development Vice-President and in 1991-92, served as the 41st President. He served the Virginia Jaycees as District Director in 1992-93, NOVA West Regional Director in 1993-94, Metro Director in 1994-95, Administrative Vice-President in 1998-99, Chief of Staff in 2000 and as the 67th President in 2001. Tom received his Virginia Jaycees Life Membership in 1995, his Senatorship in 1999 and his Ambassadorship in 2008. Tom served as Supreme Commander of the Corps Virginia Gentlemen in 2003-04. Tom also served as Chairman of Camp Virginia Jaycee from 2005-2011 and in May 2010 was inducted in the Camp Virginia Jaycee Hall of Fame. Prior to being elected President in 2011, Tom served as B&B Bash Director, Rooms & Reservations Director and twice as Senate Liaison. His board consisted of Art Esenberg as Vice President, Troy Anderson (bar), Kay Faries (rooms, reservations, and outing), Peggy McHugh (newsletter and she also handled First Timers), Paul Showalter (website), Kenny Loyall (At Large) and Kathleen King and Anne Johnson (hospitality) as Directors, Melissa Sleeth as Secretary, Kim Williams as Treasurer, Missy Pulling as Chaplain, Dawana Harris-Bey as Liaison, Jim Nefflen and Dan and Elizabeth Benka as Sergeants at Arms, Scott Grantham as Products, Trish Tyler Ferrett as Return the Favor and Rod Williams as Immediate Past President. Because of Tom’s interest (and ownership) in Harley Davidson motorcycles, the theme of the year was G.A.N.G. which stood for “Gathering, Activating, Networking and Giving Back”. Throughout the year the Senate suite was decorated with pictures of gangs as well as motorcycle related items. At the end of the year, Tom was even given a wooden motorcycle so he could “ride off into the sunset!” The year started off with the Summer Outing, at the Daylily and Wine Festival in Fishersville. Later in the summer, Senators made their annual visit to Camp Virginia Jaycee for the Summer Meeting. The Summer Meeting was followed by the Senate Fall Outing held at Colonial Downs Racetrack. A great time was had by all in attendance and even a few dollars were made!!! This was followed by the Fall Meeting, in Alexandria, where we welcomed five new Senators into the G.A.N.G.! The new Senators were Lanny Barber, Sharon Showalter, Ruth Nefflen, Vanessa Kinsley and Chuck Nelson. The Holiday Party was hosted by Russ and Alice Dolbear. At the Winter Meeting, in Virginia Beach, we welcomed two new Senators, Marty Walser and Hope Ellison. Turning to the spring, we had a Spring Outing, featuring a visit to Monticello and Michie Tavern. The weather was beautiful and we all had a great time on our tours of both sites…including learning how to dance to 18th century standards. Finally, we had our Spring Meeting in Roanoke where we welcomed three more Senators to our family. The new Senators were Sean Neff, John Mosesso and Asha Bailey. All good things must come to an end but our journey together saw us add ten new Senators to our family and due to an aggressive outreach program to inactive Senators led by our Treasurer, Kim Williams, we were able to add the organization to a total of 59 for the year! U.S. JCI Senate meetings were held in Ft. Worth, TX in September and in Atlanta, GA in January. MAI was held in New Jersey in April where Virginia made quite the impression with their bid presentation for MAI 2013 – A Capital Affair! National Convention was held in Altamonte Springs, FL in June where Tom was awarded the Thomas Humphrey Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding State President and our very own Ariel Jones was awarded the Donnie Alvis Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding National Vice-President.

Rod joined the Alexandria Jaycees in 1994 and served the chapter as a Director and as Treasurer. He served the Virginia Jaycees as Legal Counsel during 1998-1999. Rod then served the U.S. Jaycees as National Legal Counsel for 2005. Rod received his Virginia Jaycees Life Membership in 2002 and his Senatorship in 2005. Rod was elected President in 2010. His board consisted of Tom King as Vice President, Art Esenberg (bar), Kathleen King (rooms, reservations, and outings, and she also handled Return the Favor), Paul Showalter (newsletter and website), and Donna Yenney (hospitality – or was it Ariel Jones?) as Directors, Peggy McHugh as Secretary (she also handled First Timers), Troy Anderson as Treasurer, David Bailey as Chaplain, Kim Williams as Liaison, Dan and Elizabeth Benka as Sergeants at Arms, and Ariel Jones as Immediate Past President. Owing to Rod’s great interest in trains, his theme for the year was “All Aboard!” Throughout the year, Senate events featured reminders of the theme, including various train decorations. Somehow, at the end of the year, all of the train stuff ended up being given to Rod – perhaps the Senate was telling Rod that it had been “railroaded” one too many times. The year started off with the Summer Outing, at the Daylily and Wine Festival in Fishersville. Later in the summer, Senators made their annual visit to Camp Virginia Jaycee for the Summer Meeting. A highlight was the usual outstanding bar service provided by Art. The Summer Meeting was followed by the Fall Meeting, in Harrisonburg. The Holiday Party was hosted by Russ and Alice Dolbear. This was a special thrill, for Rod anyway, because of Russ’ great interest in trains, just like Rod. Nothing, in fact, not even the great number of model trains and train paraphernalia in Russ’ house, could quite top the old RF&P caboose residing in the back yard of Russ’ old house. He even offered a tour of the caboose and did a question and answer about some old railroad tools and equipment in the caboose. At the Winter Meeting, in Virginia Beach, we welcomed two new Senators – Kay Faries and Trish Ferrett. Turning to the spring, we had a Spring Outing, featuring a visit to Veritas Vineyard for a wine tasting. The wine and the setting were lovely, notwithstanding that the weather that day was absolutely dreadful. Numerous storms tore through the state and dumped inches of rain. Getting home was a bit of a challenge for everyone, as most of the roads were flooded at various points. Finally, to end the year, we had our Spring Meeting in Richmond. The “All Aboard!” train ride was finally over.

Ariel joined the Arlington Jaycees in 1997 and served her local chapter as Assistant State Director, State Director and President. She served the Virginia Jaycees as Competitions and AAA (Parade) Program Manager, Northern Virginia Regional Director, VAJC Individual Development Vice President and Management Development Vice President. In 2003, she was elected as the 70th President of the Virginia Jaycees in a contested election and went on to serve the U.S. Jaycees as Training Task Force Chair and State Presidents’ Coach. Ariel has served as Supreme Commander of the Corps Virginia Gentlemen, Secretary to Camp Virginia Jaycee Board of Directors, Secretary of the Virginia Jaycees Foundation and the Virginia Jaycees Life Member Association Liaison for two years. She received her Life Membership in 2001 and her Senatorship in 2004. She has received numerous awards including the Sidney D. Peck award for Outstanding Local President, Pablo Cuevas Award for Outstanding Regional Director, USJC awards for Outstanding State Program Manager (Horiuchi), Outstanding State Vice President (Hamilton), Most Outstanding State President (Frost) and USJC Program Manager (Waldo). She has been honored by the USJCI Senate with the Return the Favor State Award (Program Chair), named one of five Outstanding Presidents and appointed as Chair of the Presidents’ Information Exchange (PIE). Prior to being elected President of the Senate in May 2009 in Staunton, Ariel served as B&B Chair, Return the Favor Chair, Director for Rooms, Reservations and Outings and Vice President. Her board consisted of Rod Williams (Vice President), Art Esenberg (Bar Director), Paul Showalter (Newsletter Director), Sandy Fulgham (Rooms, Reservations & Outings Director), Donna Yenney (Immediate Past President) Kathleen King, (Hospitality), Kim Williams (Treasurer), David Bailey (Secretary and Products), Peggy McHugh (First Timers and Chaplain), Dawana Harris-Bey (Return the Favor Chairman), and Sherry King (Liaison) and we were honored to have Elizabeth Benka serving as our Region III NVP. Summer Outing was held in Norfolk, VA in July followed by state meetings in Richmond in November, Virginia Beach in January with 9 inches of snow and Richmond in May. The Spring Outing was held in Charles Town, WV. The highlight of the year was the Senate’s 40th Anniversary in November chaired by Anne Johnson. There were over 100 Senators and friends in attendance including representatives from 5 states and the President of the USJCI Senate along with two former National Presidents (Bob Lindholm and Frank Butler). A medallion presentation was made to the oldest Senator, Horace ‘Hunk’ Henderson, #100 and in his absence, the medallion was accepted by Bill Hartz and Sumpter Priddy who also cut the 40th Anniversary cake. The event was an overwhelming success thanks to Anne’s leadership. Two scholarship applications were forwarded to the US JCI Senate by Chairman Tom King with the result of both nominees being awarded $1000 scholarships. Virginia received The Return the Favor State of the Year award under the chairmanship of Dawana Harris-Bey (who coordinated activities for over 30 Senators) and as a result, her plan was adopted by the USJCI Senate. Kathleen Cistola King received the Return the Favor Senator of the Year for her work with the Jaycees with extensions and chapter saves. Art Esenberg received the National Presidents’ award for exceeding his fundraising goals for the National raffle and Elizabeth Benka received the highest region participation award. Our best communication tool, the website, was revamped by Paul Showalter to serve as the main source of Senator information along with a Yahoo Groups listserv that was formed as a secondary tool of communication. U.S. JCI Senate meetings were held in Pittsburgh, PA in September and in Kissimmee, FL in January. MAI was held in Newark, DE in April where Virginia had one of the largest delegations in recent years with 16 attendees. The National Convention was held in Concord, CA in June where Ariel was honored to present the Donnie Alvis Award to NVP Randy Young from Minnesota. The year ended with growth in membership and increased Senator participation at events. Senatorships were presented to Beth Fujishige, Scott Grantham, Melissa H. Sleeth, Melissa (Missy) Pulling, Mark Agee, Debra Agee and Jeff Miller. The year was a success, people had fun and we rejoiced in the fellowship of being together because that’s ‘The Way Life Should Be…’

Donna joined the Jaycees in 1988 and served her local chapters of Bellgrade and Chesterfield as Director, Secretary, Treasurer, State Director, Vice President and President. She served the Virginia Jaycees as State Treasurer for two years and continues to serve the Virginia Jaycees through the affiliate organizations. She is a Colonel in the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen, a Trustee of the Virginia Jaycees Foundation, previously serving as Secretary and Treasurer, and serves on the Board of Directors of Camp Virginia Jaycee. She received her Life Membership in 1996 and her Senatorship in 2003. Prior to being elected President of the Senate in May 2008 in Staunton, Donna served as Secretary, Treasurer and Vice President (and de facto Bar Director). Her board consisted of Ariel Jones (Vice President), Rod Williams (Bar Director), Paul Showalter (Newsletter Director), Sandy Fulgham (Rooms, Reservations & Outings Director), Beth McOsker (Immediate Past President and Hospitality), Kim Williams (Treasurer), David Bailey (Secretary), Peggy McHugh (First Timers and Return the Favor Chairman), Jacque Camlet (Liaison) and Joyce Cooke (Chaplain). Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg in July followed by state meetings in Herndon in November, Virginia Beach in January and Staunton in May. Donna unfortunately wasn’t at her last meeting in May since she was cruising with the Virginia Society of CPA’s on their Centennial Celebration Cruise but VP Ariel did a wonderful job in her absence. Activities included a Night at Colonial Downs in October with the Maryland Senate and a Holiday Social hosted by Beth and Craig Lane in December. The Final B&B Bash, organized by the Past Presidents, was held in March and honored one of our own, Mark Smith. U.S. JCI Senate meetings were held in Seattle, WA in September and in Houston, TX in January. MAI was held in Morgantown, WV in April where Virginia made quite the impression. National Convention was held in Atlanta, GA in June where Donna was honored to present the Donnie Alvis Award to NVP Larry Richmond from Maryland. Senatorships were presented to Dawana Harris-Bey and Kathleen Cistola. Seas were calm and boat drinks were plenty in the year of “Smooth Sailing.”

Beth started her Jaycee career when she joined the Virginia Beach Jaycees in 1987. She was immediately elected to serve as a Director. She went on to serve as Activation/Orientation and Chapter Management VP, Assistant to the President, State Director and President. She served as chairman for numerous projects, most notably the East Coast Surfing Championships and Virginia Beach’s First Citizen. She served the Virginia Jaycees as OYV and OYF Program Manager, State Meetings Program Manager, both for two terms, and Chief of Staff. She also served on the Training Task Force and Virginia Jaycees Foundation Board of Directors. Her numerous awards include Atlantic Region Director of the Year, Eldridge K Hayes Award for Outstanding State Director, Robert F. “Buz” Shultz Leadership Award, Luther Lee Allison Award for Outstanding Program Manager, and Virginia Jaycees Key Person. She received her Life Membership in 1992 and her Senatorship in 1997. She served the Virginia JCI Senate, prior to being elected President, as Director and Vice President. Beth was elected at the May 2007 meeting in Richmond. Her board included Donna Yenney as Vice President, Kim Williams as Treasurer, Marla Jones as Secretary, David Bailey as Return the Favor chairman and Liaison. Directors were Ariel Jones, Rod Williams and Jacque Camlet. Appointments included Craig Lane as Legal, Joyce Cooke as Chaplain and Mark Jones as Sergeant At Arms. The first event of the year was the Summer Outing in Ruckersville. The budget was approved with very little discussion. After the meeting, there was a tour of several local wineries. In September, the Senate attended the University of Richmond vs. New Hampshire game and had a great time tailgating in the parking lot prior to game time. In November, the grouped traveled to Herndon for the Fall Board Meeting. The holiday season was kicked off at the home of Beth and Craig Lane for the first regional Christmas Party. Next, was a trip to Virginia Beach for our Winter Board meeting. The B&B Bash, led by Rod Williams, celebrated its 35th year. The Senate recognized Robert S. Bloxom, State Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry as the Outstanding Achievement Award recipient. T. Rod Layman was presented with a special award for his efforts in founding the B&B Bash. The next outing was the NOVA regional Pre St. Patrick’s Day party at the home of Sandy Fulgham and Lanny Barber. MAI was held in Cooperstown, N.Y. The last meeting of the year was held in Staunton where the new board was elected and voted to increase dues for the first time since 1991. Beth ended her year, in June, when she attended the US JCI Senate National Convention in Charleston, WV, where she presented the Donnie Alvis Award and members of the Virginia Senate helped the WV Senate with the bar and food prep. New Senators welcomed this year included Sherry King and Troy Anderson.

Gerry continued as President for the 2006 – 2007 Senate year. The year got off to a great start with the annual summer outing at Wintergreen. The budget passed without much ado and then we were off to a winery for a tour and tasting. The board included Beth McOsker as Vice President, Donna Yenney as Treasurer, Carole Lieber as Secretary, Kim Williams as Return the Favor chairman and Tom King as Liaison. Directors were Ariel Jones, Rod Williams, Sandy Fulgham, Marla Jones, Peggy McHugh, and David Bailey. In October, we held our first evening tailgate party at William & Mary. Clark Mabrey served as chef and prepared Brunswick stew and all attendees brought a side dish or dessert to share. William & Mary students who joined us were the recipients of some great leftovers. Quarterly board meetings were held in Richmond (November), at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront (January) and in Richmond (May). New Senators this year were Jacque Galvin Camlet and Sharon Ratzsch. The highlight of the year was the MAI meeting which we hosted at the Holiday Inn – Olde Towne Portsmouth. Nearly 120 Senators from around the country attended the event. All had a great time!

Gerry joined the Norfolk Jaycees in 1985 where she served as Director, Management Development VP, and President. She served the Virginia Jaycees as Regional Director of the Atlantic Region, Chief of Staff, Management Development VP and President. She served the state organization in numerous other capacities including Chairman of the Training Task Force and President of the Virginia Jaycees Foundation for three years. She has received numerous awards including the Sidney D. Peck award for Outstanding Local President, Pablo Cuevas Award for Outstanding Regional Director and the Robert L. Woodward Commitment Award. She received her Life Membership in 1991 and her Senatorship in 1995. Prior to being elected President of the Senate, she served as Secretary, Treasurer, Director and Co-Chair of MAI 2001. Elected at the May 2005 meeting in Herndon, the executive committee included directors Peggy McHugh, Stu Shatz, Carole Lieber, Wesley Nelms and John Melleky. Appointments included Donna Yenney (Treasurer), Tom King (Liaison), and Ariel Jones (Return the Favor Chairman), Craig Lane (Legal Counsel), Kit Ford (Sergeant At Arms) and Sandy Fulgham (Secretary). Due to the lack of participation, the summer outing was cancelled in favor of a budget meeting and visit to the Williamsburg Winery, 14 Senators enjoyed the winery tour and tasting. The annual VA-MD tailgate party was cancelled due to the significant increase in cost at the Naval Academy. As a substitute, the Executive Committee decided to plan an outing to Colonial Downs for a night of standard bred racing.

Starting his career with the Chester Jaycees in 1984, Chris served on the local, regional and state levels. After becoming active in the Life Member Association and serving as its President in 1997-1998, Chris received his Senatorship during the Fall Board meeting at the Holiday Inn Koger Center. He served the Senate as Director, Treasurer, and Vice President and was elected President in May 2004 in Reston, VA. His board consisted of Karen Bartek as Vice President and Directors, Steve See, Stu Shatz, Peggy McHugh, Tom King, and Linda Glunt. The appointed officers included Gerry Roth (Treasurer), Donna Yenney (Secretary), and Bryant Blankenship (Liaison). The year started off with the Summer Outing at Wintergreen Resort. The budget was approved with little resistance, even from Gerry Sproles. The Virginia JCI Senate hosted the Maryland Senate at a lavish tailgate party at the College of William & Mary. In November, the Senate celebrated its 35th Anniversary and finally gave out the Past President Awards that Elizabeth had been carrying around over a year and blew the budget by purchasing. This November meeting also marked the saga of the kidnapped gavel. The gavel had more fun during the year than Chris did. It went to Blacksburg, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Washington DC, Scranton, and Myrtle Beach with no expense incurred. West Virginia dunked it in the “Poohdium” and it went shopping with Chris, although he didn’t know it. The Winter Board meeting was held in Williamsburg at the “Ho House”. The year ended right where it began in the Hell Hole of Northern Virginia and Chris did not attend because saints such as him, don’t go to hell. He did make it back in time for the banquet and to see the great slide presentation of “The Gavel’s Travel. New Senators welcomed this year included Paul Showalter, Wesley Nelms, Ariel Jones, Carole Lieber, Joyce Cooke, and Sandy Fulgham.

Elizabeth was elected president of the Virginia JCI Senate in May 2003. The board consisted of Chris Williamson (VP), and Directors Gerry Roth (Products & Outings), Leslie Hager (Newsletter), Karen Bartek (Hospitality), Mark Jones (B&B Bash), Ron Bartek (Bar), and Tom King (Rooms & Reservations). Kathy Lawson served as Treasurer, Peggy McHugh as Secretary and Ralph Lawson as Liaison. Summer Outing was at the Holiday Inn, Portsmouth with Senators from Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey attending. Activities included a cruise on the American Rover and dinner at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub. Senatorships were presented to Donna Yenney, Jeff Stout, Ed Cogle, Cindy Boswell, Chris Bates and Bryant Blankenship.

Dan joined the Warrenton Jaycees in May 1972 where he served as State Director and Assistant to the President. After an Army transfer he joined the Hopewell Jaycees in Sept 1975 where he served as State Director and received the Key Man Award and Outstanding State Director for Region II. He served the Virginia Jaycees as Criminal Justice State Chairman receiving the Luther Lee Allison award and the Gilbert W. Haith Memorial Award. He received his Life Membership in 1978, Senatorship in 1987 and his Ambassadorship in 1999. He has continued to serve the Virginia Jaycees as a Trustee on the Virginia Jaycees Foundation and as a Colonel in the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen. He is active in the Lions, American Legion and Moose. Elected President of the Virginia JCI Senate in May 2002 in Richmond, his board had a very good mix of new and experienced Senators including Vice President. Elizabeth Benka and Directors Karen Bartek (Hospitality), Leslie Hager (Newsletter), John Mellekey (Rooms and Reservations), Mark Jones (Spirits), John Seaborn (Products/Outings), and Chris Williamson (B&B). Serving in appointed positions were Peggy McHugh (Secretary), Kathy Lawson (Treasurer), Ralph Lawson (Liaison) Dave Repass (Chaplain), Craig Lane (Legal Counsel) and “Kit” Ford (Sgt at Arms). Alan Richardson served as Immediate Past President. The planning session was held in Chester in June. Dan & Elizabeth Benka, Alan Richardson, Gerry Sproles, Wallace Ligon, Frank Butler, Bob Goetz and Kit Ford attended the US JCI Senate National Convention in Sioux Falls, SD. In July, the Summer Outing was at Smith Mountain Lake, and in August, the Summer Board was at the Camp. The US JCI Senate Fall meeting was in Denver and the MD/WV Tailgate was in Williamsburg. Both the Fall Board, in November and the Winter Board, in January were in Richmond. The US JCI Senate Mid-year Convention was in Atlanta in January. The recipient of the Achievement Award at the B&B Bash in February was State Delegate Jack Rollison. MAI was in Morgantown, WV in March. The Spring Meeting was held in Reston in May. The Donnie Alvis Award was presented in June at the US JCI Senate National Convention in Detroit. Calvin Baerveldt of Maryland served as Region III National Vice President. Two scholarships applications were forwarded to the US JCI Senate by Chairman Roz Goin. Rob Cooke, Return the Favor Chairman documented many hours of service by Senators to the Virginia Jaycees. The Senate presented two $500 scholarships presented to Camp Virginia Jaycee.

In May 2001, L. Alan Richardson was elected President of the Virginia JCI Senate. He joined the West End Jaycees in Richmond in 1987, serving as Chapter President in 1989-1990. Alan served the Virginia Jaycees as Battlefield Regional Director, Management Development Vice President and in 1992, was the first West End Jaycee to be elected President of the Virginia Jaycees. The following year, Alan served the US Junior Chamber as National Vice President. He received his Life Membership in 1990, his Senatorship in 1992 and his Ambassadorship in 1994. Alan was also recognized by the Virginia Jaycees as an Outstanding Young Virginian in 1998. He has continued to serve the Virginia Jaycees as a Trustee on the Virginia Jaycee Foundation, a member of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen, and served on the Long Term Training Committee, the Corporate Planning Committee and the Camp Virginia Jaycee Board of Directors. Other Senators elected at the annual meeting were Dan Benka, Vice President and Directors Paula See, Chris Williamson, Frances Daniel, John Seaborn, Jeff Clore and Juli Vermillion. Karen Bartek served as Secretary, Kathy Lawson as Treasurer, Dave Repass as Chaplain, Elizabeth Benka as Sergeant-at-Arms and Ralph Lawson as Liaison. Past Senate President Gerry Sproles served as Region III Vice President for the US JCI Senate. Senate meetings included a combined Summer Outing/Summer Board meeting at the Camp in August, and Fall Boards, Winter Boards and the Annual Meeting, all held in Richmond, VA. Senate activities included the Maryland-Virginia Tailgate Party held in Annapolis, MD on September 8 coordinated by John Seaborn. Georgia Tech handed the Naval Academy the worst loss in the Academy’s history, defeating them 70-7. The B&B Bash, led by Frances Daniel was held on February 13, 2002. The Senate recognized Judge Richard “Dickie” Taylor with a special award for his efforts in founding the B&B Bash. The recipient of the Achievement Award was Sen. Benjamin Lambert, a past Richmond Jaycee. At its annual meeting in May, the Virginia Senate presented two scholarships to Camp Virginia Jaycee. US JCI Senate meetings were held in New London, CT in September and in Orlando, FL in February. MAI was held in Wilmington, DE in April, 2002 and the National Convention, the last to be held in conjunction with the US Jaycees, was held in Sioux Fall, SD. Virginia had representation at all national meetings and was recognized in Sioux Falls as a Gold Level Donor to the US JCI Senate Foundation, having donated $2,500 over the years. This Senate year will always be remembered due to the attacks upon our country on September 11, 2001.

Dave joined the Alexandria Jaycees in 1974. After serving as chapter President in 1979, he moved on to serve as a District Director, Regional Director, Program Manager (5 times) and assistant to the President. He was the first chairman of the long term training committee and served as chairman of corporate development. Major awards include the Eldridge K. Hayes award, Sidney D. Peck award, Otto Jeff Gibson award, Luther Lee Allison award (2), Gilbert W. Haith Memorial award, and the pacemaker award. Dave received his life membership in 1982, his Ambassadorship in 1980, and his Senatorship in 1984. He was elected President of the Virginia JCI Senate in May 2000. Also elected were Vice President Alan Richardson, and Directors Karen Bartek, Peggy Tait, Chris Williamson, Bernie Gilbert, John Seaborn, and David Repass. Serving as Secretary was Elizabeth Benka, Treasurer Kathy Lawson, Liaison Ralph Lawson Legal Counsel Craig Lane, and Sgt at Arms Dan Benka. National Convention was held in Niagara Falls with Senators Wortman, Greene, Goetz, Ligon and Sproles in attendance. The Senate Summer Outing was in Winchester and the Summer Board at Camp Virginia Jaycee. Fall Board was held in November in Portsmouth, Winter Board in Fredericksburg in January and the State Convention in Lynchburg in May. National meetings of the US JCI Senate attended were Idaho, Houston, and Dayton. Activities during the year included the VA/ MD Tailgate party at the College of William & Mary where a large turnout from both states enjoyed a great game, food and adult beverages. The B&B Bash was highlighted by the recognition of Vance Wilkins, the first Republican Speaker of the House of Delegates since reconstruction. Senators Johnson and Roth shared not only their leadership abilities but also their social graces in chairing the MAI meeting in Portsmouth highlighted by great food, great tours, great massages, and a wonderful time for all our friends in Regions II and III. Our own Gerry Sproles came out of the weekend as the new National VP for Region III winning his election by one vote.

Senator Wallace Ligon was elected President of the Virginia JCI Senate at the annual meeting in May 1999. Dave Wortman was elected vice president. Stu Shatz, Alan Richardson, Karen Bartek, Peggy Tait, Dan Benka, and Beth McOsker were elected directors. Appointments included Chris Williamson as treasurer, Ralph Lawson as liaison, Kathy Lawson as secretary, and Elizabeth Benka as Sergeant at Arms. The summer outing was held at Smith Mountain Lake in July, Summer Board at Camp Virginia, Fall Board in Portsmouth, Winter Board in Richmond, and State Convention in Chesterfield. National meetings were held in North Carolina, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. World Congress was held in Cannes, France. Wallace Ligon, Frank Butler, and Bob Goetz attended. The Maryland - Virginia Tailgate party was held at the Naval Academy. It was well attended by members of both Senates. The B&B Bash was held in February honoring Delegate Riley Ingram of Hopewell.

Gerry Sproles joined the Manassas Jaycees in 1965 and held a number of offices including local president in 1969-70. His chapter was a gold chip chapter, top 5 Metro, won 20+ project awards and achieved a membership of 126 during his year as President. He served the Virginia Jaycees as a State Vice President of Region XVI, was awarded a Life Membership in 1971 and a JCI Senatorship in 1972 (the first Awarded by his chapter). He has been active in the Lions, Fire Dept/Rescue Squad, American Legion, ARC, Boy Scouts, and many other civic organizations. He served the US JCI Senate as Region III Vice President in 2001-2002. The Board of Directors for the year included Wallace Ligon as Vice President, Secretary Kathy Lawson, Treasurer Chris Williamson, Directors Roz Goin, Ralph Lawson, Johnathan Phillips (resigned, replaced by Beth McOsker), Dave Repass, John Seaborn and Paula See. The Return the Favor Chairman was Stu Shatz (replaced by Bernie Gilbert) and the Senate Liaison was Alan Richardson. Virginia's own Jim Nefflen served as Regional Vice President of Region III. The Summer Board meeting was held at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Fall Board in Portsmouth, Winter Board in Sterling and the State Convention in Bristol. The summer outing was hosted by Mac Cofer and Frank Butler on the James River in Smithfield at the FFA/FHA Camp and was attended by guests from the West Virginia Senate. The tailgate was held again at William & Mary with over 50 Senators and guests enjoying food, fun and football. The B&B Bash honored Congressman Virgil Goode and was very successfully run by Ralph Lawson. At the MAI Meeting in Annapolis, Senator Russ Dolbear well represented Virginia in the Miss MAI 1999 Beauty contest, losing the contest but winning a campership for Camp Virginia Jaycee. Two scholarships were awarded to the camp honoring Senators Donnie Alvis, Dave Rock and Gene Lane. The Virginia JCI Senate was incorporated during the year with the help of Senator Craig Lane. The year ended with a large group of Virginia Senators including Frank Butler, Larry Green, Dave Wortman, Wallace Ligon, Bob Goetz, Jim Nefflen and Gerry Sproles attending the National Convention in Grand Island, NY and presenting the Donald Alvis Award to the outstanding USJCI Senate Vice President.

In 1997-98 Anne Johnson was elected president of the Virginia JCI Senate. She joined the Vienna Jaycees in 1984 and served as its 1st woman president in 1998-89. Anne served the Virginia Jaycees as District Director, Virginia Cup Program Manager and Outstanding Young Virginians Program Manager. She received her Life Membership in May 1990, her Ambassadorship in February 1992, and her Senatorship in May 1992 ("in the right order," says Frank Butler). She is a member of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen, and served as Vice Commander of the House this same year. Anne subsequently served as Supreme Commander and Region III Vice President (2004-05) for the US JCI Senate. Gerry Sproles was elected vice president; Joan Custer, Dave Repass, Alan Richardson, Gerry Roth, John Seaborn and Paula See were elected to serve as directors. Appointments included Cindy Buehler as the Senate liaison, Roz Goin as secretary, and Wallace Ligon as treasurer. Senator Stu Shatz once again ran the Return The Favor Program. Our own Rick Brown served as National Vice President from Region 3, and Frank Butler served as USJCI Senate Chairman of the Board. National Convention was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Summer Outing was moved to Natural Bridge after many years in Fredericksburg. Senate members liked the change and voted to move it around the state in years thereafter. State meetings were held at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Richmond. The 25th Annual B&B Bash honored Governor George Allen and was very well attended. The Virginia Senate hosted the USJCI Senate mid-year meeting in January 1998 in Crystal City. Every project and social event made money during this year because of the superb job each director and/or chairman did. Therefore, the Senate was able to give three Camp scholarships at the end of the year, rather than just one or two, and still add money to the treasury. The theme of the year was "to get more people involved." Actions to accomplish this included: 1) Sending a dues billing to every Virginia Senator, which, along with aggressive retention, enabled us to end the year with +22 paid members. 2) Inviting every Virginia Senator to sponsor the B&B Bash; that initiative, coupled with Governor Allen as the honoree, increased attendance dramatically. 3) Senator Tucker Watkins created a New Senator Orientation Booklet, building on the old one (last distributed in the early 1990s) and adding a great deal of new material. This was aimed at getting new Senators involved.

Senator Larry Green was elected the 25th President of the Virginia JCI Senate at the annual meeting held on May 18, 1996, in Falls Church, VA. Also elected at the meeting were Vice President Anne Johnson and Directors Amy Repard, Dave Wortman, Wallace Ligon, Gerry Sproles, Bob Goetz, and Carlyle Gravely. Senator Craig Lane served as Treasurer and Senator Joan Custer served as Secretary. Senate meetings that year included the Summer Outing (annual business meeting) at Fredericksburg, VA; Summer Board at Camp Virginia Jaycee; Fall Board at the Holiday Inn in Chesterfield, VA; Winter Board at Staunton, VA; and the annual meeting at the Sheraton in Chesterfield, VA. Senate activities for the year included the Maryland-Virginia Tailgate Party hosted by the Virginia Senate at Williamsburg on October 12. More than 50 Virginia Senators and their guests attended this event, which under the leadership of Director Dave Wortman earned a profit for the Senate. At the annual B & B Bash, Director Carlyle Gravely led the Virginia Senate in recognizing former U.S Senator Paul Trible for his long service to the Commonwealth. On the national Senate level, past Virginia Senate President Frank Butler was elected U.S. JCI Senate President during the 25th annual meeting of the national organization. The Virginia Senate was represented at the national meetings in San Antonio, TX; Cherry Hill, NJ; and Des Moines, IA. The Virginia Senate established a national award for the outstanding National Vice President in honor of Donnie Alvis and won a contested bid to host the January 1998 Winter meeting of the US JCI Senate in Crystal City, VA. At the national convention, Director Gerry Sproles was recognized for his efforts in publishing the Senate newsletter. The year was characterized by the willingness of many Senators to help the Senate provide fellowship to its members and service to the Virginia Jaycees. After Director Amy Repard moved to New York, various Senators volunteered to provide hospitality for the Senate meetings. Past Presidents Tucker Watkins and Linda Lester provided support to the B & B Bash, enabling us to once again put on a classy show. Senator Stu Schatz spearheaded the Return the Favor program that involved Senators in helping the Virginia Jaycees. Director Wallace Ligon’s efforts in providing products for the Senate were very well received by Virginia Senators.

Linda Lester was elected the 1st female president of the Virginia JCI Senate at State Convention in May, 1995. The elections were held at the Hyatt in the West End of Richmond. Tucker Watkins served as chairman of the board (as Linda likes to say) or Immediate past president (as others like to say). Larry Green served as vice president and directors were Anne Johnson, Carlyle Gravely, Gerry Howard, Gerry Sproles, Wallace Ligon and Randy Shelton. Cindy Ward was appointed Liaison; Wally Owings, Chaplain; Craig Lane served his 1st term as treasurer with Jim Gray doing time as secretary and Dave Wortman as our bouncer. Kathleen Songey from the Maryland JCI Senate served as National Vice President for Region 3. National Convention was held in Saint Louis with Tucker Watkins, Rick and Connie Brown, Bob Goetz, Anne Johnson and Linda Lester attending. Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg, with a famous tour arranged by Jim Gray and Anne Johnson. Summer Board was held at Camp Virginia and Fall Board was held in Norfolk with 35 Senators attending the Dutch Treat Dinner at Freemason Abbey. Winter Board was held in Williamsburg and State Convention in West End of Richmond. The Senate gave two $500 camp scholarships and $500 to the Virginia Jaycees to support the Family of the Year Competitors, named in honor of Wanda Williamson, to National Convention. The B & B Bash, chaired by Randy Shelton, was a huge success with Frank Hall being recognized with the award. During this year, Virginia's own Frank Butler was in charge of the US JCI Senate Reverse Raffle and was a candidate for President of the US JCI Senate. Frank and I attended the JCI Senate Fall Board Meeting, which was held in New Orleans, LA. Senators traveling with Frank and President Linda Lester to the US JCI Senate Winter Board meeting in San Francisco, CA for Frank’s formal announcement included Beth Lane, Jim and Ruth Nefflen, Tucker Watkins and Bob Goetz. Larry Green, Anne Johnson, Dave Wortman and Linda Lester attend the MAI meeting in Atlantic City, NJ. National Convention was held in Des Moines, IA with Frank being elected President of the US JCI Senate. Representing Virginia were President elect Larry Green, Bob Goetz, Mac Cofer, Bob Lindholm and Ron Chaney.

Tucker joined the South Boston Jaycees in 1971 and later served as Local President of the West End Jaycees. He has served the Virginia Jaycees as DD, LMA President and Supreme Commander of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen. He served on the board of Camp Virginia Jaycee and the Virginia Jaycee Endowment. He is an Eldridge K. Hayes and Sidney D. Peck Award winner. He served the Richmond '88 National Convention as national ONTO Chairman. He received his Life Membership in the Virginia Jaycees in 1977, his Senatorship in 1981, his Ambassadorship in 1986 and was recognized by the US Jaycee Foundation as a Giessenbier Fellow. Tucker was recognized as one of the top five State Presidents in the US JCI Senate. The Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg with the state meetings at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Norfolk, Fredericksburg and Richmond. The 25th anniversary celebration was held in Fredericksburg with Don Robertson, President of the US JCI Senate in attendance. Beth and Craig Lane ably chaired this event and Doc Serota appeared as the "Old Senator” in his toga. The B&B Bash, chaired by Cindy Buehler was held at Old City Hall in Richmond in January where the Achievement Award was presented to George McMath who, along with Senator Dickie Taylor, was one of the originators of the program. The Virginia JCI Senate hosted the MAI meeting in Williamsburg in March with Carlyle Gravely and J. R Richards as chairman. US JCI President Don Robertson was again a visitor and was given another private tour of the history of Virginia. The hospitality Crew of Paula See, Steve See and Brenda Yankey, assisted by many other Virginia Senators, as usual made Virginia proud.

Glanzy joined the Clarksville Jaycees in 1978 and served as Local President. He served the Virginia Jaycees as DD, RD and Apple Butter Coordinator and received the Buz Schultz Leadership Award. He received his Life Membership in1994 and his Senatorship in 1992. He is currently serving as Deacon at his Church and as Youth Leader for Blue Stone Union. The Summer Outing was in Fredericksburg and the state meetings were at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Chesterfield, Bristol and Hampton. Although the Winter Board meeting in Bristol was hampered by an ice storm in the East, the National President and two State Presidents visited the Senate that weekend. Frank Butler, Region III Vice President was the first Virginian to be elected USJCI Administrative Vice President at the National Convention in Florida. The Senate developed a Goodwill Committee to reach out to Senators and their families when there was a need. The Senate also supported the restraint of children while riding in the back of open trucks.

Rick joined the Buena Vista Jaycees in 1967 and served in many offices including Local President. He served the Virginia Jaycees as District Director in 1982 and finished as #20 in the nation. He also held several Chairmanships for the State. He received his Life Membership in 1983 and his Senatorship in 1986. He is currently a member of the Buena Vista Rescue Squad and has served on the Shenandoah Valley EMS Council, the Virginia Rural Water Association, and the Maury Service Authority and is President/Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Water Association. He served the US JCI Senate as Vice President serving Region 3. Rick has served as President of the Virginia Jaycees Life Member Association and as Supreme Commander of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen. The Summer Outing was in Fredericksburg and the state Meetings were at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Norfolk, Chesterfield and Richmond. The B&B Bash was in Richmond. Rick took his first plane ride in 1992 when he flew to National Convention in the twin cities in Minnesota. He has been told that strange things happened to him there, but, strangely enough, he has no such recollections!

Frank joined the Portsmouth Jaycees in 1962 and served as Local President of the Vienna Jaycees. He served the Virginia Jaycees as State Chairman and National Director and as Supreme Commander of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen. Frank received his Senatorship in 1972, his Virginia Jaycee Life Membership in 1992 and his US Jaycee Ambassador-ship in 1996. He served the USJCI Senate as Vice President in 1993-94, as Administrative Vice President in 1994-95 and President in 1996-97. He remains active in his local Rotary. The Summer Outing was in Fredericksburg. State meetings were at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Arlington, West End and Vienna. The B&B Bash was held in Old City Hall. The by-laws were changed to establish a finance committee. An international travel program was instituted, along with the Arlington Jaycees to communicate with the President of every country in JCI offering to assist any Jaycee or Senator traveling through our area. Many international travelers were assisted, including JCI Vice President Rees Mann from Johannesburg, South Africa and Dr. Tonu Loog from Tartu, Estonia.

Brian joined the Chesterfield Jaycees in April, 1973 and served in numerous offices including Local President. He served the State as District Director and Regional Director. Brian received his Life Membership in 1979, his Senatorship in 1980 and became an Ambassador in 1987. Brian also served as the JCI Senate Chairman of the Richmond '88 National Convention Corporation. He was recognized as one of the top 10 Senate Presidents by the USJCI Senate. The Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg and the state meetings were at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Williamsburg, and Roanoke. The meeting in Williamsburg was run by the Senate where we were visited by National Senate President, David Habershaw. The B&B Bash was at Old City Hall in Richmond. Jack Marsh was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award. Thanks to President Brian, dues were increased from $20 to $30. Don Alvis served as National Vice President and was assigned to the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Virginia's Return-The-Favor program received special recognition from the US JCI Senate, which also recognized Virginia as having one of the top ten outstanding Treasurers and State Presidents in the country.

Bob joined the Alexandria Jaycees in 1967, but served as Local President for the Dumfries Triangle Jaycees for which he received the Giessenbier Award. Bob received his Life Membership in 1986 and his Senatorship in 1979. He has served as President of the Hugh O'Brien Foundation and a member of the Local Economic Development Foundation. The Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg and state meetings in Lynchburg, and Richmond with the State Convention also in Richmond. At the National Convention in Louisville, the Virginia Senate won First Place in States Parties and in the area of Newsletter for The Senator! The B&B Bash moved to the Old City Hall Foyer in Richmond and enjoyed a record turnout. Alan Diamonstein received the Achievement Award. The Senate celebrated its 20th Anniversary at Winter Board in Richmond with a dinner and program chaired by Bobby Joyner and was a great success with many Past Presidents in attendance. Participation in the First Timers Program was expanded with First Timers Badges and Certificates being issued for the first time. Bob's year also saw the start of the Return the Favor Program.

Tom joined the Dale City Jaycees in 1973 and was elected President for 1976-77. He was District Director, Program Manager, State Chairman and External Vice President for the Virginia Jaycees and Juvenile Diabetes Regional Coordinator and Program Manager for the US Jaycees. He received the Gilbert W. Haith and Luther Lee Allison Awards and was recognized as one of the top 10 Senate Presidents by the USJCI Senate. Tom became a Life Member in 1977, an Ambassador in 1983 and a Senator in 1979. Locally, he is involved with the Hugh O'Brien Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Association for Retarded Citizens of Prince William County. During Tom's reign, the Summer Outing was in Roanoke and the state meetings were at Camp Virginia Jaycee, Chesterfield, Tysons Comer and Hampton Roads. The tailgate party was held in Charlottesville. The Senate hosted the MAI conference in Fredericksburg and was actively involved in the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Virginia Jaycees. The Senate sponsored a program to obtain Senatorships for eight past Virginia Jaycee Presidents who, for whatever reason, had never received one. These were presented at the 50th Anniversary celebration. At the Fall Board meeting, Linda Lester received her Senatorship. Linda was the first female Senator to become actively and fully involved in the Senate. The B&B Bash was held at the Downtown Club and the Achievement Award was given to then Lt. Governor Doug Wilder. The Senate presented $2,500 to Camp Virginia Jaycee to assist in its counselors' achievement and scholarship awards. The year ended with 242 dues paying members and the Virginia Senate was recognized as one of the top 10 in the country.

He was a Charter Member of the Amelia Jaycees in 1968 and served as Local President. He also served as USJCI Senate Vice President and was named a Local Outstanding Young Man. Dave has served as Supreme Commander of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen and became a Senator in May of 1980. He is very supportive of John Tyler Community College, J.L. Hamner Library and Trinity United Methodist Church. The Summer Outing was revived and was held in Roanoke. The state meetings were in Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach. For the first time, in an effort to raise funds for the hospitality at the upcoming Richmond National Convention, the Senate hosted the Virginia Jaycee Winter Board Meeting in Williamsburg. This was also the first time that the Virginia Senate was the Host State for the USJCI Senate at the National Convention in Richmond. Senator Brian P'Pool chaired National Convention Hospitality for the Senate which entailed three long years of hard work for him and his committee. This first female, Debra Patrick, was inducted into the Senate.

Don joined the Stafford Jaycees in 1971 and served as Local President. He also served as Supreme Commander of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen. He received his Life Membership in 1977, his Senatorship in 1982 and became an Ambassador in 1985. He was active with the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, the Garrisonville Civic Association and the Virginia Jaycee Foundation. The Summer Outing was canceled that year because of dwindling attendance. The state meetings were held in Tysons Corner, Richmond and Winchester. At the Virginia/Maryland Tailgate Party, the Virginia Senate was the big winner of the party - but Maryland won the game! The MAI Institute meeting was held in Fredericksburg. Donny served the US JCI Senate twice as Region 3 Vice President and was named to the Hall of Fame of Camp Virginia Jaycee.

Lit joined West End in 1968 and served as Local President. He served the Virginia Jaycees as State chairman and Regional Vice President, receiving the Gilbert W. Haith Memorial Award. Lit received his Life Membership in 1981 and his Senatorship in 1977. He was National Vice President of the USJCI Senate in 1987-88 and has been involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Association, MS Society and the Special Libraries Association. During Lit's tenure, the Summer Outing was held at Wintergreen and the state meetings were held in Fairfax, Williamsburg and Roanoke. The Virginia/Maryland Tailgate Party was held at College Park, MD, with the other side winning again. This was the year that Dave Ingram revealed his secret formula for his now famous homemade Kahlua. A new Senate orientation pamphlet was printed and the Senate began quarterly dues billings. Lit's recollections of all the dates and specifics may be just a little hazy, but as he puts it, "...I do remember the individuals and the good times and that is what it is all about in my book. "

Bill served as Charter President of the Williamsburg Jaycees in 1971, receiving the Sidney D. Peck Award. He went on to serve as Legal Counsel and Program Manager of the Virginia Jaycees, Legal Counsel of the USJCI Senate from 1982-1991 and President and Founding Trustee of the USJCI Foundation. Bill, a founding Father of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen served as Supreme Commander. He is a Life Member and received his Senatorship in 1979. The state meetings were held in Charlottesville, Norfolk and Richmond. The US Jaycees began admitting women as full members this year. The Virginia Jaycees were one of the first to accept women as members.

Mac was chosen to lead the Senate, in what he reports was "a hotly, uncontested race for the office." He also stated, "With Wes Bowles as Chairman of the Board and Bill Miller as Vice President, I had mixed emotions as to how I wanted the election to go." Mac joined the Smithfield Jaycees in October of 1964, served as Local President twice, Regional Director and State Vice President. He is a Life Member of the Virginia Jaycees and became a Senator in 1977. Mac, one of the Founding Fathers of the Corps of Virginia Gentlemen served as Supreme Commander. He has served on the Town Planning Committee, Town Council and the Board of Supervisors. During this year, the Summer Outing continued to be held in Fredericksburg and was attended by the USJCI President. The state meetings were in Tysons Corner, Williamsburg and Hampton. There was a somber note during the year when the "Post Office Mule" assigned to Amelia passed away, or so the story goes from Director David Ingram, when the newsletter did not make it out in a timely fashion. President Cofer received the special Order of the Mule Award from the Amelia Senator for his efforts in attempting to raise funds to replace the valiant steed.

Wes joined the Lynchburg Jaycees in 1965. He served them as Local President, the State as Vice President and received his Life Membership in 1972. He became a Senator in 1975 and served the USJCI Senate as National Vice President in 1983-1984. Wes is also a member of his local Chamber of Commerce. Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg and state meetings were at Smith Mountain Lake, Winchester, Arlington and Hampton. The USJCI Senate was expanded to 10 Vice Presidents. A winter storm prevented the hospitality liquor supply from making it to the Winter Board meeting in Arlington. In fact, everything was closed, even the 7-11 stores. All Senators attending were asked to contribute their private stock, thereby preventing the meeting from becoming a total loss! Things were so bad that even the White House Tour was canceled. The Virginia Senate received the USJCI Senate publication award.

Dave joined the Culpeper Jaycees in 1949 and served as Local President. Dave had twelve years perfect attendance and received the Spark Plug Award for each of his twelve years as an active member of the Culpeper Jaycees. He also served as State Vice President and National Director of the Virginia Jaycees and as President of the Virginia Jaycees Foundation. David was also a member of the Old Dominion Press Club and the Saints & Sinners Club, of which he was named an Outstanding member in 1989. He received his Life Membership in 1957 and his Senatorship in 1971. His local chapter has named their Outstanding Project of the Year award after him. The Summer Outing was again in Fredericksburg and state meetings were in Lynchburg, Bristol and Tyson's Comer. The Senate by-laws were amended to separate the offices of Secretary and Treasurer and that these offices would be appointed by the President. Efforts were begun to amend the Virginia Jaycee policy to allow the JCI to have the final say on all JCI Senatorship applications.

Dennis served his local chapter, the Winchester-Frederick Jaycees, since September of 1963, including Local President. In 1974 he became a Life Member and a Senator and is a member of the Hall of Fame of Camp Virginia Jaycee. The Summer Outing was held in Fredericksburg and the state meetings were in Winchester, Arlington and Richmond. The Dutch Treat Dinner at the Fall Board meeting was hosted by Dennis and Lori at the Winchester Country Club. The Moldens also hosted the Senate Meeting, parties and the Champagne Reception for new Senators at their home. At the Winter Board meeting at the Stouffer's Inn in Arlington, a tale is told of the flight of the Bronze Eagle. It seems someone borrowed the rather large eagle from the lobby - we all know it was not one of our Senators!! The Virginia Jaycees were billed for the beast, but before they could pay for it, it found its way back to the Lobby. The Jaycees have never returned to see just where the "Big Bird" is perched. The Senate honored Senator Sumter Pride for outstanding and tireless efforts, especially in regard to the B&B Bash, by presenting him with a Proclamation and Senate medallion. Senate decals were produced and sold. The Senate voted to sponsor one high school sophomore to the Hugh O'Brien Foundation leadership development program. USJCI Senate President Ray Noxel was a guest at the Winter Board Meeting. Dennis has long been noted for his ability to TOTALLY relax once he has assumed the sitting position!

Sam joined the Poquoson Jaycees in 1967 and served as President in 1970-71. Sam also served as Executive National Director for the State. He is a Life Member and received his Senatorship in 1973. He has been a past Deputy District Governor for the Lions Club. The Summer Outing was in Richmond and the State meetings were in Salem, Norfolk and Roanoke. The first Senate roster was distributed in September. The Senate celebrated its 10th Anniversary in Richmond at the John Marshall Hotel. This event was chaired by Donald Ellison and was a very successful function with approximately 150 Senators and guests in attendance. The first New Senator Orientation brochure was published this year as well. USJCI Senate President Bob Hunt was a guest of the Senate at the Norfolk Winter Board meeting.

Jim joined the Alexandria Jaycees in 1963 and held almost every local office, including Local President in 1972. He served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the Virginia Jaycees in 1973 and received his Senatorship in 1974. His community interests include the Elks, Ruritan, Credit Union and Sons of the American Revolution. The Summer Outing, scheduled for Blacksburg, was canceled because "no one knew how to get there." The B&B Bash in Richmond was canceled due to a snowstorm. The State meetings WERE held in Staunton, Williamsburg and Hampton. At the Winter Senate meeting, there was a concerted effort to do away with the B&B Bash. Common sense, however, ruled and the B&B Bash was retained as a Senate function. The by-laws were changed to reflect that the fiscal year of the Virginia JCI Senate would be from July I through June 30. This was the first year that the Senate operated under an approved budget. It was also the year that dues were raised from the original $10 to $20 per year. In 1978, Jim accepted the Virginia JCI Senate charter at the National Convention in Atlantic City, N.J. He also nominated Bob Hunt in 1979 for USJCI National President.

Dan joined the Kenbridge Jaycees in 1963 and served as Local President, National Director of the Virginia Jaycees and his local Chamber of Commerce. He received his Senatorship in 1972. The Summer Outing was in New Market and the Virginia Jaycee meetings were in Arlington, Williamsburg and Virginia Beach. John Armbruster, JCI Senator #0003, a Trustee of the US Jaycees Foundation, died en route to a Foundation meeting in February. The Virginia Jaycees agreed to waive the minimum registration fee for exhausted Senators at state meetings. The Senate by-laws were amended to delete the word District from the title of Director.

Don joined the Albermarle Jaycees in 1963 and later served the North Richmond Jaycees as Local President and the Virginia Jaycees as Executive National Director. He received the Sidney D. Peck Award, a Life Membership and became a Senator in 1971. He has been active in his local chapter of the Heart Association. State meetings this year were in Blacksburg, Arlington and Roanoke and the Summer Outing was in Richmond - NOT at Jay's. The JCI World Congress was in St. Louis on November 7-13.

Bill joined the Portsmouth Jaycees in November of 1969. He served as Local President and as National Director for the Virginia Jaycees. He was a recipient of the FOYM Award in 1971 and received his Senatorship that same year. He has been active in his community as well, serving on the Portsmouth School Board and the Parks and Recreation Committee. The Summer Outing was at Dr. Jay's House. The state meetings were in Arlington, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The first JCI Senate pins were ordered and sold for $2.00 each. Paul Pendorf was one of Ten Outstanding Young Men of America. Bill reports that the most significant decision he made was to only take the Presidency for one year. He stated, "All succeeding Presidents should be grateful!"

Rod joined the Blacksburg Jaycees in December 1960. He was also a member of the Pulaski and West End Jaycees and served in numerous offices in all three chapters. He served the State as Vice President, National Director and Legal Counsel and the US Jaycees as a member of the Credentials Committee for four years, including a term as chairman in 1972. He became a Life Member in 1973 and a Senator in 1970.The state meetings this year were held in Richmond, Williamsburg and Roanoke. At the annual meeting it was decided to hold a special business meeting in July. This, the 1st annual Summer Outing, was held at Dr. Jay Buston's home in Chesterfield County, VA and attended by 19 Senators. In April, the US Jaycees officially recognized the US JCI Senate as an unaffiliated organization. Of note, Senator Bill Hartz proposed the following as the first amendments to the Senate by-laws: a) create title of Chairman of the Board, b) provide two year term of office instead of one, and c) require officers to be exhausted and prohibit their Jaycee political participation. Whether or not these amendments passed is unclear. Rod was reelected to a second term as President in 1974-75, reportedly due to an embarrassing financial situation and a surplus of stationery with his name on it! The Summer Outing was again at Dr. Jay's home and state meetings were in Richmond, Williamsburg and Hampton. On November 8, 1974, the Virginia JCI Senate co-sponsored the 35th Anniversary celebration of the Virginia Jaycees under the leadership of Dan Moore. Tom Baldridge was the principle speaker for the evening. The Senate agreed to co-sponsor the 3rd Annual B&B Bash that was held in the penthouse at the Bull & Bear Club for many years. The first Friday Evening Dutch Treat Dinner was held in Williamsburg in February. The Senate also began to co-sponsor the Five Outstanding Young Men (FOYM) program. Of special note, Senator Jack Marsh, Jr., #5460, was named to cabinet rank and as Counselor to the President by President Gerald Ford upon his assumption of the Presidency in 1974. Rod remarks that one of the most amusing experiences that he had, in retrospect, was Bernie Kirsch taking a photograph of him while bartending, converting it into a postcard and using it to communicate with him at the ABC Department while he served as Chairman of the Virginia ABC Commission. Rod later served as Secretary of Public Safety for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Bob joined the Downtown Richmond Jaycees and later received the Distinguished Service Award from the Greater Falls Church Jaycees. He served the Virginia Jaycees as State Vice President. He received his Life Membership in 1964 and his Senatorship in 1968. He is also a US Jaycees Statesman and Ambassador. He has served on the Fairfax Salvation Army Advisory Board for over 28 years. The state meetings this year were held in Bristol, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Roanoke. Lois Lindholm, with Jim Wagenbach as the model, designed the Senate logo. The first issue of The Senator was published in July. The formal presentation of Senatorships was begun and the first champagne reception for new recipients was held in February. A speaker’s bureau of JCI Senators willing to speak to Jaycees was established with 42 Senators signing up. Bob served as President for a second term in 1972-73. The state meetings were in Virginia Beach, Arlington and Hampton. The US JCI Senate was founded at the National Jaycee convention in Atlanta. Virginia was one of 26 states voting in favor of this organization. The Virginia JCI Senate, with a good delegation in attendance, was prominent in formulation of an acceptable constitution and by-laws. Bob became one of the first six Vice Presidents. At the National Convention in Minneapolis in June, 1973, Bob was drafted and unanimously elected 2nd President of the US JCI Senate. Tom Baldridge was reelected Chairman of the Board of the Jaycee War Memorial Fund. The Mid-Atlantic Institutional meeting was held at Lake Wright Motor Inn in Virginia Beach. The Virginia JCI Senate was officially affiliated with the US JCI Senate on December 8, 1972. Rod Layman, a committee of 1, was appointed to investigate the possibility of obtaining Virginia license plates with the JCI prefix. Two hundred were reserved, but it is not known how many were actually purchased.

Although an informal organization of Virginia's JCI Senators had existed for several years prior to 1969, it was not until that year, November 21, 1969, to be exact, that a handful of Senators and guests gathered at the Lake Wright Motel in Virginia Beach for cocktails, dinner, and an organizational meeting. The invitation to meet had come from the Portsmouth Jaycees and in particular, Paul Pendorf, past president of the Portsmouth Jaycees and then Vice President of the Virginia Jaycees. At this meeting, Jack Barnes was elected the Charter President. Jim Wagenbach was the Vice President and Paul Pendorf became the Secretary/ Treasurer. The District Representatives were Al Teich, Dickie Taylor, Bob Lindholm and Hampton Thomas. The state meetings that year were held in Bristol, Virginia Beach, Roanoke and Hampton. At the February Board Meeting, Tom Baldridge was named the Chairman of the Virginia Endowment Fund. Jack began his Jaycee career by joining the Portsmouth Jaycees in 1947. He served his chapter by holding many offices including Local President and served as Virginia Jaycee State President in 1957 for which he won a Frost as one of five Outstanding State Presidents. He served his community as Mayor of his city for 6 years and served on the City Council for 28 years. Jack served the Virginia JCI Senate in 1970-71 by being elected to President for a second term. All of the prior year's officers retained their positions for this year as well. The state meetings were in Virginia Beach, Natural Bridge, Winchester and Richmond. A reception was held for Senators and "Old-Timers" on Friday night in Winchester, but the Senate meeting in Natural Bridge was canceled. The reasons cited were expected low attendance, it was Thanksgiving weekend, and there was a lack of good accommodations.