From the Top (May 2025)

Who gets the credit?

You will frequently read articles regarding something great the VHA has accomplished. Those articles often include details and opinions based on conversations I have had with media staff. It is terrific to know that the readers believe I have been able to accomplish great goals, but I would like to set the record straight.

The VHA organization works as a team. There are approximately one hundred forty members of our community whom I proudly call team members. Sure, we have senior team members, but the notable team members are the Neighborhood Representatives, Editorial Staff, Golf Car Safety team, Health and Wellness Expo event coordinators, Bingo staff, Social events coordinator, Shared Harvest Garden volunteers, and Helping Hands volunteers. When I add the Shared Harvest Garden and Helping Hands volunteers, I can increase the total number to over two hundred fifty. Others work behind the scenes as consultants. The expertise available to our leadership teams is outstanding.

Dave Fountaine, Executive Vice President, Mike Williamson, and Shawn Dietrich, Area Vice Presidents, work every day to ensure the programs you see advertised are successful. Bj Rolli, secretary, and Mike Dollard, treasurer, keep it all straight. I could continue with the names of all two hundred and fifty community members describing how they assist me in making the VHA the accomplished and recognized organization you read about, but Brenda Hein (Voice Editor) limits my word count.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to each team member and extend an invitation. Those of you who believe that our mission of promoting positive, constructive dialogue, problem solving, education, and philanthropy fits your philosophy should support us and join our organization. If you believe that you have unique skills that would be helpful in the operations of the VHA, contact me. My contact information is available on our website, https://www.thevha.net/ or www.thevha.net.

Peter Russell, VHA President