by George
Eynon, Chairman-Elect
The
most useful aspect, for me, of the House of Delegates' organizational
and communications set-up for the past several years has been
the opportunity to observe House chairs and secretary/ editors
in action. I have learned a great deal just watching them perform
so admirably. However, there are three people in particular whom
we have taken too much for granted.
First
of all there is Donna Riggs, who handles the administration
of the House at AAPG headquarters. Also at AAPG is Regina Gill
whose transcriptions of tape recordings of proceedings of the
House meetings enable us to faithfully represent what actually
went on. There are times afterwards when the memory of just exactly
what was said and done has been somewhat selective -- and Regina's
records have helped to clarify our minds and maintain a proper
documentation for posterity.
Then
there is Mary Bahde, our Denver-based parliamentarian,
without whom our meetings could devolve into chaos. You might
well remember the standing ovation she received at the House of
Delegates annual meeting several years ago. The impromptu reaction
from the delegates was a truly heartfelt recognition of the wonderful
job she does keeping us all on track. We acknowledged her then,
but it's worth doing again in print.
Finally,
this past year there was an individual who has definitely not
received the acknowledgement and accolades she so richly deserves.
Carmen Dolly aided and abetted Ed every step of the way.
Behind so many successful men and women in our organization are
supportive partners. Ed Dolly is an extremely fortunate man --
and he's the first to admit it. All of us who worked with him
recognize that Ed's success in the role of House Chair is in no
small measure the result of a wonderful partnership with Carmen
-- from which we have all benefited. I would not go so far as
to say he could not have done it without her (at least not in
print and in such a litigious society as we live in), but I suspect
he would have been much less efficient. Both Terry and I have
tried to get her to reprise the role for us over the next two
House sessions, but Ed would not part with her.
These
three relatively unsung heroes deserve our thanks and gratitude.
Next time you see any one of them please take a few minutes to
personally express your thanks for what they have done and continue
to do for us.
SEPTEMBER 2002
