Welcome, Pat!

Pat Blackwell is a familiar face in a new AVA position; she is now the Executive Secretary of AVA.

One of Pat's first goals is to be more available to the membership to answer questions and solve problems. You can reach Pat at 256-882-3017 (home), 256-603-3026 (cell), or email her at pat@alavocal.org.

She will also attend many District events in order to help District Chairs. If you need medals at an upcoming event, give Pat a call or send her an email a couple of days in advance.

Pat has the time to do all of this because, as of this year, she is retired from teaching. You must mail registrations to Pat's home address: 1703 Emily Circle, Huntsville, AL 35802. (This is the same address you have been using before to send state applications.) Obviously, she won't be at school to receive faxes, as well, and as of now doesn't have a fax machine at home.

With Pat in position as Executive Secretary, we will be able to improve the All-State audition process. Auditions will be held after Christmas, and you can request the date and location you want. Send your All-State audition applications to Pat, not your District Chair, by December 31.

Pat will also be working with Medalcraft Mint and with Cathy, our webmaster, to develop a system for ordering medals online. This will hopefully be in place by January of 2010.

Pat is looking forward to a great 2009-2010 schoolyear in her new position.