I thank my Lord for encouraging me to continue to be part of the Washington, D.C. Area Women's Bowling Association and to be able to alter my Sunday schedule whenever I can. I also want to thank:
Little did I realize that my attendance at that first meeting would last five hours—better yet, make it six. But I came away with the knowledge that the Washington, D.C. women's board was a group of women who cared.
Little did I realize that Doris' "It’s just a title bit of your time." would be a workshop in Gaithersburg, Twinbrook, or Waldorf; or working Ways & Means in Manassas or Bull Run; or helping wherever I could in Fredericksburg—when I live in Upper Marlboro!
Many times I thought, Gee, I wonder if I can buy shares or even one-quarter acre of Routes 95, 28, 29, 270, or 301 to build a toll booth. Or maybe I can get part ownership in my local gas station—which, thankfully, is always open.
It has always been difficult for me to talk about myself or even consider that I've done something. Bowling is my sport, and I have encouraged others to give it a try and to actively take part in their league's committees.
I've encouraged many youths to just try to hit the headpin, [telling them] "You really don't want to see how big a hook you can throw."
I've encouraged many seniors to take up the sport, saying, "It’s fun, and you meet a lot of nice people. Your score may not be high, but you have fun trying, and you might receive a senior award."
I've made a personal commitment that soon, very soon, WDCAWBA will again have a newsletter. If the Tidewater or Richmond Bowling Associations, which are much smaller than our association, can have one, so can we.
I want to encourage the board and everyone else to give "something back" to our bowling friends to let them know they are appreciated. Once upon a time, there used to be a patch, a pin, a certificate—something to let bowlers know they accomplished something. I'd like to think that I'm like you in that I like to receive something for the dollars I spend. After all, how do you know I was there, or that I'm a sanctioned league member? At the moment, I'm only a league number. I don't have answers, but like most, suggestions.
I have hope that our membership will increase, that bowling will be recognized as a sport worthy of Olympic competition, not exhibition. I will do all that I can to help our association not only increase its membership but retain the members we now have. And, in the process, show bowlers that the Washington D.C. Area WBA really does care.
Again, I thank Doris again my submitting my name for nomination and to the committee for thinking that I am worthy to be part of this group. This is a night and moment that I will treasure and remember.
Thank you for allowing me to stand with the elite members of the Hall of Fame.