January 17, 2012

It's hard to believe that the WEVA 2011-2012 season is already here. My name is John Hughes and I can't believe I'm starting my 19th year as your commissioner. Please feel free to call me at the region office. Regular office hours are from 8:00AM-5:00PM. The office phone does have a voice mail box and your calls will be answered so please leave your name and number. The office e-mail is wevajohn@gmail.com

The WEVA web site has received a major face-lift with features and updates being added continually in every attempt to keep all members advised to the happening and services of the Region. A section has been added called FAQ (frequently asked questions) and is added to very often; this will save time waiting for contact with Region office. E-mail me with all new questions and I will reply. You may see your question on the site.

The on-line registration system is now in its eighth year and continues to improve. We added electronic signatures, background checks as well as all other forms. WEVA still requires the Driver ID #'s to be entered, but the need for the signed waivers to be kept in the region office has been eliminated. The registration database is on-line and you are now able to update your information throughout the year. Some of you are still using your e-mail address as your user name; I request that you change that to something shorter and easier to remember. Don't forget to write down your username and password, as you need them to renew your membership!

We are very pleased to award both girls and boys college scholarships for $500 each to seniors going on to college. We will continue to do this as long as the funds hold out and we have applicants to receive the awards. Please donate what you can to the Gary Adler scholarship fund. If all members donated $1 dollar each year, we would be able to fund the scholarships and even increase the number of recipients.

We now have a Board of Directors consisting of 10 members and are now directing the region from committees. Please contact your representatives about being involved with the committees; our goal this season is to have at least one representative per club on one of these committees. This year’s WEVA Girls bid tournament will be held at the BNCC in West Seneca. The Armory in Rochester and east High School will host the Boy’s Championships and the WEVA Festival. Congratulations to all athletes and clubs who participated in post season events last season and USA Nationals, representing WEVA this past year. All age groups were represented last year and each made our region proud.

Last year we continued to set a record number of memberships, of which 80% were again juniors. Please thank our club directors and coaches for providing this opportunity to participate in our great sport. Volleyball is one of those sports we can participate in for many years. USA volleyball has members well into their senior years. We ask those of you who have finished playing club as juniors to help with the next group coming up by helping coach, or supporting club in other ways.

Please support your region by purchasing your molten balls and products from the region store. If you need assistance, please contact me at the Region office.

Thank you and have a great season!

John Hughes