THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 10, 1996 TAG: 9605090166
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF STORY
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Two individuals and two groups from Virginia Beach were among those from Hampton Roads honored by the Golden Rule Awards recently.
Diane Angelos, Stephanie Pappas Stetson, the Princess Anne High School Fire Recovery Fund and Very Special Arts were honored at an awards luncheon at the Omni Hotel in Newport News.
The Golden Rule Awards, jointly sponsored by Volunteer Hampton Roads, The Volunteer Center Peninsula and JC Penney Co., recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of volunteers.
Susan Allen, first lady of Virginia, and Dr. William R. Harvey, president of Hampton University, were guest speakers at the luncheon, which coincided with National Volunteer Week.
Of the Virginia Beach entries, the Princess Anne High School Fire Recovery Fund, also known as ``Operation Phoenix,'' was a Golden Rule Award winner, receiving a $1,000 award from JC Penney.
An initiative of 28 citizens, the group's goal was to help raise money to rebuild Princess Anne High School, which was heavily damaged last fall by fire. Although much of the damage was covered by insurance, there was still a deficit. A group of students, parents and teachers sprang into action to help raise funds and support to rebuild the school. ``Operation Phoenix'' planned bake sales, church bazaars, car washes, a walkathon and a marathon to raise money. It has raised more than $100,000 and $50,000 in gifts-in-kind. Some of the money will be spent to expand the school's cafeteria and library and build additional space for an arts program.
All local Golden Rule winners automatically become eligible for the National Golden Rule Awards. National winners can receive grants up to $10,000 to the organization where they volunteer.
The other Virginia Beach entries were Golden Rule finalists and receive $250 grants to help their volunteer organizations. They are:
Diane Angelos has been a dedicated volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for 11 years.
She is currently matched with her second ``little sister,'' Reba, 10. Angelos sees Reba twice a week, offering her a friend in a world that is positive, healthy and filled with possibilities. Angelos has motivated her ``little sister'' to improve her grades and take pride in her appearance.
Stephanie Pappas Stetson is founder and president of the Community Networking Association. Formed last July, this organization is dedicated to bringing people together in a forum to discuss issues that affect the community. As Stetson described it, ``to help people be more effective citizens in our democracy.'' Most recently, she helped coordinate a seven-week series of community discussions about education. Meeting in small groups parents, teachers and others talked about the problems in education in a project called ``Citizen Challenge: Education.'' In the long run, she hopes to reverse what she calls ``the deepening cynicism and helplessness felt by Americans,'' and to empower citizens with a voice to discuss issues and find solutions.
The Very Special Arts program provides people with disabilities with the opportunity to experience and enjoy art. Started in 1983 by Shirley Shapiro, an art teacher, the organization began by producing an art festival featuring hands-on activities for persons with disabilities. As a result of Shapiro's efforts, the program grew throughout the '80s, each year increasing the attendance at its annual art festivals.
Now joined by Elaine Hutcheson as coordinator, Very Special Arts produces five children's festivals and adult arts festival each year. Last year more than 3,000 individuals, 75 percent of them disabled, enjoyed programs offered by this group. In 1995, Very Special Arts even added a theatrical production of ``Peter Pan'' to its list of offerings. MEMO: Volunteer Hampton Roads provides the public with information about
volunteer jobs and projects. It plans educational seminars for
non-profit organizations, coordinates the annual Day of Caring event and
is currently forming a corps of volunteers to work on special projects
throughout the area. To find out more information about Volunteer
Hampton Roads or how you can become a volunteer, call 624-2400. ILLUSTRATION: TOP: Representing ``Very Special Arts'' were Elaine Hutcheson,
left, and Shirley Shapiro. LEFT: Stephanie Pappas Stetson, founder
and president of the Community Networking Association. ABOVE: Diane
Angelos, a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for 11 years.
Presenting the awards was Jim Cundiff, manager of JC Penney at
Military Circle.
by CNB