The first Collaborations Awards Banquet was held on October 2, 1998 at the Roanoke Marriott. The piano player provided the ambiance for the recognition of fourteen award recipients. The delicious salmon nourished our minds and our bodies. With nearly 100 in attendance, we were able to share in the accomplishments of each association and celebrate the most outstanding individuals. VRA was proud to present four awards:

• Norman C. Hammond Award to Faye Luellen with K-Mart

• Dr. Roy M. Hoover Award for Outstanding Medical Achievement to Louis Massad, M.D.

• R. N. Anderson Award for Leadership to Sandra Wagener

• VRA Distinguished Achievement Award to John L. Harris

The Collaborations Steering Committee, which represented VRA, VaAPSE and VaACCSES, presented the Collaborations ‘98 Leadership Award to Bob Huff.

I wish each VRA member could have attended this celebration. Now is the time to start thinking about next year. So as we all get back to our daily routine, keep in mind that the person next to you may be deserving of recognition for:

Excellence in rehabilitation (Reedy)
Special business (Hammond)
Professional (Dawson)
Doctor (Hoover)
Excellence in rehabilitation by a VRA member (Anderson)
Leader in removal of barriers (Stillfried)
Person with a disability (Distinguished Achievement)