<VV> Why I am not running for re-election to the CORSA Board of Directors

[Bill Hubbell]

As many of you know, I was elected to the CORSA Board of Directors in 2004
for a 3 year term that expires this year.  One of the reasons I felt it was
time for me to run was (to quote my campaign article) "now that my children
are nearly raised and my time is more my own, I am ready to serve in that
capacity, if you, my fellow members, decide that is what you wish me to do."


 

Unfortunately, a few months after this statement was written, events
conspired to change my life in such a way that now that "my time" is not any
longer my own.

 

The day before I received word that I was elected to the CORSA board, my
brother Andrew died suddenly at the age of 52 (heart attack or stroke).  As
bad as this was for me personally, it was even worse for my aged parents, as
Andy lived closest to Mom and Dad and had been assuming the role of primary
caretaker for them.  It became evident when I attended his funeral that Mom
and Dad were starting to have difficulties caring for themselves, and so I
attempted to fill the gap by trying to enlist the aid of local family
members (they live in Michigan, I in Virginia) and local senior services.
However, this was all to no avail, as Mom and Dad, being of the proud
Depression era, refused all outside help, and local family was reluctant to
get involved.

 

The next two years their health and mental facilities deteriorated
considerably, ultimately resulting in their inability to live by themselves
or to manage their own affairs.  After agonizing for many months, and
consulting with my remaining siblings, I finally was forced to seek legal
custody of both my parents to obtain the authority to manage their affairs.
By the time we finally intervened, Mother had advanced Alzheimer's and
Parkinson's, and Father had advanced colon cancer and multi-infarct
dementia.  As of last March, I was finally forced to move my parents out of
their home of 49 years and into assisted living.  By the end of 2006
assisted living had failed and they were moved to a nursing home. 

 

Although I get some assistance from the local family, the job of managing my
parents' finances and affairs has fallen solely on my shoulders, and I have
found it to be a very heavy burden.  I do not have the energy or drive at
this time to be meaningfully involved on the CORSA board, and therefore I do
not think it is reasonable for me to seek re-election.

 

I sincerely encourage other CORSA members who feel they have the time,
energy, and ambition, to run for the CORSA Board.  You will learn a lot
about your club and hopefully it will fire your interest in the hobby.

 

I am hopeful that in time I will be able to once again become more involved
with CORSA, as I have enjoyed my time on the Board.

 

Wishing you all the best,

 

Sincerely, 

 

William J "Bill" Hubbell

CORSA Eastern Director