Special Awards

Written by Jeffrey Hersh Thursday, 04 February 2010 13:34

FRANK BUSTAMANTE

FALL 2009 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Presented by: Jeffrey Hersh

MoonShadow Lounge

 

This evening, our members come together to celebrate our League's seventy - second consecutive Awards Ceremony. As usual, we are rewarding those players who have excelled in our tournaments and at our West Coast Challenge qualifying events.

 

First: A special thank you to the Board for entrusting the Tribute Committee with the honor to carve out this section of tonight's program for this Special Recognition.

 

I want to recognize my fellow members of the Tribute Committee from this season. Long time member, Captain and 14 season teammate David Boyd who interfaced with our honoree's family and friends - Former President Janell McKane (who produced this evening's beautiful leather-bound book for our honoree and our archives) - Angelo Pacella for his first class design and the concept of the color brochure featuring tonight's winners along with the historical photos. - 17 term former President Bill Hoover, who acting as a sounding board for the tone and tenor of this segment - and to my loving husband and 26 year member of the League; in his own right, a multi-term team Champion and Open Individual winner, Rick Ayres - who has counseled and listened patiently since early October to the endless telephone conversations about these preparations.

 

Our League, organized in the Spring of 1974, has been a family to literally hundreds and hundreds of players of every age, gender, skill and socio-economic level who all share a love of this sport and helped to create a sense of community and family.

 

There have been many high performers. Joining us tonight is a former Sponsor and the League Open Individual record holder, coming in from Cape Coral, FL for this tribute……. - The winner of 11 Open championships and more than 16 team titles - Jack Frohman….. One Fall, he won the Open individual Championship with a surgical patch over one eye for the entire ten weeks while amassing a personal record of 37/3. As one of his teammates, I had a 38/2 and lost to a one-eyed man. 

 

Another Sponsor and six time Open Champion Stevan Bailey is here from Honolulu -  He shared 24 seasons as a teammate with tonight's honoree.

 

Lauren Ward, the Captain and teammate for 21 seasons joins us this evening from Long Beach to pay tribute. She is a former member of our Board of Governors and also previously served 16 consecutive terms as Head Referee for the San Francisco Pool Association.

 

Don Carrier, probably one of the most skilled players in our history; a huge League supporter; co-creator of the AIDS Quilt League panels traveled tonight to be here with us from Las Vegas; as did Dale Barber, also joining us from Las Vegas - a multi-season Open Individual, teammate and champion during the earlier days of our League……..all in support and in a demonstration of love and admiration for a dear friend and who has finally decided to retire from active play.

 

Tonight's honoree joined our League in the Fall of 1977 and has remained on the roster for 64 consecutive seasons. He's amassed an insurmountable record of 28 team championships; 26 Individual top eight awards; 12 West Coast Challenge Team Championships and eight West Coast Challenge Open Individual awards including First Place on his birthday at West Coast Challenge III on July 19, 1981. He has managed to achieve every one of these accolades while earning the  friendship and respect of every teammate and opponent.

 

On December 16, 1983, (precisely 26 years ago tomorrow) at the Westin Bonnaventure, on the occasion of this League's 20th Anniversary, the Board of Governors afforded me the honor of presenting to this gentleman our "Sportsmanship Award." - 'till this day, no one embodies the definition, spirit and character more than tonight's honoree. In a rare move, a ballot measure was submitted to the entire membership this Fall asking for permission to amend our by-laws and to re-name the League's Sportsmanship Award in his honor. It passed unanimously.

 

He has been a mentor to countless students of pool who have benefited from his experience, skill, wise counsel, kindness and his gentle demeanor. We are all here tonight to pay tribute to him.

 

I personally will cherish the many seasons spent with him - not only as a former teammate of this revered league member - but holding close to me the memories of competition with and against this honorable competitor. He has represented this League with distinction and we are proud of him.

 

It is my distinct personal privilege and honor to present, on behalf of the Board of Governors and our membership, in the presence of his family, the Los Angeles Pool League's Fall 2009 Special Recognition to our beloved member and friend: Mr. Frank Bustamante.

 

 

 

 

 

DOUGLAS HEANEY

A TRIBUTE – Spring ‘1994 -

by Jeffrey Hersh

 

Navigating around the Southwest corner of the pool table at the GOLD COAST on a busy night is never an easy stunt but it's usually worth it to get to the safety of the back bar and if you're really lucky, a seat around the pool table.  This time would be especially worthwhile.

 

On this particular night in question, some six years ago, I met Doug Heaney. He was new in town from his adopted State of Oklahoma. Although born in Yonkers, NY, he moved with his family to Oklahoma where he attended school. Now, happily relocated to slick West Hollywood, he was young, vital and enthusiastic about life and, fortunately for us, the L.A. Pool League.  Somehow or another he was enlisted into the League by Marv at the Westside.  Doug played there for two seasons before making it his own personal goal to bring teams in from the Mother Lode.  The Mother Lode wanted teams representing their customer base and Doug spent enough time there to make it work.  He put together two teams with the lowest average age ever.  Additionally, who else could have introduced us to a player named Maximillian Sloan-Hillier?  What a name to use when you need dinner reservations!

 

When we met, I was President of the League and we were both single.  Since we had plenty of time on our hands,  we used to make it a game of sorts to see how many bars we could visit each night when we would go "on tour."  He'd call and say, "ready to do the tour tonight?"  We blow through about eight, checking out their pool set up, talking to the manager/owner and trying to recruit new bars when possible.  He loved it and they loved him...real low key compared to you know who!  Eventually, Doug ran for the Board of Governors sending a brilliant campaign letter to every member of the League.  He was elected by a wide margin on the Fall '88 ballot and went on to serve a total of five staggered terms under three Presidents (Hersh, Cochran and Hoover) with the sixth term interrupted only by his illness.  He was replaced upon his resignation by Glenda Davis.

 

In addition to his tenure on the Board as Playoff Chairperson and Statistician, he was a guest writer for Cues Nues, an assistant to Marv's efforts on the Guide, and an active player on the Fund Raising Tournament schedule.  He finished second in the Hi/Lo event {Spring '92} with B.J. (Griff's); second in Fall '91 with Dean Newcomb, and first with Austin Norris Griffin -Fall '92. Austin was replaced by Lenore Colina (Palms) and the two went on to finish second at WCC XXVI.  Doug won fourth place at the Spring '92 Broomstick event. He also won the Alternate's tournament in Fall '89 and as the last winner of the event, he used to gloat about how the tournament would probably never be held again and therefore the trophy would forever remain in his view at his home base, Trunks.  As Captain of the Trunks Team with Jeffrey Hersh, Jesse Aguilar, Don Brandt, Dale Barber, Wess Wright and John Strassburg, Doug led them to a fourth, second and first place team finish.

 

He eventually was presented with the Special Recognition Award at the Fall '91 banquet at Griff's for his devoted service to the League, especially his efforts as Statistician.  He was enormously proud of that achievement but nothing surpassed the emotion expressed on his face when the delegation of Messrs.. Hoover, Hersh and Correll made the presentation to him of the Marvin Beisel Award - the League's highest honor - in his hospital room last August on behalf of the Governors .  "I'm so happy, I've always wanted this," he said, clutching it to himself.  Furthermore, Doug has the distinction of being only the second League member ever to receive this honor who has not also served at one time or another as President of the League.  Fortunately, Doug regained enough of his strength to attend the twentieth anniversary dinner at the Westin Bonaventure (Fall ’93) where the award was re-presented before the membership.  The tumultuous standing ovation for Doug was a genuine and heartfelt expression of appreciation and admiration for his outstanding efforts on behalf of us all. 

 

There is no question in my mind that it was through an act of great personal sacrifice and courage that Doug continued to serve as Statistician of the League well beyond the time when he was strong enough to leave his home.  His valiant four year struggle with AIDS finally came to an end on this past Easter Sunday at the age of thirty one.  He now becomes a part of our fondest memories.  I, for one, will never forget his kindness, friendship, consideration and most of all his sense of humor.  Memorial services and other details are pending while his devoted companion Carlos attempts to pull his life together.  Our prayers are with him and Doug's family.

 

 

SPECIAL AWARDS

Special Recognition Award:                   Presented:  December 18, 2001

 

 

Bill Hoover

 

 

Awarded to Bill Hoover for being president of the league for eleven seasons and for holding each of the different offices on the board.                                              

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Special Recognition Award:                                Presented:  May 20, 2003

                                                                                                                                                                   

JANELL L. MCKANE

 

On May 20, 2003, the members of the League expressed their admiration, affection and appreciation to Janell for her outstanding service to the League. As Statistician, she revamped our databases and provided superb weekly results to an ever increasing number of players with e-mail. This served to reduce expenses and provide efficient and prompt access to our members.

During the Fall 2001 and Spring 2002 seasons, Janell served with distinction as the first female President of the league. We value her intellect and friendship.

Thank you Janell for your continuing service and devotion to the League.

 

Special Recognition Award:               Presented:  December 16, 2003

 

JOHN COCHRAN

In appreciation of your twenty seven seasons as an outstanding and dedicated member of our Board of Governors including five terms as President of our League.

 

 

 

Special Recognition Award:      Spring 2004

 

ANGELO J. PACELLA

 

 

 

With grateful appreciation and recognition of your extraordinary efforts and talents which have brought a distinctly higher level of creativity and design to our advertising and publicity

 

Presented by the Board of Governors this eighteenth day of May, two thousand and four.

 

 

John E. Isakson Memorial Award                      Spring 2004

 

John Savolainen

AAA Billiards

 

The John E. Isakson Memorial Award - named after our long time Treasurer - is reserved for presentation to a Sponsors for outstanding contributions to the League. John served on our Board of Governors as Statistician and regularly contributes as an advertiser in our seasonal Guide.

 

 

MARVIN BEISEL AWARD

 

Austin Griffin

 

 

remarks by jeffrey hersh - league president - 

The MARVIN BEISEL AWARD is presented by the Board of Governors to that individual, who in the opinion of the board, and after being nominated by a member of the League, has made OUTSTANDING contributions to the League. Established by the Captains in a unanimous vote at the Spring '85 Registration Meeting, it is given on rare occasions. As many of you may know, Marvin is considered the role model responsible for the creation of this honor. 

 

Marvin's contributions to us have been enormous.  In 1982, he created the GUIDE.  This handbook contains the playing schedules, Rules of Play, By-Laws, pictures from that season's events and maintains a sort of historical encyclopaedia.  After a brief hiatus, he recently resumed his place as Publisher for the Spring 1992 issue. Today, members have come to take it for granted that there will be a GUIDE in their player's packages on scrimmage night. Little do they know that in years past, in the dark ages before the GUIDE, players received stapled schedules and little else. Now that's just a portion of his contribution. He has served six terms as President, created and maintained CUES NUES in NIGHTLIFE for years; designed our official logo, and has served as Chairman of the Election Committee on numerous occasions. He currently serves as our official Historian with custody of our records. His advice is regularly sought by our members on many matters of importance.  His devotion and service to the League are a model for all of us to follow.  He has set a standard virtually unequalled in our history  and I am personally proud of our friendship.

 

This evening, the Board is proud to honor one of our members whose service has spanned our entire eighteen year history. During the Fall of 1978 he received the Mike LaVoie Award for outstanding service. During the Spring of '76 and Fall '88  he received two Special Recognition Awards marking the League's appreciation for his extraordinary efforts. In addition to his special status as one of our five Founders, he has also served twice as League President. (Fall 1974 and Fall 1990). In recent memory his continuing tenure as Statistician has brought a vital expertise, stability, accuracy and clarity to our weekly standings.  Thirty-six seasons have failed to diminish his interest, service and essential contributions to the League.  It is my pleasure, as President of the League and Chairman of the Board of Governors to present the Fall 1991 Marvin Beisel Award to AUSTIN NORRIS GRIFFIN.

 

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD             Spring 2004

 

Ronald T. Oliver

 

The Board of Governors acknowledges and thanks you for your distinguished service as our former Treasurer and your outstanding, continuing contributions as our trusted League Auditor.

 

Presented this eighteenth day of May two thousand and four

 

 

Special Recognition Award

 

DALE CORRELL

 -

FALL 1995 - December 19th - Eighth recipient

The Governors of the League made a rare presentation of the Marvin Beisel Award (the League's highest honor) for Outstanding Service to Dale Correll at the Oxwood Inn. Dale began his membership as a player from the Bon Mot. Eventually he jointed teams from the Lodge, Little Joy, Club 22, Rawhide and Woody's Hyperion. Retired insurance executive. Dale was elected to the Board in the Spring 93 and served continuously until the beginning of the Fall 2000 when ill health forced him to withdraw. He was a high ranking player and devoted a lot of energy to the League. He will be missed.

 

 

Special Recognition Award

                                                                                               

TOM NICHOLSON

 

L.A. Pool League

Fall 2007 - December 12, 2006

At The Oxwood Inn

 

 

At the conclusion of each bi-annual Member's Meeting, the players anxiously await the creation of the team schedules for the coming ten week season. This is often a tedious and somewhat intensive process. 

For many seasons, Tom has volunteered his expertise and efforts to provide this crucial information to the League. He has been assisted in his work by Bill Dehn, a charter member of the LAPL.

 

In recognition and appreciation for his continuing contributions. the Board asked Bill Hoover to make this award presentation to Tom. We thank him for his many years as a member of the League and for his unique talents.

 

The Sportsmanship Award

Jack H. Plimpton

Fall 2006 - December 12th - At the Oxwood

 

The Board of Governors is permitted to make unique, special presentations for a variety of reasons to our sponsors, players and boosters.

 

The Sportsmanship Award which is being presented tonight has also been given very rarely. There are only six previous recipients:

 

The 1170 bar (F'77); Marvin Beisel (F'78), Tony Lobene (F'86); Bobbie Droukas ( S'88 from the Palms Bar); Frank Bustamante (on the occasion of the League's 20th anniversary celebrated at the Westin Bonaventure - Fall '93) and Bill Hoover (S'97) given at the Catch One Bar nine years ago. Over the past 25 years it has been my honor to present this particular award to five of the seven members including tonight's honoree.

 

Over the past 33 years we've had many players come and go. Some are highly competitive performers and many others are members whose primary interest is in the social network of friends that have been made. Then again there are those who are not registered players but attend many of the regular Tuesday matches, special events and act as valued friends and boosters. We all come to the League with varied backgrounds culturally, sociologically and philosophically.

 

Fortunately, we are proud to list among our members those who have and continue to provide inspired and crucial human resource services and contributions to our community. I would like to quote from a nominating speech on behalf of tonight's recipient of the the League's Sportsmanship Award

 

He is the founding director of the National Minority Aids Council which was established in 1984 as the Episcopal Churchs response to the AIDS crisis, one of the first such programs in the national church. Through his direction and vision, the Commission has become involved with pastoral care and advocacy programs in the greater Los Angeles community, including an outreach program that provides daily lunches to more than 50 patients of the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center HIV/AIDS Clinic. The clinic serves a high percentage of the minority uninsured patients in Los Angeles County, and the lunch program allows the patients to have a healthy meal while undergoing treatment. He also spearheaded a response to the housing and employment needs of those living with HIV/AIDS by developing Project New Hope, a program that provides housing for low-income and homeless individuals and families through collaboration and community partnerships. It also trains individuals in computer skills and enables persons with HIV/AIDS to continue making an economic contribution to society.

 

He was raised in Chicago, and spent a long and rewarding career in education as a teacher, principal and administrator in Chicago, and also in Los Angeles, where he retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District in the 1990s. Active in the Episcopal Church, both in the Diocese of Los Angeles and on the national level, he serves on the Board of Jubilee Ministries, which coordinates hundreds of grassroots programs in underserved communities in dioceses across the nation.

As the founder of Project New Hope he has helped build or remodel seven apartment complexes throughout the county, which now provides housing and social services to 600 predominantly minority residents.He was instrumental in the development of the Latino AIDS Prevention Project (LAPP), which provides Spanish language education on HIV/AIDS prevention and leadership training as part of a culturally sensitive program for youths, parents, guardians, and clergy in the safe environment of more than 26 churches.

 

We are honored that we have the opportunity to recognize his contributions to our League as a friend, booster and a humanitarian.

 

It is my personal honor as President of the League with the unanimous ratification of the Board of Governors to present the Fall 2006 Sportsmanship to Mr. Jack H. Plimpton.

 

-by Jeffrey Hersh

 

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