This year, the 'Rufus Oates Award', which is an internal award given to the member who volunteers their time and effort in a professional manner for the advancement, prestige and growth of the Association (National Association of Rhythm & Blues Dee Jays) The Board of Directors have bestowed this year's honor on Berni McKenna.

Berni who calls Belleville, IL home is the current Secretary for the Association, was newsletter editor for one year and has been a valuable member for the past three years. Berni has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for M. U. S. I. C. Berni's day time job (yes she finds time for that as well) is that of secretary to the Belleville, IL chief of police.

Berni is the driving force that keeps us all on the right track (sorry for being late with my new member validations) and helps keep the Association running smoothly. We can thank her passion of the "Blues" for bringing her to our family of music lovers.

Let me be the first to congratulate Ms Berni McKenna on an outstanding, unselfish job in 2004. We thank you for the years you have given to make the association work and hope there will be many more.

Thank you, Berni, for performing such a great job!

Ray Coker
Vice President