Welcome to MAV’s blog site, we are glad you stopped by.
Years ago, circa 1985, Mid-Atlantic Volleyball (MAV) began publishing a regular newsletter that we shared with members of the Montgomery Volleyball Club (MVBC). The Service Line began as a two-page typewritten informational newsletter and contained volleyball stories, tournament results, clinic schedules and limited advertising. Contributing writers included MVBC leadership, local players and health professionals. One of my favorite regular features was the VIP article that highlighted a notable member of our growing volleyball community. We got to meet some very talented and committed persons, some you might still see in our tournaments and other events. Long-time editor Judy Ciaraldi kept everyone on deadline and continued her contribution throughout Service Line’s life span.
My first issue – as editor – was the January 1990 edition, which included stories of an MAV tournament held in Jamaica and featured long-time player Jack Ledgerwood in the VIP corner. Looking back at that issue revealed it wasn’t pretty but it had loads of good information. It got better.
Eventually, the newsletter evolved into a multi-page two-tone glossy “magazine” that, at its peak, was 28 pages and delivered to hundreds of readers. It contained much the same kind of information as the original newsletter, but featured Black & White photos, striking layouts and had many contributors. Among the regular contributors, I had the privilege of working with Rick Capone, Mark Thiessen, John Rutter, Stephanie Hanrahan, John Kessel, David Ludington, Ricardo Vera and many others. We were all quite proud of Service Line.
Publishing costs and necessary directional changes for Mid Atlantic Volleyball (MAV) forced the closure of Service Line. The last edition was June 1996 and it contained articles about the USA Women’s National Team versus Russia, AVP in Atlanta and more. Notably, my editorial in that issue recounted the success of Sue Vance-Cunningham and Karen Hoyt at the Ocean City Women’s Professional Volleyball Association (WPVA) event. After that, we stopped publishing but some of us clung to the idea that Service Line was just waiting to make a comeback. Our current attempt is a serious one and several individuals committed to help in the comeback of Service Line-digital edition. It will be a blog fueled by many writers and hopefully read by many.
