Rising to the challenge

Joni Fichter received the 2014 Little League Challenger Division Award from Little League Baseball and Softball for her contributions to special-needs athletes and the West U community. Joni was recognized at a breakfast and during a ceremony at the 2014 Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport. President and owner of a staffing firm, Joni started the Challenger Division in West U 10 years ago. In Challenger Baseball, kids with special needs play as a team in a positive atmosphere. Joni saw mutual benefits in pairing up middle and high school students with kids of various ages with special needs. West U Challenger Division players have had memorable opportunities – such as playing on the White House lawn in 2005 and participating in the Little League World Series Challenger exhibition game in South Williamsport, Penn., in 2008. Pictured are Joni and Mark Fichter after Joni threw the first pitch during the Canada vs. U.S. Challenger game. “Without my husband Mark and our children Evan and Kylie plus the help of many other great community partners and friends, Challenger wouldn’t be the success that it is. We thought we’d change their lives, but instead, they’ve changed ours,” said Joni.

Editor’s note: The Buzz is happy to report that Annie and Tyler McQueen’s twin babies are doing well. Annie Blaylock McQueen, associate editor and Buzz About Town columnist, is currently out on maternity leave, spending time with her babies, Cash and Lila. In the meantime, Jordan Magaziner is handling this section. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to The Buzz at [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.