Well this is my last message as your President. I will try to keep it short and sweet. As I enter the last month in office I have mixed feelings. I have really enjoyed being the President. Not one moment did I wish I had not accepted the office. During a couple of tough moments I had the guidance and support of the Board of Directors to help me through the process. I want to give my most sincere thanks to the Board. I have served on other Boards, even as President for other organizations, but this Board was the best one I have had the honor of serving. They supported me when I needed support and were also not afraid to tell me when they thought I had lost my mind with some of my ideas. It'll be nice not to think of what newsletter topic to write about each month and not to worry about a scheduled meeting especially after having a long hard day or week. Well now I can skip a meeting if I need the rest. I don't plan on it because I want to be there to give Donnie and Paul a hard time but it is nice to know I do have that option.

I want to thank a few people publicly before I leave office. Firs a sincere thanks to Arden for her constant support. You've done a terrific job as VP and it was nice to know I could rely on you to step in and take my place when there was a need. Then Beverly, she has been so wonderful and patient. She keeps me on my timelines with gentle reminders and has never shown any frustration with me when I miss those deadlines. You have been a rock for me Bev, thank you so much. A club could never hope for a better secretary than Lynne. She keeps me updated on things I need to know and doesn't bother me with items that make no difference in the scheme of things. Frank, thank you for your work on the Officer of the Year program. I know you have a committee and I am not trying to slight anyone, but you don't wait to get things done-- you make it happen. I knew that during that time all I had to do was show up for the meeting. Thank you.

To Holly and Dave, not that you are a combination or a team, but your assistance has been invaluable. Holly does a great job keeping our financial books and Dave has completed the audits and made suggestions that keeps our financial outlook in the black. One thing I wanted to do as President was to increase our scholarship monies. Dave did a great job in allocating our funds, which allowed us to give away more monies this year than any other. Plus they have been true leaders by giving me advice but also a gentle swift kick in the behind when I needed that too.

I know that there are others who have supported me behind the scene and for that I am eternally grateful. The bad thing about giving thanks is inevitably that someone will be left out. It is not my intention to offend anyone, so I hope no one feels slighted.

Lastly I want to thank my wife Danette. She has supported my membership and my Presidency during the last two years. At times I had to alter my work schedule to accommodate meetings and she allowed the intrusion on our home because she knew the importance of the organization. I love you baby.

In closing, I will still be around and attend meetings so you are not rid of me; you just won't have to read my drivel any longer.

Dale Mondary , President