Living My 60th Year - spring has arrived!

A week has past - once again filled to the brim.  

These little beauties were a surprise.  I forgot that I planted these in the front garden.  When they popped their heads out a few weeks ago... I asked my neighbor, whom I  share this garden with, and she didn't know.  As the blooms opened I had an ah ha moment.  I was given these daffodils  in a small container a year ago February and last fall I must have dumped them in the front garden.  What a welcome sight each morning when I go out to fetch the newspaper.

I've had a house guest for the entire past week.  Though I didn't need to much, she was in and out visiting many friends and used my place as her jumping off point.  We have had bits and pieces of time together.  That's been nice.  It has kept the common spaces well organized and a bonus was clearing off the back deck of the winter grim to be able to sit outside!  

My work week was okay, actually completed items and my desk remains okay.  My efforts to schedule in-house work was a bit ambitious.  I did complete quite a bit, though not as much as I thought I would.  Have you done that?  This week is pretty open and I have lots to complete.  

Over the weekend was the Friends of the Library BookSale.   I restrained myself as I need to cull my own collection of books and donate them back to the Friends.  I did pick up a book on paintstiks that you use to draw/paint on fabric and of course a crochet book.  We went on Sunday for the 'bag of book' part of the sale and I filled a bag with some books I'll use as an inspiration for a basket I will donate in the fall for a silent auction at CCSU's Library event.  I will be making a baby blanket - easy and quick - found a quick pattern and the yarn has been around way to long!  Add a few books and baby items to make it a great basket for a baby gift.  

She also helped me pick out some fabric to make a "cloth yarn" that I will use to crochet a basket.  I saw a pattern and didn't have any supplies in the studio.  I also picked out fabric from the store's remnant basket to make a draw string liner for my new basket.   

Here's to the spring blooms ---  take time out-of-doors and breath in the freshness of the season.

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Living My 60th Year - Inspiration

Back on the ground from my delayed trip, hugs with KC and thanks to my neighbors Bob and Judith for taking care of her while I was away.

Again - this week needed lots of focus.  I'm missing two days due to the storm and travel delays. When it became obvious that I was not flying back, I began to reschedule my week - move appointments and prep myself for a big week.

Then I got a phone call on Tuesday, Mrs Myra Cohen passed away at the young age of 90.  I read in the paper that Rudy Remigino also passed at 87 years young.  Both were reisdents in town, Myra, still on the Town Council and Rudy was on the Friends board with me and we gave him our first Friend of the Year award.  As a community we were blessed with their volunteer work for all of in town.

Hartford Courant picture

Myra, first a watchdog and then serving 23 years on the town council.  Yes - do the math - she ran for town council and won at  67 years of age!  You couldn't be about town without running into Myra.  She was steadfast - non political - and was absolutely determined to do the right thing for the Town.   In small towns - that is tough.  At her funeral - her daughter-in-law read a beautiful poem that is listed below - "A Woman of Valor", it was as if this poem was written specifically about her.

Hartford Courtant picture

Rudy was the go-to guy on the Friends Board.  If it wasn't a fundraiser like the booksale and such, you could count on him to be available to hand our flyers and promote the Library at the drop of a hat.  We was around when the first expansion of the library was put on.  He understood the value of a good library in a town - how it educates and entertains it's citizens - the little ones, kids in school, and all the adults right through our senior years. He was such a kind man.  I had the opportunity to visit with his children (my age) and tell some stories about Rudy and to hear their stories about their Poppie.

Both of these people were inspirations in my life.  They understood giving to their community makes and keeps us all healthy.  I was brought up in a family that knew giving was part of everyday life.  We gave of our time, whether at some church functions - there were many, scouting seems to last for most of my young life, and of course, school events.

Here's the poem - I hope it will inspire you to continue the giving you do in your community.  Thank you Myra and Thank you Rudy - thank you for your efforts - you were grand citizens of Newington - we will miss you.

A Woman of Valor

By Eric S. Kingston

Dedicated to all the women who showed me what true strength is.

A woman of valor makes the world change
Her strength is the content that guides through the days
Defined by her actions that bring light to all dreams
Valor is something that's defined by her deeds.

Her valor is golden, sparkled and gray
She stands up to the challenge no matter the way
It can't be held back or defined by her age
Yes, a woman of valor makes the world change.

For valor's not held by the young or the old
But by the deeds of the heart that give and unfold
It's merit and honor that hold no disguise
Like the creation of being in the blessed Holy One's eyes.

For valor is the color of the song of her soul
As she changes, creates and turns light into gold
Divine is Her Presence, be it joyous or sad
-- A Woman of Valor --
May offer little, but it will be all that she has.

For only her heart will know the depths of her soul
That nurtures and blossom and forever unfolds
And holds in its essence new life and new gain

Yes,
A woman of valor makes the world change
A woman of valor makes the world change
A woman of valor makes the world change.

"Be as courageous as Esther, whose faith and bravery where as pleasing to G-d as that of Moses or King David."

BY ERIC S. KINGSTON

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Living My 60th Year

Back Yard to the Right - Jan 24th

 This past week proved to be 'busy' as the
others.  The aftermath of the party and the beginning of tax season.  Heard some reviews of the party - seemed to go well.  Nice to go back to the way it was - simple and enjoying every one's company.  Next the housekeeper helped to get my life back in order - it is one of my greatest treats for me, once a month, I'm forced to pick-up, clean-up and then the magic of the housekeeper - viola!  Nothing gets too far out of order.

A sense of order - it is truly the peace I enjoy.  Life has too much chaos, responsibilities to others,  and then some.

Friday night was the Friends of the Library Wine & Cheese event.  It's a fundraiser, ticketed event, small attendance about 150 folks, and they raffle off literary baskets of goodies.  It is a chance to mingle with folks in town and as a Library Trustee, thank them for coming to the event and supporting the Library.  We invited our new Representative to the State House, Gary Byron to attend.  I made sure he was introduced to all the Library folks - director, assistance director, FOL president, Board president, etc.  A few of the RTCs and elected officials showed up along with the DTCs and elected officials.  A good time was had by all.  It was pretty much over in a little over two hours.

Lately every event seems to have a taint of political to it.  After the town folks defeated the referendum 6 to 1, and then beating the DTC's candidate for the Representative seat in every district including her's  - this town is just not going to take it any more.  The town folks are 'sick and tired' of the increasing taxes with NO difference in services - possibly a decrease in services.

We were able to raise the Library budget in the pre-lim meeting, completed several other items for the PEP committee, the snow above.... worked on a crochet project.......  all in all, another great week.  Now let's see how this week comes with snow predicted for Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday.....  we are looking to get two feet!  Yippie!!!

Here's to a year of catching the dreams you chase,

doing what makes you smile,

and loving the life you live.

Budget ! DEBT!!!

Hey all, the Town finally finished the budget - ugh 2.5% increase, rounding out our new year's budget at $97 million!  Mind you it is not a balanced budget.  Town Council will be applying a surplus of $2million to fund the budget.

Ahh you could say - what's the big deal?  It's a few dollars per capita.  In my opinion, I would have taken the surplus, apply it directly to capital improvements that have been delayed or invest the surplus in attracting more business (new tax payers) to town.  To fund a shortfall in the operating budget?  Shame on you Town Council!

At least the Library's budget will stay intact as it was originally submitted.  We will continue to have Saturdays open and Sundays in the fall/winter/spring .  The Lucy Robbins Welles Library will continue to deliver superior materials, programs and assistance to our residents.  I did a quick calcuation, just in the book circulation alone, the Library delivered over $8 million dollars of value to the town in just one year.

Other interesting information that came out from this budget season.  Newington's per capita debt for past construction projects is approximately $643/ person!  The state is averaging $2,139 per capita and the US Government isn't making getting older any easier.  It rings in at $13 Trillion by the time I finish typing this entry.  Per capita debt with a population at about 308 million folks, debt for the Fed's is approximately $42,000!!!  Mind you this is a moving target.  Just think that each new baby arriving today is saddled with just about $50K of debt.

Please pay attention to your government, Call your legislators, visit them at town meetings, let them know that this mounting debt must be controlled and raising taxes to fund poorly planned and unproductive spending is NOT the answer.

2 Cents makes a difference

YES !  Yippie!  Thank Goodness!  and Thanks to all the Friends and supporters that came out to support the Budget Process here in town.  This is how it works.  As pointed out in the local paper, more that 20 people spoke out against the Library cuts, and NOT ONE person spoke for the cuts.

At the special meeting of the Town Council, and unamiously, the Town Council voted to have the $28,722 put back into the budget!

That restoration of money to the Lucy Robbins Welles Library's budget means the library will be open on Saturdays during July & August 2010, and all regularly scheduled Sunday hours 2010-2011 are back in.

I was with clients that evening and finally got to turn on the local station to watch the meeting that was already in progress.  It was meant to be,  just as I switched it on - some two hours into it, the Town Council was adding the $$'s back into the budget.  About two hours later, I hopped into the car and drove down to the meeting at town hall.  Sometime by 11:15pm I was able to get up and thank the Town Council for their thoughtfulness and for recognizing the amazing resource that our Library is to our residents.

So once again - thank you to Everyone!

Library Budget and my 2 Cents!

About a month ago, our town began it's annual budget process.  The Town Manager gives his budget, then a public hearing, then the Town Council gives their budget, and a public hearing - then hocus pocus - we get a budget and a mill rate.

The first public hearing was on March 15, 2010.  The word got out in advance that the Library had to cut their budget by $28,000 and with a bit of give and take ended up with a proposal to close the library during the summer months on weekends and eliminate all Sundays during the year.  That is just wrong!

The Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library went into action.  They met with patrons and residents for the few days before the hearing. On that night - over 50 individuals showed up, 18 spoke onbehalf of the Library. 

To see the public hearing - and your's truly at 14:45 on the time line, go to our public TV Station  -   http://www.nctv.org/ - look here - on the left column click on "OnLine Video" then scroll down to Archives and select the Newington Town Council Public Hearing March 15, 2010.

We may know in a day or two if the $$'s are restored!

The Speech

Wow - what a day! Even with the damp weather we had, over 100 folks attended the FOCL - Friends of the Connecticut Libraries seminar today.

Our first speaker was Timothy Cole, inspirational as he discussed the various generations of individuals that we have. Like the Gen X, Gen Y, Baby Boomers to name the younger bunch. He disucssed the differences that each generation has and how "we" as Friends Groups need to address each (in a general way) when we are looking for new volunteers.

After his talk, we split into two group. I was the speaker for "Things your Treasurer Should Know" and Carl was the speaker for "Used Book Sales in Connecticut 2009". While I didn't get to hear Carl's talk, his handout is remarkable. He had gathered surveys for more than 50 friends groups. The survery cover days of sale, pricing, category breakdown, bag sales, and how books are disposed of at the end of the sale. There were two graphs that gave a profit by # of books, and a profit by the population served. It was the popular of the two talks.

My talk was full, with more than 40 treasurers and board members coming to take part in a full packed disucssion on the treasurer duties, record keeping & reporting, and budget preparation. There was alot of participation with lots of questions and comments. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish all the slides prepared, though those slides were included in their handouts.

Overall - the FOCL puts on a great seminar! Those that were able to attend went away with lots of food for thought. There were another 40 folks on the waiting list and rumor has it, we will be putting on this seminar in the spring!

My next Speech is coming up

Back during the summer I recieve a email from Carl the President of Friends of Connecticut Libraries, FOCL with an inquiry if I would be their guest speaker for a seminar in November. I responded 'of course, anything for the Friends."

In less than two weeks, that date will arrive. The topic will be "What Your Treasurer Should Know". This one is to be from my professional side of my work. So back this past summer I began writting the outline, reading all sorts of books, and before long some six pages of single spaced outline came out. Geez - and I didn't do the exhibits or the content yet.

Carl was checking as I was looking over the outline one evening and exclaimed 'it's only a hour or so, not a three credit college class!".

As this time has drawn near, and in the last week or so, I've had to organize the information and pare it down to what could fit in a hour session, making sure that the attendees will be able to recieve some good content and go back to their Friends group inspired with new tools.

So far, the slides are almost complete, yes a MS Power Point presentation with all sorts of goodies installed! Now it is attempting to streamline the information.

tic toc, tic toc.... I'll keep you posted!

The Greatest Voice We Have

Did you? It still makes me wonder why there is the amount of apathy in the world. Ok - right here in my back yard. I work the polls each year to sign up members of my community for a library card. So over the years, I have seen the ebbs and flows of the number of citizens that come out to vote.

It is only a mayorial election, oh it is only a dog catcher election. I say and so what! For a well run community, whether it be your small town, neighborhood, condo association, non-profit group, the state or the nation, it is your duty and your right to get out and speak with the vote.

If you need some inspiration - here are some quotes that might move you to vote in the very next election you can .....

~ Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. ~ Andrew Lack

~ Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: 'Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

~ The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. ~ John F. Kennedy

~ There can no longer be anyone too poor to vote. ~ Lyndon Baines Johnson

~ Vote early and vote often. ~ Alphonse

~ Voting is a civic sacrament. ~ Theodore Hesburgh

By the way - Christy and I worked the Ruth Chaffee elementary school and signed up 18 folks for library cards in our two hour time slot.

Shelton Friends of the Library

What a special evening. I was asked by the president, Jan, of the Friends of the Shelton Library to be their annual meeting guest speaker. "Of course" I said, it would be a honor to help them out at their FIRST annual meeting. Here they are, a spanking brand new Friends group. That's pretty rare in these parts. My beloved Friends group is just about 50 years old. They began about a year ago, organized and registered with the State, and are now awaiting the approval of their tax exempt status from the IRS.

Jan and I met at a FOCL meeting about a year ago and I was quite surprised that she remembered and called me to do this for them.

I was given 20 minutes to talk about what to do ---- ok out there stop laughing. For the record, I only went over by 2 minutes! When we actually ironed out the content of my talk, it was about beging a good Friend of a Library group. So we focused on their mission statment. A good group stays true to their mission. Often a group can go astray, and that will usually spell trouble for the group. I then spoke about being a good volunteer and making the Friends a good place to volunteer. This area is big. You need to plan and train for your volunteers, manage expectations, teach the message of the Friends, and lastl by not least - say thank you at least one hundred times. Lastly I went over some of the activities I've been involved in that fit their mission of volunteering, fund raising, and advocacy for their library.

It was a great night! Best to the Friends of the Shelton Library - hope to hear from your soon!

PS Jan was looking for two volunteers before the meeting began. After my talk, two Friends came forward and volunteered. I'm so happy for them. I'll be keeping an eye out to hear about all there successes!

PSS - Good Luck at your booksale - anyone in the 'valley', their sale begins tomorrow and runs through Sunday! Stop by and get some good reads for the winter months.

Great Service

Pronto Printer of Newington - I must take my hat off to this company. They are a local print shop, you can check
out their services with a simple click. I firmly know that your success depends on those individuals/companies that are in your circle. If you need something printed - you need to hire them!

When I began working on membership for the Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library I needed to set up supplies - I needed a printer just for our organization. One that thought we were a good customer. I needed #10 windows, #10 regular, #9 return envelopes. Then the membership broshure and getting the logo just right. I've needed paper cut down, I needed a copy made on very large paper. Every time I asked, they were able to supply an answer. Even if they didn't print it, they would make the arrangements.

When we began, it was easy for my office to mail merge the data and send it to print. That was okay when it was 600 members. Now we have expanded our membership the mailing is over 1100 today. The files become much larger with print and graphics and to print 1100 letters(2 pages both sides) in my office would run at least 4 hours and hopefully without any jams etc. These guys have this gigantic laser printer and they were able to print the job in 40 minutes! They have lots of other great machines that make a mailing no work at all. We worked out a price and they even added a service to fold, stuff and seal the envelopes. Oh my goodness - they completed the entire job in 26 hours.

If you need a printer - these are the guys!

It's Membership Renewal Time

Yes it is, it is that time of year to kick off the Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library fall membership drive.

While we take membership throughout the year, it is the fall when the major push to have members renew. This year's letter speaks to the savings patrons have been able to enjoy because the Friends purchase 27 Museum and Attraction Passes for lending purposes. With respect to a great tradition of the Friends, it is sponsoring the Summer Reading Program. This past summer, more that 2000 adults, teens and children took part and read thousands of books.

The Friends are an amazing and vibrant group of people - over 900 members strong. Many of them are active in the committees that enable the Friends to meet its mission to support the Library with materials, programs, and events.

We are such a great group. Thank you to each member - YOU make our Library the best.

Borrow a book?

Interesting concept! We have these great houses of books, funded by public money (most of the time) and pretty much open to anyone - they are called libraries.

Earlier I was speaking to this newly graduated college student and discussing a blog I was reading that was right up her alley. She thought he was really good. So I asked her if she took it up0n herself to get a few of his booksyet ? Right away she thought that it would be good to run down to the local Barnes & Noble to shop for them. I asked her (and because she was not working yet) why not borrow them and test them out before dropping bucks on them. Any way she thought it was a great idea.

So if you need a book, want to try one out, why not turn to your Library. They have books-on-CDs, audio CDs, DVDs, WEs, magazines, newspapers, journals, and lots and lots of books. You can also download books to your iPod or to your computer!

With those couple of bucks saved - join the Friends of the Library and receive lots more benefits!

You don't need to relocate Seattle to get the rain

If you are reading this and reside in CT, you know what I am talking about. We have a Flood Potential for today and the weekend! Happy 4th! The folks in Seattle are not getting the rain ? Seems we have done a flip/flop.

Did someone do something to Mother Nature lately? The amount of rain is just amazing - I mean like every day! The CT River is only this high in the spring with the snow melt. One of the reservoirs is at record height for this time of year. In CT we only expect to recieve about on average from 32 to 64 inches a year. We got some 8 inches last Friday and my 'ducky' measureing device outside needs to be emptied every day!

Heck I'm not all by myself on this one. Our elected officials have issued a report Rev 3/16/09 regarding what we will have to do to not only protect property, but to deal with the consequences with wastewater treatment; dams, flood plains, the roads, ----- Go Get 'em DEP!

Any way - my plants are not growing, the tomatoe plant is getting yellow and the herbs are not flourshing. Though my association must be saving $$s as the lawn is only mowed once every two weeks.

So I bring out my own Sunshine - go to the Library - stop by and pick up a Museum and Attraction pass and give yourself a stay-at-home-vacation! There is so much to do and you may just surprise yourself.

Anyway Happy 4th!

Made the press!

With my move this past summer, my edition of our state wide newsletter was lost in the shuffle. Through a good friend, Marian Amodeo, Director of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, I received a copy yesterday.

The Summer 2008 Edition of FOCL Point - page 8 and 9 is a brief description from the awards ceremony, a couple of paragraphs on my award and a picture. It was a great time, first to be recognized for the service to our own Friends group and second to enjoy and give thanks to the other Friends that make libraries in Connecticut such a special place and lastly was that so many family and friends were able to be with me that day.

The New Library Expansion!

Yes ---- I've been sitting on this news for weeks! Yes ----- I've been jumping up and down - thank goodness there wasn't sound yet. Yes --------- in the couple of weeks before Christmas and through the holidays, a rendering of a proposed expansion to our wonderful library - Newington's public library - the Lucy Robbins Welles Library is on paper and has been presented to obtain funding. Today - I met with Marian, our Director and she showed me the initial architectual drawings.

Big thanks to Mayor Jeff Wright - to Director Marian Amodeo - and to the staff, the patrons and to all of you who believe that we will have an expansion sooner than later. To the Town Council - we have our work cut out for us. Our Library is a most prized possession in our town, available to every taxpayer and resident in town. I'll be there to assist you in what ever way there is so that we continue to deliver to our residents great library services!

In good times and in the current times - our staff is innovative, they continue to provided the services that we have all become accustomed to. The Library Board joins with our Director to insure that we have this great place in the heart of our community. The Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library, raise funds - one dollar at a time - to assist the Library in providing the funding for programs and extra's not provided by our town budget. I recently needed several books for my work and the volumes we not to be found. Yet the staff made it possible to find both books. One came from another library in Connecticut and one is coming from out-of-state.

As there is much to do about the funding - Thank you in advance to State Representatives Sandy H. Nafis, Tim Obrien, and Tony Guerrera and State Senator Paul R. Doyle and to Governor M. Jodi Rell - with these folks working on our behalf, we will get our much needed expansion underway.

Now for You - you need to call the Town Council - call the State congress people - let them know how important our Library is to us.

Your truly ---
Awardee of the 2008 Connecticut Outstanding Friend of a Library Award !!

Resolutions -- Read a Book

- READ a book! How many of YOU are taking a few moments of time to read...... it doesn't matter what you read.... the newspaper, journals, magazines, .... or even books!

Last night was our kickoff for the Winter Reading Program at the Lucy Robbins Welles Library! The Friends of the Library are supporting the programs for the adults, kids, and teens. More than 150 adults came by yesterday to 'sign up' , receive a goodie bag and a free paperback book! Let alone some refreshments. This Saturday is the kids and teens kickoff program. Come and join us. If you aren't in the area - hook up with your own public library!

Winter Reading is not a book discussion group or a One Book One Town program - it is a program to promote reading. You read books, let the staff know, and get a raffle ticket for each book and the chance to win the weekly raffle prize and the grand prize (the fine print is available at the Library). This is just plain fun.

Right now I'm reading Seth Godin's books. What an inspiration this guy is - great writer, easy read with a big message.

What have you read lately? Chime in!

Down to Hours ...... St Louis and the Election

Well, so much as been going on = not much sleep.

The Woodsedge Condo - sold - so that meant a final move!

The Crown Ridge Condo - it now has furniture!

The Friends had their one day booksale - and they just about cleared $13K - Great Job!

Great night at the polls - over all we signed up 97 citizens for new library cards.

My state Rep Sandy Nafis - she swept our district and I had the opportunity to visit her at the Dem headquarters for a few minutes to offer my congratulations. Glad she's going to be on the job again!

I just heard part of Pres Elect Obama acceptance speach - sad day for US - As a country we will need to stand viligent - call your Congress person ! Make your voice heard in DC! While the election is finished (thank goodness) the work has just begun. enough for now

Then the last two days - get my home in order, mail, email, set-up Paulette for work to accomplish, get additional communications equipment, run around - banking, post office to mail the stuff to Pete's ; laundry, clean out car as it will be going in for repairs while I'm away; get the carpenter Bob the materials he'll need to do the Garage shelving units; write a few thoughts in this blog; just a usual day at my place!

So in about 10 hrs I'll be boarding a plane and end up in St. Louis, Continue to watch the blog as it will be the assault of Aunt Potty in St. Louis LOL!

Sweet dreams to all!

Campaign - 39 days in

It's been great in returns - over 500 members have renewed or joined the Friends of the Lucy Robbins Welles Library. So far we have collected $14,400 or about 70% of the budget and about 53% of my personal goal I've set for myself.

Today I completed an additional appeal letter for those that haven't returned their memberships. If I do say so myself, I'm getting a bit better at writting these letters. I moved to a second page for the first time on the one mailed in September. Having that extra space about 1/3 of a page more allows for a bit more information.

One point of interest - 2008 results are in and my library is 2nd in the State of Connecticut according to the Hennen's American Public Library Rating for a library in our town size. Big Kudos to Marian Amodeo and the Staff at the Library - They are the BEST IN MY BOOK!

The library that is #1 is the Westport library - and our former library director, Maxine is their current library director. That was the director that got me involved in the Friends in the first place! To compare towns, population Us= 29,000 Them=26,000; Per Capita Income Us=$30,545 Them=$75,194 (2002 census) Since I don't have the methodology of the numbers going into Hennen's rating (soon to get my hands on them) then I can not make a real comparison. I'd like to see the top five in our town size - more on this later.

Campaign - Day 10

Wow - it's happening and it makes me feel great. Received the mail and we are now at over $8300! I'm not at my desk so I don't have the exact numbers. This Tuesday should be a big mail day and the last of September. I hope we break the $10K mark; just shy of the half-way mark.

This week I have made one possible headway in that the information about the number of renewing members will be appearing on the Events roll on the front page of the website of the Library. I do hope that it happens. Making the buzz is important so that we make our goals.

Now you may ask, the goal. Goal is budget for now. While it may seem like it is based on past experience, I actually do a calculation to based on past "new members added", retention, and rejoin members. Then round down. The membership revenue and booksale revenue drive the spending of the organization, so we err on the conservative side. When there is more revenue than expenses, then we perform another calculation for the special gifts.

This year with some help, like creating the buzz, we may be able to reach my goal nearing the $28K mark. Last year was just under $26K.

Upcoming month, send out 2nd reminders to members; National Friends Week; and Staff contest. Begin a mailing to prospetive members. All is in the works, so not much to do! Just in time so I can go to St. Louis without fretting too much about the Friends.