President's Message

by Heidi Marr

Around this time every year, I start making a list of my New Year's resolutions. Well, this year is going to be different. First of all, I resolve not to resolve to lose ten pounds. That one hasn't worked for me in the past so I don't see why it will work for me in the future.

Instead, this year, I've made STC resolutions. Since we won't be publishing a January Quill, I thought I'd use the December issue to capture a couple of my "presidential plans" for the upcoming year. So, if you notice I'm not living up to my promises, feel free to nudge me in the right direction.

I resolve to meet at least one new person at each general meeting.

I can still remember what it felt like to attend my first STC meeting. New faces. New ideas. Scary stuff. I don't remember the speaker or the topic, but I do remember that an STC council member introduced me to an ad hoc group of newbies that very night. Because we were all looking to beef up our portfolios, we decided to gather the next month before the general meeting to generate a list of local volunteering opportunities. This meant, before I left my first STC meeting, I had a small group of allies and the potential to work on a volunteer assignment. So, I came back the next month. And the next. And the next after that.

It only took one individual to make a difference. She made me feel welcome and helped me find my niche in our chapter. If I can be that person to a newcomer this year, I will consider it a job well done. I hope you consider doing the same.

I resolve to recognize the amazing contributions our volunteers make.

Every day, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to serve on the Southwestern Ontario STC council. What an incredible group! Your council members volunteer more than just their time. They also provide one another with a tremendous amount of support -- both at the career and personal levels. And, this type of support extends past the council chamber walls. (OK, the walls of the Seminar Room at the Grand River Community Library.)

It is your council members who make our chapter programs possible. So, I'd like to thank everyone who volunteers for our chapter and helps make us thrive! Thank you current council members: Ted, Carol, Darlene, Lori, Elaine, Paul, Ursula, Christy, Tina, Debbie, Opal, Paul, Andrea, and Shannon.

Without you, we wouldn't enjoy workshops, telephone seminars, and general meetings. Without you, we wouldn't host a competition or give away student awards. Without you, there would be no chapter website, newsletter, or job bank, and our members wouldn't receive email announcements. Without you, we wouldn't have enough money in the bank to continue any programs. Thank you.

I'd also like to thank all non-council members who have helped us out already this year -- without you, we wouldn't have active SIGs or portfolio committees. You help make our chapter tick.

So, thank you all for volunteering your creativity, enthusiasm, and inspiration. You have certainly made my time on council enjoyable -- and I look forward to working with you all in 2004!