From the Editor's Desk

By Sharon Ward
Director of Communications
  

Everyone I talk to or read about seems to be spouting the same old rhetoric about this year being better than last.  Well, I’m not waiting around for a big fix.  I rolled all my New Year’s Resolutions into one little statement this year.  I resolved to make things better, if I am able, on a small scale. Every day.  This serves two purposes.  One, I am not laboured with a huge guilt trip if I fail to meet a grandiose goal that was never within my reach in the first place.  And two, little tiny improvements can snowball into bigger ones sometimes. Here’s an example of a little tiny one that I have already implemented.  I have a very stressful job as production manager of several magazines.  My server password usually was something like “aarrgghh”.  This year, my password is “peace”.  It is amazing how differently I start my day when that word goes through my head.  A tiny improvement.

I have a New Year’s assignment for you, Progressians.  Do one thing that will improve your club this year.  And if it makes a difference, do another thing. Baby steps.

Big steps are needed too.  There is much to be done, fellow members, to nurture and grow this wonderful organization.  Step up and support those who have taken on some of the larger tasks.  President Elect Juanita Soutar has volunteered to revise the Blue Book. People have been asking for this as long as I can remember and I am going into my 13th year as a Progressian.  Stand up and say, “I’ll help out.”  [Juanita’s email is juanita.soutar@td.com.]  Find out what’s needed and see what you can do.

Here’s a little something each club can do.  (A big thank you to those who have already taken care of this.)  Our national database needs club input to be viable. It’s a few hours’ work at most for an average size club.  Less than that for most.  Adrian Lomas has graciously sent out all the information you need to complete this task. Our deadline for completion is February 29.  Hey, that’s RSP time. Don’t wait for that! Do it now. If you’re lost or have questions, please email me directly with your concerns and I will do my best to get you the help you need.  [My email address is wards@eastlink.ca.]  So what are you waiting for?

Interesting turn of events with the former Calgary Fish Creek Club basically reinventing themselves.  You ladies have chosen a great new name.  All the best of luck to what is virtually a brand new club.

I want to thank again the reporters who generously volunteer their time to keep you informed.  We’re a little shy on pictures this time.  Get those cameras clicking.

Finally, to Durham South members and the family of Ray Router, my most heartfelt condolences.

Yours for Progress,
Sharon Ward