From the Editor's Desk

By Sharon Ward
Director of Communications
  

Happy summertime, fellow Progressians.  It has finally arrived on the East Coast. Never lasts long enough for us to get used to it, never mind tired of it.

Still lots of stuff happening in Progress-land.  18 pages worth—and I thought I’d get off easy for the summer.  I really appreciate the way Progressians have been supporting this newsletter.  Keep the stories and the great pictures coming.

Many Progressians have been on the scene long enough to know what the “Blue Book” is, but I’d wager there are a lot of you out there who are wondering “What is this Blue Book they keep talking about?”

While I’m not sure what year it came into being, I have known about it since I joined the club in 1991.  At that time, there was an actual blue binder with everything related to the Progress Club.  It was a resource for our club president and our club and held everything we needed to know.  Even back then, many pieces were rather out of date and not so relevant anymore.  And somewhere along the way, our blue binder disappeared.  In fact, many Blue Books have disappeared over the years and not been replaced.

I have said it before and I have to say it again: we owe a huge thank-you to National President Juanita Soutar, who, a few years ago, took on the daunting task of updating it and transcribing it to an electronic version which now resides on our website.  This is a huge resource, folks, and one that can answer many questions.  It is yours.  Use it and use it often.  In fact there is an excerpt from it on page 16!

And finally, after 40 years, the Eastern Region goes legit!  It was a very proud moment in Halifax when we were presented with our Eastern Region banner.  Thanks to the folks in the Western Region for generously donating the banner.

It’s funny how the articles come in to the newsletter.  I will get a flurry from Greater Moncton and it seems like they own the pages.  This time it is Regina who is in the news.  Assinniboine and Wascana have been very busy and I thank them for their submissions.  Interestingly, there are some clubs I never hear from and I know they are extremely active. I could name them but you know who you are.  Come on, join us around the campfire and share your stories!

In closing, I want to remind club presidents that, while I am now sending this newsletter to everyone in MCS, please ensure that your members who are not listed get a copy, and make sure that everyone’s email addresses are accurate and newsletter-receptive.

Next deadline is September 2nd and this will be firm—have to be out before convention! Ciao.