Last year, Beatrice Kerr wrote an article in the Courier entitled "How did my garden grow", looking back over her year as President of our chapter.  It just so happens that I am a passionate gardener myself, so I take the liberty of borrowing Beatrice's metaphor.

In gardens and business and life, setting priorities is paramount.  Some things must be attended to and others, for that reason, don't receive as much attention.  That does not mean the latter are unimportant; it just means we must allocate the resources we have in the areas where they will do the most good.  Some plants are fussed over while others are left to grow on their own, so to speak.

For my garden, I chose the transition from paper to electronic communications;  programs; and membership as key plants to fuss over.  I want to thank all those who helped me work on those priorities, and who contributed so generously throughout the year in order that we could all say in the end, "we did it!" -- and I want to thank all those who saw to it that the necessary business of the Chapter was looked after to produce ideal growing conditions for all plants.  A year ago, I confidently stated that my job was largely done now that the contributors were in place; my confidence was borne out.  It has been such a pleasure to witness and occasionally visit with the movers and shakers who delivered our Chapter's work.

Looking ahead, I offer my sincere thanks to everyone for what you did in the year that went by (so fast) ... and my confidence that another great year is in store for us all with healthy bushes, trees, and perennials!

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