Changes . . . I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about change for this month’s President’s Message. My own personal life is getting ready to take a HUGE turn in the next couple of months. Our son, and only child, is going away to college.

Am I ready for this? I don’t know!!

I am so happy for him and the opportunities that await him – but . . . there you go . . . full circle – this is a change for him, as well, and without this change his new and exciting opportunities would not exist.

Life seems to be a constant series of events that involve change. These changes can be perceived as being good or they can be perceived as being bad. Most of us resist change as it takes us outside of our comfort zone and into an area of fear, anxiety and stress. We must learn how to cope with change in a positive light.

Our lives and careers involve constant change - in priorities, possibly in different job responsibilities, different career paths, learning new technologies, and dealing with new people, to name just a few. Having the maturity and willingness to accept changes and do what it takes to make your way successfully through some of life’s opportunities can bring you to new chapters of your life that can be exciting and beneficial in ways that you may not have ever dreamed possible.

Realize the resources you have at your disposal to help you through changes. First and foremost, your faith can be a strength that can bring you through the hardest changes. Then also remember your family, who love you unconditionally. Oftentimes, it is your friends you turn to for support when life brings changes. You are very fortunate indeed when you have support from all of these avenues.

Change can allow you to grow spiritually, mentally and sometimes physically. Embrace the changes in your life and value them for the positive growth it can give you. If you find me with a tear in my eye over the next couple months . . . please, dear friends, remind me of this message.

I want to remind everyone of the importance of attending our monthly Chapter meetings and participating in the projects that our organization supports. We have the upcoming golf tournament that will need all of our efforts to be a success. We also will have the Reading Rally following closely behind our new Board’s installation. Our August Chapter meeting will bring elections and our September Chapter meeting will be our night to install our new Board and we want everyone’s participation for these two important meetings.

The fun of being a part of an organization such as ours is derived in our participation. Working together, successfully completing a project and making memories with our friends is truly a great feeling.

This fall and next year will bring new, fun adventures to us – so be ready to jump on board and get your hands dirty in one or more of the projects that will be coming our way in the near future. Our new Board, our new Chapter President and our new Corporate Vice President/President Elect will need everyone’s support in this new and exciting year.