Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone!

It has been an interesting year. When this year started, I had no idea I would not be at EarthLink anymore. I did not know how difficult it was to run an STC Chapter. I did not know how difficult it was to get someone to run the chapter newsletter. I didn't know how difficult it was dealing with difficult people as a chapter president.

Now on to the new year. Do you make New Year's resolutions? I do sometimes and sometimes I don't. I believe, if I am not going to keep them, then why make them? Comment on this blog and let me know.

Here are some of my resolutions for this year:

• Play more golf!
• Help make this year's Currents conference the best conference ever!
• Find someone to run CommLink! Someone who will consistently put out monthly issues.
• Show appreciation to the wonderful people that help run our chapter!
• Thank my wife for allowing me the time to attend STC events and for supporting me in my position as chapter president.
• Figure out the best way to provide assistance to Howard (and the other officers) as he takes over as chapter president in June.

I'm sure I will have more over the next few days as the New Year approaches. Until I see you next year, I hope you and yours will have a wonderful New Year and that all of your resolutions will be easy to keep!

Until next time ...

Holiday Party was Great!

I hope you didn't miss the Holiday Party this past Tuesday night. If you did, you missed a great time and great food.

I want to thank Robert for putting this together, for finding the place, and the great door prizes. I want to thank Holly for the interesting and fun games we partook in. I want to thank Smoke Jack BBQ restaurant for the wonderful service and great food! And I want to thank everyone that came and brought a new toy! I don't have the exact number at this point, but I believe the Children's Restoration Network will be very happy!

I always enjoy seeing people again that I haven't seen in a while. And meeting spouses and children of those people I know through STC. I met Kathleen's husband for the first time (we talked golf - he's a high school golf coach!) and Debbie's daughter (what a sweety! Debbie, I know you must be proud!). Dirk and Michelle shared a table with me and my wife (Paulette). We also were a team for Jeopardy! We did fairly well, but need to brush up on Atlanta history.

My only regrets were that I didn't have more time to spend with each of you who attended. Thanks goes out to TechLinks for attending. I wish everyone could have attended. If you didn't, make plans to do so next year. It is one of those events that really make your holidays happier!

Until next time ...

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to all of you and to your families,

I just wanted to take a moment of your time to wish you all Happy Holidays.

This time of the year makes me think of family and friends and fun! And, right now, I am thinking about our STC Atlanta family. I would like to personally invite all of you to the STC Atlanta Holiday Party. The party takes place next Tuesday, December 18, at Smoke Jack BBQ in Alpharetta which is located at 29 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Their phone number is 770-410-7611. And here is their web address: http://www.smokejackbbq.com/.

This is an entirely social/networking event (there will be no speaker), so come prepared to mix, mingle, and have a good time. All you have to do is provide a new unwrapped toy, and we'll provide a full sit-down dinner! How can you beat that?

If you can't get a toy in time, just bring $10. This social event is for members and friends of members who want to tag along and learn more about STC Atlanta and its members.

As our Community Services Manager, Julie Brock says:
“Bring a Gift and Make a Difference

Children's Restoration Network (CRN) is holding its 13th annual 12 Days of Caring campaign this December to collect new toys, gifts, and clothing for over 1,900 children living in shelters and group homes in 18 counties around metro Atlanta. You can read more about CRN and its mission at www.childrn.org. Last year, STC Atlanta chapter members donated over thirty gifts to contribute to CRN’s campaign. This year we’re hoping for a repeat performance. Bring a gift to the December 18 holiday party at Smoke Jack BBQ in Alpharetta and we’ll waive the $10 entry fee.

Please bring gifts unwrapped so that CRN can make sure each gift goes to the child or teenager who will appreciate it the most.
Items needed
New toys, gifts, games, books, new clothing, shoes, winter clothing, cosmetics, ethnic dolls, CDs, alarm clocks, watches, sports equipment and clothing, jewelry, scrapbooks, baby items.

CRN typically receives more than they need for younger kids and less than they need for older kids. They especially need clothes in sizes XL to XXXL and shoes in sizes 9 to 12.”

So, please, come and enjoy a fun evening of food, fun, and networking! And you will be able to help a needy child at the same time.

Please RSVP to me by Monday morning, December 17, so we can be prepared with enough food and fun for everyone.
Again, I hope all of you have the happiest of Holiday Seasons, and I hope to see you there.