Thanksgiving is the most important holiday to me and my family. It is a time to give thanks for the many blessings that we have. One of my many blessings has been NVPS. In the fall of 2003 I took a Photography 101 class through Fairfax County with Wayne Wolfersberger. Gerry Abbot was in that class as well. I will never forget Wayne saying that one of the best ways to become a better photographer was to join a photography club. In March of 2004, I joined NVPS as a novice who had just learned what an F stop was. I remember walking into the fire hall and being scared and overwhelmed by all these strangers and wondering if I could ever feel a sense of "belonging". 

To this day I am forever grateful to Wayne Wolfersberger, Mary Ann Setton, Fred Chitty, Ed Funk, Carl Zellman, Ralph Edwards, Erwin Siegal, Andy Klein, Luella Murri, Bill Prosser, Joe Miller and so many others for going out of their way to me feel welcomed, encouraged, and mentored. They and many others in the club have helped me grow as a photographer and a person. I also want to thank Gerry Abbot who as a fellow "newbie" made me less scared to walk in the room that day; Susan Breen, new friend and competition buddy (we would hold hands and root for each other) helped me through my ups and downs.

Over the years I have gotten to know many more of you and truly consider NVPS to be my second family. I hope that we, as individuals and a club will go out of our way to welcome and mentor our new members. I can tell you from firsthand experience, it is a worthwhile investment of your time that will make a difference in someone else's life.

Our first "Community Dinner" was held at On The Border on November 10^th and was attended by a dozen folks. It was fun getting to know each other in a social setting. We will have our next dinner on Tuesday, December 8^th at 5:30pm. I will send out an announcement before the 10^th. I apologize for the early hour and understand that many can't make it due to working hours. If someone wants to organize a dinner another night, that would be super. Please email me with suggestions or ideas at pashli@aol.com.

Tidbits:

-          Speaking of community... volunteers are always welcome to bring COOKIES or snacks to meetings!

-          Winter is coming... please see our snow policy on the web and in Fotofax!

-          Flu... keep it at home please

-          THANK YOU NVPS board, committee members, tech team, volunteers for making NVPS the best club in the area

-          230+ members with new members joining every week

I wish you all happy and healthy holidays. Happy shooting.

Best,

Sandi Croan

President, NVPS

pashli@aol.com