As I sit here contemplating my column for this month, I am listening to the beautiful serenade of the spring peepers from the pond out back. Their song heralds the end of this very long and snowy winter. Welcome to spring everyone! I am feeling reinvigorated and find myself anxiously anticipating the greening, budding and flowering that will unfold very shortly. I have recharged my batteries and am at the ready to capture nature's amazing rebirth. 

At the same time, I see the clock counting down for this year at NVPS. It is hard to believe that there are only two full months left.  It has been a terrific year and many, many volunteers have made it all possible. I am amazed at the talent, dedication, caring, and commitment of the board, chairpersons and assistants, committee members, print passers, coffee makers, video cam operators, lights putter oners and offers, etc., etc. It really does take a village. I personally have never been affiliated with an organization where so many people are willing to help out by sharing their time, talents and skills. I can't thank you enough for the contributions you all make.

I also know how much I have grown both personally and as a photographer from being involved in NVPS since March, 2004. It is unlike any other group or organization that I have ever been involved in. I feel "at home" with you all.  Coming into the club as a novice was very intimidating for me. Volunteering as Members' Gallery Chairperson for the 2004-2005 year really helped me feel a part of the club. I got to know many more members and started to feel much more comfortable. 

We are now in the process of gearing up for next year. I would like to extend the invitation to all of you out there to volunteer and get involved. In two of my many past lives, I have been an HR Director and an owner of a temporary staffing company. I love putting people to work. I want to create more opportunities for people to get involved. Right now, I know of the following types of tasks that we will need help with:

1.  Tech Team and equipment set up for meetings - anyone who is pretty good with hardware and minor troubleshooting with computers. We will need about ½ dozen or so folks.

     

2.  Hospitality - Coffee/tea maker and potentially cookie organizer

3.  Special projects/ occasions -- helpers for EOY banquet, Meadowlark (MANPE), exhibits, etc.

Please shoot me an email or catch me at a meeting to get on the bus. We have exciting things already in the works for next year, and we are already starting to plan and train.

Happy Spring and Happy Shooting!

Sandi Croan

pashli@nospamaol.com