Hello Co-Workers -- First of all I want to say a huge "thank you" to all of you Co-Workers and Lodge Brothers who came out and helped us with our "clean up, paint up, spruce up" day. It was wonderful to see how many of you came to help – we even had some of our "snow birds" come out and join us. We know it was work – but with all the great fellowship that went along with the work – it made it go fast and fun. The next time you come in, we hope you will appreciate what a great job was done in our Social Quarters. We hope when we start over in the big hall, we will have even more of you come out and join in the fun!!!

We have a very busy month of February coming up. We will have orientation for our new members Sunday, 2/8/04 at 10:00 a.m. Sponsors, please try to come with your new candidates; enrollment meeting Tuesday, 2/10/04 at 7:00 p.m.; the Sweetheart Ball (get your tickets early – they go fast) 2/14/04; and we have another dinner dance (Calendar Dance) scheduled for 2/28/04. We hope you will come out and support all of these events.

In addition, it is very hard for me to believe, but it is already time to hold Nominating Committee meetings to begin our election process of our new officers for next year!! The first meeting will be held on Monday 2/9/04 at 6:30 p.m. Then, if necessary, the second meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday, 2/17/04 at 6:30 p.m. Any Co-Workers who would like to submit their name for any of our elected offices, please let us know ASAP. Believe me, it is an honor and privilege to be one of this Chapter’s officers. There is a lot of work to do, but because we have so many great Co-Workers who are very supportive of the Board of Officers and are willing to come out to help whenever we ask, it makes it easier than it sounds. No one can do anything alone – and in this Chapter, thankfully you don’t have to. So please consider running for an Office.

When I was elected Sr. Regent last year, the Governor and I talked about a dream we both had - trying to find a way to make our Lodge more of the Family Center that Mooseheart wants us to be. We want this to be a place where all of our family, young or not so young, feel they have a "special" place and activities appropriate to their ages. We have been thinking about it, but we need input from you, the membership. We are asking for suggestions and people willing to volunteer to be on a special committee to prepare some plans and bring them to the Board and the rest of the membership for approval. And then eventually of course we will need people willing to help us make our dream a reality. Co-Workers, please get in contact with me, or any of the officers if you would like to be a part of this dream.

In closing, I want to say it is very hard for me to realize how fast my year as your Sr. Regent is going. It is thanks to each of you that we have had such a successful year so far. I always say, the more you get involved, the more you will get out of your membership. Thanks for each of you who have chosen to do that!! You make my job easy. Also, keep the "Wave" going -- please keep asking your friends, family, and associates to come join our great fraternity.

Yours in Faith, Hope and Charity,

Jan Richardson, Sr. Regent