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President's Message

Dear Members,

The month of March was all about early spring in Northern Indiana. Now that we're in the month of April it feels more like March. As I write this, the weather is rainy and cold, but on the plus side, all the spring flowers are blooming! Life, like the weather, is all about change, and I know you know that. Today's fast-paced changes are represented like never before in the history of our country. These changes affect our profession, as our profession is about people, their lifestyles, and the changes that affect them. From our study of people we know that most of us don't like change, but we also know that the one constant in all of our lives is change. When it comes to change each of us has many choices. Our profession and my own personal life experiences have trained me to be a person who embraces change and to help create and guide change. I have found this to be more positive for myself and the work I do in my profession.

How are you conveying the impact of your family and consumer sciences work? It is imperative that we all do this and do it in a concise manner. We can do this often enough with our clients and our stake holders. I would appreciate receiving your 30-second message and copies of items you use telling of the impact of your work; electronically, if possible. Your NEAFCS Board is working on a project where your input and participation would be greatly appreciated.

I want to thank all of you who participated in our member's survey. The Executive Board is already using the information to conduct Association business. Please make sure to read Dave's article in this eNEWS that he has written regarding the survey information.

Your Living Well, More Than A Cookbook news is that a "thank you" is in order for all who have sold books. The member survey told us that there is a huge opportunity for many more members to learn about the book and to sell it. In February, I offered a challenge by asking, "Are there any cherry recipes in the book?" I received no answer to this but I am still open to receiving it. In March I asked about lamb recipes and over 25 of you emailed me; thanks so much for reading. I mailed a bright yellow apron displaying the Living Well, More Than A Cookbook title and our NEAFCS logo to Maudie Kelly from Missouri. This month's book challenge question will be, "Which state's recipe is roasted asparagus with parmesan cheese, and what page is it on?" To learn more about the reference book, please visit your Association's home page and click on the link for Living Well, More Than A Cookbook.

I look forward to seeing those of you who are participating in the Joint Council of Extension Professional's (JCEP) Public Issues Leadership Development (PILD) Conference in Washington, D.C. later this month. NEAFCS will be presenting nationwide impact statements, thanks to those of you who sent them to President-Elect Marsha Lockard. To learn more about JCEP and the PILD conference, visit the JCEP website. There you will learn more about JCEP and other resources available to you.

I do hope you have been investing in yourself by taking care of yourself on a daily basis. I have previously suggested that one of your investments be a financial one, by planning your monthly savings so you will be attending our Annual Session in Portland, Maine. So I ask, "How are you doing with that?" I am sure some of you are on target, some of you are doing so-so, and some of you are going to have to save more. The bottom line is that the Maine and Eastern Region members are working very hard to create a memorable professional development experience for you, and you really need to be there!

I would like to ask you to please consider stepping into a leadership position, or otherwise recommending someone who you feel is well-qualified, to consider for appointment to a number of open committee positions (Bylaws, Finance, and Investment Committees). Click on the links to see the duties and qualifications. Representation is needed from all regions, so if you are willing to serve or know someone who would enjoy the experience of this opportunity, please let me know.

On the personal side, since some of you have emailed that you like this addition to my letter, the bluebirds now have a nice feeder to hop into, to get out of the weather, and dine on their dried meal worms. In their new home, the worms don't blow away; and yes, the birds have trained us. Our goats are having their kids, and so far it is an all-doe year. There's nothing cuter than seeing a baby goat doing caprioles to reduce one's stress.

Please continue to invest in Your Self, live each day to the fullest, have fun, laugh, and remember – if you don't take care of yourself no one else will. I do hope to see you in Maine!

Until next month,

Mary Ann

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