January 2006 Nebraska State Directors Column
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. One of our goals posted in our January 2005 newsletter was to keep you, the members informed of events. As we re-read the 2005 newsletters, it seems we have met that goal. As we look forward to 2006, one of our resolutions will be to further improve that communication with more one-on-one communication. So if you answer the phone and hear us on the other end, it will be just to say “hi” and provide you an opportunity to share “what’s on your mind with GWTA”. Wouldn’t it be awesome to say at the end of 2006, that we had verbally touched base with every member of Nebraska GWTA!!! Now that is a resolution to look forward to!
When we left off in our November column, we were on our way to Thanksgiving dinner and Estes Park for the Parade of Lights. We had a great time as we got to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends. Did you know that 50% of Americans resolve to do just that, appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends, according to the General Nutrition Centers?
As we continued on into December, we prepared for Christmas and spent time with family and friends. Since one of our granddaughter’s has a mid-December birthday, together we made sugar cookies and decorated them (all 150 of them) and sent them off to school with her and to work with me. The next weekend, we were making candy and rosettes (a delicate traditional pastry dessert) to share at Christmas time. In between, we crammed in shopping, Christmas parties, meetings, work, and traveled hither and yon. Before we knew it, Christmas Eve was upon us. As we shared Christmas Evening Mass with family and friends, we gave thanks that we had made it through another year and asked for direction in the coming year, resolving to be better in mind and heart.
And here it is, 2006! So as part of our resolve to keep you, the members, informed, here’s “Waz Up”. Chapter E of North Platte and Chapter W of McCook will start off the year with a Cold Tush Run, starting at 2PM and 1PM, respectively, and Chapter M will be having their Chapter Photo at 9AM the same day in Omaha. Chapter A and Chapter W will also both be hosting their annual Holiday Party on the 21st and then on February 11th, Chapter W will be having their annual Road Kill supper on February 11th. The Polk County Wings of Iowa will have a February Thaw in Newton, IA on February 18th. Pre-registration is $15.00 (by 02/04/06). Chapter R has issued a challenge for 2006 – Visiting Towns That Don’t Belong, such as Athens, Georgia, Panama, Nebraska, or Sturgis, MI. What an ingenious way to discover “Towns That Don’t Belong”! Don’t forget to add the following dates to your calendars: March 5th, annual Spring meeting (date is still tentative) in Hastings; GWTA Winterfest in Kansas City on February 17-19; Region C Rally from June 8-11 at Loess Hills; and Gold Rush from July 17-20, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. There will also be the Scavenger Hunt and the Grand Tour to participate in. Thank you to the Chapters that have posted their 2006 events on the website, www.gwtanebraska.com. You can check out all these events, find “For Sale/Wanted” items, Picture of the Day, and forums at this website. While you are at it, take the time to submit your registrations for each event as soon as possible. So while we attempt to meet our resolutions for the New Year, we urge you to make your resolution to support GWTA and become a participant in 2006.
With the start of the New Year, we invite you to look back and reflect on the many friendships you have made through GWTA and look forward to what 2006 has to offer. Take time to tell someone they are appreciated and spend time with family and friends.
With that, we bring December to an end and wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
Until next time…. See ya’ on the road.
Bob & Lynda Wilkinson/NE State Directors/2006