Times Remembered
Webmonster note: It is a tradition that every president of GWTC writes their own special column for the newsletter. Its uniqueness starts with the column’s title.
Mary Jean Yon,
So here I am. I’m holding the proverbial baton and wondering why Tom Perkins looks so happy as he runs off into the sunset. Surely there’s been a mistake. Did they mean to grab the other Yon? “No…it’s time” the calming voice in my head tells me. It’s time to step up and take a turn being President of one of Tallahassee’s finest organizations. It’s the simple truth that people need to share in the hard work it takes in order to have a successful organization. Many thanks to Tom for giving us three years of high energy and solid leadership. It’s more than a little intimidating to follow in his footsteps. But the good news is there’s a whole crew of people coming along with me as we start a new year and a new term.
Beth Alexander will continue serving as the club’s Secretary and Gene Opheim will once again serve as club Treasurer. I say “once again” in this case because long ago, Gene held this same position…back in the days when Gulf Winds often ran short on money and carried significantly lower bank balances than we now do. Should be fun watching him adjust!
Returning Board members are as follows: Nadine Dexter, Judy Alexander and David Yon. New to the Board and much appreciated for stepping forward is Keith Rowe. And then there’s Mae Cleveland who is a fun mix of current and times past who served Gulf Winds in 1982, 1986 and again in 1995-1996. I wonder if she can give me any tips on how to control Gene?
Did you notice there’s no mention of the Vice-President position? Sad but true, it seems Paul Ahnberg has been offered a job in Bradenton and has packed his bags and left town. While I’m happy for Paul, I have to say it’s going to be rather challenging finding someone to fill his shoes! The President can appoint an interim person, but the Board must vote to approve a replacement. Here’s hoping I’ll have an update for you in next month’s column.
As members of Gulf Winds, you should know that this Board is here to serve you. I hope you always feel welcome to attend a meeting or simply share a thought or a suggestion with any board member. As we go through the next year, we’ll deal with a variety of issues and initiatives. I’d be shocked if all 766 club members (as of this writing) agree with everything this Board does so please communicate with us…whether it’s criticism or compliments…it’s welcome. (Here is your not so subtle reminder to renew your membership if you missed the December 31st deadline!)
I’ll close with a brief explanation of the title of this column….Times Remembered. Just in case you’re wondering, it’s not about savoring PR’s or living in the past. Rather, it’s a simple way of reminding us of what we have and that life is richer if lived with the understanding that a little history and perspective can provide. Life cannot be just a snap shot of the here and now. Thanks to Martha Haynes for sharing the writings of T.S. Elliot with us. He clearly said it best. See what you think and we’ll talk again soon!
M.J.
BURNT NORTON
(No. 1 of ‘Four Quartets’)
T.S. Eliot
Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is unredeemable.
What might have been is an abstraction
Remaining a perpetual possibility
Only in a world of speculation.
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present.