President's Message

Our region has history.  I know that may sound like an obvious statement, but take a moment to consider that point.

Okay, time's up.

I first realized the extent of our history when Don Malson sent a proposed logo to me as an alternative to the new graphic region logo.   Don has been working on a deal to offer Chesapeake Region clothing, which should be available soon through the web site, and he thought some people might want an alternative to the region logo.  Don designed a simpler text-only version that includes the region name and the year the region was formed - 1961.  When he showed me the logo, I had a little trouble focusing on the conversation because the number 1961 kept grabbing my attention.  1961.  You see, the region was formed before I was born.  Now before you go thinking this is a piece about age, let me point you back to my theme this month of reflecting upon the region's history.

I've been reading Bob Rassa's monthly Historian column with the attention I would give a great mystery novel.  Okay, maybe a bit more because I don't read mystery novels, but you know what I mean.  Anyway, there is so much he is telling about the region's history that I just didn't know.  My wife, Linda, and I transferred to the Chesapeake Region in 1994 when we moved to Maryland from Connecticut, so we've only witnessed the last third or so of the region's timeline.  If you haven't read Bob's column yet, I strongly suggest you do so.

I'm sure there are members I have met or seen at events without knowing their place in our region's history and their impact on the events we run today.  I sincerely hope those members will take me aside at some future event and tell me their story.  You might even be interested in writing an article for the Patter or the web site to share your experiences with the entire membership.  Also, if you have any pictures or artifacts, we would like to make scans or photographs of them.

I want to thank Bob Rassa for taking the time to write these entertaining and informative articles.  Welcome back to the East Cost, Bob!

Andrew