Bullsheet - December 2001

Does this sound familiar?

"If nominated, I will not run, if elected, I will not serve." As dumb as it sounds, we’ve all fallen into that kind of thinking, I have probably been the worst, but now that elections are over, I am pleased to have been elected by such an overwhelming majority. Quite a feat when you consider I had no opposition. Having been elected, I will serve, wisely and well, I hope, but then you will all be the judge of that and there is such a thing as impeachment.

It will be very difficult to measure up to Harry’s outstanding year as our leader. His accomplishments have been many, our field being a prime example of his dedication and hard work. Our Vice President, Rich Kelley was there every step of the way. The Peters and Kelley duo have worked diligently to make this club one of the best. I, especially regret that they could not accept another term, it’s going to be a hard act to follow.

I look forward to working with our new vice president, Maurice Theriault, who always tells it as it is and no doubt will help keep me in line lest my new status goes to my head! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the reelection of two exceptional guys who have given so much to this club, John Hayes and Kip Bean, whose re election will keep continuity in the leadership.

We’ve been very fortunate to have had good leadership and it will certainly be the goal of this year’s officers to keep things rolling. My priority will be to conduct meetings that will be enjoyable as well as productive. There are many types of meetings, one of the most important being the, things-are-going-to-hell meetings. This meeting is usually held to figure out just why things are going to hell. Hopefully this kind of meeting will not happen very often. For the most part we will have the, planning-ahead meetings which will be more relaxed, better prepared and certainly more enjoyable. I’ll make an honest effort to be organized, keep my talks brief so as not to bore you. However, I am working on a model that will give a startling jolt to those members who display obvious signs of boredom by cleaning their fingernails, doodling, yawning, looking intently at the wall behind me, jerking upright suddenly after having dozed off, reading the latest Model Aircraft magazines, making paper airplanes to throw at me or outright sleeping.

Well I was nominated and I think I ran, straight out of the meeting. However, I was elected and believe it or not, I will try to serve the best interests of the club and the membership. With the new slate of officers, Maurice, John and Kip, I can’t make too many mistakes.

Incidentally, I have made my first executive decision; there will no longer be a donation cup for the coffee at meetings. Enjoy, guys, it is free.

Now that I’m on a roll as your president, remember that we will have our annual Yankee swap at the next meeting. You’re asked to bring, new, wrapped gifts to the swap and you can spend up to $10.00 on your gift. We’ve had interesting, comical, useful and just plain ridiculous gifts in the past and believe me they have all been enjoyed, so use your imagination and lets have fun. If anyone is interested I have made up a list of those gifts that I would like to receive. Please don’t consider it a payoff, merely greasing the palm.

Kidding!

A reminder that the annual SNHRCC Auction will be held January 8th. Bring your items to the meeting, no matter what it is, remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure and with luck this could work out for all of you. Once again, I will be your auctioneer. It has occurred to me that you ask me, not because of my glib tongue or my inherent talent, which is questionable, but rather someone upon whom you can heap abuse. Regardless, I enjoy it and hope you will all turn out for a fun and profitable evening.

By the way, that less than brilliant statement, "If nominated I will not run, if elected, I will not serve", was somewhat dubiously attributed to William Tecumseh Sherman in his message to the Republican National Convention on June 5th, 1884. Proof that not all our forefathers were that brilliant.

It is that time of the year again to wish friends and family a happy holiday and a great New Year. This has been a year we won’t forget, tragedy has come to our doorstep, but we have and will prevail. So our hope for the New Year is peace, prosperity, blue skies and a better tomorrow. Keep them flying.