An attitude of gratitude envelops me while composing this, my first epistle as Metro Region president to you, my dear friends and esteemed colleagues. I am grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me as demonstrated by your unanimous vote for my presidency at our May convention. Now the ball is in my court and it will be up to me to live up to your expectations as well as my own. We have some very unique times ahead of us this next year or two and we'll be doing some sailing on uncharted waters. But, with your presence on deck, our eyes on the horizon, and your hands steadying mine on the tiller, we'll navigate safely to port.

Thanks...we say in our land's common language, first to The Creator, the Source of all that is, for the concept and phenomenon of love and human compassion which led to the founding and continuing success of our Minnesota Senior Federation. Where else have you ever found altruism and pragmatism so intertwined in support of each other.

Miigwetch...as my native original Minnesota friends taught me to say, for your loyalty to our cause, for the miracle of our loyalty to each other, and in celebration of more and stronger equality among all eight regions. 

Danke...in a word from my German roots, for keeping the flame burning and passing the torch of 33+ years of tradition on to each succeeding generation of membership and cadre of leadership.

Muchas Gracias...I shout with my Latino compadres, for open-mindedness and the accepting of new ideas with challenges especially as we together work on strategic planning.

Grazzi...we sing with our Italian tenor in an aria celebrating courage we share in the facing of unknown tomorrows just around the corner from today.

Merci...in a French finale, for the finesse and diplomacy volunteer leaders and staff always strive to practice in fulfilling our mission, focusing our energy, and unifying our structure to become ever more effective.

Please join me in the excitement of being in an attitude of gratitude.