Fellow Senators, Families and Guests,

Welcome to our updated website. Our website will be changed and updated on a more regular basis.

Holiday greetings to all my fellow Senators.

The holidays will soon be upon us. A time to ask for blessings for those who may be in harms way, for those who have departed this life recently, and for those of us fortunate enough to have the many blessings we do. I guess what I'm trying to say is that family and friends matter. Take some time during the holidays, especially, to let them know how you feel. After the holidays let them know again. The holidays are not the only time to let friends and family know you care.

I recently had a chance to watch a movie starring Haley Jo Osman as a young man who is asked by his teacher to come up with an idea that could change the world. He thought that if everyone did something nice foe another person without hoping to be thanked for it that the world would be a better place. He called his idea "Paying it forward". You could call this one of those feel good ideas that come along. Or you could try it.

We will be getting together on December 14th at the Steak House Restaurant in Berlin/Barre for what we hope will become a holiday tradition. We will be enjoying a brunch buffet for a cost of $15.95 a person, tax and tip included along with a Yankee Gift Swap. Everyone attending should plan on bringing a small gift with a minimum value of $10. Gifts should be suitable for male or female. If you plan on attending please let President Steve know by December 10th.

In addition, the joint VT/NH comittee met at the August picnic to continue discussions on how to increase participation for both organizations. Many good ideas came out of the meeting including a possible overnight meeting in the Febuary/March time period. At the meeting in December this will be discussed more. Hopefully Richard Reed will have a possible date

Regarding our scholarship program. Last year we gave out three scholarships. The two that are forwarded to the national organization for judging and one based here that is based on need only. After a unamiomous vote at the August picnic it was decided to name this need based scholarship the "Ernie Chadderdon Memorial Scholarship" in the memory of one of our charter members.We recently received a note from Charlie Douglas who agreed whole-heartedly with our decision to name one of our annual scholarships after Ernie Chadderdon. He also felt that the Chadderdon scholarship should be paying more than the other two scholarships. He backed that up with a donation of $100 dollars. If there are others who feel the same way, please forward any other donations to Treasurer Richard Hebert.

Several members have suggestted changing the date of our annual meeting from May to August to allow for the return of all the "snowbirds". Please let one of the officers know your feelings on this.

Thanks again for your trust and support in me and your officers of the Vermont JCI Senate. Please remember - PAY IT FORWARD.

Yours in the Senate,

Steve Rowe

P.S. The Vermont JCI Senate has received a request from one of the daughters of Richard A. Workman, Sr. for any information any of us may have about the Jaycee career of her father. They apparently are working on a project that will be passed onto Richard's grandchildren. They are specifically looking for any photographs of Jaycee conventions where Richard may have been involved. However any contributions of information would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me if you have any info to pass on.