Welcome to the 2008-2009 US JCI Senate year. This is the year of GUIDANCE.  With God’s help, yoU and I can DANCE! “Life’s a dance you learn as you go. Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. Don’t worry about what you don’t know. Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.”

    Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead our wonderful organization. Together we can learn so much about each other and our members. Together we can share the joys of our lives and be there for each other when it is needed. As we dance through this year together, let’s remember that each of us is learning what to do every day. Remember those who served us in the past and build on the foundation they have laid before us.

    My first official visit was to the Council Bluffs, Iowa Jaycees 75th anniversary. Congratulations again to them on their milestone anniversary and I wish them many, many more years of service to their community. Five days later I was able to assist my local chapter at a concession stand for our professional baseball team. Please remember to assist the Jaycees when you can. They really appreciate the helping hand and it makes you feel good about the future of the Jaycee organization.

    JCI Senators from 8 different states witnessed the exchange of marriage vows between Bill Smith Jr #38430 from Missouri and Lea Ann Ford #59833 from Nebraska the day after the 4th of July. We wish you both many years of happiness together.

    The picnic in Linn, Kansas lived up to its reputation. President Kent #64562 and Jeanette Singular provided wonderful hospitality, food, friendship and frivolity. We were able to stay at our first bed and breakfast. Thank you to Kansas and Region VIII for starting off the year.

    Then it was off to the Ohio Pig Roast where the celebrity swine was smothered in obligatory kisses, the Ron Robinson Golf tournament was humbling, as usual, and the dessert contest and accompanying sides of food were most fulfilling. Thanks to President Ray Stevens #58549 and Ohio for another great year in Convoy.

    The Illinois Picnic gave me a chance to spend time with my neighbors to the east. Fellowship, golf and the changing of the shirts continued the traditions of the Illinois JCI Senate. Peanuts and the gang, led by President Stephanie Pittenger #59999, are going to have a very colorful year.

    I was thrilled to be the first US Senate President to attend the Kentucky Bourbon Bash. I learned how to play games that I did not know even existed. The scenery was great and the setting was perfect. Thank you to President Norm Sanders #39446 and Kentucky for letting me make history.

    I celebrated my birthday again this year with the West Virginia JCI Senate at the annual Melkus Picnic. There were JCI Senators there from many states to help us thank West Virginia for the fantastic national convention they hosted in Charleston. West Virginia has shown us that working together with your friends can produce a party that will be remembered for years to come. Thanks again, President Linda Miller #49755 and the entire West Virginia JCI Senate.

    Living in a land locked state doesn’t give me much chance to enjoy fresh seafood. The Maryland crab feed provided enough seafood to last for a year. This annual project is one you want to attend if you crave crab. Thanks to Gary #62265 and Elaine Williams and all of the Maryland JCI Senate for the hospitality and making me feel like part of your family.

Thanks to DJ Leppla for this tip. It was noted at the PIE meeting in West Virginia that many people don't have the necessary software on their computers to view certain types of files. Here's what DJ emailed me recently:

"Convenient Conversion
http://zamzar.com - Sometimes communication in the digital world requires speaking a different language. In computing terms, this often means converting files to new formats. Zamzar is a free, online file conversion service that allows you to change image, document, music, video, and other types of files into various formats. The service involves four simple steps, and converted files are sent directly to your e-mail account. This site comes in handy, for example, when you receive an e-mail attachment that you can't open with your computer's software."

I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Mac user, and when someone sends me a Microsoft Publisher file, there is no way I can open it. So I sent a Publisher file someone sent me to zamzar.com, and in about half an hour I received a very readable PDF version of the same file. If I wanted to spend $7 a month or more, I could get converted files faster. Give this a try and let me know what you think.

George Nowell #33085
Webmaster