Another year has passed and the club saw another successful Garden Show and our 25th Annual Pond Tour marked by numerous potluck dinners and wonderful quest speakers. Some of us even reached celebrity status (in our own minds) when we made the KTWU Sunflower Journeys program. It was one of the most authentic and genuine representations of the clubs purpose I had ever seen. For those that missed it, you can view episode 2902 right here.

As your 2016 President my goals where lofty and though I personally felt we fell a bit short of increasing our membership and am happy to announce we have found a few nice couples that have joined our club and are showing much interest in the clubs future. We even re-united a few old members. But we will also be saying good bye to Tom and Helen Platis as they are moving back to Utah, good luck and stay in touch. Perhaps Tom will come back just to Chair AppleFest 2017.

So with all that said, I wish the club great success in maintaining it's mission, I have confidence in the new leadership and look forward to seeing you grow the club. In order to make the transition smooth, Octobers election of 2017 officers saw 2 new faces. Congratulations go out to our newest members Craig Dannenberg - President and Catarina Brunner- VP. I know as I work working with Craig and Catarina in these last few days, they have a vision for the club that will bond everyone together and strengthen the membership. And with the Sherry Reed continuing on as our Secretary and Jim Mowder continuing on as Treasurer, they are in good hands. So with our final meeting being held November 16th for 2016, we will say goodbye for a few months until February 2017.

May your water flow clearly, your fish swim strongly and your plants grow luxuriant.

It was a pleasure serving as your President.

Chris

(Note: Don Taliaferro is not stepping aside as the TAWGS Lily Pad Editor, as was previously reported.  He has agreed to continue.  Thank you Don.)