We’ve gotten the year off to a good start. Your Region VI Executive Board & Local Office Chairs are a great bunch of people who have agreed to dedicate this year to support, aid & promote all that IAPES stands for- education, legislature, membership, & awards. Please help them with suggestions, ideas, articles, & photos(for the newsletter). If you have a concern in which IAPES could be involved, don’t hesitate to turn to any of the folks on the list, including myself. Please remember, if you don’t tell us, we’ll never know. This region belongs to you. With help from everyone out there, Region VI will be the best in the state this year. That is my goal- I do need your support in making this a reality, though.

You will notice the minutes from our first board meeting included in this issue. There are two reasons for that. First, it gives you a look at our proposed calendar of events for the upcoming year. Mark your calendars early! Second, it gives everyone a look at what goes on at the board meetings. This will be a regular feature so you can keep up with what’s going on. I hope it’s helpful. There is one amendment concerning the cookbook fund raiser- instead of the August deadline with Christmas delivery, it’s being changed to a January 5th deadline with delivery on Mother’s Day. That way there’s plenty of time to get recipes &/or IAPES stories to me. No excuses, there are great cooks in this region as well as some amazing storytellers!- & we need to show them off!
Don’t forget- our membership drive kicks off the beginning of October. Last year, we had the largest membership in the state(126). This year, not only do we need to retain all of those members, but I challenge every office to increase their membership by at least 1%, giving us an overall increase of 13%(165). We can do it!

Also, deadline for awards is no later than November 14, 1997, so there is time to check them over & send to Raleigh by December 1. There are a lot of people who need recognition- let’s give them the applause they deserve!
You will receive legislative updates from time to time. Be heard- write! Lets show the unification & force of our numbers!

Education information will be forth- coming. Unfortunately, our education chair, Gasper Gonzales, has been out due to a triple by-pass operation. He is recovering nicely & we want him to know our thoughts & prayers are with him, & wish him a speedy recovery. Take care, Gaspar!

Finally, our newsletter & publicity for this region depends on all of you. We need your help to make it successful. If you are involved in something noteworthy, please mention you are an IAPES member & send us proof(programs, news, articles, etc) We want to give you the recognition you deserve. Also, I’m counting on all Local Office Chairs to keep us updated on happenings in our area.

Well, I’ve gone on long enough. I just want to let you Know that I’m available to every one of you. I promise to do my very best for Region VI this year. I pledge to give at least 120%- how about meeting me at least half-way? That’s my challenge to myself & to you. So until next time, take care of yourselves, be good to each other, & keep in touch ! -Sherry Cash