There was a subject I wanted to touch on in my President’s Message in the Spring edition but I ran out of space. Let me set the scene: Back in January, the Los Angeles area was hit with devastating fires; thousands losing their homes, their businesses, and, unfortunately, some losing their lives. Personally, I was lucky. While the nearest fire line was just a mile from my home, my wife and I did not have to evacuate but we were put on notice to stand by to be evacuated if the winds changed direction suddenly. That meant we had to load up the car now and then be ready to move out immediately if alerted. I was surprised that my wife and I independently came up with the same packing plan: collect all important documents, i.e. the wills, passports, birth certificates, etc. AND run around the house and collect all the photo albums and pull down all printed photographs and get them in the car at once! It became clear that you do not fully grasp how important printed photographs are until you are about to lose everything. It’s something we all know but we don’t feel it until faced with possible imminent destruction. Reality has a way of burning into our psyche what is truly important. My point? The prints you create for family and customers are far more valuable than you think! Okay, I just had to get that off my chest. Thank you!

There is so much happening within ASP. The Mentorship Program is in full swing under the watchful eyes of Karen McCall and Jamie Steeno, Round Two of Images of Distinction is opening up with Thea Martin leading her amazing team, and applications for the Educational Associate Degree under the guidance of Jonathan Adams and the Fellowship overseen by both Dennis Craft and Carl Caylor are being accepted. And don’t forget the Museum Project; your works are now on display in the Houston area.  Anne Looney and Aileen Harding can fill you in on details. Also, plan now on attending our spectacular Gala and Late Night Lounge this coming January. We are always looking for volunteers to work behind the scenes for these events. If interested, contact Jessica Vallia or Karen McCall. Or, you can also seek out one of our ASP Governors: our point-of-contact information is purposely on the inside cover of every edition of this magazine for just that reason.

Finally, ASP is expanding its horizons through our travels, sharing wonderful experiences with one another. We are doing that in two ways. First, we have our annual International Excursion. This year we are in Kenya, Africa. That trip has been sold out for some time, but there is always next year. Next year? Yes! We are off to Europe and to explore one of the richest and most treasured cruises Europe has to offer: the Danube River Cruise! It is next August, but we need you to book your rooms NOW! They are about to sell out. Contact Dennis or Cheri Hammon immediately to join us on this amazing adventure. And speaking of adventures, that brings me to the second way we are traveling together: the famous ASP Tag-Alongs. What is that? Oh, I am glad you asked! Under the leadership of Doug Bennett, we are offering a number of several-days-long trips in various scenic areas of our great country. Please contact Doug or me for details. You’ve seen the flyers, now join us for these wonderful journeys near you!