Lots of things going on! We had a wonderful Holiday Dinner, with a great speaker: Bill Ganzel, author of " Dust Bowl Descent." Simply a wonderful evening thoughtout! Thank you, Virginia Miller, for lining up such a great event!

The December Field Trip was certainly a learning experience for me. I learned that I can survive outside with a camera in very cold temperatures (although I cheated;  I wore my gloves, unlike Leland Osten!). I learned that there are a lot of photo opportunities in the winter. And, I also learned to check over my camera well before going out (I had it on manual focus, and didn't know). Finally, I learned that Lazlo's has very good hot chocolate! Thank you, Donna Gustafson, for setting up these neat outings!

I'm excited about the restart of N4C (North Central Camera Club Council) competitions! I think this is a great opportunity to focus on a few really good pictures, rather than try to fill a whole group of categories. Both have their place, and  as I mentioned, we plan to also continue the 4x6 competitions in the summer. But, photo competitions across the country are usually large format (8x10 or larger), mounted and often matted; so it's a good idea to become acquainted with this style of entry if you are not already.

Although our turnouts at meetings and events are, in my opinion, quite good, there are still many of you who are not attending on a regular basis. That's your choice; but it is your camera and I think you are missing out on many interesting events. I am especially saddened by the low turnout at the new field trips. True, it has been cold as could be (if you want to know just how cold, I'll have to tell you in person, because this bulletin has to go through the U.S. mails, and they have rules against some of my vocabulary). However, the cold has been the fun of it. I don't think anyone probably took the picture that wil sweep the May Salon on these outings, but we sure did have a lot  of laughs. And , I'm sure that we each learned a little something new.

So, why don't we try for a record attendance at on e of these meetings? I'll bet you will be surprised at how much fun you have. And, isn't that just a little bit of why you joined? IF you are like me, you take photographs for fun. I would wager that cover over 90% of our membership (don't get me wrong, I want the professionals to keep coming, too; we need your expertise and ideas).  So, let's all get together and have some fun!

I hope your holidays were safe and fulfilling (as opposed to "filling," which is what mine will probably be!).

Your servant,

Clark Springman