Well, I guess it's time to complete our list of things we need to do before we launch the boat next spring. It gives us something to worry about all winter.

On a brighter note, the boating season for 2011 is in the book and we will spend the next six months wishing for spring so, we can again, feel the wind and sun in our face. In the mean time, we will attend winter events with our friends and in conversation, the fish we caught will get bigger and the waves we navigated will get higher. We live a life that we can always ~lk about with our friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren.

Well, I guess I should get to District 7 business. First, I want to congratulate Joel Kay, our current North Central VP, for being elected to the position of the second Vice President of the Blue gavel International. He is now in the line to become the International President. Congratulations Joel!

Yours truly was elected to the post of North Central Vice President. I feel truly thankful for the opportunity to serve you and the gavel. This year, I will also wear the hat of District 7 director so; let me know your thoughts. It would be my pleasure to report your special projects and put them in print.

One of the new changes coming our way is the availability of the Blue Gavel log on-line. A special printed version will be available for an annual subscription price of $1 0.00 per year. The International like all organizations is trying to stabilize costs. The Log has become a big percentage of the budget and it needed to be addressed. The additional charge is to cover the production and mailing costs. If you cannot afford the annual subscription cost let someone on the e-board know. We will try to get you a printed copy from a personal printer.

The next quarterly meeting will be held in Biloxi Mississippi. The site was chosen because this area of the South was heavily damaged in hurricane Katrina. They have rebuilt and are eager to show off their new digs. The dates for the Regional meeting are Friday Feb 3 to Sunday Feb 5 2012 at the Gulf Hills Hotel & Conference Centre, Ocean Springs, Mississippi. For additional information go to http: // www.iobg.org/. Inclosing, I would like to take this opportunity wish everyone a safe, fun filled holiday season.

Sincerely Yours,

Tony Durieux, District-7 Director