Meeting re-cap.....

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year! I'm going to recap some of the things we went over during our last meeting.

All competitors can go to http://www.mabpa.com to get more information about the contests. There's a cover, pin and writing contest where you can win MONEY.

All of you should have printed your guidelines. If you click that link, scroll down near the bottom to find your event. Click on it, print it and become VERY familiar with it!

Judged events - most have to be to me by February 13. The previous date was February 14, but that has changed. Interview Skills, Global Marketing, Presentation Management, and others - if you're unsure, please ask.

Cost of states: $175.00. This will be due the Tuesday we return from winter break. You can pay sooner - checks should be made payable to BP-BPA. I will be writing a letter to your parents and enclosing permission slips, etc.

Valentine flower sale will begin on January 28! Still waiting to hear a price on the flowers - I should have the price this week.

I'll be staying after school on Wednesday's if you need me. Let me know a day beforehand, just so I can make sure my schedule is cleared, okay? But I'm trying to leave Wednesday's open, barring the unavoidable meeting or two!

Go Pats!

OH MY GOODNESS!

Judged projects are due right after February vacation! That's only two months! Hope you're starting to work on Global Marketing, Interview Skills, Entrepreneurship, Economic Research Projects, Presentation Management Team and Individual, and any other judged event is due at that time.

Get crackin!

Alumni - any tips for the students to meet their deadlines?

A Good Time Had By All!

Wow, was it cold today! I would like to thank the kids who showed up to walk; Kevin, Shaun, Amy, Tim, Chris, Jessica, Courtney, Bobby, Kayla, Maria (Kayla's friend) Caitlyn, and Arsenio. (going from memory around the table!) It was a nice brisk walk and when we got inside the hotel, all of our cheeks were red. Well, mine were. :)

So how much money do you think we raised? I'll tell you so you're not in suspense. We raised just over $1,500! Kudos to you guys. To the people who couldn't make it, I appreciate your donations too. You should have seen all of the special athletes at the Jolly Jaunt today. They truly are so special and they warm my heart. It's just a great feeling knowing that we help these kids and adults be all they can be.

So, I'm going to go enjoy a cup of hot cocoa. Thanks again everyone. You never cease to amaze me!

Oh! Congratulations to Bobby for collecting the most donations. He has a nice prize coming to him on Monday! Thanks for all your efforts, Bobby!!

Special Olympics - Jolly Jaunt

So yeah! The Jolly Jaunt is this weekend!! If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, click the link shown above.

I need everyone to bring me their cash donations by Friday. If you are walking, then I need you to show up at 11:30 this weekend. I will already have your money on Friday and can register us as a team. It's worked out very smoothly the past few years.

Alumni - you are welcome to attend with us. I just ask that if you attend, you raise the $35.00 entry fee. Please comment here or send me an email if you are planning to be part of the team. Oh, you could also register for our team online at the link above.

Won't it be cool to raise more money than TMLP this year????

Hoping for a blow-out (in donations - not my tires) :)

Thanksgiving Reminders....

Hey all. As Thanksgiving approaches, I thought it might be nice if we share a memory that touches each one of us about Thanksgiving. How about it?

My memory of Thanksgiving? When I was a kid - yeah, younger than you guys, I remember going to my grandmother and grandfather's house. I loved it so much because we all got to eat at the big dining room table. I felt so "fancy" eating there. We ate on my nana's china (which I own today) and I loved being with my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. The highlight of the day? Playing Pokeno. I felt so grown up playing that game. It's like bingo with playing cards. I wish so much that I soaked in more of the memories while my family were alive and well. It seems like many of them are gone now and I'd give anything to see them again. Advice? Hug your nanas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, moms and dads, and really let these experiences sink in and count your blessings. :) Okay, I'm off my soap box.

What are your memories?

Talent Show full of surprises!

Wow! What a talent show we had, huh? Thanks to the help of the officer team, the members, administrators, teachers, faculty and staff! This event just keeps getting bigger and bigger every year. Even some of the alumni that came to watch, ended up helpng out. I thank you all for that! (you know who you are.)

So what's the next thing in store for us? The Jolly Jaunt, of course! Don't forget to register for our team at jollyjaunt dot org. So far Bobby Stephanian has collected the most money and will be winning my prize! When you guys see your family for Thanksgiving, you can hit them up for some donations. Who wouldn't want to give a donation to the Special Olympics?? The Special Olympics Motto is, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Words maybe we can all live by?

Until next time.....

New Officers

I'm not sure who is checking the blog yet, but I thought I'd tell you that we have a meeting on Monday, October 15 at 9:30 in the cafeteria. We'll be voting on our officers. Members who have paid dues may attend the meeting.

Candidates who have turned in their forms so far? Kevin Benjamin for President, Sarah Fabianski for Secretary and Michael Williams for Treasurer. Good luck to everyone! I'm excited for a productive, fun year....