Summer Already?

It’s June, 2007, Jennifer Hershaft is ending her term as BHPA president, and I have accepted the role for the next year. I’m excited, I’m flattered, I’m ready to take on the task…So what happened to the year? Just one thing: It flew by, just flew right by me!

After nine years as an active member of the Preschool Association and hearing nine different presidents end the year with nods of appreciation and claims of having received more than they had given, I honestly and humbly agree. While the role of president is important – our membership is more than 300 strong! – I have made friends I otherwise wouldn’t have met; I have worked with smart, creative and enthusiastic women; and I have watched moms busy with children, homes and responsibilities of every kind dive into projects with dedication and determination.

Thank you to my executive board, Molly Limmer (VP, Membership), Jennifer Hershaft (Secretary), and Sheila Carnicelli (Treasurer) for intelligent, open-minded input. Thank you to our committee chairs for your time and ability to execute your roles with barely a word from me. Thank you to our committee members for your strength in numbers, your helpful hands, and for hardly ever uttering that sad little word “no.”

And of course, thank you to our members for joining us in our efforts. My philosophy about the Preschool Association, and the reason I have remained active for so long, boils down to this: What we teach our children starts here – in our communities, in our homes, in ourselves. We can teach our children to be open, generous and considerate by creating a community marked by those same values.

As June rolls around, and I prepare to pass the baton, I am so excited to introduce next year’s president. The very dynamic and enthusiastic Alicia DeVincenzo has agreed to take on the post next year. With a background in fashion and a long list of credentials as a fashion consultant (including the Regis & Kelly Show and the Today Show, among others), Alicia has spent a lot of time and energy in the BHPA helping to organize, coordinate and chair our Fashion Show. She is fun, she is vibrant, and I hope you’ll join me in welcoming her at our Old Board/New Board meeting on Thurs., June 5, at her home, 91 Deerfield Lane North in Pleasantville.

I also hope all of our graduating moms will join us on June 5 – your last board meeting! We will miss you, so please come to say goodbye. I promise it will be short on business and long on cheer! Finally, for our continuing members, we will begin the process of filling out next year’s board. There are positions available for everyone who wants to get involved. Consider where your interests and talents lie, then come get involved! We have leadership roles to be filled, as well as support teams to build – some of you are creative, some are organizers, some are worker bees and some just like to have fun. Come by, because we can find a place for each and every one of you. And I assure you, the more you give, the more you get!

I thank all of you for making this year so wonderful for me. Enjoy the summer, and I’ll see you at the Opening Coffee in September!