(*editor’s note: your message comes via China where Pat took a last minute flight to be with her husband on a business trip!)

OK.  Who stole summer?  As the Labor Day weekend approaches, I feel the same dread I have always felt and always will feel as the “school year” is about to begin and, with it, the end of relaxing days in the sun.  Where, oh where, has the time gone?  While we relaxed and enjoyed the fabulous Michigan summer weather, the animals around my house were constantly busy with their food gathering and storing in preparation for their quiet time of year which is quickly approaching.  As I watch them I think that now it is time for us, humans that is, to be busy for our more active time of year.

And yes, we are.  I am so in awe of our members who are as busy as beavers getting ready for our fall events.  The volunteering part is done and now it is time to follow through.  What a great group of active members!!

So many of you are dedicating your time and energy to Quota causes and it is a joy to see.  All committees are meeting and there is much planning and work going on.

September should be an exciting month.  We will welcome our District 20 Governor, Kathleen Holt to our business meeting on September 15.  She has a great sense of humor and I hope many of you can come to hear her speak.  Please let the Program Committee know if you are planning to attend.

September 18 is on everyone’s calendar.  It is a big fundraiser for us so please come to our QUOTA CARES WALK starting at 2:00 at Riverside Park.  It might be interesting to wear ear plugs for part of the walk to experience a slight hearing loss.  You can be busy now getting pledges and saving your coins.  I know I have been collecting my coins all year long in anticipation of this fun event.  I’ll see you there.

September 23-25 is our Central Area Meeting in Iowa.  We have been told of an important announcement at this meeting that will affect all of us.  Emily and I are going and would welcome any company if there is a last-minute registrant among you.

Finally, the Shopping Extravaganza Committee has been really busy.  Please see Robin’s e-mail for details of those exciting plans.

This is a big month for us so let’s make the most of it!

Pat