President's Message
Memories and Transitions
Two years ago I was reading David Lenderman's last message as president and thinking what it would be like for me when I was getting ready to hand the job over to some other deserving person. Things that I remembered about David's two years as president were just how much HUPS grew and prospered under his leadership. And I say Leadership in the best possible way. He was the whole package. . . personable, dynamic, persuasive, fair, interesting, supportive, innovative, fun to be around, and all of the other boy scout attributes.
The other thing that I learned to appreciate during the two years that we shared as president and vice president was just how well we worked together and how the whole organization, officers, board members, and committee leaders chipped in to keep things moving rapidly along into the digital age. We were blessed to have a group that wasn't afraid to tackle big ideas and set ambitious goals. During those two years, we jumped into the digital revolution with both feet, whooping, and hollering. Our membership jumped each year and with Joe Nicklo's guidance, our dynamically successful workshop program was created.
My goal on taking the reins was to try to keep HUPS moving along in the direction that David, Leonard, and other past presidents had pointed us toward. I knew I was going to need help and David, Leonard, and a host of others pitched in to make my task a lot easier and more interesting. For the past two years, I've been amazingly fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of people that contributed their time, creativity, and energy toward our mutual goals. Anytime I needed advice, I could find it as easily as making a phone call or sending an email. If I needed someone to help, I always got what it took to do the job.
I honestly think that we attempted a lot and accomplished a lot. With Joe Nicklo and John Anderson leading the way, we continued to have great workshops. Membership continued to grow. We sped into the digital revolution with the help of James Wiseman and others. The photo and digital contests under Paul Levy and James prospered with month after month of mind-boggling images showing the developing talents of our members. Pat Miller took HUPS.ORG up several notches, keeping it current with all of the winners from our monthly contests, newsletters, featured photographers, and more. And what can you say about what David Lenderman has accomplished with Underwater Images? Quite honestly, it is probably the yardstick against which all other underwater photography clubs should be judged. It's simply the best. In that same vein, you have to give kudus to all of the people contributing articles to the newsletter. Go back and take a look at what they did. It's a pretty amazing body of information geared to helping us all become better underwater photographers.
HUPS is a volunteer organization. It can only be successful with the unselfish effort and dedication of the membership to making it all work. It's not an easy job getting all of the pieces to fit properly and finding the proper switches to flip each month. We've made our share of mistakes but we've also found ways to overcome the rough spots and keep moving along. How else can you explain how superbly HUPS has presented itself at SEASPACE over the past several years? It's done by the members. . . not just a few members, but a lot of them contributing in more ways than anyone can imagine. Mostly, I'm just really, really pleased with what we, as an organization, have built and where we are headed.
Now, it's my turn to hand over the reins to the next president, Chuck Jensen. I can tell you now that I have no qualms about what Chuck brings to HUPS. More than anything else, I see just how organized he is and how capable he is of making sure that things are done correctly and on time. Chuck and I are different people with different capabilities and different approaches toward how things get done. However, there is one attribute that we both share. We both want what is best for HUPS and we're both willing to put out an honest effort toward that goal. Over the past year, I've come to realize that we work well together. Our abilities are very complimentary and we get along great.
We have a big job ahead of us next year, and with the capable support of the other officers, Tammy and Henry, the Board of
Directors, and all of the other contributors donating their time and skills, I have no doubts that we will continue to grow and prosper.
Join me in thanking all of the people that made this year special and give Chuck your best wishes as we churn into 2006 with a full head of steam.
I hope to see a room full of hungry people at the December 5th banquet. If you can come early to help set up the room and lay out the food, please do so. I'll be trying to get things organized so if you have questions or wish to help, give me a call or send me an email.
And finally, don't forget to pull out your best slides and digital creations for the Best of HUPS year end contest. Winners will be announced and shown at the January meeting. A final word to everyone. . . THANKS.
Dennis
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