President's Notebook
December, 2006

Hi Folks,
By the time you receive this newsletter, I will have
stepped down as president. After two years and two
months, I've decided that it's time for a change. In
accordance with our constitution, 1 will remain on the
board for one year.

The past two years have been busy, exciting, challenging and rewarding.
This was a time of laying the foundation and erecting the framework of a
new organization. With the cooperation of a vibrant board of directors,
much was accomplished in a short time. As an outreach to the
communities in the Valley, we now have "HOTCMA Reps"-good will
ambassadors who assist with the workload in various activities.

Many jamborees and dances were held along with special events like our
Irish Dance and our Annual Galas in the fall. All events have been well-
attended and enjoyed by our supporters. The future looks very bright
because the engine of any viable organization is the board of directors
and in this respect HOTCMA is fortunate. Evidently, the members share
the same vision and enthusiasm in approaching each project.

And now I must thank each one of you most warmly and sincerely for the
support you have given me during my tenure. I am grateful to the Board
of Directors, the HOTCMA Reps, the volunteers, all our members and
the many new friends that I have made. I ask only one favour-that you
give the new president the same support that you have given me.

A "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year" to all.

Stan Callaghan

Presidents Notebook

July 2006

HOTCMA is alive and well and continues to move on and upward. Our

dances and jamborees are well attended and continue to provide a sense

of satisfaction for the various members of the Board who convene these events.

There have been some changes, as with any new organization.  More new members have taken seats on the Board and a new position has been established:  that of “HOTCMA REP”.  The reps are members who do not wish to make a commitment to board duties, but who agree to help promote the association in their communities, and to help out with our productions.

We are beginning to receive invitations to attend conferences and to provide performers for heritage musical events-a sure sign that our efforts at promotion are paying off.

Plans are now being made for a Jamboree in Matawatchan along with new additional projects this fall:  a songwriter’s workshop, and an evening of river and lumbering songs, complete with a “shanty supper”!  Also, be sure to plan to attend our second big gala in October - “Memories of Bob King”.

I thank all members who have joined or renewed this year. We welcome new members at any time. A special thanks to our Board members and other volunteers for their time and talent in making HOTCMA a vibrant, active and unified organization. I remind you that our directors travel long distances to attend the board meetings at their own expense. If anyone requires more information, please talk to me.  My phone number and e-mail address are on our brochures.

That’s it for now.

Have a safe and happy’ summer.

Stan Callaghan