Many thanks to the 29 chapters which forwarded their Health of the Chapter Reports. I have reviewed each one and with only a couple of exceptions, it’s good to know that ACBS chapters are in very good shape with many members taking initiatives to expand activities, to improve how events are planned and executed, to strengthen the organizational makeup of the chapters, and, in general, to make the chapters a more inviting destination for members. Ted Cartner, Chapter Relations Committee Chair, has also reviewed the reports and is following up on those that need attention. He’ll also be making a complete report to the ACBS Board of Directors at the Spring Meeting in April.
 

Thank you also for returning 2003 membership renewals to Headquarters at a good rate. Many renewals were returned early enough to avoid a staggering workload just before the February 1 deadline. As a result, Kathy Snyder was able to send off 6,622 membership listings on time for the 2003 Membership Directory, an increase of 422 over last year’s complement. And Tab Miller is well along in preparing the 2003 Directory for publication. It should be in members’ hands before the end of April.
 

The Winter Meeting of the ACBS Board of Directors was held in January and was hosted by the Sunnyland Chapter which did its usual great job of assisting with plans and providing an excursion on Florida’s Lake Harris. Your Society took the occasion to honor Lindsey Hopkins with the first presentation of the ACBS Major Benefactor Award for his very generous donation of the Hickman Sea Sled last year as a fund-raiser for the Society. Tom Flood and Stan Petersen were also recognized for their key roles in making that effort a success. Look for an article covering these recognitions in this issue.
 

The Board’s Spring Meeting is scheduled for April 25 in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada, in conjunction with the Toronto Chapter’s annual Spring Tour of Canadian workshops located primarily in the Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario.
 

The Summer Meeting of the ACBS Board of Directors is scheduled for July 24-27, in Skaneateles, NY, in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary Boat Show of the Finger Lakes Chapter -- my home chapter -- which is pleased and proud to be hosting the meeting. ACBS members are welcome to attend any of the Society’s Board Meetings and in this instance, to stay and enjoy a terrific boat show in a marvelous setting. Look for an article on the Summer Meeting elsewhere in this issue.
 

Plans are proceeding well for this fall’s Annual Meeting and Second International Boat Show in Ottawa, Canada. Society Directors John Harvey, Jeff Stebbins, Bob Bush and Tom O’Rourke recently spent a few days in the Ottawa area, meeting with members of the Manotick Chapter to review and develop final plans for this event. Early indications are that it will be very well attended, so everyone is encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible. Look for more information included with your 2003 Directory and soon to be posted on the ACBS web site, www.acbs.org.
 

Finally, a word about the weather...I know how difficult the winter season has been for many people in the U.S. and Canada. But here in the northeastern U.S., it has been something else! Snow on the ground since last Thanksgiving; constant sub-freezing temperatures, an official snowfall in my area that out-does Buffalo, New York’s, accumulations; local lake-effect snowfalls off Lake Ontario that are way above this area’s official figures; and as of this writing, no end in sight – an old-fashion winter, I guess. But one thing is clear. Cabin fever couldn’t be higher, water levels shouldn’t be a problem for summer boating, and appreciation of beautiful summer days on the water couldn’t be stronger. Here’s hoping they aren’t too far away for all of us.
 

Good luck with boat shows, outings and all that summer will bring. But do so always with an eye on safety and safe boating practices.

Dick Sherwood

President, ACBS
Home phone: 585-265-1518
Fax: 585-265-4375
Camp phone 518-946-7103
e-mail: flcboats@aol.com