Pocket Full of Pebbles

Back in 2005, WWP was held in Philadelphia (near my hometown). Shortly before WWP, I had moved to the Sacramento market and switched membership from San Francisco to the Sacramento Valley Chapter. I had yet to meet anyone from the chapter except Christine Flanders, our uber-administrator from that time period. I walked into the welcome reception in search of my new chapter family. After I had looked around for some time, IFMA Powerhouse, Kathryn Lopez found me and said that there was a group of people that I had to meet, whereupon she took me straight to the Sacramento team. No sooner did I reach out my hand for a polite shake did Cyndi Smith (then the incoming Prez) reach out with wide open arms and gave me a big hug. In an instant, there was a real sense of family and belonging to this chapter. I instantly felt at home among them. But more than that, I knew I had begun a friendship with Cyndi that was real from micro-second one. All throughout the following year, I worked alongside Cyndi, Chris and a group of folks determined to take the Sacramento chapter to new heights of acheivement.

The following year, at San Diego WWP 2006, Cyndi and I sat next to each other at one of our chapter tables in the back of the room. During the Chapter of the Year Awards, she looked over at me with a look I have now become too familiar with. It's part hypnosis, part childlike wonder, and a LOT of estrogen. You know when that look pops up you are about to be spot-welded to her coat-tails and taken on yet another journey. This time, sitting at that table, she turned and said simply, "We are going to win that award." That was it. No discussion, no talk about how difficult. Just a statement that this WILL happen. My normal reaction to her bold moves is white-knuckles and mild hyperventilation (you get used to it). Think Woody Allen on a roller coaster. However, as with so much we have accomplished under Cyndi's leadership, I have some very, very good news to report. My friends...my IFMA Sacramento Family, I am filled with pride to tell you that you are all the well-deserving recipients of the 2008 International Small Chapter of Year Award. I wish all of you could have been there to share in the celebration with us. I shot the following two movie clips so you could experience the results of all your hard work to reach this milestone.



Makes ya misty don't it?

Obviously, if you have been following my live blog from WWP this year, you know I have had many "moments" that will stay with me from this week. In thinking about the conversations I had this trip, I realized that this has been the WWP of the IFMA Super-Woman. Between Cyndi, Laurie Gilmer, Serena Pancoast, Chris Costi, Kathleen Smith, and Kim Dilbeck, I realize that I am surrounded by some of the most talented and dedicated professionals I know of. And, if I dare be politically incorrect, they are as beautiful on the outside as they are inside. Let's face it, Cyndi and Laurie are the Guardians of Green. Chris Costi is the ultimate ambassador for membership in our chapter - and runs a New Member Breakfast with flair and grace. Kathleen took our rag-tag website by the boo-yah and turned it into something we can be proud of. It was Kim Dilbeck's graphic inspiration and lightening fast artistic guidance that brought us the Mayday collateral. Serena - holy moly, what can I say about Serena except that I have zero doubt that she will be running this chapter one day. She is passionate about FM and a model of disciplined professionalism. She will make an excellent leader when the time comes.

Now, it is important to note, that THIS will be the year of the IFMA Gentleman here in Sacramento given the masculine make-up of our current board of directors. Here we are reclining in "dudeness" at the Gala as we ponder all we survey. By the way, I am 5'11" and the average height of our board without me is 6'4". Don't worry, they're "gentle giants."
After the award ceremony, there was dinner and dancing. The emcee was particularly good this year - he reminded me of Dana Carvey.
After the Gala, IFMA Sacramento hosted our Third Annual Gala After Party at a trendy club called "Fuse." It was a great time with many great guests sponsored by Andersen Audio Visual, Corporate Care and SBM Site Services. Chris and Cyndi gave two "from the heart" toasts that, as usual, left me misty once again. Chris Flanders is an IFMA Veteran and his toast left no doubt that he cares for the chapter members in a way that is far more like family than business associates. He makes it clear that without the support of our husbands, wives and families, that putting the volunteer time into IFMA would be impossible. My wife has been a huge support for me by taking up the slack when I am at IFMA meetings. My IFMA participation would be impossible without her. It is an honor to work with an IFMA veteran like Chris. I am proud to be Riker to his Picard. Also, one of the side effects of being a man and working with Cyndi is getting in touch with your ability to cry at the drop of a hat when talking about IFMA, Chapter Members, puppies, sad clowns and golf tournaments. It's a kind of phenomenon that might interest a clinical psychologist. Chris' toast was definitely classic Flanders waterworks for all of us. I am going to start calling him the "Pipe Wrench."
We all had a great time at the after party just enjoying each other's company and the close of another WWP.
Lastly, I would like to say a "Thank You" to someone that comes not only from me, but the entire Sacramento Valley Chapter. There is a person in our chapter who has been our chapter father and mentor to many of us. He is clear-headed in chaos and a comedian under stress. Just knowing he is there if you need him is enough to walk the wire. Chapter of the Year would not have been possible without him. After watching the videos at bestowment of the IFMA Fellow designation at the Gala this year, it was made crystal clear how IFMA Fellows are chosen. They are people who are always there to help with their expertise and guidance for nothing but the love of FM and the organization that supports it. Our resident Fellow is no different. Kit, thank you for everything. We are very, very fortunate to be the cats in your herd.

So, where does this leave us? I can't help but think that this week has given me memories and knowledge that has simply made me a better person in many ways. I am left thinking about something Steve Greenwood said at the Gala after Mr. McGee's presentation. Steve said, "We have to get the whole chapter to feel the same pride for IFMA we all feel right now!" Steve wasn't phoning it in my friends. Like so many FM's that are passionate about their vocation, Steve believes we can make a difference. I am sure by now, if you have been reading this week's blog, you can obviously deduce that I am an emotional guy. I cry at Hallmark card commercials. Hopefully between the laughs, tears and wisecracks, you can see that I truly believe that IFMA is an organization that can make a difference through the many exciting, interesting and dedicated people in its ranks. Ladies and gentlemen, I ask: what will you do today to make a difference? I have a pocket full of pebbles to throw in each of your ponds at the next monthly program. Bring a raincoat.

-WW