First off, I hope the New Year finds all of you and your families doing well. Unfortunately, last year was not such a good one for many families when it came to violence, punctuated most recently by the school massacre in Connecticut.

Please let this be a reminder that nowhere is immune from this type of tragedy. Be alert to what is going on around you.

As for your association, the New Year brings you a new executive board. We are very excited to get down to business. There is a lot to get done.

Your new executive board will need your participation. Please encourage everyone you can to attend the first general memebership meeting, to be held on Februrary 7th at 6:00 pm at Las Vegas Academy's cafeteria.

I cannot stress enough how different things are going to be run within the association. You will be the key players, making most of the imporatant decisions, deciding as a group what is best for all of us. The executive board is here to represent you, not run you. It is your assosciation. You will decide what is and is not important.

Unfortunately, you cannot be an effective member if you are not involved in the process. Coming to next months first general membership meeting is the first step. A considerable amount of important information will be discussed. Be there, and bring as many members with you as possible. It is really that important.

Please think about what YOU would like to see added to the upcoming contract. Bring a list of your top three ideas to the Feb 7th meeting.

If you need anything please call me on my personal cell # 702 659-1462. Please do not call me on Dept. phone regarding union business.

Again, Happy New Year, be safe, and see you on February 7th.

Erik.