The holiday season is upon us bringing the usual crowded malls, busy schedules and parties with friends and family. Somewhere in the craziness we hope you can find a bit of quiet time to reflect on the year that has passed. Individually, we've impacted seniors and their families, one by one. Collectively, we've impacted the community, the policy makers, and the issues that affect our clients. We say goodbye to 2013, a year packed with change, dissension and growth. And we welcome 2014, bright with promise, opportunities and new ideas to continue making a difference in the aging industry. Thank you for being part of MASWA this year.

I am always shocked how fast the time flies in the month of December. Calendars fill up so quickly with added social events and last minute projects that got put off until the end of the year. There are also all of the holiday tasks that need to be completed - no wonder everyone wants to celebrate when the New Year arrives! I guess it is good to know that MASWA is consistent with the same issues. We are trying to wrap up some loose ends - specifically regarding our website - and are looking forward to starting fresh in 2014.

We have a board consisting of dedicated professionals that are ready to take on the objectives identified at our board retreat. The three biggies are: strengthening our written infrastructure (including committee descriptions and duties); exploring our financial processes and expanding the use of our website for our members to create additional value. Please let me or any of our board members know if there are any questions that we can answer for you or anything you would like us to address.

I hope you are able to spend time with your family and friends this holiday season - I look forward to working with you in 2014.

2014 Membership renewal is now available for all members!  All members should have received an email containing the following link to renew and pay for their 2014 membership.  New members can go on the website to sign up as a 2014 member of MASWA and follow the instructions below..  We look forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as many new faces in 2014. So go online and renew or sign up. It is quick and easy and membership is only $20 for the full year!  Membership benefits include monthly networking and educational meetings with CEU's available, reduced cost to attend the fall aging conference and spring luncheon, a chance to be involved in a community of other caring senior workers, and presence on the MASWA website.  Remember, as always, each membership is individual, not for a company.  So we hope to see everyone in 2014!