We are all saddened to learn of the death of ARRL President Emeritus George Wilson, W4OYI. The service information was sent to you earlier today. CEO Sumner will attend the services on behalf of ARRL.

For those of us that knew George personally and were on the board at the time of his stoke several years ago, you will recall the saddened and stressful environment we were all in the morning the doctors had given up all hope of his recovery and the family had made the difficult decision to disconnect George from life support. While we were all waiting around that morning for what we thought would be very sad news, we received just the opposite. After removal of life support systems George awoke from his non-responsive state and thus began what was a long road of recovering as much of a normal life with his disability as possible. The years that have followed were difficult for George and his family, I'm sure, but amateur radio made these past years as enjoyable as possible for George. His presence will certainly be missed.

This past weekend the Administration & Finance Committee met at ARRL HQ, under the leadership of Chairman Jim Fenstermaker. The meeting was productive and very efficient. As soon as staff has time to incorporate the recommendations and instructions from the Committee, the 2009 Plan will be sent to you for review prior to it's consideration for adoption at the 2009 Annual Meeting.

And speaking of the 2009 Annual Meeting, it is not to soon to begin work on your reports. The deadline for submittal will be Monday, January 12. As usual this will allow time to prepare the reports for the board meeting books as well as give everyone an opportunity to review them prior to the meeting.

We have a lot to be thankful for, not just as a Board but personally and as radio amateurs. Frankly, each and everyone one of us should take a moment and prepare a list of 20 things we are thankful for in our lives. I can assure you it will put your frame of mind in the right perspective during this holiday time and beyond.