The unwarranted and unworthy level of contention among Board members is bothersome and occasionally painful.  But next to having lost a daughter in 2018, it pales to insignificance.  It also pales as I think about the smile on my 3 year old daughter's face when she told me that she "got it".  She said that "Your voice is coming out of the box in his car." It pales when I think of the magic of the hobby, of connecting to people all over the world, of exchanging New Year's greetings with a ham in Barcelona and one in a lighthouse in Maine this afternoon.  Amateur radio, to a large extent, gave me the initial technical and communications skills allowing me to succeed in three careers. You and I, whether we agree or disagree, on some point of arcane privilege or action, can agree on what the hobby/avocation has done for us. Let me close this year by thanking each of you for helping to keep ham radio alive and well.  We share a special set of experiences and knowledge.  We share an obligation to enable others to take advantage of ham radio to enrich their lives. So as the clock moves to end 2018, I wish you and your families prosperity, happiness, and friendship in 2019. 73, Art K0AIZ --- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Vice Director