President’s Letter
April, 2008
Lots of things going on this month in the club!  Year-end judging is coming up.  Those of you that won a first, second, third, or honorable mention need to bring those photos to the May meeting.  They will be collected and taken to Ron and Sandy’s home where the judging will take place on May 15^th.  Make sure they are either mounted or matted with the proper label per the competition rules.  Copies of the competition rules were handed out at the last meeting.  If you need a copy let me know.  As a reminder no members other than the judging committee are allowed to view the judging. 

The year-end judging will have three outside judges determining first, second, and third places in each of four categories.  For colored prints the categories are AA and A.  The other categories are Slides and Monochrome Prints.  There will also be the Photograph of the Year and Photographer of the Year awards. The winners will be presented at the year-end banquet at JJ North, June 4.  Those who want to eat, be there at 6:30pm.  Awards program is scheduled to start at 7:30pm. 

Wednesday, April 16^th  is the first Third Wednesday of the Month gathering!  Anyone have any ideas on what we should call this meeting?  I’m tired of calling it The Second Meeting of the Month or the Third Wednesday of the Month!  Gotta be an easier label.  We are going to run this “TWM” thing a couple of times to see what sort of attendance we get.  If it goes like I hope it will the “TWM” will be a continuing event.  Topic for this first meeting is Nels Hebgen’s “The Mechanics of Photography.” Other topics of interest will be featured in each meeting.    Next meeting is on May 21^st.   Topic to be announced. 

Also coming up is the overnight field trip to the John Day Fossil Beds and Painted Hills.  Our focus (heh heh) will be on the Painted Hills near Mitchell, OR.

The plan is to leave GP on Friday, May 2 and spend as much time in the area as we can and be there for early morning and late afternoon light.  Some of us may stay through Saturday and Sunday and return home Monday.  This should be a great photo opportunity!  Check out the website at www.nps.gov/joda/ . We have a group rate of $45 at the Historical Oregon Hotel – 104 E. Main St. Mitchell, OR 541-462-3027. 

Our year is coming to a close with the May meeting being the last official meeting of the year.  The June meeting will be the year-end banquet.  The “TWM” gatherings may well last through the summer months depending upon interest and attendance.  It’s been a great year for the club.  Membership is up.  Interest is high.  We have a group of outstanding photographers willing to share their knowledge and expertise to those looking to improve their photo skills. 

It has been my pleasure serving as your president for the last two years.  The new officers will take their places at the year-end banquet.  2009 promises to be our best year yet!