Technically, my third term on the Mountain T.O.P. board of directors had been scheduled to expire at the end of this year. You can’t immediately be reappointed to another three-year term. However, if your services are needed, you can have your term extended, a year at a time, for up to three years.

Well, they want me to stay on for another term as secretary, and I was reappointed tonight.

The past three years have been difficult, with staff changes, financial crises and general angst. But we have definitely turned the corner. Finances are looking up and camper numbers are looking up — but, far more important, there’s a clear vision for the ministry. Ed, Patrick, Betsy, Jeff and Buddy are finding new opportunities for mission and new ways of supporting our existing programs. They are honoring what George Bass achieved during Mountain T.O.P.’s first three decades while taking it into the future, with unforseen challenges and situations. I am looking forward to being on the board in 2007 as we follow through.