It’s my favorite season of the year – Autumn/Fall. I love this time of year for a few reasons.
I grew up in the Midwest. From my perspective, nothing compares to a beautiful crisp fall day. Campfires, s’mores, hot chocolate, warm apple cider, caramel apples, changing of the leaves, sweaters, scarves and family time together. Every Thanksgiving was spent in Three Oaks, Michigan with my mom’s side of the family in a little red cabin house. We drove up from Chicago, all bundled up, with our side-dishes wrapped in foil and towels to stay as warm as possible. We would watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade together while the turkey cooked, and then after dinner (always at 2pm) half of us would make grapevine wreaths, and the rest would watch football. Then we would go for a walk together and listen to stories of how one of Al Capone’s hideout locations was just down the street. It’s been almost 20 years since we were all together… and I’m so thankful that we took that last picture together in 2006. It’s one of the last times we were (mostly) all together. The family looks much different these days as several members have passed on. Capture and cherish your moments together. Take the picture. Make memories.
Another reason I love this time of year is our FPRA membership renewal drive. We continue to set the PR Pace year after year. New members, renewals, new student members… I’m so excited to watch our chapter continue to grow and foster relationships both on a personal and professional level. At the time that I am writing this, we are currently leading the State in the Membership Drive for 3 weeks in a row! Why is membership renewal important before 10/31? First, it helps to ensure that the Association starts the year off at a healthy financial position. Second, each chapter receives their first membership rebate check at the first State Executive Board meeting the first weekend in November – this also helps ensure our Chapter starts the year healthy. And third, we don’t want anyone to miss out on those extra member benefits! Let’s keep our #focusforward!
And finally, the “fresh start” effect of fall. The crisp, light air of fall is in contrast to the heavy, humid air of summer. Fall also has a distinct aroma that I really love; a blend of rain, soil, grass, tree bark, and leaves. I always feel like breathing in deeper, longer breaths and simply filling my lungs with all the scents of nature when I smell this aroma. This time of year brings with it a cozy routine. The weather is also beneficial to mental health since it is cooler and allows for more mental clarity. The crisper air and breathtaking foliage—yes, largely outside—of Florida) encourages us to spend time in nature, which has been connected with improvements in our happiness, wellbeing, relationships, and sense of having a life purpose. Fall brings most individuals back to their regular routines, which encourages friends getting together and socializing… which brings me to the next update/reminder!
Coffee Talk Begins Next Wednesday! Join us at Symmetry Coffee’s new location (101 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, Florida, 34470) at 8 a.m. Coffee Talk is a new networking series where we’ll bring guests in to speak about communications practices for the first half hour and network for the second half. No presentations, just discussions, and conversations. Who better to start the series off than Mike Mills, Symmetry Coffee’s Owner, who will share the preparation and promotion details behind his relocation process. If you are planning to attend, please let Greg Davis know so he can reserve seating!
Yours in Service, Lindsay
p.s. On behalf of the board, I want to personally thank the chapter membership for providing valuable insight and feedback in our chapter surveys. One area for professional development that has yielded numerous requests was for a webinar series. In January we will be launching a monthly webinar series via zoom. More to come in my mid-month update.