FROM THE BRIDGE

by Commander Becky Norris

Did everyone make a resolution for this new year? Does everyone intend to keep them? Well, best of luck to all of you. I usually make more resolutions than I can keep just so I'll be able to salvage the ones that are really important to me. I know, I know - that's cheating, but at least I keep a few resolutions each year. Maybe next year I'll resolve not to cheat on my resolutions. Time will tell.

Well, this will definitely be the year of the Fearless. There is nothing to stop us from commissioning into a full-fledged ship, and maintaining our standards as a community-serving, fun-loving bunch of people. Speaking of which, too bad for those of you who missed out on the decorating at the Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Center. It was a terrific time, and the residents were thrilled for us to be there. I know we had a lot of crew people out sick at that time (there have been so many yucky germs flying around, I don't know of anybody who hasn't been ill). But that is the kind of community service that makes you feel really great. And the ornaments looked amazing! Everyone who helped with the paint party should congratulate themselves on the most unusual ornaments I personally have ever laid eyes on. (Applause, applause!)

Everyone put on your thinking caps for our next community service project. We're already planning another Saturday working with Habitat for Humanity, but we'll want to put together something else as well. As spring approaches, we might want to think about volunteering to help clean up a park or something. That would be a worthwhile way to spend a morning.

We also might want to consider a fund-raiser, although let's pass on the bake sale, okay. (I must say, though, there were a lot of tasty goodies left over from that fateful, frosty morning!) We might be better off doing something that takes place indoors.

Anyway, put your thinking caps on about things we can do. And, good luck on your resolutions. Until the meeting, warp speed ahead...

Becky