September is here, but where is the cooler weather? I am sure it is around the corner. Speaking of heat, unlike our crazy national election, the ETGS board is running smoothly. Thanks to a dedicated group of seasoned volunteers ready to continue their duties and two new members, Jared Morris and Nathan Spencer,  who are bringing in some fresh ideas.  These new members will be taking a poll to gauge the interest in these ideas at our September meeting, so be sure to attend:  Cascades Country Club, September 28th at 11:30 AM. Don’t forget to RSVP online.

Our next social event on the calendar is the golf tournament. Nick Pollard always does a wonderful job with this event. Mark your calendar for October 10th. We will have more information coming soon on the website. Matt Bailey is planning and coordinating our Tech Expo this spring set for March 27th and 28th. Lastly, Rich Adams will again organize our Skeet Shoot set for May 6th. We really appreciate these dedicated members for doing such a great job on our annual events and generously giving of their time.

It has been said that the oil industry is not for the faint of heart.   That has definitely been true this past year.  Fortunately some of the major service companies say we have turned the corner, and activity in the oil patch is picking up!  So I feel we can start this new season with optimism about our industry and look forward to an exciting year. 
 
I am honored to serve as president of East Texas Geological Society.  I have received so much knowledge, camaraderie and support from this wonderful society for many years; it is a pleasure to be able to contribute.  I believe I am the first woman to serve in this position, at least in recent memory, and hopefully I will not be the last. Being new to the ETGS board, I am overwhelmed to discover the amount of time, effort and service these board members give to our society and have done for so many years. 

This will be my final President’s letter to the Society.  I wasn’t too sure what I wanted to write about this month, so I reviewed all the letters I wrote to the Society for the last two years.  I guess I have kind of used this “Bully Pulpit” as an opinion page to address some of the philosophical ideas I hold, and I’ve had a ball doing that.  Most of the points I feel strongly about have already been covered, so no more philosophizing. Being President of the East Texas Geological Society has been an honor.  As most of you know, I’m a little rough around the edges and don’t mind poking a little fun at myself (or others for that matter), but I am passionate about our science and our Society and will continue to serve both to the best of my ability.  I encourage each of you to do the same, especially the YPs out there.