The January Presidents’ meeting focused on public policy and the importance of advocacy. Please pay close attention to the Public Policy articles provided monthly by Judy Prince (page 2). This year we may see more emphasis on policy than on budgets.

Our state president, Emily Hitchens, proposed the idea of a state program to increase conversations regarding current world events. One suggestion she made was a book group for state members. An example of a book we might consider is The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine by Michael Scott-Baumann. This idea was met with enthusiasm, and more information will follow.

I want to thank Mary Pilkington, Linda Demetre and Mary Raymond for arranging the speaker from Helion Energy in Everett. The presentation was exhilarating and filled me with hope for a future which includes clean energy solutions.

I hope you are all staying warm and well. Spring is just around the corner; bulbs will be blooming, and our days will be warmer and longer.

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast!” Alexander Pope (1733)