Did you vote? DPS ballots must be returned to Paul Nelson before April 5 or turned in at the start of the April 6 meeting.
The Nominating Committee has proposed a slate of experienced and capable DPS members. All are so well qualified that it is impossible to cast an incorrect vote for the Nominating Committee. I do urge you, however, to vote yes on the By-law changes. Most of these changes have been badly needed for several years. The changes will, among other things, make elections for Management Committee and peak list changes more responsive to the wishes of DPS members and eliminate much of the confusion attending elections.
With the end of the Desert Peaks season approaching, I wish to thank those who worked unselfishly so that the DPS could provide trips and programs during the past year. John Hellman, Vice Chairman, for analyzing the peaks list in detail and for scheduling peaks that haven't been climbed in recent years. Mike Manchester, for performing the duties of both Secretary and Treasurer and for changing the reading of the minutes from a boring occasion to the highlight of every meeting. Phil Bruce, Program Chairman early in the year, for rescuing us from Youth Services Center, and George Hubbard, Program Chairman for the rest of the year, for rescuing us from the Department, of Water and Power. Ron Fracisco, for ably representing us at the Angeles Chapter Council. Howard Stephens, for keeping us informed on conservation matters. And Barbara Reber, for performing an outstanding job of editing and publishing the DESERT SAGE.
Most of all I wish to thank the trip leaders, the persons who make the DPS possible. Special recognition should go to John Backus, who led the most trips (4) to 8 peaks, and Roy Ward, who led the most peaks (9) on 3 different trips (including trips currently scheduled). In reality, leadership should not be measured in quantitative terms and many other fine leaders should be mentioned but because of space limitations I can only say "many thanks" to all of you.
See you at the banquet May 2.