The newsletter and conference website are in final preparation. Watch  
for both for information about the conference. Many people have done a  
fine job in preparing this conference for you.

Back in 2003 I started lobbying GNSI for a conference in northernmost  
Maine. Over time some key people at both UMFK and GNSI who worked on  
the idea came and went, some to other jobs while a few succumbed to  
illnesses or other life situations that precluded their continuing  
help. They are, although not part of the present team, deserving of  
our thanks for their good efforts. So I thank them.

I especially want to thank Jason Parent who had the knowledge of the  
area and led me to many great resources and to Sally Thibault who,  
although ill, gave me invaluable advice and information. Don Eno,  
UMFK, deserves a big thank you because he has been right there from  
the start, as has Karen Ackoff GNSI. And most of all I thank President  
Richard Cost, UMFK, who was the first to say yes to this conference.

  In summary, I am very happy that UMFK and GNSI have come together to  
create a great conference. My gratitude to every single one of you. It  
delights me to be able to say, "See you in Fort Kent?"   Joan