An Electric Summer...

Happy Summer! 

Finally, we can bask in the sunlight and not excuse the wasted days in pajamas on the couch watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy in June because its raining.  With the coming of sun, we can relish watermelon in the backyard, outdoor concerts, secret river spots, impromptu picnics on Mt. Tabor and anything else you relate to summer in Portland.  Also, it is the time when Electric Toaster officers past the baton to their successors.



To celebrate Portland's true summer arrival date, July 4 (a little late I know), I thought we would get to know some of our new officers and their favorite past times and sentiments about our nation's birthday.   


Note that some did send thoughts in and others did not have the chance... for those non-respond-ers, well any Electric Toaster actually, I invite you to respond to the post and let us know what inspires and excites you about summer and/or July 4 or what is your fondest memory of the 4th of July:

• President – Mike Fajen: The 4th of July has always been kind of magical to me.  The anticipation of slightly unpredictable fireworks - shared by friends and family makes for a memorable moment, but the point of Independence Day also reminds me of some things I appreciate about our country.  Our country is a full spectrum:  On one end, our freedom creates opportunity for corruption and greed.  But on the other end, our freedom creates opportunity for immeasurable good.  As we seek to improve our communication skills, we're better equipped to improve our world, to tap into immeasurable good and find ways of extending good to others.  For that and other opportunities, I celebrate our freedom! 
• We see Mike's eloquence flows from his speeches to his writing.

• VP-Public Relations – Jeff Brooks: Jeff and his wife tied the knot on July 5th, so the 4th always helps remind him not to forget his anniversary!  (Good call on setting that wedding date) The morning of the 4th is typically spent outside doing something fun (this year water-skiing is planned) and then usually BBQ with family & friends in the afternoon / evening.  

• Secretary – Kat Latet: You might have alluded from my opening paragraph some of my favorite summer pastimes.  On top of these, I would partner my watermelon with a healthy portion of BBQ, brisket, chicken, pork shoulder, I am not picky and a great local Oregon beer.

• Sergeant-at-Arms – Joanne Neavoll: What she enjoy most about the 4th of July is baseball, not Beaver baseball, but Red Sox baseball,  the coast and ice cream...my favorite is Ben & Jerry's New York super fudge chunk.

Just for your records, our other electrifying, Electric Toaster Officers are:

- Wei Chiang, VP of Education

- Angela Mahoney, VP of Membership

- Craig Jones, Treasurer

Here's to the next year of Electric Toasters and here's to summer!