Section Staff’s Message Kayla Bronson & Trina Carman Section Staff A nother year down, another successful New York Water Event & Expo in Saratoga Springs! It was Kayla’s first Spring Event, but she feels it went successfully: “I had these fears that I would be so overrun with things to do and I wouldn’t meet everyone’s expectations, but I feel much more confident now. I think everything went as well as possible, and I’m excited for the 2014 event now!” Positive comments were received on evaluation forms from the conference, including the food (which, we’ll agree was very tasty) and the friendly staff and volunteers. To those who agree, we thank you for your positivity. We appreciate all feedback so that we can better improve our trainings in all ways possible for our members. All of the contests were very exciting! Although Top Ops winners, Monroe County Water Authority, clearly beat the competition, it was very exciting to see the battle for the title. Meter Madness was just that – madness! The contestants had been preparing for the event, and when push came to shove, John Perperian of Onondaga County Water Authority conquered the victory. Congrats, John! Next was the Best Tasting Drinking Water Contest. Between three utility members, the City of Canandaigua was the clear winner of the contest. We want to extend a huge “Thank you” to all of the volunteers who assisted us at the Water Event & Expo in April. Whether you helped behind the registration desk, stamped attendance sheets, took pictures, gave a presentation, headed a committee, were involved in one of our many activities, or even fetched Trina, Kayla, or Mona a cup of water, we’re extremely thankful! You are all such wonderful, cheerful, and talented people. We’re glad we had the opportunity to work alongside of you. We’re sad to see Nick Kochan (J.L. Moore) and past chair, Mike Marino (CRA), leave the Board, but we’re so happy to see that Jim Roberts (NYC DEP) and Chris Wheland (City of Troy) have joined the ranks. Nick, you’ve been very helpful throughout your tenure on the Board – from your Board duties to fixing things at the office (leaking pipes in the basement) – we’re so lucky to have worked with you. And Mike, you aren’t going far as we’ve already recruited you to help with the Scholarship Committee. Things have been very busy around the office – 2013 Training Sessions are well under way, so sign up quickly online for the remaining classes. Also, Kayla has been very busy travelling to various conferences for NYWARN, alongside the NYWARN co-chairs. In the meantime, we’re still working on increasing and retaining NYSAWWA memberships, improving our training sessions, and helping our members be the best water professionals they can be! If you have any questions about volunteering with the Section, contact Kayla or Trina any time! There are so many opportunities for all different personalities with different time constraints. Whether you’re looking for something that’s only a few hours a month or a few hours a day, there is a volunteer position that can fit your schedule. There are great people on our teams, so if you’re great, too, you should join! Thank you, again, for everything you do! - Kayla Bronson and Trina Carman 6 SPRING/SUMMER 2013 AqUARIUS