MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thoughts from President Mark F. LeClerc

I wish to thank David Newhouse M.D. for his guidance and help in initiating some of the necessary changes we are about to adopt.

Our society has just passed a milestone with its 225th. Quarterly Dinner (When Howard Maccabee, M.D. Ph.D. presented not only a very educational "Recent Research on Health Benefits of Wine" discussion, but also reviewed the wonderful wine trip members took to South America in March.

I believe that we must admit that during the last two years our society has experienced the ending of one era of its history and the beginning of another. We are so fortunate to have Susan Guerguy as our executive secretary. She has all the qualities and abilities that Leon and Caryl contributed to make our society a true and valued institution.

In light of the primary goals of the society "to stimulate scientific research on wine, develop an understanding of its beneficial effects and encourage an appreciation of the conviviality and good fellowship that are part of the relaxed and deliberate manner of living that follow its proper use", we have voted to amend the bylaws to increase the membership categories. While our society will always remain primarily a M.D./D.D.S. forum, we can now also enjoy the contribution of other direct care patient providers. They will of course be required to demonstrate a highly active interest in the health benefits of wine and all the above stated primary goals.

Also in recognition of changing times we have acknowledged numerous requests to change the event schedule. Please note that we will try to schedule all events on weekends in the future, so that the desire to bring guests (M.D's. spouses or significant others) will not be a problem. The fear of the following morning coming too soon will be mute!

Please help us to keep life in our society by bringing guests and sponsoring new members who will contribute to our stated goals. This society will continue to offer excellence only if we all participate.