What are the most important things in life? It’s not money and success. Those things may satisfy you, but will they make you happy. Enjoy life perhaps, but probably not truly happy.

It’s friends and family that will make you truly happy. Enjoy them while you have them.

I am lucky enough at the age of 51 still to have a Grandmother and April 8, 2010 is her 95th birthday. Also fortunately she is still of sound mind and body. Although both of these gets a little weaker each day.

When asked what she wants for here birthday she say she needs or wants nothing. And this is not a birthday present, but it’s still my tribute. She is without a doubt one of the persons who made me what I am.

Take a few moments pick up the telephone and call a friend or relative. You’ll never know when the last time will be that you have a chance to talk with them. You owe it to yourself and they will enjoy the conversation with you. They are a part of who you are.

Those behind the scenes
There are many people involved and some of them may not even be in attendance. It’s always nice to acknowledge their work, even if it doesn’t directly come to them.

Facilities
Yes, it’s true that when holding a meeting or a conference at a meeting facility they are getting paid for their property and/or services. But again all like to be thanks. Those who do the cooking and serving especially appreciate that extra bit of acknowledgment.

Conference Committee
I have been a part of conference committees and I can tell you the best reward is when someone comes to you and gives their thanks and appreciation.

Sponsors
In many cases the conference or event may not even be held if not for the Sponsors. Giving thanks to them can consist of a number of things, including visiting their booths, their stores or Web page.

Speakers and Presenters
Depending on the meeting or conference the speakers and presenters are main event. They love to hear from those in attendance after they speak.

Attendees
Thank yourself and those around you. The attendees are the most important part.

Those who perform telecommunications duties serve as an indispensable link between the officers and the public, as well as a vital support services in the Public Safety community. The communications operators who provide radio, telephone and computer services are to be commended for their dedication and professionalism. Too often the importance of telecommunications personnel goes unrecognized and their services are taken for granted.

At times they are treated as glorified office clerks. This is a big mistake and a far cry from the job that they perform. It takes a lot of training to be a Telecommunicator and not something that comes easy. They work hours when others are asleep and during holidays. Many are on a schedule that are far from the usual, including those of their own families.

They are the first point of contact with the public’s plea for assistance. While one call may be just a request with a simple answer, the next call may be the most extreme emergency anyone could face. On every call they have to be prepared for the unexpected and at times the unimaginable.

It takes a special type of person to remain calm when speaking to a screaming mother whose child is hurt, or when a Police Officer or Fire Fighter is calling for assistance or when someone that they know is on the other end of the emergency call.

If you happen to see a Communications Officer let them know that they are appreciated for the job they do for your community. Having worked among them for over 20 years, I understand their unique capabilities. Not everyone can do the job that they do each day.

I offer my thanks and gratitude that they are there to answer the call.

They truly are The First Responder.

4/8/2012 – 4/14/2012 ****National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week*******

What are you calling it?
I have heard both Two Thousand Ten and Twenty Ten. I imagine that this will be the year that many begin to move away from Two Thousand and … , towards Twenty Ten. Aren’t we already thinking of 2012 as Twenty Twelve?

Besides Twenty (something) is quicker to say than Two Thousand (something).

We also think back on 1910 as Nineteen Ten and not One Thousand Nine Hundred Ten.

But what ever you want to call it, I hope it’s a good one.

Should we change New Year’s Resolution to New Year’s Goals?
Isn’t that really what they are?

We make goals to lose weight. I would like to lose about 20 pounds.

Or to take better care of our health. I had a minor scare with a cancerous growth on my back this past summer. Lucky for me, it was confined to the growth and after having it removed, I am feeling good.

Or we have a goal to make more money. Mine is to have enough money to continue what I’m doing.

Or we make a goal to keep in touch with old friends. In 2009, I have made contact with friends I had 10 years ago and others that were more than 30. My goal is have more frequent contact with these old friends, as well as the new ones that I made in the past year.

Again Wishing everyone a Very Happy 2010.

Is everything ready for winter? Has the furnace, heat pump, electric heat or wood stove been clean, check and pronounced ready to go? This includes checking the fuel level. The last thing you want is to run out of wood, propane or oil in the middle of a snow storm.

Have battery powered flashlights and radio. Change the batteries and make sure there is a stock available. Know where they are. It seems as if the electric fails after dark.

When leaving the house prepare for the worst. Even if it’s just a quick trip out to put food in the bird feeder. Wear proper clothing for the weather, a coat, gloves, hat and scarf. Take the cell phone or cordless phone with you, just in case of a fall or any other accident.

It’s a good idea to keep a week’s supply of food and water on hand. Have an old fashioned hand can opener available in case the electric goes out and that the food can be eaten without cooking.

For those using prescription medicine, if possible try to have them refilled a week ahead of time so that you can have a week worth of supply available in case of a major storm.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

1) Have a flashlight, battery powered radio and clock. Make sure you also have plenty of fresh batteries to support these devices for a couple of days.

2) Have a telephone that does not need electric to operate. Many people only have a cordless telephone and those do not work without electric.

3) Have at least a 3-day supply of fresh water and non-perishable food. Again if the electric power is out, have an old-fashioned hand operated can opener, since electric ones will not be operable. If your stove is an electric powered one, the food you need is the type that doesn’t need to be cooked.

4) If operating a generator, be sure to run it in well vented area, preferably outside. Even running it in the garage with the doors open could cause carbon dioxide to enter the house.

5) Have extra blankets or sleeping bags in case the electric power does fail.

6) Have important numbers handy, in case you need to make telephone notifications in the dark. Having the repair number for the power company is one such number.