Lincolnland Club and District Leaders,

'Twas the night before our District Convention 
And in my house I was quite scurrying, 
As I was finalizing last minute preparations 
I had one thought that kept me worrying.

I've had the honor of serving as District President 
And met great Exchangites in our Lincolnland ranks, 
So I kept wondering what would be the best way 
To properly express my deepest thanks.

So I asked my parents, who did this 30 years before, 
"What's the right way for gratitude to be expressed?" 
Their familiar response which I've heard through the years, 
"There is no right way.  Just do your best."

So with that in mind, I sat down and reflected 
On what was a quite memorable year, 
And I give my appreciation to all Exchangites 
Who make Lincolnland a district so dear.

I say "Thanks" for giving me the opportunity 
To visit clubs and speak Exchange lingo, 
To install officers and share camaraderie 
And to experience fundraisers of bingo.

To flip pancakes, serve ribs, and pour beverages 
To enjoy delicious chili and plates of spaghetti, 
To walk cautiously through a Haunted House 
And to march proudly as Time Out Teddy.

To tie blue ribbons, to bowl for charity 
To donate blood, and to share Holiday cheer, 
To attend drawdown, mystery, and cycling events 
To thank Police Officers and Firefighters of the Year.

To attend inspiring One Nation Under God programs 
To honor our proud veterans, young and old, 
To recognize the accomplishments of our youth 
And to honor those who do Deeds of Gold.

I thank you for your great hospitality 
But I thank you more for what you do, 
To improve the quality of our communities 
Through your volunteerism and dedication too.

To Alton, Belleville, and Beardstown 
To Bloomington, Galesburg, and Aledo, 
To Charleston, Paxton, and Rantoul 
I say "Thanks" from myself and Toledo.

Your commitment to Americanism shines 
In all Lincolnland Clubs like Mattoon, 
Champaign, Urbana, and Aurora 
Shorewood, Gurnee Breakfast and Noon.

To Counties Greater Kendall and West DuPage 
To Bolingbrook and Clubs of Excel, 
To Lockport, LMV, and Grayslake 
Thanks for your great Community Service as well.

To Waukegan, North Chicago, and Quincy 
To Areas of DeKalb-Sycamore and Round Lake, 
Your commitment to Programs for Youth 
Serves our next generation for goodness' sake.

To all Lincolnland Clubs like Naperville 
Joliet, and the Cities Tri and Quad, 
Your dedication to the Prevention of Child Abuse 
Is reason enough to stand and applaud.

I thank all Lincolnland Exchangites for knowing 
That "heart" is measured on what you give, 
So thank you for working together to make 
Our communities better places to live.

I thank you for accepting the divine privilege 
For volunteering and always answering the call, 
To Serve in Unity with those seeking better conditions 
Better understandings, and greater opportunities for all.

So as our Exchange year draws to a close 
I just have one final phrase to exclaim. 
Lincolnland!  Thanks for all you do 
With the Power and in the Spirit of Exchange!

Scot

Scot Warren 
Lincolnland District President, 2009 - 2010 
The Power of Exchange - Be Inspired!

Home: (630) 527-9130, swwarren@att.net 
Work: (815) 609-2137, scot.warren@veoliawater.com