It's hard to believe we are already a quarter of the way into 2024. In that short period of time, we've accomplished so much! In January, our chapter was well-represented at the National meeting in Biloxi, MI, where the first African American woman National President, La'Verne Edney, was sworn in. What a fabulous event it was! I so enjoyed meeting her friends and family, and hearing the amazing accomplishments she has achieved in her career, as shared by her law partner who introduced her. Surely, our National Organization is in more than capable hands this year with La'Verne.
Soon, we will embark on the 2024 International Trip, and many from our chapter are signed up. We will begin in Athens, Greece on May 3, then board a cruise ship where we will cruise the Greek and Turkish Isles for seven magical nights. We disembark in Catania, Sicily, where we will explore Taormina for 4 days before heading home. If you've never gone on an international trip with ABOTA, I encourage you to do so. There's still room on this trip, and there's no better way to travel and make new friends from all over the country.
Our Spring Dinner will take place April 24, at the Tustin Ranch Golf Course. Those who are long-standing chapter members will recall this dinner used to be held annually at Tommy Bahama. Our chapter has grown so much, we had to look for a bigger venue, and for the past two years have been trying out different locations. I look forward to hearing how you all enjoy this beautiful venue, which has a panoramic view of the golf course, as well as delicious food and drink. If you haven't signed up yet, please do so, and don't forget to dress Hawaiian! Here's a link: https://www.ocabota.org/springdinner.html
In June, we will travel to Seattle for the second National meeting of the year. I'm proud to announce that Orange County is, for the third time, a finalist for ABOTA Chapter of the Year (Large Chapter Category) alongside San Francisco and Sacramento Valley! Shout out to Cal-ABOTA, for having three finalists within its chapter for 2023! The Small Chapter finalists are Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Rio Grande Valley. It's a quick flight to Seattle, so we invite all OC members to join and celebrate June 27-30 in Seattle!
Lastly, I want to encourage all members to get involved in our Chapter's good works. Many of you volunteered to do the Mendez Tribute Monument presentations, and there is so much more to do if you want to be involved. Reach out to one of our executive board members if you're interested.
Let's continue make the rest of 2024 as great as the first three months!
Pamela S. Traut
President | Orange County ABOTA