by Nygel

         

            The Clearwater, FL Ataxia Support Group has been busy lately.  We had a group celebration for Thanksgiving and Christmas, a transfer of leadership, and we found a new meeting place.

            Our November 9, 2002 meeting was held at Feather Sound Community Church in Clearwater for the last time.  Members brought food for a Thanksgiving feast.  The food was delicious, and the company was fantastic.  We met a new member and shared many laughs.  It became more entertaining when the group exchanged gifts in a game (some were gags).  All in all, it was a light-hearted meeting, a good time.

The occasion also marked Joyce's last meeting as leader.  She did an excellent job leading the group for 11 long and wonderful years.  The group is profoundly thankful for her perseverance and dedication.  If it were not for her and her husband Joe, the group would not have lasted.  Fortunately, she remains an active member of--and an asset to--the group.  She passed the torch to Nygel, the new leader.

January 11, 2003 was the first official meeting under the leadership of Nygel.  The group met at a new meeting place, Panera Bread, which is a restaurant located in Clearwater.  Meeting highlights include: Welcoming new members and learning about them; discussing attending the upcoming national meeting in Atlanta, and many will; and the idea of continuing our annual picnic was raised, and the group approved it.  The picnic is planned for our April meeting date.

            On a personal note, I want to thank all the support group members who attended my first meeting as leader for making it a success, and I look forward to building on that.