October 1, 2007
 
Hello Blues Family,
 
Having comlpeted my first year at the helm I am glad to say that the PBPS is still afloat. The Ol' Prez sends buckets full of thanks to everyone who has contributed to our mission this, and every previous, year. This gig is the ultimate group effort.
 
Quite a year it has been, hasn't it? I began this Presidency literally just before our 20th Blues Challenge, continued through the drizzly but wonderful 21st Carolina Blues Festival and finished Year 1 in the middle of the 21st Blues Challenge.
 
Blues in the Schools continues and with the new Hazelman Family BITS Fund our program can begin expanding. Thank you Dad (Herbert R. Hazelman) for initiating this fund. Contributions to the HF BITS Fund are fully tax-deductible and most welcome. Our goal is to make the Fund self-sustaining. "Teach your children well..."
 
One Highlight of the past year was the night we brought Debbie Davies to Backstreets and she asked Bob Margolin to join her. The venue had not had an event like this so crowd flow was nightmarish and control impossible but the Music was spectacular. Both Debbie and Bob agreed that it was a most special evening.
 
My year has been wonderful. I have met so many people that I really have difficulties keeping names with faces. Be assured that even though your name may escape me, I will remember your face. This occasional embarassmentis worth it since the Blues Family is a great group of folks. Quite a few characters run freely among you and that makes it all the more interesting. Cheers to all.
 
And I would be totally remiss without sending kudos to two VIGs (Very Important Groups.)
 
The PBPS Board of Trustees really make this thing work. They contribute HUGE chunks of thier lives to our beloved Blues. Although being a Blues Preservationist is a labor of love, it still takes up much time and takes us away from family occaisionally. It is worth it though. Thanks y'all. (AND they have covered my butt countless times through this learning curve.)
 
And there are the Musicians who make the Blues happen and the (FEW) Venues that provide an outlet for the Music. These folks are the true Preservationists. Please pardon me for stating the obvious. THANK YOU ALL!
 
With the combined power of Collected Mojo the PBPS should have another excellent year. So...
 
Keep your Mojos workin’,
Casey