Dear Members of TROT,
I am not going to dwell on the unexpected and unforeseeable events of 2020, both globally and internally. I took the position of Interim President because TROT was an organization that embraced my ideas and consistently appreciated my efforts. Whenever an idea came up on how we can best benefit our membership, the executives gave me the freedom to make it happen. This is what I found most remarkable about this organization.
With that said, we are not going to let any of the negative things of 2020 get in our way for 2021. We will embrace all that is good in our community and listen to our members because they are the true driving force of any good organization. While an elected Board has some tough decisions, it should always be made with the good of the whole at heart.
We are an organization that started in Maryland in order to preserve and protect our trails, and to prevent the loss of the beautiful trails we already enjoyed in Maryland to new housing developments and endeavors that attempted to limit our access.. TROT’s GOAL has always been to work with officials and landowners in order to save the trails and our access to them. With that said, I believe we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the trails by providing manpower, our voices, and financial support. You are part of a community whose numbers matter when decision-makers are looking at our trails— in how they will vote and where they will administer resources.
Let’s remember why TROT began and then ask ourselves the following questions. Is what I am doing best for the good of the group? How can I honor the people that have gone before me to complete their vision? How can I share the joy and wisdom I have gained with new people?
We look forward to working with you all.
Carolann