Joe Harris

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 A Past President’s Observation: Your Egg Has Two Yolks

The other day my wife made the surprising statement at breakfast that my egg had two yolks. As I write this reflection on the past and present of CCFLT, I thought of this term, two “yolks,” in regards to CCFLT. As president in the late ‘70s, I remember all of the people that helped to make this a vital organization in the early stages. I remember the contributions of Lynn Sandstedt, Bill Lopez, Dan Martinez, Bryce Jackson, Sam Butler, Susan Nunnery and Judy Rodgers.

In more recent history I reflect upon the importance of leaders such as Marie-Jo Hoffman, Michael Nettleton, Toni Thiesen, Kay Herr, Jan Herrera, Susan Colville-Hall, Ron Walker, and many others including numerous board members and officers. They represent the first “yolk.”

The other “yolk” of the organization is the leadership of the more modern era. Such people as Lucy Garcia, Dagmar Haney, Pat Sprock, Janine Erikson, Alain Ranwez, Kathleen Cook and many others whom I am forgetting. Past president Christine Wells andcurrent president David Burrous have led the organzation to even greater heights. The past and present executive-secretaries are unsung heroes: Genevieve Overman, Sam Butler, Ron Walker, Michael Nettleton, and currently Betsy Berwanger.

The future looks very bright for the organization with Judy Cale from Bennett as president-elect and Nancy Abbott from Kremmling as a future president. It is so important to have all areas of the state represented. The board members are the other unsung heroes. The numerous board members and officers have helped CCFLT attain its national reputation as one of the best state foreign language organizations in the country, having hosted ACTFL, Southwest COLT, Central States, AATSP, and other language groups.

Before I became president I was a member for a few short years. After my experience on the board, I continued to make friends within CCFLT for many years to come. I am now retired for three years, and I always look forward to being with my CCFLT friends at the Christmas party for past presidents at Barb and Cal Johnson’s home and the fall and spring conferences.

The “yolks” are now mingled into a strong organization that provides nourishment to all second language colleagues whether novice or veterans. I am truly proud to have been associated with this organization.

Joe Harris

Email: joharris@qwest.net