Revised:  06/28/2008

Text of Maria Burns' address to members.
NYSADVS Annual Meeting--June 5, 2008

Two years ago, when Kathy asked me to be her Vice President, I knew that if I said "yes" it would eventually lead to this day. I want to thank you all for accepting me as the next leader of this extraordinary and unique association.
Over the past few weeks, so many of you have given me such kind words of encouragement and support. I sincerely thank you for that. It is a little daunting to think that I will be responsible, for the next two years, for leading such a group of talented and dynamic people. I will, no doubt, be calling upon many of you to share your expertise. When I do, I hope that you will say "yes".
To all the women who served as president of this great association before me--thank you for saying "yes" when it was your time and for being role models for me and for those who follow.
I want to publicly thank my mentor and friend, Mimi Makovitzy-Feinstein, who, 21 years ago this month, took a chance on someone with minimal related experience and hired me as her assistant. I couldn't have asked for a stronger, gentler, wiser, more innovative mentor to teach me the DVS fundamentals and then some. I stand here today, Mimi, the fruits of your labor. Thank you for saying "yes" to me.
My fellow Greater New York Chapter members--I will never forget how you always gave me support back when my facility wouldn't, and how all of you rallied around me 3 1/2 years ago when I faced the sudden loss of my spouse. How happy I am that so many of you are here today to celebrate this special occasion with me. Thank you for everything.
To all the new members of the association--don't ever take lightly or overlook the value of the people sitting next to you in this room today. They will always say "yes" to you.
Several weks ago, I had the pleasure of viewing the movie "Miss Potter". It portrayed the life of Beatrix Potter, the creator of the Peter Rabbit children's book series. While the romantic in me viewed it as a sometimes-tragic love story, the writer in me saw it as a testimonial to creative talent.....what can happen to it when it is encouraged and applauded, and what can happen to it when it is unacknowledged and dismissed.
The movie opens with these lines: "There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never know where it's going to take you."
Today, I am excited to be writing the first words of another chapter of my story.....and you will all be a part of that story. So wake up every day ready to pay attention to the words of your story. Every day, be grateful for all that you are, for all that you know, and for all that you can do. And when your story leads you down a new path, even if it's an unexpected one, don't be afraid to say "yes". You never know where it's going to take you.