There are so many people here and so many connections-people that have been doing environmental work together for 20+ years, and many connections that reach far beyond the room. At lunch yesterday I sat with 3 other people and between us had friendships or collegial relationships with about 20 other people that weren’t present. “Oh you know her! She and go all the way back to …” That type of thing, again and again.

In many ways this is a community of practice, of common purpose- working to build a sustaining prosperous world for all of us.

 One old friend and comrade is not here this year. Joan Bavaria, the primary driving force behind the founding of CERES and its Chairperson for most of its history passed away last year. But her vision and labors live on in the progress that has been made over the past 20 years and the commitment and action of those who carry on her legacy. When one is really engaged in important work, a little thing like death doesn’t get in the way. I miss her smile and passion, her wit and grace. But I can feel her all around in the conversations, learning and work that live on.

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