Hurray!!! Finally fall is nearly here! I for one am so glad...summer was dreadfully hot here! Time for things to start to wind down, settle in, and shorter days (for those of us in the northern half).

I'm sure you all know, if you read the message sent through our Announce Lists, that our dear Idgie has decided to leave us. Although I'm so sad about losing her gentle guidance, I'm thrilled that her home business has taken off like it has. She'll remain on the webring, therefore still a WOSIB member. With that bit of news comes even better news - Akaysha has agreed to step up permanently in the Co-Leader slot!!! We are so lucky to be graced with someone of her organizational skills, legal background, and common sense to be there to help me lead our wonderful organization! She has been a godsend these past few months. Idgie was more than pleased to turn the reins over to her, and knows that she will do her best to preserve the ideal of WOSIB.

Akaysha will continue to be Members Manager, and is heading the Revue Garden until we can find a replacement. Besides those duties, she also assists the Directory Team, the Spoiling Team in TLC, and has been instrumental in getting WOSIB back on track with artist copyright issues. I hope all members will get a chance to know her.

Speaking of copyright, this is a reminder that WOSIB is now ZERO TOLERANCE for copyright infringement. Your garden heads have all the information needed for anyone who makes graphics, adoptions, websets, gifts, quilt squares, etc for WOSIB purposes. Your cooperation in this will be greatly appreciated!!

Well, that's all from me this month. I know our newsletter goes out after the fact, but I hope everyone took a moment to remember the tragedy of 9-11 and maybe give a brief prayer, lit a candle, meditation, whatever, in rememberance of all those lost.

Hugs,
Jeri
WOSIB Leader

Although I know that Idgie will be missed as an active member and Co-Leader of WOSIB, I'd like to say that I'm truly honoured to be able to step up and assume the duties of Co-Leader with Jeri. Its a scary proposition LOL, and doubly so knowing how much effort and dedication our previous Co-Leaders put into their tasks, but I just want to assure everyone that I will do my absolute best for WOSIB as a whole and for WOSIB members.

I truly want to thank our Garden Staff for working tirelessly on the copyright issues we've decided to tackle. It's high time that WOSIB joined the ranks of those online that respect copyright, be it of artists, writers, musicians etc., and I know its going to be a difficult transition for some. As Jeri indicated, please don't hesitate to contact your Garden Head or Jeri or me if you have any questions in this regard, as we're not expecting everyone to know the ins and outs immediately LOL. This used to be a very “grey” area legally, but is being enforced more and more, and we'll be able to say with pride that we're doing everything we can!

The date 9/11 will be etched in our memories permanently, and my thoughts and a little prayer go out to the families of those who lost loved ones so needlessly in 2001. As citizens of the world we must never forget.

Fall is in the air... I think I'll go enjoy the sunshine for a while and try to bottle some of the warmth for February *grins*

Hugs to all!

Akaysha
WOSIB Co-Leader