PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Greg Page President, LRBRA
I had just finished quarantine after returning from out of state, and was back on the job. First on the list was a final inspection on a home in Tuftonboro. This one, like many I inspect, was built by a LRBRA member. As I walk through the home admiring the craftsmanship, I can’t help but to think of the challenges the builder encountered completing this home. In the best of times, and under the best conditions, completing a home is a challenge. It’s a lengthy process that requires careful planning. Throw COVID into the mix, along with soaring lumber prices, material and labor shortages, extended lead times, and it becomes a monumental task to build a house. The owner of the home I’m walking through is very pleased with both the home and the builder. This builder did a lot of things right.
The challenges I stated above, does not begin to scratch the surface of what each of us has gone through this past year. The personal challenges can have far greater impact on our lives than work related ones. In spite of all this, I see determination and “can do” attitudes in all of you. I like visiting the job sites because it’s there, where spirits are the highest. The framing crews I visit by the lake in New Durham, or the one on the side of the mountain in New Hampton, seem oblivious to the cold. They like what they do. For them, and for so many others, the job site is a place to escape all the craziness in the world. For eight hours nothing else matters. Not politics, not COVID, not even the freezing cold temperatures.
I also see our LRBRA Officers, Directors and committee members working hard behind the scenes. Every one of them is extremely busy, balancing work and family. But they somehow find time to attend our meetings, and to take care of this organization’s day to day business. The Finance Committee continues to meet our financial obligations. The Parade of Homes committee is meeting regularly, gearing up for the Columbus Day Weekend event. The golf committee has begun planning our June event. Our Workforce Development Committee is working closely with the Huot Center on the modular house, while the Scholarship Committee is beginning the process of carefully selecting deserving students. I find it hard to keep up with it all. Our Executive Officer, Brenda is busy organizing, and doing her best to keep me organized. The association is healthy and membership continues to grow.
All our members are amazing people. I so look forward to the day we can hold live events, when we can shake hands, see each other laugh, and enjoy each other’s friendship. That day is getting closer. In the meantime, don’t let your guard down. Please continue to stay healthy and safe!
~ My best to all of you, Greg