Making waves: aquatic professionals, like all park and recreation professionals, have an opportunity to make a difference in their community.

What a year--the entire world, it seems was under strain. The war in Iraq, then the tsunami after-effects (even though the disaster occurred a few days before 2005), earthquakes in the Middle East, the hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, floods in California, and severe drought in Texas and Oklahoma. In spite of all these natural disasters, I hope that all park and recreation families are safe. My heart goes to those who are affected by these intense phenomena.

If you compare the significance of the human reaction to these disasters with our distinguished profession, you will note there is a lot in common. During these major tragic and traumatic events, everyone instinctively begins to help one another. Everyone naturally becomes community oriented. As park and recreation professionals, we help communities and we provide services everyone needs, even when folks have gone through a major disaster.

During Katrina, many park and recreation departments throughout the country provided a vital service to communities in need. Park and recreation professionals provided recreational activities to the children and families affected by the hurricane because the need to recreate did not vanish. We made a difference in the lives of these victims, and we find ourselves doing this continuously throughout our careers. We provide recreational and social activities to our communities. This is what we do. I am proud of my profession because we make a difference in our communities.

Last year was a productive year for NAB. The Board of Trustees passed new bylaws that allowed us to have more representation from each region. NAB's leadership was able to define the roles of the Educational Professional Development chair, National Aquatic Management School chair and Conference Chair. This was the big step for the future of the branch.

This year will be one of many projects during which the support and commitment of all members will be critical. The NAB will work on two major projects--strategic planning and an operational manual. These initiatives will make NAB members stronger and a more influential branch within NRPA.

An exciting development in the National Aquatics Management School is the standardization of the education curriculum by Juliene Hefter, president-elect, and her committee members. Hefter has filed a letter with the National Certification Board for their approval of the National Aquatic Manager certification, which represents a big step for all aquatic professionals.

The future of the Aquatic Branch depends on commitment and involvement of the entire membership. If you would like to become more involved in the National Aquatic Branch, or become a member, please contact Sharon Mannion at NRPA headquarters. I would like to invite other branches and sections to get involved with NAB--you are the strength of NRPA. Let's continue to make a difference in our profession.

This year the 21st Annual NRPA National Aquatic Conference and Management School will be held in Austin, Texas, March 1-6. On the next page is a list of exhibitors that will attend.

Farhad Madani, National Aquatics Branch president