Changing The Guard At CLiPS, But Not The Focus…That’s why I am so energized by my election as President for the coming year. I am passionately committed to renewing the spirit and reviving the soul of CLiPS – with new perspectives, new personalities, new ideas, and new events.

Your new leadership very much hopes that our new directions will attract new members to participate. Of course, we also hope former members will return for even more meaningful celebrations and even more memorable camaraderie.

I am one of those returning faithful, having served on the Board of Directors back in the 1990’s but never as President. My beloved late wife, Sandhyaben, and I spent many enjoyable hours as volunteers, and our then-young son, Bijal, joined in many activities and served as Director on the CLiPS Youth Committee.

Gandhi taught us that “brahmacharya” means using our thoughts, words, and deeds to seek a greater good, a better way, a higher truth. I very much embrace this advice – and it will certainly guide me as I work to do things differently for our community.

Please know that my ears, my door, and my mind are always open to your suggestions and your concerns. Reach out to me at any time by phone, e-mail, or in-person at meetings with your ideas for CLiPS. In friendship & fellowship,

Umesh Patel
President,