Today concludes my three years as President of NAVVF. It's been an experience of learning (including the computer), an opportunity to deepen friendships, moments of frustration, a chance to practice whatever leadership skills I may have, an opportunity to share and appreciate the talents and skills of others who have generously assumed responsibility so that the NAVVF can continue to exist, maybe even grow. In other words, I'm glad I did it, but I'm also happy to have another family member take over this position.

For the size we are, we have a strong organization with a positive future. This is our 30^th reunion in our 31^st year of existence. Many of those who were the founders and active leaders are gone; others have retired although still members. The future of NAVVF depends on the next generations and it delights me that we have in evidence at this meeting a core of second and third generations VVs who are active and willing to step in and take on leadership roles. But we need more of the energy and vision of younger family members for the future.

For three years I've talked about "The 3 M's": Management, Money and Members. And once again I feel compelled to comment briefly on these subjects. I feel secure in our financial position and we will strengthen that position by action at this meeting to make the treasurer's position an appointed one without term limits. By the way, the revised by-laws will be put on the web site so you can have your own copy. The management team, as we welcome two new directors to join those whose terms continue.

However, we must be more creative, more persuasive, more energetic in adding new members and keeping the old (remember the song we used to sing in Girl Scouts?) Our membership is once again slightly decreased from last year. And we have a membership chairman - Florence Davis - who is as energetic and determined as any former chairman. But we need more members on her team. It is not a one person job. She needs help in both recruitment and retention of members. We are open to your ideas and your help.

Our reason for existing and growing of course is to discover our family genealogy and preserve that knowledge for future generations to know and appreciate their heritage.

Our family story continues to unfold. Sandy VV, our designated genealogist, and others continue to make discoveries and additions to our information. Finding the best way to preserve and update this information and making it available to everyone is a challenge. In short, there must soon be a decision on whether to publish in print, on disk or some other way, to make available to all who want it, the updated and continuously growing record of the Van Valkenburg family. A task group should be appointed soon to make recommendations to the board of directors on this urgent and long delayed matter.

I cannot close these remarks without expressing my more profound thank you to all those who have served as directors and chairmen with me these past three years. Each person has been a joy to work with, has never refused a request, and has given generously of time and talent; I am most grateful and appreciative.

Thank you.