Four times a year in the quarterly News Notes the NAVVF President writes a message to the membership. This is not a policy, just something that has become an expectation in recent years and something I enjoy doing. For me, it is an opportunity to touch base with you across the miles and share some of my thoughts about NAVVF. I try to imagine you in your various life situations, in different parts of the country, in different time zones, participating in various activities and hobbies, some of you shoveling snow, others walking the beach but most of all being very glad that one of your interests is the NAVVF

At the start of a new year and in this case a new millennium, it is appropriate to look back and review the immediate past to see what has been accomplished and what remains to be done. However, as I come to the end of my terms as President, I leave the past for others to measure while I wish I could wave a magic wand and four wishes would come true.

Wish #1 - I'd so much like to see our adult membership at the 1,000 level. It has been estimated that there are at least 10,000 Van Valkenburgs in the US and Canada, probably more if we could know those descended through the female line. 1,000 members would represent only a small percentage of persons whom we could call cousins. With our present membership seemingly stabilized at about 700 adults plus lll minors, the 1,000 membership level is achievable if we work at it.

Wish #2 - I would like to meet more of my cousins at our annual reunions. In recent years, attendance has leveled off at about 100, give or take. Our reunion chairmen have done a great job in giving us a good time with sightseeing and entertainment - a real mini vacation. Some business is necessary but kept to a minimum. The genealogy sessions have been marvelous. True, the cost has risen but the price of travel, meals and lodging accounts for that. We move our reunion location geographically so everyone can be closer to home every 3 years. This year the reunion in Indianapolis should attract a larger group. If you have never been, do come and be part of your larger family. Here names become persons, addresses become homes, words become conversation.

Wish #3 - More active participation among those members who regularly pay dues and often attend reunions. We need you to serve on committees as directors and as reunion hosts. We especially need younger members willing to assume responsibility. Although we hate to admit it, many of us who have been active in leadership roles in recent years are getting older and it is time for a new generation to become active participants.

Wish # 4 - We have talked about publishing Volume #3 in our genealogy series. And several of our members have worked hard over the years gathering and organizing materials. There is "seed" money to start the project. But there are obstacles because this is a big undertaking - it requires organization, leadership, and dedication to the task. In the meantime, with the new techniques of communication offered by computers, perhaps printing is not the only way to go. Perhaps a new effort is required to give energy for making it happen.

WISHES CAN COME TRUE BUT ONLY THROUGH DESIRE AND EFFORT