The focus of any thoughts written in early January would seem to naturally include some reference to New Years resolutions and new or renewed beginnings etc. As an organization we could certainly name a few that would be helpful to our growth and stability.

However, by the time you read this -March- Resolutions are already history and it is early spring. But spring is also a time of new life and re-awakening of growing things so it is not inappropriate to speak of such matters.

If you were asked what new directions or services would be most beneficial to you as a member of NAVVF, what would you answer?

If you were asked why you belong to NAVVF and what does it contribute to the richness of your life, how would you answer?

If you were asked what do you think should be the long-range future of NAVVF and how do you think we should get there, what would be your reply?

In other words, how can we be better at what we do as an organization?

From where I sit as President, our News Notes is an interesting, informative and important link among our members.

The annual reunions have been exceptionally well planned with a variety of activities, including opportunities to learn more about the history of our extended family and have a good time doing all that.

Our genealogical resources are rich and available; our financial condition is secure in the long run but depends for day to day expenses on membership dues, which are modest by any standard.

We have a good leadership team with everyone working hard in every category, even overtime in some instances.

On the minus side, our membership numbers seem to have plateaued, attendance at the annual reunions reaches only about one in seven of our members at any one meeting. Publication of new genealogical material appears to be on hold and probably needs evaluation as to how to proceed.

So, as a start in the springtime of our new year, we must concentrate on membership growth, for its own sake and to meet modest budget needs.

The News Notes editor would love to have more family stories; there must be a wealth of material just waiting for you to share with us.

We need a pool of volunteers who are willing to help at various tasks.

And, please try to join us in August in Hartford, Connecticut at our annual reunion - we want to meet you and get to know you.

Any thoughts you have on the questions posed above would be most welcome -we would love to hear from you.