As I write these thoughts to you, it is October here in Georgia and the grandeur of color in the mountains brings a welcome celebration. I’ve just returned from a tour of New England and nature does indeed offer us a gift every fall. If you live where the change of seasons is not so well defined, the calendar surely reminds you, along with shorter days and longer nights.

Not only nature is defined by seasons. Life itself is a perfect example. Springtime is our youth, summer the fullness of growth with the peak of our physical and mental energy. Fall celebrates all we have accomplished and gives time for reflection and relaxation. Winter of course is the season of conclusions.

Organizations, too, experience the cycle of seasons. In the beginning, there is the energy and enthusiasm of making a start. People join, participate, support financially and enthusiastically invite others of like interests to join and become members. This energy, hopefully, is sustained over a period of time – the summertime or high peak of an organization’s life. If not, the organization loses momentum and sometimes ceases to function at all.

I like to think that NAVVF is still in the summertime of its existence – full of growth and energy. But in reality, we appear to be in a holding pattern – steady but not growing. This could change with an influx of new members; younger members. The aging of NAVVF – now 28 years old – is reflected in the aging of our most active members. Of course the presence and participation of members is primary but a secondary effect of an aging membership is the financial loss. When members reach the age of 75, become Life Members, we are no longer expected to pay the annual dues of $8.50. We who are "seniors" are invited – encouraged – to make a donation to NAVVF equal to the amount of membership dues, or more if convenient. (Indicate "Donation" on the annual dues notice and remit to the Treasurer). NAVVF has a modest budget and as we gear up towards publication of more complete and updated genealogical material, additional income would be welcome. Also, News Notes is our lifeline – our connection between annual meetings (which only 10 – 15% of our members attend each year). This publication becomes more interesting every issue. Holly and her committee do a terrific job and we must continue to fund News Notes generously.

Our aging also has another dimension as we become less inclined or able to take on responsibility for doing the jobs that need to be done. How do we recruit for new and younger members? How do we attract the next generation in order to remain in our "summertime" of activity? Some of our members have been very active in recruiting their own extended family – grandchildren, nieces and nephews. That’s great; I urge every member to do likewise. NAVVF membership makes a great Christmas or birthday gift.

Also, I’m suggesting that every member start recruiting by looking in your local telephone book – and sending the names and addresses of every VV listed there to our Membership Director, Florence VV Davis. She in turn will send a letter of information and invitation to those persons. Also, check the telephone directory in towns and cities when you travel and do the same. We may be surprised at the response this generates.

As this issue of News Notes reaches you, it is nearly a new year – 1999. Will you join me in a resolve to extend our membership circle to VVs everywhere that our family’s history, heritage and traditions will live far into the next millennium?