I want to thank the entire GCREA membership for giving me the opportunity to serve you over the past two years as your president-elect and president. These two years have been filled with fun, excitement, joy and learning. I have truly enjoyed every minute of it. I have had the privilege of getting to know many of you on a more personal basis which I will cherish always. I have had opportunities to learn more about both our local association and the state association, and to set achievable goals.

In achieving our goals, we have increased our membership with over 50 new members. We have increased member participation through the board members' reaching out to include more members on committees as well as more members participating in programs and activities. We have increased our communication efforts by gaining the email addresses of members who have them, by sending selected newsletters to the retirees of 2000 and 2001, by newspaper articles/pictures, and by cable television announcements. All of these goals have enhanced our theme: Networking + Connecting = Unity + Success.

I have been able to create and develop several ideas. Examples include: the creation of objectives and responsibilities of the committees (with the help of the committee chairs), the recognition of our emeritus members and the spotlighting of some of our distinguished members, and GCREA's special recognition by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on the National Education Day in November, 2001.

We have had many complements on our newsletter, Newsline, thanks to Beverly Dryden's talents. The success of the scholarship auction is due to the hard work of Mary and Dean Long, Don and Katie Herndon, Jane Alexander, and to all of you. The two scholarships have been successful, thanks to George & Esterlee Post, and to Nancy O'Neill. The necrology program was a moving tribute to our members who have passed on which was planned and well executed by Marlene Melvin. Our inspirations and songs have been inspiring and timely, thanks to Lois Allen and Duane Huff. During times of illnesses, accidents, and deaths, Sybil Deacon has been there to give some sunshine. Hardly anyone has entered through those doors without being greeted and welcomed, due to Katie and Don Herndon creating a friendly atmosphere. Between Deloris and Reid Mullins we have always been on the right track with the Bylaws and parliamentary procedures. They have kept us in line. With Reid's interest and concern, our invested money has always been in good hands (just like Allstate!). Our month-to-month finances also have been in the Good Hands of Janet Myers, our treasurer. Some strides have been made with the Archives room, due to Harriette and Bob Hamrick. With information from Anita Cole and others, we have been kept abreast of legislative issues concerning retirees. Our membership has increased due to Linda and Donnie McQuaig. They have given special flowers for new members attending their first meeting. We have excellent, well qualified new officers due to the selection of the nominating committee, led by Jackie Perry. We have been informed by Joan Sewell on activities and events sponsored by the Gwinnett Senior Citizens Council. And, why are we all here now? Because of Sarah Finger and the efficiency of her telephone committee. Nancy Wayte, as past president, has given me numerous tips to keep me from having so many pitfalls. And, lastly, I could never feel I had had a successful year without the help of Ralph Greene, our president-elect. He has always, and I mean always, been at the meetings with "what can I do to help", to shine with his creativity of the center pieces for the tables, and many other aspects to make our meetings more enjoyable and fun. He, almost single handedly, is responsible for the Scrapbook of Excellence Award at the annual GCREA Convention in Macon, in May, 2002.

At the State GCREA Convention in May we had 10 of our members present. We learned a lot and came away with new ideas and planning strategies for next year. It was with pride that we saw our own Mary Long installed as the 2002 - 2003 State GCREA President-Elect. I was installed as the new Area XIV Director. GCREA is well represented at the state level. Besides Mary and me, we also have Deloris Mullins who serves on the Archives Committee and the Foundation. Beverly Dryden will also serve on the Legislative Committee.

While at the Convention, several of us spent time planning next year's events and activities. It will be a fun-filled, exciting year. Also, we had time to brainstorm ideas on how we, as a local unit, can help and support Mary over the next two years. More about this as time goes on.

At the Awards Banquet, GCREA was the recipient of 9 awards:

I . Unit of Excellence

2. Highest number Increase in Total Membership in Class "AA"

3. Highest percentage Increase in Total Membership in Class "AA"

4. Newsletter Participation Award

5. Handbook Participation Award

6. Scrapbook of Excellence Award

7. Scholarship Participation Award

8. Public Relations Award

9. History Participation Award

Now, we are at the end of one year and on the threshold of another. There are new

expectations. I feel this year has been successful. I, like the line from "Ulysses, " by Alfred,

Lord Tennyson, " ..am apart of all I have met." Thank you for sharing apart of you with me. I am a better person for having had this experience.