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I just wanted to say "hello" as the new APS Secretary-Treasurer. My apprentice year was busy, but we are doing very well as a Society, so I do not anticipate anything but a smooth transition. We have many new, exciting, and important opportunities ahead. I am looking forward very much to representing all of you as we work together on them. I especially want to ask you for your advice and suggestions about how the APS can do what you, as members, want and need. Please feel free to contact me at any time at Bill.Hay@UCHSC.edu

I also want to encourage members to get involved with the different APS Workgroups. These are well underway in defining their specific areas of interest and activity. Their success will depend, however, on your enthusiastic commitment. These Workgroups represent exciting opportunities for APS members to get involved in new initiatives in national academic leadership and to promote the health of children.

Just a brief note about finances and the APS-SPR Pediatric Research Foundation. We continue to increase the annual dues rate, as we remain about equal in our income and our expenses. Our budget balance is positive, and healthy, but its amount is less than required to sustain the APS on-going activities and its participation in the annual PAS meeting, even for one year. I want to encourage you, therefore, to join those who already have given to the APS-SPR Foundation. Our universal participation will be the best possible building block for securing broad and significant support from various commercial and philanthropic organizations. The financial success of our society really does hinge on this important fund-raising activity. Please add your share, whatever it may be.

I also want to encourage you to attend the 2000 PAS/AAP joint meeting, which will be held May 12-16, 2000, in Boston. This meeting will be sponsored jointly by the APS, SPR, APA, and the AAP. The Program Committee has developed a truly outstanding program of scientific and educational sessions. In addition, the APS is looking forward to a very special evening at the elegant Harvard Club on Saturday, May 13th, for the APS Members’ Dinner and Howland Awardee recognition.

Finally, I want to say a special word of thanks to Norm Siegel, who served the APS faithfully and well for the past six years as its Secretary-Treasurer. His wisdom and insight, combined with his dedication and his calm and thoughtful approach to all aspects of our society’s activities, have secured a strong, effective, and smoothly running administrative organization for the APS. I call on him often for history and advice—he has never failed to represent the APS first, and best, in his deliberations and assistance. Thanks, Norm!

Call for Membership Applications

Begin thinking about candidates for APS membership. The deadline for candidates for consideration in 2001 is Monday, July 17, 2000. Membership applications will be posted on our Web site in early December 1999 or can be obtained by contacting the Central Office.