I also give a huge thank-you to the other outgoing officers and department chairmen for their service. They are the ones who directed us in all our successful endeavors. I plan to rely on them during my term for their continued support and will consult them frequently for guidance. And to all members of our club, thanks for your participation in our projects, which maintained our solid record of community service.

For readily accepting, I thank the talented women whom I asked to take a position of leadership on a committee or on the board. I’m looking forward to working with each one of them.

As you heard at the installation service, I have chosen the theme for my presidency of "Members connected to our world through service and to each other through friendship and love." The 2009 history of the BLWC, prepared by Mary Beem, makes it apparent that we are connected to our multiple worlds -- local, state, national, and global – through our numerous service projects. And, of course, there is no group more loving and supportive than you. This theme of being connected helped me choose the symbol of my presidency, ivy, which gets its symbolism of connections and friendships because of its propensity to interweave in growth.

We care and share and contribute our time, talent, and compassion; and we are making a valuable difference. Like the ivy, we are tough and durable, full of determination and strength in our volunteer efforts. With your support, I hope to lead the Buford Lanier Woman’s Club for two years, more successful than ever, for we never want to cease interweaving in growth.

Linda Baggett