Unbelievable, isn’t it, how brief our summers are nowadays?  Even though it was short, I hope everyone has had a summer that was restful, yet exciting, joyful, busy and replenishing to your soul.  My summertime was filled with wonderful travel, meeting new neighbors and friends, and visiting longtime ones.  I know you have had some extraordinary experiences yourselves, so imagine the stories we have to share at our first meeting, September 8!  It will be super to see everyone again.  And the September meeting emphasizes membership, so please plan to be there and bring guests.

Although July and August are months when the BLWC takes a break, some of our members have been active this summer.   The Home Tour Committee Chairmen have held several meetings to prepare for the Tour of Homes 2011 and will have some innovative ideas to present to the full committee when we get cranked back up.  On August 20, approximately 22 of us went to hear Kathy Amos tell us about Brenau University Learning and Leisure Institute and had a delicious lunch served at the Yacht Club.  Some of your Executive Board attended the GaFWC State Institute in Athens on the 21^st of August, specifically to learn about the new Community Service Programs GFWC has implemented.

Beginning with the new administration, the General Federation of Women’s Clubs no longer have departments of work; they are referred to now as Community Service Programs.  Two other changes:  Public Affairs Department is now Public Issues Community Service Program, and International Affairs Department becomes International Outreach Community Service Program.  As the Community Service Program Chairmen learn more about the work in their respective areas, they will keep you informed of any changes in projects, if any.   I don’t expect there to be any major changes in the projects we have going for the remainder of 2010.

I’m looking forward to seeing each of you on September 8!

---Linda Baggett