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Fulfilling the Promise of Passion, Purpose, People

Fulfilling the Promise of Passion, Purpose, People
By Patricia Jackson-Kelley
President

Our National Convention this August set the tone for commitment, strength and resilience. Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, was the perfect environment to accomplish our dual purpose of taking care of business and allowing time for some fun.

The non-denominational Worship Service Sunday afternoon allowed us to gather and listen to great singing and words of inspiration. Then we were off to a running start. After the service, I was honored to partner with NAPS for the NAPS and Auxiliary Delegates’ Orientation.

The number of Auxiliary attendees exceeded past conventions. Thank you, Auxiliary members, for showing up and showing out.

Later Sunday evening we were able to unwind while attending the Host Branch Committee Welcome Reception. Lisa Douglas, Hartford, CT, Branch 5 president, and her Host Branch Convention Committee members did an awesome job assuring everything was in order. Speaking of being in order, our convention planner, Sheri Davies, was in a state of perpetual motion. It is amazing how one person could appear to be in three places at once.

The Opening Ceremony Monday morning let us appreciate our youth and value their contribution as supporters. A special thanks to NAPS President Brian Wagner for allowing me to speak and introduce members of the Auxiliary Executive Board.

My message remains unchanged: We offer unwavering support for NAPS and we need to grow our membership. At mid-day, we assembled for our Auxiliary business meeting. (Complete coverage of our convention proceedings will be in the November issue.)

One of our event highlights was the Auxiliary Luncheon. A special thanks to the Luncheon Committee under the leadership of chair Beverly Austin, Southern Region vice president, for an outstanding job.

We elected officers for 2018-2020. I want to thank my fellow Auxiliary members for re-electing me president. My prior term in office was a testament of endurance and fortitude. With key elements currently in place, the job should be less challenging.

On a personal note, I am so grateful for those of you who took the time to attend my 75th birthday celebration. My oldest grandson, Jai, was able to attend after my son Kyler had another commitment. It was a blessing to have my best friends travel from Ohio, New Jersey, upstate New York, the New York boroughs of Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and Las Vegas and California.

A major weather situation prevented my friends from Florida from attending; we were sorely disappointed. The restaurant staff at Tuscany’s was wonderful in accommodating my overflow of guests.

geekell@aol.com