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As many of you know, I pen this column about
five weeks prior to publication. These past few weeks have been
bittersweet. We all mourn the passing of Nicholas G. Carter,
who took office as APS President just over a year ago. Nick’s
love for our hobby and his commitment and leadership to APS was
unparalleled. Among his priorities for our organization were
more recognition for volunteers at the national and local levels
as well as moving your APS toward more timely communication and
education on the Internet. Before his passing, we were able to
inaugurate our monthly e-newsletter as well as engage a consultant
to redesign a new website for the APS (a project that is now
in progress). Through Nick’s persistence and patience,
in cooperation with the APS staff and Board of Directors, this
year we presented the first annual APS Volunteer Recognition
Awards at StampShow. As a fitting tribute, the APS Board of Directors
has voted to honor Nick by renaming these awards the Nicholas
G. Carter Volunteer Recognition Awards. We will all miss Nick,
yet his enthusiasm and love for our hobby will be remembered
each year as we honor those who embody the same spirit and joy
he brought to his favorite pasttime.
Saadi Elected President;
Lombardi Appointed to BVP
At a special meeting of the Board of Directors on September 22,
Mr. Wade Saadi was elected President of the APS to fill the remainder
of Nick Carter’s term of office. At a subsequent meeting,
the Board also approved President Saadi’s appointment of
Nick Lombardi to complete his term of office on the Board of
Vice Presidents. The staff and I congratulate both on their new
offices. We look forward to working with them in their new capacities
on the Board of Directors. Wade Saadi’s first column as
APS president appears in this issue of the AP.
Nicholas G. Carter
Volunteer Recognition Awards Nominations Sought
Do you know deserving volunteers who have served the hobby for
five years or more? Have they provided exemplary service in serving
and promoting the hobby at the national or local levels? If so,
nominate them for our annual volunteer recognition awards named
in memory of the late Nicholas G. Carter. Nomination forms can
be found on the APS website at www.stamps.org and should be received
by December 15, 2008.
 Bellefonte Mail Flies Again
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania — home of the APS — was
the first stop on a westbound transcontinental flight from New
York City to San Francisco celebrating the ninetieth anniversary
of air mail service, which began in 1918. Three planes, all of
which had carried mail at one point in their history, took part
in this historic trip. You can view a photo tour of their arrival
in Bellefonte and read full details of the transcontinental flight
on the website for the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum
at http://www.airspacemag.com.
Membership Dues Renewal
By now you have received your annual membership dues renewal
information. In order to insure no interrupted service from your
APS, please renew your membership today. You may also renew your
dues online at www.stamps.org.
Elections
The nomination period for APS Board of Directors and Officers
is now officially open. Procedures for the nominating and seconding
process are included on page 902 of this issue and on our website
at www.stamps.org.
Year-end Giving
As the end of the tax year approaches, don’t forget the
APS, APRL, and the Campaign for Philately (see the inside back
wrapper of this issue). Throughout the year, our members are
very generous with donations and pledges. If you have not thought
about us, please do so. Yet, cash donations are not the only
contributions we receive. Every year a number of stamp collections
are donated to the Society. During the holidays, these donations
substantially increase. We make good use of them to support a
variety of programs. The Reference Collection gets first choice
on all material. Colorful topicals, mixture material, space fillers,
and the like go to the education department to support our youth-oriented
programs. Periodically, APS auctions off better material or sells
middle-range stamps and covers to our members to enjoy in their
collections through StampStore or the Sales Division. Please
remember us at year-end. All donations are appreciated. Have
a great Thanksgiving! |
