It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving and the December holiday season is fast approaching! In this issue you will find expressions of thanks from former and current members of the Family Services team. Some have been found as we search the archives for information that can be used at our 75th Anniversary Celebration. You will find information about this December 6, 2003 event in Gunter Volders', our new Marketing & Communications Manager, first column.

Betty Fahnline, a valued member of the Counseling Program Team, has announced her retirement from the agency after 20.5 years of service. Betty has been an inspiration to all who have known her as she has maintained a very positive attitude while dealing with all of the changes experienced by the agency during her tenure. Betty's last day of work will be November 14 - Best Wishes for a Well Deserved Retirement!!

The 02-03 audit of the agency's finances has been completed by our new auditing firm, Moses, Johnson & Associates, PC, from Hollidaysburg. Please see Mary Ann Hoover's article about the results - VERY IMPRESSIVE!!!

Please read the CVSS article about Identity Theft. Although recent TV commercials are taking a light hearted approach to this issue, it is one of serious concern as our world continues to change.

We continue to wait for action by the governor and the legislature to finalize a complete budget. In the meantime, our budget action plan is progressing as scheduled. The Counseling Program team continues to provide top quality services to those in need. The board continues to communicate with the governor and our local legislative delegation concerning the problems being created by their inaction on a complete state budget.

Other important information about agency activities, as well as some of a lighter nature is presented in this issue. Thanks to all contributors and to Bev Brisbin for her editorial work!

I sincerely wish all of you a blessed holiday season. We all have our personal and family concerns to address as they occur. Having acknowledged those concerns, I am constantly impressed with the dedication of our entire team to the needs of those we serve each day. Be it board members, staff, or volunteers, this organization sets a very high standard of commitment to the needs of others. Servants all, we need to keep that as the top priority as we are faced with those times of high stress and concern for those we serve and all the members of this great team.

Mahlon Fiscel

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