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2006 has brought several significant changes and additions to SAW.  This is the first year that we have been officially a 501 (c)3 for the entire year. The work for this was begun very early in the history of SAW. Since we were a new organization, we needed to wait several years for a final decision as we built our history. Our thanks go out to Jack Firse (original treasurer of SAW) for all of his work in preparing and submitting all of the documentation needed and for his follow up with it all. Jack is no longer on the BOD, but this accomplishment has much to do with his efforts.

2006 is also the second year of having portable contests and booths for SAW at various events. We continue to work on improving the materials that are sent out to the individuals running these events so that they can have the best possible results from their efforts. We applaud their commitment to scrolling and to improving the skill level of scrollers everywhere.

2006 marks the beginnings of two programs which we hope will help many people. The first SAW sponsored college scholarship in memory of Pat Spielman was awarded this summer. Kevin Weiser was the first recipient of this scholarship program. Bob Spielman was able to be present when Kevin was awarded his scholarship. Kevin was sponsored by his grandfather, SAW member Carl Roscher. We wish Kevin the best of luck with his college education and as he prepares himself for the rest of his life.

The second program that was begun this year was the Opportunity Grant Program. This program is available to Local Chapters to help their members take classes related to scrolling or can be used to bring speakers to their meetings to educate their entire membership.

Partially because of the Opportunity Grant and Scholarship program, but mainly because of increased postal rates, we did have to change the fee schedule for joining and renewing membership in SAW. Dues were raised for the first time from $20 to $25 for an individual. Postal rates have increased quite a few times since SAW was started but we felt it was necessary to hold the line on costs as long as we possibly could. Even with the increase in dues, we tried to keep the increase as small as possible and yet still take care of any additional postal rate increases.

Liability Insurance was obtained that covers SAW and also the Local Chapters. This again is a feature that has long been searched for and finally obtained. This benefit is of great value to Local Chapters who no longer have to search for their own insurance coverage. As part of this benefit it was necessary to implement a process by which Local Chapters could renew their charter. This was needed to verify their SAW membership and the SAW membership of the individuals belonging to the Local Chapters.

A new committee was formed this year to deal with the subject of Scrolling Ethics. This group developed a motto for SAW Members on the use of patterns and the copyright laws. We hope that all SAW members will read and consider this motto anytime they are working with these issues.

The Log On Lotto program was also begun this year. Each month, one SAW member who has logged onto the Members site is randomly selected from all of the members who logged on. That member is granted a one month extension to their SAW Membership. This program rewards those folks who log onto the Members site, whether it is to read minutes of BOD meetings, download patterns or make use of some of the online tools available to all SAW Members.