On October 6 and October 7 President Hamilton and his wife Patty will be hosting Staff Appreciation Receptions at their residence on Gold Dust, just off Yankovich Road. The casual gathering features light hors d'oeuvres, beverages and the opportunity to meet fellow Statewide employees. The receptions start at 4:30 p.m., for those who have supervisor approval to leave early, and last until 6:00 p.m. both days.

These receptions have been a huge success in the past, although scheduling conflicts prevented the events last year. This year, Bess Rounds has divided the Fairbanks-based employees into two groups, mixing departments together to encourage meeting new people. This is a great opportunity for all employees to introduce themselves to others in the building that they do not regularly have the opportunity to interact with.

Statewide employees in Anchorage will be treated to a special appreciation luncheon on Friday October 2. All employeees are encouraged to attend.

Invitations were distributed on Monday September 28 to Fairbanks-based employees that indicate which night each person has been assigned. If anyone is unable to attend on the night they were assigned they need to contact Bess Rounds as soon as possible so she can change the date. She also needs to receive an RSVP from anyone planning to attend so she can make arrangements with the caterers.

President Mark and Patty Hamilton are looking forward to once more extending their hand to all the employees at Statewide that truly keep this system running. These gatherings are their way of saying "thank you" for all of the hard work done by Statewide staff.