Dear Readers,

The holiday that is observed most often around the world, and may be the oldest day of special meaning, is New Year's Day. Regardless of beliefs or traditions, people seem to feel the need for a new beginning every year.

At the New Year, the melody that plays in our minds is Auld Lang Syne. This old Scottish song, attributed to the poet Robert Burns, is the song most frequently sung by English-speaking people on New Year's Eve. But, you have to wonder how many people know the words? And what do they mean? Auld lang syne is generally translated as times gone by. On New Year's Eve, we take a fond look back at times past.

New Year's resolutions represent our best hopes for the coming year and this is true for our professional as well as our personal lives. Now is a good time to look back over the past year's accomplishments and to make plans for the year to come. This is evaluation at its best - an opportunity to step out of program mode and reflect on our work, celebrate positive findings, confirm beliefs that our programs are effective, and develop plans to improve our work.

This issue of To The Point looks back at 2005 and reviews highlights of this year's accomplishments. True to tradition, we also look ahead to plans and key priorities for the coming year.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend, and gie's a hand o' thine; We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet, For auld lang syne. Our best wishes for a happy and successful New Year.

Rennie Dutton, Ph.D.
Vice President and Special Assistant to the CEO
Points of Light Foundation