Thank you for all your kind messages regarding Rich Lane. We miss him, his broad expertise and knowledge of the community and his good cheer very much.

Please rest assured that EAR is ensuring the continuity of memory in the Sedimentary Geology and Paleobiology Program. Program Officers with long NSF histories will be present during the upcoming Panel review process, and we have been fortunate enough to have Dr. Judith Skog (who had been at NSF in a variety of roles) to help us over the last few months since Chris Liu's departure. Both Paul and Judy are familiar with the community and have knowledge of the history of the program. As you may be aware, we are also in the midst of an interview and selection process to fill the vacant SGP positions. Those selected will come onboard as soon as possible to help run the program. This process was well underway when we lost Rich.

We will continue development of the program with the input and ideas from the community. As our budgets allow, we will continue our presence at professional meetings, and encourage community activities to crystallize. Please feel free to call, e-mail, or to come visit NSF if you are in the area. We would be glad to speak with you.

October 2015