Greetings from Old Dominion! I have enjoyed the past two years as president and think back on the many things the Board and I have accomplished. The Policy and Procedure Manual was updated and submitted to SGNA; the bylaws were reviewed/updated and submitted for approval, 3 major educational events (DelMarVa, Williamsburg Post Graduate Conference, Back to Basics/Beyond Basics) were provided to ODSGNA members every year; and we partnered with Bon Secours Hospital in Richmond Virginia to provide an additional venue for learning. We will continue to make every effort to provide the region with educational events. Our Education committee is growing and plans are to offer educational events in the western part of Virginia in 2012. Going green was on the agenda this past year and we are proud to announce we successfully held the first conference without a paper syllabus. In recognition of ODSGNA‟s purposes, we are hosting our third Back to Basics workshop this fall, November 5, 2011 in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Please visit www.odsgna.org for meeting registration and brochure.

ODSGNA joined the Colon Cancer Alliance in support of their Run/Walk, the 2nd Annual Washington DC Undy 5000 5K, to fight colon cancer. It's a family friendly "brief" run that promotes awareness about colon cancer and screening for the disease. Last year, 375 people came out to run in their underwear and raised more than $50,000 to fight colon cancer. Some of the money raised helps fund the Colon Cancer Alliance‟s national patient support and education programs (www.ccalliance.org), as well as a portion of the funds are left to a local screening partner. ODSGNA supported the event by promoting the 2nd Annual Washington DC Undy 5000 to our local members, putting event information on our Web site and in newsletters.

Nominations for president-elect and secretary closed May 31, 2011. Results of the election were announced at the Williamsburg meeting. Congratulations to President-elect Eileen Babb, BSN RN CGRN, and Secretary Susan Mitchell, ADN RN CGRN. Wishing you much success with your upcoming term of office in 2012.

ODSGNA scholarships were awarded to two members this year to attend the SGNA Annual Course. Congratulations to Eileen Babb and Kristi Seay, RN CGRN. A brief essay of their experiences at the Annual Course can be found on www.odsgna.com.

ODSGNA would like to recognize the following people for obtaining their certification in gastroenterology (CGRN): Lena Morrison, DIPL RN CGRN, Chantelle Lands, BSN MSN RN CGRN, Geri Ann Nash, RN CGRN, Lynn Pierce, BSN RN CGRN, Caroline Strecker, BSN RN CGRN, Diane Topscher, BSN RN CGRN, Pam Williamson, BSN RN CGRN, Tonora Garbutt, BSN RN CGRN, Tara Campbell, BSN RN CGRN and Sandra Collins, RN CGRN. This certification validates and demonstrates your professional aspiration and desire to improve the quality of patient care and delivery of services to patients. Congratulations!

As my term as President soon draws to a close I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their support and efforts in coordinating the many educational events for our region over the past two years. Your accomplishments are commended and appreciated by me and ODSGNA members. I will soon turn ODSGNA leadership over to the upcoming 2012 President, Lorrie Brickner, RN CGRN, wishing her continued success and support in providing benefits of regional and national membership to SGNA members.