President’s Message January 2009 Happy New Year Everyone! As I write this message, it is still 2008, and Christmas has not yet arrived. Our Chapter meeting in December, at the Embassy Suites, was quite festive. Many thanks to Bonnie Ingram for arranging this memorable evening; the food again was delicious and the surroundings elegant. AORN President, Susan Banschbach, presented the “Power of Nursing” to members and guests. As Susan emphasized, nurses do have power, we just don’t realize how much. Through donations by members and guests attending the Christmas dinner/meeting, $350 in gift cards was delivered to CPS (Child Protective Services) to be utilized by case managers to purchase clothing for children thirteen years and older. These monetary gifts will provide much happiness in the lives of the recipients. Bonnie Ingram delivered the food donations to St. Vincent de Paul food bank. I look forward to 2009 and it will certainly have challenges and opportunities. Our Chapter needs more member attendance and input at our monthly meeting. Exactly how to accomplish this is unclear, at least to me. Perhaps members not actively participating can email Board members with ideas and suggestions on how to revitalize Phoenix and the Valley. As it is a concern of the entire Board, we are open to new ideas. Our January Chapter meeting will begin at 5pm, with the Educational session to follow at 6pm. Please consider joining us. The second joint workshop/seminar between Salt River and Phoenix and the Valley is scheduled for Saturday, February 7. Come learn of the details and volunteer to help make it a success by registering to attend. President elect Jackie Craig is the chairperson for this event. She will provide a detailed report at our January meeting. On behalf of the Board members of Phoenix and the Valley, I extend our wishes to all for a healthy, prosperous New Year! Regards, Bev Sanders President