As the season has turned toward cooler weather and fall foliage, we look forward to the excitement of our Annual Meeting and the change of our Section Council.  The program planned by Sibylle Kranz for this year in Washington, D.C. is extraordinary, with an unprecedented number of collaborative sessions.  Environmental Health, Maternal and Child Health, and Health Education Section leadership have work with us to create multidisciplinary sessions that will educate us, as well as offer opportunities for collaboration - both through APHA and in our professional lives.  I hope you plan to be there to take advantage of all that the meeting has to offer this year.

The Section workgroups have progressed, and advocacy has advanced APHA policies.  Several were submitted in collaboration with Environmental Health (sustainable food systems), the newly formed Physical Activity SPIG (several foundation policies), and MCH (breastfeeding).  As is outlined in this edition of the Newsletter, our Food Safety workgroup continues to be active, and also submitted a resolution to strengthen the safety of our food supply.  The Child Overweight workgroup has also worked to put together the first of several seminal checklists (of sorts) patterned after the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.  These will be used as tools to link our members to existing resources and to increase advocacy on these issues through the affiliates.  

The energy of the Section has been electric this year, as many members have worked hard on a wide range of initiatives.  Active members have included several who stepped forward during the year looking for ways to be active.  I encourage every member to find a way to be active, in both the Section and their affiliate, which suits their skills, needs and interests.  My best to you all at the close of my year as your FNS APHA leader. I look forward to the upcoming new year with Barbara Laraia in the driver's seat.