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<< back to the 2001 archive listing << Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation Commentary From The Executive Director You can make a difference In this issue of Dairy, Food and Environmental Sanitation, we report on IAFP 2001 — the 88th Annual Meeting which was held last August. If you were unable to be with us in Minneapolis, the summary provided will give you details of what you missed. If you were able to attend, we hope you enjoy reviewing the highlights of the Minneapolis meeting. The report begins on page 901 and includes many pictures, a narrative of events, minutes of committee meetings and the Annual Business Meeting, and pictures of award recipients. We hope that you enjoy the review of IAFP 2001. Mark your calendars now for June 30 – July 3 for IAFP 2002 in San Diego. You won’t want to miss this one! This issue of DFES is dedicated to the memory of all of the innocent victims of the September 11th tragedies in New York City and Washington, D.C. Our minds are etched with the shocking pictures from that fateful day, but our hearts continue to go to the families and friends directly affected by this terrible day in American history. We appreciate the outpouring of support from around the United States and most certainly, around the world. Never before have we seen this country bond together in support of families and friends of the victims. The country is also unified behind the President and our governmental leaders in an unprecedented manner. With a goal of eradicating terrorism, we do not know where our journey will take us. One thing is for certain; we cannot live our lives in fear of the next attack that might take place! What can we do, you might ask? Everyone wants to feel like they have done the best they can to provide help to those who need it. One way to help is by making a direct contribution to the American Red Cross. The Red Cross takes your donations and helps those affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods. Most certainly, you have seen how the American Red Cross is providing help to the workers in New York City and to the victims’ families. We encourage you to make a contribution in what ever amount possible to your local Red Cross. Don’t think that just because September 11th was almost two months ago that your contribution is not needed. The Red Cross will serve the affected families for months to come. Many people will continue to need assistance for years and years. There will be mental health counseling, medical problems, and basic needs of food and shelter. So as you can see, there is still a need for your assistance. You can make a difference! You can also make a difference at IAFP. By becoming actively involved in the Association; you can lead by example by working on a Committee or Professional Development Group, or by making a presentation at IAFP 2002, or even through submitting an article for publication in DFES or JFP. Have you considered mentoring a student or newly employed professional into IAFP? In many ways you can help the Association achieve its mission of providing food safety professionals with information to protect the food supply. You can help to "Advance Food Safety Worldwide" and I guarantee you will feel good about what you have accomplished. Don’t limit yourself to what you have always done before. More and more we recognize how fragile life really is and that we are not always in control of our fate. You can make a difference, but only if you start today! |