Another year is winding down. The competition season is over; membership renewals and officer elections will be happening shortly. I want to thank the ODS championship committee for a terrific show, and Corinne Stonier for her efforts on the awards banquet. Both were great successes. Of special note, I want to thank Tory Kelly for creating and producing the video honoring the ODS Adult Amateurs. The video made the banquet evening a special event. Narrated by Joyce Stride, the video includes 40 minutes of interviews, show footage, and still photographs skillfully woven into a tribute to the people that are the backbone of the sports. Thank you Tory! We had a lot to celebrate at the banquet. Here is a list of some 2006 accomplishments in no particular order: This year was the 35th ODS Championship show. ODS is the 3rd largest group member organization in USDF. (We follow California Dressage Society and New England Dressage Association). ODS introduced new shows this year: the ODS League Show Championships and the two one-day breeders’ shows. Our high school program has several horse/rider combinations that qualified for both the ODS championships and the Regional Championships. Three scholarship awards from the high school program’s fund raising efforts were granted to their graduating seniors. Our USDF instructor’s certification workshop series concluded in August. The publications committee revamped our omnibus updating its look and improving the functionality. ODS is the first GMO to partner with USDF with on-line membership registration (watch the website for more details). ODS had a booth at three different Expos this year. Two ODS members rode at Gladstone for national honors. ODS executed a pledge to USDF for the national education center for $20,000 over a five year period. (We’ve made significant progress towards fulfilling that pledge). In addition to the events listed above, the board and chapters continued their usual activities of shows, clinics, and other educational offerings which are the vital core of ODS. I encourage members to get involved with their chapter or with the board. There are endless opportunities where you can make a difference. As the end of my tenure approaches, I’d like to thank ODS members for the opportunity to serve as president for the past three years. Being involved at the board level has had some minor frustrations and “dips”, but many more rewards and heights. It’s been a personal growth experience for me. I’ve expanded my knowledge of dressage, and the people involved with the sport—locally, regionally, and nationally. Many of them, I can call friends. I am honored and deeply humbled to have received the Teresa Dunlap award at the Awards Banquet. This award began 18 years ago. The roster of past recipients shown on our website includes many influential names in ODS’s past and present history. To receive this unexpected recognition is even more special, as the award was created in remembrance of an old friend. Thank you. Next month, Marsha William, President-elect, will take over this column. I know that she’ll do a great job. Sincerely, John