As the temperature cools and the leaves begin to change, fall is ushered in and this time of the year, more than any other for me, brings reminders of the traditions we practice. A tradition has been defined as a ritual, belief or object passed down within a society that is continued in the present, but has roots in the past. Maybe it's the college football season and all of its unique long-held traditions such as Jump Around at Wisconsin, Howard's Rock at Clemson, War Eagle at Auburn, and my personal favorite, Script Ohio at Ohio State. The upcoming holiday season provides yet another set of reminders of those traditions we practice. Whether its spending Thanksgiving with family, attending the same Christmas party each year, or passing out candy with neighbors at Halloween, many people practice some sort tradition this time of year.

The Central Ohio Chapter of HFMA has its own traditions, some new and others revived from the past. As I write this the chapter has just concluded the Fall Chapter Meeting which was followed by a past president pizza party, a tradition started back in the 1970's that was revived last year and continued again this year. For those who are not familiar, the Chapter purchased a pizza oven many years ago to support the pizza parties that were held several times a year and Vito Checchio, a past president of the Chapter, brings in the ingredients and makes homemade pizzas for the attendees. As with many traditions, a number of years went by without a pizza party before it was revisited last year. This tradition has found its way back to the Chapter and appears to be here to stay for the foreseeable future.

New traditions are also beginning within the Chapter and the next two events, the HFMA Power Play and Holiday Party, have become standards on the Chapter's calendar that many people look forward to each year. As with many traditions some of the smaller details may change (the HFMA Power Play used to be the Accounting & Auditing Update), but the theme and activities (Attending a Columbus Blue Jackets game) often remain the same. It is exciting to be on the leading edge and see these events take root and grow (Greg Adams, the HFMA National Chair will be presenting at the Power Play event) from the ideas of a few dedicated leaders a number of years ago to an accepted tradition our Chapter now practices. I would like to encourage you to share your ideas for the Chapter and come take part in the upcoming traditional events of the Central Ohio Chapter of HFMA!

Traditions,

Chris Peters
President, Central Ohio HFMA Chapter
bcpeters@health-partners.org