Awards dinner
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Awards dinner
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CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AWARD—Anne Balboni
RECIPIENT Anne Balboni is the State coordinator as well as the Clinical Director of the Rhode Island Crisis Incident Stress Management Team Inc., which was founded in 1987. Her educational background includes a Masters of Arts in Education and Counseling and a PhD in Psychology. She is Board-certified in stress management, school crisis response treatment, traumatic stress management, and she is an international speaker for the Critical Incident Stress Foundation, speaking on stress management and disaster preparedness.
In an effort to bring crisis massage to Rhode Island, five years ago Anne and Regina Cobb joined forces to educate and certify licensed massage therapists in the field of critical emergency needs and disasters of various types. Recertification and refresher trainings are held annually to maintain the integrity of the program as well as to reinforce massage therapy skills needed when a critical response is answered.
In January 2007, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency in Cranston, RI, called the RI Crisis Massage Team into action. The massage therapists responded to the encephalitis/meningitis scare and provided chair massage to health care workers in Warwick, West Warwick, and Coventry. In addition, they provided services for those health care workers who manned the hotline phones at the Department of Health in Providence. The Team serviced these individuals from January 3rd through January 7th. This was the first major emergency response effort for the RI Crisis Massage Team. It was most impressive to see the team pull together on such short notice!
In November 2007, through Anne’s and Regina Cobb’s hard work and dedication, the RI Crisis Massage Team obtained NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) approved continuing education provider status. Not an easy feat—the application process was extremely cumbersome, but they pulled it off!! As a result of their efforts, all licensed massage therapists who receive training to be part of the RI Crisis Massage team receive much-needed continuing education credit!
Tonight, we honor your efforts, Anne! On behalf of all of the massage therapists, health care workers, and residents of Rhode Island, we thank you!!
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AWARD— AMTA, Massachusetts Chapter
RECIPIENT
In 1943, it was suggested that an organization be formed to further the interest of massage here in Rhode Island. With the assistance of the Massachusetts chapter, in 1957, the Rhode Island chapter was organized and was later established on March 16, 1958. There were only ten members in the entire state. Due to low membership, in the early 1960’s, the Rhode Island chapter merged with the Massachusetts chapter. In 1965, Rhode Island elected its first officers and Rhode Island worked hard to keep the chapter afloat. They had many struggles. With fluctuating membership throughout the 1970’s, Rhode Island was in jeopardy of losing its charter. On September 16, 1979, the Rhode Island chapter was reinstituted, and in September 1980, we became incorporated as a nonprofit organization. The slate of officers expanded and committee chairpersons were elected. In the 1980’s, Ray Moriyasu held various offices from Newsletter to vice president to president to also receiving the meritorious award. The chapter worked closely with legislators to institute massage therapy licensure, and the law took into effect in 1979. Throughout the years that followed, great strides were taken to expand the professionalism of our trade.
This evening, the Rhode Island chapter would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Massachusetts, our parent chapter, who guided a fledgling community into adult statehood. On behalf of those who have gone before us, we once again humbly say—Thank you—to the proud state of Massachusetts, AMTA chapter representatives—Richard Wedegartner, President; Mary White, 1st Vice President; Cindy Rush, 2nd Vice President, Sister Patricia Dowler, 3rd Vice President.
HUMANITARIAN AWARD—Paula Kochanek
RECIPIENT Paula Kochanek, the Chapter’s video librarian, just loves to be with people. Accompanied by a 20-member church team of volunteers, they traveled to a poor village in Los Delicios, El Salvador, in late 2007. They spent eight days ministering to the impoverished people of this village, one of the most violent and dangerous areas in South America. The country is still recovering from its civil war of the 1980’s and the disastrous earthquake of 2001. The rows of cement houses with tin roofs and lack of electricity were a norm for these people—the smell of burning trash, exhaust fumes, and no sewers alone were enough to cause long term respiratory issues. Their supply of water consisted of only 50-gallon drums, which needed to be used for cooking, bathing, and clothes washing—all things that we take for granted, yet, the residents of this village were grateful for what they had.
Although Paula spoke little, if any Spanish, her gift of touch was all the language these grateful people needed, especially the children. Each day, more and more children would come to the King’s Castle Church for aid. Paula bonded with a little 10-year-old girl named Nahomee, a child so bright and happy, living in such a deplorable place! For Paula and the people of her church, it was an awesome privilege to serve—to touch—to care—to make a difference one person at a time. Thank you, Paula!
RETIRING OFFICER/BOARD MEMBER RECOGNITION AWARD (2 individuals)—Kelly LoGiudice, Jane Allard
RECIPIENTS These two individuals served as officers and Board members for the RI AMTA. Even though they served in different capacities, they both served for the same purpose—To support the mission of the American Massage Therapy Association. That mission is to develop and advise the art, science, and practice of massage therapy in a caring, professional and ethical manner in order to promote the health and welfare of humanity.
Our first recipient is Kelly LoGiudice. In addition to having her private massage therapy practice, she was also an instructor at the Community College of Rhode Island. As chapter President, she was our leader, planner, mentor, and mediator. When she first became President, she had to learn everything from scratch. Among her many accomplishments, I have outlined a few—She initiated processes, she made herself accessible to various chapters, she was instrumental in ensuring appropriate documentation was kept for the RI AMTA, she helped with the institution of Yahoo Groups, which has been a great communication forum for the Board members to communicate with each other as well as providing a central location for the storage of electronic files. The list truly goes on! Each task demanded time, energy, and commitment. She was always aware of what was going on and what we needed next. She had instinct and drive, more energy than most of us could keep up with. On top of all of this, she was an effective leader and communicator – She was a go-getter and got the job done! She got us to where we are today! Job well done, Kelly!
Our second recipient is Jane Allard. As secretary, she kept us honest. Her sensibility was always right on. She could recall chapter information, specifically of various times, places, and events. She kept an accurate record of our chapter activities and accomplishments. As such, she created a historical recording. She maintained lines of communication with the National Board and AMTA officers. She was our information central. We still call on her guidance to answer questions, help to define a point of order, or obtain clarification on a program. You took good care of us, Jane, and we truly appreciate everything you did and continue to do for your RI AMTA colleagues. Thank you!
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – Frank Rapone
RECIPIENT The recipient of this award works in such an unassuming manner that you might miss the depth of his dedication. Always ready to lend a hand, a word of advice, a kind note, an answer to a need, never too busy to help, refreshment guy at Board meetings—he is the “go-to man” for this, that, and the other.
However, his overall passion has been sports massage, and specifically, the Rhode Island Special Olympics. When he is not setting up new programs for massage at Kent Hospital, he is involved in all aspects of the massage profession. From being an assistant in the Sports Massage class at the Community College of Rhode Island to being a keyboardist in the band, Steve Smith & the Nakeds, Frank Rapone is there whenever you need him – all you have to do is ask!! You will find him involved as a Crisis Massage Team leader, previous Sports Team Chairperson for the RI AMTA, New England Regional Conference volunteer, Government Relations Committee member and now Committee Chairperson, among everything else that he does. He is a “jack of all, master of all!” We are all so fortunate to work with Frank and are much better individuals for knowing this gentle man. Congratulations and thank you, Frank!
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ACTIVISTS AWARD – (2 individuals)—Becky Ellsworth, Wayne Cotnoir
RECIPIENTS This award is being given to two individuals who exhibit passion, drive, and endurance to such a worthwhile cause – to maintain the credibility and professionalism of our massage therapy profession!!
To begin to build, make, or design anything from scratch, it takes a vision, intestinal fortitude, drive, and belief that it is worth doing and it will work when done. This is pretty much the position this young woman took on. She went to the State House, signed up for entrance, paid the fee, and began the arduous task of challenging the Health Department of the State of Rhode Island. Her goal was to set up an advisory board to represent massage therapists--giving us the voice to handle professional issues--namely prostitution--which lawmakers, especially in Providence, wanted to control on the back of massage therapists. A tentative Board of Directors was aligned, resumes were obtained and delivered. Seeing that she meant business, representatives were willing to talk—she was granted a five-minute interview with the governor. Wow!! This looks like a cake—all we need is the icing!!
Welcome the icing—an experienced medical representative and politically knowledgeable member. The meeting is set, portfolios printed and assembled, members were at the State House ready for action. Oops, not so fast!!
Everyone was in on our little meeting—State police, Providence representatives, dignitaries from more departments than we could name, but Becky Ellsworth and Wayne Cotnoir held their own—only with minimal bumps and bruises!! The team fought line by line—all proposed legislation. Wayne was on top of every move—the legislators had no idea—we took them by surprise!! He had us ready to march on the State House and flood them with calls and mail!! Bottom line for the day—the prostitution issue is on hold! Legislators finally realized that our massage therapy representatives were not letting up and that we were a force to reckon with, back in 2006, throughout 2007, and looking into 2008!
Ah, and yes, we also salute the rest of the Government Relations Team—Patricia Bachus, Regina Cobb, Michaele Colizza, Kimberly Cook, Francesca Hayes, Kelly LoGiudice, Joanne Lozy, Deb Luhrs, Ray Moriyasu, Jay O’Connor, Angela Perry, and Frank Rapone. Thank you all!
But most of all, Becky and Wayne, we thank you for your passion, drive, determination, and belief in our profession. Thank you for the cake and providing the most delicious icing of all—victory!! Congratulations!
OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE CHAIR AWARD—Carl Stearns
RECIPIENT Welcome to the 21st century! Thanks to the energy, efforts and electronic savvy of this person—our webmaster—we put the New England Regional Conference on the electronic map in 2007!
Carl Stearns has been a dedicated member of the RI AMTA for many years and has worn many hats—President, Delegate, Treasurer, etc. But none so far reaching as his ability to help us communicate with other members of AMTA around the country and around the world. As a result of his electronic savvy, he has set up a forum for all AMTA members to exchange information and promote a wonderful opportunity for electronic dialogue. Through the Chapter’s website, www.riamta.com, members can obtain answers to their questions, they can sign up for a class, they are kept up-to-date on chapter events, they can find a friend—all that with just one click of a mouse! In my day, a mouse was grey and ate cheese. As for cut and paste, you needed scissors and glue. Mail was delivered by a man in uniform… You get the idea… Carl, we are most grateful for your knowledge and ability to translate that into today’s language. Thank you for your dedication and expertise!
OUTSTANDING NEWSLETTER AWARD – Celeste MacPhee
RECIPIENT
Handprints is the Rhode Island chapter’s newsletter. It is printed four times a year, under the guidance, urging, and sometimes coercion of our editor, Celeste MacPhee. Her ability to translate dribs and drabs of information into interesting, informative, and educational material is amazing! Her own news contributions keep us informed!
The newsletter continues to expand in size and scope—be it education, committee updates, future news, classified ads, and human interest stories. I personally look forward to receiving my copy!
We are also most grateful for the dedicated few who show up for the newsletter mailing—completing the arduous (but fun) task of folding, labeling, and stamping, and the promise of homemade muffins.
Celeste, you have several new challenges in your future—exposure to big business ventures, your very own website, etc., etc. But, the best reward of all will be the arrival of your baby!! Congratulations and we thank you for all that you do!
OUTSTANDING SPORTS MASSAGE TEAM AWARD – (3 individuals)—Frank Rapone, Dorry Renquist, Lou Ann Botsford
RECIPIENTS The team of Frank Rapone, Dorry Renquist, Lou Ann Botsford, along with students and massage therapy volunteers, work to represent massage therapists at every possible event—they are everywhere!!
From National Massage Therapy Awareness Week through the use of press releases and a governor’s proclamation, they met in schools, hospitals, and libraries to bring massage to the public. You see these volunteers on the beaches, in the fields, on the road, at the finish lines—all for the quest to meet the needs of the dedicated, tired, and sore participants! There are many events that they are a part of, but just to name a few, here goes – MS150, Ocean State American Diabetes Association, Pan Mass Challenge, Boston Marathon, Blessing of the Fleet, Save The Bay, bike-a-thons, races, Special Olympics, and Lou Ann’s special event, Operation Standdown for homeless and at-risk Veterans.
All events are important, but I would like to bring attention to Operation Standdown. Under the guidance of Lou Ann Botsford, a team of massage therapists—Dennis Horrigan, Cesar Cruz, Debbie Peacock, Paula Kochanek, Tricia Foster, and Donna Martin—provided the gift of massage to approximately 200 homeless and at-risk veterans at the 14th annual Operation Standdown at Diamond Hill Park, where these veterans received aid and much-needed therapeutic touch. The letters of appreciation and gratitude from the veterans signified that they were truly touched by the therapists’ compassion, sincerity, and gentle kindness. Go team—you truly reached out and touched those who were in need—way to go!!
Congratulations coordinators of the RIAMTA Sports Massage
Team—we thank you—Frank, Dorry, and Lou Ann!!
OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE AWARD (3 individuals) – Education Committee: Alda Medeiros, Pat Bachus, Regina Cobb
RECIPIENTS They said it couldn’t be done, but the mighty three forged on. With determination, dedication, strong willed stubbornness and precise planning, the first of many educational programs took off in January 2008! The responses were inspiring, the material was stimulating, the food, cost, and attention to detail made it work, plus continuing education credit. More continuing education sessions are planned for 2008 and they are already looking into workshops for 2009—what more can you ask!!
In addition, the team will be applying for NCBTMB approved provider status for the Chapter by 2008 year end!
Learning is F-U-N-damental!
Alda Medeiros, Regina Cobb, Pat Bachus – job well done!! Gracias!
PRESIDENTS AWARD – Regina Cobb
RECIPIENT This honor goes to a woman with a long, distinguished history. Even prior to her entering into the massage profession, she was touching people, changing lives—one person at a time. She likes to think she works behind the scenes. Yes, we will give her that, but she works her magic everywhere! Those of us who have had the privilege of working with her, or for her, find her to be highly intelligent, energetic, imaginative, generous, funny, mischievous, dedicated, and extremely passionate to her cause! She is a friend, confidant, mentor, caregiver, teacher, and guide. She gets things done, and like the energizer bunny, keeps on going.
Her contributions to the massage profession are many, but here are some, just to name a few: ▪Director of the Therapeutic Massage Program at the Community College of Rhode Island ▪Director of CCRI’s Student Massage Clinic Program ▪Dedicated and passionate instructor ▪Co-founder and member of the RI Crisis Massage Team ▪Liaison to CCRI’s Lifelong Learning Program ▪Originator of CCRI’s Therapeutic Massage Mentor Program ▪Dedicated member of RI AMTA’s
Board of Directors and committee member of various ▪Participant in various Sports Massage events ▪Member of CCRI’s Therapeutic Massage Advisory Council ▪CCRI Coordinator for National Massage Therapy Awareness Week 2007
The list goes on…
Among all of this, along with the assistance of Anne Balboni, she found the time and energy to take on the daunting task of compiling documentation, researching, and obtaining NCBTMB approved provider status for continuing education for the RI Crisis Massage Team in November 2007.
This is an amazing behind-the-scenes leader! Please join me in congratulating Regina Cobb with the Rhode Island Chapter’s President’s Award!! Regina, thank you for everything that you do!!
MERITORIOUS AWARD – Lori-Ann Gallant Heilborn
RECIPIENT The Chapter Meritorious Award is one of the only Chapter awards that is submitted to the National office of the American Massage Therapy Association on an annual basis. The recipients of each state’s Chapter Meritorious Award are verbally recognized at the National Convention in September 2008 and the names of the recipients are published in AMTA’s own publication.
Lori-Ann Gallant Heilborn’s dedication first came to our attention upon her return from the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece—WOW!! Then, we see she is on to the Olympic training facility in Chula Vista, CA working five+ days completing 10-13 massage sessions per day. But, with all of the excitement and challenges working with physically fit athletes, her heart belongs to those who are truly wounded—her passion is performing massage for the wounded warriors at the Marine Corp Base, Camp LeJuen, NC, Second Division—her son’s duty station as well.
While awaiting permission to do complimentary massages for the wives of the active duty marines, Lori-Ann was asked if she would be willing to massage the marines injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Yes,” she responded, without hesitation. She had no idea what to expect—some of the injuries were extremely difficult to witness—not what we are accustomed to seeing in a customary massage session! She found solace and guidance from the gunny in charge of the wounded warriors’ barracks as well as the medical officer in charge. She says “This was the most profound work I have provided in my massage career.”
Along with a co-worker, she was able to provide forty-eight 30-minute massage sessions. Most of these men had never received massage and were a little cautious. They spoke about how they were wounded and the resulting wounds. Some wounds were too painful to touch, but by the end of the sessions, the wounded reported less pain in the affected areas. The marines wanted to know when she would return. Pain reduction is a big thing. Through the vehicle of massage therapy, there is a horizon of pain relief that is not available through any other modality. When they were told that Lori-Ann and the team came from Rhode Island, they were amazed that a group of people would sacrifice their time and energy in such an unselfish manner without any expectations. They had no way of knowing how grateful the therapists were to be able to help them. They had no idea how much of an impact these wounded warriors made on the lives of the therapists! Lori-Ann promised to return as soon as and as often as possible. With massage therapy, she will continue to willingly render the gift that has been bestowed on her—the gift of healing touch! For more information on this vital cause, please visit www.hopeforthewarriors.org Lori-Ann, the Rhode Island chapter congratulates you and thanks you for your willingness to serve and your courage!! |