2013 Annual Meeting Wrap-Up

Published: May 13, 2013

The 2013 Annual Meeting and Education weekend was a great success!

Immediate Past President of AMTA-MA Chapter and National Board member Richard Wedegartner opened the meeting with a moment of silence to honor and reflect on the victims and families of those involved in the Boston Marathon tragedy. Richard also recognized President Mary White's recent family tragedy that kept her from the meeting. The leadership has created a page on the chapter's website to learn more and leave thoughts and condolences to Mary and her husband Chris (click here).

Our chapter attorney, Scott Dunlap spoke about the legal benefit offered through the AMTA-MA Chapter. He also told attendees about a case with Arbella insurance, which ended with Arbella agreeing to pay for physician-referred massage therapy. Scott also discussed how the legal benefit assisted a member with town regulation issues in East Longmeadow.

AMTA-MA Chapter lobbyist Mark Malloy spoke about the current legislation, in progress, to remove the term 'non-specific stretching' from our licensing and regulations, to keep it within our scope of practice. Mark also told attendees about new efforts to regulate electronic advertising, in order to prevent illegal businesses from operating under the umbrella of 'massage'. Mark emphasized the need for member support on October 24, Legislative Awareness Day. Save the date, details will be coming soon!

Midge Rose of Bryden & Sullivan spoke about the AMTA-MA Chapter benefit, offering members use of a health insurance broker at no cost. Susan Toscano, NCBTMB chairperson, spoke about the new Board Certification changes.

Treasurer Farris Ajalat reviewed last years’ budget as well as the proposed budget for 2014-2015. He explained reasoning for some of the changes and reviewed the Balance Sheet and the Investment allocation. The budget passed with a unanimous vote from the professional members in attendance.

Education Chairperson Deb Baker presented the upcoming education schedule. Jeff Mahadeen will present September 8-9 in Northampton, Tracy Walton will present on December 7 and 8 in Hyannis.

Volunteer Gail Dobinski spoke about National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, October 20-26, and reminded members to save the date for Legislative Awareness Day, October 24. Gail also presented on the 2014 New England Regional Conference, March 20-23, 2014. AMTA CT Chapter will be hosting with the theme, “Massage… it Makes a World of Difference”.

1st Vice President Lisa Curran-Parenteau spoke about the new Community Service Massage Team. There will be a three day training July 26-28 in Natick, MA. More information will be available soon on the AMTA-MA Chapter website, and interested massage therapists can email csmt@massamta.org for more information. Lisa also previewed the new Volunteer Opportunities page on the website.

2nd Vice President Kelly Dalbec awarded a huge variety of door prizes to happy attendees, and reminded us of the AMTA-MA Chapters suite of benefits.

We were honored to have DIanne Polseno's sister, Gail Chatfield, at the meeting to introduce the first Dianne Polseno Student Scholarship Award. Scholarship recipients were Matt Padulo, ($1,000 and AMTA graduate membership), Jillian Brelsford, ($750 and graduate membership), and Cheryl Landry (graduate membership).

Elections brought about the following results:

Farris Ajalat, Treasurer

Lisa Curran-Parenteau, Chapter 1st Vice President

Kelly Dalbec, Chapter 3rd Vice President

Newly elected Delegates are Gail Dobinski, Regine Ryder and Lisa Parenteau with Allissa Haines serving as the Alternate Delegate.

Awards were presented by Sr. Pat Dowler. Education superstars Debbie Baker and Dawn Slack were given the Outstanding Volunteer award. Weekend presenter and Liddle Kidz founder Tina Allen was given the Distinguished Service Award. The Chapter Meritorious Award was give to a very deserving Gail Dobinski, and in a surprise move, Lisa Curran-Parenteau stood in for AMTA- MA Chapter president Mary White and honored Sr. Pat Dowler with the President' Award. Tracy Walton was awarded the Chapter Humanitarian Award in a live video call broadcast to the attendees.

Lisa shared a lovely written message from President Mary White, and the meeting was adjourned.