NEWSLETTER

President's Message

Dear Members,

The time has gone by so fast since the elections and I have not had an apportunity to address the entire membership officially as the new President.

HEARTFELT GREETINGS!

I am honored and pleased to be the Dade Chapter President and representative for the next two years. As many of you know, I have been an active member with the organization for more than half my life! I joined the FSMTA as a student in 1978 and I know that because of the Association, Massage Therapy is so respected in the healthcare field today.

My goal for this term is to bring the membership out to the meetings and encourage involvement and participation in our professional association.

If you have a project, presentation, problem, promotion...bring it on. We have a wonderful committee board that is willing to help and serve you.

Membership has it's benefits and responsibilities and discounts too. Let's work together and make Dade Shine!!

RoseAnne Eliasson, President

FSMTA-Dade Chapter

dadefsmta@bellsouth.net

Chapter Meeting Highlights

June 3, 2008

Our monthly meeting was held at "Educating Hands School of Massage".

Volker Frank Sperlich, a professional laugh therapist, managed to get the entire room of LMT's, laughing. The point was to remember that laughter is a proven healer. As busy Therapists, we probably forget its importance or find time and a reason to laugh.

Our time was a delightful change of form from the normal structured meeting. We were laughing at and with each other. In the bathroon, I heard a Massage Student say to her friend in a sad voice, "We didn't have that class"! Thanks to Lisa Goodkind for suggesting the topic.

Also worth mentioning was Anna Panaro's imitation of a chicken. (Her Acting Classes paid off).

A 50/50 cash raffle was awarded to a student guest. We hope she joins the chapter.

The rest of the meeting was focused on preparing for the convention, from July 2nd to July 6th at The Boca Raton Resort and Hotel. We look forward to seeing you there.

May 6, 2008

Our monthly meeting was held at "Miami Dade College". David Gonzalez, Sports Team Leader and 2nd Vice President, conducted a class in Sport Massage to equip our Massage Therapists for up and coming events. David Gonzalez will give us an updated report as to events and participation required.

April 1, 2008

Our monthly meeting was held at "Educating Hands School of Massage". Our President, RoseAnne Elisasson, opened the meeting with an April Fool's joke to warm up the attending members. We laughed! You had to be there!!!

It was reported that Sam Campano, the State Massage Therapist Association's Webmaster was in a coma following a motorcycle accident last month. Our prayers are requested for Sam and his wife. We look forward to some good reports in the future.

Anna Panaro, 1st Vice President, asked for ideas from members regarding the Chapter's Web Site. Contributions are welcome. Contact her at: apanaro@bellsouth.net.

We are urging all members to "GET INVOLVED" by forming and working on various committees which will benefit the chapter and it's members.

It was decided that a list of available therapists will be formulated to keep our therapists on call for more employment. Your name will appear on the list ONLY with your consent. This will be a Special Committee.

Victor Francs, LMT spoke on AquaBliss Technigues. Two FREE CEU's were granted to all who attended.

At our May meeting, David Gonzalez, 2nd Vice President, will be teaching on Sports Massage. David is also State Sports Massage Coordinator and we are fortunate to have him teaching this up and coming class. Cost: $65 at the door and $50 if prepaid, to be received no later than April 30th.

Refreshments were served. We had a great time!

March 3, 2008

The first meeting of the newly elected board of directors of the Dade Chapter of FSMTA was held at "Educating Hands School of Massage". The new board members are: President-RoseAnne Eliasson, 1st. Vice President-Anna Panaro, 2nd. Vice President-David Gonzalez, Secretary-Elly Alovis and Treasurer-Muriel Holland.

After a brief outline by RoseAnne regarding the forming of committees, she opened the floor for discussion as to what the members want included in the chapter's meeting agenda for next year.

Among the topics offered were: managing the business aspect of massage, self care for the therapist, meditation, and reimbursements in reference to insurance companies. Some members expressed a wish to have a time during the meeting to "speak among themselves".

RoseAnne reached out to the members and urged them to join committees which will benefit the chapter. Some suggestions were: Sports Team, Seated Massage, Hospitality, Program Education and Legislature Chair.

Sports Massage Workshop will be coming up in May taught by David Gonzalez. All those wishing to participate in the Sports Team are urged to take the course.

It was unanimously voted to keep the meeting night on the 1st Tuesday of every month.

Iris Burman voiced a desire to keep the Dade Chapter meeting place at "Educating Hands School of Massage". The school has always been a supporter of the chapter. It was agreed upon.

Refreshments were served. A good time was had by all.

February 5, 2008

FSMTA Dade Chapter hosted it's first monthly meeting of the year. It was held at Florida College of Natural Health. Its focus was to honor the past Board of Directors, Past President Richard Weir and 1st & 2nd Vice Presidents, Michael Langlois and Bruce Baltz consecutively.

Richard Weir past the baton to his successor, RoseAnne Eliasson after serving as President for six years. The remainder of the board members were elected to the following posts: Anna Panaro, 1st Vice President, David Gonzalez, 2nd Vice President, Muriel Holland, Treasurer and Elly Alovis-Secretary.

Following the elections, Dr. William Doreste presented information on his Cranial Release Technique. Two FREE CEU's were granted to all the members who attended. Each members was given the experience with a treatment by Dr. Doreste.

The demonstrations lasted past our allotted time and Florida College of Natural Health gave us permission to stay.

Refreshments were served.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK "EDUCATING HANDS SCHOOL OF MASSAGE" FOR SUPPORTING OUR CHAPTER BY CONSENTING TO BE OUR "HOME" MEETING PLACE.

Last updated: June 22, 2008