Florida State Massage Therapy Association

Dear Members,

There is so much going on! It's harvest time in South Florida!

Many of you may be involved with the special events happening around town--Let us know. In fact, if you are so inclined, write an article--our FSMTA magazine, "The Massage Message", is always looking for news around the State---you could be published!

The Chapter Board has been busy...

~~ We have passed a budget for the next year, that we hope will serve our members and activities to the utmost benefit for all.

~~ Communication is a priority-- I urge you to contact Angel Orozco, our "communications coordinator", about joining meetup.com.

This is a network site for LMT's and associates open to all who enroll. Angel is at all the meetings or may be contacted at angel@bodysenseusa.com

~~ We have a schedule of meeting presentations for the rest of the year. (See info on this website)

CONGRATULATIONS to our CHAPTER AWARD recipients!!!

RICHARD WEIR for CHAPTER LMT of the YEAR AWARD

ANNA PANARO for OUTSTANDING CHAPTER SERVICE

Richard Weir, as you know, served as our Chapter President for six years. Through personal and family trials and triumphs, he devoted his time and efforts to the FSMTA. In 2007, with his partner, Camille Krieger, Richard opened his own business office---Bio Organics Spa. They specialize in organic products, facials, massage and Richard's passion, Orthopedic Massage. He has had great success in treating and relieving all forms of pain and injury for his patients. Richard is also the Vice President of PATH (Positive Alternative Therapies in Healthcare) and the immediate past president of DadeFSMTA.

THANK YOU Richard, for all your Service!

Anna Panaro is our 1st Vice President. She has generously stepped up to maintain the website and is always at the meetings early to set up the refreshments and stays late to clean up afterwards. Anna has been a volunteering as a chair massage therapist at Miami Children's Hospital for the past four years. Anna is my right hand in the Chapter, always there for me and keeps me in line..haha.

THANK YOU Anna, for everything you do

Let's start this year off right--everyone go get your appointment books and schedule the FSMTA meeting every first Tuesday of each month. There, that was easy--you now have a standing appointment for that night for the entire year!

David Gonzalez and I just returned from the Quarterly State Board Meeting in Orlando and the FSMTA rocks! This Association constantly promoting and safeguarding our profession! Every massage student and LMT in Florida should belong! You can find so much information on the newly designed website...www.fsmta.org. Put it on your favorites list and check it out often.

~~Dade Chapter will be offering the four required coursed of Medical Errors, Law, Ethics and HIV over the next few months.
~~Nominations for State and Chapter Awards will be accepted thru February. You may pick up the nomination forms at the chapter meeting.
~~Due to the increased complexity of many massage modalities, malpractice insurance coverage may be changing to a "Class of Coverage Level". Be sure when renewing your policy that you are covered for your scope of practice. An examples booklet may be viewed at the chapter meeting.
~~The FSMTA is sending Vivian Mahoney, our insurance billing consultant and Chairperson, to Washington D.C. for an insurance symposium, so that she may represent Florida's licensed massage therapist's right to bill and be paid by insurance companies. It is her intent to possibly open some new door and hopefully prevent old doors from closing.
~~We are trained professionals and licensed under the Department of Health. Do not let others tarnish our name! Stop Unlicensed Activity! (1-877-425-8852)
~~FOUND at the Holiday Party

A cable of some sort...clear with colored wires....plug in. Restaurant and Band do not claime it. I will have it at the next meeting.

A very special Thank You to the Siam Lotus Room Restaurant with Steve and Atchana Capellini for the wonderful space and delicious buffet AND the Dewey Street Band for keeping us dancing all night long.....what fun!! Kudos to Lisa Goodkind for recommending them. I would also like to acknowledge Performance Health, Inc. and Physicians's Pain Relief, Inc. for their prize donations and samples. Thank you all who attended and for those of you that didn't......you missed out!

Looking back over the last year, I can't believe how fast it has flown by. I have tried to listen to and accommodate member's suggestions and requests for topics and projects. I appreciate your input and contributions and hope each of you get more involved and proactive.

I wish to thank my Board Members: Anna Panaro, 1st VP; David Gonzalez, 2nd VP; Elly Alovis, Sec.; Muriel Hollant, Tres. for their help and support. Step up and get to know them.....we have many opportunities for the next generation.

This coming year is licensed renewal and we will provide all the required coursed before July. As the "New Year" approaches, I encourage all of you to make the resolution to attend the FSMTA meetings and check the web site every month. I will send out E-Mail notices monthly reminding you of events. If you do not receive them, please adjust your inbox to accept them accordingly.

Of course, it is mandatory that we have your correct address. All corrections must be made through Central Office officially, but drop me a notice, so that I may update my personal files too.

Don't forget we will be hosting Don McCann's Course on Cranial Distortion Release at the end of January......SIGN UP NOW!!!! Information on this Web site under EVENTS.

I keep each of you in my prayers and wish you a very fulfilling year and a very Happy Holiday Season!

The Holidays are here and it's almost the end of the year! It is a busy time all around.

Massage Therapy Awareness Week is October 19-25. Our chapter volunteered for the second year at the Davie Branch of the University of Florida extension for the Agriculture Department's Annual Health & Safety Fair. I would like to thank Muriel Hollent and Barbye Greenberg (Broward's chapter President) for joining me to make that event a success. Anna Panaro and Bobby Hudson are slated to Volunteer at the Miami Beach Police Dept as well. By the way, if you did something special to spread the word for Massage Therapy Awareness Week, let me know and I will include it with our report for the Massage Message Magazine.

David Gonzalez will be giving classes in Sports Massage and Stretching on November 2nd............more information in the Events Section. If you missed the chapter meeting training in May...here is another opportunity! David is working to develop a strong, active Sports Massage Team for South Florida. There is a lot of ground work to do before we are acknowledged as established sports massage providers for the World-Class events that happen here. Please get in touch with David and GET INVOLVED! There is a Triathlon on November 9th and he needs 20 therapists. Contact him directly at dgfitness@bellsouth.net or call him on his cell at (305) 308-4817. See Events Website.

On November 4th........First VOTE, then come to the chapter meeting! We will have Dr. Michael Shea LMT discussing "Embryology and the Therapeutic Relationship". YES, 2 CEU's!

December 2nd is our Holiday Party! Mark your calendars and take the night off. We are having our Holiday Party at the Siam Lotus Room Thai Restaurant in South Miami with the Dewey Street Band! The entire restaurant will be ours for the evening.....COME OUT AND CELEBRATE!!! An official E-Mail invitation will soon follow. Advance reservations and pre-payment ($25 per person) is requested.

Reminder: Don McCann's Class on Cranial/Core Distortion Release happens at the end of January.....information on enrollment can be found on the Events Website.

Fall approaches......these are the days when the temperature drops a few degrees and it's just a little less humid. I always notice that first day when their is that ever so slight change in the smell and feel of the air. This is my favorite time of year here in South Florida (or anywhere else). It is that peaceful, yet energizing lull between Summer and Tourist Season... the art shows, street fairs, farmers markets and events galore will soon be happening. Be sure to take time and enjoy your surroundings--the birds are migrating, the sky is awesome and the roses are blooming...Ahh~~~

I encourage everyone to plant a few tomato seeds this season...nurture them, watch them grow and hopefully in a few months you will have a bountiful crop of healthy, delicious, nutritious tomatoes. Much like your massage practice!

I also encourage you to come to the meetings--take this one regular night a month out of your busy schedule and commit to your professional association. Our presenters make time in their busy schedule to come for you! Support our chapter and guest speakers and BE PRESENT!

Many of you missed Don McCann at the September meeting--but the good news is that he is actually coming to Miami to teach a weekend workshop on Cranial/Structural Core Distortion Release the end of January. This will be a very valuable training for your practice! See Flyer under EVENTS on this Web site.

October is "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" and our speakers will address the protocol and importance of breast exams. This is "need to know" information for both men and women. I personally have discovered a "lump" in three massage clients that turned out to be Cancer--they would have never suspected it on their own!

October also includes Massage Awareness Week! There is a wonderful day of activity planned at the Warm Mineral Springs over in North Port, hosted by the Southwest Chapter for all FSMTA members. For more information go to: www.warmmineralsprings.com

Dade Chapter will have a booth at the "Health and Safety Fair" for the Florida Agriculture Department at the So. Fla. extension office in Davie. I need Volunteers for seated massage, Oct. 16th between 11am to 2pm. Lunch will be provided. Please contact me if interested in participating.

Our November meeting is just around the corner and we will be privileged to host Dr. Michael Shea! Dr. Shea will be in Miami for a book signing engagement an has agreed to come that evening and share with us "The Embryo and the Therapeutic Relationship". 2 CEU's!

Hope to see you all at the meetings......bring friends and colleagues and Let's Make Dade Shine!

NEWSLETTER

Florida State Massage Therapy Association - Dade Chapter