REGION NEWS

New Jersey Nurse, Jan/Feb 2004

REGION 3

Bettye Ingram, RN VP Communications

We held our return meeting on October 2, 2003, at the home of Eileen Fay, president. The new and continuing officers were recognized and congratulated for the tasks that they have undertaken.

OFFICERS

Eileen Fay-President, Marilyn Samuels-Immediate Past President, Ella Shaykevich-Treasurer, Dawn Kozlowski-Secretary, Saundra Austin-Benn-VP Institute, Annette Hubbard-VP Congress on Policy, Bettye Ingram-VP Communication, Heather Clark-Chair, Nominating Committee, Saundra Baker-INPAC

MEMBERS-at-LARGE

Joyce McGowan Franklin- Essex, Grace Beaumont-Essex, Debbic Skeete-Bernard and Phyllis Nicolini-Union

NOMINATING COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Lynne Nelson, Juanita Snead, Franklin Hickey, Virginia Fitzsimmons, Marie Foley

Bylaws are in review. Marilyn Samuels volunteered to chair the committee. She is recruiting members for this committee. Two (2) CEU Programs will be presented by the Region on an annual basis. Suggestions for topics and format are encouraged from the general membership. The Educational Meetings have been very successful in the past.

Region III held a very productive Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2003, at Kean University during one of the nursing classes. This gave the students the opportunity to experience a professional meeting which was one of their course requirements. The meeting was very interactive and the students posed several questions particularly regarding Legislative Issues.

Nora Krick was elected and graciously accepted the position of VP of Membership for 2003-05. Region III has donated $200 to the Nancy Crabtree-Fortna Scholarship Fund of Muhlenberg Hospital, The Board also approved the formation of the Nancy Crabtree-Fortna Scholarship Task Force to explore the possibility of sponsoring a scholarship annually through the Institute of Nursing. Nancy was the former President of Region III.

During the meeting Marilyn Samuels was presented the Kean University 2003 BSN Alumna of the Year Award by Dr. Virginia Fitzsimons who is also a member of the Nominating Committee. Annette Hubbard was appointed to serve as a member of the Community Board for the UMDNJ Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities. Meetings will be held in various areas of the state. As a member of the NJ Council on Diabetes, Annette participated in the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program which was the CDC cooperative agreement for 2004. Annette was awarded a certificate for attending the workshops.

Our Educational meeting was held Feb. 3, 2004 at East Orange General Hospital. This was another one of our very provocative educational events and an opportunity for professional growth. It was coordinated by Saundra Austin-Benn, VP of Institute. The Officers and Board of Region III are themselves great mentors and an opportunity to network with leaders in their fields of practice.

The Nomination and Election Committee, spearheaded by Heather Clark, Chair, is actively recruiting members for the following positions: President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, VP of Communications, Members-at-Large: Essex 1, Union 1 and members of Nominating Committee (4). Let's all get on board and put our talents to work for an outstanding Region!