Message from the President

This president’s message is going to be a little different from the other 82; for one thing, this is president’s message #83. It doesn’t seem as though I have been president of Chapter 179 since July of 2003. In the July 2003 issue of the newsletter there was a biographical sketch, where I indicated that I would rather be a golf pro, but that didn’t happen. At that time I mentioned that my two sons were living in Cleveland and in Georgia and that’s all changed, Cleveland has moved to Kentucky and Georgia has now returned to Albany, New York. I also mentioned that I enjoy Mended Hearts and I wanted to help spread the message. That has not changed.

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The newsletter that year was eight pages; today it has grown to 12 pages thanks to the efforts of the newsletter editor Martin Brilliant. The featured article in July 2003 was a review of the past June meeting where the program was about a new technology, the use of drug eluting stents, (see the April 2010 program). The lead-in to the featured article included a welcome by acting co-presidents Lou Massarelli and Dennis Broschart. Lou then introduced me as the new chapter president. He mentioned that voting had been held at Mended Hearts meetings in Ocean Medical, Riverview Medical and Jersey Shore Medical Centers and the election had been ratified at the executive meeting July 3, 2003.

It has been an interesting 83 months or almost 7 years. I learned very early on the chapter was strongly supported by Meridian Health, which at that time included three hospitals. The strength of Chapter 179 with this support is that we are not required to raise funds. This has permitted us to dedicate our chapter effort to patient visiting and patient education. It has been our practice to donate to all three hospitals when our budget permits.

If you look at page 2 of the current newsletter and read the list of Officers, you find it easy to understand why this chapter has moved forward so steadily. With a sigh of relief I’m pleased at the outcome of our recent election. The incoming officers have some big shoes to fill. Vice President Len Talalai also handled the visiting program and visitor-training program. The secretary, Lois Landis has handled the job that needed doing and she stepped up when I needed help years ago. The treasurer Martin Brilliant has also been newsletter editor, webmaster and membership chair. I thank all of you most sincerely for their support.

To the incoming team of officers I say bravo. President Matthew Klug, Vice President Frederick Steelman, Treasurer Neil Paulson and Secretary yet to be filled will indeed have your hands full. I also thank the committee chairs for their volunteer service. Sharon Barry has agreed to be program chair, Martin Brilliant will continue as newsletter editor and webmaster, Jack and Rita Beerman are currently the nominations committee co-chairs, Frances Grubb has served as public relations chair. The visitor training will continue to be handled by Len Talalai. I will have the pleasure of serving as Past President.

To all of the members old and new I say thank you for your support. The strength of the chapter is in the membership, the incoming officers will need your help, don’t hesitate to volunteer, just do it. We need to build a stronger visiting program and we need a new secretary.

I have had fun writing the previous 82 Presidents Messages but this number 83 has been the most difficult. Perhaps the editor will find space for an occasional column by a past president.