Welcome to our redesigned MaAOHN website!

A small committee consisting of Barb Haswell, Nancy Clover and Gail Carchietta worked with our Web Designer, Bob Fancher of Hollerith Design, LLC to redesign our web site. We hope you find it exciting and full of information. We want this to be your “go to” place for Occupational Health Nursing information, updates, and “people” news.

You will notice some of the pages are still in the design process so please keep checking back to see our progress.

We need you to help us keep it fresh and current by sending in any news, events, photographs or happenings as you become aware of them. If something is even a little interesting to you it will be interesting to others and we want to be able to share it with them!

Message from the MaAOHN President, Gail Carchietta

What an exciting first quarter! Chapter programs on Arthritis, Asthma, and Medical Records were well attended across our state. Read more of Gail's message.

National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2012

National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2012
Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring

National Nurses Week observed each year from May 6-12, National Nurses Week is an opportunity to honor your nursing colleagues and to celebrate nurses across our nation.

This year's theme is Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring, and all the materials are ready for use in planning your event.

American Nurses Association: See for ideas on planning, events, publicity and gifts

National Nurses Week Media Kit

Public Health Museum says thanks MaAOHN

The Public Health Museum in Tewsbury, MA (http://www.publichealthmuseum.org/) is a well worth a visit if you haven't been there. MaAOHN recently made a donation to support their great work. Read their thank-you letter.

First Annual F.A.M.E Conference

Our first annual F.A.M.E Conference took place on April 28, 2012.   The following MaAOHN members were recognized in true Hollywood form with their own red carpet walk and Oscar Presentation.  These recipients were honored for their many contributions at the local, state and national levels of our organization.  Congratulations and thank you for your service.  MaAOHN is better for your efforts !

Fun:  Fran  Gerroir  Along with her multiple terms as North of Boston’s trusted treasurer, Fran has taken it upon herself to be the official “thematic” greeter at our meeting registration desk.  No matter what the theme, Fran comes decked out in all the bells and whistles. Really.  She does. Holiday bells, sports whistles, duck-quackers, feathers, crazy glasses, she’s worn it all.  Nobody can compete with her get-ups. Her self-deprecating humor is always entertaining.  She brings a smile to everyone and what better way to start a meeting!  Thank you Fran

Education: Sue Butterfield  makes getting CNE’s for  presentations an easy task,  with her commitment to educational excellence, Sue has been making this happen for the North of Boston Chapter year, after year, after year!  Ever dependable, reliable, and always on the lookout for meeting table favors, Sue’s our “Behind The Scenes Diva” You go girl! Congratulations!

 

Membership: Milda Walkley spreads her expertise in many diverse ways.  Reviewing by-laws, submitting chapter reports, arranging for speakers, audiovisual equipment, presentation outlines, if it’s needed, Milda gets it done, and done well.  Never afraid to voice an opposing thought at a board meeting, Milda challenges us to consider all possibilities, and for that we are a better chapter.  Thank you Milda for all the many ways you contribute to our NOB chapter.   

 

Fun: Barb Haswell  joined WMAOHN in 1997, and has perpetually brightened up our meetings with her witty & well timed one liners. Barb is a hard working & productive AOHN member who never whines however...she does recognize the value of a good wine to lighten everyone's spirits. 'Cheers' to you Barb & a big 'thank you' for all that you do to put a smile on our faces & joy in our hearts!

 

Membership: Grace O'Donald joined WMAOHN in 2000 and has been a tireless voice for encouraging membership & member involvement with our organization. She's served on the Nominating Committee for more times than she'd like to remember and each time she's contacted members and encouraged them to get involved with WMAOHN by running for office & voting. Grace, you sure deserve a bit of FAME for all your work.

 
Education: Bonnie Thornton is one of those quiet women who get so much done & make it look easy. Since becoming a WMAOHN member in 1995 Bonnie has not only furthered her own education, she's also served as unofficial liaison with the Central Mass AOHN and Industrial Hygiene groups. Several excellent, informative, & well attended joint meetings have resulted from Bonnie's tireless efforts. Thank you Bonnie, you are FAMEous with all of us in Western & Central Mass.

 

Advocacy: Sheila Litchfield. Where do we even begin with Sheila...She is a 'seasoned' WMAOHN member joining in 1985. Sheila feels she's received a lot from her AOHN membership and has worked tirelessly to 'give back' to the organizations and their members. She has been an active, in the truest meaning of the word, member and an elected officer on local, state, regional, and national levels. She is Western Mass's most FAMEous member and so deserves our thank you.

Joan Balkus, President of the Central Mass Chapter has been selected as a FAME recipient. Joan co-developed a New Member Packet and New Member On-Boarding procedure for Central Mass and has initiated a President's communication letter to keep members informed about the chapter and to promote engagement with their professional organization. Joan’s energy and enthusiasm for the practice of occupational health nursing is energizing for her colleagues and has driven the development of a chapter Scholarship Program, revamped the Board’s approach to educational programs and organizational structure in a way to better consider members’ needs and promote involvement.

Michelle Gingras, Recording Secretary of the Central Mass Chapter has been selected as a FAME recipient. Michelle was selected for her contributions over the past twenty years an active member of the chapter. Michelle is a COHN-S with an MSN and is recognized for her leadership roles servicing our Massachusetts municipalities. 
As a recent BOD member, Michelle’s willingness and participation has made her a valuable contributor in our Chapter’s success. In 2011 she graciously accepted the Recording Secretary position, aligning our overall mission with meeting tasks – she keeps the board members doing the “right things at the right time”. 

Beth Freel, a Central Mass Chapter member has been selected as a FAME recipient for her consistent support of our local chapter meetings and for donating Avery products basket door prize at each meeting, adding to the fun of the meetings.  

carol Clancy, President GBAOHN has been selected as our first FAME recipient.    The Greater Boston Chapter would most likely not still be in existence were it not for Carol who recently stepped up to the plate as president.  Her enthusiasm and willingness to go that extra step has been a much needed breath of fresh air.  Carol joined GBAOHN in 2010.  At a time when there was a real question of whether GBAOHN could continue to exist, Carol came along and agreed to run as Vice President.  She then graciously took over as acting President when the previous President relocated.  Her efforts and contagious enthusiasm were part of the reason the remaining members of the Board were able to find 4 new members who were also willing to serve. In the short time she has been President she has re-energized the Chapter; encouraging the Board to update its bylaws and revive its educational meetings.  GBAOHN owes a great deal to Carol—thank you!

Mentor: Penny- Allyson Clark has been a member of AAOHN since 1995. She has an impressive resume. Penny is currently the Health Service Manager at Genzyme. She is a wonderful role model who is well published in Occupational Health. Penny has numerous Certifications and Presentations in Occupational Health as well.  She has served on many committees in MaAOHN and GBOAHN. Penny has also held many elected positions in GBAOHN. She has been the glue that has kept our chapter together and a great mentor to all our new members. We are very fortunate to have her.

Meticulous: Linda Lindell stepped  up to the plate when Pam Hixon retired as Treasurer. Linda had some big shoes to fill but; her attention to detail and organization have been outstanding. She was able to negotiate with our Vendor to provide a more reasonable price during our last Conference. Linda has over 20 years of experience in Occupational Health from a variety of settings. She also volunteers her time making greeting cards for various charities and love cats. We are proud to have her as GBAOHN's Treasurer.