December 2011
Dear Colleagues,
It is hard to believe it's December already. I am not sure where the months are going but they seem to be flying by. Another ASHA has passed us by and we are busy planning our spring conference for 2012. We had our annual meeting just after Thanksgiving this year.
Executive board members have been busy with general activities. Our annual membership renewal drive is going on now. Please renew early and plan to join us at our annual conference on Saturday March 31, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. Look for topics for our school-based and medical facilities members. Workshops are being planned now with a focus on technology use in the field of speech/language and audiology.
I am pleased to announce that our affiliation with ASHA was renewed for another five-year period. We received a plaque at our Fall CSAP meeting in San Diego that Alan Gravell and I attended. I am also pleased to notify you all that we received a $1000.00 ASHA grant to increase student advocacy. We will be working with URI and RIC students during the spring semester and at our annual Better Hearing and Speech Month display at the RI State House. Please plan to join us at one or all of our activities. Please save the date of May 1, 2012 from 2-4:30 PM.
We are still looking for members willing to serve on our Executive Board. We are looking for a schools committee chairperson or co-chairs. Please contact me if you are interested or if you have questions about the committee. Board members do not have to pay an annual membership fee.
I am pleased to announce that we finally have a new SEAL (State Education Advocacy Leader) who will represent our association for ASHA. Ellen Moore has agreed to fulfill this vacant position. Thank you Ellen!
Our Executive Board is sad to say goodbye to Eve Sadd. Eve has held many positions on the RISHA Board including President and most recently ASHA Advisory Councilor for Speech and Language. Laura Peterson is now our ASHA Advisory Councilor.
Please check our website often for updates and be on the lookout in January for our online newsletter. We will be publishing a newsletter 3-4 times per year and will welcome input from the membership.
Wishing you all a peaceful, happy and healthy holiday season!
Ellen Connery
RISHA President
