winter 2017 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER...LVDA - 3 - Membership Report Laura Gallagher, RDN, LDN / LVDA...
Transcript of winter 2017 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER...LVDA - 3 - Membership Report Laura Gallagher, RDN, LDN / LVDA...
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Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association: Serving PADA members in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Schuylkill Counties
the QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER of theLehigh Valley Dietetic Association
winter2017
In This Issue:PAGE 2Board Contact Info
PAGE 3Membership Report • Social Media Update • Important Dates • Treasurer’s Report PAGE 4Put Your Best Fork Forward
PAGE 5Fall CEU Event
PAGE 6The Main Ingredient
PAGE 7New Rules for LTC Facilities Licensure Update (MUST READ)
PAGE 8PAND Scholarships Newsletter Naming Contest Winner Nutrition Education Chair Update
PAGE 9-11Public Policy Updates
PAGE 12There's a New Cat in Town Local Job Opportunity
PAGE 13LVDA Winter Scrapbook
The LVDA is committed to providing members with quality continuing education programs, networking
opportunities, current information on issues affecting the dietetic
profession and much more!
President’s Message
The LVDA has announced its
slate of candidates for open positions on
our board of directors and has provided
bios for each candidate, making sure all
of our members have the appropriate
information to decide who will be the
next leadership representatives for
our district. Each February, members
are asked to participate in the ballot
through electronic voting. At the end of
the election period, we tally the votes
and notify the candidates, followed by
an announcement to our members. We
ask for your engagement in this process
by taking an active role and casting your
votes.
Are you Interested in becoming
a future leader in our district?
Strengthening your leadership skills can
help you achieve that role. The Academy
offers a diverse assortment of programs
that focus on personal development,
self-empowerment, adaptability,
communication, and risk-taking.
Online leadership training courses are
available through the Academy website
for developing and advancing your
role as a leader. The website also offers
a list of additional resources such as
books, articles and web links for skill
development.
You can also
strengthen your
leadership skills by
becoming a mentor.
Help others gain perspective and guide
them toward accomplishing goals
while helping to develop the future of
the dietetics profession. The Academy
hosts an e-mentoring site that connects
dietetics professionals with students,
interns and anyone looking for guidance
along their path. Mentorship roles
are also available through our local
undergraduate nutrition and internship
programs.
Your professional skills can
also be enhanced by cultivating your
network. Expand your connections and
broaden your horizons by taking part in
our district’s networking opportunities
where you’ll meet and have the
opportunity to collaborate with other
dietetics experts in our area. Watch
for future events through the LVDA’s
website and newsletter. Additionally,
take advantage of social media to grow
your network. Social media sites allow
you access to successful leaders that
can enhance your professional outlook.
Be sure to also follow the LVDA on
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Continued on page 12
Andrea Barnes, MS, RD, CSG, LDN, FAND, President
Packed with Nourishing News You Can Use
LVDA
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SUBMIT to the NewsletterDo you have an exciting event, accomplishment or
opinion you would like to share with members of the
LVDA? Perhaps you’d like to share your expertise and
experience by writing an article or letter to the editor. The
LVDA newsletter is published four times a year. Members
of the LVDA may email information and articles to
Tammy Zalokar at [email protected].
Go to www.eatrightpro.org/resource/career/career-
development/marketing-center/tips-on-writing-
articles-and-letters-to-the-editors to find tips on
writing articles and letters to contribute to the LVDA
newsletter.
The Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association assumes no responsibility for statements made or expressed in this publication.
Our MISSIONThe Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association is the advocate of the dietetic profession, servicing the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health, and well-being.
CONTACT the LVDALehigh Valley Dietetic AssociationPO Box 3388 • Allentown, PA 18106-0388
Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association
@EatRightLV
BOARD OF DIRECTORSEXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERSPresident: Andrea Barnes, MS, RD, CSG, LDN, FAND [email protected]
Immediate Past President: Jan Little, MPH, RD, LDN [email protected]
Secretary Amy Romberger, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Treasurer Nancy Wagner, MBA, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Continuing Education Chair Mardi Garland, MS, RD, MBA • [email protected]
Continuing Education Chair-elect Sherri Cirignano, MS, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Nominating Chair Melissa Savino, MS, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Nominating Chair-elect Tyler Rindock, RDN, LDN, CPT • [email protected]
BOARD MEMBERSNutrition Education Alexandra Sodl, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Newsletter Editor Tammy Zalokar, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Membership Coordinator Laura Gallagher, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Public Relations Chair Denice Frey, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Reimbursement Chair Jennifer Doane, MS, RD, CSSD, ATC • [email protected]
Website Coordinator Gina Hassick, MA, RD, LDN, CDE, NCC [email protected]
Public Policy Chair Jan Little, MPH, RD, LDN • [email protected]
Career Guidance Chair Open
LVDA Representative on PADA Nominating Committee Open
ADA Delegate Susan Adams, MS, RD, LDN • [email protected]
LVDA
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Membership ReportLaura Gallagher, RDN, LDN / LVDA Membership Coordinator
As of January 20, the LVDA has 69 members for the 2017-
2018 membership year. It is still not too late to join the
LVDA! Please encourage your peers and colleagues to
complete a membership application. Applications can
be found on our website at http://eatrightlehighvalley.
org/ LVDA_02.html.
Some of the benefits of a district membership include:
• Local conferences for continuing education credits &
networking events
• Leadership to volunteer opportunities
• Scholarship opportunities for undergraduates,
graduates and dietetic interns
• Access to local job listings, membership directories
and connection to peers via social media
Coming Soon...
SOCIAL MEDIA UpdateConnect with the LVDA any way you can. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Let us be your source for up-to-date information on the profession’s most current topics – and don’t forget to send us your photos from nutrition events around the valley!
CURRENT FOLLOWERS Facebook: 70 Likes
Twitter: 184 Followers
LinkedIn: 45 Members
People are checking out the LVDA’s website ...Are you?
www.eatrightlehighvalley.org Website hits for fall/winter 2016:
November: 538
December: 330
January: 288
Treasurer's ReportNancy Wagner, MBA, RD, LDN/LVDA Treasurer
As of December 5, 2016:
Checking Account: $6,668.17
Savings Account: $1,704.23
National Nutrition Month is soon approaching.
This is always a great opportunity to
support our profession and the positive
ways Registered Dietitians contribute to our
communities. This year also highlights the
importance of helping our clients and patients
make small shifts in their diets and habits
for big results. Put your best fork forward
in March and proudly promote National
Nutrition Month!
2017 PAND Annual Meeting and Exhibition Fri, April 21 - Sun, April 23 Crowne Plaza Hotel, King of Prussia, PA AND Public Policy Workshop June 25-26 • Grand Hyatt Hotel, Washington, DC
LVDA
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March and National Nutrition Month (NNM) are fast
approaching. This year’s theme is “Put Your Best Fork
Forward.” With the theme in mind, the LVDA will again
promote the event to the dominant public libraries in
our six counties: Reading Public Library*, Pottsville Free
Public Library*, Dimmick Memorial Library, Allentown Public
Library*, Eastern Monroe Public Library (Hughes Library),
Bethlehem Area Public Library* and Easton Area Public
Library*.
How? We are offering the popular Book Donation Program
to these libraries. The LVDA will reimburse up to $20
toward the library’s purchase of a title or titles listed on the
Academy’s “Good Nutrition Reading List.” Then, the library
will paste a donation label saying “LVDA” inside the book.
Here is where you come in! If you patronize these dominant
libraries, please contact me if you would like to help
communicate with them. Do you patronize other public
libraries in our area? From now through March, I encourage
you to approach the manager of your neighborhood library
about the program. Find out the name of the staff member
who acquires books for the library and his/her contact
information and email it to me. I will take it from there but
keep you in the loop.
Please see the list below of titles libraries have purchased in
2016. Some libraries notify patrons of the new acquisition
by hanging up color scans of these titles on a bulletin board.
They may also make them available to patrons of other
public libraries to check out. I am looking forward to adding
your public library to the list for 2017!
RINGTOWN AREA LIBRARY:
200 Surefire Ways to Eat Well and Feel Better
The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition
EASTON AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY:
Total Body Diet for Dummies
Eat Out Eat Well
THE ORWIGSBURG AREA FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY
200 Surefire Ways to Eat Well and Feel Better
The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition
ALLENTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY
What Do I Eat Now?: A Step-by-Step Guide to Eating Right
with Type 2 Diabetes
21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart
Total Body Diet for Dummies
During the conversation, you can offer additional
materials: Our annual NNM flyer. It will soon be available
for downloading on the "Our Community" webpage of
our website. Librarians can post flyers next to computer
terminals and throughout the library. The flyer will feature
the 2017 theme and links to major websites we recommend
including the Academy's public webpage, the National
Nutrition Month section and its Good Nutrition Reading
List. The link to our own “Find an RD” webpage is listed. You
can encourage library personnel to post these links on their
websites and share them to colleagues.
The librarians may be willing to download and make copies
of the flyer and the NNM tipsheets and put out for patrons.
Finally, members, please offer the flyer to other types of
facilities and venues, like those discussed below.
If you are promoting National Nutrition Month in your
workplace or in the community please send photos and a
short paragraph about the event to [email protected].
We would love to show off what dietitians are doing around
the Lehigh Valley on our website and in our newsletter!
As always, if you are interested in nutrition education to the
public please contact me at [email protected].
* Designates libraries that are district centers, giving financial advice to library managers within the county(ies).
Alexandra (Allie) Sodl, MS, RD, LDN / LVDA Nutrition Education Chair
LVDA
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The LVDA welcomed member RD’s and dietetic interns attending our
Fall CEU Event held November 9, 2016 at The Macungie Institute. We
earned 6 CEU’s over the full-day event, training in a clinical workshop on
nutrition-focused physical examination, and meeting with community
leaders in food safety, supermarket nutrition, business education,
organic agriculture and indirect calorimetry. Lunch catered by 29 Cooks,
and networking with colleagues were enjoyed by all.
Dr. Jane Ziegler, DCN, RD, LDN, Associate Professor and Program
Director, Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition Program at Rutgers, offered
a three hour, hands-on experience in conducting nutrition-focused
physical examinations, developing skills and techniques for RDs to use
in their practice. Small-group interaction offered a unique opportunity
to ask questions.
Garry Ritter, Allentown Health Bureau, Environmental Field Services
Manager, sharpened our understanding of food safety, regulatory
jurisdiction, and the food product recall process, offering excellent
resources for food service inspection and staff training for high-risk
groups.
Meredith McGrath, RD, LDN, Redner’s Markets, showed us how
dietitians are employed in the retail supermarket industry in presenting
health and wellness as a competitive strategy, as expert advisors working
with the media and community at the corporate level and in stores.
Kutztown University MBA Program adjunct instructor CJ Rhoads
provided an overview of how the flexible 1-3 year program offers
e-learning and classroom courses in strategy, ethics, leadership,
marketing and global economics, preparing you for a management role.
Master Gardener Cynthia James increased our appreciation of the
organic agriculture program at the Rodale Institute, Kutztown, supporting
research, advocacy, education and organic farming, with their mission to
improve health and well-being of people and the planet.
David Frankenfield, MS, RD, Dept. of Clinical Nutrition, Penn State
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, presented detailed instruction on the
use of indirect calorimetry, how to interpret it into clinical practice, when
and how to use it to monitor energy needs and estimating energy needs
in patients without access to indirect calorimetry.
You can help us plan interesting CEU activities for members by selecting
interest in the “Educational Meeting Planning” when renewing your
LVDA membership.
FALL CONTINUING EDUCATION EVENT | NOVEMBER 9, 2016
Mardi Garland, MS, RDN, MBA / Continuing Ed Chair
Sherri Cirignano, MS, RDN, LDN / Continuing Ed Chair-elect
Gary Ritter of the Allentown Health Bureau discussing food safety and regulatory jurisdiction among other topics at the event.
Dr. Jane Ziegler explains and performs a nutrition-focused physical exam on LVDA president Andrea Barnes.
LVDA
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RECIPE: Chai TeaINGREDIENTS4 cardamom pods
1 4-inch cinnamon stick
8 whole black peppercorns
4 cloves
1 vanilla bean
2 cups water
1 piece of fresh ginger, (1" long, peeled)
4 tsp (or 4 tea bags) black tea or chai tea
2 cups 2% milk or plain soymilk
1/2 - 1 Tbsp honey
1/2 - 1 Tbsp sugar
DIRECTIONSPlace the cardamom, cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves and vanilla bean in a saucepan. Add 2 cups of water. Using the finest holes on a grater, grate the ginger over the pot to catch all the ginger’s juices.
Bring the herb and water mixture to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Cover pot and remove from the heat. Steep the spices for up to 20 minutes. The longer you steep them, the spicier the tea will be.
Uncovered, return the pot to medium-high heat and bring it back to a boil. Add the tea (or tea bags) and milk. When the mixture is about to boil again, stir in the honey and sugar. Strain the chai and pour it into mugs to serve.
Makes 4 one-cup servings. Nutritional Information: Calories: 75, Total fat 2 g, Sodium: 50 mg, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein 4 g
We all have great dishes to share ... so why not share them here?
Want to see your dish here? Just send your recipe, nutrient analysis and photo, if you have one, to [email protected].
The Main Ingredient
RECIPE: Garlic VinaigretteINGREDIENTS3/4 c extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c raspberry vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp agave nectar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
Freshly ground black pepper to
taste
DIRECTIONSMix vinegar and crushed garlic in a bowl. Add mustard and agave nectar and stir. Slowly drizzle olive oil into vinegar
mixture and whisk vigorously until it is emulsified. Add ground pepper and whisk again.
Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator (will stay fresh for a month in fridge)
Makes 1 cup of dressing or 24 (1.5 Tbsp) servings.
Nutritional Information: Calories: 68, Total Fat: 7 g, Sodium: 10.5 mg, Sugars: 1.7 g
“I have been making this salad dressing for years and I love to
share it with my patients, too!”- Nancy Wagner MBA,RD, LDN
Enjoy this warm tea recipe from Sherri Cirignano. You don’t have to take a trip to the coffee house for a warm, frothy treat. Just one sip of this steamy cup of bliss will help you relax and stay warm. AICR’s chai is a tea lover’s
delight, it’s full of protective phytochemicals from both the tea and the variety of spices used. It’s simple to make, and will fill your home with an intoxicating aroma. Ladle into mugs to share with guests or indulge all on your own.
This recipe is found on the American Institute for Cancer Research website.
LVDA
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In fall, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced new rule changes for
long-term care facilities (LTC) in the United States. Two important changes impacting
dietitians working or planning to work in LTC were introduced; one impacting the
ability of RD's and other qualified dietitians to write diet orders, and another regarding
requirements for LTC facilities to have a qualified dietitian on staff.
As there are many other areas of the rule change that affect dietitians working in LTC, the entire section of the CMS rule
change Food and Nutrition Services section can be accessed online here.
Keep your eye out for more information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for the latest updates.
For questions regarding this, please contact Meg Rowe, MS, RD, LDN, FAND at [email protected].
CMS Announces New Rules for Long-Term Care Facilities
LICENSURE UPDATE: MUST READ
SUBCHAPTER G: DIETITIAN -NUTRITIONISTS GENERAL PROVISIONS
Among the revisions, the new regulation requires that:
• A candidate shall take the examination for the first time within 1 year of completing the dietetics-nutrition education program unless prevented by emergency, illness, military service or other good cause shown, or the candidate holds a license to practice as a dietitian-nutritionist in another state or country.
• Candidates who apply for re-examination 2 years or more after initial examination shall satisfy the administrative and education requirements prevailing at the time of reapplication.
• An LDN shall notify the Board within 14 days of a change of address.
On December 17, 2016, the State Board of Nursing's General Revisions
regulation was published in final form in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
A copy of this regulation can be found at: http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol46/46-51/2194.html.
I strongly encourage everyone to review this new regulation specifically:
Ilona Rae Garrity, MBA, RD, LDN(717) [email protected]
LVDA
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PA ACADEMY OF NUTRITION & DIETETICS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPSGENERAL SCHOLARSHIPDEADLINE: February 24, 2017
Provides a scholarship to a member of PA Academy who wishes to
become eligible for registration through an internship, a coordinated
program, or an AP4 program.
________________________________________________
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPDEADLINE: February 24, 2017
DESCRIPTION: Provides a scholarship to a minority student in an
underrepresented racial group, who is pursuing an Associate's or
Bachelor's degree in food and nutrition science to become a dietetic
technician registered or registered dietitian.
________________________________________________
ANNUAL MEETING STIPENDDEADLINE: February 24, 2017
DESCRIPTION: Are you a student who is registered for the Annual
Meeting and Exhibition? If so, consider applying for the student
stipend. It can help offset the cost of the AME and connect you to a
member of PA Academy.
Visit the LVDA website for additional information at https://
eatrightlehighvalley.org/awards-scholarships/
Nutrition Education Chair UpdateLouise Johnston and Grace Fried volunteered at State Representative
Emrick's Senior Expo at the Forks Township Community Center in Easton
on September 20th. The event was well attended and Rep. Emrick
stopped by the LVDA table. Louise and Grace fielded questions from the
public on nutrition topics such as diabetes, hypertension, and weight
loss. Several individuals who attended the event were interested in
nutrition counseling and were referred to the LVDA website to find an RD
to meet their needs.
Educational materials, display items, and measuring spoons were
supplied by the LVDA. This event was an excellent opportunity to
promote the LVDA and nutrition services to the public.
Name THE NewsletterCONTESTWINNER ANNOUNCED!The Name the Newsletter Contest has
ended! We are pleased to announce
Nancy Wagner as the winner with her
enthusiastic name submission of…
The LVDA Lunchbox ~ Packed With
Nourishing News You Can Use. This
name is really true!
Our members work hard to fill
each newsletter with relevant
and inspiring information for our
careers, community involvement,
and progress for the profession of
dietetics. Nancy has won a Visa gift
card and a feature blog in the next
issue of the newsletter. We look
forward to hearing what Nancy has
to say! Thank you to everyone who
took the time to submit entries and
we hope you enjoy the winter edition.
LVDA
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Public Policy Updates Janet K. Little, MPH, RD, LDN / LVDA Public Policy Chair
Continued on page 10
The Public Policy Committee continues another term of advocacy.
CONGRATULATORY LETTERSMany members have already signed and mailed congratulatory letters to newly-elected and re-elected legislators in their
district. Letters also go to the U.S. Senator and state senators whose districts were not part of the races in this election.
This is a great way to establish connections with the elected officials. We still need to send letters to half of the 40
officeholders representing our area in Harrisburg and Washington, DC. Please contact me if you would like to receive a
letter addressed to YOUR state and federal legislators.
The next initiative is to review election results in order to plan our additional initiative: connecting with the state and
federal legislators representing east central Pennsylvania via our Legislative Road Trip.
ELECTION RESULTSYou can link to the Ballotpedia Pennsylvania Election Portal posted on our
website’s Public Policy webpage.
2016 Presidential Election: I won’t discuss the outcome of the Presidential
Election. Quoting someone else, we want to work with the elephants and
the donkeys to protect the lambs from the snakes. That shouldn’t be a
problem for our organization.
State Attorney General and Executive Offices: The Democratic
candidates won all three races: Attorney General, Auditor General and
Treasurer.
Federal Election Results: The incumbents of our 7 U.S. Representative districts were re-elected. U.S. Senator Patrick
Toomey was re-elected. The race for U.S. Senator Bob Casey’s seat will take place in 2018.
State Election Results: Of all the state legislators running for re-election in our area, only Representative Parker, R-115,
in Monroe County, was defeated. A Democrat, Maureen Madden, will represent that district. Only one race was for
an “open” seat: #183 in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Republican Zachary Mako defeated Democrat Phillips
Armstrong. All other incumbents were re-elected. Pennsylvania legislators' terms officially begin on December 1 the
year of their election. Then, legislators take the oath of office the first Tuesday in January.
CAUCUS LEADERS CHOSEN IN HARRISBURGTwo weeks after the election, the Republican (Majority) and Democratic (Minority) Caucuses in Harrisburg chose officers
such as Senate Whip, House Floor Leader and Appropriations Committee Chairs in both chambers to serve during the
2017-2018 legislative term. So, for each leadership role, there is a majority and minority leader. Some of these leaders are
from among officeholders from our area.
Sen. Boscola, D-18, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, was re-elected Chair of Senate Democratic Policy Committee. No
additional Democrat and Republican senate members in our area are among the officers. Patrick Browne, R-16, IN Lehigh,
who once served as Majority Whip of the Senate, is no longer Appropriations Chair.
In the House, Neal P. Goodman, 123-Schuylkill County since 2003, remains as the House Democratic Administrator. No
additional Democrat and none of the Republican house members in our area are among the officers. After the holidays,
the final list should appear on the state assembly website.
LVDA
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Continued from page 9
On October 8th, 2016 we participated in the 11th annual Kids Discovery Expo held at the DaVinci Science Center. The
Expo is a free event put on by PA Senator Patrick Browne and Representative Ryan Mackenzie promoting education and
entertainment to our community’s youth. Students, K-12, along with their families, were able to gather information on a
multitude of career paths and possibilities including the health industry. Specifically, we had the opportunity to work with
Janet Little, Public Policy Chair, and share our experiences at the LVDA exhibitor table.
As current Dietetic Interns, we know how overwhelming it can be to figure out a career path. We chose dietetics because
of our incredible excitement about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and spreading this knowledge. However, it
took time and education to finally discover which career path was right for us. This event aims to give our youth a head
start on exploring career options. Our LVDA exhibitor table included a number of resources: information about the route
to becoming an RD, information about the Cedar Crest College undergraduate program, lists of undergraduate programs
and dietetic internships in PA, recipes, giveaways and more! Our hope was to provide the community with resources and
expand upon their knowledge of the growing field of dietetics.
This event turned out to be such a great success! We had a variety
of visitors stop by our table. Some parents stopped by to ask
specific questions. A few parents came by to gather information on
nutrition for kids. We offered recipes and discussed preventative
measures for diseases including diabetes and obesity. A few RD’s
stopped by to share their own experiences and career paths with us,
which helped us learn as well! One woman expressed her interest
in potentially making a career change from psychology to dietetics.
We had the chance to express our own interest in psychology, and
how these skills overlap when working with patients. Through
working in the field of dietetics you become well rounded in a
number of skills, including science, social work and education. It
was a pleasure having the opportunity of volunteering at the kids
expo this year and we are excited for the upcoming generations of
future dietitians!
Kids Discovery Expo
Kaitlyn Moyer, Kate Herzog and Stephanie Chicas stand behind the LVDA display at the DaVinci Science Center's Kids Discovery Expo.
STANDING COMMITTEES WILL BE CHOSENIn early 2017, both Caucuses choose leaders and members of the remaining standing committees. The bills that PAND
supports are typically assigned to the Professional Licensure, Health and Insurance committees for consideration. Probably
the #1 leadership role choice we are following is Majority Chair of the Professional Licensure Committee.
LEGISLATIVE ROAD TRIPThe third initiative is meeting with newly-elected officeholders and leaders in their district offices as soon as possible. In
the LVDA, the PPC makes the appointment on a date and time agreeable to all parties and an LVDA leader attends with 1-2
constituent(s). In December, I will join Julie Zangari to meet with Representative Goodwin in his district office in Mahanoy
City. We also want to meet Zachary Mako (probably at Julie Harhart’s office in Northampton since he is also a Republican)
and Maureen Madden once her district office is established.
One of our initiatives during 2015-2016 was to meet with officeholders who did not attend or send staff to our four Take
Your Legislator to Work Day events in Spring 2015. In Berks County, we still need to meet with Representative Jozwiak,
Representative Gillen and Congressman Costello.
Stephanie Chicas and Kate Herzog, Dietetic Interns, Cedar Crest College
LVDA
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Senior ExpoCongressman Dent stopped in at Representative Gary Day’s Senior Expo in Kutztown
on October 6. He did stop by our table. Although the crowd was not as large as
last year, those attendees with whom I spoke had real issues such as prediabetes
and Type II diabetes for years without ever
working with an RD. I was proud to share our
nutrition education tipsheets and business
cards including a link to the list of area RDs
who can help them.
Here is a result of an ongoing grassroots
legislative network. Congressman Dent and
U.S. Senator Toomey each had a display
table of their own. It was great to catch up
with the staffers with whom we have met or who scheduled our appointment
with the officeholder. Melanie Whiteleather, MPA, District Office Manager, and
Constituent Services for Congressman Dent attended the Take Your Legislator
to Work Day events we held at Phoebe Allentown Healthcare Center. Marta
B. Gabriel, the regional manager for U.S. Sen. Patrick Toomey, a position that
encompasses seven counties, including the Valley, met with Jacqui Jarrett and me
soon after that event in 2015. At Rep. Day’s Senior Expo, Marta and I discussed
her participation in the upcoming Real Girls: Next Generation Leaders event co-
chaired by the League of Women Voters of Lehigh County and the Girl Scouts of
Eastern Pennsylvania.
Wellness Fair A big thank you to Grace Fried and Louise Johnston for meeting the public at the LVDA’s exhibit at Representative
Emrick’s Senior Fair. It took place on September 30th at the Forks Township Community Center, Easton.
Please email me if you are interested in joining these appointments or would like to meet with any officeholder not listed
above.
ACADEMY ACTION ALERTSThank you if you responded to Action Alerts we received from the Academy. Your continued support of the Academy’s
legislative priorities is important to our profession. We need a united voice or officeholders will think we don’t care.
The National Clinical Care Commission Act and Treat and Reduce Obesity Act action alerts remained open until Dec 16.
What an opportunity! The U.S. House passed the National Clinical Care Commission Act (H.R. 1192). The bill came before
the U.S. Senate for a brief, shining moment before breaking for the holiday. At this writing, the alert remained open on
AND’s Action Center. The letter focused on diabetes, which affects nearly one in 10 Americans.
The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (H.R. 2404), would effectively treat and reduce obesity in older Americans by increasing
Medicare beneficiaries' access to qualified practitioners, such as Registered Dietitian Nutritionists. This has been an issue
for years. Why is this so when we are the preferred provider? Let’s enable this omission to end due to the bill’s support
from RDs and LDNs and DTRs from east central Pennsylvania.
LVDA
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Whether strengthening professional
performance for application to practice,
advancing your personal goals, or preparing
for a role in your local, state or national dietetic
organization, I urge you to take advantage of
the Academy's resources, and take part in all
the opportunities our district has to offer, to
continue on a path to leadership and success.
We are soliciting last minute nominations
now for our February election. If interested
in a leadership role on our board of directors,
please contact LVDA Nominating Chair
Melissa King at [email protected].
President's Message, cont. from page 1
There's a new cat in town! Registered Dietitian Carrie Gerencher and her husband, Mark, have recently opened Sleepy Cat Urban Winery in Allentown.
Carrie & Mark had been making wines
at home for the last four years. What was once a joke of "we should open a winery"
turned into a reality when Mark was laid off from his job of 18 years. They have 11 wines
currently available with six more that will be ready between November and January/
February. Stop in for a tasting and you will get six tastings for $5. The tasting fee is
waived if a bottle is purchased. They sell wine by the glass at the bar area and bottles
to go.
"We are an urban winery because we don't own a vineyard, and we have no plans on one
either," says Carrie. "We wanted to bring
the winery experience to the city."
Mark is primarily at the winery, but Carrie is the marketing and social media
guru of the two of them. She also helps with everything from fermentation,
racking, back sweetening, bottling, and customer service ...all in addition to
her full-time job as an RD.
Sleepy Cat Urban Winery is located at 1840 W. Allen Street, Allentown, PA
18104. Check out their Facebook page to learn about all the events that are
happening at Sleepy Cat!
LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITYDESALES UNIVERSITY has a teaching opportunity for a 3 credit,
undergraduate nursing course on Therapeutic Nutrition. It needs to
be taught on campus at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA. It
is taught twice in the fall and twice in the spring semester. In the
past, there has been some flexibility offering both sessions on the
same day if the instructor prefers. Please reach out to Dr. Whittaker
(below) for additional information or to discuss the position further
if interested. The PA state board of nursing requires an RD to teach
this course.
Interested instructors should send a letter with their Resume/CV to
Dr. Whittaker via email or may send it U.S. Mail if preferred.
Email Inquiries: [email protected]
U.S. Mail:
Dr. Deborah Whittaker, Director of Undergraduate Nursing Programs
DeSales University • 2755 Station Avenue • Center Valley, PA 18034
LVDA
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Kate Herzog and Stephanie Chicas volunteering at the LVDA table at the Kids Expo held at the Davinci Science Center on Oct. 8.
Board Member Melissa King at FNCE
Current LVDA members Tara Miltenberger,
Melissa King and past director of the
Cedar Crest Dietetic Internship Kati
Fosselius enjoy some time together at
FNCE.
LVDA and League of Women Voters of Lehigh County exhibits next to each other. Kaitlyn Moyer and Barbara Williams, Voters Services.To the left was the Allentown Symphony Orchestra. It was noisy but it drew people to the top, lab B. We just had to beckon people over. Across the room was Casa Guadalupe and WIC located at LaCasa; I gave that exhibitor copies of the Spanish translation of Lehigh County League's Guide to Voting.
Kaitlyn Moyer, Cedar Crest College undergraduate nutrition student, at the LVDA table at the Kids Expo.
ScrapbookWinterLVDA
KIDS EXPO
FNCE