by Rebecca A. Goldberg, R.N., Alliance President

Welcome to my first article to update you regarding the activities of the Alliance.  I am happy to report on our successful sojourn in Boston. The efforts of Prof. Sarah Nelson, immediate past president, the College support staff, the Board and committee chairs of the Alliance, along with all of the Alliance volunteers, made this meeting something to remember.

Alliance and College members who visited the Hospitality Suite were entertained with the history of Boston and the best areas to visit; discovered who really placed the lanterns in the Church before Paul Revere took his famous ride; and learned about the plight of bats from Bonnie Miles, Virginia Master Naturalist and former Alliance president. The ACAAI Kids found fun with a visit from the Captain of the Pilgrims and a puppet and story master.

The Hospitality Suite was manned by Jenny Commins and the many volunteers who assisted over 500 guests during the four days.  Jenny has agreed to be the co-chair for the Hospitality Committee at the Anaheim meeting, along with Lelia Sublett.

Barbara Finegold and Jeannie Zitt, along with a large supporting cast, hosted a very enjoyable and well-attended International Reception.  We look forward to next year’s reception in Anaheim, with Barbara and Jeannie continuing as co-chairs.

Alliance members took a short walk through historic portions of Boston before for our Annual Luncheon and Business Meeting at the Algonquin Club, where we were entertained by the Wellesley Widows a cappella singing group.

I presented Sarah with the president’s plaque with a huge thank you for her hard work and diligence over the past year. Her meeting responsibilities were not limited to representing us at the Board of Regents meeting, but included comments at the Opening Ceremony, and presentations at the FITs Bowl and Women in Medicine luncheon.

 The following officers and new Board members were installed: Ellen Portnoy is president-elect for 2011-2012, along with Margaret Quel, secretary, and Missy Wise, treasurer; new Board members serving 2011-14 are Judy Fineman, Susan Qaqundah and Marilyn Bielory.

At the Post-Board meeting, Charlotte Meadows was introduced as our parliamentarian.  With her assistance, I hope to ensure conducting our meetings and other challenges within the guidelines of our by-laws. 

Ellen and I will soon begin planning our program for the 2012 ACAAI Annual Meeting in Anaheim, Nov. 8-12. We would appreciate any comments or suggestions to improve the programming, the Alliance webpage and our support of the ACAAI Foundation. Please send you comments to alliance@acaai.org.

The 2011-2012 Alliance leaders include (from left): Immediate Past-President Prof. Sarah Nelson;
Secretary Margaret Quel; Board members Judy Fineman and Marilyn Bielory; Treasurer Missy Wise;
President-Elect Ellen Portnoy; and President Rebecca Goldberg.