To all friends of the Nursing Profession: The Professional Nurses Association of Western New York continues to serve the nurses of our region, and is proud to recognize the importance of Building a Healthy Community. Our organization works to promote the delivery of quality health care and the advancement of nursing as a profession through educational programming, scholarships, and special events. On behalf of the thousands of women and men who have chosen a career in nursing, we thank The Buffalo News for publishing this tribute and for recognizing this year's nominees and the recipient of the "Nurse of Distinction" Award, which will be presented at our annual Awards and Installation Dinner to be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Salvatore's Italian Gardens. Join us in our celebration of National Nurses Week, and please remember the essential role of nurses in securing the health and well-being of your family and friends. We hope that the contributions of Registered Nurses will inspire future students to pursue our very challenging and rewarding career. Best wishes to all present and future nurses! Please consider joining the over 600 members of our organization, as it strives to support the interests of our very fulfilling profession. We welcome registered nurses of all ages and backgrounds, from every setting where nurses have chosen to pursue their ongoing career goals. The Professional Nurses Association of Western New York Board for 2009-2010 Verna Kieffer, R.N. - President Mary Ellen Cahoon, R.N. - President-Elect Sandra Szpila, R.N. - Secretary Lynn Kurek, R.N. - Treasurer Colleen B. Murphy, R.N. - Board Member Merrily Kuhn, R.N. - Board Member Mary Catherine Kennedy, R.N. - Board Member Awards Committee - shall seek nominations for the Ruth T. McGrorey Leadership Award Outstanding Staff Nurse Award, Student Scholarship Awards, Graduating Student Membership Awards and Media Award; and submit recommendations for recipients to the Board of Directors by the May meeting. Committee Chair is Colleen B. Murphy, RN By-Laws Committee - shall review and evaluate existing by-laws, consider changes suggested by members and prepare proposed amendments for approval by the Board of Directors for submission to the voting body. The committee shall review the rules of organizational units to ensure that they are not in conflict with these by-laws. Committee Chair is Mary Lorich, RN, MA Education and Program Committee - shall plan, implement and evaluate programs designed to inform Association membership about current issues relevant to nursing practice and/or nursing education. Programs are designed for membership meetings and/or continuing education activities. Committee Chairs are Merrily Kuhn, RNC, PhD, Michele Messina, RN, MS Finance Committee - shall prepare an annual budget for the fiscal year which shall be May 1st through April 30th, recommend expenditures and investments of funds and identify additional financial needs. Committee Chair is Lynn Kurek, RN Fund Raising Committee - shall plan and implement fund raising activities to supplement the income of the Association, based on needs identified by the Finance Committee. Committee Chair is Barbara Lawrence, RN Legislation Committee - shall assist in promoting and interpreting the NYSNA legislative program; study proposed local, state, and federal legislation for its implication for nurses, nursing and health care delivery; and advise the Board of Directors to promote desired membership as to actions necessary to promote desired legislative goals. Committee Chair is Janice Howard, RN, MS Membership Committee - shall assess needs and devise and implement plans relating to membership promotion, recruitment and retention; review criteria and applications for Association scholarships and submit recommendations to the Board of Directors. Committee Chair is Diane Clark, R.N.