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January / February 2003 Newsletter - Highlights

BARBARA MATUSZAK INDUCTED INTO 2002/2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE LIACS HALL OF FAME PRESIDENT CORRINE V AN NOTE 631-444-9414
PRESIDENT ELECT LARRY GUITTARD 516-496-6508
PAST PRESIDENT DON GORDON 718-918-4381
SECRETARY MELODY TRAVERSI 516-496-8822
Dateline: December 7, 2002 TREASURER CHRISTA WALSH 631-351-2315
DIRECTOR JULIE JEFFERSON 631-862-3541
At the Annual Chapter Holiday Dinner Dance, Barbara Matuszak was inducted DIRECTORS (EX-OFFICIO) PHIL MC CANN 631-957-4500
into the LIACS Hall of Fame. Barbara becomes the fifth individual given this honor. MIKE WITHERS 914-393-4208
This is an honor to those who have contributed greatly to the Chapter and this year
is certainly noexception. The Board of Directors was elected by the membership. It is their
In 1985, as Director of Central Service at Massapequa General Hospital, responsibility to answer questions and make recommendations concerning
Barbara was elected Chapter Treasurer serving two terms. In 1987 she was our professional organizations. Do not hesitate to call.
elected President Elect and became president in 1988. As President Elect, Barbara
initiated the 1st Annual Golf Outing in 1987. This outing has become one of the COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
mainstays for funding for the Chapter's educational mission and remains today.
Barbara was Golf Chairperson for several years, raising thousands of dollars over BY-LAWS DAN BIALT 718-334-2005
the years. KATHY FROEHLICH 516-572-6078
Barbara's leadership, enthusiasm, mentoring and organizational skills EDUCATION CHRISTA WALSH 631-351-2315
contributed greatly both as an active member and office during her eight (8) years DON GORDON 718-918-4381
with the Chapter before entering the field of home care. GOLF MELODY TRAVERSI 516-496-8822
MIKE WITHERS 914-393-4208
PROGRAM FRAN CODY 718-918-4379
**** MEMBERSHIP DAN BIALT 718-334-2005
EVELYN BAEZ 631-473-1320 X4156
NEWSLETTER DON GORDON 718-918-4381
Barbara wrote the following letter of thanks:
NOMINATIONS
EVELYN BAEZ 631-473- 1320 X4156
AND ELECTION
Dear Members: SOCIAL AND
LARRY GUITTARD 516-496-6508
SPECIAL PROJECTS
I would like to sincerely' thank everyone for inducting me into the LIACS Hall of W EBSITE DON GORDON 718-918-4381
Fame on Saturday evening. It was truly an honor and surprise that I will never
forget. The evening was a delight. Please call the chairperson of the committee for participation, Be active in
Never did I think that I would have the privilege of having my name associated your professional association --join a committee!
with such special people as Retta Sengstock, Flo Mclnness, Kathi O'Shaughnessy
and Phil McCann. If it weren't for people like them, I would not have had such a NEXT EDUCATIONAL MEETING:
successful career. The many years I worked with the Chapter were rewarding
ones. This is only the topping on the cake. Date: Tuesday, February l1th.
I wish the Chapter continued success and hope you all experience the Time: 5:30 PM
enjoyment and enrichment of belonging to such a dynamic group as I did! Place: NSUH @ Syosset/Doctors Lounge
Topic: NATIONAL GUIDELINES AND
Sincerely, STANDARDS: AN UPDATE
Barbara Matuszak
Speaker: JULIE JEFFERSON -I AHCSMM APIC Liaison

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Speaker: JULIE JEFFERSON -I AHCSMM APIC Liaison

DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE MEETING

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

I hope everyone survived the Holiday Season .... Happy New Year to All!!!
Our Annual Seminar and Vendor Exhibits in October was a "great" success! Thanks to all who helped
make this possible and to the Vendor support we received. Dan Braco was awarded our "Vendor of the
Year" plaque.
Thank you Dan for all your support and help over the years LIACS has known you.
We are starting up our third year facilitating a study program for Technician Certification. Please come
and join us. Contact hours are given for members who want to use this as part of their educational LAICS SEMINAR AND VENDOR
program to keep their certification current. This course is held on Saturday mornings so that it can fit into EXHIBITS A HUGE SUCCESS
your schedules. We hope to see you there.
Our 2003 membership application have been mailed out. Please look for yours so you can renew as
soon as possible. Please pass copies out to all your coworkers who would like to become members. Our There were a number of items that helped
organization supports and encourages all who are working in our field in healthcare. Have a safe and warm contribute to this year's LIACS Seminar and Vendor
winter.., until next time! Exhibits: The Speakers: Brenda Sexton, IAHCSMM
President and Knthi O'Shunghnessy, LIACS Hall of
Confine Van Note, President Famer provided excellent presentations on their
subjects and were two important reasons for a
well-attended event. Add to that the 31 vendors who
exhibited the latest technological products in our field
and girls for our auction that raised $700 and it all
EDITORIAL
totals a huge SUCCESS!
The auction was an idea that Don Gordon
I would like to refer you to "Phil's Comer" (Phil MeCann)'s feature -- "The Whole Cheese and
"borrowed" from the Virginia Association for Central
Nothing but the Cheese" in this newsletter. Read the article and try substituting "Central Service
Service (VACS)' Chapter during his visit there as
profession" for the word "cheese." Our profession is ever changing and we also must change. We have to
IAHCSMM Membership/Chapter Chairperson.
keep up with our field's changing technology through continuing education and review. There are many
The auctioneer was Phil McCann (Buxton Medical)
opportunities for us to expand our education and keep up with the changes.
who was great as the auctioneer and "entertainer."
Here are a few of ways to achieve these goals:
Phil had the crowd in stitches as they bid on the
* IAHCSMM's Cornmunique
various gifts donated by our vendors. You can view
* IAHCSMM's "Discussion Forum" on the website www.iahcsmm.com
the photos from the seminar on our website at
* IAHCSMM's Annual and Fall Meetings
www.liacs.com.
* LIACS's Educational meetings, seminars, certification
The Sales Representative of the Year was
course and workshops
presented to Dan Brueo from Mobile Instrument for his
* Subscribe to "Healthcare Purchasing News" and
contributions to the Chapter and the profession
"Infection Control Today"
throughout the years.
* (Both of these subscriptions are usually offered free
Once again, Chrism Walsh and her staff did a
and all it takes is a phone call)
great job with our Chapter's "main event" of the year.
* Take some college courses at your local community
college that would assist you in performing your job
better (computer, science, communication courses,
etc.). NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION FOR
* Read and review the textbooks offered by IAHCSMM CENTRAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS

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* Read and review the textbooks offered by IAHCSMM CENTRAL SERVICE PROFESSIONALS
(CS Technician, Supervision Principles and Materiel (NYSACSP) FIRST SEMINAR SCHEDULED
Management).
If you need any assistance in taking advantage of the many opportunities out there, call (718) NYSACSP's President (and LIACS President
918-4381 or e-mail (don.gordon@nbhp.net) and I would be pleased to provide information. Elect) Larry Guittard, returned from Niagara Falls
where the state's Board of Directors met to finalize
Don Gordon, CRCST, FEL., Editor plans for the first seminar and vendor exhibits to be
held in Niagara Falls, New York. The dates are June
13 and 14, 2003 at the Holiday Inn Select. The cost
for rooms at the hotel will be $99 pins tax/night.
This is an extraordinary venture as the states' five
chapters (both IAHCSMM and ASHCSP) have
LIACS' VENDORS HELP MAKE combined forces to "Raise the Bar" in the state.
THE HOLIDAY DINNER/DANCE A Joyous EVENT Presidents from both national associations have
accepted invitations at this history-making event.
Many nationally known speakers will be speaking
Our LIACS' Vendors again helped keep the costs down as our Chapter enjoyed welcoming in the and the "Keynote Speaker" will be Tony Monaco --
Holiday Season with a "grand ole' time" at the Woodlands in Oyster Bay. Contributions for the "Open Bar" New Jersey's "Guru of State Licensure".
and DJ kept the cost per person down to a minimum as we celebrated the holiday season with food, drink, If you have never viewed one of the "Seven
dancing and good cheer. We would like to thank the following companies for their contributions to this Wonders of the World" -- Niagara Falls, the
spectacular Holiday Event in which we also opportunity awaits you this June. Stay tuned for
inducted our fifth Hall of Famer - Barbara Matuszak: upcoming information.
Dan Braco - Mobile Instrument
PHil McCann and Carl Newman - Buxtan Medical UPCOMING EVENTS
Brian Kelly - George Tiemann Instruments, Inc. MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Gerry Greensher -- RC Service and Sales
Russ Young February 1: Start of the LIACS
Shann Sweeney and James Roche -- CYGNUS Medical Technician Certification
Chris and Tess Kofroth -- SPS Medical Course NSUH at
Thanks also to our Social Chairperson-- Larry Guittard for his fine efforts in making this our "Social Syosset/Doctor's Lounge
Event of the Year!"
February 11: Educational Meeting
at 5:30 PM NSUH at
Syosset/Doctor's Lounge
"THE PERSONALS" "National Guidelines and
Standards: An Update'
· Barbara Matosak inducted into the "LIACS Hall of Fame" Speaker Julie Jefferson/
· Tracy Diaz, who completed the LIACS certification preparatory course last IAHCSMM Liaison -APIC
summer, passed her IAHCSMM
Technician Certification. CONGRATULATIONS TRACY!
· Hortense Powell recently returned from her European Vacation and said, March 15: "Full Day"
"It was terrific!" Decontamination/
· Dan Braco was given the award of "Sales Representative of the Year" at the Sterilization Seminar
Annual Seminar and Vendor Exhibits in October. Sponsored by SPS Medical
· Corrine Van Note went down to Virginia to see her son -- Scott, who was NSUH @ Syosset
commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy and will be assigned to

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commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy and will be assigned to

the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
· Melody Traversi's daughter -- Jennifer was married on September 13, 2002 to
Kevin Stark.
· Don Gordon's daughter -- Nicole was married on June 29, 2002 to John
Cuneo, III.
Any. "personal events? in your life (vacations, births, promotions, honors,
etc.)? Call in any "personals" to Don Gordon at 718-918-4381 and we will
publish them in the next Lighthouse.
TIME To RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP FOR 2003 MVP CONTEST: 3rd. QUARTER STANDINGS

The New Year means it it's time to renew your LIACS Membership: 1st Place Don Gordon 103 Points
· $20 for Active Members · $25 for Associate (Vendor) Members 2nd Place Melody Traversi 66 Points
Reap the benefits of being a member: 3rd Place Evelyn Baez 56 Points
· Receive the Quarterly Newsletter -- The Lighthouse providing 4th Place Dan Bialt 53 Points
information on upcoming educational meetings, social events, website 5th Place Christa Walsh 50 Points
"CHATS", seminars and workshops and available positions in the field.
6th Place (Tie) Charles Parseghian 40 Points
· Member discounts for Seminars and Workshops.
· Certification Preparatory Course Julie Jefferson 40 Points
· MVP Contest -- $2500 for national, state and local educational 8th Place Kathy Froehlich 38 Points
seminars and workshops 9th Place Georgiana Dickson 30 Points
· An opportunity to take part in your professional organization and 10th Place Fran Cody 23 Points
network with others in the Central Service field.
Fill out the application below and continue or start your membership in Participate in professional activities and earn points!
LIACS today!
Upcoming Point Opportunities
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTER FRIENDLY FORM
February LIACS Educational Meeting 10 Points
March Decontamination/Sterilization Workshop (Sponsored by
10 Points
SPS Medical)
THIRD LIACS CERTIFICATION PREPARATORY April Technician Seminar 10 Points
CLASS To START FEBRUARY 1st
PHIL'S CORNER
The Whole Cheese and Nothing but the Cheese
The third annual LIACS Certification Preparatory Class is will be (... or is the Handwriting on the Wall)
starting February 1st at North Shore University Hospital at Syosset.
Instructors/Facilitators for the course include Dan Bialt, Larry We all should read the book called Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson,
Guittard, Don Gordon, Julie Jefferson, Corrine Van Note and Christa MD. It's no wonder why corporations give this small, easy read book to all new
Walsh. employees. The story allows us to take a look at ourselves and classify how we handle
change in our jobs, relationships and everyday lives. There are four main characters that
You must be a LIACS member to sign up for the course, that will find themselves in a maze looking for cheese. Two of the characters, Sniff and Scurry
be given every other Saturday until August. (mice), have small brains but great instincts. The other two characters are Hem and
The cost is $100 and if you pass the final exam, you will receive $9S Haw. They are little people whose brains are filled with emotions, beliefs and
from LIACS after you sign up to take the IAHCSMM Certification misconceptions much like us. Each embarks on the same journey, but their attitude and

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from LIACS after you sign up to take the IAHCSMM Certification
Exam. The Box Course (Textbook, Workbook and Anatomy Text) is
an additional $75.
The deadline is January l5th -- Registration will be limited to the first
twenty (20) to send in their application and check.
CLICK HERE FOR PRINTER FRIENDLY FORM
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misconceptions much like us. Each embarks on the same journey, but their attitude and
perceptions of the truth take them down very different paths.
The story begins with our four characters at Cheese Station. Sniff and Scurry are
diligent workers who venture out into the maze every day to explore new passages in
search of new cheese, or as we might say, a better way of life. Hem and Haw, however,
have settled themselves in for an extended stay, stuffing their bellies with cheese,
lounging, and talking about the foolishness of Sniff and Scurry's adventures into the
maze. Unfortunately, Hem and Haw have failed to notice that their environment was
changing.
One day, they all found that all the cheese was gone. Following their instincts, Sniff
and Scurry raced off into the maze in search of new cheese. Hem and Haw were taken
by complete surprise -- for they failed to notice the small changes that were taking place.
The thought of going back into the maze was frightening. The maze was full of hard work
and unknowns.
While reading this book, it is hard not to ask "How well am I prepared for changes in
my life, and which character do I emulate the most" Sniff tends to sniff out change early;
Scurry scurries into action; Hem denies and resist change as he fears it will lead to
something worse; Haw learns to adapt in time when he sees change leads to something
better. Throughout the journey, Haw wrote on the walls of the maze all the things he had
learned, Perhaps his lessons were:
Change Happens: They keep moving the cheese.
Anticipate Change: Get ready for the cheese to move.
Monitor Change: Smell the cheese often so you know when it is
getting old.
Adapt to Change Quickly: The quicker you !et go of old cheese,
the sooner you can enjoy new cheese.
Change: Move with the cheese.
Enjoy Change: Savor the adventure and enjoy the rewards and
the taste of new cheese.
Be Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy It Again and Again:
Keep moving the cheese.
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