Vol.6, No.8

September 2001

GOOD NEWS

Academy Year of Transition Ends in Black, Retention Up, No Dues Increase in 2002

The 2000 Audit prepared by Johnson & Lambert took longer because of the deconsolidation and our changing of accounting firms during the year. J&L looked closely at the numbers, performed more analyses, tests of reasonableness, and reported the year ended in the black $37,600. Additionally, retention of Active members in 2001 is the highest in several years. For the eighth year in a row the Academy will pare expenses and maximize alternate revenue sources and will not increase its dues. Last year the Academy was able to increase revenues by more than $300,000 via other sources. Dues provide about one-third of its total revenues.

Texas Chapter to Support Project Quantum Leap, Neg-Reg

This has been an anomalous year for the Texas Chapter of the AAOP since it combined its business meeting with the Academy's Annual Meeting in Dallas this past March. Leadership felt it best to capitalize on the size and scope of the national meeting and not to double the time and financial commitment of the Texas members and suppliers. The membership feedback was very positive. Chapter enrollment and business meeting attendance was the very best yet.

The chapter is excited about the future of O&P in Texas and on a national level. The membership voted to support Project Quantum Leap, the Negotiated Rulemaking Process, and to continue the support of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre P&O programs. A check for $3000 was mailed to the Academy. One annual program with the Centre is the Al Muilenburg Senior Research Award given at an evening of senior student presentations.

Due to the history of successful meetings in Austin, the chapter will return there in 2002 for its annual state meeting July 26 & 27 at the Austin Omni Hotel next year. The chapter's Executive Board members include Douglas Wacker, CPO, Susan Kapp, CPO, FAAOP, Cindy Hooper, CPO, and Donald Katz, CO, FAAOP, who are working hard to produce an excellent 2002 scientific program. (Article provided by Steve Prock, CPO, FAAOP, President, TCAAOP)

Florida Chapter Contributes $10,000

The Florida Chapter responded to the Academy's request by sending two checks totaling $10,000 with $5000 earmarked for the Negotiated Rulemaking Process efforts and a second check of equal amount for Project Quantum Leap. The chapter creatively raised almost half of the funds by co-sponsoring a Providence Brace Course with Spinal Technology, Inc., which donated the proceeds. President Gary Lamb applauded the chapter's commitment and thanked Spinal Technology, Inc. for their generosity. The funds will be kept in separate accounts that are not part of the Academy's operating funds.

Renewing Members to Receive Unique Ornament

Academy Active Members will receive a beautiful one-of-a-kind holiday ornament when they renew their membership before the deadline mentioned in the renewal notice. (Two dates were identified as deadlines to handle the anticipated response.) The original design by a renowned local artist was created expressly for the Academy and the mold will be destroyed after the ornaments are created thereby increasing its value. It measures approximately 3 inches, is made from solid brass, finished in 24-karat gold, screen printed in three colors and assembled by hand. After seeing the final proof of the ornament, Academy Executive Director Tom Gorski said it reminded him of the special, one-of-a-kind items offered by the Franklin Mint.

CEC-2 with NY Chapter Offers Additional Certification

There is more than the usual 18.5 PCE credits to be earned at the September 20-22 Continuing Education Conference at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. Attendees can also take advantage of the CPR Certification (9 PCE credits) and a HazMat Course (8.75 PCEs), both of which are required. (Federal law requires facilities handling hazardous materials to have at least one individual trained in proper handling procedures. ABC-accredited facilities must to have at least one individual with a current CPR certificate.) Registration for the September 20 CPR certification course is $50 for NY Chapter members. The HazMat Course is also on Sept 20 and available to chapter members for $175. The course is tailored for the O&P profession with openings for 30 individuals, but will be canceled if registrations fall below 15. Additional information about these two extra courses may be obtained from Joann Marx at (631) 563-1881 or by email at marx4nysaaop@aol.com.

The following individuals have recently joined the Academy:

Shelly R. McLaughlin Bertram F. Barkus, CO Jerry L. Casson, CPO Robert F. Haberger R. Michael Jeffries, CO Samuel L. Phillips James M. Clary Charles F. Moore, CP Gregory Paul Lynch, CPO Sharon L.Tabor, C.Ped Nicholas A. LeCursi Daniel W. Conyers, CP Charles L. Eral, RTO Peggy A. Thompson Thomas W. Rupp, CP Samuel G. Winkles, CP Mark Allan Matisons, CPO Robin A. Kerrigan, CO Doug Hockenberger Daniel Abrahamson, CO

Kurt Norman Gruben, CPO Darren R. Davis, CP Christopher J. Kort, CPO Dennis R. Ryba, CPO Karl Burk Regina Swickard, C.Ped Dino M. Scanio Jennifer A. Small, CO Christopher D. German, CO Louis A. Passariello III, CO Robert J. Dodson Rampersaud J. Madho, CO Terry M. Thompson, CO Matthew L. Lowery, RTP Tammie McElhinny, CP James McClaren Michael Dean, CP Daniel A. Obey Harriet Cavanah- Dart Kevin Spicer

Who's Using the Academy Website? Thousands Are!

If you're not among the thousands of individuals using the Academy website (www.oandp.org) each month, you should be. Visit the site and set your bookmark to return often. The most popular portion of the website is the JPO Online which attracts visitors and return visitors from around the globe. It offers free access to the past issues of the JPO and is searchable by keyword. Members have the advantage as the current year's issues of the JPO can only be found in the Members Only area. This exclusive portion of the website is accessible by private passcode only. Members were originally sent a temporary passcode last year with new members receiving theirs as they joined. With their first visit to the site members are asked to change the passcode to something they are likely to remember. If you need assistance with your passcode, please email Membership Services Manager Angela Benson at abenson@oandp.org. She can also be reached at (703) 836-0788, ext 204.