NEPVA Annual Banquet By Judy Goldstein

2009 Banquet Photos - Photo credit Harley Freedman

2009 NEPVA Annual Banquet By Judy Goldstein With Halloween just around the corner, there were pumpkins galore adorning the hall at the NEPVA Annual Banquet, which was held at the Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA on October 23, 2009. An enthusiastic crowd of approximately 150 people enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, dinner, awards and dancing at NEPVA’s major social function of the year. Back by popular demand were the stuffed mushrooms, meatballs, and bacon wrapped scallops at the cocktail hour as guests arrived, greeted friends and mingled. As the dinner hour arrived, guests made their way to a beautifully decorated banquet hall with balloon centerpieces attached to real carved pumpkins. Keeping up a longtime NEPVA tradition, ladies were presented with a long stem red rose as they entered the dining hall. Everyone was seated and enjoyed their fresh fruit cup followed by salad. After salads were served, NEPVA President Craig Cascella came forward to the microphone to welcome everyone and introduce some honored guests. As in past years, NEPVA was honored to have several officials from the VA Boston Healthcare System. These included: VABHS Director Michael Lawson, and Associate Director Dr. Susan MacKenzie, Chief of Staff Dr. Michael Charness, Chief of Voluntary Service Ralph Marche, and Nurse Managers Ron Martin and Nancy Connors. Other special guests included VISN 1 Deputy Network Director Christine Croteau, and Director of the Boston VA Regional Office Richard Braley. Craig went on to introduce the NEPVA officers and Board members present, the PVA Service Office staff, and the NEPVA staff. Finally, Craig introduced those seated at the Bass Trail table. Following the welcome remarks and introductions, everyone was served dinner. The dinner choices were expanded this year to include filet mignon, stuffed chicken breast, salmon, or a vegetarian meal and by all accounts, the food was delicious. After guests completed their entrees, the awards portion of the evening began and President Craig Cascella returned to the podium. Craig spoke briefly about New England PVA, its history and accomplishments. Carrying on an annual tradition, Craig then presented the Pierik awards to two nurses, one from the West Roxbury VA campus and one from the Brockton VA Long Term Care unit. The award was founded many years ago by retiring Chief of Nursing Madeline Pierik, who donated a sum of money to be used for recognition of outstanding SCI nurses. This year’s winners were Michael Meegan from VABHS West Roxbury campus, and John Sousa from the VABHS Brockton campus. The two recipients were awarded silver bowls with the engraving, “For Outstanding Care and Devotion To SCI Patients.” One additional award of recognition was presented to Bass Trail Director Tiny Lafontaine as one of the top PVA volunteers in the Non Member Category as part of the Dwain Taylor Award for Volunteer Service. A PVA certificate of award was presented to Tiny. Following the award presentations, coffee and chocolate cake was served and as the meal concluded, the dance music began. For a change of pace, the banquet entertainment was provided by DJ Corin Ashley, who fit the bill with easy to talk over dinner music and upbeat dance music for the latter part of the evening. Wheelchair dancers were out in full force including Mike Guilbault, Wayne Ross and disabled angler Alex O’Brien who captured a lot of attention with his unique moves. As the evening came to an end, many guests left with balloons and pumpkins, getting a head start on their Halloween festivities. All in all, it was another successful evening and if you weren’t able to attend this year, we hope you’ll come out and join us next year. Watch future editions of Cord Word for details.