News Update coming

Warm Mineral Springs 10/18/08 was great! See Photos Page.
Summary is forthcoming! 

We're Seeking a Chapter Photographer
Are you interested? We need someone with a digital camera to take pictures at meetings and various events like Warm Mineral Springs, and then post them on our www.fsmtasw.org website. I can show you how to access the website, plus we retain a webmaster for tech help. This is a volunteer job (it all is). If you're a creative person who loves photography, you'll have fun with this and your name will get to be known.


Our Sports Team to Attend Their First Athletic Event 10/17/08
In the last newsletter I mentioned Christine as one of three LMTs on our Chapter's Sports Massage Team, but did not know her last name. Her name is Christina Mitchell, and she is joining Charles Henry and Michael Schmetterer at the Grey Oaks Invitational on Friday, October 17, 2008. The three therapists are certified in sports massage and will be attending the Junior Achievement Golf Invitational at the Naples resort. You can contact our Sports Team at: Christina at www.bestbodymassage.com , Ft. Myers; Charles Henry at 239-298-4445 Naples, and Michael Schmetterer at 239-560-9430, Ft. Myers. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chapter's new Sports Massage Team, an opportunity is coming up on Sunday, October 19, at Warm Mineral Springs, where William Muhlstadt will present a 4 CEU class on Sports Massage. This will take place in the same classroom as the other classes next Saturday. Anyone who gets certified by William will be qualified to be on any FSMTA Sports Team. To sign up see below.

Sunday, 10/19/08 Sports Massage Team Training, North Port
Four CEUs will be given to those attending the Sports Massage Training scheduled at Warm Mineral Springs on October 19, 2008, the day after the FSMTA outing. The instructor is William Muhlstadt, LMT and USAT Certified Coach. It will take place from 10 am to 2 pm at a cost of $65.Training will allow attendees to take part in the FSMTA Sports Massage Team. A minimum of 10 people is required to go ahead with the class, so reserve now. Cut-off date is October 15 for getting your registration in.
Register with William Muhlstadt, 727-458-9652, St. Petersburg, FL.  Email william@thecenterfour.com.
William spoke at Southwest Chapter's September meeting, giving pointers on sports massage from an insider's perspective. As a runner and athlete himself, as well as operating a sports massage business in St. Pete, Muhlstadt has first-hand knowledge in how to increase efficiency of speed in running, swimming and other sports. He was voted FSMTA #1 Sports Massage Therapist of the year in 2007. See his website www.thecenterfour.com for more information on the instructor.

Report on FSMTA State Board meeting at Naples Grande
1st VP Sunny Nason and I, Secretary Nancy Wilson, attended the state board meeting last weekend, September 27 and 28, at the Naples Grande, along with President Ron Stephens. A quick report: We met the 19 FSMTA Chapter presidents and I for one was quite impressed. Twenty-three people sat around the long linin-covered tables set in a square conference style fashion so everyone could face each other. About 12 or 15 guests sat along the wall, including Sunny and me.  Maureen Gilbert, State President officiated at the meeting. For two long days, from 9 to 5, these volunteers, with only one or two paid FSMTA staff, engaged in intense discussion on issues, programs, projects, reports, and more. What was most impressive to me was how hugely exhausting these two days were. And these were massage therapists, not corporate executives.  At the chapter level I had no idea what went on at the top. None of them gets paid. They are all volunteers.

Working from 9 to 5 pm with only a half hour lunch break (and eating at the conference table) on both Saturday and Sunday, they went down the agenda, point by point. Ms. Gilbert did a super job of keeping it both professional and allowing for friendly personal comments. A brief respite came on Saturday, when our Southwest Chapter Treasurer, Betsy Andreini, and a friend came in for half an hour to lead everyone in laughter yoga. This was prearranged and the first time most of these people had ever heard of Laughter Yoga, which is an international movement now. Betsy and friend had everyone up, moving, dancing and laughing up and down the long conference room, with funny headgear and fuzzy noses flopping. It not only lightened the mood but gave us some serious exercise too. Then back to work.

One of the items on the agenda was discussion about future FSMTA conventions. The Board was in Naples to experience the Naples Grande Hotel for the 2011 convention, but they decided against it in the end. All conventions from now on will be held in Orlando in an effort to cut expenses. The Board learned that Naples is not a low-cost town. A peaceful calm came over me when, on Sunday afternoon as exhaustion started to creep in and others were likewise showing signs, one female board member started massaging the neck of the lady beside her, who in turn started massaging the neck of the next person beside her. The three of them cast an aura of transcendence in that section as they quietly massaged each other while listening to the meeting. It was a reminder of why we are here - to protect this beautiful, healthy and wholesome healing industry. I'm not going to report on the other business they discussed, it's far too complicated. I just wanted to share a glimpse into what happens at State Board meetings. A lot of heady work. Chapter presidents pool their knowledge and share ideas so that the organization continues to have a unified central core. As State President Maureen Gilbert said more than once over the weekend, "The Chapters have to retain their individuality. We cannot regulate them."  

We are seeking a president, secretary and vice president for next term
Our two-year term is almost over, and a new slate of officers will be installed at the January meeting. You don't have to decide now, but consider serving the Chapter in one of these capacities. Dolores Gozzi has decided to run for one of the vice president positions, but there two, a 1st and a 2nd VP, so we need one more. Betsy Andreini has agreed to stay on as Treasurer. That leaves the secretary's position (mine) and the president's position open. We are seeking any one who is willing who feels they would enjoy doing it. The secretary's position has become relatively smooth because of systems I have installed. The next secretary will find it much easier. If you are computer literate and able to send mass emails, call me and I'll explain more. If you feel pulled to the president's position, call Ron Stephens at 239-410-1245. The members will be grateful but you yourself will also be enriched and empowered. You do get to be known, there is no question about it. Your name is out there and people know you. Opportunities unfold for you, whether you want to accept them or not, is your choice. It is sort of like stepping up a ladder so you can see further out. It's a reaching out. A networking out. You will never be the same again because your perspective will change. And you're not alone. In FSMTA there are many volunteers as part of the bigger picture. The election will not be by mail ballot, it will be by a counting of hands at the January 2009 meeting. FSMTA by-laws state that elections can be by mail-out ballot or by a counting of hands, but the counting must be done in January of the election year. The counting will take place by the raising of hands at the January meeting. So you'll hear more about this over the next three months as we actively seek volunteers to serve.

Continuing With Past News

New LMT looking to purchase a massage chair.
I just received my license and want to purchase a massage chair. Contact Debra Ziebell. Email: llebeizarbed1@yahoo.com or call 239-694-0839. (9/26/08)

Seeking massage job - Cape Coral
The resort I worked at 9 years is cutting back hours and days. I am seeking another job. Do you know anyone hiring full time or part time? I have 14 years as a massage therapist. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Linda Mead LMT, 239-691-8754. Email: mead2u@yahoo.com. (9/26/08)

Have apartment, seeking to share in Naples
Member Beeann Hanner is looking for someone with whom to share her apartment. $600/month, all utilities included, including local phone and cable. Gated community at Enclave, in the far back off Davis Blvd. Own bedroom, bathroom and share the rest of the house hold. Smoker would have to smoke on the lanai. Pool, spa and billards. Call Beeann Hanner at 239-692-9091 or 941-374-4103. I am also looking to share space to do massage. Is there anyone in Naples wishing to rent half their space? Beeann Hanner, beeann43@yahoo.com. (9/26/08)

Massage Room for Rent Naples $437.50
Member Jennifer Evans is planning to move out of state and looking for someone to take over her massage room. The lease runs for anotehr year. The office is in North Naples just south of Pine Ridge in the Castello Professional Building just off of 41. The room is 10x11 in a peaceful setting with a Pilates practice and two hypnotherapists. Rent is $437.50 including taxes and electricity. There is a common waiting room, and a bathroom right across from my office door. Contact Jennifer Evans, 239-248-6079, jennifer@tosots.com. The Other Side of the Sun: http://www.tosots.com. (9/26/08)

Selectmassageinc.com
This is another massage service which does all the marketing and promoting, and signs up massage therapists to do the work. Upon receipt of a request for massage in your area, they send a message. First come, first serve. You might want to check it out for yourself. We do not know anything about this service, so do your own research on it. www.selectmassgeinc.com . (9/26/08)

Report on 9/15/08 Chapter Meeting - Sports Massage
William Muhlstadt of The Center 4 Muscle Recovery in St. Pete, Florida, spoke to the membership Monday, September 15, 2008, on Sports Massage. Demonstrating on the table how you can massage an athlete and increase his or her speed and efficiency, Muhlstadt gave inside information about  marathons and triathalons. As an LMT who focuses on sports massage and as a new business owner (www.thecenterfour.com) he promotes himself by attending sports events and not only working them but running in them around the country. That is how he puts his name out there into the sports field. He is also helping to educate other sports massage teams for FSMTA on the west central coast of Florida. Muhlstadt gave practical advice to those present in how to make an income through sports massage. Also, standing in for President Ron Stephens, 2nd VP Emil Guido gave a spontaneous, off-the-cuff mini-lecture about musculature while running down the list of upcoming speakers and referring to Neurosomatic Educators scheduled for November. Emil was applauded for his presentation and medical knowledge (he works with a chiropractor). He announced that he had not yet made up his mind whether to run for chapter president next term or not. We all believe he would make a great next president so let's encourage him. Attendance was smaller than usual at 34, with three new members signing up. Great snacks by the Edison Restaurant at the Ft. Myers Country Club. (9/17/08)

We are seeking a new chapter secretary to serve next term
If you are computer literate and can send out mass emails, this job is an easy volunteer job. If you are the one who feels the tug and pull to offer, the members will be grateful. We need you. Nancy has served for 4 years now, and will be stepping down, leaving the secretarial position vacant. The job is tremendously enriching in many ways. You get to be known, your name is out there, you know what is going on, you network with your colleagues and peers, and know where everything is happening in the massage field. You will never be the same again. This position is a step up and out into the community. It will take about 3 hours a week if you follow the program that Nancy has set up. Empowerment and prestige are yours. The election for new officers take place at the January 2009 meeting. Over the next three months we will be actively seeking individuals who are willing to serve the FSMTA Chapter. You will be part of a 19-chapter network, you're part of something bigger. Contact Nancy at 239-580-7957. (9/26/08)

Election time coming up
We are seeking fresh and inspiring new faces for the next term of officers for our Chapter. If you are interested, contact Nancy Wilson, secretary or Ron Stephens, president. The next term runs from January 2009 to December 2010, two years. If you are looking for a jump-start to your career, this is it. You will find yourself shifting gears with new friends appearing, an expanded network of colleagues,  opportunities knocking, confidence building. Giving is the highest form of receiving, and you DO receive. More than you can ever guess. Sleep on it and consider it. You don't have to know HOW to do it. You merely have to be willing to serve. You will be one of 5 officers who meet monthly and make decisions. You run the show. Outgoing officers will guide and teach you.  Unknown Chapter leaders, step forward now! Take us in a new direction. Contact one of us. The campaign takes place from October through December 2008.  The Board consists of President, 1st VP, 2nd VP, Treasurer and Secretary. (8/17/08) 

Next year's annual convention - Omni Orlando, Championsgate
The location for next year's convention will be from Wednesday, July 8 through Sunday July 12, 2009, at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate, Orlando, Florida. Applications for CE speakers and convention themes are being selected at the Fall quarterly meeting this weekend. Future convention dates and locations are: 2009 Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate; 2010 Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate; 2011 Naples Grande Resort Hotel in Naples; 2012 Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate; 2013 Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate; 2014 Naples Grande Resort Hotel in Naples. (9/26/08)

BOM Members being sought - Governor Appointed
Governor Charlie Crist has not appointed anyone to the Board of Massage Therapy for two years because there have not been enough applicants. Are you interested? Applicants must be licensed for more than five years and be able to attend quarterly board meetings. All individuals wishing to be considered for appointment need to complete a "Questionnaire for Gubernatorial Appointments" which can be gotten from Nancy Wilson, Secretary. Fill it out and fax a copy to the number below, and the original, notarized copy should be mailed back to the Appointments Office. If you know someone who would be perfect for this position, let us know if they plan to apply. Information concerned BOM membership as stated in our massage practice act Chapter 480 and the necessary application, will be forwarded to you by asking Chapter Secretary Nancy Wilson. The Governor's Office of Appointments has asked FSMTA for recommendations to fill positions on the Board of Massage Therapy, and State President Maureen Gilbert has forwarded the message to each chapter. (9/26/08)

Have apartment, seeking to share in Naples
Member Beeann Hanner is looking for someone to share an apartment, 2/2, with her in Naples.  $600/month, all utilities included, including local phone and cable. Gated community at Enclave, in the far back off Davis Blvd.  Own bedroom, bathroom and share the rest of the house hold. Smoker would have to smoke on the lanai.  Pool, spa, billards.  Call Beeann Hanner at 239-692-9091 or 941-374-4103. I am also looking to share space to do massage. Is there anyone in Naples wishing to rent half their space? Thank  you for passing the news. Beeann Hanner beeann43@yahoo.com. (9/17/08)

Charles Henry new head of Sports Massage Team
At the July chapter meeting, member Charles Henry of Naples accepted the nomination of Sports Massage Team Chairperson. Charles was certified for sports massage on August 9, 2008. He has made initial contacts with athletic organizations in the area, and may be contacted at nicetouch@comcast.net or by telephone at 239-298-4445. (9/17/08)

Electric massage table for sale
Electric massage/fascial/estetician/PT table for sale. New beautiful Dynasty by Eurotables. Electric foot pedals, lowers to 20" (good for wheelchair access) and raises to 38". Dual headrests. Lumbar distraction. The end raises up to a full incline position. Black leather. You can see the table at: www.eurotechtables.com . Will sell for $1,300, regular price is $1,700. Just purchased at the FSMTA convention. Christina M. Mitchell, LMT, LLC, 239-293-0960 cell.  Christina703@comcast.net,
www.bestbodymassage.com. (9/17/08)

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Job opportunities, rooms for rent and non-commercial announcements are posted here at no cost to members. Workshops and classes shown in Sponsors and Ads. Send to:  info@fsmtasw.org .