Holistic Health Practitioners of Eastern North Carolina
Membership Meeting
Thursday, November 2, 2006, 11:45 am – 1:00 pm
Greenville Country Club

Members Attending: Melissa Banno, Robin Beilby, Debra Casebere, Mamie Dixon, Rosalie Jacobi Hutchens, Travis Reed, Melissa Swain, Peggi White, Shelly Wynn

Guest: Dr. Geeta Katwa

Debra Casebere, President, called the meeting to order, welcomed members and guest, and asked everyone present to introduce themselves

Old Business:

Debra presented the bylaws changes detailing membership categories and Board member job descriptions. Motion was made and seconded to accept the bylaws changes as written. Motion passed unanimously.

Debra described the proposed membership fee structure changes: $25 for student/associate, $50 for active (professional holistic health practitioners), and $75 for business/corporate (more than 1 practitioner in the business). She also described all of the privileges of membership, including automatic web page listing, with as much or as little detail as desired by the member. Motion was made and seconded to accept the membership fee changes. Motion passed unanimously.

Debra presented the proposed slate of officers for 2007, to be voted on in December. Make any additional nominations by contacting Debra.

Officer/Chair Reports

Hospitality: Mamie Dixon – The year-end social will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 – 8:30 PM at either the Greenville Yoga Center or the Music Academy (to be finalized). The HHP Band will perform for our entertainment! Members are asked to bring a dish to share; we will supplement with a few dishes from China 10. BYOB. More details coming! Please plan to attend and bring your spouse/significant other.

Communications/VP: Peggi White and Michael Denton – Peggi expressed thanks and appreciation to HHP member Sheila Pridgen, publisher of Pitt County Women’s Journal, for the generous article about HHP.

Health Fairs: Travis Reed – Travis thanked the participants in the recent health fairs. October was busy! NACCO; DOT at the Fairgrounds; Brody School of Medicine. PCC MT students will be at the Holiday Show; Rosalie, Alice Whitley, and Jason Walls will be at Physicians East Health Fair Saturday. Next event on the calendar is Sunday, December 3rd, 2:00 PM, Town Commons, Reindeer Dash for Cash, 5K & 10-mile charity run to benefit the Capt. Christopher S. Cash Memorial Scholarship at NC Wesleyan College.

Treasurers: Rosalie Jacobi Hutchens & Ayako Brewer – Rosalie reported income from one new member and expenses for supplies and for speaker meals.

Membership: Melissa Kirkland Banno – 54 members strong! Newest member is Dr. Kenneth Hicks, chiropractor. Welcome! Updated membership list was distributed, is also on the website, and was sent via email to all members. Contact Melissa if you have problems downloading a copy.

Announcements:
1. Next Board meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 9:45 – 11:00, Port City Java, Red Banks Road, private meeting room.
2. Next Membership Meeting will be the December 7th Holiday Social (see details above).
3. Peggi White announced an upcoming Level I Aromatherapy Class, Jan. 27 - 28, 14 contact hours, $275 ($20 student discount). The instructor is Cynthia Loving. Location to be arranged. Pre-registration by January 12. Contact Peggi for more information 916-5675 or peginnc@yahoo.com
4. Member Trista Thrower, LMBT, is now employed by Pitt Memorial Hospital. She is working with postpartum patients and on 2 South A & B. Congratulations, Trista!

Program:

Melissa Kirkland Banno introduces our speaker:

Dr. Geeta Katwa, Brody School of Medicine, Rheumatology - Living with Chronic Pain Dr. Katwa is a Board Certified Rheumatologist. She specializes in treating patients with fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes. With FMS & chronic pain syndromes, you hurt everywhere. Objectively: tender points, fatigue, decreased weight, depression. Need to rule out anemia, electrolyte imbalance, thyroid problems. Can take a pharmacological or non-pharmacological approach to care. Most important is that the patient have a positive attitude, improve muscle strength, look at stressors (family situation, work, etc. can increase pain). Pain is the way we express the frustration that happens to us. Need to break the cycle of pain – best if start within the first 6 months – before it becomes chronic pain.

Meeting adjourned at 1 p.m.