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Helene Messner, Chair-Elect -

Councilor Excerpts


Fruit and Veggies 6 Councilor Excerpt Archives


Winter 2008 Chairperson's Message

The New York State Nutrition Council wishes everyone all the best for a safe and Happy New Year. As we start the 2008 New Year it promises to be an interesting one with all of the primaries taking place. Remember the NYS primaries are on February 5 and please exercise your right to vote!

Just to update everyone regarding NYSNC business:

Our membership continues to grow with renewals, new members and several new honorary members, and with outreach to the Fit Kids Conference Attendees.

Our archives are being organized and brought up to date with summaries and annual reports ready to be passed on.

We have two new liaisons on our board. We welcome Deb Bush, School Food Service Director of the Trumansburg and South Seneca School Districts as our School Food Service Liaison. Deb has a long history of dedication and activity in the school food service arena.

We also welcome Vanessa Hoffman, Cornell graduate student as our Legislative Liaison. Vanessa interned with FRAC and has food pantry and other outreach experience. Vanessa is the NYSNC representative to NANA and NYSHEPA and will be attending the American Dietetic Association’s Public Policy Workshop in Washington, DC, February 4-6, 2008 under the sponsorship of a NYSNC grant.

Our effort to file a petition for affiliation with the Society for Nutrition Education was unanimously approved by the NYSNC BOD. The advantages of affiliation include networking at the annual conference, reciprocal links on the SNE website, exploring the activities of the state nutrition councils, and having a representative on the Council of Affiliates.

Our next project is to continue to develop and refine our strategic plan and a 3-5 year action plan.

Helene T. Messner, MS, RD, CDN
Chair-Elect


Fall 2007 Chairperson's Message

One of our first accomplishments, as determined by our strategic plan, was to review and update our constitution and include the two new articles that describe our vision and mission that were approved at our 2007 Annual Meeting. We are continuing to look at affiliation with the Society for Nutrition Education. The New York State Nutrition Council's (NYSNC) Mission and Vision are very much in line with that of the Society for Nutrition Education.

We continue to grow our membership and are pleased to report that we have many renewals, new members, and honorary members. The value of the NYSNC continues to be increased for its members by providing an annual program, CEU's, newsletters, website and networking opportunities. With that said, our 2008 Annual Meeting and program will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008 at Hometown Foods, Kinderhook, NY (Albany region) under the direction of Anna Dawson. Please save the date and look for future announcements and details.

Another aspect of the NYSNC is supporting and signing on to legislative initiatives. I was pleased to participate on behalf of the New York State Nutrition Council in a conference call with Randy Kuhl's Office, and Lauren Bernier, Staff on September 12, 2007 to enlist his co-sponsorship of Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act, HR1363/S 771. Among those on the call were Steven Cook, MD, a Pediatrician at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, Marion Coon, MS, RD, Jo Swanson, PhD, at Cornell, Barb Schirmer and Jennifer Sheldon, Health and Policy Organizer at CSPI.

This legislation calls on the USDA to update its nutrition standards for foods sold from vending machines, cafeteria snack lines, and other venues outside of school meals and apply nutrition standards to the whole campus for the entire school day. The current standards for foods sold outside of the school lunch program were developed in the 1970's, are out of date and don't make sense. As a result, many unhealthy foods are sold to students in schools. Despite the skyrocketing childhood obesity rates, many of our nation's schools sell low-nutrition foods to children. Yet, studies show schools can make just as much money selling healthy foods. New national nutrition standards would support local efforts by encouraging and increasing the availability of reasonably priced healthy snack options and healthier versions of current foods for schools.

Leveling the playing field between school meals and other foods served in and outside of the cafeteria. Right now school meals must meet stronger standards than other foods served in schools. The National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA) provided talking points. We are looking forward to an exciting year as we further identify our strengths and chart our course as an organization. Who are we? Where are we going? How do we get there? As we ask these questions we can determine where we want to be and find the means for getting there.

Helene T. Messner, MS, RD, CDN
Chair-Elect


Summer 2007 Chairperson's Message

As we begin another membership year the vision of the NYS Nutrition Council is that New Yorkers will achieve well being through optimum nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The NYS Nutrition Council serves the people of New York by fostering collaboration among individuals, agencies, educational institutions and other groups to provide food and nutrition education and to influence related public policy.

Our initiatives include bolstering membership by collaborating with other like minded organizations, exhibiting and sponsoring meetings. We will continue to develop our strategic plan, support various legislation that supports the Farm Bill and School Nutrition. We also continue to develop and add to our website www.nysnc.org.

On June 15, 2007, the NYS Nutrition Council Annual Meeting was held at the Human Metabolic Research Unit at Cornell University. Kathleen L. Hefferon, PhD, Director of Operations of the Cornell Human Metabolic Research Unit gave an “Overview of Human Metabolic Research Efforts in Nutritional Sciences” and a tour of the unit. Kimberly O’Brien, PhD Associate Professor spoke about the “Highlights of Human Studies: Anemia, Bone Health and Teen Pregnancy”.

All received an e-mail about the “Fit Kids: Strategies for Eating Smart and Eating More” sponsored by the Finger Lakes Region Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Programs and CCE. Featured speaker will be Brian Wansink, PhD author of “Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think”. Dr. Wansink’s work was also featured in the July, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. See summaries in this issue of The Councilor.

Legislative Issues are in the forefront particularly related to the 2007 “Farm Bill”, HR 2419. Most recently we were asked to phone our congress people to encourage support for the “Fairness in Farm and Food Policy Amendment”. This would achieve a balance of food and agricultural interests.

Although little legislation was passed this year at the state level, NYSHEPA continues to support school nutrition legislation in NYS. There continues to be a tug of war between increased school breakfast funding, and better food/local food for current programs. Some legislators want nutrition standards to apply only to the school day and relax standards for fundraising, where others want standards applied to the entire day.

We look forward to your active participation and an exciting and productive year.

Helene T. Messner, MS, RD, CDN
Chair-Elect


Spring 2007 Chairperson's Message

Spring has been very reluctant to arrive this year; I hope that warmer weather and sunny skies will at long last be here when you receive this edition of The Councilor.

Regardless of season, the areas of public health and nutrition continue to capture a great deal of interest. In particular, the problem of childhood overweight is often covered by the media and increasingly the core of proposed and new legislation.

Be certain to read in this issue about how the New York State Nutrition Council (NYSNC) and partners are involved in these efforts and our partners are at work on multiple projects. To keep up to date on developments, check the members only section of the NYSNC website http://nysnc.org.

The NYSNC Board will soon be finalizing the ballot for the 2007-2008 Board to vote for chair- elect, program chair-elect and nominating committee. If you are interested in becoming more involved in your Council and joining the Board there are other opportunities available: co-editor of the Councilor, liaisons with the NYS Dietetic Association, School Food Service, and the NYS Education Department. Please contact me at lxm04@health.state.ny.us for more information about these positions.

This is your organization. Please let me know if you have ideas and suggestions as we plan for the 2007-2008 year.

Linda Murphy,
NYSNC Chair


Winter 2007 Chairperson's Message

Best wishes for a healthy 2007!

It will be interesting to see what this year brings in terms of changes and challenges in the areas of nutrition public policy. The New York State Nutrition Council (NYSNC) board is working to bring these issues to the membership.

With our world of communication becoming more and more internet-based, we are looking at options for enhancing the NYSNC website.

Due to the additional emphasis on web-based information, in the past year we have created the additional position on the board of Webmaster. This position is carried out capably by Heather Fiore, who also serves as the editor of the Councilor! Our aim is that the website will become an important asset for members by creating more links and resources. Be certain to check out the website for updates, http://www.nysnc.org.

Helene Messner, Nominating Chair, is actively recruiting for the following positions on the 2007-2008 Board: Chair-Elect, Secretary, Program Chair-Elect and Nominating Committee.

If any new or renewing members have an immediate interest in joining the board, there are current vacancies: member of the Nominating Committee and as Co-Editor of the Councilor.

We are also interested in having members serve on the Board as liaisons with the NYS Dietetic Association, New York School Nutrition Association, and the NYS Education Department.

Please contact me at lxm04@health.state.ny.us if you would like information about these board positions.

We encourage all of our members to get involved in your New York State Nutrition Council.

Linda Murphy, MS, RD, CDN
Chair


Fall 2006 Chairperson's Message

We tend to say it every year – “where did the summer go?” We are now well into fall and the return to our sometimes too hectic schedules.

The New York State Nutrition Council (NYSNC) and our partners are at work on multiple projects. Be sure to read more about them in this issue of the Councilor.

If you haven’t done so already, I urge you to renew your membership for the Council. You can find the membership application on the website http://www.nysnc.org. Be sure to renew soon so that your information will be included in our member directory. One of the benefits of membership is that Council members are eligible to apply for the Special Project Grants. You will find additional information on applying on the website.
The deadline for applications is November 15, 2006.

The Board urges all members, including new members, to consider running for a position on the NYSNC Board. In the spring of 2006 we will hold elections for the following positions on the 2007-2008 Board: Chair-Elect, Secretary, Program Chair-Elect and Nominating Committee.

For members who have an interest in becoming more involved right now, there are current vacancies on the board, as a member of the nominating committee and another as co-editor of the Councilor.

We are also interested in having members serve on the Board as liaisons with the NYS Dietetic Association, NY School Nutrition Association, and the NYS Education Department.

Please contact me at lxm04@health.state.ny.us for more information about these opportunities.

Linda Murphy, MS, RD, CDN
Chair


Summer 2006 Chairperson's Message

The New York State Nutrition Council has made a number of accomplishments during this past year. On the technology side, the website was unveiled and we began electronic transmission of The Councilor.

Under the leadership of Theresa Geldard, the board began a careful appraisal of our role as an organization and where our focus should be as we move forward.

We also enjoyed a successful seminar on June 3rd, “Kids Health and Weight: A Public Policy Update.” Program Chair, Helene Messner, brought together experts from an array of disciplines to provide an update of the current status of child overweight issues and the interventions taking place in government, schools and non-profit agencies.

The Council continued to lend support by to legislation related to nutrition and provide funding for community nutrition projects through competitive grants.

This year, I thank our returning board members for their energy and dedication and welcome three new board members.

During the 2006-2007 year, we will continue to explore and refine how NYSNC can best realize our vision: “that New Yorkers will achieve well being through optimal nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.”

We will continue to build on the NYSNC website as a place for the latest information. Another plan for this year, for members who indicate an interest, is to provide email updates on current funding opportunities, legislation and other topics of interest.

We will also be pursuing our goal of increasing our membership. This issue of The Councilor contains the membership application for the upcoming year.

I invite all of you to renew or initiate membership in this vital organization.

Linda Murphy, MS, RD, CDN
Chair


Spring 2006 Chairperson's Message

Spring is finally here! It’s getting warmer as each day goes by. Meanwhile, the summer flowers are starting to peak out from beneath the ground and the birds are chirping outside my office window. It is one of my favorite times of the year.

As the weather warms and our spirits lift, our thoughts turn toward the Council’s Springtime activities. Two important and timely events are our annual meeting and seminar and the election of new officers.

Our annual meeting is right around the corner. This year’s topic is Kid’s Health and Weight: A Public Policy Update. It will be held in Syracuse at the Carrier Circle Holiday Inn on Saturday, June 3.
Check your mail for registration brochure or go to the website, www.nysnc.org, to download the form.

The deadline to sign-up is May 22, 2006. It is only $65 for members, which includes a continental breakfast and a buffet lunch.

Don’t forget to vote! The ballot is enclosed with this newsletter and is due back to our Nominating committee chair, Linda Robbins, by May 24, 2006. We’ve got some strong candidates on the ballot this year, and I am sure they will all be great assets to the board.

I would like to extend a big thank you to those candidates who volunteered to run, as well as to the nominating committee for putting the ballot together.

As I will soon be passing the proverbial torch on to our incoming chair, Linda Murphy, I would like to thank my ever-so-dedicated board for all of their help and commitment this year.
We have had a very productive year together, and I am disappointed that it went by so fast!

Thank you for helping to make this such a worthwhile experience and for traveling with me on this crazy journey.

Theresa Geldard, Chair


Winter 2006 Chairperson's Message

It’s hard to believe that I am past the halfway point in my tenure as chair. We have been so busy this year that time has just flown by. There is still so much left to do!

The Board has been busy planning for our annual program, Kids and Weight: A Public Policy Update for New York. We are very excited about this spectacular event.
Our program chair, Helene Messner has reserved the Holiday Inn in East Syracuse for Saturday, June 3rd.
I look forward to seeing you there!

If you haven’t already done so, check out our new website, www.nysnc.org. You can get information on funded mini-grants, download a membership application, browse past newsletters, read about current Council activities and get legislative updates.

There is even a special section for members only (the new password is in the Winter 2006 newsletter).

We have received a few original mini-grant proposals from across the state. The mini-grant committee will carefully review each proposal and will be announcing the winners within the next month.

The Board is hard at work putting together a strategic plan to guide us over the next few years. We want to make the New York State Nutrition Council an organization that everyone will know and that each of our members can be proud of.

With that said, this is your Council, and there are exciting projects going on and many ways that you can get involved, even if you don’t have a lot of time.

For example, you could volunteer to help plan a workshop at the annual program, review mini-grants, hand out membership brochures at your next professional meeting, or write an article for the newsletter.

The Nominating committee is looking for a few dedicated individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. Specifically, we are looking for members to run for Chair-Elect (3 year term), Program Chair-Elect (2 year term), Treasurer (2 year term), Nominating Committee Chair-Elect and Membership Chair. You can find the job descriptions on our website, www.nysnc.org.

If you are interested in being on the board, looking for more information on any the Council’s projects or if you want to find out about other ways that you could get involved, please get in touch with me at chair@nysnc.org or (315) 437-1899 x222. I would be more than happy to chat with you about these opportunities.

Theresa Geldard, Chair


Fall 2005 Chairperson's Message

While the dropping temperatures force us into hibernation, the New York State Nutrition Council is just beginning to warm up and to gain momentum. This year we're really focused on providing membership benefits that are a value to our members. While the dropping temperatures force us into hibernation, the New York State Nutrition Council is just beginning to warm up and to gain momentum. This year we're really focused on providing membership benefits that are a value to our members. While the dropping temperatures force us into hibernation, the New York State Nutrition Council is just beginning to warm up and to gain momentum. This year we're really focused on providing membership benefits that are a value to our members.

Check out some of these great reasons to be a New York State Nutrition Council member:

Mark your calendars for our annual event! Saturday, June 3rd is the date for our 2006 Annual Program. While specific speakers and topics are still under consideration, our program chair, Helene Messner, is hard at work planning a spectacular event for you! Don't forget that one of the benefits of membership in the New York State Nutrition Council is discounted registration to this event. Be sure to mark your calendars and take advantage of this opportunity.

Website is live! The board is very excited to reveal our new website, another great benefit of NYSNC membership. This new resource is chock full of important information about the Council, including descriptions of past special projects grants, pictures from the 2005 Annual Program, membership application, links, past issues of The Councilor, a special members-only area and information on applying for the special projects grant.

Check us out at www.nysnc.org.

The password for the members area is in the Fall 2005 newsletter Each membership year, we will assign a new password which will be published in The Councilor.

Special projects grants! This funding opportunity is another important member benefit. In the past, we have funded some very innovative, original projects.

Proposals are due by January 15, 2006. The application will be sent in an email along with this newsletter. Check out our new website to download additional applications and to see previously funded grant projects.

Stay informed! Still yet another great benefit of your New York State Nutrition Council membership is our newsletter, The Councilor. It is the perfect place to share some information about your organization's events and learn about others. In addition, The Councilor is going electronic! In order to save on paper and postage costs, the board has decided to e-mail The Councilor to all of its members, starting with this issue.

A big thank you to all of the board members who work so hard to make these great benefits available.

Theresa Geldard, Chair


Summer 2005 Chairperson's Message

Under the careful leadership of Helene Messner and the 2004- 2005 Board of Directors, this past year has been a very productive one for the New York State Nutrition Council.

We have supported nutrition and health related state and federal legislation though letters of support. The Council provided two Special Project Grants to assist some very exciting community nutrition projects in the state. We also sponsored a very informative program on nutrigenomics at the Century House in Latham, NY. We have also begun developing our first website and will be moving our newsletter to an electronic format.

As Helene passes the proverbial torch, and I move into my role as Chairperson of the New York State Nutrition Council, I’m a little nervous. Shouldering such a huge responsibility - the direction of an organization that was formed long before I was even thought of - is a bit intimidating.

Thankfully, I have the help of a very seasoned and passionate board to assist in keeping the Council on track!

At the same time that I deal with this trepidation, I am looking forward with excitement to the challenges and experiences that this new position will present. This is a great opportunity to put into practice those skills that were taught in grad school leadership classes!

It is also a wonderful opportunity to foster creativity, fine-tune NYSNC’s current projects and to set the pace for the future of the Council.

As the Council welcomes the new Board of Directors, I am anticipating an exciting and fruitful year for us. I am looking to the future as the incoming board moves into position with a renewed energy.

With a little luck, this coming year will offer us the same successes that have been achieved in the past and hopefully will lead us to a greater synergy than ever before, especially with the help of such a dedicated board.

Onward and Upward!
Theresa Geldard