Well, once again I have the honor of serving as president of the Western Area Massachusetts Dietetic Association. I’ve had the great pleasure of being on the board for many years now and continue to be proud of the work we do for dietitians and our community. That said, I believe I’m submitting my first President's Message, as those of you who know me know that I avoid formal writing at almost all costs.
Although we are a small group, we accomplish a great deal every year. Our largest and longest standing endeavor continues to by our annual WAMDA 5K to benefit the Food Bank of Western Mass. Of course this year it will be very different than it was in the past, like our entire landscape has been this year, but we are excited to keep this important tradition going.
Now more than ever I encourage all members to get and stay involved with our many programs and activities. We have gone virtual, along with the rest of the world, to continue to try to provide our members with the programs of interest they have come to enjoy. We will continue to participate in community activities as much as we are able. That said, we are excited we are able to decorate a tree again for this year's Festival of Trees to benefit the Springfield Boys and Girls Club.
WAMDA continues to remain active in supporting legislative issues that impact our field and we continue to support our future fellow RD’s with our annual scholarship. This year we are unsure if we will be able to hold the social events we have in the past, such as WAMDA night at the Thunderbirds hockey. Despite recent challenges, we are excited about what we might be able to come up with to ensure we can stay social while being safe.
Please reach out to any of us on the board if you have ideas, questions, or just want to get involved. This is our association and WAMDA needs you to continue with all of our wonderful events.
Respectfully,
Andrea McDonough, WAMDA President 2020-2021