New England Language Center Hosts Foreign Delegation

ROCHESTER—

On March 22, the New England Language Center hosted a potluck dinner to welcome a delegation representing the Kyrgyz Republic. The group consisted of five Parliamentarians and two interpreters from Kyrgyzstan visiting New Hampshire for four days to explore the issues of government and conflict resolution.

The delegation included representatives of five major political parties in Kyrgyzstan. According to the delegates, 99 political parties participated in the recent presidential election, held in November of 2011. There are 120 members in the parliament, including 26 women. While there are areas of major conflict among the political parties, the members of the delegation said that they have been enjoying their tour to the U.S. and have come to know, understand and appreciate one another on a human level, politics aside. They were also very interested in American educational system and culture. After dinner, one delegate suggested that everyone form a circle on the floor to facilitate conversation to allow everyone to participate and exchange opinions.

Prior to their stop in New Hampshire, the group visited Washington D.C., and will continue to California and Florida.

The delegation is in the U.S. on a special program sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Washington and World Affairs Council of New Hampshire.

The event was also attended by a number of friends of the New England Language Center who offered their own insights into politics of Kyrgyzstan and international issues. This was another great opportunity to meet international visitors, learn more about their culture and their country and to create a lasting bond with them.

The New England Language Center offers highly interactive conversational classes in 16 foreign languages for individuals and small groups. Scheduling is very flexible to accommodate individual needs. Remote Internet learning is also available through Skype. The New England Language Center also offers annual focused cultural tours to Russia and the Ukraine. For more information about the New England Language Center and its international programs, contact Marina Forbes at 603-332-2255 or by e-mail at info@anylanguage.org.

Frisbie Memorial Recieves Special Certification

ROCHESTER—

Frisbie Memorial’s three Sleep Center physicians have received their board certification in Sleep Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Pulmonologist, David Reeves, and Neurologist, Gary Usher, are newly certified, while Pulmonologist, Amit Joglekar, received recertification in Sleep Medicine.

To achieve Sleep Medicine certification, providers must demonstrate clinical competence, procedural skills and moral and ethical behavior in the clinical setting. Additionally, providers are required to pass a comprehensive examination to assess knowledge and clinical judgment.

In 2011, Frisbie Memorial’s Sleep Center received national accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and is the only AASM-accredited sleep center in the greater Seacoast region. AASM-accredited facilities provide the highest quality of patient care and enhance the awareness of sleep as an important element for health, public safety and quality of life.

The Frisbie Memorial Sleep Center diagnoses, identifies and treats sleeping disorders, including conditions such as: insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, snoring and sleepwalking.

Their primary care provider typically refers patients; however, patients may self-refer if symptoms like snoring, breathing problems during sleep, or persistent insomnia are concerns.

The Frisbie Memorial Sleep Center is located at 235 Rochester Hill Road in Rochester. For more information, please call (603) 994-0013 or visit frisbiehospital.com.

Frisbie Memorial Hospital Nurse Honored For Efforts

ROCHESTER—

Nurses at Frisbie Memorial Hospital are being honored with “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.” The award, presented in collaboration with The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the extraordinary efforts that most nurses perform every single day.

Frisbie Memorial announced on January 19, December’s DAISY Award recipient is Intensive Care Units’, Dawn Vinciguerra, RN, who was nominated by Jo-Ann Brewster, RN, also from the ICU.

Brewster explains, “I'm always impressed with all the nurses on the ICU team; they are so intelligent and compassionate about their work. But one nurse in my opinion deserves recognition: Dawn Vinciguerra. When I started working in the ICU, I immediately saw a woman who deservingly had the respect of medical staff and her co-workers. She is, in my mind, the ‘go-to’ person. Vinciguerra always makes herself available to answer questions, to help with procedures, and to take on some of the most challenging patient assignments—all with a smile on her face.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Every other month, staff nominates a nurse. The DAISY Award Committee then selects the finalist from those nominated. During a brief ceremony attended by senior management, nurse managers and department staff, the honoree receives a certificate commending him or her for being an "Extraordinary Nurse.” It reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Frisbie Memorial is proud to honor Vinciguerra for her super-human efforts.

Photo Caption: Pictured is DAISY Award recipient Dawn Vinciguerra (left) and nominator, Jo-Ann Brewster. (Courtesy Photo)