Byline: ADRIENNE FREEMAN Staff Writer Maureen Martinez
, a native of Hoosick Falls, recently joined the Hoosick Falls Health Center as director of therapeutic recreation.
Martinez earned her bachelor's degree in recreation and leisure studies from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vt. Prior to her new position, she was the activities director at Crescent Manor in Bennington, Vt., for more than four years. She also worked with troubled adolescents for six years.
Martinez was born and raised in an extended family environment in Hoosick Falls. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Philip Martinez. Her father maintains his medical practice in Hoosick Falls and her mother, a registered nurse, continues to work closely with her husband.
``I have always been described as a people person, lively or enthusiastic,'' Maureen said. ``My philosophy on physical therapy is that it should be fun!''
Growing up with her grandparents had a positive impact on her life and can be attributed to her kind and giving spirit, she said. Her grandmother still lives with her parents and they have remained very close through the years. She strongly believes that everyone possesses good qualities. Sometimes it involves a lot of time before people really get through that ``exterior wall,'' but eventually they find that positive side. What additional spare time she can squeeze into her hectic schedule is spent with her niece and nephew or taking long walks. Jason P. Gagnon, a senior physical therapy student at Utica College of Syracuse University, was awarded the New York State Physical Therapy Association Award at the association's conference in October. This award is presented to the student who has demonstrated leadership, high academics and outstanding service to his college program and profession. Jason was given a certificate of merit and the college will receive a plaque engraved with Jason's accomplishments.
Utica College recently became a nationally accredited college in physical therapy. Jason is the first student to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the college.
A 1995 graduate of Tamarac High School, Jason is the son of Dennis and Gail Gagnon of Center Brunswick. Kelly Lynn Broderick, daughter of Charles and LuAnne Broderick of Melrose, performed in the annual Allegheny Orchesis Dance Company Recital at Allegheny College, a liberal arts institution in Meadville, Pa. Allegheny Orchesis is a student-run and student-choreographed dance company.
A 1996 graduate of Hoosic Valley Central School, Kelly is a junior, majoring in mathematics and studio art. Jacqueline Johnson of Rensselaer and Arnold Fallon Jr. of Johnsonville were inducted into the Gamma Mu chapter of the Pi Lambda Theta International Society at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, formerly North Adams State College.
Pi Lambda Theta is the international honor society for outstanding professionals in education and was founded in 1910. The organization is dedicated to providing leadership development for its members, promoting academic excellence at all education levels, providing an environment for professional growth and leadership for the profession.
Membership in this society is open to juniors and seniors who are seeking teacher certification and have attained a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average. It is also open to post-baccalaureate students seeking teacher certification, as well as students in the master of education program who are in the final stage of their program and who have attained a GPA of 3.5 or better, and to professionals with careers in education who have earned a 3.5 GPA or better in their highest earned certificate program or degree.
