A L A B A M A

C O U N C I L O F

H O S P I T A L

A U X I L I A R I E S

The Communicator

Inside This

Issue

I am looking forward to spring with all the beau-

tiful blossoms and flowers. Unfortunately I was not

able to attend the district meetings this past winter,

but, I would like to share with you that I am now

Cancer Free! Praise God! My husband is in treat-

ment at the present time, and we live at Hope Lodge

during the week and return home on the weekends. I would like to visit

the hospitals in Birmingham during this time. Also my plans are to attend

your District meeting this spring. The district meetings are so important.

I know with the great district chairmen and vice-chairmen we have on the

board, the meetings will run smoothly and efficiently. They provide a

time to learn, network and have fun.

My focus this year will continue to be on community involvement, be-

ing a compassionate volunteer and each of us working as a team! Our

hospitals are asking us to take on new roles as they have to do more with

fewer employees.

Wasn’t it great to receive the last Communicator via email? Please re-

member to forward it to each of your members’ email addresses. In this

format, everyone can enjoy the newsletter. Also, visit the ACHA page on

the website to access the newsletter and other information. Go to

www.alaha.org, click on “About,” then “Affiliates,” then click

“Auxiliaries, Alabama Council of Hospital.” Make it a “favorite,” and

you can easily locate in the future with one click.

Please mark your calendars for this year’s ACHA Fall Conference to

be held Nov. 1-4 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. Program Chairman

Hope Hundley and her committee are planning an educational and fun

conference for all of us. You don’t want to miss it!

Hope you have a wonderful Spring and Blessings to each of you!

Beverly Commander

ACHA Chairman

Beverly Commander, ACHA Chairman

ACHA Board 2-5

District I 6-9

District II 10-22

District III 23-30

District IV 31-31

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 April, 2015

Valuable

Outstanding

Lively

Understanding

Nurturing

Talented

Energetic

Enlightening

Receptive

Sympathetic

Volunteers

Cold and dreary winter days remind

us that hospital volunteers bring “warmth to the human spirit”.

Thank you all for providing special holiday cheer during December, Janu-

ary, and February !

How fortunate I am to experience the beginning of Spring at the Omni Grove Park Inn in

Asheville, NC ! As ACHA Chairman-Elect, I will attend the Southeastern Healthcare Volun-

teer Leaders Conference with the goal of attending as many educational sessions as possi-

ble ! Participation in regional conferences can result in new energy/ideas for local confer-

ences. By meeting representatives of other Auxiliaries, I hope to learn more ways that Ala-

bama volunteers can improve the overall quality of healthcare in our state. I look forward to

sharing ideas from the regional conference with the members of the ACHA.

Carol Hunter, Chairman-Elect

ACHA Board Chairmen

The American Heart Association’s Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

A healthy diet and lifestyle are by our best weapons to fight cardiovascular

disease. It’s not as hard as you may think! Remember, it’s the overall patter

of your choices that counts. Make the simple steps bellow part of your life

for long-term benefits to your health and your heart.

Use up at least as many calories as you take in

East a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups

Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods

As you make daily food choices, base your eating pattern on these recommendations

A: Choose lean meats and poultry

B: Eat fish at least twice a week.

C: Select fat-free foods

D: Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils

E: Reduce saturated fat to lower your cholesterol

F: Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars

G: Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt

H: Drink alcohol in moderation

I: Follow the American Heart Association recommendations when you eat out

PAGE 2

Faye Burns, Project Chairman

V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 2

I am truly honored to be serving as Program Chair on

the ACHA Board alongside so many amazing people. A “special thanks” goes to Don and

Sara Jane Pugh for

their help, guidance and encouragement as I begin to plan for our Fall Conference which will

be held on November 1-4 at the beautiful downtown Sheraton in Birmingham. The facility is

adjacent to the BJCC and is surrounded by many new restaurants and shops. It is easily ac-

cessible from major expressways and provides secure parking during your stay. Please begin

now making plans to attend with a group of volunteers from your hospital.

The ACHA Board and I are now working on the program and have some new ideas that we

hope will meet all of your expectations. Thanks to so many of you for being willing to help

with this endeavor. This conference is for all of you to be able to share your experiences and

expertise and take fresh ideas back to your hospitals. Our theme for this year will be ap-

proved at our April meeting and I will be sharing that with you as soon as possible. Please let

me know if you have any input for our consideration. You can email me at hund-

ley.hope@gmail.com. Please be sure to identify what hospital you are with.

I am already looking forward to viewing all of your Yearbooks, Newsletters, Tray Favors

and Special Projects. I know that you have already been working diligently on those and it is

so exciting to see the culmination of your hard work.

Mark your calendars and begin thinking about volunteers at your hospital that would benefit

from attending this year’s Conference. I will be sending out Registration Packets as soon as

they have been prepared.

Can’t wait to see all of you in November!

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 PAGE 3 ACHA Board Chairmen (cont.) Hope Hundley, Program Chairman

Once again we are asking all district chairmen to share with the auxiliary resident in their

districts the need for them to provide us with pictures and articles relating to their activities.

The yearbook cannot reflect all the hard work and accomplishments of the volunteers unless

you send us copies of your newsletters and anything of interest that you are doing.

You can email the information to purpleal@bellsouth.net or mail it to us at 144 Ada Dr. S. E.

Owens X Rds., Alabama 35763.

We look forward to hearing from you so that we can give your auxiliary the recognition you

deserve.

Joyce & Charles Purple, Historians

Joyce & Charles Purple, Historians

ACHA Board Chairmen (cont.) PAGE 4

I attended the District 1 meeting in January at Highlands

Medical Center in Scottsboro. I visited their gift shop. They have a great gift shop & a

great manager, Velma Shepard. Velma has been there a long time and does a great job.

She is excellent at displaying.

Displaying is important. Always keep everything fresh looking by changing merchan-

dise around often. Put your more expensive things where you can keep an eye on them at

all times. Keep them where the customers can see them when they walk in the doors.

Keep your mark downs in the back or in a corner where there’s a lot of theft. If they are

going to steal from you, let it be mark downs rather than full price items. Also, when the

customers are looking for mark downs they might see new merchandise they like better

and will buy that instead.

Velma said when the UPS truck runs the employees start coming in asking “What did

you get today?” That’s awesome!

Great job Velma!

Shirley Brocato, Gift Shop

HAPPY EASTER and HAPPY

SPRING! I am sure you all are just as happy as I am to see the budding of flowers and

green grass sprouting. But watch out pollen is on it’s way.

Thanks to all the District Chairmen who helped in getting articles submitted from all

the auxiliaries. You all did a wonderful job in communicating with me to make sure your

auxiliaries had their articles in. NOW, I need your help in reminding them of the dead-

line for our next issue which is June 8th. This is the last day to submit an article.

PLEASE don’t wait until the 9th and submit your article. However, I will accept and in-

clude any and all articles no matter when you submit them.

I remember Betty always asking you to put the district number and the hospital name

in the subject line of your email. Well I am asking the same. It sure would help me a lot.

Thanks in advance.

You are all so very busy and doing wonderful work within your hospitals. Keep up the

good work and start now on that next article to submit for our next publication.

Remember “God loves you and so do I.”

Yvonne Estell-McElderry, Newsletter Chairman

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 PAGE 5 ACHA Board Chairmen 2014-15

Beverly Commander Chairman (256) 276-0839 bevcommander@gmail.com

Carol Hunter Chairman-Elect (205) 879-2015 clairol55@aol.com

Past Chairman

Joyce & Charles Purple Historian (256) 539-7296 purpleatal@bellsouth.net

Yvonne Mcelderry Newsletter Chairman 2(56)-362-2232 yemcelderry@yahoo.com

Shirley Brocato Gift Shop Chairman (256) 381-0964 shirlbro@bellsouth.net

Hope Hundley Program Chairman (205) 641-0217 Hundley.hope@gmail.com

Fay Burns Project Chairman (334) 821-0577 fburns1119@charter.net

Linda Reynolds DVS Liaison (251) 460-5223 linda.reynolds@springhill.org

Betty Hendrix District I Chairman (256) 586-6394 bwhendrix@gmail.com

Wanda Perry District I Vice Chairman (256) 383-4172 whberry@peoplepc.com

Sarajane Pugh District II Chairman (205) 242-3667 ezzzlife@peoplepc.com

Marty Stagg District II Vice Chairman (205) 622-3891 adstaggs@tds.net

Flo Mcintyre District III Chairman (256) 234-4462 flobud@charter.net

Cheryl Webb District III Vice Chairman (256) 846-5007 ccwebb1@hotmail.com

Constance Taylor District IV Chairman (251) 456-5951 brandci@bellsouth.net

Linda Patterson District IV Vice Chairman (251) 634-1278 jppandlfp@att.net

Teresa Stubblefield ACHA State Office (334) 272-8781 tstubblefield@alaha.org

PAGE 6 District I

Betty Hendrix, Chairman

We had a great District 1 meeting on January 27 in Scottsboro at

Highlands Medical Center. Dr. Lonnie Albin, Chief Medical Officer,

gave a very interesting slide presentation concerning hearth health. He

was very generous with his time and answered many questions. We all ap-

preciated his willingness to patiently explain certain procedures and what to expect during

these procedures.

Attendance was great, with 9 of our 10 hospital reporting. It is really amazing to hear about

all of the many projects and fundraisers these auxiliaries undertake! In addition to all the jew-

elry sales, book sales, bake sales, Christmas luncheons, bingo socials, tail gate sales, golf tour-

naments, and scholarships, donations were given to a children’s grief center, a cancer center, a

pregnancy center, the Salvation Army, Rainbow Omega, and several other local charities.

Other purchases include a cart for a Behavioral Health Unit and donations of markers, puzzles,

puzzle books, and board games for the patients. Sweatpants, shirts, and jogging suits were do-

nated to an ER to clothe patients who might not have clothing to wear home when discharged.

One auxiliary donated funds to the New Born Channel at their hospital and also for a new golf

cart to be used for transportation.

A special “Thanks” goes to Susanna Silvey, DVS, Linda Sanders, President of Highlands

Auxiliary, and their great volunteers for hosting our meeting. The decorations were beautiful,

the food was delicious, and the hospitality from all of you was very special!

I am very proud to be associated with these enthusiastic, hardworking volunteers! Our next

meeting is scheduled for April 30 at RMC Anniston.

V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 2

Our craft committee has been very busy making tray favors for our patients. They made

Valentine favors and now are busy making beautiful crosses for Easter. These ladies are very

busy and they enjoy making these tray favors.

Mrs. Cheryl Hays, Administrator at Marshall North, came to our Auxiliary meeting and

asked us if we would be willing to take on the task of planting and caring for seasonal flowers

in planters outside the front lobby. We already have planters in the front lobby and the Auxil-

iary agreed to care for these as well.

This picture was made at our February meeting when we all wore red in honor of Women’s

Heart Health Month.

We will have a Masquerade Jewelry sale in April. Thanks to all our volunteers for the hours

they work and the help they give us at Marshall North.

Diane Butler, Director of Volunteer Services

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 PAGE 7 District I (cont.)

Marshall North

The Auxiliary awarded $1,000.00 scholarships each to six employees’

children for a total of $6,000. The Board of Directors held its regularly scheduled meeting on

January 13th and voted to authorize a donation to Lakeside Baptist Church, Minister of Music,

in appreciation for providing the musical entertainment at our Christmas luncheon. In addi-

tion, funds were approved for the purchase of a touchscreen monitor for the volunteer room

for use with the time management software. During the week of January 26th-30th, our Director

of Volunteers held coffee-and-cookies meetings to meet with volunteers and express apprecia-

tion for all they do for the hospital. Red Cross held a blood drive on January 29th and volun-

teers assisted with registering potential donors.

The ACHA District II meeting was held February 4th at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham

and was attended by the President. It was a terrific meeting and well attended . The Uni-

forms2U fundraiser was held February 5thand 6th, which was a great success. The Board of Di-

rectors meeting was on February 10th and our guest speaker was Registered Nurse Kayla

Bush, Education Coordinator, who spoke on heart disease and symptoms of heart attacks. In

addition, she handed out informational pamphlets regarding Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC)

to everyone. The Auxiliary also provided clothing for two young patients treated in the Behav-

ioral Department. When discharged, they had no clothing to wear and funds from the Auxilia-

ry’s indigent care were used for the purchases. February 13th was our annual “Volunteers Love

Trinity” day and volunteers handed out delicious heart-shaped cookies to all day shift employ-

ees and visitors in the dining hall and bagged cookies for distribution to the night shift em-

ployees.

Election of new officers will be held at a general membership meeting on March 10th.

Page 8 DISTRICT 1 (cont.)

Crestwood

January 2015 Helping Hands Association had four board members that

attended and enjoyed the District One meeting at Highlands in Scottsboro.

Shoals Hospital hosted four Blood Pressure Screenings this quarter and will host a Books

R Fun sale in March 2015. The auxiliary is busy getting scholarship applications to local high

school seniors in both Lauderdale and Colbert Counties.

Helping Hands have two volunteers that do tray favors for patient trays at both ECM and

Shoals Hospitals. ECM volunteer Brenda Stejskal made 360 tray favors at ECM Hospital for

Valentine, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Elaine Davis at Shoals Hospital made 195 tray favors

for New Year’s Day, Valentine, and Easter. ECM Helping Hands volunteers assisted with a

health fair in February which consisted of blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI screenings.

January—March 2015 we added 4 new volunteers and lost 9. Total auxiliary members - 195.

Volunteer Hours worked the first quarter of 2015 was 4,834.

Helping Hands

Huntsville Hospital Auxilians began the holidays with an out-

standing $5.00 sale hosted by Masquerade. It was another record sale!

We had a wonderful time at the Ledges Country Club at our annual Christmas Party on De-

cember 9. Five youth entertained us by playing Christmas music using their brass instruments.

Auxilians brought donations of sweat pants, sweat shirts and jogging suits to stock the closet

in the Emergency Department. The clothes will be used to clothe patients that come in by med

flight or have been in serious car accidents and have no clothing to wear home when they dis-

charge. A donation of $1000 was presented to the environmental services department to be

used for scholarships for employees attending college.

We hosted the 2nd Annual Auxiliary Open House on the main campus offering cookies and hot

cider to those shopping in the Gift Shop and to those visiting the hospital. In an effort to sup-

port the State Auxiliary Heart Health project, Bob Boyer from channel 54 dressed as Santa

and signed copies of his newly released book, A Heart Big Enough for Santa. The heartwarm-

ing book gives an account of his life after receiving a heart transplant following a devastating

heart attack.

Five of our Auxilians joined Healing Voices, our Huntsville Hospital choir. They sang at the

Christmas tree lighting ceremony as well as the Huntsville Hospital managers Christmas

Breakfast.

The Klown Klub participated in the city of Huntsville Christmas Parade on the first Saturday

in December. Klowns also supported the Little Mended Hearts and adult Mended Hearts pro-

grams at their annual Christmas Party on December 11. The children that attended were given

the gift of a stuffed bear.

VOLLUME 27 ISSUE 2 DISTRICT 1 (cont.) PAGE 9

Huntsville Hospital

2015 has started with a “BANG” in District II. I have been receiving reports from many of

the auxiliaries in our district with changes in officers, showing that they are all very busy getting

ready for this year. I have attended Walker Baptist Medical Center and Shelby Baptist Medical

Center meeting where I installed the new officers and plan to be at Trinity Medical Center in May.

Having joined with the two groups was very informative and entertaining.

I always enjoy seeing what is going on at other hospitals and meeting with the Auxilians who

attend. We have a Fantastic group of volunteers from across Alabama. WOW! Marty Staggs,

our District II Vice Chairman worked with host hospital to plan and implement our first District II

Meeting which was held at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham and we had 11 of our 15 hospi-

tals represented.

Since February celebrates “Heart Month, everyone was decked out in “RED”. Beverly Com-

mander was also in attendance, even though she was bandaged from recent surgery, she was smil-

ing and brought greetings from the ACHA Board. Children’s provided a great meeting place and

program with many questions from our group. Following the meeting many of the attendees

toured the hospital and were informed of the wonderful works that are going on within the various

units. It was especially fun seeing the “Red Wagons” used by patients to transport the kids to

treatments, etc. The hospital spans several buildings, so if you go, plan to wear your walking

shoes. Also, the volunteers in one of the gift shops we visited were very friendly and helpful.

Thanks to all officers and guests who attended and to the volunteers and staff at Children’s for

hosting our meeting. As we move forward in the year, Marty and I are already looking forward to

our next meeting at Bibb Medical Center in Centreville to be held on May 6th and are working

with the wonderful volunteers there.

PAGE 10 DISTRICT I I

Sarajane Pugh, Chairman

Life is not measured by the number of

breaths we take, but by the moments that

take one breath away.

Our Brookwood volunteers, collectively known as the Brookwood Medi-

cal Auxiliary, help hospital staff, patients and the community through various

tasks and projects. These volunteers elect and appoint a Board of Directors every two years.

The Board, following a set of approved bylaws, organizes our work into small, manageable

portions that can be done well … with a lot of fun and a sense of fulfillment.

At the January Board meeting, Becki Anderson, CDVS/Volunteer Coordinator, installed

the 2014-2016 slate of officers with a flower theme. Becki installed and presented Martha

Hester, Treasurer, with a peony to symbolize prosperity. Martha will manage our bank account

with excellence and help us set and follow a balanced budget. Kathy Finch, Secretary, received

a sunflower, the image of loyalty as it follows the sun across the sky. Kathy will be loyal to the

Auxiliary as she records minutes and keeps track of our decisions. Becki gave a purple iris to

Sally Smith, Second Vice President, symbolizing faith, wisdom, promise and hope. Sally will

preside at meetings and take the lead when the President and First Vice President cannot at-

tend. Susan Alshouse, First Vice President, received the zinnia, symbolizing goodness and her

ability to lead in the absence of the President. Becki gave Barbara Pemberton a red rose, the

“queen flower,” known for its beauty, grace, elegance, medicinal uses and distinctive fra-

grance. Barbara holds the Board’s highest office, representing our Auxiliary to Brookwood and

the community. After installing the officers, Becki turned to the committee chairs and shared

that they compose the other flowers in the garden, and that they are vital to the flourishing of

the garden as a whole. We invite all volunteers to join our garden – meetings are open to any

and all!

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 DISTRICT II (cont.) Page 11

Brookwood

As we yearn to welcome spring, UAB Auxiliary members have been busy fundraising. We finished out 2014 with successful silver jewelry and leather sales and had a lot of fun with the ever-popular Masquerade sale in February. As I type, we are gearing up for a very important uniform sale to outfit hospital employees in accordance with University Hospital’s newly established uniform guidelines. The silver lining to all of the work behind each sale is, of course, the opportunity to support needs and programs throughout the hospital community. For example, UAB Aux-iliary is pleased to be partnering with the hospital’s Arts in Medicine program. Again this year, we are sponsoring a monthly concert series. The UAB Faculty Brass Quintet per-forms within UAB Hospital the first Thursday of each month. Staff, visitors and patients are beautifully entertained in the hospital’s atrium over the lunch hour. The music de-partment uses the funds provided by the auxiliary to further their music outreach to Bir-mingham area schools.

The Arts in Medicine program also involves Resident Artists sharing their talents with patients and families throughout the hospital. The artists offer a wide range of experienc-es such as storytelling, drama, creative writing and crafting. UAB Auxiliary happily fund-ed the purchase of 4 art carts, along with supplies for the year. Artists push these color-fully loaded carts through the halls and are available to offer the supplies and their ex-pertise to interested patients. The response has been very positive with patients, family members and hospital staff noting the benefits of these creative experiences. We will continue to raise funds so that we can continue to support these and other worthy efforts in the future.

Page 12 DISTRICT I I (cont.)

UAB Hospital

The Auxiliary awarded $1,000 scholarships each to six em-

ployees’ children for a total of $6,000. The Board of Directors

held its regularly scheduled meeting on January 13th and voted to authorize a donation to

Lakeside Baptist Church Minister of Music in appreciation for providing the musical enter-

tainment at our Christmas luncheon. In addition, funds were approved for the purchase of a

touchscreen monitor for the volunteer room for use with the time management software.

During the week of January 26th-30th, our Director of Volunteers held a coffee-and-

cookies meetings to meet with volunteers and express appreciation for all they do for the

hospital. Red Cross held a blood drive on January 29th and volunteers assisted with regis-

tering potential donors.

The ACHA District II meeting was held February 4th at Children’s Hospital in Birming-

ham and was attended by the President. It was a terrific meeting and well attended . The

Uniforms2U fundraiser was held February 5thand 6th, which was a great success. The Board

of Directors meeting was on February 10th and our guest speaker was Registered Nurse

Kayla Bush, Education Coordinator, who spoke on heart disease and symptoms of heart at-

tacks. In addition, she handed out informational pamphlets regarding Early Heart Attack

Care (EHAC) to everyone. The Auxiliary also provided clothing for two young patients

treated in the Behavioral Department. When discharged, they had no clothing to wear and

funds from the Auxiliary’s indigent care were used for the purchases.

February 13th was our annual "Volunteers Love Trinity” day and volunteers handed out

delicious heart-shaped cookies to all day shift employees and visitors in the dining hall and

bagged cookies for distribution to the night shift employees.

Election of new officers will be held at a general membership meeting on March 10th.

Cathy Maddock, President

Trinity Medical Ceenter

DISTRICT II (cont.) Page 13 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2

I know everyone is glad the snow and ice are over and hope every-

one made it through safe and sound. Ruby Stasko and I enjoyed attending the District Meeting

at Children’s Hospital and seeing everyone . In January we elected our new officers for the

coming year and they will take office at the general meeting in April.

Some of our volunteers help work Heart Day in February at the hospital and they enjoyed

it very much. On Fat Tuesday, the hospital served lunch to the employees and the volunteers

and everyone enjoyed tit. They severed jambalaya, gumbo and king cake. Everyone was given

beads.

We are looking forward to a bake sale on Good Friday and our jewelry sale in April. All of

our volunteers have been working hard enjoying every minute of it. We are having a retreat

on March 20 to go over our Bylaws, Rules and Procedures. We are looking forward to having

a great time together..

We are looking forward to Spring and sure everyone else is also.

Edna Daffron

President

We have had two very successful fundraisers this quar-

ter. We had our first Mary Kay Beauty Bar fundraiser, where Mary Kay Consultants provided

beauty tips and makeup for everyone. We had the most successful Britches and Bows Sale in

February. The addition of ladies’ clothing increased the sales tremendously. We look forward

to the Masquerade Jewelry Sale in March.

We recently purchased new weight equipment for our HealthPlex that included a York Rubber

Encased Dumbell Set and Rack. We have many active Volunteers who participate in our Well-

ness facility.

Our Auxiliary project for 2015 of hand-sewn cotton dolls and hand-sewn monkey socks for

our Senior Care, Geriatric-Psychiatric patients is off to a busy start. Our Volunteers have put

in many hours of sewing, painting and stuffing dolls and sock monkeys. Our patients have

truly enjoyed them.

Barbara Lancaster, President

PAGE 14 DISTRICT II (cont.)

St. Vincent’s/ St. Clair

Pickens County Medical Center

V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 1

After slowing down a bit to recover from the holidays we have literally hit the ground

running/walking for the month of February. On February 14 our auxiliary participated in the

American Cancer Society’s Annual Heart Walk. We were very excited to be able to donate

$500.00. It was a huge success despite the cold temperatures and everyone had a great time!

Also we have been very busy with our annual reorientation and TB skin test. We held our win-

ter Uniform sale on February 23 & 24. As always this is a great sale for us and our commis-

sion was

close to $7000.00.

In March our Auxiliary will be hosting a “Day with the Easter Bunny” event. Children and

Grandchildren of our employees, volunteers or visitors will be invited to come and for a small

donation have their picture made with the Easter Bunny. We will also have a craft area set up

for the children where they can color, decorate a frame to hold their picture and face painting.

The Easter Bunny will also be visiting with the children in the Pediatric unit. All the proceeds

from this event will be used to help furnish new toys, games and books for our Ronald

McDonald Room.

Here at DCH we are very proud of our Lewis and Faye Manderson Cancer Center. The

100,000 square foot state of the art facility was completed in May of 2009 and it takes approx-

imately 56 of our 305 volunteers to staff all the different areas. The Cancer center houses a

Boutique where customers can be fitted for all of their mastectomy supplies, also wigs, hats,

and clothing, practically anything you may need to help while undergoing treatment. There is

an art room where they hold art classes every Wednesday. There is the Behind the Ribbon pro-

gram where our volunteers; who are cancer survivors themselves; visit with each of the breast

cancer patients prior to their surgery to help answer any questions they may have, give them a

post‐surgical garment that is supplied by the Boutique, or just to offer them a friendly smile

and word of encouragement We have volunteers in the infusion area, waiting rooms and front

desk also behind the scenes answering phones filing helping in any way they can and of course

everyone’s favorite the Pet and Music therapy.

We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated hard working group of Volunteers

here at DCH Regional!

Kristie Scott

Auxiliary President

District II (cont) DCH Medical Center

Page 15 VOLUME 27 ISSUSE 2

FMC Shop Rejuvenation

Just when our volunteers are getting their feet back on the ground, Rena Cowart, comes on

staff and looks UP, down and all around. Rena joined the Fayette Medical Center staff in Au-

gust of 2014 as the Director of Volunteers, and Administrative and Medical Staff Coordinator.

Business in the FMC gift shop was flat, so Rena took a hard look at the books, inventory,

shop layout, and market and floated the idea of a shop makeover. In a short while, shop volun-

teers were looking at the ceiling, walls and floor too. All needed a cleansing.

Shop assistant, Brandy Watkins, and shop volunteers, Sylvia Campbell, Patsy Campbell,

Bessie Nell Otts, Maxine Carroll, and Bonnie Thomason had been noticing the blemishes, and

knew the walls needed some skin food. Everything was removed from the shop so some con-

cealer could be applied. The ceiling got a darker skin tan, the walls got a brightener, and the

floor got a good waxing. Jason Mullinex and his maintenance team, and the DCH painters

drove the rejuvenation truck. FMC staff, employees and volunteers experienced a renewal of

excitement that nourished the style change.

Rena had only a primer in market shopping, but had had her sights on a shop face lift when

she had last gone to market. Boxes of merchandise arrived almost daily. It seemed like all of

the "stuff” was swelling in the back rooms.

Meanwhile, weathered glassless window panes, a tall blond antique cabinet, a white chan-

delier, decorative pot, large red rooster, wall cross, plaster elephant and a small round table

were donated for the makeover. Chicken wire was added to the window panes to better dis-

play jewelry. Piece by piece, more eye candy was added. New merchandise was attractively

displayed, and more ladies clothes arranged to entice old and new customers.

The unveiling and grand opening drew shoppers from every department in the hospital and

adjacent nursing home. Patient’s visitors have taken more notice and it’s now common to hear

people describe the make-over to others in the community.

Rena saw that our shop needed an anti-aging agent to restore our pride and self-confidence.

I told her the next new thing in make-overs is facial wine therapy.

The FMC volunteers love being able to help fill the needs of the hospital. Whether a de-

partment requests help in purchasing rolling computer tables or bedside scales, the auxiliary

weighs the costs, prioritizes the needs and turns fund raiser profits into physical assets.

Our auxiliary wants to continue working fund raisers at the hospital.

The Britches and Bows fundraiser brought in more than ever with the additional inventory

of doors between the hospital and long term care.

Fayette Medical

DISTRICT II (cont.) Page 16

V O L U M E 2 7 I S S U E 2

Our volunteers have decided to reach out to Fayette and the sur-

rounding communities by sponsoring an Emergency Preparedness Day next February. James

Sanders, EMA Director for Fayette County , will speak at our next meeting, March 19. After

the Hubbertville, Winfield, Guin, and Haleyville towns received 12” of snow one week and

were sheathed in ice the next, interest in this project is growing. You’ll be learning more as it

progresses.

The weather was not good on February 12, yet 16 of our 25 volunteers attended the annual

training. TB shots were given at that time, in an effort to get volunteers synchronized. It was

Rena’s first annual volunteer training, but it went well as we worked through lunch and fin-

ished early.

Our volunteer recruitment efforts continue as we plan a Volunteer Tea for April. Each vol-

unteer has been asked to bring a friend. More positions are opening as FMC strives to bring

better customer service to our patients and their families via dedicated volunteers.

The 2014 year was a time of transition, realignment, adjustment, reconciliation, and ulti-

mately reaffirmation for our Fayette Medical Center volunteers. We still have a need to grow

our auxiliary to fill positions that will improve services. But thanks to our new administrator,

Donald Jones, new Volunteer Coordinator, Rena Cowart, and the trusting team working ad-

ministrators and staff, 2015 is looking to be wrinkle free.

District II (cont.) PAGE 17

Fayette Medical cont.

DISTRICT II (cont.)

Hopefully, we are moving towards Springtime. Only in Alabama does one experience the

ranges of weather we have had in the last two months! Spring Break is upon us...Yea!

We, at Shelby Baptist, have not let the weather hinder our projects and activities. On Febru-

ary 13th we celebrated "I Love Shelby Day" where we honored our employees with 2,000 cook-

ies that were delivered to their department to let them know how much we appreciate them,

their work, and the service they provide. We celebrated everyone from housekeeping to mainte-

nance , clerical , nurses , Doctors and Administration. The recipients seemed to enjoy being

on the receiving end!

We had our Spring Uniform Sale March 5th and 6th and once again, we had to close early on

the 5th due to "nasty" weather! Considering that we still did well. We use a local company in

our community that serves us well and they benefit too.

Our Volunteer Luncheon is scheduled for April 16 where all of our volunteers are shown ap-

preciation for the work they do and the many tireless hours they donate to the hospital. This ap-

prciation is shown by our Manager, Lisa Driver.

For the first time we will have a Jessie Mae Monogram Bag Sale that is scheduled April 22-

24...yes, a three day sale! We are anxious to see how this will turn out. They will have a lot to

select from, so come and purchase the latest for Mother's Day, baby gifts, and graduations! We

invite all of you to come that would like to purchase or to investigate how it is set up.

Safe travels during Spring Break! Looking forward to seeing everyone at District ll Meeting

May 6.

Joyce Dixon, President

Shelby Baptist

PAGE 18

The things you are passionate about are not

random.

They are your calling.

As is typical this time of year, blessing and busyness go hand in hand. October began with

our Auxiliary Board attending the ACHA Conference in Mobile. Kudos to Don Pugh for or-

ganizing a conference that was enlightening as well as entertaining. We all came away with a

renewed sense of purpose to share with our fellow Auxilians. AND...we also came away with

such pride in our own Janice Gillespi, who was awarded the “AHA Volunteer of the Year”

Award.

Shortly following our return from Mobile, our Auxiliary was proud to donate car-loads of

non-perishable food items to a local food ministry—Trussville Ecumenical Assistive Minis-

tries (TEAM). This is a new outreach ministry for our Auxiliary, allowing us to reach out to

needy individuals in our service area.

November brought the SVE Auxiliary more blessing and busyness with three successful

fundraisers—our annual uniform sale, the Fall Masquerade Jewelry Sale, and our annual used

book and bake sale—three great opportunities to fellowship with one another as we raised

needed funds that will allow us to assist our hospital as needs arise. On November 12, 13, and

14, two of our Flower Shop Auxilians, Dee Dodd and Brenda Kay Anderson donned their

camping ensembles and, with craft supplies in hand, headed for Camp Bluebird, an annual

camping experience for Cancer patients and survivors sponsored by St. Vincent’s East Cancer

Treatment Center. Dee and Brenda Kay guided the campers in making wonderful memories

of camp as well as in making a decorative scarecrow hat to display in their homes each fall.

Now December is here and Christmas is upon us. Once again, we here a St. Vincent’s East

find ourselves thankful for the blessing and busyness of serving others through volunteering.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we wish all of you find that same joy. From our auxil-

iary to yours, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Randy Cowser

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 PAGE 19 DISTRICT II (cont.)

St. Vincent’s East

DISTRICT II (cont.)

Hello to everyone! The Auxiliary had a busy winter schedule. The Auxilia-

ry had the hospital lobby and several areas of the hospital decorated with a beautiful 14 ft.

Christmas tree and wreaths throughout. It was a love-

ly site.

The Auxiliary hosted a December Masquerade

Sale for three days. It was very busy and was enjoyed

by all shoppers and workers. Also, during this month

the Auxiliary packaged 40 gifts for the Salvation Ar-

my Tree Project. This is always a worthwhile

project. The Auxiliary/volunteers were treated to a

wonderful Christmas Luncheon and the volunteers

caroled throughout the hospital. Christmas cards

were also presented to patients in the hospital.

In January we held our Auxiliary Board Installation for the years 2015-2017. Our President

of the hospital installed all of the officers followed by a nice luncheon. We also had a uniform

sale this month and was a great success.

In February we had a VolunteerLink Luncheon where all the volunteers can meet

and visit with all the volunteers that work different days. Everyone brought a covered dish and

enjoyed each other’s company. The volunteers distributed

presented Valentine’s Cards to all patients on February 11th.

Princeton

PAGE 20

Bibb Medical Center Auxiliary recently held a Masquerade Sale on Feb. 26/27. We had a

great turn out and the residents loved shopping for new items expecially jewelry.

Our President, Cathy Frith, recently entered a contest and won $100.00 to help throw her resi-

dents a huge surprise party. The party theme will be a 1950’s party.

We also had 5 new members to join. They are looking forward to volunteering and spending

time with the residents. We are looking forward to several upcoming fundraisers.

Group photo of Zuxiliary members at Christmas

Front row - Bobbie Skinner, Betty Belcher, Annie Jean Smith, BeverlyBrown, Shirley

McGee, Gayle Calderwood and Joyce Frith.

Back row - Cathy Frith, A. G. Ellison, Jamie Belcher, Denny McGee amd Dan Calderwood.

2nd Photo - President Cahty Frith shown with her mom Annie Jean Smith

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 PAGE 21 DISTRICT II (cont.)

Bibb

Here is hoping everyone had a very pleasant Christmas and New Year. And most im-

portantly, hope you have all survived our extreme winter weather.

The volunteers at Walker Baptist were a busy bunch of people during the last quarter of

2014. The 53 Auxilians recorded a total of 3,524.25 hours.

This included two major vendor sales, a Belk Charity Day sale along with assisting in the

annual Lights of Love programs and the annual Health Fair.

We are continuing with the Bibles for Babies program. This program has been very well

received. It has been in operation long enough that we now have parents that have their sec-

ond child to receive their first Bible. These are the things that make you know it is a good

program.

The auxiliary was able to award two nursing scholarships to former teen volunteers. Both

girls are second years students and will be graduating from the Bevill State Nursing program

in May 2015.

We had a very unusual chance to serve an individual during this period also. We “adopted”

a long term patient during the Christmas holidays by supplying her with needed articles as

well as special gifts. She has since been relocated to a permanent residential facility.

As is the norm for this time of the year, the hospital was decorated for the Christmas holi-

days. This year it was discovered that time and age had taken its toll on our trees. So our

president, Roasalie Nicholson, was given the task of getting new ones. At last, the trees were

at the hospital and ready to be decorated. This is a day long process and by day's end, every-

thing is looking merry and bright.

These are just a few of the highlights for our fourth quarter. There are many other projects

going on every day, some are regular duties and others are once in a while projects. The vol-

unteers are every open and available to be of assistance in any way that reflects our mission -

service to others.

DISTRICT II (cont.)

Walker

PAGE 22

District III has been busy planning projects for the New Year. One Hospital added Plants to

the entrance of hospital and are in the process of putting a cookbook together. Most of the hos-

pitals have had Jewelry sales with great success. Some hospitals had Tree of Love or Tree of

Lights to honor someone or In Memory of loved ones. This is always a meaningful project.

Fundraisers have been good and some of this money goes to fund scholarships to individuals

who are pursuing a degree healthcare.

We are excited about the new year and look forward to what each hospital is planning. Our

District III meeting was scheduled for February 25, but was re-scheduled due to bad weather.

We will meet on March 18th in Talladega at Citizens Baptist Medical Center. Everyone is in-

vited .

DISTRICT III PAGE 23

Flo McIntyre, Chairman

VOLUME 27 ISSUSE 2

Christmas at Wedowee Hospital!

This Christmas season was a great one at Wedowee Hospital, beginning with Auxilians

gathering to decorate the lobby and other areas of the Hospital on December 1st. Christmas

luncheon was enjoyed with the hospital staff and one of the newer activities started by the

Auxiliary, The Tree of Lights event was held. The activities for this event started in November

with articles in the local newspaper to make the community aware of the opportunity to honor

or remember someone by placing a light on the tree. Auxilians sold tickets for lights through-

out the month of December. Individuals who purchased lights were given printed cards to

send to the person honored or to the family of those being remembered. Although this is a

fundraiser for the

Auxiliary, emphasis is placed on providing this avenue to remember or honor someone.

Lights in the amount of $5, 10, 15, and $20.00 were sold.

The recognition reception of those remembered and honored was held December 19th in

the hospital cafeteria. Families were invited to attend,. Each name was shown on a screen and

read aloud. Carols were sung and a reception followed. This was our third year to offer this

event and we have learned more each year on how to make it a meaningful event. I know

some hospitals do much the same thing and we would recommend it to others Auxiliaries. The

Wedowee Hospital Auxiliary would be glad to share planning and materials to anyone inter-

ested

Wedowee

The General meeting of the Vaughan Auxiliary was held on January 12, 2015. Dionne Wil-

liams, Human Resources Director, spoke about The Joint Commission requirements for Volun-

teers. Her power point presentation was very informative.

The Vaughan Auxiliary had a lot going on in the month of February:

The Auxiliary awarded scholarships to eleven well deserving students in the month of Febru-

ary. Five students attending 4-year institutions received $2,000 each and six students attending

2-year institutions received $1,500 each for a total of $19,000.00. The Vaughan Auxiliary con-

gratulates each of these students!!!

The Auxiliary would like to report a very successful uniform sale in February. Proceeds

from the sale will go toward the scholarship fund.

Patients at VRMC enjoyed tray favors for Christmas and Valentine’s Day. We are grateful

for Billie Rogers who puts lots of work into making these beautiful favors!!

Auxiliary donated $50.00 to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

The Vaughan Auxiliary Pledge has been framed and hung at the front desk in the lobby as a

reminder of our purpose in serving our hospital and community.

Plans are underway for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon which will be held on

April 15, 2015 during National Volunteer Week.

We welcome Shaquita Moore as our newest volunteer.

Kay Davidson, DVS

DISTRICT III Cont. PAGE 24

Vaughan Regional

The key to everything is patience.

You get the chicken by hatching the egg,

not by smashing it.

“Let Every Ending Be A New Beginning.”

GCHNHA has been busy with the election and installation of new officers. The Officers are

listed as follow: Janetta N. Hall, President, Melruth Carter, Vice President, Geraldine S. Wal-

ton, Secretary, Mollie Gaines, Assistant Secretary, Mary C. Dunn, Treasurer, Bernice Barnes,

Parliamentarian, & Minister Albert Jackson, Chaplin.

The volunteers were involved in the following community activities: Annual Senior Citizen

Christmas Luncheon hosted by Retired Senior Volunteer Program and a local sorority; donated

can goods and non perishable food items to the local Department of Human Resources spon-

sored by the Greene County Retired Educator Association; assisted with two (2) local health

fairs; participated in Greene Residential Care Center Annual Black History Program; donated

food items to Greene County Health Care Systems’ 2014 Food Box Drive for the indigent fam-

ilies in the community; and adopted several residents for Christmas at the Greene County Res-

idential Care Center.

In the month of December, GCHNHA hosted its Annual Love Light Campaign. The Auxilians

were elated because the monies generated from the Love Light Campaign were the most funds

ever raised. GCHNHA spent some of the proceeds from the love light sale to purchase two (2)

wheel chairs for the Physician Clinic that were needed for patient care.

During this quarter, the GCHNA welcomed Betty Tiller as the newest member of the auxiliary.

VOLUME 27 ISSUSE 2 DISTRICT III Cont. PAGE 25

Greene County

V O L U M E

East Alabama

CVMC Auxiliary has had a great start in this new year. We have added five

new volunteers and we have had one resignation. So our group is growing and accomplishing

great things. Vanessa Green, our DVS, asked us this year to focus on and to practice all of the

“Fruits of the Spirit”. We want to grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faith, gentleness, and self-control. By doing this we will also accomplish the focus State

ACHA Chairman Beverly Commander emphasizes by becoming a more compassionate vol-

unteer.

We had a group of eight volunteers to attend the ARC Annual Banquet in February. At-

tending were Helen and Sonny Pfeiffer, Charles and Sue Rogers, Jean Baker, Geraldine Bar-

nett, Treasure Cannon, and Beverly Creel. They greatly enjoyed the entertainment, meal, and

fellowship. Tickets were donated to us by CVMC Administration.

The Cardiac Rehab of CVMC sponsored a Heart Walk/5k Run on February 28. The auxil-

iary volunteers helped by working the water station and hospitality tent. Auxilians helping

with this event were Vivian Lucas, Judy Musick, Jerri Thomas, Lynn Gravette, and Cheryl

Webb. It was a cold morning but we had fun watching the runners and serving snacks and

water.

With February being Heart Health Month, which is also our State Project this year, we had

the opportunity to add a special bicycle to the Cardiac Rehab Department at CVMC. After

our February general membership meeting we went to see the bicycle and one of our mem-

bers, Bruce Mueller, demonstrated the bike for us. They say the seat makes a world of differ-

ence.

We are in the process of purchasing a menu board for the Hickory Street Café, which is the

cafe in the hospital. And we are working on purchasing wheelchairs for the auxiliary to use.

March 19th and 20th will be our Masquerade $5 Jewelry Sale and volunteers are signing up to

help these two days.

Let’s put a Spring in our step and be happy.

Cheryl Webb, 1st Vice President

Coosa Valley Medical Center

District III (cont.) PAGE 26

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 DISTRICT III (cont.) PAGE 27

Coosa Valley Medical Center

Volunteers have been “busy as bees” around Citizens BMC. We had one member to retire

from volunteering after 18 years if dedicated service. Several members have been in and out of

the hospital therefore unable to volunteer.

We hosted the District III Meeting on March 18 and the attendance was wonderful. We

have a very good meeting and everyone left anticipating our next meeting in May.

Volunteers working the information desk have been given a beautiful new desk to accom-

modate them in their daily services. They all seem to enjoy the enclosure they have behind the

desk.

Our former Director, Roxiann Ramsey extended an invitation to us to come and join her at

her new job site. We will be going to Gadsden for Lunch and Bingo on April 16th. This is in

appreciation of volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation week.

Citizens Baptist Medical Center

V O L U M E

On February 13, we had our 2nd Annual Ladies Valentine Appreciation Luncheon at the Health resource Center. We had a lovely, festive group of 101

Auxiliary ladies and 8 guests. All guests were greeted at the door by Julia Pipes, Foundation director, and Kingslea Younker, Foundation college intern. After a brief welcome and invoca-tion, the group enjoyed a delicious menu created by Lisa French, owner of Cup and Saucer in Auburn. The lunch consisted of chicken divan, mandarin almond salad, honey almond green beans, and rolls. Chocolate bread pudding was topped with a vibrant raspberry sauce for a perfect valentine themed dessert. After the meal, the ladies enjoyed several games of bingo with hopes of winning a prize from The Giving Tree. In addition to the bingo gifts, we also raffled 15 beautiful table arrangements for an extra valentine treat. The winners of bingo and the raffle are pictured below. Thank you to the ladies who were able to come. It was a special time to celebrate you!

(Left to right) Standing: Betty Torbert, Ellen Reeves (guest), Sherry Freeman, Jennifer Roach, Sherre Lockhart, Debbie Riddle, Patsy Cason, Chloe McAllister, Betty Herring, Stephanie Renuart, Nina Kennedy, Barbara Roberts (guest), Betty Schell. Seated: Lynn Harrington, Yula Kindell, Colleen Ward, Ida Frazier, Pat Gilliland, Jackie Grigg, Cindy Prince.

DISTRICT III (cont.) East Alabama

PAGE 28

The BWWMH Auxiliary participated in the annual Demopolis Christmas on the River pa-

rade, December 6, 2014. Carolyn Bell, Pearl Slay, and Peggy Luker (along with Dathy Patter-

son, not shown) threw beads and candy to the large crowds gathered to view the parade.

Britches and Bows was our fund-raiser for February. Merchandise included a large variety

of children’s clothing and also adult fashions, and shopping was steady for the two day sale.

A very successful blood drive was held on February 19th in the hospital classroom. Sue

Calloway, a local resident, was presented a certificate of appreciation since she has donated 75

pints!

At the February auxiliary meeting, members were asked to wear red for heart month and a

group picture was taken. Betty Baxley, co-chairman for the state auxiliary project “Heart

Health for Women,” announced that she had put a white tree in the hospital hallway and peo-

ple could purchase a red heart for the tree for $1.00. These hearts could be in honor or in

memory of loved ones. Money collected will be sent in for the Heart Fund. Betty also passed

out “Go Red” heart pins to members who did not have them.

The 3 heart tree pictures show (1)The tree and display table with heart healthy recipes and

heart health information. (2) Betty Baxley, co-chairman of the state auxiliary project commit-

tee with the tree. (3) Hester Brown and Betty Baxley with the tree.

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 DISTRICT III (cont.) PAGE 29

Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial

3 0

Happy holidays and

Merry Christmas from Russell Medical Center. It

has been another very busy season for RMC Auxilia-

ry. The annual Awards and Recognition Luncheon

was held in October. Mr. Jim Peace, CEO of Russell

Medical Center, was present to extend appreciation

on behalf of the hospital for the 16, 576 service

hours and announcing Mrs. Sarah Dunnham as the

2014 RMC Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year.

September and October were packed with fun.

Sixteen Auxiliary members were our representatives at the RMC Breast Cancer Awareness

Luncheon. Along with several hundred ladies from our community, we all enjoyed a wonder-

ful lunch and a delightful program presented by Brenda Ladun, news anchor for ABC 33/40.

RMC Auxiliary members were on hand to assist local doctors and businesses in hosting

health screenings in the community. Several of the Board members attended the annual

ALAHA Fall Conference in Mobile, Alabama. The annual Masquerade Jewelry Sale raised

over $7,000.00 for the Scholarship Fund. This money is used to help qualified and deserving

students pursue an education in the health care field.

In mid November Auxiliary members posing as Santa’s helpers showed up to decorate the

Christmas Tree of Lights which shines brightly in the lobby of the hospital until the end of the

year. Hundreds of beautiful lights adorn the tree, but the focal point is the ornaments

bearing the names of friends and family members being honored or memorialized by loved

ones. All funds collected from the sale of the ornaments will be used for the Scholarship

Fund.

The newly renovated Auxiliary Gift Shop is filled to the brim with lovely and whimsical

Christmas items of all shape and form. The gift shop ladies do a great job all year long in

making sure there is always a fantastic selection

of gift ideas.

It has been a wonderful year at Russell Medi-

cal Center and we all look forward to seeing what

2015 has in store. Happy New Year!

Submitted by Helen Walton, Secretary

DISTRICT III (cont.) PAGE 30

Russell Medical Center

District IV meeting was hosted by the University of

South Alabama Medical Center on February 24th. There were eight (8) auxiliaries represented

with an attendance of approximately thirty (30) participants. Ms. Beth Anderson, Administra-

tor, USAMC and Alaha Board of Trustees member welcomed the membership.

Dr. Clara V. Massey, Chief of USA Medical Center Cardiology Division was the presenter.

She presented a program on the State Project, Heart Disease and specifically how it relates to

women. The presentation was very informative and well received by the membership.

Vice Chair Linda Patterson reported on the January State Board meeting.

Members were issued dates to remember, a copy of the District IV Quarterly Report form,

nomination form for State office and a copy of the New Officers form for their Auxiliary.

The next District IV meeting will be held on May 13, 2015 at Thomas Hospital in Fairhope.

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 DISTRICT IV PAGE 31

Constance Taylor, Chairman

Monoroe

Our new year got into swing with our annual meeting on a cold and blustery day on January

8th. But in spite of the weather , we had good attendance. As we continue to explore new ways

to generate funds, we participated in a Mardi Gras parade on the square in downtown Monroe-

ville by selling chili to attendees. Adalia Sawyer, our gift shop chairman, and I attended the

District IV meeting at USA Hospital in Mobile.

Due to illness, a couple of our faithful volunteers have been unable to work this quarter, but

we continue to actively recruit new members. Nancy Ziebach, President

Monroe County

3 2

By far, the best time of the year has just past. It’s such a pleasure to entertain and be enter-

tained – to give and be given. A band of Volunteers decorated a Christmas tree for our hospital

lobby and another tree for our Senior Residence. We also served cookies and sang Christmas

songs at the Residence. Our Auxilians enjoyed our annual Christmas luncheon at Wetzel's

Oyster House where we were led in music by Darlene Robinson prior to having lunch. She

had the whole restaurant singing carols. Everyone brought gifts for Penelope House, delivered

by Marguerite Leffard and several other people after the festivities. Marguerite and I also

shopped for several of our hospital’s Wishmas List gifts (for a children’s home and nursing

home).

Meetings were held by By-Laws, Nominating and Budget committee members in January

and February. Voting by the Board took place at the February meeting on these committee’s

proposals. The final vote will be in March at our General Meeting. In addition, Dr. Gerry

Phillips, a cardiologist with Cardiology Associates, will speak at that general meeting on our

ACHA state project, heart disease.

March begins our annual fund raising period starting with the Masquerade Sale. Mary

Cleveland, Ways and Means Chair, has it all under control.

I thank USA Medical Center for doing such a great job in hosting the ACHA District IV

presidents’ meeting in February. This hospital was such a wonderful forum, coupled with a

super view of downtown Mobile. It is also very nice to see the other hospital auxiliary mem-

bers that I’m getting to know.

Ed Serba, President

DISTRICT IV (cont.)

Springhill Memorial

PAGE 32

.

The University of South Alabama Medical Center Auxiliary attended their Holiday Lunch-

eon meeting at Briquette’s Steak House.

The annual $5 Jewelry Sale was also held for employee and community holiday shopping.

The members met to begin planning the upcoming District IV meeting that was held Febru-

ary 24th. The meeting was a great success. The membership stated that the event was,

“enjoyable and very beneficial to them”.

The Auxiliary has planned an external fundraiser that is forthcoming as well as the usual in

-house fundraisers.

The Auxiliary’s President will be attending the SHVL Conference, March 22-24, 2015 in

Asheville, North Carolina.

VOLUME 27 ISSUE 2 DISTRICT IV (cont.)

USA Medical Center

PAGE 33

CW volunteers held their first meeting of the New Year on January 15th. Over lunch, the team got caught up from the busy holidays and planned volunteer projects and fundraising for 2015. The Volunteer leadership team conducted their annual planning meeting on February 25.

CW Volunteers participated in the hospitals annual Mardi Gras parade-

the Mystic Order of Masked Miracles.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit chose the Volunteers as the support department that helped NICU

achieve its high patient satisfaction scores in December. Volunteers assist NICU by providing baby

"cuddlers" who are trained to hold and comfort NICU infants if their mothers are temporarily unavail-

able.

Upcoming Fundraising Events: Uniforms2U2 March 12 & 13; Masquerade $5 Jewelry April 22 -

24 Proceeds from fundraising activities were used for activities such as: the employee holiday apprecia-

tion meal, retirement and welcome receptions, patient and family meals, volunteer meals, customer

service employee appreciation, outstanding department service recognition projects, monthly mainte-

nance of 3 aquariums, and holiday decorations.

New projects: Volunteers initiated a crafting project to make “no-sew” fleece blankets for pediatric patients.

Volunteer Service Hours for 2014: 18,465

Current Volunteers: 170

PAGE 34 District IV (cont.)

USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital

The University of South Alabama Medical Center Auxiliary attended their Holiday Lunch-

eon meeting at Briquette’s Steak House. The annual $5 Jewelry Sale was also held for employ-

ee and community holiday shopping. The members met to begin planning the upcoming Dis-

trict IV meeting that was held February 24th. The meeting was a great success. The member-

ship stated that the event was, “enjoyable and very beneficial to them”.

The Auxiliary has planned an external fundraiser that is forthcoming as well as the usual in-

house fundraisers.

The Auxiliary’s President will be attending the SHVL Conference, March 22-24, 2015 in

Asheville, North Carolina.

VOLUME 27 ISSUSE 2 District IV (cont.) PAGE 35

USA Medical Center

Providence Hospital Auxiliary has had a very active few months. We averaged 160 volun-

teers totaling 2,517.5 hours. We have added 3 new volunteers and 4 college students working

a total of 56 hours per month.

It was our pleasure to have 7 members in attendance at the State Convention in Mobile in

October. Our own Linda Patterson was elected and installed as District IV Vice Chairperson

and our CEO and President, Mr. Clark Christianson installed the new officers at the Wednes-

day breakfast.

Our November General meeting and luncheon featured a representative from Somerby re-

tirement community who brought information and a program about their facilities and the lev-

els of care they offer.

The Auxiliary has had a number of fund-raising activities, including Books R. Ru, Uni-

forms2U, Masquerade $5.00 Jewelry Sale, Myra’s Jewelry Box and our 30th Annual Christ-

mas Tree Lighting event. Participants contribute funds in memory of or in honor of individuals

whose names are placed on scrolls displayed in the lobby of the hospital during the holiday

season. We have a special ceremony for the lighting of the tree that includes entertainment by

the Sweet Adeline's., the blessing of the tree and refreshments afterwards. This is by far our

most successful fund-raiser and is also an outreach to the community. December’s ceremony

was very well attended.

Providence’s Gift Shop continues to do well and our online service is catching on. We re-

cently added the Auxiliary to the sites on the Amazon Smile program to that eligible purchases

will result in a donation.

Celia Ledbetter

PAGE 36 2014 Fall Conference Winners (cont.)

Providence

If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The COMMUNICATOR Yvonne Estell-McElderry 980 Cove Shocco Road

Talladega, AL 3516 yemcelderry@yahoo.com

256-362-2232 (205)362-2232

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Communicator Deadline—March 8 June 8 September 8 December 8

2015 ACHA Fall Conference November 1-4

Sheraton Hotel, Birmingham, AL

National Volunteers Week April 12-18

The Communicator is ONLLINE!

Go to www.alaha.org.

Click on AFFILIATES

Stroll down to Auxiliaries, Alabama Council of Hospitals

(ACHA)

Open Communicator.

Enjoy your reading. Share this “Communicator” with others

volunteers in your auxiliary.