New initiativesBack in the mid-1990s we took a bold stepto develop a network of primary care officesin an effort to bring needed physicians tothe area. We then took it a step further andadded specialty care offices as well. This ledto the volume increases which have been soimportant in solidifying our financial founda-tion and enabling us to invest in new technol-ogy and other patient care improvements.Now hospitals across the state and the coun-try are following this lead and employingphysicians.At this time we are about to take the lead

in another area, patient safety, a topic whichhas recently been in the news rather exten-sively. The Institute of Medicine Report pro-claiming that 98,000 patients die needlesslyin hospitals every year was issued a decadeago. Here at Columbia Memorial Hospital weare again taking the lead, this time in thearena of patient safety initiatives.We have initiated a multifaceted campaign

to improve patient safety as well as overallquality of care for our patients. For our kick-off event we invited John Nance, who wrotethe book Why Hospitals Should Fly, and Kath-leen Bartholomew, a registered nurse whohas specialized in physician/nurse communi-cation, to visit us for two days. They spenttime on our patient care units as well as timeaddressing groups of staff and our hospitalBoard of Trustees. During their visit theystressed how the lessons learned in improvingaviation safety can be applied to hospitals.Our staff is energized and moving forwardwith a number of initiatives to improvepatient safety. Our goal is to make ColumbiaMemorial one of the first hospitals in thecountry to be able to say consistently thatpatient care events never result in patientharm at our hospital.

ProgressProgress has been moving swiftly over thesummer and all projects are on time. Weengaged in a “Thank You to the Community”Campaign this Fall in recognition of theextraordinary support our community hasshown Columbia Memorial Hospital. As aresult of increasing utilization of the hospital

VisionsVisionsA publication of the Columbia -Greene Hospital Foundation

Moving forwardJane Ehrlich, CEOColumbia Memorial Hospital

Fall – Winter 2009

The Celebration Balla Success!

Continued on page 8

John & Rosemary Maichin, Helen Wright, Rita Edwards, Marcia Cole,Doris & Hugh Stuart, and Mary Anuska

2

The Celebration Ball, a Huge Success!

The 21st Annual Columbia MemorialHospital Ball was held Saturday, May30, 2009 at The Point in Catskill.Hosted by the Medical Staff, it washeld in honor of the ColumbiaMemorial Hospital Auxiliary, TheSecond Show and Volunteers. Aptlynamed “Celebration Ball”, 420 guestsgathered to celebrate the many thingsthat make Columbia Memorial Hospi-tal special – exceptional volunteers,world class physicians, a fantastic staff,a new Intensive Care Unit, $8,000,000in care to the neediest, 34,000 emer-gency patients treated, 500 babiesborn, and all the supporters andsponsors that make it all possible.The picture perfect setting on the

Hudson River was enhanced with per-fect weather, allowing guests to dancethe night away to the sounds of TheBig Smoothies. Master of Ceremonies,Gregory C. Fingar, Chairman of theFoundation Board of Trustees, PattiMatheney Schrom and Speaker, Dr.Norman Chapin lauded all the manyvolunteers that provide such warm,compassionate and caring services tothe patients and families who comethrough the doors of our Hospital.Due to the generosity of our hosts,

sponsors and supporters, over$400,000 was raised towards the ex-pansion, renovation and new technol-ogy programs at Columbia MemorialHospital. Thanks to all of you for avery successful Ball!

Visions

The Second Show table

Auxilian tableDr. & Mrs. Brian Daggett

Mrs. Patti Schrom &Mr. Gregory C. Fingar

Auxilian table

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Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Monkash

Florence Putnam with Roy & Nicky Brown

Dr. Stephen & Suzanne Menkes table

Jack Fraser & Nancy Kyle table

Dr. Norman Chapin &Mr. Gregory Fingar

Dr. & Mrs. Tomasz Andrejuk tableColumbia Emergency Services table

Paul & Clara Kellner table Jonathan Barton & Amanda Foreman table

Visions

4

Fundraising Breakfast Held for Child Advocacy Program

On Wednesday, October 28, the Col-umbia-Greene Hospital Foundationwelcomed over 40 community mem-bers to an informational fundraisingbreakfast to introduce them to theDr. Stephen & Suzanne Menkes ChildAdvocacy Program. The event was heldat Space 360 in Hudson.Betsy Gramkow, Executive Director

of the Columbia-Greene HospitalFoundation, welcomed those in atten-dance, thanked committee membersand hosts, and introduced the morn-ing’s speakers – Dr. Carol Curran, Dr.Stephen Menkes and Jane Ehrlich.Dr. Curran is the Medical Director

for the Child Advocacy Program. Shespoke about the prevalence of childabuse and neglect across the UnitedStates and here in our own communi-ty, noting that we are so fortunate tohave a Child Advocacy Program atColumbia Memorial Hospital. So manyother communities lack this criticalresource.Dr. Stephen Menkes, President of

the Medical Staff at Columbia Mem-orial Hospital, spoke about the impor-tance of having such a program in theregion. It is because of financial sup-port provided by Dr. Menkes and hiswife, Suzanne, that the program bearstheir names. He encouraged those

HUDSON

CMH gets $265K grant for child advocacy centerBy Andrew Amelinckx

Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

The Dr. Stephen & Suzanne Menkes ChildAdvocacy Program at Columbia Memorial Hos-pital in Hudson has received a grant that willallow the program to expand.

Tina Stanford, chairwoman for the New YorkState Crime Victims Board, the state agency pro-viding the funds, said that the program is one of10 across the state that are receiving funds for thefirst time.

“We looked for areas and victims not beingserved in the state,” she said of the grantingsearch. Stanford said that part of the reason thecenter received the grant was due to it being fairly

new. The board provides funding for a total of 189

programs in New York State that provide servicesfor victims of sexual assault, domestic violenceand other crimes.

According to Jane Ehrlich, the CEO of thehospital, the $265,416 grant will be used to hire apart-time mental health therapist and a full-timeadvocate. The funds will be disbursed over athree-year period.

She said that the program began on a “shoe-string” budget but has continued to expand,beginning with a $49,000 grant from DysonFoundation.

According to Denise Saunders, the case coun-selor for the center, the program is a sort of “one

stop shop” for child victims.Instead of having to continually tell their sto-

ries to law enforcement and other agencies overand over in a multitude of different settings, theyoung victims can be in a safe and secure envi-ronment in which to relate what happened once.

As an advocate, she said, she takes the victimsand their families through the entire justice sys-tem process.

According to Stanford, part of the funding—$1.79 million—for the grants is through the feder-al American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

She said that providing new jobs was part ofthe reason for funding the center. In this way, shesaid, they are both meeting the federal mandatethat the money be used to create jobs and also

hopefully opening up the door for someone in thefield of child advocacy.

“It’s a pretty specialized area,” she said. The Crime Victims Board was founded in

1966 and, said Stanford, began by focusing on theimmediate needs of victims, but has since lookedto victims’ longer range needs.

Stanford said that through the grant they arehelping the victims “to start down the road torecovery.”

***To reach reporter Andrew Amelinckx call 518-

828-1616, ext. 2267 or e-mail aamelinckx@regis-terstar.com

To comment directly on this story, go towww.registerstar.com.

GREENPORT

PALBANY

D

Dr. Stephen Menkes & Dr. Carol Curran

assembled to join him by making gen-erous donations to insure the pro-gram’s financial security.Finally, Jane Ehrlich, President and

CEO of Columbia Memorial Hospital,echoed Dr. Menkes’ plea to supportthe Child Advocacy Program. She reit-erated the importance of providingservices to these young and vulnerablevictims of abuse and neglect who areunable to help themselves.

Reprinted with the permission of Hudson-Catskill Newspapers

To make a contribution to theDr. Stephen & Suzanne MenkesChild Advocacy Program please contact:Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation71 Prospect AvenueHudson, NY 12534518.828.8239www.columbiamemorial.com(Click on "Hospital Foundation")

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The Dr. Stephen & Suzanne Menkes Child Advocacy Program

The Dr. Stephen & Suzanne MenkesChild Advocacy Program (CAP) atColumbia Memorial Hospital openedits doors in 2006 to improve the healthand welfare of children and families inColumbia and Greene Counties. Thisimportant Program enhances collabor-ation among organizations in theinvestigation, prosecution, treatmentand prevention of child abuse andneglect.CAP is situated in a purposefully

designed, stress-free, well-lighted, com-fortable area of Columbia MemorialHospital where confidential and jointinterviews of child and family takeplace. Our approach is to provide aneutral facility where multi-disciplinarycase reviews can occur on site, elimi-nating the need for children and fami-lies to travel to numerous, imposingand scattered offices. All law enforce-ment agencies have round-the-clockaccess to the suite of rooms that werespecially designed for the program.Reducing the number of interviews

and giving prompt and specific treat-ment and protection lessen a child’strauma. The program also empowersparents to protect their childrenthrough interventions and providesthem with proper medical and mentalhealth services after counseling. This isall for the well-being of the child.Long after the initial interviews and

counseling, our Child Advocacy teamcontinues its services by meeting regu-larly to discuss cases and trackingmethods. The team also developson-going tactics to support our com-munity’s children and to educate com-munity members about the problemsof child abuse and neglect, and theneeds of both abused children andtheir families.Columbia Memorial Hospital was

recently awarded a grant from theNew York State Crime Victims Boardto expand and enhance services pro-vided by the Program. Grant moniesenabled us to hire a full-time childadvocate and a part-time therapist.These valuable additional staff mem-bers assist in filling gaps in services

otherwise unavailable locally. Theseservices include children’s groups,non-offending parent services andindividualized therapeutic interven-tion for all children accessing theProgram.The Child Advocacy Program dealt

with 20 cases in the first six months ofoperation (June – December, 2006).The number of cases increased to 85in 2007, the first full year of operation.In 2008 it served 110 families, and weare on course for serving well over 200in 2009.The unique collaboration between

Columbia Memorial Hospital, lawenforcement, local school systems anda multitude of legal, medical andsocial services providers is an impor-tant step in improving the health andwelfare of children and families in thetwin counties region.

If you know of any child or familywho might need this valuable service,please contact Denise Saunders,Case Coordinator at 518-697-3320(dsaunders@cmh-net.org).

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Visions

In Memoriam - Dr. Phyllis Sohotra Ferri

In Memoriam - Helen Jon Collins

Long-time Columbia County residentand active member of the ColumbiaMemorial Hospital Auxiliary for 40years, Mrs. Collins passed away peace-fully at her home on February 17,2009. She was predeceased by her hus-band of 42 years, Paul G. Collins, andis survived by her stepson Christopherand daughter-in-law Catherine Collins,as well as her sisters, Thecla Horrocks,Anna Spoerri and Maria Stuart.Born Helen Jon Livieratos,

September 20, 1929 in Shanhaiguan,China, Jon, as she was affectionatelyknown by family and friends, was anavid student. She studied at FrenchCanadian College as well as St. Francisand St. Joseph in China before immi-grating to Athens, Greece in 1953. In

Sadly, we lost Dr. Phyllis Sohotra, path-ologist and medical director of ourhospital laboratory, late this summer.Dr. Sohotra was a tremendous asset toColumbia Memorial Hospital and ourpatients. She was responsible forbringing our hospital laboratory up tothe very highest standards. Phyllis, asshe was usually called, stood for excel-lence in medical care. She was a per-fectionist and her approach to excel-lence inspired those with whom sheworked. At the same time, she was awarm and gracious woman who, in herspare time, enjoyed spending timewith her husband and family.Hospital President Jane Ehrlich

said, “Our entire hospital and medicalstaff, and especially our laboratorystaff, miss her greatly. We would nothave the superior laboratory that wecurrently enjoy had she not led thedepartment for over 16 years. Hermemory continues to inspire us tostrive for that level of excellence forwhich she was known.”After arriving at Columbia Memor-

ial in the early ’90s, Dr. Sohotra imme-diately established a goal of obtaining

1955, she moved to Boston, MA, whereshe attended Boston University. Aftermoving to Kinderhook in 1959, sheearned a BA at SUNY Albany and aMasters Degree in Asian Studies. Sheattended Middlebury College in Ver-mont and the Chinese LanguageInstitute in Beijing.As an active member of the Col-

umbia Memorial Hospital Auxiliary,she participated in many fund raisingefforts. Jon was often seen at theColumbia-Greene HospitalFoundation office stuffing envelopes,coordinating special events and organ-izing Foundation Volunteers. No taskwas too big or too small for Jon. Shewas truly a pleasure to work with onany project, and is greatly missed.

College of American Pathology (CAP)certification for our laboratory anddid so in record time. She also wasresponsible for our hospital’s Trans-fusion Free Program and the resulting50% reduction in the utilization ofblood transfusions hospital-wide. Thiswas a major leap forward in patientcare.Dr. Sohotra was a leader on the

medical staff and was recognized byher colleagues as an expert in herfield and in her management of ourhospital laboratory. Her participationin Medical Executive Committee andother medical staff functions wasappreciated by her colleagues and heropinion was frequently sought espe-cially regarding issues of quality ofcare and medical education. The samecould be said regarding her relation-ship with hospital administrationwhere she was respected for the intelli-gence and integrity she brought to anydiscussion.Dr. Stephen Menkes, President of

the Medical Staff, said, “Dr. PhyllisSohotra stood out as a physician,exhibiting a unique combination of

knowledge, professionalism, sincerity,and dedication to the patients ofColumbia Memorial Hospital. Shegave many years of service and alwaysmade herself available for consultationand recommendations to the medicalstaff. She is greatly missed.”

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$1,000,000+Hudson River Bank & Trust Company FoundationEstate of Abram S. & Helen C. Kittle

$500,000+Dyson Foundation

$250,000+AnonymousPaul & Clara Kellner & Family

$150,000+Columbia Memorial Hospital AuxiliaryFrancis Greenburger & Isabelle AutonesJudith B. Grunberg (T. Backer Fund)Sidney & Ann Richter

$100,000+John B. Fraser & Nancy Kyle

with a matching grant from The CaptialGroup Companies Charitable Foundation

Bernard & Elaine RobertsDavid RockefellerAlan & Karin Wilzig

$50,000+Richard & Terez Abatecola FoundationAnonymousAnonymousEstate of George E. BensonG. Andrea & Moyra BottaColumbia Emergency ServicesThe Ettinger FoundationGregory C. & Donna M. FingarJerome A. & Isabel K. FrenchRichard N. McCarthy & Jean D. HamiltonDr. Stephen & Suzanne MenkesJoseph & Patricia PhelanAlfred L. & Betsy J. ScottTaconic Farms

$25,000+Estate of Vita Barsky AbtJay & Leila CahalanEstate of H. Jon Collins

in honor of Barbara Johnson & in memoryof Paul Gardner & Helen Jon Collins

Jane EhrlichMorton & Myra GinsbergDavid & Nancy GinsbergJohn S. KnottBenjamin & R. Sobel LipsteinDr. John Mathews & Mr. Paul de MarchinMartha McMaster & Sheldon EvansPurcell S. & James G. Palmer FoundationDiane F. PerlmutterThe Pershing Square FoundationRupi S. Puri & Kusum GaindQuadrille Wallpapers & FabricsJill & Jim SalernoStephen SchaibleCraig & Winnie Thorn

$10,000+Mary Gail BiebelH. Louis Clinton, MD & Janet ClintonDr. & Mrs. Brian DaggettRegina M. DoeblerEvensonBest, LLCJudith R. & Alan H. FishmanJohn R. French, MDHudson Catskill NewspapersAnn M. IsraelAven A. KerrCharles & Joanne KnaussKeith A. LampmanMarie Lingat, MD & Elsworth PascoeLombardi, Walsh, Wakeman, Harrison,

Amodeo & Davenport, PCDr. & Mrs. Robert ManticaBruce Pinkernell, MD & Maureen Killackey, MDPrice Chopper’s Golub FoundationAnanthakrishnan Ramani, MD &

Rama Ramani, MDAnne M. Schomaker

in honor of Dr. W. KrumholzMichael & Patti SchromPhyllis Sohotra, MD & Louis FerriStewart’s ShopsDr. & Mrs. Manoj SubudhiDavid Trachtenberg & Rick WilsonThomas & Mila TuttleSanford Ullman, MD & Barbara UllmanJay & Eileen WallaceJames & Christine Warren

$5,000+V. Richard Back, MD & Millie BackMelanie & Howard BrandstonKurt & Kimberly ButenhoffLen D. DanielsGeorge F. Davis, MD & Marcia DavisVincent DingmanChristopher & Hilary FerroneJohn & Judith FinleyJohn HartJames M. KingsburyKeith Leibowitz, MD & Kathleen LeibowitzDrs. Edward & Kathleen MariciCarmine & Leitha PierroMargarita RamosAlbert W. & Rose RossJason Shaw & Kate Johns ShawTodd & Joanna Zbytniewski

$1,000+Dr. & Mrs. Tomasz AndrejukMichael & Margaret ApaEleanor CloseLinda C. DeMarco, MDStephen & Jacqueline DunnNancy DunnJann & Donald EdwardsPeter & Martha FingarJoseph Fusco, MD & Isabelle FuscoMr. & Mrs. Donald GibsonEdward Ginouves, MD & Mary GinouvesAllan & Ruth GoldsteinBarbara S. JohnsonJohn & Elaine KanasMargie Laurie

in memory of James H. LaurieMaria & Robert LullDennis C. Marcus, MD & Leslie J. MarcusMichael Devine Home, Inc.Christine Napolitano, MDGina & Frank OrlandoLawrence Perl, MD & Jennifer Houston, CNMRichard Rubinstein & Katherine KolbertBrian & Lindsay SheaMichael Tolen & Donna PeckWilliam & Susan VanSlyke

The Capital Campaign Donor List

The Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation Board thanks all of the generous individuals and businesseswho contributed to the Capital Campaign. If we have omitted or misspelled your name, please accept ourapologies and let us know so we may correct our records.

Visions

Every other month a vendor sells products in the lobby of the HudsonRiver Bank and Trust Foundation Medical Office Building. All proceedsbenefit Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation.The Auxiliary’s Annual Fall Luncheon was held at the Winding Brook

Country Club in Valatie on October 21st. The luncheon was followedby a Fashion Show hosted by The Second Show and narrated by CarolLavender.Membership in the Hospital Auxiliary is open to anyone who is inter-

ested in its proud tradition of volunteer service on behalf of ColumbiaMemorial Hospital. If you would like to become a member of the Auxiliary,please call 518.828.8028.It is said that people who engage in volunteer activities live healthier

and happier lives!

Auxiliary News

The Columbia Memorial HospitalAuxiliary gathered at PegasusRestaurant in Coxsackie, NY onApril 22 for their annual springluncheon given by the Hospitalto thank the Auxiliary for theirefforts and hard work.

(Left to right)Rita Edwards, Ellie Close, Lily Brown,Lee Dickerson, and Doris Stuart

Each of the five branches has ameeting each month to discuss thebusiness of setting up future fund-raisers.

(Left to right)Marilyn MacKay, Ellie Close,Helen Wright, Dee Marotta,and Sarah Fabiano

Every year Kaaterskill Care SkilledNursing and Rehabilitation Centerin Catskill has a picnic for all theirresidents and families. The Aux-iliary is always happy to lend a handserving the attendees at the picnic.This year it was held September 9th.

(Left to right)Doris Stuart, Dee Marotta,Mary Sullivan, Rosemary Maichin,and Sue Meyers (Activities Director,Kaaterskill Care)

Moving forwardContinued from page one

by members of thecommunity, we haveseen significantincreases in servic-es, both for in-patients and out-patients. This, inturn, has stabilized

the financial foundation of the hospi-tal and has enabled us to continueto make investments in technology,facilities, and of course, our staff.The Paul and Clara Kellner Café, a

gift of George Kellner, opened in late-October to rave reviews. It is certainlyfitting that our staff see the name ofPaul and Clara Kellner on the en-trance, given all the extraordinarysupport they and their family haveprovided our hospital.The architects are currently work-

ing on drawings to expand and reno-vate our psychiatric unit and renovatethe entire 6th floor, which will beprivate patient rooms with privatebathrooms. This will significantlyenhance patient privacy and comfort.They are also currently at work ondrawings for the basement to providelockers and bathrooms for our staff indietary and housekeeping.Two dramatic changes will be

made this winter to our EmergencyDepartment. First, we need to providea segregated area for our psychiatricpatients in order to be able to provideappropriate care and ensure a safeenvironment for them and all emer-gency department patients. Second,they are also renovating space toaccommodate our Prompt Carepatients. Ever since last winter whenwe changed the method for treatingPrompt Care patients, we have short-ened the timeframe resulting in moresatisfied patients, but the facility needsto be altered to better accommodateour new patient flow system.I sincerely hope that you will not

hesitate to call and schedule a tour ofour facilities if you have not yet seenour new Intensive Care Unit or ThePaul and Clara Kellner Café. We’rehappy to have you visit and have theopportunity to answer any questionsyou may have. Remember, ColumbiaMemorial is your community’s hospital.

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The power of healing . . .the power of giving

The power of giving transcendstime; it begins today to shape andform tomorrow’s realities.For those who desire to leave a

legacy of health to future genera-tions, the Columbia-GreeneHospital Foundation has createdthe Living Legacy Society to recog-nize donors who have made deci-sions to provide for ColumbiaMemorial Hospital’s programsthrough planned or deferred giftsincluding bequests, charitabletrusts, gift annuities and otherestate-planning methods.The Living Legacy Society is

composed of friends in the commu-nity and those closest to our mis-sion. These special friends help toperpetuate programs that supportthe mission of Columbia MemorialHospital to provide “expert medi-cine, delivered with care.”Planned gifts to the Columbia-

Greene Hospital Foundation pro-vide the resources to ensure futureexcellence of the ColumbiaMemorial Hospital facility, patientcare and community education.You are invited to join this devotedgroup of friends who are dedicatedto sustaining the continuing healthof our community and to providingthe best possible care for futuregenerations.For more information about

joining the Living Legacy Society,or if you have already made provi-sions to include us in your estateplans, please contact theFoundation Office.

Living Legacy Society Members:AnonymousLen Dansky DanielsLee Samuel DanskyJane EhrlichBarbara S. JohnsonPeter JungAven A. KerrJames M. KingsburyWinnie ThornM. Scott & Jane Wood

From the Chairman: Celebrating Our Volunteers

Just one year ago, our country wasfaced with the most serious economiccrisis that many of us had ever experi-enced. All of us at the Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation expecteda significant impact on our fundrais-ing activities and began to take stepsto meet the circumstances of our soci-ety going from feeling flush and gen-erous to worried and protective. Whatwe have found is that the ongoingcommitment to our community’sHospital continues to be strong.Firstly, thank you to those who con-

tinue to support our Fulfilling theDream Capital Campaign. We are inthe final phase of this exciting cam-paign and have only $500,000 left toraise. And we have generous new con-tributors who give us renewed hopeand the expectation that we will meetour $10 million goal this coming year.The success of the 21st Annual

Hospital Ball was due to those whohave some of the most vested interestsin our Hospital. The medical staff ofColumbia Memorial stepped up andhosted the Ball. Their generosity madeit possible to honor the many volun-teers who support the Hospital withtheir gifts of time, expertise, and wis-dom. Our long time supporters came,enjoyed, and danced the night away ata Ball that represents the best of ourHospital and the community that sup-ports it.Our various other fund and friend

raising activities have continued apaceand with continuing levels of support.This year, gifts to the Foundation havefunded expansion, renovation andnew technology projects at ColumbiaMemorial. With that to propel us, weare very excited about the upcoming

annual appeal. The level and qualityof service our Hospital provides makesit clear that Columbia Memorial isdeserving of our support. I hope youwill join me in making a contributionto the annual appeal this year.Lastly, we are proud to have Betsy

Gramkow join as our new ExecutiveDirector. The staff has always been thebackbone of the Foundation activitiesand the Trustees are grateful for theirhard work and pleased to have some-one of Betsy’s experience and commit-ment to head up the organization.As we see some portions of our

economy rebounding and look at thestrength of our Hospital and ourFoundation, we have renewed energyfor the challenges ahead of us. Weknow that we can count on our sup-porters and our community…just asyou can count on Columbia MemorialHospital…to be there through thebest of times and the most difficult oftimes. Thank you.

Patti Matheney SchromChairman of the BoardColumbia-Greene Hospital Foundation

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Visions

From the Executive Director

When I joined the Columbia-GreeneHospital Foundation as its newExecutive Director this fall, I becamepart of a dedicated team of profession-als and volunteers whose sole purposeis to provide our communities withhigh quality, comprehensive healthcare services in a dignified and com-passionate environment. Every day, Iwitness the extraordinary efforts of themedical staff, hospital volunteers andadministrators who have created avaluable community resource in whichwe can all be very proud.We have great appreciation for the

many Foundation donors who have sogenerously contributed to improve ourfacilities and enhance the quality ofcare we provide. With your help, wecontinue to build on our strengthsand provide outstanding care for ourpatients at Columbia Memorial inHudson, Kaaterskill Care in Catskilland our 25 Care Centers locatedthroughout Columbia, Greene andDutchess Counties. If you haven’talready done so, I invite you to joinme for a tour of the hospital. I am

confident that you will be impressed,as I am, by the breadth of services andquality of care that is provided to hun-dreds of our friends and neighborsevery day.As the year draws to a close and you

turn your attention to year-end chari-table giving, please join me in makinga gift to the Columbia-Greene Hosp-ital Foundation. Your generosity willsupport the renovation of patient careunits, the in-patient psychiatric unit,and important technology upgradesthat will virtually eliminate the chancefor medical errors, thereby significant-ly increasing patient safety. You canplay an important role in contributingto the health of our communities bymaking a donation. I see each daywhat a difference your gifts make ~they change lives. Thank you for yourcontinuing support.

Betsy GramkowExecutive DirectorColumbia-Greene Hospital Foundation

Provides $8 million in free healthcare tomembers of our community who cannototherwise afford medical treatment.Employs a staff of 1,400. Despite difficulteconomic times we are still hiring and havemade no cuts in benefits or salaries.Has created a community care network thatincludes Columbia Memorial Hospital inHudson, Kaaterskill Care & RehabilitationCenter in Catskill, and 25 Care Centersthroughout Columbia, Greene and DutchessCounties.Will treat 34,000 emergency room patientsby year-end.

Honor A Caregiver Through OurGrateful Patient Program

We know that patients and family membersare often touched by special care duringtheir hospital stay or healthcare experience.As a result, we are frequently asked, “Howcan I say thank you?”If you are grateful for the care you or a

loved one received at Columbia MemorialHospital, Kaaterskill Care Nursing & Rehab-ilitation Center or one of our 25 Care Cent-ers, why not say “thank you” by making a giftto the hospital through our Grateful PatientProgram? The Grateful Patient Programoffers you the opportunity to express heart-felt appreciation for exceptional care whilehelping to maintain the excellent level ofhealthcare service to our community.You may choose to honor a particular doc-

tor, nurse, therapist, volunteer, staff member,department or any member of the ColumbiaMemorial family who made a difference inyour care or the care of a loved one.For your generous donation, the Found-

ation will:Notify the honoree(s) of your thoughtful-ness.Send you a letter of acknowledgement foryour tax-deductible gift.List your name and that of the honoree(s)in Columbia Memorial Hospital’s employeenewsletter, Chats.

The gifts that you provide through the Grate-ful Patient Program support the mission ofColumbia Memorial Hospital and its networkof Care Centers. Your gifts are tax deductible.

Gifts may be mailed to:Columbia-Greene Hospital Foundation71 Prospect StreetHudson, NY 12534or go online to www.columbiamemorial.com/foundation/donation.cfmTHANK YOU!

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Did You Know That ColumbiaMemorial . . .

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11

Grand Opening of the Paul & Clara Kellner Cafe

A cafeteria providing good food and agreat environment enhances the expe-rience that visitors and patient's fami-lies have at hospitals. A good cafeteriabecomes a respite from the long hoursspent bedside. It also provides a goodlocation for staff interaction. Untilrecently, Columbia Memorial's cafete-ria was less than desirable.Through the generosity of George

and Bicky Kellner, the cafeteria hasbeen totally redesigned and refur-bished. A superior eating establish-ment is now a reality. Visitors and staffhave an exceptional locale to relax,enjoy a great view, and eat the comfortfood that will get them through theday. The cafeteria is dedicated to long-time hospital patrons Paul and ClaraKellner, George's parents. Large,brushed aluminum letters pinned toa beautiful maple finish, greet you asyou enter the new space – The Pauland Clara Kellner Café.According to Bryan Langlands,

a principal in the architecture firmDonald Blair Architects responsiblefor the new design, the cafeteria reno-vation is the most recent enhancementin the ongoing revitalization at Colum-bia Memorial Hospital. The firm hasbeen responsible for the long-termmaster plan to create designs whichrevivify the working environment here.They were responsible for the redesignof the main lobby, fourth floor, andthe beautiful, light-filled new ICU allsice 1995.About the new designs, Langlands

said: "Taking advantage of the views tothe Catskills, the cafeteria is designedto provide an open, light-filled gather-ing space.""With convenient access from the

front entrance of the hospital, andalong the connector link from themedical office building and parking,the renovation combines two existingseating areas into one larger space,surrounding a centrally locatedservery. Within the servery, flow hasbeen improved by clearly defining theselection & transaction process, by sep-arating it from the dining space with

a gently curving counter and glass par-tition," he continued.The renovation of the cafeteria has

revitalized the largest and most heavilyused public space within the hospital.By using similar architectural elements– materials, natural finishes, and colorpalette – the cafeteria becomes an ex-tension of the lobby, accentuated bythe use of matching porcelain floortiles, maple wood paneling, and trans-lucent glass in the public area. In addi-tion to upgraded finishes and improv-ed design and circulation, the cafete-ria renovation includes new lighting,kitchen equipment, and modernizedlife safety systems.

On Friday, October 23, 2009 we cele-brated the Grand Opening of the Pauland Clara Kellner Café.Speakers Stephen Dunn, Patti

Matheney Schrom, Donald Blair, JaneEhrlich and Senator Stephen Salandall expressed their gratitude to theentire Kellner Family for their manyyears of support. “This Hospital wouldnot be the facility it is today withoutthe most generous support of theKellner Family,” said Jane Ehrlich.George Kellner said that his family

was proud to support ColumbiaMemorial Hospital, “A community canbe judged by the quality of its health-care facility and its schools.” He wasvery pleased to see the great progressmade over the last ten years.Paul Kellner spoke with heartfelt

sincerity thanking his son for makingthe donation to cover all the costs forthe new cafeteria. All who comethrough the doors of The Paul andClara Kellner Café are grateful fortheir generosity.

Catherine Kellner, Bicky & George Kellner, and Peter Kellner

Clara & Paul Kellner

Visions

Foundation Champions

Helena Barton (Age 7), TheodoreBarton (Age 5), and Halcyon Barton(Age 4) took advantage of some ofthe summer sunshine and built alemonade stand near their homein Kinderhook. Not only were lifelessons learned about revenue andexpenses and profitability, but thesechildren showed their philanthropicsouls by donating the proceeds toColumbia-Greene Hospital Found-ation and the Fire Company. Whatfine examples to show that anyonecan contribute so that our commu-nity can have the best healthcarepossible. Hats off to the BartonChildren!

Reception for Employee Champions

On Friday, October 9th, Nancy Kyle and Jack Fraser graciously hosted an appre-ciation reception honoring the Champions of Columbia Memorial Hospital.These Champions included the nine employees of the month (Jan. – Sept.) andthe Patient Representative staff. Over 60 attendees enjoyed great food and wine,and were thrilled to tour the wonderfully restored Seth Jenkins House. Nancyand Jack plan to make this a semi-annual event. Much appreciation to them fortheir support!

Employees of the month, left to right:James Fabiano, Jan Bradshaw, Donna Rose, June Legg,Robin Pascuzzi, Jack Kehrer & Sylvia Rodriguez(not pictured Thomas Fish & Anthony Sandagato)

Patient representatives, top: left to right:Erin Goldman, Linda Bagnardi, Joyce Osborne,Patty Claro, Jaime McGivney & Tish FinneganBottom: left to right:Derrick Smart & Steve Colvin(not pictured Melissa Borsh)

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From the Director, Operations & Special Events:2009 Report

Our Special Events this year were trulyspecial! Each one was hugely success-ful both financially and intrinsically.With each event we spread the wordabout our quality healthcare and rec-ognized all the community memberswho make it possible.Stephen and Jacqueline Dunn host-

ed the 5th Annual Snow Ball onFebruary 4th and it was the most suc-cessful ever! Due to the generosity ofour sponsors and guests, $60,000 wasraised to benefit Kaaterskill CareSkilled Nursing and Rehab in Catskill,NY. Thanks to Regina Doebler and hercommittee for all of their hard workon this event.The 21st Annual Columbia

Memorial Hospital Ball held May 30thwas aptly named “Celebration Ball.”Hosted by the Medical Staff in honorof the Auxiliary, The Second Show andVolunteers, the celebration lasted wellinto the night as guests danced to themusical talents of The Big Smoothies.I want to thank all those who spon-sored tickets for volunteers. Because ofyou, 42 volunteers attended at no costto them. They enjoyed a beautifulevening and accepted the appreciationfor their many hours of caring serviceto our patients, staff and visitors.

After many, many days of rain thissummer you can imagine how hard weall prayed for sunshine for our 13thAnnual Four Ball Mixed ScrambleGolf Tournament! On August 3rd,115 golfers were able to tee off andplay through a lovely afternoon. Thisevent is made possible by the dedica-tion of Bill and Mary Gerlach andtheir committee who, year after year,work tirelessly to make it more success-ful while keeping it a fun tournamentfor all participants. A record $35,000was raised! Thanks so much to all oursponsors and players. I would like toexpress my personal appreciation toLuigi De Maio, who donated a week ina condo in Sarasota and a day in his1953 MG, and to Scott and Jane Wood,who donated a week in a condo onHilton Head, as live auction items.This auction helped put us over thetop!The 35th Annual Francis Green-

burger Tennis Tournament took placeSeptember 12th and 13th. The com-mittee, once again chaired by JillGerrain, did an excellent job recruit-ing players, acquiring sponsorships,and procuring fabulous items for oursilent auction. I am very happy toreport that $12,000 was raised, andtwo great days of tennis were enjoyedby 60 participants.I would like to thank all those indi-

viduals and businesses that continue tosupport our Hospital by sponsoringand attending our Special Events.Even in these difficult times, you haverepeatedly demonstrated your commit-ment to high quality healthcare for allwho come through our doors. Withyour help, we can fulfill our dream toprovide our community with cuttingedge technology in a completely reno-vated and expanded facility.

Gina OrlandoDirector, Operations & Special EventsColumbia-Greene Hospital Foundation

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Visions

The 35th Annual Francis Greenburger TennisTournament to benefit Columbia MemorialHospital took place on September 12th and13th, 2009 at Center Court at the OldChatham Tennis Club. In between raindrops,players were competing at Crellin Park and atmany private courts generously donated forthe weekend by residents in the Old Chathamarea. Having the indoor courts helped thetournament run smoothly as the players wereable to continue playing when the weather

was inclement. Their families and friends were able to watch from the comfortof a gallery view at the Tennis Club, and enjoyed the many varieties of fruitdonated by Love Apple Farm.This event, chaired by Jill Gerrain, raised over $12,000 exceeding our finan-

cial expectations. Community support for the tournament has consistentlygrown over the years and continues to bring together players of all ages. Over100 individuals and companies have supported it through sponsorship, advertise-ment, donations and participating in the tournament.We want to thank Jill Gerrain, Old Chatham Tennis Club Manager, and her

committee, Jeff Bloomberg, Hilary Ferrone, Joanne Knauss, Marilyn MacKay,Jeanette Neven, Maryellen Reidy and Justin Weaver, as well as the owners of theOld Chatham Tennis Club for their generosity and support. For many years,Francis Greenburger and Isabelle Autones have been lead sponsors of this event.A special thanks to them for their generous support of Columbia MemorialHospital.

The 35th Annual Francis Greenburger Tennis TournamentWelcome Dr. Chasin

Zacharias Chasin,MD, of KingstonNew York, joinsRonald Pope,DO, ElisabethMc-Keon, MD,and DianeBraden, NP inpractice at Col-umbia Memorial

Hopital’s Jefferson Heights FamilyCare Center. With the addition ofDr. Chasin, Jefferson Heights FamilyCare will now offer early morningwalk-in hours, same day appoint-ments, and extended afternoonhours.Dr. Chasin came to Columbia

Memorial from the Mid-HudsonFamily Practice Residency Programin Kingston where he was ChiefResident.Chasin is a member of the Ameri-

can Academy of Family Physiciansand has certifications in neonataladvanced life support and advancedcardiac life support.“I enjoy adult medicine. I am

from Kingston originally. I cameback here for my residency andam staying in the Hudson Valley.It is great to have the opportunityto serve my fellow residents,” saidChasin.Dr. Chasin did clinical training

in pediatrics at Brookdale Hospital,family medicine at Wyckoff HeightsMedical Center, psychiatry at Maim-onides Medical Center and trainingin OB/GYN at Lutheran MedicalCenter – all in Brooklyn, New York.“Columbia Memorial is a great

place to start my practice comingout of residency. And it will be greatto work in an area where so manymedical specialties are available formy patients.”“We are very pleased to have Dr.

Chasin working with us,” said hospi-tal CEO Jane Ehrlich.“He comes highly recommended

and we look forward to his joiningus. We are pleased to be able tocontinue our expansion of servicesto the residents of Greene County.”

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13th Annual Four Ball Mixed Scramble Golf Tournament

Well, there was at least one sunny anddry day last summer! Monday, August3, 2009 was the perfect day for the 115golfers who participated in the 13thAnnual Four Ball Mixed Golf Scram-ble at Columbia Golf & Country Club.Chaired once again by Bill and MaryGerlach, the Committee did a greatjob getting support for this event.

A record 16 Gold Sponsors con-tributed $1,000 each:Steve & Karen AndersonThe Armstrong FamilyAtlas Healthcare Linen ServicesCarrier – A United TechnologiesCompanyComDocDutchess County DieselsJane Ehrlich & Luigi DeMaioEmpire Blue Cross Blue ShieldFingar InsuranceFirst NiagaraJaeger & Flynn Associates, Inc.Kinderhook BankKozel’s RestaurantMohawk Hospital Equipment, Inc.SodexoThe Vascular Group, PLLC

Along with our Silver Sponsors at $500each, First Financial Services, Inc. andJohn S. Knott, and our Bronze Spons-ors at $250 each, Diana & FrancisCoughlin and Kaaterskill Care SkilledNursing and Rehab, our committeewas able to get Tee Sponsorships at$100 each from over 40 local business-es and individuals. Kinderhook Toyotagenerously offered a 2009 ToyotaCamry as a hole-in-one prize, andStewart’s Shops and Pepsi BottlingCompany quenched our thirst bydonating their soda and water prod-ucts. As a result of these sponsorships,a fantastic raffle and live auction, arecord $35,000 was raised in supportof Columbia Memorial Hospital!

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First Niagara Bankis pleased to host the6th Annual Snow Ballin honor of Winnie Thorn

to benefitKaaterskill CareNursing and Rehabilitation Center

VisionsVisionsColumbia-Greene Hospital Foundation71 Prospect AvenueHudson, New York 12534

Address service requested

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Albany, NY

6th Annual Snow Ball

Friday, February 5, 2010at Anthony’s Banquet Hall,Leeds, NY

Mark your calendar

14th Annual Four BallMixed Golf Scramble

Monday, August 2, 2010at the Columbia Golf &Country Club

22nd Annual ColumbiaMemorial Hospital Ball

Saturday, June 5, 2010 atThe Point in Catskill, NY

36th Annual FrancisGreenburger TennisTournament

Saturday, September 11 &Sunday September 12, 2010