March 2016 - Maine College of Health Professions

CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Association
Volume 33 No. 1
March 2016
MEETING MATTERS
December 1, 2015
A very nice holiday party for the freshmen nursing students, was
held at the college. Following lunch a meeting was held for
presentation of the slate of officers.
December 19, 2015
The pinning ceremony for the Evening Class of 2015, was held
Saturday at 10:00 AM at the First Universalist Church in Auburn.
The annual meeting and election of officers was held at the
college at 1:00 PM with 25 members present. The following
officers were elected for the year 2016: President, Cheryl
Seaward Turcotte ’68; Co-Vice Presidents, Patricia Sagner Dyer
’72 and Dorothy Crowley Noel ’61; Corresponding Secretary,
Dorothy Murray Gardner ’57; Recording Secretary, Sally Lovejoy
Bates ‘55; Treasurer, Shirley Quinlan ’57; Executive
Committee ,Patricia Curran Garrity ’48, Sylvia Rand Plossay ’55
and Anita Caron Taylor ’53. We were delighted to welcome three
recent graduates of the school as members of the alumni No meeting
January 15, 2016
February 2016
March 11, 2016
Friday
Regular business meeting at the college 1:00 PM
April 8, 2016
Friday
Regular business meeting at the college 1:00 PM. Please note, spring luncheon this year as we are celebrating our 125th
anniversary.
April 28, 29, 30
Celebration of the 125th anniversary of the School of 2016
Nursing will start on Thursday the 28th. Graduation for the class
of 2016 will be held on Saturday the 30th.
May 13, 2016
Friday
Regular business meeting at the college.
June 9, 2016
Thursday
Lobster luncheon at Donna Prescott Morin’s ’65 cottage on
Ledgeview Cove, Taylor Pond at 12 noon. Bring something to
share.
No meetings
July & August 2016
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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BITS AND PIECES
In The News:
OFFICERS 2016
F. Patricia Curran Garrity ’48, Cheryl Seaward Turcotte ’68, Dorothy
Crowley Noel ’61, R. Sylvia Rand Plossay ’55; Shirley Quinlan ’57; Sally
Lovejoy Bates ’55; Anita Caron Taylor ’53.
Missing; Patricia Sagner Dyer ’72 and Dorothy Murray Gardner ’57
*****
Congratulations to Angelica Estes ’13 and Ryan Lebrun on their wedding at Spring
Meadows in Gray on September,26, 2015.
*****
In mid-October the seventh annual Dempsey Challenge, was again successful; raising
over one-million dollars for the support of CMMC’s Dempsey Center which provides no
cost support for cancer patients and families. The Challenge is a two day affair whose
main fund raising events include individual and team walks/runs and bike rides.
*****
Evelyn Cyr Ehrenfried ’59 and Marge Thornton Hansen ’54 are shown with the St.
Michael’s Episcopal Church Women’s Group when they gathered for their annual
Christmas party in December.
*****
Carmen Fortin ‘80, clinical educator at CMMC, has been presented the Maine
Emergency Nurses Association Special Merit Award for her work on behalf of the
professional organization of which she has been a member for 30 years. Carmen is
chairwoman of the state’s pediatric committee and has 35 years experience as a
practicing emergency nurse.
*****
Pamela Bubier Sirois ’96 is still waiting for a bilateral lung transplant. Her story first
ran eight months ago which told of her life long journey as a person with cystic fibrosis.
There was a fund raiser and a GoFundMe site. Pam we wish you the very best.
*****
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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Announcement of a gift
Donna Lee Belanger
Class of 1962
If only we were able to thank Donna Lee Belanger ’62 in person for her unfailing support
of and yearly donations to our association, but sadly Donna passed away on June 17,
2015. To our surprise we learned upon her passing that she had left us a substantial gift
of $15,000 in her will.
Donna graduated from the CMGH School of Nursing in 1962 and worked at the hospital
in the ICU, leaving after two years to reside in Long Island, NY and acquiring her BSN.
She was employed at John P. Mather Memorial Hospital for 30 years. During that time
she collaborated with Curt Bluefeld MD to establish a combined ICU-CCU unit;
served as its Head Nurse and became the Nursing Care Coordinator as the unit
expanded to 30 beds. When Ruth Estes spoke with Dr. Bluefeld’s son he said his father
regarded Donna highly as a person, her competence as a nurse and “she was his
favorite nurse.”
Donna’s generous gift enabled the association’s scholarship committee to award seven
$1,000 scholarships to deserving students, make a contribution to assist with expenses
for the upcoming 125th celebration of the founding of the school and to add to our
investments. We are grateful for Donna’s generosity and the spirit of nursing excellence
she fostered during her lifetime.
The following letters, sent to Betty Campbell and her scholarship committee, convey the impact these gifts have made on the lives of our students.
Dear CMMC CON Alumni; Writing this mere thank you card does not seem enough
for your extremely generous scholarship to me. The way you went above and beyond
what I asked for is so much more than I could have anticipated! I am so thankful for it.
The financial burden this has lifted from my husband will not soon be forgotten. As I’m
sure many of you will agree, nursing school has been very challenging so far - but I’m
glad to say all of you certainly have been one of those unexpected blessings during this
journey so far. With sincere thanks.
*****
Alumni Scholarship Committee. Thank you so much for your extremely generous gift. It
is greatly appreciated.
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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Dear Scholarship Committee; I want to express my thanks and gratitude for
the recent scholarship awarded me. I want to share my story that you may hear of the
great work you are doing for our school and students. I am a 40 y.o. “non traditional
student” with two daughters ages 9 and 15. My husband has provided for our family
since I began the nursing program in August 2014. In order to be present at our
children’s events and daily activities I resigned the medical assistant’s job I’d had for 14
years.
My desire to become a nurse began when I was 10. My father suffered from an
undiagnosed illness that attacked his brain stem at the young age of 47. Unfortunately
he passed away at 49, with the cause of his illness still undiagnosed. As a child
watching the medical professionals care for him sparked my interest in health care,
particularly nursing. I was in awe of the knowledge and passion required to become a
nurse as well as the variety of skills needed i.e. patient interaction and my respect for
the profession grew. In high school I was the first teenager to take the adult education
CNA class at a local voc/tech center. I worked in a nursing home while in school and
loved the interaction with the geriatric population and learned the value of hard work.
As my school years were coming to a close I applied to every nursing school I could.
Unfortunately, with the competition of nursing school applications I was not admitted.
One school, CMMC, contacted me after reviewing my application asking to meet with
me as my passion for nursing was evident in my essay. I came for an interview and was
hooked, enjoying the smallness of the school and caring staff & faculty. Although my
journey took me to a medical assistance program I never gave up my dream of
attending this school. Four years ago I took all my general education courses here
while working and raising my children. I enjoyed the individual attention and constant
encouragement from staff and faculty as I got closer to my goal and was accepted into
the class of 2016. Such a blessing to be close to graduation. I feel fortunate to have
friends, family and faculty encouraging me on this journey. I thank each member of the
alumni association for carrying out what the school stands for. Thank you for helping
make my dream come true, the lessening of the financial burden is a relief for me and
my family and I cannot be more grateful to you all.
*****
I am writing this letter to thank you for your generous $1,000 alumni scholarship.
I was very happy and appreciative to learn I was selected to receive this scholarship.
I am a senior in nursing school. I plan to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse
after graduation. After graduation I plan to attend the bachelor’s program that is being
created at the college. Thanks to you I am one step closer to that goal.
By awarding me the alumni scholarship you have lightened my financial burden which
allows me to focus on the more important aspect of school, learning! Your generosity
has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be
able to help students achieve their goals just as you all have helped me.
*****
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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I just wanted to send you a note to thank the Alumni Association for the generous
scholarship. The money will be put to good use. It is currently in my savings. After 32
years of working as a Paramedic/FF for the city of Portland I am retiring at the end of
February, I am saving my money to put towards school. Again, thank you very much.
*****
NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE
Four recent graduates of the MCHP Nursing Assistant course “Earn While You Learn”
CNA program have passed the Maine competency test. They are Jennifer Blais,
Lindsay Monaghan, Bernadette Burks and Casey Trip who are pictured with their
instructor Evawn Young RN, BSN. Also in the picture was a jolly? “Santa Bones.”
*****
Plans for the 125th anniversary celebration on April 28, 29 and 30th of the school of
nursing are progressing nicely thanks to Bonnie Colby ’87, faculty member and Sue
Hiscock, secretary at the college, as well as the many committee members. Cards have
been mailed with pertinent information to all graduates. Also the class of 1966 will be
having a reunion during this time. Highlights to be held on April 28th at the Kora Shrine
Center will be the “pinning ceremony” for the 2016 grads, social time and banquet with a
speaker. The event will conclude with the graduation of the class of 2016 on Saturday.
FAREWELL
I take this opportunity to say farewell to you as president of our alumni association. I am
not, however, saying goodbye to our association as I plan to remain an active member!
The time to turn the gavel over to another came at our annual meeting in January.
Cheryl Seaward Turcotte ’68 was elected unanimously to the position for 2016. She was
warmly welcomed by the largest group attending an alumni business meeting that I can
remember – grads from the class of 1948 to 2015 were in attendance. The fine number
present was just one indication of the growth and success we are presently enjoying –
with great hope that the momentum continues with new grads joining us in our work in
the years ahead. It was an honor to have served as your president and one that I truly
enjoyed. My sincere thanks to all who have worked so hard to bring us to where we are
today. We are optimistic about our future and our relationship with the college of which
we are a part- Maine College of Health Professions - MCHP. Even if you cannot attend
meetings, your support with dues, donations, letters, and the many other ways you
encourage us is very much appreciated.
We have changed our name more than once since I served my first term and as our
SON and the college has grown and advanced. It is vital that we reflect all of our
graduates from our school in our name. This spring our name will include CMGH,
CMMC and MCHP! However we remain the same alumni association of our school of
nursing (SON) that organized eleven years after the school opened in 1891.We are
celebrating the 125th anniversary of the school this year. There have been amazing
changes since then - as well as since my great aunt, Margaret Sullivan Plummer,
became the first secretary of our alumni association that met for the first time in 1902,
114 years ago!! It seems incredible to me that I remember her well as she lived with my
grandmother in her later years. cont.
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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This past year we presented seven $1,000.00 scholarships to deserving nursing
students (up from the $300.00 in ’82!). We gave a $500.00 donation to the college, as
well as our annual donation of $100.00 to the Alumni Endowment Fund established to
support the Medical Center (then CMGH) many years ago. In memory of each of our deceased nurses a donation of $25.00 is made to our
Centennial Endowment Fund. This fund was established following our Centennial
Celebration under the leadership of co-chairs, Jill Wade Tonoli ’72, a past president and
chair of the 100th year celebration, and Josephine Stubbs Swett ’71. At the time we had
a wonderful response and the Medical Center helped us invest it well! The annual
interest, which in 2015 was $1,640 is used for the SON and nursing students. We
continue to give the coveted Alumni Award ($500.00) with an engraved pin and the Elsie
Lauten Award ($250.00) at the Pinning Ceremony. We meet with the first year students
at a holiday luncheon and acquaint them with our organization. Early in the year we
meet with the senior class officers to determine how we may help with their graduation
needs. We continue to publish our popular newsletter, first published in ’84, three times
a year! These accomplishments have transpired ONLY WITH YOUR SUPPORT! We
look forward to your continued sustenance under the leadership of our very capable
new president, Cheryl Turcotte. Again, thanks to all who have helped to accomplish all
that we have and continue to do with such a small core group. I do want to point out
that I have not served consecutively since first elected in 1981. There have been three
others – Sheryl Hamlin ’70, Donna Prescott Morin ’65 and Josephine Stubbs Swett ’71.
Sincerely, Dorothy Crowley Noel ’61, past president emerita
REUNIONS
The Class of 1966 is planning for their 50th reunion during the time of the 125th
celebration. Notifications have been sent. We are unable to find addresses for the
following members, Carol (Deedee) Black Brayley, Karen Dickenson St. Cyr,
Christina Moulton and Frances Wise. For questions please contact any of the
following:
Sandra Mullen Chaplin Home 207-998-4858
e-mail: [email protected]
Linda Cornish Rioux
Cell 207- 937-2006
e-mail: [email protected]
Beverly Peterson
Home 207-782-2582 e-mail: [email protected]
AND SADLY DEATHS
Condolences to the families of:
Raymond J. Arbour ’73, on Monday December, 28, 2015 at Togus Springs Hospice
House, Veterans Administration, Togus, ME. Ray Arbour was a 1967 graduate of Cony
High School and 1973 graduate of Central Maine General School of Nursing. After
graduation he entered the US Army Reserves and was activated in 1991 during
Operation Desert Storm. Ray retired from the VA Hospital at Togus after 37 years of
service and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 35 years in the US Army Reserves. In
retirement, as a Master Maine Guide, he opened and operated Gump’s Guide Service.
He is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Michelle, son Benjamin, brother Norman and
their families including six grandchildren. CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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Jane Crook Barron ’57, on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 in Lewiston. She worked her
entire career at CMMC, many years as evening supervisor, retiring at age 60. She
continued as a private contractor at CMMC and Martin’s Point. She earned her
bachelor’s degree from UNE when in her 40’s. Jane served two terms as president of
the WHA and also served on the CMMC Board of Directors. She enjoyed traveling and
took many cruises. She is survived by her two sons Frank and Paul, daughter, Beth and
their families including two grandchildren, one sister, Mary and brother, David.
*****
Carlene May Swallow Hayes ’57, on January 7, 2016, in Palmetto FL. She is survived
by her husband Richard , son Stephen and daughter Diane Weber and their spouses as well
as her siblings Betty McAlister, Judy, Lester and Peter Swallow. Carlene spent her nursing
career as a labor and delivery nurse. She was head of labor and delivery at Manatee Memorial
Hospital for many years. She then went on to help open the first Ob/Gyn practice in Manatee
County, working as their charge nurse until her retirement.
*****
Shirley Fuller Turner ’53, on October 10, 2015 at the New York State Veteran’s Home
in Batavia, New York.
*****
Lorraine Plouffe ’52, at Clover Manor in Auburn on November 11, 2015. She entered
the Sisters of Mercy Convent for 20 years where she served as a registered nurse at
Mercy Hospital. Lorraine is survived by her sister, Sr. Christine Plouffe, her brother
Gerry Plouffe and many nieces and nephews.
*****
Richard Thornton husband of Adeline Raymond Thornton ’55 on December 30, 2015
in Ashland, WA.
*****
William Henry McGuire, father of Dr. Anthony McGuire ’85, at Togus Springs Veterans
Hospice on January 15, 2016.
YOU WROTE US
From Freida Spitz Ayotte ’54, P.O. Box 344, Exeter, RI 02822 or 12 Poland Place,
Unit 6, Poland, ME 04274
“ I tried to call Maxine Folsom but the number was disconnected. If you have it would
you share it with me. I’ve lived in Rhode Island. I retired from nursing (mentally
handicapped people) on 9/30/93. My R.I. property is for sale and I hope the
prospective buyer will get financing because I want to return to Maine. I looked at a
great condo in Poland which I hope to buy. It’s located 6 miles from my sister Jackie’s
house. After a serious accident in August I chose to give up driving. Hope to see the
class of ’54 soon.” ( Ed.note; Freida has Maxine’s number thanks to Marge Hansen
providing it to the editors. Thanks, Marge.)
*****
From Elaine Bradbury Wills ’65, (W)15244 Vinola Pl., Montverde, FL (S) Hickory Hill
Farm, 349 Cape Rd. Standish ME 04084 Tel. home 407-469-2707. [email protected])
“The school did a wonderful job welcoming back the class of 1965. Our 50th
celebration was perfect. Such fun to tour the school and hospital. So many changes! So
many old stories!”
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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From Dale Marie Potter Clark ’69, 959 Cross Hill Road, Vassalboro, ME 04989, email
[email protected] Tel. 207-923-3652
“I’ve been telling all the alumni I come in contact with about the alumni association and
the newsletter. I hope some have been in contact? Class of 1969 has a facebook pagecheck it out and say hello! CMG/CMMC School of Nursing Class of 1969.”
*****
From Davene Marble Mitchell/ Erickson ’54, 6677 Willow Break Dr. Bartlett, TN 38135
“ Just a note to say thanks for the newsletter. Last August I treated my children and
grandchildren to a visit to Maine where we spent a week at a lodge on Christopher
Lake, Bryant Pond. On the spur of the moment I was able to have lunch with three
classmates, Janice Gray, Marge Hansen and Genice Bugel in Auburn. What a treat that
was . The years rolled away and memories took the forefront. Hoping you have a very
Merry Christmas.“
*****
From Dorothy Howe Thompson ’55, 1112 Main Road, Stamford, VT 05352 Enclosed,
“A picture that Ruth Braley Estes ’48 might like to have with Jo Fowke Baumer ’54 taken
20 years ago.”
*****
From Hildred Dodge Simons ’45, 1010 Waltham St. #32, Lexington, MA 02493
“CMG was my life for three years ending in 1945. I was at Boston City Hospital, South
Dept. for three months, (communicable diseases) and then three months at Concord
State Hospital. I loved every day of it, had such wonderful classmates! I moved on to
Peter Bent Brigham in Boston. Two of my CMG classmates, Pearl Philbrook and Lucia
Packard were there also. I attended Boston University evenings and I loved every
minute of it. there was so much to learn and experience, I was a head nurse on medsurg. I got married , moved to Pittsburg, PA where I worked and attended University of
Pittsburg. We returned to Boston, raised a family of three and continued at Boston
University. I was asked to start a nursery school in Back Bay, Boston. It grew to three
classrooms and it is about to celebrate it’s 50th year. I attended Wheelock College
earning a masters degree and later was honored with a doctorate. It has been a
wonderful life. My two sons, a PHD and a lawyer, work for the State of Massachusetts
on childhood issues. My husband earned a PHD at MIT and created a company called
“Micro-Casting.” It is still in existence under another name. And now I live in residential
housing and lucky to be here.” ( Ed. note; Indeed you did live a full life Hildred,
congratulations on your accomplishments.)
*****
From Jeanette Jackson Johnston ’56 37521 Caribbean Dr. Zephyr Hills. FL 33541
“Hello folks. Guess time has gotten away from me the past two years. 2014 I had a bad
fall at a bowling alley and crushed my pelvis--- had two surgeries, got over those finally.
Then this past December 18th, tripped on an uneven rug at entrance to the clubhouse.
Fell, broke three ribs, right side and messed up left shoulder (rotator cuff) still trying to
get over that. This old age is for the birds. Suddenly realized I wasn’t getting newsletters
and knew why, hadn’t sent money! Hope to get north this summer if all goes well!” ( Ed.
note; So sorry for your misfortunes Jeanette. Be careful!)
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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From Wendy Camolli Cowles ’80, 492 E. Hebron Rd, Turner, ME 04282, 207-713-0420
[email protected]
Wendy and husband Jerry continue their good works traveling in India to train health
professionals in the of care newborns to help in preventing deaths in this most
vulnerable population. They have persevered despite the frustrating lack of internet
access, computer knowledge and access in rural parts of India. They have made hands
on teaching as well as movies the venues to carry on their work. Wendy closes by
asking for prayers “ for our health as we tend to move a bit slower these days, and the
wisdom for how to pace ourselves and where to put our energies.”( Ed.note: Bless you
two for all you do. We wish you health and wisdom.)
*****
NOTICES
IMPORTANT MESSAGES FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Cheryl Turcotte
The Alumni Association wishes to extend a warm welcome to Carol Fakler, DNSc, RN
the newly appointed Director of the MCHP Nursing Program. We look forward to
working with her in ways to benefit the school of nursing. We have had the pleasure of
meeting with her several times, most recently at our fall luncheon. Dr. Fakler has a
strong background in nursing education most recently at the University of Southern
Maine. Again, welcome Dr. Fakler.
*****
Time to Change Our Name!
Time to change our name! And that we did at our annual meeting in January. It was
voted unanimously to change our name as seen below. However we will not be using
the name officially until the IRS is notified, therefore the heading on this issue of the
newsletter remains the same.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ~ SCHOOL OF NURSING
CMGH/CMMC/MCHP
From the Editors
Editors
Ruth Braley Estes ’48
Dorothy Murray Gardner ‘57
Joan Bickford Neal ‘52A
Beverly Peterson ‘66
Jean Veazie Pulkkinen ‘60
Please don’t forget to pay your dues for 2016.
If you are two years in arrears you may no longer receive the newsletter.
CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Newsletter
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Thank you to the following who donated to the association from November 1, 2015 to
February 29, 2016:
Donations to alumni: Dolores Wetter, Evelyn Ehrenfried, Davene Mitchell, Nancy
Bartlett, Judith Crooker, Geraldine Knowles, Jeannine Normans, Lois Tash, Sandra
Litcher, Sue Musk, Julie Bernier, Hester Perani, and Margaret Poulos. Sylvia Averell,
Evelyn Towne, Jeannette Johnston, Janet Grant, Sandra Terrell, Janine Hale, Donna M.
Morin, Jacqueline Bate, Linda Sherman, Virginia Lewis, Roxanne Bumford, Joan Neal
and Edith Breed.
Donations to Scholarship Fund: Margaret Babb, Sally Bates, Lorraine Thompson,
Dorothy Howe, Julia Alexander, Sherry Clark.
Scholarship Fund In memory of Jane Barron;
Margaret Taylor Nichols, Joan Hebert, Patricia Red, Marilyn Green, C.A. Rooper, Emily
Renaud, Sally Bates, Margaret Ross, Dolores Welch, Lois Tash, Dr. Thomas Shields,
Kelley Johnson, Jill Bell and Linda Lou Hallowell.
ALUMNI DUES $10.00 Per Calendar Year
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Last
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} check here if you want newsletter sent by regular mail to the above address!
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If you want to receive a membership card please enclose a SASE (self addressed stamped
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MAIL TO:
CMGH/CMMC COLLEGE OF NURSING ALUMNI
70 MIDDLE STREET, LEWISTON, ME 04240
( 207-795-2884)
Alumni web site: mchp.edu
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