Mather Matters Summer 2008

Volume XI
SUMMER 2008
Number 3
43rd
Annual
One
Enchanted
Evening
See page 2
Special Honorees and
Theodore Roosevelt Award Recipients
See page 2
A message from the President:
Our Pillars of Excellence
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer season - beaches, backyard
barbecues, family and friends – it’s a great time of year, filled with a lot of
memory making moments. At Mather, we’ve also had some memorable
summer moments. Among them, our Voyage to Excellence inauguration and
the dedication of our four “Pillars of Excellence” stand out as my favorite
event.
I especially enjoyed that day for several reasons – it was a great summer
day; it was an opportunity for our Mather Hospital Family to gather together; it
was the official launch of our Voyage to Excellence; it celebrated our ongoing
commitment to our patients and it offered us a chance to honor our top
Kenneth D. Roberts Service Excellence employees… and it was great!
President
The purpose of our “Voyage” is to reach a new and important vision – to
become the best community hospital in New York State; we want Mather to be
the best place to receive healthcare and the best place to work. The four great pillars in our courtyard
support the realization of John T. Mather’s personal vision – creating the first community hospital in the
Town of Brookhaven. What could be more fitting than to have these great pillars of John T. Mather’s
vision now serve as icons for our vision – to be the best community hospital in New York State?
As we sail in pursuit of becoming the best, we will build upon our four “Pillars of Excellence” –
People, Service, Quality & Safety and Innovation & Growth – the core values, which will guide all our
future activities.
I take great pride in the fact that the Mather Hospital Family always rises above the challenge. Our
seven Voyage to Excellence employee teams have hit the ground running with several projects currently
underway. Mather Hospital, as a whole, has embraced the spirit of the Voyage early on, resulting in
improved patient satisfaction scores already.
Our Voyage to Excellence is an exciting and fun opportunity for all of us to help make coming to
Mather Hospital an even better experience for our patients, their families and ourselves. Thank you for
your ongoing commitment to our patients and our community. I look forward to working with all of you
as we Voyage together.
Inpatient Safety
Team Receives
Honorable Mention
Mather’s Inpatient Fall Performance
Improvement Team submitted a paper
to the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council
titled “Getting Results: A PatientCentered Fall Reduction Program:
Utilizing Safe Patient Placement.” The
paper was submitted for the Hospital
Council’s Excellence in Patient Safety
Award. Our team received honorable
mention in the program’s first year of
award presentations. Our thanks go out
to the entire nursing staff for all their
support and cooperation.
Congratulations to all.
Team members (not all in photo):
Bernadette Brochard, RN, Joyce
DeMoore, RN, Grace Ebinger, RN,
Eugenia Ercole-Fricke, RN, Anna Gaeta,
RN, Kim Hagerman, RN, Marilyn
Hannett, RN, Allison Lombardi, RN, Julia
Macauley, RN, Deborah Schafmayer, RN,
Laura Wooten. Additional Team
Supporters: Cathy Babst, NA, Darlene
Beirne-Steigman, RN, Dolores Heintz,
NA, Kevin Hood, NA, Vicky Palmiotto,
LPN, Lee Viggiano, RN.
2
JOHN T. MATHER
MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board
Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Esq.
President
Kenneth D. Roberts
Vice Chairmen
Betsy Noyes Britton
Konrad J. Kuhn
Harold Tranchon, Jr.
Treasurer
John R. Sini
Secretary
Gene Gerrard
President, Medical Staff
Chairman, Medical Board
Randall Schrager, M.D.
Board Members
Alan D. Beck
James F. Canniff, Ed.D.
Gary Cress
James Danowski
Carl Ferraro
M. Cecile Forte, Ph.D.
Judith A. Fortunato
Kathryn B. Frey
Robert A. Isaksen
Frederick C. Johs, Esq.
Thomas Kohlmann
Richard Lusak
James F. Maiella
Wayne Rampone
Richard Savino, M.D.
Leo Sternlicht
Edward J. Weiss
Chairman, Public Affairs Committee
Gene Gerrard
Co-Chairman,
Public Affairs Committee
Alan D. Beck
Vice President, Public Affairs
Marlene Israel
Director, Public Relations
Patrick Regina
Public Affairs Coordinator
Julie Parenti
Published quarterly by the
Public Affairs Department
(631) 476-2723 or ext. 4291
or e-mail us at
[email protected]
43rd Annual
Marsha and
Henry Laufer
One Enchanted Evening
Community
pillars and
Mather
Hospital
benefactors
Barney and
Judi Fortunato
will host the
43rd Annual
One Enchanted
Evening Gala,
themed,
“Moulin
Rouge,” which
benefits the
Fortunato
Breast Health Center and breast cancer
treatment at Mather Hospital.
Entertainment will be provided by the
sensational musical group, "Up Front."
Tickets to One Enchanted Evening are
on sale now; call the Mather Hospital
Office of Public Affairs at 631-476-2723 or
visit www.matherhospital.org/oee.
are Mather Hospital’s 2008 One
Enchanted Evening special
honorees.
Marsha is currently chairwoman of
the Brookhaven Democratic
Committee and serves on the board
of Planned Parenthood Hudson
Peconic and the Eleanor Roosevelt
Legacy Committee.
According to her colleagues,
Marsha brings an infectious
enthusiasm to everything she does.
As chief scientist, Henry is part of
the leadership team at Renaissance
Technologies, which for more than
20 years has been at the forefront
of research in mathematics and economic analysis. Henry is a strong
supporter of Stony Brook University and is a trustee of the Stony Brook
Foundation.
The Laufers are avid supporters of Mather Hospital and perennial sponsors of
Breast Cancer Victory Day. Most recently, Marsha and Henry contributed to the
underwriting of a state-of-the art digital mammography machine for the
Fortunato Breast Health Center.
caring for the community
mather hospital celebrates the
2008 theodore roosevelt award recipients
Fifty years ago, the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council created the Theodore Roosevelt Awards to honor those who demonstrate exceptional volunteer
commitment to a member hospital and their community. Mather Hospital’s 2008 Theodore Roosevelt Award recipients (below) will be recognized October
10th at the 43rd Annual One Enchanted Evening gala for aiding the progress and development of Mather Hospital. Special honors also will be presented to
two community pillars for their philanthropic support.
Randall Schrager, M.D.,
joined the hospital’s medical staff in
1993 and has been
one of Mather’s
most dedicated
surgeons and
effective leaders.
Dr. Schrager has
been director of
general surgery
since 2003. As chairman of Mather’s
medical board and president of the
medical staff, Dr. Schrager has
introduced innovative management
techniques that have allowed more
time to be focused on issues that
improve patient care. His colleagues
credit him with continuing to foster
productive and efficient meetings
and board activity.
“It’s a privilege to work with such an
esteemed medical staff,” Dr.
Schrager says. “Mather is an
outstanding community hospital and
I am proud to be part of the Mather
medical team.”
Steven Rothstein, M.D.,
Fredric Matlin, M.D.,
Paul Elliott
has been a valued member of the
Mather Hospital
Family since 1984.
has been an esteemed member of
the Mather Hospital
Family for more
than 20 years.
is chairman, president and
commercial
director of
Prudential CRES
Real Estate, one of
the top
commercial
services in the
region. Elliott’s
level of success in
business is matched by his
commitment to community.
Dr. Rothstein has
served as chairman
of the OR
committee since
2003. A respected
leader of the
medical staff, he has served as
president in 2003, vice president in
2002 and secretary-treasurer
in 2001.
Known for his business acumen,
Dr. Rothstein has an ability to
evaluate the long-term impact of
decisions and has proved
invaluable to his department and
the hospital. “Mather is an excellent
hospital that gives so much back to
the community,” Dr. Rothstein says.
“For me to do the same is the right
thing. It’s important.”
Dr. Matlin’s
technical expertise
was a key factor in
Siemen/Philips
Corp.’s selection of
Mather as a clinical introduction
site for a sophisticated operating
room monitoring system. His
penchant for research and cost
consciousness has helped to
ensure state-of-the-art equipment
for Mather physicians and highquality care for patients. Dr. Matlin
has also been instrumental in the
planning stages of operating
facilities, ensuring optimal
installation of anesthesia utilities.
“I am very pleased that I am able to
contribute to Mather’s quality of
service,” Dr. Matlin says.
Great Rock Golf Club and the
adjacent Blackwells Restaurant in
Wading River, which he co-owns,
are the sites of Mather Hospital’s
Annual Golf and Tennis Classic to
benefit nursing education programs
and An Evening of Fabulous Food,
which supports the chest pain
emergency room.
“Mather is the hospital my family
uses whenever there’s a need,”
Elliott says. “I was quite honored
when they told me I was receiving
this award.”
3
United Way
Campaign
Raises $24K
Mather Hospital’s 2008
United Way employee
campaign raised nearly
$24,000. The hard work and
dedication of our Mather
campaign managers helped
increase the campaign by
$6,000 over last year’s total.
Thank you to everyone who
contributed to this year’s
campaign!
Pictured (from left to right) are United Way of Long Island
President and CEO Christopher Hahn, Employee Campaign
Manager Brenda Bonacum, Committee Member Yvette
Martinez, Mather President Kenneth Roberts.
And the Winner is…
Mather’s Annual Car Raffle
Miller Place resident Olga Manolis (center) held the winning ticket
for this year’s Mather Hospital Car Raffle. Manolis chose the cash
prize option and was presented with a check for $15,000 by Mather
Hospital Board Member, Wayne Rampone (left) of Ramp Ford and
Mather Hospital President Kenneth Roberts.
Congratulations to Olga Manolis (who happens to be a Mather
employee) and thank you to Ramp Ford, Ramp Chevrolet, Riverhead
Toyota/Scion and North Shore Lincoln-Mercury for their generosity
and support. We also wish to thank our Car Raffle Co-chairs, Leo
Sternlicht (Riverhead Toyota/Scion) and Wayne Rampone for their
leadership.
Community Gathers to Celebrate Creativity
It was a celebration of community and culture at Mather Hospital when the 28th
Annual Outdoor Sculpture Show opened Friday, June 13.
More than 40 local artists are sharing their creative talents through the
outstanding exhibit. The 60 pieces are displayed throughout the hospital’s
historic courtyard and grand lawn and they will remain there until August 31.
Mather employees Dawn Radu (mailroom), Peter Levine (nutritional services)
and Christine Bilbao (administration) were among the artists.
July 4th
Parade
Volunteers
Introduce
2008 Cash
Cow Raffle
Drawings for prizes, which range from $300 ($500 if
1,000 tickets sold) daily drawings to an early-bird
$5,000 ($7,000 if 1,000 tickets sold) prize, begin
September 2 and continue through December 31.
Tickets are $200 each – best of all, if you win, your
ticket goes back in the tumbler and you can win
again and again. Raffle tickets are limited, so don’t
drag your hooves. Call Public Affairs, Mather
Hospital at 631.476.2723 or visit
www.matherhospital.org/cow. Photo: Mather auxilians and
volunteers (left to right) – Mafalda Smith, Barbara Zinna, Barbara Junior,
Lorraine Altman, Louise Grinere.
4
2008 Golf Classic Raises $120,000
for Nursing Education Programs
More than 130 competitors teamed up at Mather Hospital’s
23rd Annual
Golf Classic
at Great
Rock Golf
Club in
Wading
River on
June 2. The
event raised
more than
$120,000 to
benefit
nurse
education
programs at
Mather
Vincent Bove Memorial Golf Award recipients – (from
Hospital. left) Dr. Nicholas Craig, Tony Naples, Louis Bove (son of
After
the Hon. Vincent Bove, presenting award), James
golf, guests Danowski - not pictured: Paul Naples
were treated
to dinner, compliments of Blackwells Restaurant. More than
100 raffle prizes were presented, as well as team trophies for
first, second and third place. This year’s first place foursome
was also the first recipients of the Vincent Bove Memorial Golf
Award, in memory of Mather Hospital’s longtime chairman.
Hundreds of Bikers Ride to
Support Fortunato Breast
Health Center
On Sunday, July 13, nearly 700 bikers, including a number of
Mather Hospital employees, rode in the 30-mile Sticky Finger
Motorcycle Run, which was supported by WBAB Radio,
Jagermeister, Allstate and the Great South Bay Music Festival. The
event raised more than $20,000 for the Fortunato Breast Health
Center at Mather Hospital. At the start of the Run at Dave & Buster’s
in Farmingdale, WBAB afternoon radio host Fingers (back row,
second from right) joins Mather Hospital benefactors Judy and
Barney Fortunato (standing in front of Fingers) and Mather
employees John Gluckler (on bike, left) and Glen Jamotta, (third
from right) of engineering; Ray Gulino, administrative director of
transfusion services (on bike, center); and Steve Vassallo,
phlebotomy supervisor (far right), along with several friends.
Pictured (behind children) at the starting ribbon for the 14th annual Families Walk for Hope
are Dr. Michelle Price and Dr. Joseph Carrucciu of the Fortunato Breast Health Center,
Director of Mather Hospital Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence Dr. Arif Ahmad, Mather
Hospital President Kenneth Roberts and Board Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Suffolk County
Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher, New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Brookhaven
Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Mather Board Member Gene Gerrard, Brookhaven
Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Suffolk County Legislator Dan Losquadro, Mather Hospital Board
Member James Canniff.
14th Annual Families Walk for
Hope & Obesity Awareness
Despite the wet weather, spring was still in the air and hope in every heart. On May
3rd, more than 1,200 walkers raised upwards of $130,000 for the Fortunato Breast
Health Center, breast cancer treatment and obesity awareness and education programs
at Mather Hospital.
After completing the journey, walkers were treated to a barbeque lunch and
refreshments served by members of the Port Jefferson Lion’s Club.
With a Little Help, Tony Wiley
Kicks the Habit
How can I prevent staph or
MRSA skin infections?
“I was a two-time drop-out of the
Suffolk County program,” recalls CT
Supervisor Tony Wiley, a 32-year
smoker, who marks his 18th month of
being smoke-free in August. “I tried
hypnotism, lozenges and other
medication. Nothing worked.”
Determined more than ever to quit
for good, Wiley signed up for the Get
Quit program offered through
Employee Health Service, which provides prescription Chantix to participants.
Chantix is designed to block nicotine addiction receptors in the brain.
“With Chantix, the nicotine doesn’t do anything for you,” says Wiley. “It took a
lot of the depression away and it made quitting so easy.”
Now, he’s not just a lot healthier, he’s a little richer. Get Quit Mather employees
who stay smoke-free for a full year will be reimbursed for the Chantix ($30 per
prescription) and also receive a $100 bonus.
For more information, contact Employee Health Service at 476-2725. If inhouse, call extension 5903.
Practice good hygiene:
• Keep your hands clean
by washing
thoroughly with soap
and water or using an
alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes
clean and covered
with a bandage until
healed.
• Avoid contact with
other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?
Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If
you are given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is
getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share
antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at
another time.
5
Service Excellence Awards
MAY 2008
Kelly Abbe
Frank Clarke
Danielle Colao
Sandie Connolly
Gail Garcia
Kara Hickey
Bini John
Sally Ann Lien
Susan Morin
Melissa Musgrove
Lorraine Nigita
Frank Pizzurro
Sharon Scanlon
Jocelin Vargas
Christine Volk
Kristin Wagner
Jean Englezos
Gilma Godoy
Marie Kaplan
Chanel Loganzo
Julia Vetere-Schuchman
Caridad Bringuier
Marie Hassard
Wayne Miller
Paul Zampieron
Moria Farrell
Carolyn Mosley
Joan Samborski
Daria Dodds
Jane Foley
JoAnn Jelley
Valerie Konon
Meredith Rickenbacker
Kathleen Jochen
Robin Lisanti
Carolyn Troxell
Theresa Carter
JULY 2008
Our Future in Their Hands
Take Your Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Jeanne Brennan
Ditas Burgos
Linda Folken
Susan Greco
Cristy Kokell
Audrey Krutys
Luisa Machado
Connie Reilly
Teotimo Robles
Shelley Rosenfeld
Deborah Schafmayer
Penny Stock
Cara Taranto
Cynthia Whispell
Ellen Dwyer
6
Jennifer Flanagan
Gail Garcia
Jim Hegarty
Christina Lauria
Jean McCarrick
Karen Mercurio
Louise Reichel
Andrea Wohlenberg
Mary Yakutsk
Joann Brazil
Diana Caiazza
Katherine Montefusco
Danielle Rosenblatt
Lisa Eggers
Marie Hassard
Jill Snelders
Darlene Steigman
Ramona Born
Marina Grennen
Ginger Postiglione
Peggy Sauve
Bill Manzi
Colleen McDermott
Donna Baas
Anna Marie Braslow
Mary Ann Goodman
Jamie O'Hara
Terry Carter
Anna May Drewes
is a great way to introduce children to career opportunities, and to
envision their future. From having their blood pressure taken to
checking out Mather Hospital’s vast information technology
system and visiting Pharmacy, Food and Nutritional Services,
Respiratory Therapy, Imaging Services, the Emergency
Department, Central Supply, the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit,
Nursing, Sleep Disorders Center, and the Physical Therapy
Department, these wonderfully inquisitive children between the
ages of 8 and 13 had the opportunity to understand what many
adults do during their work day. Participants were: Joseph
Barttolotto, Hailey Connolly, Jared Ducker, Lauren Ducker, Taylor
Filiu, Sean Frank, Kaylie Gazura, Mackenzie Gazura, Gina Gordon,
Emily Kelliher, Nicholas Kelliher, Kylie Kramer, Kaitlyn Link,
Brianna Link, Anthony Martello, Jessie Quick, Rachel Robb,
Rebecca Robb, Austin Schmidt, Maxwell Schmidt.
Employees
Recognized
for 40 Years
of Service
Three dedicated employees of
Mather Hospital were honored for
their 40-years of service to the
community and hospital at a
recent reception. On hand to offer
congratulations to Vice President
of Nursing Barbara Farruggia of
Setauket (seated, left) and
Suzanne Bittner, RN, of Miller
Place (seated, right) were
(standing from left) Mather Hospital’s Board
Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Vice Chairman
Betsy Britton, and Mather Hospital President
Kenneth Roberts. Forty-year celebrant Ramona
Born, LPN, of Medford is also pictured with Ken
Roberts.
Mather Hospital
Announces
Stuart Fisher
as New Director
of Engineering
Stuart Fisher of Setauket has
joined the staff of Mather Hospital,
as its new director of engineering.
Fisher brings more than 30 years of hospital facility
experience to his new position, where he will oversee
plant maintenance, grounds, equipment and hospital
utilities.
Fisher says he is looking forward to exploring ways to
make Mather Hospital more energy efficient. “The fact that
I can now take all of my experience and use it to benefit a
community hospital right in my own neighborhood is
wonderful,” said Fisher.
He is also taking the energy-saving efforts personally.
He’s hoping a proposed bike route between Setauket and
Port Jefferson comes to fruition so he can pedal to work
and leave his car at home. A real savings, considering just
prior to joining Mather he was with Hoboken University
Medical Center in New Jersey and commuting about four
hours a day.
We lcome Ne w Doctors
Joshua Rothenberg, DDS
Orthodontics
Keith Harris, DO
Pulmonary Medicine
Dr. Rothenberg earned his dental degree and
certificate in orthodontics from New York University.
He completed his residency at Long Island College
Hospital in Brooklyn, NY.
During his residency, Dr. Rothenberg was a dental
emergency clinic attending, supervising dental
residents from the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Hospital
and New York University College of Dental Residency. He is affiliated with
the American Dental Association and the American Association of
Orthodontics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Dr. Harris is a pulmonologist who has additional
training in critical care medicine. He will focus on
the care of patients in the intensive care units at
Mather Hospital.
Dr. Harris earned his medical degree at
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He
completed his internship at Good Samaritan Hospital
Medical Center in West Islip and his internal medicine residency at Stony
Brook University Medical Center. Dr. Harris recently concluded a
fellowship in pulmonary and critical care at Stony Brook.
Dr. Harris is board-certified in internal medicine and pulmonary
medicine. He has presented his research findings at international
conferences and has been published in medical journals and newsletters.
Denise C. Monte, MD, FACS
Otolaryngology
Specializing in pediatric otolaryngology/head and
neck surgery, Dr. Monte earned her medical degree at
Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y., where she
was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical
Society. She completed her internship, residency and
chief residency at Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y.
Prior to joining Mather, Dr. Monte was on the fulltime faculty at Stony Brook University Medical
Center.
Dr. Monte is a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Stony Brook,
and she is affiliated with a number of medical organizations, including the
American College of Surgeons.
Mather Hospital also proudly welcomes the
following physicians who will be featured in the
next issue of Mather Matters:
William Buffone, DPM, Podiatry
Joshua Kalowitz, MD, Radiology
Craig Litman, MD, Otolaryngology
Theofanis Mitsinikos, DO,
Endocrinology
Pragnesh Patel, MD, Endocrinology
Irene Patrylo, MD, Physical
Medicine & Rehabilitation
Michael Sileo, MD, Orthopedics
Brian Webber, DO, Radiology
Jonathan Weinstein, DO, Cardiology
7
Marie Mulligan, RN, Named Vice
President for Nursing Services
Theresa Grimes, NP, Named Associate
Vice President for Nursing Services
Marie Mulligan, RN, has been named vice
president for nursing services. Mulligan joined
the Mather Hospital Family in 1993 as assistant
vice president for surgical services. She rose to
the position of associate vice president for
nursing in 2007 and has been an integral part of
our Hospital’s success. In addition to her role at
Mather, she is an adjunct instructor at Adelphi
University and St. Joseph’s College.
Congratulations Marie!
Theresa Grimes, NP, has been named associate
vice president for nursing services. She is a 17-year
veteran of Mather whose previous positions include
unit nursing coordinator for critical care and
telemetry, nursing coordinator and nurse
practitioner for pain management for both Mather
and St. Charles Hospital. She has been recognized
and honored for her outstanding work throughout
her career. Congratulations Terri!
Nurses Week: Thank
You for All You Do!
24/7/365
Though the celebration is just one week out of each
year, our appreciation for our nurses is shared 24/7 –
365 days a year. Employees and patients are very
proud and fortunate to have such a dedicated and
talented team of health care professionals as part of
our Mather Hospital Family. We salute you all!
8
Mather Auxiliary
Donates $203,500
Record Donation Will Help Fund Emergency
Department Expansion
It’s a record! At Mather Hospital’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party,
members of the Hospital Auxiliary proudly presented a check for $203,500
to hospital representatives, which will be used to help renovate and expand
Mather’s emergency department.
It was another banner year for Mather’s Auxiliary members with the Thrift
Shop’s record donation of $131,500; the Gift Shop donating $37,500; and
the flower and lobby sales raising $34,500.
Volunteer Service Awards
Auxiliary and Thrift Shop Treasurer Dorothy Milau, Mather Hospital Thrift Shop Liaison
Louise Grinere, Mather Hospital Senior Vice President Kevin Murray, Auxiliary
President Ida Forstel, Mather Hospital Chairman Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Auxiliary 1st
Vice President Helen Rodowicz, Gift Shop Manager Kathleen DeBenedetto
Geranium Time of Year
Each year, the Auxiliary raises approximately $3,000, which benefits
various Mather programs, through various flower sales. Assisting with
the late spring geranium sale were (from left) Audrey Freudenberg, Ida
Forstel, Susanne Klenk, Dot Duggan and Helen Rodowicz.
Robert Lundquist
4,000 hours
Nancy Cherinak
1,000 hours
Linda Delvecchio
1,000 hours
Ida Forstel
9,000 hours
Jeannine Cook
6,000 hours
Joe Grinere
4,000 hours
Barbara Junior
1,000 hours
Louise Grinere
4,000 hours
Clint Stepanek
1,000 hours
2,000 hours
Christa Sonowsy
3,000 hours
Richard Skelton
3,000 hours
Terry Saverase
Happy 95th for 20-Year Volunteer
Friends and
fellow Mather
Hospital
volunteers
surprised Harriet
Brown (seated,
center) of Miller
Place with a
birthday party in
July at the Thrift
Shop where she
has volunteered
since 1985. The
retired attorney,
who is 95 years
young, celebrated
her milestone birthday at the Thrift Shop with (from left, seated) Lois
Nevius, Genevieve Mikorenda, (standing) Eleanor Tisall, Lorraine Altman,
Louise Grinere, Corny Wakefield, Toni Ricottone and Netti Minella.
$5K Lotto Winner in
Hospital Gift Shop
Scott Viscardi of Imaging Services recently
won $5,000 with a Lotto ticket he purchased in
the Hospital Gift Shop. “I was shocked,”
exclaimed Scott. “When I told my mother that I
was giving her $1,000, she started to cry.” As
for the rest of the money, Scott says he has to
think about it a while. Congratulations, Scott!
9
Birthdays
TCU: Birthday wishes to Lee Viggiano 6/16, Susan
Krietzman 6/22, April Conte 4/25, Marion Porter 5/9.
Public Affairs: Happy birthday to Cynthia Court
4/27, Randy Ackerman 5/11, Hannah Feldman 5/12,
Nancy Fischetti 5/24, Laura Juliano 6/9, Dale Moller
6/22. Administration: Happy birthday to Wayne
Shattes 4/1, Kevin Murray 4/12, Christine Bilbao
6/28. Respiratory Care Services: Birthday
celebrations by Bill DeMicco 6/6, Nancy Corso 6/16.
Security: Best Wishes to to Ken Sullo 6/12, Robert
LaRocca 6/17. Environmental Services: Many
birthdays celebrated by Tania Gonzales 3/21, Maggie
Batista 4/7, Sofia Arroyo 4/12, Vadalisa Garcia 4/28,
Jan Paskowski 4/24, Eric Ekert 5/6, Tracy Wilson
5/6, Jon Weisbrod 5/8, Justin Decarlo 5/8, Kevin
Winter 5/10, Frank Armenti 5/23, Marty Callahan
6/2, Maureen Gross 6/4, Azee Hanson 6/6, Brian
Alfredsen 6/9, John Louhney 6/21. Purchasing:
Happy birthday to Sabrina Davis 5/20, Jeremy
Robitsek 5/6, Maureen Mischler 5/26. Melville
Wound Care Center: Birthday wishes to Eileen
Seidell, Patricia Monroe, Chanda Jeffries & Janice
O’Connor. Port Jeff Wound Care: Birthday candles
were blown out by Elizabeth Looney, Anne Marie
Daley and Deborah Lamendola. Imaging Services:
Many birthday wishes to Mark Profitt, Tim Collejo,
Suellen D’Andria, Carol Borsman, Rob Wells, Mr.
Joe Cline, Marilyn Pizza. Physical Therapy: Happy
birthday to Samantha Schmidt, Daniel Epstein, Anne
Babcock, Lena Debono. ASU: Birthday celebrations
by Peggy Sauve, Irma Rivera, Terri McDonald, Joan
Adams, Mary Friel, Jen Whitfield, Katie Nowaski,
Margaret Massaro, Joann Meisenzahl, Valerie
Broderick. Finance: Many birthday candles blown
out by Elaine Conroy 4/8, Anne Marie Brooks 4/8,
Rosemarie Barbato-Schor 4/13, Theresa Healy 4/18,
Joanne Machacek 6/7, Morgan Miller 6/9, Joseph
Wisnoski 6/14, Christine Livreri 6/16, Samantha
Bublik 6/17, Linda Klein 6/22, Ruth Wheeler 6/26,
Susan Kehoe 6/30. Partial Hospitalization: Happy
birthday to Moira Farrell, Sharon Zariello, Paul
Zampieron and Renee Lake. Presurgical Testing:
Best wishes to Carol Murphy, Pat Slokovitz, Patty
Zarb, Loretta Sleavensky & Maria Rubino. Admitting
& ER Registration: Birthday wishes to Alexandra
VanSteen 4/11, Denise Leombruno 4/17, Lisa
Kaufman 5/1, Suzanne Donadio 6/26, Joan Clare
6/28, Carol Salzman 6/22, Cindy Polistina 6/22.
House Staff: Happy birthday to Loretta Didwell, who
celebrated the BIG 50 with a great party at Macari
Vineyards. Food and Nutritional Services: Many
birthday celebrations by Kyle Brochard 4/4, Carin
Cecere 4/14, Susan Sullivan (Coffee Shop) 4/22;
Everette Charles, 4/25, Kelly Denimarck, 4/30,
Jacqueline Magee 4/12, Chris Ramirez 4/23,
Christopher Schumacher 4/27, Linda Uebel, 4/25,
Carrie Bruno 5/31, Kelly Faller 5/4, Michael Giordano
5/10, Enrique Gonzales 5/24, Celeste Gorman 5/12,
Bob Jackson 5/20, Sharon Rhodes 5/21, Steven
Squillace, 5/25, James Campbell 5/29, Ingrid
Schmidt (Coffee Shop) 5/9, Susan Page (Coffee
Shop) 5/25, Derek Woodward 5/16, James
McConville 6/4, Drew Kaelin 6/26, Kathy Marshall
6/23, Robin Martinez 6/16, Charlete Piggott 6/7, Lisa
Ragozzino 6/20, Richard Scott 6/14, Winston
Thomas 6/5, Michael Varga 6/20, Jonathan Andrews
6/27, Linda Howlett 6/29, Maria Nuzzi 6/28.
10
Laboratory: Birthday wishes to Claudette McGinley
4/26, Blanca Schineis 4/23, Stacey Keane 6/24, Woj
Strus 4/14, Ray Gulino 6/22, Peter Bell 6/25, Donna
Morgan 5/24, and Don Baker.
Birth Announcements
Business Office: Dorothy Morabito’s son and
daughter-in-law, Keith & Melissa Bauman, gave birth
to Shawn Brady on 5/23/08 – Congratulations. Pat
Parente’s daughter gave birth to Diondre Julian
Denson, weighing in at 6 lbs 9 oz. Congratulations
to the proud parents, Kristina & David Denson.
Environmental Services: Jan Paskoski has become
a proud, first time grandparent as her son, Staff Sgt.
Andrew Brophy and wife, Melissa, gave birth to
precious little Alaura 5/13, 7 lbs. 4 oz. 21” long. Port
Jeff Wound Care: Jan Doscher celebrated the birth
of her grandson, Tobin, in Hawaii. Imaging
Services: Nuclear Medicine’s Jean Dumas became a
grandpa to twin girls. Debbie Garsik’s daughter
Jessica, gave birth to a baby girl on 3/14, Kirsten
Elizabeth. Danielle Flaherty had another beautiful
daughter, Kiera Grace. Physical Therapy:
Congratulations to Dena Promutico on the birth of
her daughter, Sophia Noel. Congrats to Sherri
Schafer who gave birth to Sabrina Lynn. ASU: Lilly
Lauckhardt was born on 4/2 to Grandma
Lauckhardt; Carson Taylor Kagan came into this
world on 4/29 to Grammie O’Hara; Jacob Ryan
Massaro was delivered via stork on 5/23 to
Grandma Massaro – Congratulations to all! Partial
Hospitalization: Best wishes to Ann Weiss, our lead
teacher who had a baby boy, Maximus. Presurgical
Testing: Double congratulations to Michele Leary,
who is a new grandma to beautiful twin girls,
Morgan & Emma, born 6/4. House Staff: Jeff
Kniffen’s son, Dylan Ian, was born 6/24, weighing 5
lbs, 17” long. Laboratory: John William Trinkwald IV
was born 6/3, 8 lbs. 14 oz, 20-1/2” long, to grandma
Claudette McGinley.
Anniversaries
Volunteer & Auxiliary: Congratulations to Fred &
Anne Behr who celebrated their 57th wedding
anniversary on June 2. Respiratory Care Services:
Ted Nilsson celebrated 24 years of marriage on 4/29.
Environmental Services: Frank & Lorraine Armenti
celebrated their anniversary on April 1st - No Joke!!
Business Office: Pat Parente & husband, Frank,
celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary on 6/28.
Port Jeff Wound Care: Happy anniversary Barbara &
Tony Yamitelli celebrating 28 years of wedded bliss.
Imaging Services: Donna Blaskopf celebrated her
30th anniversary with a well deserved vacation in
Bermuda. ASU: Pat Rivers celebrated her 45th
anniversary with a city trip overnight at the Sheraton
Towers, dinner at Orso’s, and to see the show
“South Pacific.” Admitting & ER Registration:
Happy anniversary to Jennifer & Michael Thebner
who celebrated 17 years on 4/7, and congrats on
Diane & Jim Trube’s anniversary on 5/10. House
Staff: Patty Fernandez and husband, Ruben,
celebrated their 37th anniversary on 6/19.
Engagements/Weddings
Purchasing: Congratulations to Sabrina Davis on the
engagement of her daughter, Taryn to Antonio, and
the wedding is set for Sept 18, 2009. Imaging
Services: Wedding bells will be ringing as Sue
Dolson’s son, Cory, got engaged to Lindsey on 5/16,
and an August 2009 wedding is planned. Congrats
to Donna Blaskopf’s son, Brian, who married Dena
on 3/22. TCU: Congratulations to the newlyweds,
Victoria Cafarelli and Brian White, who wed on 6/20.
Physical Therapy: Congratulations to Melissa
Musgrove, who wed Dan Hafner on 6/20 at Larkfield
Manor in Northport – A great time was had by all!
House Staff: Nancy Kennedy’s son, Sean, became
engaged to Pam Friedt from Washington, D.C. and
will be married in the fall of 2009. Andrea, daughter
of Patty Fernandez, was married on 6/13/08 to
Robert Day. Social Work: We want to extend all the
best of luck to TCU Social Worker Victoria Cafarelli
on her marriage to Brian White on 6/20. She was a
beautiful bride. After their wedding at Good
Shepherd Church in Holbrook they had a fabulous
reception at the Inn at Fox Hollow. Much fun and
merrymaking was had by all.
Vacations
Environmental Services: Marty & Mary Callahan
took their first cruise to beautiful Bermuda, and now
they can’t wait to go back. Maria Fernandez took a
trip to beautiful Cancun. The fun continues as
Sophia Arroyo and Azee Hanson traveled to Costa
Rica, which will never be the same. Then Sophia
took another trip to Santo Domingo, and she’s all
vacationed out. Jan Pasoski and her husband, Bob,
took a trip to Niagra Falls. Imaging Services: Nancy
Salino vacationed in Montauk with her sister. Mary
McIntosh, Bob and Terry Murphy also vacationed in
Montauk. Vivian Langford visited her parents in
India. Laura O’Brien cruised to Bermuda. Katie Rush
went to North Carolina and Patti Nugent vacationed
in Florida. Roseanne Russell sunned herself in Aruba
on her 60th birthday, thanks to her generous son!
The outer banks will never be the same after being
visited by Suellen D’Andria, Laura Manne and Donna
Blaskopf. Physical Therapy: Jay Swarz cruised the
beautiful Carribean. ASU: Karen Tuzzolo and family
visited Disney World the end of June. Partial
Hospitalization: Joan Auguste and her husband
spent a week in gorgeous St. Kitts. Daria Dodds &
Marie Hassard went to Mexico for a relaxing week in
a spa. Anita Mayer and her husband visited the
Bahamas with some friends and had a great time.
Denise Driscoll and her son, Daniel, enjoyed relaxing
on the beach at Montauk. Presurgical Testing: Rose
Plank celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary with
a cruise to Bermuda in July. Laboratory: Blanca
Schineis enjoyed sunny California. Stacey Keane
enjoyed a Vegas vacation in June. Pat Callaghan had
a great time in Italy.
Graduations &
Advanced Degrees
TCU: Susan Krietzman’s son, Christopher, graduated
high school – congratulations. Finance: Congrats to
Ruth Wheeler’s son, Christopher, who graduated
from Ward Melville High School and will be attending
Vassar College this fall. Respiratory Care Services:
Kudos to Cathy Catalanotto’s daughter, Alyssa, who
See FAMILY on the next page
graduated from Miller Place High School and will be
attending Coastal Carolina University in South
Carolina in the fall. Ted Nilsson’s son, Jared,
graduated from Westhampton Beach High School
and will be attending SUNY @ Albany in the fall. Port
Jeff Wound Care: Annette Dale’s daughter, Nicole,
graduated from 8th grade and received the Merit of
Excellence award. Imaging Services:
Congratulations to Amanda Smith for graduating
from St. Joseph’s College! Care Management: Diane
Martin’s daughter, Colleen, graduated cum laude
from SUNY Cortland and is headed to Phoenix to
teach sixth grade physical education. ASU: Karen
Tuzzolo’s daughter, Brittany, graduated Farmingdale
High School and will be going to Marist College for
Special Education. Scarlet and Michael, Irma Rivera’s
daughter and son in-law, both got their master’s
degree. Pileigh Shahinian graduated kindergarten
Class of 2020; Britany Whitfield graduated high
school and will be attending Hunter College; Amanda
DeTuris graduated from high school and will be
attending Marist College; Cecilia Hassett graduated
from high school and will be attending Stony Brook
University; Dan McDonald graduated Suffolk
Community College and will be joining NYC Police
Academy in January. Human Resources: Human
Resources congratulates Jazmine Ducker, daughter
of Christina Ducker, on her graduation from Newfield
High School. Jazmine will be attending Baruch
College and will be playing basketball and earning her
business degree. Good luck Jazmine! Katie Beacon,
daughter of Kathy Beacon, graduated Magna Cum
Laude from Marist College with a B.S. Degree with a
Marketing major and Music minor. Congratulations
Katie! Presurgical Testing: High School graduation
celebrations by Mary, daughter of Carol Murphy, and
Brittany, daughter of Denise Bonneville. College
graduation celebrations by John Paul, son of Rose
Plank, and Kelly, daughter of Kathy Wilson.
Admitting & ER Registration: Congrats to Annette
Rivers’ daughter, Amanda Ann Smith, who graduated
from Saint Joseph’s College, and begins her new
career as a Spanish teacher in Sachem North. House
Staff: Congrats to Genine Schwinge’s daughter, Lee
Ann, who graduated from Longwood High School.
Food and Nutritional Services: Congratulations to
our High School graduates: Dan Huber, Joe Meyer,
James Campbell, Kevin Ford, Maria Nuzzi (Coffee
Shop), Laura Adcock (Coffee Shop), Paige Deale,
Christina Taranto, Dana Court, Lauren DeBiase, Eric
Doxey, son of Rosemary Doxey, Danielle Alicastro,
daughter of Darlene Alicastro, Morgan Altinok,
daughter of Kim Altinok. Joseph Ryan, grandson of
Jean Kirouac and son of Chris and Dan Ryan,
• Share/Savings & Checking Accounts
• On-line Banking & Bill Pay
• VISA Check Cards/Line of Credit
• I.R.A. Accounts
• Mortgages
• Personal/Debt Consolidation Loans
• New & Used Auto Loans
• Student Loans
graduated from 8th grade at the James W. Young
Middle School in Bayport, and Paige Miller, daughter
of Cassidy Conley, graduated from Pre-K at Scraggy
Hill Elementary School. Branden Kelledy, grandson of
Jean Kirouac and son of Deanne and Michael Kelledy,
graduated from Noah’s Ark Pre-School in
Ronkonkoma. Nicholas Keissling, grandson of Chris
and Frank Reganato and son of Susan and Gene
Keissling, graduated from Pre-K. Social Work:
Congratulations to Danielle Duryea’s daughter,
Crystal, for graduating with honors from Sachem
East HS. She will be attending St John’s University
majoring in Italian Education. Jordan Schwartzberg,
son of Marlene Dmytryshyn & Harvey Schwartzberg,
MD, graduated from Ward Melville High School. He
will be attending Fordham University studying PreHealth Sciences, and was voted “Funniest Male” in
his graduating class.
New Employees/
New Appointments
TCU: A warm welcome to our new employees: Tomy
Troche RN, John Baitz RN, Diane Cesario C.N.A.,
Henry Pahl C.N.A., Victor Emponsa RN , Luisa
Machado C.N.A., Stephanie Carr C.N.A.
Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy: We are
happy to introduce Penny Stock, Certified
Occupational Therapy Assistant, who joined us in
May. She has an outstanding background in
orthopedic and interdisciplinary rehabilitation, and
looks forward to her success at Mather Hospital.
Respiratory Care Services: Welcome to Respiratory
Therapists Gary Eyrich, Stephanie Brown and Brian
Whist. Infection Control: Jean Nesbitt is the new
Infection Control Secretary – welcome! Purchasing:
We are thrilled to have Susan Rivera come aboard
here. Congratulations to Maureen Mischler who
moved on to become our contract manager. Melville
Wound Care Center: The Melville WCC welcomes
Patricia McGowan, our new receptionist. Business
Office: The Business Office welcomes Michael
Giordan. Port Jeff Wound Care: Welcome Patsy
Santoro, Reimbursement Clerk. Imaging Services:
Welcome Andrew Adams to CAT Scan. Physical
Therapy: Welcome Dawn Robson. ASU: Jennifer
Whitfield went from per diem to full time Nursing
Aide, and we welcome Mary Friel as our new ASU
Receptionist. Human Resources: Human Resources
welcomes Jennie Coletti from IVF! Gale Elling moved
to the position of Secretary in the Finance Office.
Presurgical Testing: A big warm welcome to Kelsey
Hagerman and Bindy Koontz. Social Work: We
Long Island Community
Federal Credit Union
OFFERS EXCELLENT RATES
and has a wide range of
products and services to satisfy
your financial needs.
MATHER HOSPITAL
EMPLOYEES ARE ELIGIBLE
For details see showcase outside cafeteria,
visit www.licfcu.org, or call
(631) 476-6581 • (631) 474-8530
would like to extend a warm welcome Rose
Brisciano, our new part-time clerical assistant.
Laboratory: Welcome to Lynn Mitchell, Tara
Gallagher, KaTyma Rhymer, Cathy Miller, Tracey
Siciliano, and welcome to our students, Theresa &
Diana.
Retirements
Nursing Administration: Barbara Farruggia retired in
June after 41 years of employment at Mather
Hospital. Barbara plans to take life a bit slower and
to enjoy more time with her family and 11
grandchildren. Congrats to you, Barbara! You will be
missed by all!
Miscellaneous
items of interest
Public Affairs: Terri Quinn’s son, Kyle Nigro, was
promoted to SPC (Specialist) and is presently
stationed in Iraq. Respiratory Care Services: Jared
Nilsson, son of Ted Nilsson, is the Suffolk County
Spring Track and Field 110 meter Hurdles Champion
(14.54 secs) and is ranked fourth in New York State.
Health Information Management: H.I.M. had their
first annual picnic at Southaven Park in June. The
barbeques were blazing all day while the children
tossed water balloons, hopped in potato sacks, and
had three legged races. The bocce balls were played
after the horseshoe competition. Fun was had by
family & friends, and looking forward to next year!
Care Management: Ellen Kasprzak’s son, Michael,
graduated from Chaminade High School and will
attend SUNY New Paltz in the fall. Michael works in
Environmental Services. Marca Enriquez’s daughter,
Katlin, graduated from CHS and will attend Mount St.
Vincent in the fall. ASU: Six ASU Nurses just became
ASU-CAPA Certified: Chris Brons, Sue DeTurris,
Andrea Lauckhardt, Trisha Calverse, Jamie O’Hara
and Shirlee McKenna - Congratulations. Partial
Hospitalization: Barrie Jacobsen’s son, Matt, moved
to Hollywood working for Bravo as a post production
assistant. Presurgical Testing: Good luck to Joseph,
son of Maria Rubino, who deployed to Iraq with the
U.S. Army. PST celebrated the Voyage to Excellence
with a Lido Deck Party. Tropical food was enjoyed,
and our manager, Patty Zarb, was enthusiastic and
motivated in her “sailor suit,” and shared her
experience in Florida at the Baptist Hospital. House
Staff: Congratulations to Dennis Ryker, who was
named Chief of the Physician Assistants in the
Intensivist Program. Laboratory: Fran & her band “T
Bone & Franny Mae” will be playing at Mather’s
employee picnic in September!!
In Memoriam
The Mather Hospital family mourns the passing
of Betty Fuhrmann, who served more than 20,000
hours as a volunteer since 1965. We also extend
our deepest sympathies to the families of Doris
Mario, who began volunteering in 1967 (7,000
hours); Dorothy Griswold, who had been a
volunteer since 1987 (3,000 hours); and Matt
Zitto, a member of the Auxiliary since 2000 (3,000
hours). Their dedication to this community will
long be remembered.
11
Victory Day
(l to r): Associate Director of
Imaging Services Dr. Louis
Amblard, Director of Surgical
Services Karen Tuzzolo, RN,
Imaging Systems Administrator
Jeanine Genco, Imaging
Systems Specialist Marie
Laudisio, Senator LaValle,
Mather Hospital Board Chairman
Kenneth A. Jacoppi, Mather
Hospital President Kenneth
Roberts
State Senator LaValle presents $300K for
State-of-Art Imaging Systems
New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle recently arranged for John T. Mather Memorial Hospital to receive
$300,000 to upgrade its operating rooms’ imaging system from film to high definition digital display. The new
system provides surgeons with immediate access to images (x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, etc.) and with greater
detail than traditional film. The funding has also made it possible to upgrade the hospital’s EKG system from
traditional paper print-out to an internet accessible system that displays results digitally on screen. The combined
benefits of these state-of-the-art upgrades provide superior diagnostic capabilities for Mather physicians.
Assemblymen Alessi
and Englebright
Support
Mather’s
New Digital
Mammography
New York State Assemblymen
Marc Alessi and Steve Englebright
recently arranged for Mather to
receive $150,000 to support the
purchase of its new digital
mammography unit for the
(l to r): New York State Assemblymen Marc Alessi and Steve Englebright,
Fortunato Breast Health Center.
Mather Hospital benefactor Judith Fortunato, Mather Board Chairman Kenneth
The new digital unit captures
A. Jacoppi
dramatically detailed diagnostic
images in high definition (HD), thereby providing the Breast Center’s two exclusively dedicated
mammography physicians with images that are remarkably clear and incredibly valuable when making a
diagnosis.
Allstate Supports Fortunato Breast Health Center/
Motorcycle Run
Allstate Insurance Company presented
Mather Hospital with a check for $5,000 in
support of the hospital’s Fortunato Breast
Health Center and Sticky Finger Motorcycle
Run. On July 13, hundreds of Long Island
bikers hit the highway for the 2nd annual
motorcycle event, which raised funds for the
Breast Center.
Allstate Corporate Relations Manager Krista
Conte (left) presents a check for $5,000 to
Mather Hospital’s Fortunato Breast Health
Center. Seated on bike are WBAB afternoon
radio host “Fingers” and Fortunato Breast
Health Center Director Eileen Swieczkowski, RN.
12
Celebrating the Champions
On Saturday,
September 20,
renowned cancer
researcher Dr.
Diane Esposito,
pioneering
psycho-oncologist
Marlena Vega,
PhD., and breast
cancer survivor
Marlena Vega, PhD.
Jeannine
Grantham will be
guest speakers at
the 12th Annual
Breast Cancer
Victory Day at
Mather Hospital.
Victory Day
celebrates the
triumph of those
who already have Dr. Diane Esposito
beaten breast
cancer, and offers
their example as
inspiration to
those whose fight
continues or is
just beginning.
More than 800
breast cancer
survivors, family
Jeannine Grantham
members and
friends are
expected to take part in the
celebration.
Dr. Esposito is a researcher at Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Dr. Vega is a third generation breast
cancer survivor and one of the nation’s
foremost experts on survivorship.
Sponsored by the Mather-St.
Charles Health Alliance, Marsha &
Henry Laufer and Astoria Federal
Savings, Victory Day is the
largest non-fundraising
breast cancer
awareness gathering on
Long Island. Victory
Day will take place from
12 noon until 2:30 p.m.
To register or for
updated information on
Breast Cancer Victory
Day, call 631-474-6030
or visit www.mather
hospital.org/victory.
This memorable
event is free to all.