AHAA 03-12 - Arkansas Hospital Association

March/April 2012
AHAA Board PRESIDENT Dear Volunteer Friends,
“If you find in your heart to care for somebody else,
you will have succeeded.”
To expound on this quote of Maya Angelou ….let me congratulate you on
your SUCCESS. Volunteers are some of the most caring people that I have
ever known, and it truly does come from the heart. I want to encourage your
continued success in the following areas:
Lynn Smith
Medical Center of South AR
250 Forest Lake Dr.
El Dorado, AR 71730
(870) 864-0473
[email protected]
PRESIDENT ELECT Sharon Huffmire
Baxter Regional Medical Center
287 Howard Creek Road
Midway, AR 72651
(870)656-4775
[email protected] PRESIDENT Success in Advocacy Please, please, get signed up on voterVOICE and
be an advocate on issues brought to your attention by updates or from
legislative chairs in your auxiliary or at the district or state level. It is urgent
that you write, call or email your congressmen when these issues are
brought to your attention. Your voice on these issues is vital to the
SUCCESS of AHA and your hospital.
Success in Recruitment/Retention Congratulations on your new
members! But don’t stop once they join your auxiliary, be attentive to keep
them. Involve your new recruits not only at the work station, but on
committees, that will groom them to hold offices in your auxiliary.
Remember to identify their gifts and encourage them to become more and
more involved in your auxiliary.
Success in Leadership It has been said that leadership is a role, not a
position. Thank you for taking on the extra role as a leader in your auxiliary.
By doing so, you have made a commitment to give more of yourself with the
expectation that your efforts will make a difference. Learn all you can about
your auxiliary and how to become a good leader. These topics and more
will be address on June 20 at our Leadership Conference to be held in Little
Rock. I encourage all leaders or those considering taking on leadership
roles to make plans to attend. Hope to see you there!
Thanks for ALL you do!
“Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and
believe in, and it will come naturally.” ~David Frost
Lynn Smith
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Darlene Tuohy
Mercy Medical Center
17 Tanyard Dr.
Bella Vista, AR 72715
(479) 855-8720
[email protected]
SECRETARY Shirley Walters
St. Edward Mercy Med. Center
P.O. Box 1876
Greenwood, AR 72936
(479) 996-4520
[email protected]
TREASURER Sharon Sly
Siloam Springs Memorial
56167 CR 660
Colcord, OK 74338
(918) 597-3202
[email protected]
NEWSLETTER EDITOR Shirley VanHorn
Washington Regional Med. Center
11879 Red Oak Dr.
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479)200-3958
[email protected]
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Mary J. Frauenhoff
Summit Medical Center
107 Elfen Glen St.
Van Buren, AR 72956
(479)474-6306/479-414-6196(cell)
[email protected]
District Meetings
I would like to personally thank the following auxiliaries for hosting the upcoming AHAA 2012 Spring
District Meetings.
Sharon and I look forward to traveling to your area and spending time with your auxiliary as well as other
volunteers in your district. Listed below are dates and locations for the district meetings.
April 9th
Metropolitan
Saline Memorial Hospital – Benton
April 10th
Southeast
Chicot Memorial Hospital – Lake Village
April 11th
Southwest
Magnolia Regional Medical Center – Magnolia
April 16th
Northwest
Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital – Siloam Springs
April 17th
Valley
Chambers Memorial Hospital – Danville
April 18th
North Central
Harris Hospital – Newport
April 19th
Northeast
SMC Regional Medical Center – Osceola
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. We hope to see you there!
Lynn Smith
AHAA President
Fall 2012 District Meetings
October 22nd
Northwest
Washington Regional Medical Center - Fayetteville
October 23rd
Valley
Johnson Regional Medical Center - Clarksville
October 24th
Metropolitan
UAMS Medical Center - Little Rock
October 25th
North Central
Ozark Health Medical Center - Clinton
October 29th
Southwest
Hot Springs County Medical Center - Malvern
October 30th
Southeast
Delta Memorial Hospital - Dumas
October 31st
Northeast
St. Bernard’s Medical Center - Jonesboro
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MEDIC ALERT UPDATE
By Sharon Huffmire, AHAA President-elect
Those of you who have registered with MedicAlert should have received new brochures. For those of you
who have received the new brochures please note that MedicAlert is no longer using the AAX numbers
you received when you first registered. They now have a space on the application where you fill in the
name of the hospital that provided the application. If you choose to phone in your registration to the
Customer Service department you will be asked how you heard about MedicAlert and your hospital will
be credited for the leads in that aspect.
If you have NOT registered with MedicAlert you will NOT receive any literature as it is only sent to those
auxiliaries who have enrolled in the program. The Arkansas Ambassador Program currently has 30 out of
61 hospitals enrolled in MedicAlert. It is my goal to have all 61 of our auxiliaries enrolled in the program
by October of this year. I am working on a special award to be given to each Ambassador at the 2012
convention if I can get ALL 61 auxiliaries enrolled by then.
Don’t be last…call now! Our MedicAlert contacts; Ginger Smith, Melanie Ripley, or Chris Dunne can be
reached at 1-800-432-5378. Call today and enroll your hospital! If I can be of assistance, please feel free
to call me at 870-656-4775 or email me at [email protected].
I encourage each of you to get on board with MedicAlert!
In Loving Memory
Metropolitan:
Baptist Health Medical Center, NLR
Ruth Webb
Myrtle Alice Scarborough
St. Vincent’s Morrilton
Jewell Carr
Valley:
Summit Medical Center
Diane Runion
Glen Briley
Southwest:
Ouachita County Medical Center
Sue Stover
Cosby Taunton
North Central:
Baxter Regional Medical Center
Delores Leibly
Northwest:
Mercy Medical Center
Grace F. Hill
Mercy Hospital Berryville
Catherine Stines
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2012 AHAA Forms
I am both pleased and excited to announce another “first” for AHAA. All 2012 AHAA Forms are online for
your convenience. Special thanks to Peg Kuhnly and Melissa Williamson for making needed changes on
2012 forms. Additional thanks to Amber Estrada of AHA for putting the forms on our link of the AHA
website. You can view them much like you do the AHAA Newsletter, but instead of clicking on a date,
click OTHER.
Your direct link to the 2012 AHAA forms is: http://www.arkhospitals.org/publications/ahaa-auxiliaries/ahaa
-additional-resources.
By now your District Chairs have probably held presidents meetings to review a few changes in the 2012
forms. I feel sure that you were given copies of current forms at that meeting. If, for some reason, you
need additional forms just go to the website mentioned above and print them for yourself. This should be
very helpful to all auxiliary presidents as well as the district chairs.
Now that the forms are available be sure to mark your calendar to make all the deadlines.
Thank you in advance for getting the forms to the proper person in a timely manner. This information is so
important for our record keeping. I also want to encourage you to complete the Five Star Award of
Excellence Forms. I believe ALL our auxiliaries are FIVE STAR; it is just a matter of getting it down on
paper. Please know that I am available to help you in any way with your forms. I encourage you to
consider the forms a challenge not a chore.
Thanks for ALL you do!
Lynn Smith
AHAA President
AHAA Legislative Alert!
If you are registered with voterVOICE, be sure to check your email regularly for Legislative Updates or
Alerts. Our message to State and Federal Legislators is:
PLEASE REJECT ANY PROPOSALS TO CUT PAYMENTS FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES!
Use voterVOICE to send this message to your legislators. If you are not registered for voterVOICE,
please do so:
voterVOICE - submit on line:
1. Go to AHA homepage at www.arkhospitals.org
2. Click on "Legislative/Regulatory"
3. Click on "VoterVOICE/Grassroots"
4. Register your name and e-mail address.
The state motto for Arkansas is "Regnat Populus" meaning "the people rule". This is only possible when
we voice our opinion to our elected officials.
Theda Aud, AHAA Legislative Chair 2011-2012
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METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
Beth A Nelson, District Chair
Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Submitted by: Holly S. Barron
The Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary has been very busy over the past few months. Our oldest
fundraiser, Holiday Cards raised $52,000. Thanks to Lila Niswanger, the chair, and all the volunteers
who worked on the project. The sixth annual Miracle Ball bedazzled all in attendance.
Congratulations to Ginger and Thomas Blackmon, Miracle Ball chairs, for leading the project, which
raised $500,000. What amazing successes for both projects! Playaway Gift Shop hosted an Open
House in November that was attended by more than 100 volunteers. Guests shopped for holiday
treats and honored the Holiday Card artists at a reception in the hospital lobby. Now that we have
had a chance to exhale, 2012 brings two additional projects. GG Millard will chair Arkansas a la
Carte, scheduled for April 12 in a NEW location. We are also introducing a completely new project,
Kampaign for Kids. This corporate giving campaign will be chaired by Susan Reynolds.
Important Dates to Remember
March 12, 2012, Campaign for Kids Wrap Up, home of Susan Reynolds
April 2, 2012, Star Achiever Graduation, Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
April 12, 2012, Arkansas a la Carte, Children’s Hall, ACH
April 17, 2012, Auxiliary Meeting, home of Terry Quinn
May 15, 2012, Auxiliary Meeting, home of Tracy Yuan
Thomas and Ginger Blackmon, chairs of Miracle Ball, enjoyed the festivities with Dr. Jonathan
Bates, president and CEO of ACH, and his wife, Sally.
Baptist Health Medical Center-NLR Auxiliary
Submitted by: Linda Scott, Volunteer Coordinator
The election of officers for 2012-2013 will took place at the March Auxiliary Meeting. Meteorologist
Ned Perme from KATV, Channel 7 was the special guest speaker. The Auxiliary Board voted in the
March meeting to reinstate the Mentoring program for new volunteers. Each new volunteer will be
assigned a mentor to help become familiar with the workings of the auxiliary and to introduce them
at the next auxiliary meeting.
The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon will be held during National Volunteer Week in April.
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St Vincent Morrilton
Submitted By: Delores Hartman
The Blessing & Open House of the newly renovated Main Lobby and Gift Shop was held and we had a
group of our members in attendance plus numerous community guests.
Now that our Front Lobby and Gift Shop renovations are complete we have been very busy setting up
and reopening. We are proud of all the enhancements the crew from St. Vincent accomplished and it
looks great. To date our auxiliary donated $25,000 toward this project.
We held a pre-opening sale in the grill area and it was very successful. Cookies and candy made by our
members for Valentine's Day were also sold and that was a big hit. We will host a Handbag and Jewelry
sale soon.
Mayor Stewart Nelson, Judge Jimmy Hart, Fr. Charles Thessing, Delores Hartman, Tom Fitz, Charles
Penick, Whitney Snipes
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Northeast
Shirley Grady, District Chair
SMC Regional Medical Center Osceola
Submitted by Dorothy Crockett, Secretary
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 Bancorp South partnered with the Osceola Senior Citizens Center and the
Hospital Auxiliary “Pink Ladies” from The South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center to lift the
spirits of the patients located in the hospital. Employees of Bancorp South and members of the Senior
Citizens created the comfort bags which consisted of a pillow, a writing tablet, a pencil and snacks. The
members of the Auxiliary delivered the bags to the patients.
The SMC Regional Medical Center- The Auxiliary held a “Sweets for the Sweet” Valentine sale with the
proceeds to benefit their Scholarship Program.
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Betty Evans began serving her community as a member of the Osceola Hospital Auxiliary in 1989. Many
things have changed since that date, even the name of our hospital but Betty’s beautiful smile and sweet
spirit has remained the same!
Arkansas Methodist Medical Center
Submitted by: Pat Dowdy, President
AMMC Auxiliary has not been totally idle during the cold, winter months. We had two great meetings in
Jan. & Feb. where we learned about a new business in town and a local organization. We voted to
purchase a pigg-o-stat machine, 2 sleeper couches, an ice machine, headset for switchboard operator,
and Period of Purple Crying videos for the hospital.
We had a successful jewelry sale with Jewelry Express in February. Now it is time to begin preparing for
the candy stripers that will work this summer, get out information about scholarships and look forward
to the spring district meeting.
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NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital-Jonesboro
Submitted by Dara Jett, Newsletter Editor
We have been so busy the last few months here at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. After our
Ladies returned from the AHAA State Convention in Little Rock, we jumped right into our Family Fest Day
and then headed to Piggott for a wonderful NEA District Fall Meeting. The Ladies at Piggott did an
outstanding job putting a great meeting together. Our Thanks go out to them!
We had our Thanksgiving Bake Sale and Thanksgiving basket raffle in November. As usual, there was a
great turn out. Our Nurses and Doctors love our good, home baked goodies. One of our Auxilians donated
a large jar of shelled pecan halves that we sold chances for a dollar; everyone was very excited about
those pecans!
We hosted our first Jewelry Sale in December and were pleased with the outcome! Our Ladies made the
traditional stockings for the newborn December babies. Each newborn in December is presented to their
parents in a stocking! We invited Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to come to the Hospital this year and visit each
patient as we passed out little Christmas goodies. It was a pleasure to see the smiles on even the “big
kid’s” faces when Santa walked into their room!
One of our Auxilians, Dorothy Jean Barton, was recognized by our local paper (Jonesboro Sun) as an
“Unsung Hero” and a wonderful article was written about her. Mrs. Barton has worked as a Volunteer at
our Hospital since 1982 and has worked more than 24,000 hours. We are very proud of her.
We are also working with the American Red Cross and assisting them in their blood drives. We check
donors in and work the “canteen” for them. It has been a great thing for both of us!
Our new Hospital is really coming along. We have put a new computer system in our Gift Shop in
preparation for our move. We are all getting very excited about the new Hospital and what it will bring to
our community.
Dorothy Jean Barton with Christmas Baby! Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus with Margaret Ratliff and Avo Webb.
Everyone here is looking forward to the Spring District meeting in April!
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NORTH CENTRAL DISTRICT
Janet Mruk, District Chair
Baptist Health Medical Center Heber Springs Auxiliary
Submitted by Vickie Bryant, President, BHMCHS Auxiliary
Baptist Health Medical Center Heber Springs Auxiliary did not let a little winter weather dampen the efforts of our
first fundraiser for the year - a Bake Sale was held February 13th and 14th at the hospital with awesome results.
This annual event is always well supported by the hospital staff and the community. On Valentine’s Day, auxiliary
members distributed valentines from children at local churches to the patients in the hospital. The community
partnership between the church children and the auxiliary is a wonderful example of bringing the community
together to care for the sick. On February 1st, our auxiliary began a new service for patients in rehabilitation beds
in the hospital. Working with the BHMC-HS Occupational Therapist, auxiliary members visit with swing bed
(rehabilitation) patients to offer an occupational therapy related activity. For some patients this means board
games, card games or a craft like activity, while for other patients it is reading, journaling or even simple
conversation. Some visits turn into walks in the courtyard garden or along the sidewalk parameter of the hospital.
The activity is intended to offer the patient social interaction and stimulation during their long rehabilitative hospital
stay. Our on-going effort to support the Senior Wellness Program at our local Senior Center continues. Auxiliary
members assist the BHMC-HS Senior Wellness Center Nurse by coordinating registration, promoting health
services, and maintaining medical records for the seniors. Our auxiliary will host the North Central District
President’s meeting on March 16. We look forward to the meeting, as our District Chair brings the latest
information from AHAA. Plans are underway by DVS Holly Langster to recognize the volunteers during National
Volunteer Week, April 15-21. Other special events planned for the March/April timeframe are assisting with the
Red Cross Blood Drive, a Look Good Feel Better session, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter cards for hospital patients,
Recognition for Doctor’s Day, Pictures with the Easter Bunny, and a Uniform Sale. The Baptist Health Medical
Center – Heber Springs Auxiliary continues to give “all our Best” to the patients, employees, and community
served by Baptist Health.
Baxter Regional Medical Center
Submitted By: Jill Chandler
Fundraisers:
January – Electronics
February – Masquerade Jewelry
March – Uniforms
Number of New Auxiliary Members: since State Convention Nov. through Feb. 24
Our Auxiliary has given $5,000.00 toward the Mobile Mammography Unit. We have pledged for this year
$200,000.00 toward the purchase of a UROSKOP Omni/Cystoscope, a Flat Detector based X-ray System for
Urological Diagnosis and Therapy to be used in the hospital. The Uroskop Omnia offers exceptional image quality
and resolution X-ray. It takes only one shot to cover the entire KUB tract and still see the details. With this machine
taking less time, giving a better view, offering improved care with less dose and reduced cost as no cassettes or
film is needed. It is used for urology, laparoscopic procedures, urologic pediatric procedures, and endoscopic and
ultrasound. In other words it's a true work horse for the hospital.
We attended and manned a booth at the Community Volunteer Fair held are the local Library to promote
recruitment and promote the AHAA State projects.
The Auxiliary is planning their 50th Anniversary Celebration that will be held during our Annual Volunteer
Appreciation Banquet on May 1st. Invitations will be going out soon.
We hold a Volunteer Appreciation breakfast every two months.
Our President and CEO or the Hospital, Mr. Ron Peterson held a Volunteer Forum which over one hundred
volunteers attended.
In the February General Meeting the slate of officers were presented by the selection committee.
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White County Medical Center
Submitted By: Jamie Laughlin
The WCMC Auxiliary has been blessed by the additions of several new members while celebrating the
memory of our lost loved ones: Pat Shourd and Mary Woodle. Each of these women gave thousands of
hours to our organization.
Our Auxiliary has pledged $50,000 towards the purchase of the daVinci Robotics System. A first
installment of $10,000 was donated at the Christmas Potluck. We were also able to assist in the purchase
of a blanket warmer for the Cancer Center of Excellence. We raised $1250.00 at our Craft and Bake Sale.
February 29th marked the onset of a new Auxiliary fellowship opportunity. Auxilians will meet for breakfast
once per month on a rotating schedule to allow each member to participate. Breakfast schedule
bookmarks were distributed with the newsletter.
We are excited to attend the Spring District Meeting hosted by our dear friends at Harris Hospital.
White County Medical Center welcomed 3 new members to the family at the February meeting. Lorraine
and Sam Lloyd; Florence LaPore
Ozark Health Medical Center
Submitted By: Helen Dobbins
Our Ozark Health auxiliary is starting a new community outreach program this year called Friends and
Family/CPR. This program has been approved by the hospital and nursing center administration and is
free to anyone who wishes to take it. CPR is easy to learn and easy to do, anyone can learn it and
because CPR can save lives, ideally everyone will learn it. The dynamic Family and Friends CPR course
is designed to teach small groups of non-medical rescuers the basics of CPR. This program uses the
research-based practice-while-watching format to teach skills in CPR, AED use, and relief of choking in
adults, children and infants. Adult, child and infant skills are presented in three separate modules for
added flexibility.
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This fast course is taught by American Heart Association instructors but can be led by facilitators such as
community members, family members or friends who wish to help pass on lifesaving CPR skills. Each class
takes approx. 2 hrs. depending on the size of the class; we can accept no more than 8 students due to the
equipment available. Each student will receive a participation card at the completion of the course. Classes
are scheduled to be held at the Volex building, the first class will be on March 28 at 9am To sign up for a class
or for more information call Helen Dobbins RN at 745-5322, you must be registered to attend the class. If you
have a larger group that wishes to attend we can make special arrangements. Our goal is to help more people
to learn lifesaving skills; no prior medical experience is needed.
Stone County Medical Center
Submitted by: Hannah M. Dyke, Newsletter Editor
The gift shop shows continued success, thanks to our dedicated coordinator and volunteers. Our fundraiser
committee has submitted ideas (huge yard sale during Folk Festival this April, followed by a handbag
auction).
Visits on the patient floor have been incorporated into our schedule after meeting with nursing staff
concerning patients’ needs.
At our February meeting, it was decided to deliver to each patient a Valentine’s rosebud and card. Also at our
meeting, we honored one of our members with a birthday party – she’s 95 years “young” and recently
received her 2,000 hour pen!
Southeast
Nedra White, District Chair
Chicot Memorial Medical Center
Submitted by Dean Ann Smith, Publicity Chairman
JANUARY - Dr. Mary Henderson delivered the first baby of 2012 on the afternoon of January 1st. Dr.
Henderson said that the new mothers love the new little caps and blankets given to the newborns. These
caps and blankets are knitted and crocheted by auxilians and friends. We welcomed back Kelly Clark as
Nurse Practitioner at the Lake Village Clinic by presenting him with a basket of goodies. We would also like to
welcome two prospective members to the auxiliary - Maria Gendernalik and Lillian Sims. We presented a leaf
to go on the Tree of Life to Sara Burnside, recording secretary, in memory of her husband. Also, it was
reported that three new leaves have been ordered.
FEBRUARY - On February 1st, Sonia DeRamos and Joyce Creel furnished cupcakes for the AHEC Baby
Shower. The Valentine Candy Sale for 2012 was a great success. Members of the auxiliary prepared the
candy and it was packed in pretty boxes with a heart by these ladies pictured in the photo attached: From left,
Betty Shuler, Wanda Jordan, Claudia Chumley, Dot Noyes, Addie Rutherford, Sara Burnside, Barbara Harris,
and seated - Catherine Haverkamp, and the photographer, Joyce Creel. Approximately 94 boxes of candy
and 100 valentine baskets were sold. Great job Pink Ladies! Turner Snax, in McGehee, has agreed to donate
soft drinks for use in our Valentine Gift Baskets.
Our blood drive on Feb. 2nd, co-sponsored by Dee's Florist, brought in 11 units of blood.
MARCH - Plans are being made for Doctor's Day on March 25th and our next Jewelry Sale is scheduled for
March 15th. On March 29th & 30th is the Scrub Sale. Also, on March 29th, is another blood drive, cosponsored by Barbara's Nails of Lake Village. Scholarship applications will be available on March 1st and we
will vote on these at the April meeting.
APRIL - We are gearing up for the April 10th Spring District Meeting to be held in Lake Village. Plans, so far,
are right on schedule.
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Delta Memorial Hospital – Dumas
Submitted by Jerilean Brewer, Newsletter Editor
DMHA Begins Beautification Projects
The Delta Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is gearing up for Spring at the hospital by beginning a beautification
project of the hospital grounds and the gift shop. As Spring is just around the corner, auxiliary members are
committed to enhancing the main entrance to the hospital by adding shrubbery and seasonal flowers. The
auxiliary has voted to donate $1,000.00 to the project which is scheduled to begin in March. To increase space
in the gift shop, Shirley Teeter, overseer of the shop and also the merchandise buyer, will supervise the work
which will include removal of shelves to be replaced by slat board displays. This work will be completed by the
last of March.
DMHA Host Valentine Party
Members of the Delta Memorial Hospital Auxiliary played host to the Dumas Assisted Living residents on
Valentine's Day. The residents were treated to sing-along love songs lead by Carolyn Porter, Donnie Holley
and Diane Fisher. Adding a bit of sparkle to the dining hall setting was the beautifully decorated valentine
themed tables provided by Jo Adams and the delicious cookies, cupcakes and punch provided by Carrie
Alexander, Diane Fisher and Bobbie Thomas.
Adding a bit of fun to the party was the playing of bingo using words associated with valentine which was
orchestrated by Jeri Brewer. Winners were given gifts consisting of bubble bath, kleenex tissues, find-a-word
puzzle books, and one dollar bills.
Pictured from left to right on front row are: Diane Fisher, Joyce Smith, Donnie Holley, C orky Bradshaw and
Bobbie Thomas. Back row are: Jeri Breer, Hattie Watts, Claudine Racy, Bonnie McFalls, Earnestine Jenkins,
Carrie Alexander, Maedene Weser, and Trudy Moyers, Director of the Assisted Living facility.
Drew Memorial Hospital
Submitted by: Sheilla Lampkin
Greetings!! February is here at last and with it comes the promise of spring. Even the daffodils are peeking up
from beneath the ground and will soon be blooming if this weather continues. Let’s just hope we have seen the
worst of winter!
I must begin this issue with great news! Saturday, January 21, I ran into two Auxilians we haven’t seen in a
while. First, I visited with Lucylle Wherry who was visiting in Monticello with sisters Barbara Miles and Myrtis
Willis. Lucylle looks great and said she felt great. She is still staying with her daughter in McGehee and
regaining her strength. Lucylle says she plans to return home to Monticello soon.
I also saw our much-missed Joyce Smith at Cleo Young’s birthday party. Her husband accompanied her.
Joyce looks well and happy and just as pleasant and friendly as can be. She said to tell all “Hello”.
I know we are all saddened to learn that Bob and Bertha Weih are leaving us to move near family in
Connecticut. While we understand their reasoning, we will miss them and all their contributions to the Auxiliary
and to our community at large. They leave with our gratitude and a piece of our hearts. Hopefully they may get
back to visit some day. At any rate we wish all the best to two of the best. Vaya con dios, amigos! Know you
will be missed!
I missed the January birthdays, so we wish Bob Weih a belated Happy Birthday! February birthday members
are Marion Horton (28), Clydine Jones (13), Mary Mitchell (12) and Shirley Wilson (21). Happy Birthday,
ladies!! Many, many more to all of you!!
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SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
Dorothy Berley, District Chair
Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia
Submitted by: Emilie Prescott, Secretary
Looking back---a Red Cross Blood Drive was conducted on January 23rd with help from our auxiliary.
The next one is scheduled in March, 2012.
February was a very busy month for our auxiliary: Our very 1st Chamber of Commerce Community
Coffee was held on February 8th in the hospital lobby. It was well attended by local citizens and a
number of our wonderful hospital employees. We joined the Chamber of Commerce in October, 2010.
At our hospital on February 9th, Southwest District Chair Dorothy Berley conducted an important and
informative meeting of Southwest District Presidents. Nine (9) members from area hospitals attended.
Our 3rd annual Valentine’s Day Bake Sale was held in the hospital lobby on February 14th. Net sales
were close to $400.00 to be used for our scholarship fund. Our two Gift shop ladies, Mary Ratliff and
Vivian Herbert, have been busy putting away Valentine’s Day items and are displaying new
merchandise for spring and Easter. They attended the wreath-making classes on February 20th at
Malvern.
Looking forward---we hope to have several of our auxilians attending the Southwest District meeting in
Magnolia on April 11th. A reminder to all of us: National volunteer Week---April 15-21, 2012. Our Spring
Shoppers Expo has been scheduled for April 26th. This has proved to be very beneficial for our
employees and local shoppers. A lot of fun!
Our most exciting news! We have two (2) new members: Megan Reed and Belva Hipps.
Medical Center of South Arkansas
Submitted by: Lynn Smith
Love is in the air and flowing out of our gift shop one sale at a time. MCSA Auxiliary hosted a very
successful 4th Annual Valentine Sale last week. Thanks to the wonderful support of hospital staff,
sales were in excess of $1800 for our 10 hour sale. This is the first year we held a pre Valentine Sale;
it is usually on Valentine’s Day. We think this will work out even better. Now we have another week to
sell the remaining items to our last minute shoppers. A special thanks to our own, Donna Wren for all
the gift baskets she made up with beautiful red bows.
Uniform Shop staffers have been super busy helping employees get new uniforms by the February 1
deadline. Each department was asked to choose a specific color for their work area. Special discounts
(above the daily 20%) were offered to offset this expense for employees.
Our CEO, Kyle Swift, spoke to Kiwanis Club this week. A recap of his speech was in our local
newspaper. We feel special that he really bragged on our Auxiliary, the hours we volunteer, and money
donated for our scholarship program each year. It’s so good to be appreciated!
Ouachita County Medical Center – Camden
Submitted By: Daphne Bennett, Newsletter Editor
Valentine balloons were delivered to one of our local nursing homes. Our gift shop sales for February
13 and 14 were $4,595.42. Of this, $734.30 was sold during a three-hour period from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
on February 13.We lost two members in death—Sue Stover, a very active volunteer, and Cosby
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Taunton, an honorary member. Two members were added in January, April will be a busy month—the
District meeting in Magnolia and for two fundraiser our annual bake sale and a scrub sale.
St Joseph’s Mercy Health Center, Hot Springs
Submitted By: Peg Kuhnly
Our Director of Volunteer Services, Susan Rima has been very busy the last two months providing In
Service training to more than 300 auxiliary members. She has broken the sessions into groups who work
in the same areas giving us a chance to exchange information about the tasks in that area and also get to
know some of the people who work “with us”. In a large auxiliary, we seem to get to know only those
auxiliary members who work on the same day we do, so this has been a lot of work for Susan but very
helpful to all of us.
The buyers have been to market! That seems to be all we need to say and the employees are on their
way to the gift shop. Valentine’s Day was great and now that we have some of the new spring baby
clothes and new purses and jewelry out we are very busy.
We will be part of the month long events getting ready for the name change of our hospital. St Joseph’s
has been part of the history of Hot Springs for over 100 years so it will be a difficult transition to Mercy
Hospital Hot Springs (I think this is the last we have heard, but are waiting for the official word). We are
looking at new name badges, new logos, new signs in front of the hospital and around town and new
greetings as we answer the phones and greet patients and visitors. It should be an interesting time for
one and all.
Hot Springs County Medical Center
Vickie Shuff hosted wreath making class on February 20. Auxilians from Camden, Arkadelphia, El
Dorado, Magnolia and Camden attended the meeting. Pictured below on front row: Ashlyn Pierce, Susan
Rima, Lucy Ray
Standing: Vickie Shuff, Betty Jackson, Irene Bass, Dorothy Berley, Beatrice James, Mary Ratliff, Vivian
Herbert, Lynn Smith, Donna Lowery, Evelyn Fuller.
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NORTHWEST DISTRICT
Margaret Underwood, District Chair
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center
Submitted by: Carol Evans Auxiliary President.
It is the New Year since I last sent a newsletter.
I hope all is well with each of you. We had a wonderful Northwest District Presidents meeting with
Margaret in Eureka Springs in January. It is always nice to have the information you are going to need in
a timely manner. We now have our new slate of officers; yes it is that time of year.
Our Finance Steering Committee recommendations were approved at the February meeting for
equipment for the Hospital in the amount of $43,960.70.
What a blessing it is that we are able to get up each morning and do a job that helps provide needed
equipment to different departments of the Hospital to help the growing population of Harrison. God is
Good!
Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary, Rogers, AR.
Submitted by : Carolyn P. Scott, President-Elect
The groundhog saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter but if this is winter...we'll take it!
We're so thankful that this is not the winter of last year. Why, the trees are actually budding and daffodils
have bloomed in some yards. Trust me, though; we're still keeping a skeptical eye on the weather.
The spring-like aura has found us busy with plans and implementation of several fundraisers. Most
successful has been our uniform sales. We recently recognized a profit of over $2100 in our first uniform
sale of the year. It was our best ever! Another opportunity has been our Gift Shop floral arrangements.
We've been blessed in changing vendors and are now realizing an increase in our profit margins over the
last year.
In our last newsletter, I shared that our Gift Shop was about to undergo a renovation but due to cost
factors, the job has yet to begin. However, with critical eyes and cost-effective minds, the job is about to
begin and within a financial range more amenable to our needs and pocketbooks. During the
construction, our Gift Shop hours will be reduced to six hours per day and relocated to a temporary
location but just wait...the final result will be worth the slight inconvenience.
The MAX, our re-shop thrift shop, has just started a Prom Consignment Sale in anticipation of high school
proms. The public response has been terrific with a room totally dedicated to the formal dresses and
accessories arriving daily.
The arrival of 91 new babies is keeping our Knit, Stitch & Baby Cap Committee quite busy. This
committee also has made 8 Prayer Shawls for cancer patients and 25 pillows for breast surgery patients.
Oh, the blessings our patients gain from these items! Finally, our Mercy Chaplains have begun to
distribute Beanie Bears, with embroidered crosses on their colorful chests, to children having surgical
procedures. Their little smiles let us know that ours is truly a Work of Mercy.
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Northwest Medical Center Springdale
Submitted by: DorothyRae Bien, President
A New Year and summer weather in February. That is good as our Thrift Shop has been so busy and
had sold out of winter garments by mid-December. Not complaining and grateful to all the volunteers
who stepped up to gather and get donations from their friends and neighbors. Our volunteers at the Thrift
Shop have worked many hours and have been very successful at keeping the store stocked and well
displayed.
Our Gift Shop has also been very busy and gave a 20% discount on different items each day during
December which generated lots of traffic.
Along with the proceeds from the above and our jewelry sales, scrub sales and book sales we were
delighted to be able to give over $97,000.00 in contributions to our area.
Some of these included Santa Cop, Circle of Life, Black Stallion, Jones Center, Rebuilding together,
Lifeline and Scholarships.
Our Christmas party was a great potluck and the highlight was the presentation of a handmade quilt
featuring individual blocks made by each of the volunteers and presented to Lesa Tucker. Lesa is our
tireless, greatly appreciated volunteer coordinator. . The hospital gave all the staff and volunteers a
delicious Christmas lunch to further expand our waistlines. Our tree lighting was honored to have the
high school volunteer Renaissance group perform. They are an amazing group of students who give of
their time after school for rehearsals and performances.
We are looking forward to the start of the hospital expansion in March. Our entrance will be on 71
business beside the new emergency room entrance. This has been a long awaited project.
Washington Regional Medical Center Auxiliary
Submitted by: Jimmie Beauchamp, Director of Volunteer Services
The Auxiliary made profits in the following fundraising areas during the months of December 2011 and
January 2012: Gift shop $19,207, Flowers & Balloons $1,837. We hosted the last “lobby” sale in 2011
with Books Are Fun on December 12-13 profiting the Auxiliary $1,803. We hosted a blood drive on
December 8th. No special “lobby” sales were held in January. The Auxiliary made their final payment of
$20,000 towards their $50,000 pledge to the Willard Walker Hospice Home.
Northwest District Presidents’ Meeting
Front: Margaret Underwood, Marge Schoenhefer, Sharon Sly, Anita Spearmen, Nancy Verbitzky, BJ
Johannsen
Back: Carol Evans, Rose Engelken, Diane Winder, DorothyRae Bein, Shirley VanHorn, Judy Overton,
Christy Blackshear, Dan Webb
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MERCY HOSPITAL BERRYVILLE [ST. JOHN’S AUXILIARY-BERRYVILLE (SJAB)]
Submitted by Neta Stamps, SJAB Secretary/Newsletter Editor
It has been very quiet since the first of the year for SJAB – Mother Nature cancelled our February meeting.
On January 31, 2012, the hospital officially became Mercy Hospital Berryville. However the auxiliary board
will not be changing the name of the auxiliary to Mercy. We will continue to be St. John’s AuxiliaryBerryville
Remodeling has begun for the DEXA Bone Density Machine. The auxiliary has presented the hospital with
a check for $35,000.00 and will present the remaining $30,000.00 the next fiscal year.
We also had our Community Blood Drive, February 24, 2012.
COMING ATTRACTIONS!
MARCH 27 – Scrubs Sale
APRIL 5 – Pre-Easter Bake Sale
APRIL 16 – Northwest District Meeting will be held in Siloam Springs
APRIL 19 - $5.00 Masquerade Jewelry and Accessories Sale
Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who
reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring patience, and
just plain love for one another. - Erma Brombeck
I thank Thee, Lord as a volunteer for the chance to serve another
year. And to give of myself in some small way, to those not blessed as I
each day. My thanks for health and mind and soul, to aid me ever
toward my goal. For eyes to see the good in all, A hand to extend
before a fall. For legs to go where the need is great, learning to love—
forgetting to hate. For ears to hear and heart to care, when someone’s
cross is hard to bear. A smile to show my affection true, with energy
aplenty—the task to do. And all I ask, dear Lord, if I may, is to serve
you better day by day. –A Volunteer’s Prayer
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Valley District
Theresa Erwin, District Chair
SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER-VAN BUREN
Submitted by: Mamie Mann President
On Jan. 26th, we had our first Linen Sale by Sheets Galore. The sale was a success and we anticipate
having a repeat sale sometime in the future.
We were saddened on Jan.9th by the death of Diane Runion. Diane was a strong supporter of the
Auxiliary but was unable to take an active part since the death of her husband two years ago. Since his
death she had resided at Mercy Crest Living Center. Diane was a Past President of the Auxiliary.
The Susan G. Komen Grant was awarded for another year, which is good news for the Hospital and the
community since this grant provides for free Mammograms for the uninsured or the underinsured. Among
the many improvements being made at our Hospital is the addition of Digital Mammography
The Gift Shop had a1/2 price sale on Feb. 23rd to clear out merchandise and make room for new Easter
and other spring items Also on Feb.23rd, following our Monthly Meeting, the Auxiliary hosted a
"Membership Get Acquainted Tea" for prospective members we had two prospective members attend
both the meeting and the Tea. All Auxiliary members wore Red in honor of Women's Health Month.
We will have a Scrub Sale on Mar. 1st & 2nd. This has been a very successful sale in the past, as this
company has a variety of merchandise other than scrubs.
The Patient Advocate Program has been restarted as it was discontinued during the flu season. This
program is not only a help to the patients but also for the Hospital in addressing any complaints or
problems.
Auxiliary members continue to assist with the Monthly AARP Driving Class by greeting the attendees as
they arrive and to escort them to the Class Room,
Five Auxiliary members plan to attend the President's Meeting in Mena on Feb. 28th.
St. Edwards Mercy Medical Center
Submitted By: Shirley Walters
January started off with the Auxiliary presenting the first baby of the New Year gifts. We had a very
successful scrubs sale. We had a wonderful General Meeting on Valentine’s Day at Sisters restaurant.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated in red and white. Each Auxilians was given a red rose and
candy. We had great food and great music. On February 21st 10 of our Auxilians made a bus trip to Little
Rock to attend the session of the Legislature and to visit with our Legislators. We first made a stop and
toured the Governor's mansion and then on to the Capitol for Lunch with our Legislators. They each spoke
to us about things going on in the session and in government. They answered questions. Afterwards we
had pictures made and then attended the session, where we were recognized from the House floor. We
toured the Capitol and had the opportunity to visit briefly with the Governor and have our picture made
with him. Of course no trip is final without at least a quick stop at the mall to shop. Our group brought
cookies, chip and dips, and all sorts of treats to enjoy on the way home. The weather and the day were
perfect and we learned a lot.
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Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center
Submitted by: Evelyn Denton, President
Saint Mary’s Regional Center Auxiliary has started the New Year with 50 volunteers working 1,134 hours
in January and approximately 1000 hours in February.
On February 13th and 14th we initiated a new fund raising project for the purpose of funding the WHALE
program which we began in our hospital in February 2011. We called the project “Balloons and Kisses”.
We filled small plastic bags that had a Valentine design on them with Hershey Kisses, tied them with
ribbon, and attached an inflated Mylar balloon to the bag. We advertised the sale in the hospital with
posters and with hand outs taken to the various nursing stations. We sold the bags in the gift shop and in
admitting for $5 each .We made approximately $400. This project was so successful due to the fact that
our members donated most of the candy and our gift shop donated balloons, ribbon, and the helium to
inflate the balloons. We were delighted with the success of this project.
In March we will be honoring our doctors on Doctor’s Day by placing tray favors on patient’s trays
expressing our appreciation for the doctors who serve in our hospital
In April we will honor our nurses on Nurses Day by donating homemade cookies that will be bagged in
individual bags that are tied with ribbon and have an inspirational note concerning nursing attached to
them. Each nurse will receive a bag of 5 cookies.
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Editorial
By Shirley VanHorn
Thank you all very much for your timely submissions of your articles. I would like to remind everyone
that if at all possible if you could submit your articles for the newsletter as an attachment to your email. This format makes if much easier for me to work with. If anyone has any suggestions for the
newsletter please let me know and I will try my best to use them. The weather has been great lately,
I sure hope it last through March, maybe no ice this year. I will be gone the month of March but will
monitor my e-mail, if anyone needs to contact me.
Newsletter Schedule/Reminder
Issue Date
2012Cutoff Date
Covered Activities
May/June
May 5 2012
Activities for May and Jun
Jul/Aug
Jul 5 2012
Activities for Jul and Aug
Sep/Oct
5 2012
Activities for Sep and Oct
It is highly appreciated if submissions are made electronically via email to
([email protected]) as a Microsoft Word attachment. But, if you absolutely must submit
via snail-mail, please mail early so that I receive it by the cut-off date. Photos using the .jpg
extension may also be submitted – just let me know what event it goes with and, if appropriate,
identify those in the photo. Please do not send photos that you have scanned from a newspaper…
these are too blurry to publish. – Thank you!
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