In this Edition… - Lowell General Hospital

2011 Spring Newsletter
“President’s Message”
Welcome to the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary Spring
Newsletter. Happy Spring!! I can certainly say with enthusiasm
after the long snowy winter we had here in New England. While I
will miss the 15 foot snow banks, I am looking forward to the
beautiful blooming flowers and the warm sunny days ahead.
The winter did have some highlights for the Auxiliary. Many of
us got the year off on the right foot with ‗New Year New You‘ in
January. Several of the area‘s local hair stylists and makeup
artists came out to show us how to get our best look in 2011. We
also had some accessorizing tips from our own gift shop! Thank
you to all who participated.
A cozy evening was had by all as we celebrated our second annual
‗A Winter Affair‘ at the Stonehedge Inn in Tyngsboro. It was a
fabulous evening filled with wine and scotch tastings to keep us
warm, while jazz by the Trude Witham group filled the air.
Beautiful floral arrangements donated by local florists adorned the
room, adding to the ambiance. We all enjoyed scrumptious
dessert samples courtesy of 3-time Taste of the Town winner, I
Dream of Jeanne Cakes. Another fierce competitive putting
contest kept us all entertained as Paul Lambert became our 2- time
champion and graciously donated back the $150 cash prize. A
huge thank you to all who contributed to this very special evening
including Jimmy Young, and our live auction donors MEC
Electrical, Trinity EMS, and Two Chefs are Better than one who
inspired us all to open our pocketbooks in a friendly bidding war.
A sure sign of Spring, ‗Daffodils and Desserts‘ was held March
17, 2011. It was a huge success raising more dollars this year
than ever before for the LGH Cancer Center‘ and American
Cancer Society. Thank you to Pauline Lambert for her leadership
in this annual event and all that volunteered, donated and
contributed.
A Daffodil Tea took place on April 13th to honor the relocation of
the Daffodil Garden of Hope. It was a fun event, with tea
sandwiches, hat contests and more!
Our Annual Meeting is planned for Monday May 23, 2011 at the
newly renovated Vesper Country Club. We will be having a
Maxxinista Fashion show with the latest fashions from the new
Marshalls of Lowell. Stephanie Deitzer of ‗Style at Work‖, will
help us put together the right look, and boost our self confidence
through style. Hope to see you there!
As always, please be sure to check out the gift shop. Even during
construction at the hospital, the gift shop is open with that perfect
little something for just about everyone, including you!
―No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.‖
~Proverb
Tarina Mansur
President, LGH Auxiliary
In this Edition…
President‘s Message
Evolution of the
LGH Auxiliary
A Winter Affair
New Year, New You
Daffodil and Desserts
Daffodil Tea
Gift Shop News
Are You Over Sharing?
The Evolution of the Auxiliary
1951-2011
In 1951, the Women‘s Association of the Lowell General Hospital was established by thirty-three Sponsoring
Founders under the leadership of Mrs. Samuel A. Dibbins, the wife of a surgeon at the hospital. The immediate
purpose of the group was to raise $100,000 to be applied to expenses entailed in furnishing the new Maternity
and Pediatrics Building. From 1951 through 1968, the Women‘s Association, through a Coffee Shop, Gift Shop
and circulating gift cart raised the funds for Maternity and Pediatrics. In 1973, the Women‘s Association
became incorporated; and in 1979, the Women‘s Association became the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary.
Over the past sixty years, the Lowell General Hospital Auxiliary has donated over $3 million to Lowell General
Hospital. From Maternity and Pediatrics, to the Cancer Center, to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, and many
other places, the dedication and generosity of the Auxiliary and its supporters have made a positive impact on
the LGH community. As we celebrate our sixtieth anniversary, the LGH Auxiliary would like to reflect on past
accomplishments, appreciate the leadership and dedication of past board members and longtime volunteers, and
look to our future role in supporting the Lowell General Hospital during a time of growth.
Longtime Auxilian and Past President (1978-80) Evelyn McCartney remembers the Gift Shop when it only sold
―candies and notions.‖ She currently volunteers in the Gift Shop and is pleased with the variety of beautiful
items. She recalls her time on the Auxiliary board with her friend Mary Stevens. The events they planned were
often more focused on socializing than fundraising, but somehow they were always able to raise a decent gift
for the hospital. She remembers going to the North Shore Musical Theater and opera in Boston. Evelyn
describes the ―younger group of Board members‖ as very enthusiastic and willing to try new things.
Current LGH Executive Board President and Auxiliary Past President (1988-90) Peggy Palm recalls the first
Taste of the Town. Clemmie Alexis (Past President 1981-84) had attended a Northshore Hospital Taste of the
Town. She recommended the idea to then Auxiliary President Jean McCaffery (1986-88). The first year the
LGH Auxiliary tried to carry out Taste of the Town was spent ―biting our nails‖, says Peggy. Getting restaurant
support was tough, some pulled out at the last minute. The event was held at the brand new Hellenic American
School; around one hundred people attended. The first LGH Auxiliary Taste of the Town turned out to be quite
nice.
Over the years, the Taste of the Town outgrew the Hellenic American School and moved a couple times before
settling in the Doubletree Hotel (currently the UMass Lowell Inn and Conference Center). It is the signature
event of the LGH Auxiliary and has been copied in many nearby towns. This October is the 25th Anniversary
Taste of the Town.
Beverly Bennett, former Corresponding Secretary of the Auxiliary Board, recalls ―The Royal Event‖, the
exhibit of Princess Diana‘s gowns at the American Textile Museum. With the upcoming royal wedding, she
was inspired to look at her mementos of the event and reminisce about the Auxiliary‘s role. During the early
stages of planning, several non-profit groups had offered to co-sponsor the event, but each one dropped out until
only the LGH Auxiliary was left. For six weeks, Bev and the other Auxiliary members staffed the exhibit. The
night of the fundraiser dinner was a huge storm; but the event was a success and raised a generous gift for the
Cancer Center. Beverly was honored as a representative of volunteerism and community-building. She was
presented with a royal pin. The publicity was fantastic. It was quite an event and a real plum for the Auxiliary.
Another Auxiliary event, Daffodils and Desserts, has its roots (or bulbs) in Beverly Bennett‘s work. For many
years, Bev organized the regional Daffodil Days to benefit the American Cancer Society. In conjunction with
Daffodil Days, the Auxiliary began a small bake sale to benefit the LGH Cancer Center. Under the
management of Pauline Lambert, Auxiliary Past President (1998-2000), Daffodils and Desserts has grown far
beyond just a few brownies and cookies to a lobby event filled with Easter baskets, floral arrangements, spring
décor and desserts galore. This year‘s event raised over $2500 for the Cancer Center. In addition to the annual
Daffodils and Desserts, the Auxiliary planted 50,000 daffodil bulbs in the fall of 2000 which bloomed as the
Garden of Hope the following spring. Due to the construction, the Garden has been relocated to the grassy hill
in front of the hospital on Varnum Avenue.
The LGH Auxiliary has a long and successful history of fundraising, planning social events and building the
LGH community. It has had many devoted, energetic leaders and board members, and a loyal, dedicated band
of Auxilians who have steadily worked together to build a vibrant organization. Peggy Palm views the
Auxiliary as an integral part of the hospital development. The Auxiliary mentors new members, provides a
welcoming group for new physicians and their families, works arm in arm with the hospital administration and
Executive Board, and provides an opportunity for Auxilians to become more involved with the LGH
community. LGH Vice President of Administration Win Brown notes that many hospitals no longer have an
active auxiliary; Lowell General Hospital has not only an active, but a thriving Auxiliary.
The LGH Auxiliary will celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the Annual Meeting on Monday, May 23rd, 11:30-2:00
pm at Vesper Country Club. Please join us as we reminisce of days of yore and look towards the Auxiliary‘s
future filled with a new Gift Shop, more Taste of the Town, A Winter Affair and much, much more. What will
the next sixty years bring?
A Winter Affair…
On Thursday, February 10, 2011, over ninety people attended the LGH Auxiliary second annual Winter Affair
at the Stonehedge Inn and Spa in Tyngsboro. Guests were greeted with a champagne toast, entertained by jazz
music by the Trude Witham Group and treated to wine, champagne and scotch tastings arranged by Jimmy
Young of Martignetti Companies.
The beautiful Left Bank Restaurant was enhanced by the beautiful floral arrangements donated by A Belvidere
Florist, Blossoms Florist, Classic Flowers, Flowers by Albert, Flowers by Steve, Jerry Piccirillo, Les Fleurs and
Scent of Flowers. At the end of the evening, the arrangements went home with some lucky raffle winners.
Guests dined on delicious Caesar salad, pasta and roast turkey. Dinner was followed by a selection of desserts
generously donated by three time People‘s Choice Dessert award-winner I Dream of Jeanne Cakes.
Throughout the evening, die-hard golfers and amateurs alike competed in the putting contest. Several people
made it to the final round, but last year‘s champion Paul Lambert proved he could defend his title. Paul
accepted the trophy but graciously donated the $150 cash prize back to the Auxiliary.
The silent auction featured something for everyone, especially those looking for that perfect Valentine‘s gift—
A Valentines Dinner for Two from Bianco‘s Catering, roses in a crystal vase, a Valentines Basket and more.
The live auction produced much fierce bidding for the Opus One Wine Dinner for Six at Stonehedge Inn
donated by MEC Electrical and MEC Technologies and the In-Home Catered Dinner for Six by Two Chefs are
Better Than One. Perhaps the most entertaining was the family bidding war for the two Bon Jovi tickets and
limo ride donated by Trinity EMS.
The second annual Winter Affair raised over $13,000. Proceeds will support the LGH Auxiliary‘s pledge of
$750,000 to the Legacy Campaign at Lowell General Hospital.
Pictures from A Winter Affair!
Ziggy Burns & Patty Koczera enjoy a smile.
Dan Mansur & Chris Dick strategize their shot.
(Guess what? Neither of them won the contest!)
Announcing the winning raffles names are Carrie Meikle (left),
Board Member and Tarina Mansur, Auxiliary President.
Lynn Chaput, Board Member, holding the bouquet
she won. The flowers were donated by Scent of Flowers.
Won’t you consider joining us next year??
“New Year, New You”
On Thursday, January 13, 2011, over thirty Auxilians and their guests gathered in the Clark Auditorium for hors
d‘oeuvres and wine, good fellowship and the latest tips on makeup and hair. At first, the crowd was a little
cautious but soon many were trying the eyebrow wax, hair up do, air brush make up application and much
more.
Robyn Vaglica of Boston Bridal Makeup offered a free make up application. Maureen Grogan, Julie Mosher
and Meaghan DiDonato of N'Vie Skin Care performed eye brow waxing and hand massages. The waxing was
surprisingly painless—a little warmth and then like removing a band aid.
Caryl Mix, Mary Kay Representative, had a display of the latest Mary Kay products and lots of free samples.
Joni Leahy applied air brush make up; this silicone based makeup provides flawless coverage and can last up to
eighteen hours.
Nicole Camacho and Meghan Romagnoli of LaBella Hair Studio in Chelmsford addressed unmanageable curls.
LaBella has 3 stylists who have been professionally trained on the Deva cutting technique at the Deva Curl
Academy in NY. This is a cutting technique to tame and take away the bulk for naturally curly hair making it
manageable and curl enhancing. They carry the Deva Curl product line for home use to encourage, enhance,
and control the curls following the cut.
Sayda Betsold, owner of the Salon at 142 in Westford, gave advice on up dos and red carpet hair. She gave
Auxiliary President Tarina Mansur the red carpet treatment. She also displayed hair extensions and explained
their use.
Alison Bartolini of Cut to the Chase in Billerica covered two topics: top ten foods for healthy hair and top three
hair complaints. The top ten foods are as follows:
1. Salmon
2. Dark green vegetables (e.g. spinach,
broccoli, Swiss chard, etc.)
3. Beans (e.g. kidney)
4. Nuts
5. Poultry
6. Eggs
7. Whole grains
8. Oysters
9. Low fat dairy
10. Carrots
The top three complaints are brittle, dry hair, grey coverage and thinning. Alison recommends speaking to a
stylist because these problems could stem from a variety of reasons sometimes even medically related such as
thyroid problems.
Sales Associate Kathie Doyle and volunteer Janeice Oblack of the LGH Gift Shop demonstrated how to
accessorize. Their table had a lovely display of hats, scarves and jewelry from the gift shop.
To end the evening, the panel of presenters answered a variety of questions. A few of their tips are:
A good moisturizer for skin and hair is important. See a skin care or hair expert for advice.
Four bobby pins can produce an amazing hair do.
Proper skin care and maintenance is essential before make up application.
A large barrel curling iron is great for producing the red carpet look.
Each presenter generously donated their time and services. They also donated a gift basket for the door prizes.
For more tips and expert advice, please contact members of our New Year New You panel.
Boston Bridal Makeup
(508) 574-4109
[email protected]
www.bostonbridalmakeup.com
Cut to the Chase Salon and Day Spa
99 Chelmsford Road
North Billerica, MA 01862
(978) 663-0400
www.cuttothechasespa.com
LaBella Hair Studio
290 Littleton Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 455-0164
www.labellahairstudio.biz
Joni Leahy
Kiss and Makeup
(978) 458-7247
(978) 397-2055 cell
[email protected]
Caryl Mix
(978) 495-2926
www.marykay.com/carylmix
N‘Vie Skin Care
330 Boston Road
Billerica, MA 01862
(978) 667-0225
www.nvieskincare.com
The Salon at 142
142 Littleton Road
Westford, MA 01886
(978) 392-9808
www.thesalonat142.com
Everyone had a great time!
Some of the presenters…..
“Daffodils and Desserts”
Daffodils, the symbol of hope for cancer patients, heralded the arrival of spring on March 17th, St. Patrick‘s
Day, as "Daffodils and Desserts" was held in the main lobby. Auxilians, hospital staff and volunteers very
generously donated gift baskets, daffodil flower arrangements and baked goods to be sold for the benefit of
the LGH Cancer Center. Fresh cut daffodils and potted plants were sold for the benefit of the American Cancer
Society.
Everyone's generosity is greatly appreciated! Proceeds for the benefit of the American Cancer Society totaled
$1,290. The auxiliary table raised over $2,500—a new record. This amount will be donated at our annual
meeting to representatives of the LGH Cancer Center. At their request, it will be used to purchase a Bose
Sound Dock and executive style chairs for the family and friends of patients who are undergoing infusion
treatments which can last as long as eight hours.
To all who helped in any way by contributing
and supporting this project, we say: "THANK
YOU!"
Left to right….Christine Fraser, Pauline Lambert,
Tarina Mansur, Carrie Meikle,
Debhinn McFadgen-Watts, Volunteer Services
Coordinator,
Joanne Malomo, Linda Carson, Carol Gilchrist, and
Priti Patel.
“Daffodil Tea”
On Wednesday, April 13th, the LGH Auxiliary hosted a Daffodil Tea for forty-five guests in the Clark
Auditorium. The event celebrated the successful relocation of the Garden of Hope to the grassy hill in front of
the hospital on Varnum Avenue. In spite of the rain that day, our daffodils were blooming with many additional
shoots breaking through the ground—a fitting symbol of hope for cancer patients.
The ladies dined on scones, tea sandwiches and pastries, but many were eyeing the rice crispy treats topped with
Swedish fish reserved for a trio of little girls and their entourage of stuffed bunnies and dolls. Donna Thoene,
LGH Gift Shop Manager, awarded prizes for hats: Most Outrageous, Pauline Lambert; Most Creative, Lynn
Chaput and Most Beautiful, Tarina Mansur.
LGH Vice President for Administration Win Brown addressed the group detailing the relocation of the daffodil
bulbs and updating the construction plans. Pauline Lambert spoke about the history of the Garden of Hope. A
display board showed photos from the original dedication ceremony in 1999.
The event ended with the silent auction of two beautiful handmade quilts by LGH employees Dianna Morine
and Cheryl Morine. The auction raised $125 for the LGH Cancer Center.
Gift Shop News
The Gift Shop is springing to life with bright colors and fresh merchandise! We have whimsical garden and
home décor items as well as a beautiful selection of French country accents. Our unique jewelry selection is
constantly changing with new
arrivals almost daily.
The latest jewelry line….
Volunteer, Janeice
Oblak and Donna Thoene,
Gift Shop Manager, discuss the new spring/summer colors!
Black and White Vera Bradley…
everyone’s favorite pattern!
Are You Oversharing? The Four Bs That Can Cramp Your Credibility
By Stephanie Deitzer
Open any fashion magazine, watch most TV shows, and the message is simple – sex
sells – but does it really in the workplace? I have to ask… do you honestly think a
genuine crime scene investigator would wear a skimpy tank top and stilettos to her job
or that cargo shorts and Tevas are appropriate at any time in the office, unless of
course, you work in a surf shop? These looks may make for great TV and sell
magazines, but I would caution anyone about showing up at their workplace in similar
fashion.
Most of us would like to be taken seriously at work for the contributions that we
make. That said, perhaps even worse than wearing ill-fitting clothing, someone who
―overshares‖ in the workplace runs the risk of showing too much skin cramping their credibility. I always
recommend ―test driving‖ your clothing from all angles in a full-length mirror before walking out of the house,
and keeping the skin exposure to a minimum.
I was recently at a conference that required business attire. While chatting with another attendee I noticed a very
attractive young woman dressed in what was obviously an expensive suit and beautiful shoes. As I looked more
closely, I became totally distracted – the short cropped blouse and jacket of her outfit didn‘t meet the low-rise
pants, and about an inch of her skin was showing. As if this wasn‘t bad enough, as she turned to walk away, I
saw that she was wearing a very pretty lavender thong! Even with her amazing figure, and the beautiful,
expensive clothing, I immediately questioned her business sense given the idea that she would dress so
inappropriately for a day of business networking and education.
Here is a quick way for you remember four areas of your body that no one except your husband, wife,
boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, or doctor really want or need to see, especially in the workplace. I call them The
Four Bs – I was presented with the concept ―Three Bs‖ by a colleague, and I‘ve added my own fourth for good
measure. The Four Bs that we should keep to ourselves include…
Your Bottom – Your Back – Your Belly – and – Your Bust
Your Bottom: Skirts in the workplace should be no shorter than 4‖ above of the middle of
the knee (not the top) and we should all ―test drive‖ our skirts by sitting in them and being
sure we‘re not showing too much leg. A tip if you aren‘t comfortable about what is showing
when you cross your legs - skirts tend to rise less if you cross your legs at the ankles rather
than one knee over the other.
Your Back: Men and women alike should test drive
outfits by raising both hands above our heads to make sure
there is no gap between the top and bottom. Likewise bend
in different directions, and finally …S-I-T… in the outfit,
making sure your back is not showing between the shirt and the pant or skirt.
The proverbial plumber look isn‘t fashionable and certainly isn‘t appropriate
anywhere. Test drive in the dressing room before you buy the garment, and
again as you are matching it with other articles in your wardrobe.
Your Belly: Test drive outfits for the belly the same way as you do for the back, by bending sideways, forward,
sitting, and reaching up. Even if you have the best abs in America – save them for the gym, the bedroom or the
beach.
Your Bust: If you have any question about whether your top is cut too low, it most likely is. When it comes to
your shirt or blouse… button up and/or work a colorful scarf into the neckline to be sure you are covered. Once
you have your top on, lean forward to be sure you are still covered. I had a painful experience where I looked
fine standing up and later realized that an entire conference table of colleagues saw everything down to my
waist, because as I had leaned over the top fell away from my body. Believe me – it was mortifying and you
don‘t want it happening to you!
I like to think of the Four Bs as a fun way to remember what to keep to yourself. These and test driving your
outfits before your leave the house will have you confident as you move through your work day and any other
activity where credibility matters.
Have a great month and stay stylish!
Stephanie Deitzer will be presenting the fashion show at the LGH Auxiliary Annual Meeting on Monday,
May 23rd at the Vesper Country Club.
Stephanie Deitzer, founder of Style at Work, believes that embracing one's individual look empowers them in
business and other life roles, and that finding this look should not only be enjoyable, it should be
exhilarating. She helps clients with practical approaches they will use every day, creating a cohesive,
efficient, exciting wardrobe – a style at work. Stephanie is VP of Membership for the New England Chapter
of AICI, the Association of Image Consultants International.
To enquire about having Stephanie speak to your organization, assistance with a seasonal wardrobe refresh, or
other style and wardrobe questions, please contact Style at Work at either [email protected]
or 617-834-3451.
Upcoming Auxiliary Events
Thursday, May 5
Mother‘s Day Sale
LGH Gift Shop
Monday, May 23, 11:30-2:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting
Vesper Country Club
Gift Shop Volunteer Luncheon
Date changed to September
Details to be announced