Jeanne Wise, retired nurse from the Williams County Health Department, was guest speaker at CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary’s regular monthly meeting Monday, April 13th at 1:00 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Her topic was “The Second Half of Life” and having an optimistic attitude in a person’s later years. She also previously worked with Marilyn Sachs at the OSU Extension Office.
Jeanne said to think about how old you feel on a good day, which is probably much younger than your chronological age. Be proud of your age and don’t be afraid of making a change in your outlook. She also gave humorous notes from a survey of the “older” generation.
Her talk emphasized three aspects of living in the “second half of life”—Release, Rediscover and Rejoice! We need to release and let go of certain things in the past, keeping the happy memories in our hearts and go on with life, looking for new beginnings.
Even if there are health issues involved, there are still new opportunities to experience and rediscover talents and ambitions everyone has. There are many people 90-plus years old who are inspirations to others in making dreams become realities. Jeanne asked us to think about making a “Bucket List” with new adventures and think about what future possibilities each person has available. (Grandma Moses started painting at age 75 when her eyesight faltered with needlework.)
In conclusion, Jeanne reminded us to rejoice in our later years which are a gift and give to others of our time and talents, referring to Psalm 92:14—“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green”. She expressed the thought: “A pessimist may be right, but the optimist has fun on the trip”. Jeanne was the guest of Armeda Sawmiller, program committee member, who presented her with an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary.
Auxiliary President Joyce Schelling called the regular meeting to order, welcomed everyone and before the Auxiliary Prayer, a moment of silent prayer was held in memory of auxiliary member Carol Custer, who passed away this past Saturday. A single pink rose was displayed in her memory.
Following the guest speaker, roll call was answered by 17 auxiliary members with “What is your favorite Easter weekend activity?”. Thought for the day was “When true friends meet in adverse hour, ‘tis like a sunbeam through a shower” by Sir Walter Scott. Sunshine chairman Deanna Gipe reported on cards sent during the past month. A sympathy card was signed for the family of Carol Custer.
Treasurer and Secretary Pro-tem Barb Dietsch read minutes from the previous meeting and gave the financial report. Committee reports were given by Vivian Brown, gift shop and recreation; Ruth Cooley, magazines; and Joyce Schelling, publicity.
Correspondence read included a thank you from a recent patient and a thank you from Kathy Davis, CHWC-Bryan Hospital, for the auxiliary’s help with registration and canteen at the Montpelier Hospital’s first Blood Drive held Good Friday, April 3rd with a very successful turnout and six pints collected above the goal. President Joyce also thanked the auxiliary volunteers who assisted with the blood drive and were part of the learning experience. The next scheduled blood drive at the Montpelier Hospital will be in late August.
National Volunteers Week is April 12-18. Volunteers were requested from the auxiliary membership for the semi-annual Book & Gift Fair scheduled Monday, April 20th from 10 am-4:00 pm. A sign-up sheet for specific food items was passed for the annual Montpelier Hospital Staff Appreciation Tea to be hosted by the auxiliary in the conference room on Monday, May 4th from 2:00-4:00 pm. Food items need to be delivered to the hospital conference room by 12 noon. Flyers will be posted on the bulletin boards for the Appreciation Tea and to observe Nurse’s Week May 6th-12th.
The next regular meeting of the auxiliary is scheduled Monday, May 11th at 1:00 pm with Kim Herman, guest speaker on 4H. Guests are always welcome and encouraged to attend. The auxiliary executive board will meet Monday, May 4th at 10:30 am with Vice President Armeda Sawmiller presiding. More volunteers are needed for the Montpelier Hospital Gift Shop, especially during evenings, on Fridays and weekends. Please contact Vivian Brown, Hospital Gift Shop manager, ph: 419-485-4431 to schedule your time to volunteer.
INFORMATION PROVIDED