September is Membership Sign-up Month for CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary! Members are encouraged to renew their annual membership and the auxiliary welcomes new members to join for a nominal annual dues donation. Auxiliary volunteers in pink jackets will be promoting membership and offering information about the auxiliary at Miller’s New Market, Whitaker Way, Montpelier, on Wednesday, Sept. 23rd. Life memberships are also available.
The local Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers-Montpelier auxiliary meets regularly October through June on the second Monday of each month usually at 1 p.m. in the conference room with a varied program featuring local speakers. The auxiliary’s main purpose is to offer financial support to the local hospital, supply volunteers for the hospital gift shop, show appreciation to the hospital staff for their continuous efforts in excellent patient care, and educate hospital auxiliary members in various health concerns.
Auxiliary projects include the hospital gift shop which is open to the public, offering a variety of items including gift baskets, books, snacks, crystal & glassware, greeting cards, stuffed animals, games, toys, dolls, handmade slippers, towels, “scrubbies”, dish cloths, figurines, and personal hygiene items. Since the hospital gift shop started operations in 1991, receipts have totaled over $33,000. The gift shop is located next to the main waiting area near the admissions office. Browsers are always welcome.
Other auxiliary projects include semi-annual book fairs, memorial and luminary program, staff appreciation tea, celebration of doctor’s day and nurse’s week, monthly distribution of patient favors, soup and salad luncheon, silent auction and June and Christmas luncheons.
Since its organization over 60 years ago, the auxiliary has donated more than $230,000 to assist in purchasing hospital equipment, other necessary items and monetary gifts to CHWC Share Foundation. This past year the auxiliary donated items to various departments and more artwork by local artists on display at the Montpelier hospital.
Current auxiliary officers serving through June 2016 are President Joyce Schelling, Vice President & Sunshine Chr. Armeda Sawmiller, Treasurer Barb Dietsch, and Secretary Connie Dunseth. Vivian Brown serves as gift shop manager and recreation chairman. Other active volunteers serving on committees are Ruth Cooley, magazines; Marty Brace, historian; and Gloria Poorman and Deb Barry, program committee, along with Joyce and Armeda.
Board members meet Monday, Sept.14th to discuss plans for the new year starting with the Monday, Oct. 12th meeting in the conference room at 1 p.m. Guest speaker will be Pat Straus from ACE Equestrian. Auxiliary members are encouraged to bring guests. Plans are underway for the annual Memorial & Luminary Program set for Sunday, Dec. 6th at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier, sponsored by CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary.
For more information regarding the auxiliary, please contact President Joyce Schelling 419-459-4696 or Treasurer Barb Dietsch 419-485-3229.
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