Phil Ennen, President & CEO of Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers, pictured, attended the CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary Executive Board meeting Monday, Oct. 5th. He was presented a donation of $1000 for the CHWC SHARE Foundation by Auxiliary Treasurer Barbara Dietsch, right. Funds for the donation were received courtesy of Montpelier Hospital Gift Shop proceeds by Vivian Brown, gift shop manager. Mr. Ennen addressed board members regarding recent updates affecting both hospitals and staffs in Montpelier and Bryan. He noted that average census figures are up at the Montpelier rehab center. He also discussed the new hyperbaric wound center services and the addition of a urologist at Bryan, and an ear, nose and throat specialist arriving as of January 1st. Possibilities are being explored for a heartburn clinic. As of November 1st, surgeries will only be scheduled after receiving approval on insurance coverage.
Pat Strouse, from Ace Equestrian Therapy Program, located on Rosedale Rd, south of Edgerton, was guest speaker for CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary general meeting held Monday, Oct. 12th at 1 p.m. in the conference room. She was the guest of Deb Barry, auxiliary program committee member, who presented her an appreciation gift. ACE stands for Accommodating Challenged Equestrians and is a therapy program designed to help individuals with mental, emotional and/or physical disabilities through a horseback riding program. Ace Equestrian is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. Rules and regulations with safety-first must be followed as a member of (NORAC) PATH, the national organization. Horses used in the program undergo specialized training. Volunteers assisting riders must take a minimum of three hours training and have first aid and CPR certification. Certified riding instructors supervise each one-hour lesson. A ramp is used to assist wheelchair riders to mount their horses. Since an open air arena is used, lessons are scheduled starting in April or May and continue until November, depending on the weather. More information is available by contacting Myrna Mitchell, PATH Int’l. registered certified riding instructor, ph: 419-212-2281 or email: mmyrna2009@yahoo.com
Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary also recently presented a new opaque watercolor painting entitled “Carol’s Hummingbird” by local artist Keith Grindall, displayed in the Montpelier Hospital business office. The special painting including cardinal flowers was commissioned through memorial funds received by the auxiliary in memory of Carol Custer, deceased life member of the auxiliary. Since being organized, the auxiliary has donated a total of $246,494.98 to the local hospital. The presentation was made during the regular auxiliary meeting Monday, Oct. 12th. Roll call was “Name an item you would like to see offered in the hospital gift shop”. Volunteers were thanked for helping with registration for the Bloodmobile blood drive at the hospital Sept. 4th and those helping with membership day at Miller’s New Market Sept. 23rd. Dorothy Briner was in charge of patient favors for October. Volunteers will be needed for the Hospital Gift Shop Open House Friday, Nov. 6th and the semi-annual Book Fair scheduled Monday, Nov. 16th, both events from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. The next regular auxiliary meeting will be Monday, Nov. 9th at 1:00 p.m. with guest speaker Alice Miller from YMCA-Bryan Silver Sneakers speaking on chair yoga. Roll call will be “Something you are thankful for this week”. Guests are always welcome.
Rainbow of Wellness Program, sponsored by the Williams County Older Adult Task Force, was held Thursday, Oct. 15th from 8:45 am-1:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial building at the fairgrounds in Montpelier. Included in the displays was one from CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary highlighting their projects, meetings and special functions held during the year. Bracelets for breast cancer awareness and lifesavers in a “Think Pink” theme were offered to attendees. The luncheon program included “Energy Saving Tips” to cut down utility costs and “Don’t Be Scammed” information from the state attorney general’s office. Entertainment was provided by “For Heaven’s Sake” vocal quartet. Bill Priest served as master of ceremonies. The auxiliary is currently working on plans for the annual “Lighting the Way to Christmas” memorial program scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6th at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Montpelier. Those who wish to dedicate luminaries and/or angels in memory of deceased loved ones should contact Auxiliary Treasurer Barb Dietsch, ph: 419-485-3229.