CHWC-Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary welcomed Terri Bistline as guest speaker at the regular meeting Monday, April 11th at 1:00 p.m. in the hospital conference room. Terri works regularly in the herb and tea shop at Sauder Village, Archbold, where she explains different teas, herbs and oils and their uses and various qualities and aromas and their value for physical health.
Auxiliary President Joyce Schelling conducted the meeting with 23 present and after the auxiliary prayer, Program Committee member Gloria Poorman introduced the guest speaker. Terri is from the Montpelier/West Unity area and has been associated with Sauder Village for the past 13 years, and she also serves as a minister.
Terri gave an overview of the benefits of herbs and oils. Herbs are widely known for use in many recipes for food dishes, in making potpourri and many have medicinal properties to promote balance and healing in the body. Herbs have been used for centuries and she gave examples of this in frankincense and myrrh from the Bible. Some common ailments can be treated with different herbs such as garlic for colds, rosemary to help with memory, circulation and reducing high blood pressure, and myrrh to help with indigestion, ulcers, arthritis, boils and canker sores.
Since each person is different, the effects of herbs and oils can also be different. Healing tonics can be made from herbs in teas and tinctures, which are mixed with alcohol. Terri cautioned everyone considering using medicinal herbs to check with their physician first since there could be interaction with “over the counter” and/or prescription medications. Herbs can also be used to create certain household cleaning supplies. Oils are made from distilling various herbs and/or flowers, and their aroma or use on the skin, clothing or pillows can have pleasing effects on mind, body and spirit.
Terri displayed several books available for more information on herbs, teas and oils and reported that the herb shop at Sauder Village will open at the end of April.
Following the speaker, members answered roll call telling their favorite vegetable and fruit. Thought for the day was “A woman is like a tea bag, you never know her strength until you drop her in hot water” by Nancy Reagan. Various reports were given by committees. Volunteers are still needed to help staff the hospital gift shop—please see Vivian Brown to schedule times.
Treasurer Barb Dietsch and Gift Shop Manager Vivian Brown and Secretary Connie Dunseth were thanked for volunteering to work on the silent auction project held that day, and all were thanked for donating items for the auction. Thank yous were also extended to all who assisted with registration and canteen for the Red Cross Blood Drive held Good Friday, March 25th at the Montpelier Hospital. A total of 22 donors responded, three as new donors, and resulted in potentially saving 57 lives by giving blood.
Nominations were presented for two-year terms each as follows: President-Armeda Sawmiller, Vice President-Carol Eriksen, Secretary-Connie Dunseth and Treasurer-Barb Dietsch. Election will be held at the next meeting May 9th. Thanks to Cheryle Gallagher, Alice Miller and Gloria Poorman for serving on nominations committee.
Volunteers were requested to help at the semi-annual “Books Are Fun” book & gift fair scheduled Monday, April 18th 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in the Montpelier Hospital conference room.
The auxiliary will also host the annual Staff Appreciation Tea on Monday, May 2nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m., also in the conference room. A signup sheet was passed for donations of various food items for this event. Nurses’ Week will be observed May 6-12 and special flyers will be posted by the auxiliary to thank all nurses for their compassionate care of patients.
Auxiliary members were also asked to review the auxiliary by-laws and present any possible changes for discussion later. The next regular meeting will be Monday, May 9th at 1:00 p.m. with Marissa Campos of Northwest Ohio Special Olympics. Guests are welcome to attend hospital auxiliary general meetings. The executive board will meet Monday, May 2nd at 10:30 a.m.
INFORMATION PROVIDED