Cherished
s e i r o m e M
125 Years of Service A history of the EMMC Auxiliary 1893-2018
Our Cherished Memories A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary by Barbara Fister
Originally published in December 1994 Updated in October 2018 Bangor, Maine
This book is offered as a celebration of
Estelle Robinson Rosalie Shapiro Ruth Striar Each of these women gave 39 years or more of continuous service as a member of the Auxiliary’s Board of Directors: Estelle Robinson served from 1950 to 1989, Rosalie Shapiro served from 1947 to 1990, Ruth Striar served from 1950 to 1994.
TABLE OF CONTENTS I.
Introduction (1893-1994) ....................................................... 04
II.
Highlights of the Women’s Hospital Aid Society at Eastern Maine General Hospital (1893-1940) ........................ 05
III.
Presidents of the Women’s Hospital Aid Society (1893-1940)...... 16
IV.
Presidents of the Women’s Hospital Aid Society of Brewer (1899-1925)................................................ 16
V.
Highlights of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary (1940-1994) ............................................................ 17
VI.
Presidents of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary (1940-1994)................................................. 35
VII.
The Future of the Auxiliary (1994) ......................................... 36
VIII. The 1993-1994 Board of Directors ......................................... 37 IX.
Introduction (1994-2018) ....................................................... 38
X.
Highlights of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary (1994-2018) ............................................................ 39
XI.
Presidents of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary (1994-2018)................................... 69
XII.
The Gift Shop at Eastern Maine Medical Center .................... 70
XIII.
The Eastern Maine Medical Center Follies ............................. 78
XIV.
The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary Kitchen Tour .... 80
XV.
The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary Winter Beach Ball ................................................................... 82
XVI. Health and Wellness Grants .................................................... 84 XVII. Fifty Years of Auxiliary Pledges .............................................. 85 XVIII. The Future of the Auxiliary (2018) ......................................... 86 XIX. The 2017-2018 Board of Directors ......................................... 87
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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e Auxiliary The First 101 Years of th on from 1994 Original Introducti
I. INTRODUCTION (1893-1994) This history of the Auxiliary at Eastern Maine Medical Center is a volunteer effort that came from my curiosity about our auxiliary group. As a member of the Auxiliary Board, I realized that most of us did not know how certain memorial funds were established or why particular events had occurred. By reading the secretaries minutes in past Auxiliary reports and by researching the back issues of Annual Reports in the EMMC library, I discovered that our group has a rich history. It extends from a group of five women in 1893 to the vigorous efforts of the 1994 membership. As I read, I grew determined to preserve the enthusiasm, the passion, and the commitment of all these women who gave 101 years of volunteer service to the hospital and to the Bangor community. The names of two Presidents (192426) are missing; I could find very little information for some of the years. However, the history that I have been able to find through the Lucy Arbo scrapbooks in the hospital archives shows the dedication of our group. We should be proud of the women who have gone before us. I have made a special effort to preserve the words of these past Auxiliary members rather than to interpret them. This book is not intended to re-write history or to speculate about our past but rather to record what we do know and to celebrate that. A number of people contributed to the production of this book. Nancy Ballard and Alan Comeau of Community Relations (EMMC), Charles Campo, Bangor Daily News librarian, and Ann Trainor of Eastern Maine Healthcare provided valuable resources. Jan Owen designed the book cover; Jennifer Pixley edited the manuscript. Marcelle Coffin, Madelyn Clough, and Carol Wood deserve special thanks for researching and writing the history of the Gift Shop. I am grateful to the EMGH-EMMC Husson Nursing Alumnae Association for its help. The Women’s Auxiliary Board of Directors gave its wholehearted support to this project. My husband, Jeff, continues to be unfailing in his support and enthusiasm. And, finally, I must thank the secretaries who kept records for 101 years. Without them, this history would have been lost.
Barbara Fister
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Our Cherished Memories
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL AID SOCIETY AT EASTERN MAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL (1893-1940) The 1893 Annual Report of Bangor General Hospital announced that five women had organized a visiting and advisory board. By 1894, in their first Annual Report, the Women’s Hospital Aid Society had reorganized into a larger and more efficient organization whose mission was to serve the hospital by raising funds. One of the earlier fundraising projects was Hospital Sunday. Local churches handed out fundraising envelopes on the second Sunday each May. Although the Society was approved by the governing body of the hospital, it maintained an autonomous internal organization with election of its own officers and committees. The group met in the YMCA building. In the first year, 270 women joined the Society, and they raised $920. The officers for the first year were Mrs. F. H. Noble, President; Miss. E. S. Talcott and Mrs. Fred W. Ayer, Vice-Presidents; Miss Jennie 13. Pickering, Secretary; and Miss Addie L. Cutler, Treasurer. Mrs. Noble became ill during the year so Mrs. Caroline Mason also served as President. In addition, the Society was advised by a Board of Managers that consisted of a “Press Committee” and two representatives from each church.
1895
The Society had 324 members and held eight meetings. They paid for a steam heating plant ($871.54) in the 1867 Mace Building (now Greystone), the original site of the hospital, and bought a free bed ($300.00) that was available to charity patients. The Society ended the year with $1,400.00 in the treasury. Jenniwe Pickering, Secretary: “The Women’s Hospital Aid Association should be greatly enlarged. The difficulty of making a personal application to all must be appreciated by everyone who has had any experience in charitable organizations; but are there not in this city and vicinity, many hundreds of Christian women who are willing by the payment annually of a small sum of money, to help on this work of caring for the suffering poor?”
1896
The Society had 387 members. They paid to have the old cellar made into a laundry ($1,152.66) and contributed to the renovation of the Mace Building ($1,848.40). The hospital changed its name to Eastern Maine General Hospital. The secretary noted, “The work of the Society has been in deeds rather than in words, and the members have much reason for satisfaction in seeing what has been accomplished.”
1896-97
This year the group contributed $4,200.00 to the construction of the Surgical Building (now known as old Blaisdell) and to the painting, plumbing, and heating of the new building ($622.00). The Society fundraising fair netted $2,533.87. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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The Mace Building (now Greystone) in the late 1800s.
1897-98
The Society sponsored a lecture by Lieutenant Peary on January 13, 1898 and made $538.25. A concert by the Adanowski Trio on May 7, 1898, netted $346.50. There were 341 members.
1898-99
The Brewer Hospital Aid Society formed as a sister organization. The Women’s Hospital Aid Society continued. The group contributed $1,893.21 to furnish the new ward.
1899-90 Two new boards were established. The Board of Collectors helped
the treasurer in collecting annual fees. The Board of Visitors visited the hospital each week to write letters and to be of help and comfort to the patients. There were 297 members.
The Mace Building between 1896-1904. The tent served as extra operating space for male patients and as extra bed space during the typhoid fever epidemic.
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Our Cherished Memories
The 1899 Surgical Building and the Mace Building. Ward A in the Surgical Building served male patients. Ward B served female patients, and Ward C served private patients. The operating room was in the basement.
1900-01 Two women went to the hospital each Monday afternoon from 2 until 4 P.M., reading to patients and writing letters for them. The membership dropped to 115.
1901-02 The Society bought equipment for the laundry ($1,511.19). 1902-03 Grace L. Thomas, Secretary of the Society, wrote, “The need which
now confronts the institution is a children’s ward. It must be evident to all that the presence of children in the ward with older persons is most annoying to the older occupants, and far from beneficial or comfortable to the little ones. The question which the society would ask of the public is this: Shall these helpless little ones be denied the opportunity of receiving such aid as the hospital would gladly afford could a situation extension be arranged?” The balance in the treasury that year was $1,477.17.
1903-04
The secretary reports, “No unusually large gifts have been received by us this year but the necessity for money is greater than ever before as the hospital has been taxed to its utmost for many weeks owing to a severe epidemic of typhoid fever in Bangor and in this part of the state.” The balance in the treasury was $2,483.12.
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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In 1903, babies were cared for in the same wards as adult patients.
1904-05
The Society members still dreamed and planned for a Children’s Ward. Grace Thomas, Secretary, wrote, “For the last two years, we have been hoping that, before another 12 months rolled around, we would at least be able to make a beginning in the ever-needed Children’s Ward, but one thing and another have interfered with our plans so that the building is still a dream of our fancy which we hope may be realized in the very near future.” The balance in the treasury was $3,074.95.
1905-06
The secretary wrote, “This year it seems as though we were a little nearer to the coveted plan: the Children’s Ward.” The treasurer transferred $3,433.00 to the “building fund” as the Society continued to work and plan.
1906-07 The Society’s focus was on the construction of a Children’s Ward.
“This year we hope to see the Children’s Ward really commenced... we hope everyone will help us, be it ever so small, in realizing this cherished dream of ours.”
1907-08
“The Children’s Ward is now an assured thing for the plans have already been accepted and the work is to begin at once.”
1908-09
Bequests from Messrs. Phillips and Oliver provided crucial funding, and, in August, 1908, ground was broken for the Children’s Ward.
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Our Cherished Memories
A photograph of patients in the new Children's Ward, opened in 1910.
1909-10
The Children’s Ward opened on January 1, 1910. The Society contributed $1,500.00 toward a second operating room.
1910-11 There was no report this year, but a series of photographs were taken in the new ward.
1911-12
The Society gave Christmas gifts to all the children on the new ward and to all the adult patients, too. They contributed to the orthopedic floor ($50.00).
1912-13
The Society bought a new operating table.
1913-14
The Society gave an annual Christmas party in all the wards with gifts for each patient and for regular visitors from the Society. They paid for new X-ray equipment ($500.00).
$500 SOCIETY DONATED TO PAY FOR NEW X-RAY EQUIPMENT IN 1913
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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A photograph of the Maternity Ward in 1914.
1914-15
The secretary reported, “The Society has been called upon for no financial assistance of any importance and the service which it has rendered to the management and patients of the hospital has been largely social.” The Society contributed to the furnishing of a surgeons’ sitting and dressing room ($50.00).
1915-16
The Society bought twenty-three sanitary tables and two sets of castors for children’s beds. They established a lifetime membership of $25.00 which was to cover all dues and to go into the general fund. They gave the annual Christmas party with decorations and gifts for all. The secretary commented, “Weekly visits by members of Aid and Friend to adult and child patients are appreciated.”
1916-17
The Society gave the usual Christmas party. In addition, they gave three dozen table armchairs ($63.00), a camera ($32.50), a stand for the pathological department ($20.00), a year’s subscription to journals for Surgery, Gynecology, and Obstetrics ($10.00) and chairs for nurses’ classrooms. Members of the Society continued to visit patients weekly.
1917-18 In addition to the Christmas party, the Society continued the
journal subscriptions for Surgery, Gynecology, and Obstetrics ($10.00), purchased twenty beds for the student nurses’ residence ($200.00), and bought fourteen quilts and ten puffs to help furnish the nursing students’ residence ($45.90).
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Our Cherished Memories
1918-19
The Society contributed to the nursing students’ residence by furnishing four rooms ($200.00). They gave a Christmas party.
1919-20
The annual dues for the Society were $1.00 per woman. During the summer months, patients who were well enough were taken motoring by members of the Aid Society. They gave the customary Christmas party.
1920-21
The Society made a partial payment toward the purchase of a sterilizer. In addition to giving a Christmas party, members also took patients out motoring in the summer and fall months.
1921-22
The Society gave Ward F four rocking chairs ($80.00), two wheelchairs ($90.00) and three Morris chairs ($63.00). The war made new demands on the hospital and its staff. The Society sought new members. In The Bangor Commercial, February 10, 1922: “Since the war, the hospital again is in need of all the help it can get . . . Especially is new equipment necessary and the women of the Aid Society have resolved to come enthusiastically as of old to the support of the institution. A campaign for a large membership is to be launched in the new future and it is hoped that women in other towns whence patients continually come to the hospital, will realize the Eastern Maine General is not merely a Bangor institution but benefits the entire eastern section of the state. Fifteen hundred letters will soon be sent through the mail to prominent women .. . Will the recipients be the equals of their mothers? Will they realize the value of cooperation and rally in force to strengthen the Aid?”
1922-23
The Society continued its habit of motoring with patients who were well enough. The Society gave the customary Christmas party with gifts and candy for all the patients. The secretary also reported that “the usual hospital dance was given with the Chateau management which gave us $232.00 for our treasury.” The Society replenished the bedding in the Children’s Ward and purchased five ventilators ($32.50).
$1 ANNUAL DUES FOR THE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL AID SOCIETY AT EASTERN MAINE GENERAL HOSPITAL IN 1919 A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1923-24
The Society sponsored a dance at City Hall during the Thanksgiving holiday and netted $156.71. They paid to renovate a maternity room ($50.00), provided a new delivery table ($224.15), and installed modern bathing facilities for infants ($132.86). In the warm weather, Society members took patients motoring. They gave the usual Christmas party.
1924-25
“Instead of a dance, a large bridge party at Penobscot Valley Country Club on Tuesday, November 18th made $220.00,” reported the secretary. The Society bought refrigerators for Wards D and E ($130.00 each), purchased an electric gauze and bandage cutter ($202.00), and bought a sterilizer for the Maternity Ward ($72.73).
1925-26 The minutes of the Board of Trustees noted that the Women’s
Hospital Aid Society of Brewer disbanded. The Society financed the maintenance of the Children’s Ward ($112.20), installed an electric sterilizer in Ward E ($96.10), bought a wall stand and a hopper ($88.20), supplied three wall stands and three tables with gas plates for the utility rooms on Wards A, B, and C ($221.68).
The Nurses' Residence in 1926. The building is now the Riverside Inn.
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Our Cherished Memories
1926-27
The Society contributed to the maintenance of Ward E, purchased a hopper ($75.00) and had it installed ($104.51). Members of the Society continued to take patients out driving in the fine summer and fall weather, and the Society put on the annual Christmas party. The Nurses’ Residence (now the Riverside Inn) was completed.
1927-28
The Society maintained the Children’s Ward ($128.73), helped purchase the first electrocardiograph ($1,000.00) and bought a Burdock Standard Air Cool lamp ($460.84). Members of the Society took patients out for recreation and hosted the Christmas party. The balance in the Treasury was $2,547.06.
1928-29
The Society maintained the Children’s Ward ($135.33), took patients out for drives and gave the Christmas party. The balance in the Treasury was $1,480.51.
1929-30
This year the upkeep of the Children’s Ward cost the Society $126.80. The Society bought a child’s wheelchair ($40.95) and hosted the Christmas party. The balance in the Treasury was $1,729.32.
1930-31
The Secretary of the Society reported: “This year as in years past all needs for the upkeep of the Children’s Ward have been met by our society . . . extensive renovations were done . . . walls were decorated with animal cutouts, grouped so that each small patient can make a picture-story while lying in his crib.”
1931-32
The Society paid for the maintenance of the porch and nursery on Ward E ($70.38), bought new cribs and mattresses ($51.15), and had a small lavatory installed on the porch ($120.00). They gave the Christmas party.
1932-33
The maintenance of Ward E cost the Society $76.40. They bought a Heidbrink gas anesthesia apparatus ($435.57). The balance in the Treasury was $1,918.84.
$435.57 PURCHASE PRICE OF
GAS ANESTHESIA APPARATUS DONATED BY THE SOCIETY IN 1932 A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1933-34
The Society paid for the maintenance of the nursery and the Children’s Ward ($64.46), repaired nine chairs in the nurses’ residence ($76.50), repaired a window and screen in Ward E ($57.80), and gave the annual Christmas party. The balance in the Treasury was $1,556.19.
1934-35
The Society held four meetings this year. The Christmas party was given. The Society paid for the maintenance of Ward E ($97.09), bought six folding food trays, six steel bedside tables ($81.44), three bedside lamps ($16.65), twenty bedside table tops ($55.00), one dressing table ($14.95), an adult wheelchair and a junior wheelchair ($105.11) and sixteen pairs of children’s pajamas. The Society contributed $25.00 for the care of three emergency tonsillectomy patients and paid for the repairs to the cardiograph ($250.00). The balance in the Treasury was $1,451.21.
1935-36
The members of the Society held four meetings during the year. The Society paid for the maintenance of the Children’s Ward ($99.68), bought two new adjustable cribs ($81.00) and sponsored the Christmas party. The balance in the Treasury was $1,022.94.
A winter view of the Kelley Building, opened in 1939.
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Our Cherished Memories
1936-37
Marion L. H. Sawyer, Treasurer, resigned after nineteen years.The Society purchased an otoscope ($27.17), another adjustable crib, and arranged the Christmas party. The upkeep of the Children’s Ward cost $171.21. The balance in the Treasury was $918.96. The Annual Report extended thanks to the Bangor Daily News and The Commercial for the “generous space and cooperation that has been given whenever needed.”
1937-38
The Society gave Eastern Maine General an oxygen tent ($237.50) “there being but one other in the city” and furnished Room 10 on Ward C ($300.00). They decided to stop the practice of sending contribution envelopes to churches on Hospital Sunday, a fundraising event first held in 1893. The balance in the Treasury was $633.37.
1938-39 The Society held its quarterly meetings and gave the usual
Christmas party and programs. The Secretary recorded that “customary replacements were cared for in the children’s ward but no unnecessary expenditures. . .” Kelley Building opened, its construction initiated by a bequest from Grace F. Kelley. The balance in the Treasury was $510.37.
1939-40
The last report of the Women’s Hospital Aid Society: “The past year has brought a fuller recognition to the Aid that its service is not being developed in keeping with the progressive movement of the hospital’s program and steps were taken to meet the crisis that has overtaken us. Consultations with Dr. Craig (Medical Director and Chief Administrator) in hopes of carrying on more efficiently, but a greatly enlarged field is now open and the present organization does not seem adequate to meet the demands. So, after long and deliberate consideration, it was voted to disband this society and give way to the organization of a new one that will promote a broader program and better serve the hospital’s needs.” Mary Louise Rowe, Secretary, continued, “Therefore, the secretary regretfully submits this report as a final gesture to the forty-seven years (1893-1940) of loyal interests that have marked this long period of service. Our individual interests in the hospital’s progress will still be continued, and our best wishes will go out to a younger and more vigorous organization better equipped to meet the demands of the times.” The balance in the Treasury ($515.25) was turned over to Eastern Maine General Hospital to be used for furnishings for the Children’s Ward.
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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III. PRESIDENTS OF THE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL AID SOCIETY (1893 TO 1940) 1894
Mrs. F. H. Noble (elected June, 1893)
1895-97 1897-99 1899-1909 1909-12 1912-14 1914-17
Mrs. Moses Giddings Mrs. George Webster Mrs. Henry Lord Mrs. John Wilson Mrs. William C. Peters
Mrs. Edward R. Godfrey
1917-20 1920-23 1923-24 1924-26
Mrs. N. C. Ayers Mrs. John Lyon Miss Agnes W. Bragg
1926-28 1928-30
Mrs. John Wilson
Miss Mary Louise Rowe
1930-31
Mrs. Stephen Wheatland
1931-34
Mrs. Edward W. Spangler
1934-36 1936-37 1937-38
Mrs. Carl W. Maxfield Miss Agnes W. Bragg
Mrs. Edward R. Godfrey
1938-40
Mrs. Harold L. Robinson
not known
IV. PRESIDENTS OF THE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL AID SOCIETY OF BREWER (1899-1925) The Women’s Hospital Aid Society of Brewer organized in 1899. It was founded by members of the Women’s Hospital Aid Society who felt the time had come for a local organization. The Brewer Women’s Aid members furnished a private room in the new ward building and kept it in good repair through the years. In addition, the Brewer Aid donated $50.00 a year to the hospital’s general fund and also contributed to more specific needs. The Aid Society disbanded in 1925.
PRESIDENTS: 1899-1925 1899-01 Mrs. Manley Hardy
1906-08 Mrs. C. G. Moore
1901-02 Mrs. A. T. Burr
1908-22 Mrs. W. H. Gardner
1902-05 Mrs. C. P. Thomas
1922-24 Mrs. William E. Hutchinson
1905-06 Mrs. M. S. Ayers
1924-25 Mrs. Fanny H. Eckstorm
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Our Cherished Memories
V. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY (1940-1994) The Women’s Auxiliary was organized in 1940, replacing the Women’s Aid Society. The secretary’s report from the following year reported, “The regular monthly meeting in May, 1941, brought to a close the first year of the newly organized Women’s Auxiliary of Eastern Maine General Hospital. To date, the Auxiliary numbers 262 members; five of these are enrolled as sustaining members. At each meeting, the time has been spent in work for the hospital, a business meeting and a tea at close.”
1940-41
With the sum of $50.00, the Auxiliary began a revolving scholarship fund for nursing students. The Auxiliary also established several awards for nursing students: the Women’s Auxiliary Award ($10.00) for a graduating student who showed excellence in nursing practice and the Dr. Bertram Bryant Memorial Award ($10.00) who showed excellence in scholastics. Dr. Bryant, who joined the staff in 1898, had expertise in pathology and bacteriology. He died in 1940, and the Dr. Bertram Bryant Memorial Award was given annually in his name. The Auxiliary gave $100.00 to redecorate and refurnish the reception room of the nurses’ home. They gave $20.00 toward the nurses’ Christmas party and purchased a small Christmas gift for each patient. The members of the Auxiliary made 13,000 surgical dressings. They raised money through food sales ($68.12) and card parties ($130.00). The balance in the Treasury was $410.96.
1941-42
The Auxiliary held eight meetings during the year. The average attendance was forty-eight members. The Auxiliary members served as hostesses at the hospital during the afternoon (2-3 p.m.) and evening (7-8 p.m.) visiting hours. They decorated Christmas trees in the hospitals and bought small gifts for each patient. The Auxiliary gave $50.00 to the nurses’ Christmas party and $200.00 toward the new living room in the nurses’ dormitory. They continued to fund awards for graduating nurses ($20.00), and they donated $75.00 to the revolving scholarship fund for nursing students. The Auxiliary participated in the Victory Book campaign for soldiers in camp. They raised money by food sales and rummage sales.
13,000
NUMBER OF SURGICAL DRESSINGS MADE BY THE AUXILIARY IN 1940
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1942-43
The membership of the Women’s Auxiliary was 500. They held eight meetings; an average of sixty-four members attended. The Auxiliary continued the hostess program. The lifetime membership dues went into the nurses’ revolving scholarship fund. The members worked hard, assembling surgical dressings and operating room supplies. They continued to raise money by food sales, but the secretary noted, “The food sales conducted by the Auxiliary which proved so popular and profitable last year were somewhat curtailed this year because of scarcity of materials.” She added, “At each meeting, a member of the medical staff gives an informational talk on various departments of the hospital, as well as a most interesting talk on the problems of food supply and rationing in wartime.”
1943-44
“The Women’s Auxiliary of E.M.G.H. celebrated its fourth birthday during a time of great stress, with a world at war.” The Auxiliary raised money in three successful food sales ($159.07). The sustaining membership fee was $5.00. They furnished a suction pump for the Children’s Ward, a cabinet with supplies for the newly organized Occupational Therapy department, and paid for the flowers given to the nursing students at graduation.
1944-45
The Auxiliary gave $800.00 toward the redecorating and refurnishing of the nursing students’ library. They bought a new incubator for Obstetrics and paid for the graduation flowers for nursing students. Food sales raised $162.26. The balance in the Treasury was $1,710.08.
1945-46
There were 385 members of the Auxiliary this year. The Auxiliary continued to support awards given to graduating nursing students ($20.00). They continued to hostess at the hospital and to plan and give the Christmas party. The Auxiliary bought an electric breast pump and table ($122.61). Food sales raised $159.75. The balance in the Treasury was $1,948.93.
$159.07 FUNDS RAISED THROUGH 3 SUCCESSFUL FOOD SALES IN 1943 18
Our Cherished Memories
1946-47
“It was unnecessary to raise money,” reported the secretary. “The amount in the Treasury was sufficient for immediate needs.” The Auxiliary gave the Christmas party and gave gifts to children in the hospital on Easter Sunday. They continued to give roses and to support two awards for graduating nursing students. The Auxiliary bought dishes and kitchen utensils for the student nurses’ dormitory ($150.00).
1947-48
The Board met eight times this year, usually just before each regular meeting. There were 500 members; the average attendance at meetings was forty-two women. The Auxiliary spent 840 working hours preparing supplies for use in the operating room, the outpatient departments and wards, “saving nurses many hours of labor.” Auxiliary hostesses gave 1100 hours of labor in directing visitors and aiding at the reception desk. Christmas projects this year included gifts for each patient in the hospital, seventeen decorated trees, and a party for the nurses. On Easter Sunday, the Auxiliary arranged Easter baskets for the trays of young patients. The Auxiliary also bought stationery, imprinted with the name of the Auxiliary, for patients to use while in the hospital. The Auxiliary furnished a room in the new Blaisdell Building as a lounge for laboratory technicians and secretaries. They purchased furniture for the lounge, dining room and kitchenette of the student nurses’ residence. The Auxiliary continued to supply roses for the graduating nursing students and to support two awards for scholastic achievement and for nursing proficiency.
Student nurses entertain members of the Women's Auxiliary of Eastern Maine General Hospital in May, 1947. Those pictured are, left to right, Mrs. Allan Woodcock, Mrs. Walter Gumprecht, Mrs. Harry D. McNeil, Mrs. George E. Mincher, Mrs. Harry Broder, Miss Ruth Coburn, Miss Vivien Campbell, and Miss Belle Rose. (Photo: Bangor Daily News)
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1948-49
This year, the Auxiliary held a food sale, the first fundraising project in three years. They bought three bronchoscopes ($600.00) and paid to have Room I on Ward C completed. They also bought clinical scales and two croup tents for Pediatrics. They continued the established Christmas and Easter projects and continued to hostess at the hospital. The Auxiliary also continued to support the annual Women’s Auxiliary Award and the Dr. Bertram Bryant Memorial Award for nursing students.
1949-50 The Board of Trustees acknowledged in their Annual Report,
“It is impossible to over-rate the benefit the hospital receives from the activities of the Women’s Auxiliary.” This year, the Auxiliary gave $100.00 to the Polio Fund. They purchased a croupette for the nursery and had the furniture in the lobby reupholstered. They bought two rooming-in bassinets for Obstetrics. They bought a tea service ($100.00). The membership dues were $1.00 a year for regular members, $5.00 for sustaining members, and $25.00 for life members.
Members at a 1950 meeting. They are, left to right, Charlotte Emery, Mrs. Harry Broder, not known, Mrs. Robert McQuoid, Thelma Foster, Esther Freese, Leaness Bean, not known, Mrs. Flanagan, Marie Conquest, Bernice Bolster, Mary Emery, not known.
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Our Cherished Memories
The Women's Auxiliary opens the new Coffee Shop in 1951.
1950-51
1951-52
The Auxiliary joined the Auxiliary section of the Maine Hospital Association and the American Hospital Association. The members continued to work on hospital dressings. They began a volunteer service so that individuals could be trained to work in various capacities at Eastern Maine General. The Auxiliary continued to provide roses to the graduating nursing students. Also, the secretary noted, “A memorial fund has been started under the leadership of Mrs. Abraham Rudman. This fund consists of gifts of money in memory of deceased friends. This money will accumulate in a separate fund and, when sufficient, will be used for some hospital project.” Later, she also reported, “The Coffee Shop which has been discussed for years is finally a reality. It is expected to open this summer.” “The Coffee Shop, established through the interest and effort of the Women’s Auxiliary was completed and placed in operation in July, 1951, and has, as of June 30, 1952, completed nearly one year in successful operation. Its facilities are more and more utilized by visitors at the hospital as well as the hospital personnel,” wrote George Eaton, President, Board of Trustees. Discovering that the nurses’ library had had no new books for ten years, the Auxiliary launched the Book Bank project. They also purchased a croupette ($150.00) and an incubator ($160.00). The Auxiliary purchased two new pieces of equipment for A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
21
the neurosurgical service. They continued to make dressings for the hospital and to give gifts to all patients at Christmas. The Memorial Fund had a balance of $376.81, and the revolving scholarship fund for nursing students had $425.00. The Coffee Shop made a profit of $1,471.00 with a debt of $2,471.00 remaining on the original expense of $5,388.62. The Traveling Food Basket, a new fund raising project, netted $363.40. There were 637 members of the Auxiliary.
Volunteers are recognized at a ceremony in 1953. They are, left to right, not known, not known, Barbara Pulk, not known, Viola Thompson.
1952-53
The Auxiliary purchased a notion wagon that circulated through the hospital selling notions to patients. They held a Valentine Tea to honor all volunteers, and they held a May Ball at the country club. They raised funds by selling a cookbook called Our Daily Bread. They purchased 100 cups and saucers for Auxiliary teas. The Memorial Fund Book was named in honor of Dr. Walter Gumprecht. The book, with the names of the deceased written in gold, was displayed in a place of honor in the Admittance Building.
1953-54
The Auxiliary purchased six uniforms for volunteers to wear. They purchased an electrical oxygen tank ($750.00), contributed $1,500.00 for the modernization of the elevator in the old Blaisdell Building, and pledged $2,000.00 from the Coffee Shop profits for the same project. They gave gifts to all the patients at Christmas and gave pins to all the Auxiliary Life Members. They held the first Country Fair which netted $2,869.40 and a rummage sale ($640.00). The Memorial Book Fund had $613.00 and fifty-four names on the plaque. The Auxiliary gave $600 to the Diagnostic Clinic.
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Our Cherished Memories
1954-55
The second Country Fair required months of preparation and netted $2,649.00. The Auxiliary gave $350.00 for a recovery room on the Obstetrics Floor and $1,200.00 toward surgical equipment. They bought Christmas gifts for all patients and paid for a complete remodeling of the Outpatient Waiting Room. The Memorial Book Fund monies were spent on cancer equipment. The Auxiliary gave $100.00 toward sending a senior student and the Director of Nursing to a nurses’ convention. The Auxiliary continued to fund two awards for graduating nurses and to support the revolving scholarship fund.
1955-56
The third Country Fair netted $3,667.55. The Auxiliary gave $1,000.00 of Coffee Shop profits to the Clinic program. The scholarship fund aided eighteen students for a cost of $1,575.00. The Auxiliary spent $2,125.00 on an electrical oxygen tent, a portable electrical tent, surgical suction pumps, and bed sides. Boutelle Savage, President of the Board of Trustees: “We would be utterly unable in the space provided for this report, to attempt an orderly enumeration of the individuals who have contributed to the success of the Women’s Auxiliary programs. However, we wish to express, officially and personally, our sincere gratitude to these public-spirited, thoughtful and generous women of the area who serve the hospital in so many varied and helpful ways. Their great interest and unflagging spirit has made them one of the foremost groups of its kind, and their unceasing support has become synonymous with the charitable purpose of the entire institution.”
Mrs. Joseph Ornstein, Mrs. Clarence Emery, Jr., and Mrs. Frederick French look over some items to be given away at the "Sample Rama," part of the 1956 Country Fair. (Photo: Bangor Daily News)
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1956-57
The Memorial Book fund purchased a second item of radioactive isotope equipment ($296.00). The Auxiliary redecorated parts of the nurses’ home and allocated $1,100.00 to the students’ scholarship fund. A fourth Country Fair and Rummage Sale (renamed the Country Auction) netted $4,031.34. The Auxiliary gave the customary Christmas party and continued to sponsor the Notion Wagon for patients.
1957-58 A fifth Country Auction netted $1,003.00, and the Rummage Sale
netted $300.00. The Auxiliary continued its tradition of presenting red roses to the graduating nursing students. The Auxiliary gave $750.00 to the scholarship fund. They also gave the nursing students silver and dishes, a television set, a hi-fi set, books, a card table, lawn furniture, and a barbeque. A Department of Volunteer Services was established under the direction of Rose Leddy. The Auxiliary bought an electric oxygen tent for $700.00 and gave the hospital Christmas party.
1958-59
The first Fashion Show and Luncheon in October netted $457.55. The Notion Wagon netted $150.00, and the Rummage Sale netted $233.80. The Auxiliary purchased three dozen pink and white pinafores for Junior Volunteers. They also purchased an isolette incubator for $1,150.00 and pledged $2,500.00 toward decorating the new diagnostic and treatment building under construction. This building was later named in honor of Robert N. Haskell, a Trustee of EMMC. A delegate to the Hospital Assembly in Boston brought back a description of an Auxiliary member: “She looks like a girl, thinks like a man, acts like a lady, and works like a dog.”
1959-60
The Second Fashion Show and Luncheon netted $1,491.80. The Notion Wagon netted $150.00. A rummage sale netted $233.80. The Auxiliary gave the customary Christmas party. The Auxiliary set up monthly teas for student nurses and gave scholarships to student nurses to use the facilities of the YWCA. The group also maintained the Comfort Fund, providing layette clothing to newborns whose parents were unable to buy it. The Auxiliary bought cigarettes, shaving soap, stationery, slippers and diapers for several patients who were unable to purchase those things themselves. The group worked on bandages and surgical supplies. There were 511 members. The American Hospital Association issued new pins for members who had given in excess of 500 hours. There were nine people eligible for the 500 hour pin and five people eligible for the 1,000 hour pin. Earl Soucy received a 2,000 hour pin.
$4,031.34 24
Our Cherished Memories
TOTAL AMOUNT NETTED BY COUNTRY AUCTION IN 1956
1960-61
The Third Fashion Show and Luncheon netted $1,928.72. The Auxiliary members began to discuss the idea of a Gift Shop in September, 1960. It was agreed to use the proceeds ($858.08) from the Rise Stevens concert to start the new Gift Shop. The Auxiliary continued to take the Notion Wagon around to patients and to volunteer at the cash register in the Coffee Shop. The Auxiliary took on a new recovery room as a project. The cost was $4,639.32, and the group donated $1,000.00 of that sum this year.
1961-62
The Fourth Fashion Show and Luncheon made a profit of $2,194.79. The Gift Shop opened on November 1, 1961. In the first year, it netted $661.92, and $600.00 of this went to the Intensive Care Unit. The Memorial Book Fund gave $100.00 toward the purchase of tabulating cards for pernicious anemia research conducted by Dr. Mason Trowbridge and $500.00 for a cancer detection microscope. The Auxiliary contributed $1,500.00 toward equipment for the recovery room.
1962-63
The Fifth Fashion Show and Luncheon netted $2,648.33, and $1,100.00 of this had been pledged to the new recovery room. The Auxiliary continued to give Christmas gifts to patients and to the student nurses. In October, 1962, the Auxiliary no longer called its scholastic achievement award the Dr. Bertram Bryant Award. However, the Auxiliary continued to give awards at nursing graduation in the name of the Women’s Auxiliary.
Mrs. Harold P. Robinson, President; Robert N. Haskell, President of the Board of Trustees; Mrs. Louis Striar, First Vice President; Frank C. Curran, Director of EMGH; and Mrs. Clement Dyer, Corresponding Secretary, attend the 1963 annual meeting and luncheon of the Women's Auxiliary at EMGH. (Photo: Bangor Daily News) A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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Among the models at the 1964 Fashion Show are Mrs. Henry Small, Mrs. Donworth Small, Mrs. Benjamin Shapero, Mrs. Harold Robinson, and Mrs. Edward Knowles, commentator. (Photo: Bangor Daily News)
1963-64
The Sixth Fashion Show and Luncheon earned $2,207.73. From this, the final $1,000.00 of the recovery room pledge was paid. The Auxiliary also contributed $1,000.00 toward nursing graduation.
1964-65
The Seventh Fashion Show and Luncheon netted $2,157.05. The Auxiliary gave $1,000.00 for equipment in the Intensive Care Unit and $250.00 to the Pernicious Anemia Program. The Auxiliary gave the annual Christmas party with gifts for all 268 patients. It gave $1,000.00 toward nursing graduation.
1965-66
The Eighth Fashion Show and Luncheon, “Out of the World Fashions,” at Dow Air Force Base Officers’ Club brought $1,777.67. Money from the Gift Shop and from the Fashion Show was used to help underwrite the cost of the Intensive Care Unit. There were 316 members.
1966-67 The Ninth Fashion Show and Luncheon netted $1,777.67. The
Auxiliary gave $2,294.56 to purchase a heart monitor for the Intensive Care Unit. The Auxiliary gave a Volunteer’s Tea in April. The group gave mirrors to the nurses’ home as Christmas gifts. There were 403 members. Dues were increased to $3.00 per year.
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Our Cherished Memories
1967-68
The Tenth Fashion Show and Luncheon earned $1,505.70. The Auxiliary discussed the need to explore new ideas for the fashion show. The five-bed Coronary Care Unit opened, and the Auxiliary agreed to underwrite $15,000.00 worth of equipment for the Coronary Care Unit. They gave $1,000.00 toward nursing graduation and $200.00 to the Christmas Fund.
1968-69
Members of the Auxiliary volunteered 10,800 hours. The Eleventh Fashion Show and Luncheon was held at the Brewer Auditorium. The Auxiliary also held a Christmas Tea. They gave $3,000.00 toward their $15,000.00 pledge toward the Coronary Unit and $1,085.00 for a heart monitor. They gave $1,000.00 toward a microscope for cancer research.
1969-70
The Twelfth Fashion Show and Luncheon was called “New Look” in keeping with the hospital’s name change to Eastern Maine Medical Center. The Fashion Show tickets cost $5.00, and the show was held at the Dickerman Dining Common at Husson College. The fashions were by Rines Company. For his 5,300 hours of volunteer service, Earl Soucy received the memorial plaque established by the Auxiliary in memory of Marion H. Gannett and James A. Gannett of Orono. Nursing awards were given to students with the highest academic average and with the greatest proficiency in clinical practice.
Mrs. Gail Bryant and Mrs. Carol Wood discuss plans for the new Gift Shop in 1971. (Photo: Bangor Daily News)
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1970-71
The Auxiliary changed its name to the Auxiliary of Eastern Maine Medical Center. The members held a Volunteer Recognition Tea. The Fashion Show, “Total Woman Forum,” was held at the Bangor Municipal Auditorium. The Auxiliary gave $2,500.00 to Eastern Maine Medical Center. The Auxiliary invited men to become members of the group for the first time. This year Ellen Gould received the Gannett Award for volunteer service.
1971-72
The Fourteenth Fashion Show, “Return to Elegance,” was held at the Red Lion restaurant. A gala theater party preceded the premiere of the movie, Cabaret, at the Brewer Cinema. The medical wives were honored at a Valentine Tea. The Auxiliary pledged $40,000.00 toward the new building (now called the Grant Building) which would house the Gift Shop. Mildred Robinson received the Gannett Award.
1972-73
“Stop the Stretcher! I Want to Get Off” was the title of the first Follies. The Auxiliary gave Eastern Maine Medical Center $10,000.00, most of which had been raised by the Follies presentation. The Auxiliary gave $1,000.00 to nursing scholarships. Alice Warren received the Gannett Award.
The Rockette line in the 1972 Follies. (Photo: Bangor Daily News)
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Our Cherished Memories
1973-74
The Fifteenth Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon netted $1,800.00. The Gift Shop earned $3,500.00 for the Auxiliary. Two bake sales netted $388.00, and a joint charity ball, Spring Frolic, organized by the Auxiliaries of St. Joseph’s and Taylor Osteopathic and Eastern Maine Medical Center resulted in a profit of $1,700.00 for each hospital. “Al Corey’s band was playing as patrons and sponsors entered through a trellis arch and were awed by the transformation of the Brewer Auditorium into a spring garden of birches, shrubbery, pink flowers, and white picket fences.” The Auxiliary gave $5,000.00 to the $40,000.00 Building Fund pledge. It gave $1000.00 towards awards and flowers for the graduating nurses. This year, the first yearbook for Auxiliary members was compiled and distributed. Life membership dues were $75.00, sustaining dues were $10.00, and active dues were $3.00. Pearl Dressner received the Gannett Award.
1974-75
The Second Follies earned $14,000.00. This was given toward the Building Fund pledge. The new Gift Shop opened officially on December 17th with a formal ceremony. Mrs. Philbrick, Mrs. Gaillard, and Miss Stetson were honored as the founders of the Gift Shop. Executive Director Robert Brandow to Auxiliary President Gail Bryant: “It is important to realize that the coffee shop will be closing when we open the new building with a 24hour cafeteria and that the only ‘store’ for items of every nature will be the Gift Shop.” The Auxiliary continued to give $1,000.00 toward nursing awards and to give gifts to all patients at Christmas time. There were 509 members. They began the Smiley Project, a program that educated children about what goes on inside a hospital. Promoted through the public school, the Smiley project was intended to reduce children’s fears about hospital procedures. The Gannett Award was given to Sally Klekotta in recognition of volunteer service.
1975-76
A Second Spring Frolic with the St. Joseph’s and Taylor Osteopathic Auxiliaries was held on May 8, 1976 at John Bapst High School. The Auxiliary sponsored a Blood Donor Day for the bloodmobile drive. It paid off the $40,000.00 pledge for the new building and added a $3,000.00 gift. The Auxiliary gave $1,000.00 toward nursing awards. They held a membership tea for the 411 members. The Auxiliary yearbook was compiled and distributed to all members. The group continued to send Auxiliary members to conferences and to give yearly awards to nursing students. Clayton Gould received the Gannett Award. The Auxiliary discontinued the Gannett Award after this year since volunteer service had become so generous that it was no longer possible to choose a single recipient. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1976-77
The Auxiliary increased its contribution to nursing graduation from $1,000.00 to $1,500.00. The Smiley Project continued. The Auxiliary pledged another $40,000.00 for the addition of an Intensive Care Unit on the Pediatric Unit, and gave $14,000.00 toward that pledge. This pledge was to be fulfilled through Gift Shop proceeds. The Third Follies was held. The Auxiliary held a Valentine bloodmobile drive.
1977-78
The Third Tri-Hospital Cabaret Night was held in May. The Auxiliary gave gifts to patients and student nurses at Christmas. It contributed to a patient Comfort Fund which provided, among other items, clothing for newborn babies leaving the hospital. The group gave $15,000.00 toward the Pediatric Floor and contributed to nursing scholarships. The group also pledged $75,000.00 to the Cancer Fund over a five year period.
1978-79
The Auxiliary gave another $5,000.00 toward the Pediatric pledge. It contributed a total of $21,500.00 from the Gift Shop profits to the Cancer Center pledge of $75,000.00. It maintained a Comfort Fund for patients, provided the customary gifts for nursing students and patients, and gave $1,500.00 toward nursing graduation. The Auxiliary organized the Fourth Follies.
1979-80
The Auxiliary received tax-exempt, non-profit status as an organization. It sponsored a Lumberjacks basketball game and made $112.00. The group held four bake sales. It gave gifts to patients at Christmas time. It contributed $16,000.00 to Eastern Maine Medical Center from the Gift Shop to the Rosen Cancer Center pledge.
1980-81
The Auxiliary paid $6,500.00 to Eastern Maine Medical Center to retire the balance on the $40,000.00 Pediatric Intensive Care pledge. It also contributed $1,500.00 toward nursing graduation. It gave $15,000.00 toward the $75,000.00 Cancer Center pledge, leaving a balance of $27,500.00. The Auxiliary raised money by raffles ($2,200.00), bake sales ($600.00), and the Fifth Follies ($12,000.00). The dues increased to $5.00 annually for a regular member, $20.00 for a sustaining member, and $100.00 for a life member.
1981-82
The President of the Auxiliary was designated an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. The Auxiliary gave $27,500.00 to retire the Cancer Center pledge. The Auxiliary established a $100,000.00 endowment fund, the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary Children’s Endowment Fund, and gave $5,000.00 toward the pledge. The nursery in the newly opened maternity unit on level 7 was dedicated in honor of the Auxiliary’s support of children’s care.
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Our Cherished Memories
1982-83
The Gift Shop was enlarged by 108 square feet. The Auxiliary gave $1,500.00 toward nursing graduation. The first Christmas Party at the Dyer’s home raised $3,870.59 for E.M.M.C., and $35,000.00 went to the Auxiliary Children’s Endowment Fund.
1983-84
The Auxiliary’s new constitution and by-laws were ratified on September 12, 1983. The Auxiliary became known as the Auxiliary of Eastern Maine Health Care Charities. A second Dyer’s Christmas Party netted $6,683.31. The Auxiliary gave gifts to all patients. It gave $1,847.16 to cancer research from the Memorial Fund. The Auxiliary presented a check for $49,000.00 to the Auxiliary’s Children’s Endowment Fund. The Sixth Follies were produced.The Auxiliary contributed $1,500.00 toward nursing graduation.
1984-85
The Auxiliary contributed $500.00 to the School of Nursing to help pay for a historic yearbook. The $1,500.00 Nursing Scholarship was transferred from Eastern Maine Medical Center School of Nursing to the Husson Baccalaureate Nursing Program. The Auxiliary pledged $250,000.00 to an Open Heart Surgery Program and gave $40,000.00 toward the pledge. A final payment of $11,000.00 completed the $100,000.00 Children’s Endowment Fund pledge. A third Dyer’s Christmas Cocktail Party netted $4,481.00. Christmas gifts were given to all the patients. The Auxiliary presented the Seventh Follies. There were 323 members of the Auxiliary.
1985-86
The Auxiliary contributed $65,000.00 toward the Open Heart Surgery Program pledge. The Memorial Book Fund gave $685.00 toward the hospital’s cancer program. The Auxiliary provided a Comfort Fund for patients and contributed to the Pediatric Valentine party. The Auxiliary continued to fund the $1,500.00 Nursing Scholarship and to present roses to the nursing students upon graduation. The customary Christmas gifts were given to all patients. The fourth Dyer’s Christmas Party netted $6,200.00 which was given toward the purchase of a special blood chemistry monitor for infants. A descendant of the Smiley program, the Emmie program began in the second grade classrooms throughout the community. A registered nurse went to speak to children, taking with her a stuffed cat, Emmie, and a special coloring book. The goal of the Emmie program was to help children learn about hospitals and to learn to participate in their own illness prevention.
$65,000
AUXILIARY'S 1985 CONTRIBUTION TOWARD PLEDGE OF $250,000 FOR OPEN HEART SURGERY PROGRAM
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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1986-87
This was the 95th Anniversary of the Auxiliary. The group recognized past presidents with Certificates of Appreciation. The Auxiliary gave $40,000.00 toward the Open Heart Surgery pledge, and $1,030.00 from the Memorial Book Fund to the Eastern Maine Medical Center Cancer/Tumor Clinic. The group gave $1,600.00 to nursing scholarships for students in the Husson/EMMC Nursing Program. A fifth Dyer’s Christmas Party netted $6,000.00.
1987-88
The proceeds from the sixth Dyer’s Christmas Party bought a pediatric cardiac monitor and resuscitator ($7,854.81). The Auxiliary increased its pledge to the Open Heart Surgery program from $250,000.00 to $350,000.00 and gave $72,600.00 toward the pledge: $45,000.00 from the Gift Shop and $27,600.00 from the Follies. The Eighth Follies had netted $28,144.91. The Memorial Book Fund contributed $2,050.00 to the Cancer/Tumor Clinic.
1988-89
The 1st Children’s Miracle Network Telethon was held and benefited the Pediatric Unit at the hospital. The group’s name changed to Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary, and its members were among the many volunteers who made the telethon a great success. The Auxiliary members researched and wrote a history of the Gift Shop. The Auxiliary contributed $2,000.00 to nursing scholarships, and $1,630.00 from the Memorial Book Fund to the Cancer/Tumor Clinic. The group gave $45,000.00 toward the Heart Center pledge.
Paula Ballesteros, Helen Libby, Carrie Jo Martin, and Madelyn Clough staff the telephone lines at the first Telethon in 1989. (Photo: Bangor Daily News)
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Our Cherished Memories
1989-90
The Ninth Follies netted $45,947.74. The Auxiliary contributed $2,000.00 to nursing scholarships and $1,410.00 from the Memorial Book Fund to the Cancer/Tumor Clinic. The Auxiliary gave $5,000.00 toward the endowment fund for the Lifeline Program of Telecare. It contributed $86,700.00 to fulfill the final phase of the Auxiliary’s pledge to the Heart Center.
1990-91
The Tenth Follies netted $60,000.00. The Auxiliary gave $7,000.00 to the Children’s Telethon from the interest income from the Auxiliary’s Children’s Endowment Fund. The group contributed $1,570.00 to the Cancer/Tumor Clinic from the Memorial Book Fund. The Auxiliary gave $2,000.00 to nursing scholarships and two $150.00 awards to the nursing students who displayed the highest grade point average and the highest proficiency in nursing. The group held a special luncheon to honor Gift Shop volunteers. The Auxiliary published a biannual newsletter for members. The group bought Christmas presents for all patients and gave $100.00 toward decorations for the Pediatric Unit. The Auxiliary pledged $500,000.00 to the Children’s Care Center and gave $86,700.00 toward that pledge.
1991-92 The Auxiliary contributed $18,384.81.00 to the Children’s
Telethon from the group’s Children’s Endowment Fund. The Auxiliary gave $1,560.00 to the Cancer/Tumor Clinic from the Memorial Book Fund. At Eastern Maine Medical Center’s 100th birthday, the Auxiliary raised over $1,800.00 toward the group’s pledge to the Pediatric Unit campaign. In all, the group gave $55,000.00 toward the Pediatric Unit pledge of $500,000.00. The Auxiliary gave $2,000.00 in scholarships to the Husson/ EMMC nursing program and to students in allied health care. The Auxiliary also presented two $250.00 awards to the nursing graduates with the highest grade point average and with the highest nursing proficiency.
1992-93
The Auxiliary presented $8,780.00 to the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon from the group’s Children’s Endowment Fund. The Auxiliary gave $2,000.00 in nursing scholarships and another $2,000.00 in scholarships to students in allied health care (one $1,000.00 award to a student in Medical Technology and two $500.00 awards to students in Radiology). The group also gave two $250.00 awards to nursing students who excelled in scholarship and in nursing proficiency. Again, the Auxiliary gave roses to all nursing graduates. The group also provided the customary Christmas gifts to each patient. They gave a total of $140,000.00 to the Pediatric Unit
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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pledge. The Auxiliary also donated $1,740.00 from the Memorial Book Fund to the EMMC Cancer/Tumor Clinic. Ken Hews, Executive Vice President and Treasurer of Eastern Maine Healthcare: “The Board, management, staff, and, most importantly, the patients thank you for what you do.”
1993-94
The Auxiliary presented a Health Care Reform education session to the Greater Bangor area. Speakers included a state senator, a physician, a nurse, a hospital administrator, and an economics professor. The Auxiliary gave $500.00 to establish a Music Cart to begin music therapy for patients. The group also contributed $100,000.00 to Eastern Maine Charities for the Pediatric Unit campaign. As a result of the Auxiliary’s $500,000.00 pledge in the Pediatric Unit campaign, the solarium on the Pediatric Unit was named in honor of the Auxiliary. The group contributed $10,031.76 to the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon from the Auxiliary’s Children’s Endowment Fund. The Memorial Book Fund received $2,290.00. The Auxiliary continued its customary $2,000.00 worth of scholarships for nursing students and for students in allied health care. Taro $400.00 awards were given to two nursing students with the highest grade point average and with the highest nursing proficiency. As usual, the Auxiliary supplied the customary rose for each graduate. The Auxiliary helped the Community Relations Department at EMMC perform a Health Care Survey in the community. The Auxiliary also donated food to Shaw House and to the Salvation Army. The group honored Gift Shop volunteers at a luncheon. The Maine Association of Hospital Auxiliaries (MAHA) was reorganized with the President of the EMMC Auxiliary as the new president of MAHA. At a general membership meeting of the Auxiliary, Norman Ledwin, the new Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Maine Medical Center, spoke of the changes facing health care under President Clinton’s Health Care Reform proposal. Ledwin urged the Auxiliary Board to join with other Auxiliary Boards in the state to develop regional support systems and programs. The Auxiliary newsletter was published twice. Barbara Fister researched and compiled highlights of the group’s 101 year history. Our Cherished Memories was published by the Auxiliary.
1994 "OUR CHERISHED MEMORIES" WAS FIRST PUBLISHED BY THE AUXILIARY HIGHLIGHTING THEIR 101 YEAR HISTORY 34
Our Cherished Memories
VI. PRESIDENTS OF THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY (1940-1994) 1940–41 1941–42 1942–45 1945–47 1947–49 1949–50
Mrs. Charles Flagg Mrs. Ruel Kimball Mrs. Thomas Curran Mrs. G. E. Mincher Mrs. Harry Broder
Mrs. John Massengale; Mrs. Fred Libby
1950–52
Mrs. Edward (Marie) Conquest
1952–53 1953–54
Mrs. Alec Wescott
Mrs. Arthur (Bernice) Bolster
1954–56
Mrs. Paul (Caroline) Freese
1956–57
Mrs. Arthur (Bernice) Bolster
1957–60
Mrs. Lloyd (Laura) Brown
1960–62
Mrs. Wilbur (Margaret) Manter
1964–65
Mrs. Harry (Laura) Small
1965–68
Mrs. Samuel (Sally) Tabenken
1968–69 1969–70 1970–72
Mrs. Connie Sensenig
1972–74 1974–75 1975–78 1978–80 1980–82 1982–84 1984–86 1986–88 1988–90 1990–92 1992–94
Mrs. Gail Bryant
Mrs. Sandy Garland
Mrs. Jean Cunningham Mrs. Laura Bailey Mrs. Lynda Clyve Mrs. Nancy Mabee Mrs. Jean Hamilton Mrs. Carol Rushton Mrs. Eleanor Chason Mrs. Sarah Clark Mrs. Pennye Dyer Mrs. Madelyn Clough Mrs. Paula Ballesteros
1962–64
Mrs. Harold (Estelle) Robinson
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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VII. THE FUTURE OF THE AUXILIARY (1994) I finish reading our rich history of the past 100 years not with a sense of completion but rather a sense of anticipation for what is to come. The health care climate, the needs of Eastern Maine Medical Center, and the needs of our community are changing rapidly. Our auxiliary will only become more committed and stronger as we accept those changes and work to meet the challenges before us. The Auxiliary at EMMC has focused on three activities throughout its history: public relations, fundraising, and volunteering. Public relations has always been integral to Auxiliary work; Auxiliary members are ambassadors in the mission of comprehensive health care. We bring the values and concerns of the community to our hospital, and we act as advocates for our hospital in the community. Recently, Eastern Maine Medical Center has been re-dedicated to our community. I am sure that the Auxiliary will continue to play its part in that dedication and service. The Auxiliary Members of a hundred years ago set the pace for fundraising. Their goals were much like ours: to help the hospital in acquiring up-to-date technology, to develop new services, and to support the education and the development of hospital employees and of students. The Auxiliary fundraising projects began with bake sales, charity fairs, and Hospital Sundays managed by a small group of women. Through the years, Auxiliary fundraising has come to mean more complex ventures, like the Gift Shop and the Follies, earning money for the Auxiliary’s endowments and pledges. This has all been accomplished by the hands and minds of volunteers. Volunteerism is important at our hospital and in our fundraising projects. When people donate their time generously, the Auxiliary can fulfill its plans, and Eastern Maine Medical Center benefits. Without strong support from our auxiliary fundraising efforts and without the gift of our time and talent, Eastern Maine Medical Center could not have fulfilled its mission in this past century. What is the Auxiliary’s role in the next 100 years? Certainly, health care is changing rapidly, but the Auxiliary members who have come before us have charted a future path. We continue on that path with passion, commitment, and loyalty as we help Eastern Maine Medical Center continue its mission for our community.
Paula Ballesteros President, Board of Directors
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Our Cherished Memories
VIII. THE 1993-1994 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The 1994 Board of Directors of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary. (Photo: Monty Rand)
Sally Arata Paula Ballesteros, President Kim Brountas Madelyn Clough Pam Coffey-Paine Linda Collins Betty Comstock Norma Corliss Dela Factor, Treasurer Claudette Faulkner Marion Feeney
Barbara Fister, Vice-President Ellen Flagg Helen Genco Sheri Glazier Jean Hamilton Linda Hansen, Recording Secretary Helen Libby Carrie Jo Martin Jane Sigsbee Ruth Striar Cynthia Triplett
A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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IX. INTRODUCTION (1994-2018) In early January, 2018, Jan Currier, co-chair of the Auxiliary’s 125th Anniversary Celebration, contacted me to see if I would be interested in updating the Auxiliary’s history. The book, “Our Cherished Memories,” which I wrote 25 years ago told the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary’s story from 1893 to 1994. For me, this new edition was special as I reconnected with individuals who I had known and worked with in the past. In addition, I had the opportunity to engage with and meet new people. Reviewing our last 25 years, I reminisced about those individuals who I knew in the community. Fortunately, there were Auxilians who were willing to pursue our history with me so we could complete the assignment within six months. The committee broke down the secretary’s minutes into five year increments, updating the history on the Gift Shop, the Follies and incorporating our new fundraisers, the Winter Beach Ball and the Kitchen Tour. We functioned independently, but met as a committee monthly and then weekly during the spring and summer months. Individually, we had our own writing style but working together we quickly found our rhythm. As you read this book, we hope you capture the enthusiasm, commitment, vitality and actual fun we had in its preparation. Although healthcare has changed in the last 125 years, our Auxiliary has adapted well to meet new challenges. We look forward to continue serving the hospital and the health needs of this community in the future. The committee would like to express a huge thank you to Martha Wildman, Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary’s liaison to Eastern Maine Medical Center, for arranging our conference meetings, sending out our reports, and retyping our corrections. In addition, the committee would like to thank Andy Soucier, Lead Communications Specialist, Eastern Maine Healthcare System Office of System Communications for editing the manuscript, Laurie Lozier from the Bangor Daily News for assisting us in publishing the book and Eastern Maine Medical Center for supporting the production of “Our Cherished Memories-125 Years of Service.” Finally, we need to thank the secretaries who kept the minutes of the Auxiliary board meetings for the last 25 years like their predecessors 100 years before them. Without those minutes, the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary history would be lost.
Barbara Fister, Chair
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Paula Ballesteros Kathy Bernier Cindy Curran
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Our Cherished Memories
Helen Genco Eileen Hernandez
X. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY (1994-2018) 1994–1995 A strategic planning meeting was held at Acadia Hospital facilitated by personnel director Michael Walsh. The goals from the meeting were: 1. To work closer with Eastern Maine Medical Center administrators to learn what role the Auxiliary board can share in health education. 2. To increase input and representation in health-related political information and action for the purpose of education of board members, education of Auxiliary members (newsletter), and community advocacy. 3. Continue a broad vision of the Auxiliary’s fundamental stated purposes to accommodate current and future Eastern Maine Medical Center needs and to interest and involve greater numbers of Auxiliary members. A joint meeting between the boards of directors of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary and St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary was held on February 6. Sister Norberta, St. Joseph’s president and CEO, spoke of the importance of healthy competition in the primary care market, noting patients are better served if they have choices. Terri Sleeper, president of the St. Joseph’s Auxiliary, and Paula Ballesteros, president of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary, noted that St. Joe’s and Eastern Maine Medical Center will be 45 and 102 years old this year, respectively. Barbara Fister wrote and published a history of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary called “Our Cherished Memories” which was free to all Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxilians. Paula Ballesteros touched upon the re-emergence of MAHA (Maine Association of Hospital Auxiliaries) of which she was also president. The Husson nursing graduation was held on May 12. The Auxiliary presented each graduating student with a rose and gave two proficiency awards. Sally Arata thanked everyone for their help at the very successful Follies Director’s Night. Members were thanked for selling their commemorative “moments” (a moment refers to a brief picture or text of the history of World War II). There were 2500 books printed with 500 going to libraries and those who purchased moments. Copies that were not given away were sold at a very nominal price. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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“Follies ’95 Salutes the USO” earned $58,212.29. Seventy people attended the Annual Meeting held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono. The speaker was Pat Stenger from the Diabetes and Nutrition Center. Norman Ledwin, CEO of Eastern Maine Healthcare and Eastern Maine Medical Center thanked the Auxiliary for its invaluable contributions to community healthcare. He gave special thanks for the Follies “superb weekend.” The new Gift Shop opened the first of December, much closer to the front door. The sum of $1,990 was presented to Mr. Ledwin from the Memorial Book Fund for use in the Eastern Maine Medical Center Cancer/Tumor Clinic. Mr. Ledwin noted a Certificate of Need for a new cancer center has been approved pending the signature of the commissioner, and plans were underway to build a new $7-8 million center. A check of $80,000 was presented to Mr. Ledwin, which completed the Auxiliary’s pledge of $500,000 made in 1991 for the new Pediatrics Unit. The funds came from Gift Shop sales. Sally Arata and Barbara Fister, co-producers of “Follies ’95 Salutes the USO,” presented a check of $50,000 to Mr. Ledwin from the proceeds of the show. Five nursing students received $500 scholarships.
1995–1996 The General Membership Meeting was held at Betty Comstock’s house. Board members who volunteered in the Gift Shop were recognized: Nancy Carmichael, Madeline Clough, Norma Corliss, Dottie Dodge, Sherri Glazier, Eula Littlefield, and Jean Hamilton. The new membership book reflected a total membership of 474. The Education Committee set several goals: 1. Educate the community about wellness 2. Establish a focus group in the hospital to discuss community needs and concerns 3. Act as facilitators 4. Involve the general membership Anne Hoskins and Jane Sigsbee attended the Maine Hospital Association State Meeting held at the Samoset. Barbara Fister and Helen Genco attended the National Hospital Association Meeting in Philadelphia. The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary was the most active in the state.
$58,212.29 TOTAL EARNED THROUGH
1995 FOLLIES
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Our Cherished Memories
Newsletters were published biannually. In May, the president of the board attended the Husson College nursing program graduation. Each student received a yellow rose. Two awards were given out: one for highest academic achievement and one for the highest nursing proficiency. In June, the Auxiliary presented a check for $7,711.41 at the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Telethon from the Auxiliary’s Children’s Endowment Fund. Board speakers for the year included the Children’s Miracle Network coordinator, a representative from the Women’s Health Center, and the president of Acadia Hospital. The Auxiliary held a luncheon at Isaac Farrar Mansion. The Annual Meeting in November featured Mary Herman, Maine’s First Lady, as the keynote speaker, drawing approximately 180 people. The Auxiliary gave out $20,682 in its first round of wellness education grants to Ross Care, Family Practice Residency Program, and Hospice of Eastern Maine. The Auxiliary gave $123,000 to Eastern Maine Medical Center to support the Breast and Osteoporosis Center and, from the Memorial Book Fund, the Cancer/Tumor Clinic.
1996–1997 A fourth annual goal setting session was held in January. Those in attendance reviewed and celebrated an extraordinary previous year. Helen Libby completed a beautiful scrapbook with pictures and newspaper articles. The Auxiliary reviewed, revised, and amended its bylaws. Board topics for the year included “Eating Disorders Book Promotion Plan, a healing process through Poetry and Art”, patient education materials, legal counsel for Eastern Maine Healthcare (EMH) explaining the proposed bylaws, early days of television, and Maine Women’s History. Sandra Blake Leonard, Peggy Youngblood, and M. Jane Irving were announced as tri-chairs for the October ’98 Follies. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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The annual tradition of presenting each Husson College nursing graduate with a rose continued. The Auxiliary once again presented two awards; one for the highest academic achievement, and one for the highest nursing proficiency. In June the Auxiliary awarded Children’s Miracle Network $8,860.96. The Annual Meeting on November 19 at the Bangor Conference Center featured guest speaker Senator Susan Collins, who provided a lively presentation to Auxiliary members on recent healthcare activity in Congress and her role in these discussions. Senator Collins strongly praised the volunteers of the Auxiliary for their significant leadership in supporting and guiding healthcare in the region. A check was presented to Deborah Carey Johnson for $112,990, which represented monies collected from the Eastern Maine Medical Center Gift Shop, gifts to the Auxiliary, and member dues. Five wellness education grants were awarded totaling $28,735, to the Oncology Social Work Support Group, the Diabetes State Symposium, the Family Practice Residency Program, Ross Care Elder Care, and a Logicare computer for patient and family information. The Auxiliary continued to offer scholarship money and the Memorial Book Fund proceeds of $1,830 were contributed to Eastern Maine Medical Center.
1997–1998 The membership book went to the printer with a listing of 450 members. Peggy Youngblood stressed it is an ongoing endeavor to encourage new members to join. Michael Walsh (Acadia Hospital) led the Auxiliary Board in an annual planning session. He commented that he had seen growth which should be celebrated. The Auxiliary’s focus on service to the community was going in the right direction. The Auxiliary toured the Women’s Center, and made a $90,000 contribution to purchase the Digital Spot Mammography System which offered enhancements to the existing Stereotactic Breast Biopsy System. The title of the Follies ’98 was “Steppin’ Out.” A General Membership Meeting was held in May with almost 80 people attending to hear Sandra Blake Leonard of A.G. Edwards. The October General Membership Meeting was held at Acadia Hospital. Some people were turned away because there was only seating for 50. A naming opportunity for the hospitality/reception area of the new Women’s Center was presented and approved. The Auxiliary’s commitment was an initial $10,000. The Annual Meeting was held at Pilot’s Grill with guest speaker Dr. Erik Steele. He gave a presentation on LifeFlight of Maine. In its third year, the Education Committee gave out health and wellness grants in the amount of $29,569.35. The Auxiliary awarded a total of $5,000 total in scholarship money to Husson nursing students, an EMTC radiography student, and an EMTC clinical laboratory student. The Auxiliary gave $2,120 from the Memorial Fund to CancerCare of Maine, and $131,023 to the president of Eastern Maine Charities. 42
Our Cherished Memories
1998 Follies producers — Jane Irving, Sandra Blake Leonard, and Peggy Youngblood.
1998–1999 Follies ’98, “Steppin’ Out,” reached the $50,000 mark for net income. Two thousand newsletters were distributed twice for a total of $326. Five hundred membership directories were printed for $163, reflecting 421 members. The May General Membership Meeting featured guest speaker Allison Keef. The September meeting speaker was Dr. Clifford Rosen. The board approved the recommendation that the 2001 Follies be produced by the ’98 Follies tri-chairs. The Auxiliary presented a check for $9,974.52 at the Children’s Miracle Network telethon, which represented interest income from the endowment fund that the Auxiliary established years ago. Speakers at the board meetings included representatives from the Breast and Osteoporosis Center, Children’s Miracle Network, and the president and vice president of Eastern Maine Charities. An ad hoc committee was formed to report back to the board with recommendations about designating future funds. The president of the board attended the Husson College nursing program graduation. Students were once again presented with a yellow rose and the Auxiliary awarded two scholarships. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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The Annual Meeting was held on November 5 at the Bangor Motor Inn Conference Center. Guest speakers Donna Gormley and Jan Smith from WLBZ 2 spoke on their successful Buddy to Buddy program and breast cancer awareness. Scholarships were presented to six Husson College nursing students. Wellness grants were presented to several Eastern Maine Healthcare entities: the Acadia Hospital’s Speak Out for Kids Program, Eastern Maine Medical Center Family Practice Residency Program for patient education, the Stroke Screening Clinic, Ross Care Elder Care, and Maine Rehab’s Think First for Kids. Additional grants and patient support were announced, and the Auxiliary presented Norman Ledwin and Michael Crowley with a check for $147,352.
1999–2000 Goals for the year included continuing to work towards distributing an Auxiliary newsletter on a regular basis, exploring development of a tri-fold brochure about the Auxiliary, looking for ways to solicit volunteers for the Gift Shop, improving communication with the public, and seeking a contact list and developing a welcome letter for new physicians’ wives. In June, the General Membership Meeting was held at Acadia Hospital. Dee Ette Bruns and Sharon Covey, massage therapists, spoke on a “Lifetime Habit” and continued with a massage demonstration. The September General Membership Meeting featured Michael Crowley, vice president for development at Eastern Maine Charities, who presented the program “Something New and Exciting.” The 2000 Annual Meeting was held November 6 at Pilot’s Grill. Our guest speaker, Dr. Peter Lambert from Eastern Maine Medical Center, gave an informative talk on new developments in Men’s Health. Scholarships were presented to four students. A total of $33,301 in wellness grants were given to nine Eastern Maine Healthcare entities: Family Practice; CancerCare of Maine; Women’s and Infants Services; Acadia Hospital; Diabetes, Endocrine, and Nutrition Center; Cardiac Rehab; Kelly 5/Ross Rehab; the Eastern Maine Medical Center Emergency Department; and Bangor
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Our Cherished Memories
Area Visiting Nurses. In addition, monies were given to projects for patient support in the amount of $159,000, which included a pledge of $100,000/year for five years ($500,000 total) to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Auxiliary presented a check for $197,411, which included gifts awarded to Children’s Miracle Network from the Children’s Endowment Fund and gifts to cancer programs from the Memorial Book Fund. The president of Eastern Maine Charities presented a receipt for all the volunteer hours given to the Gift Shop – an amazing 4000 volunteer hours. Dates for the 2001 Follies were announced: October 18, 19, 20, with tri-chairs Jane Irving, Peggy Youngblood, and Sandra Blake-Leonard and Bob Libby as artistic director.
2000–2001 The Auxiliary started the year by holding a goal setting session using the Board Effectiveness Measurement Tool facilitated by Megan Clough. The theme for the Follies was “A Follies Odyssey, Paul Bunyan and the Aliens” with Bob Libby as director. The Follies netted just under $35,000. Eastern Maine Charities took over the bookkeeping for the Auxiliary. This step reduced redundancy and improved communication. Speakers for the year included Amy Cotton, Center for Healthy Aging; Norm Ledwin and Liz Leonard, Dirigo Pines Retirement Community, planned for Orono; Scott Knight and Larry Beauregard, who conducted a tour of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; and Benita Matheson, Diabetes, Endocrine and Nutrition. The 2001 Annual Meeting was held at Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono with guest speaker Dr. Scott Knight presenting on “Taking Care of our Smallest Patients.” Projects for patient support were awarded totaling $119,310, including: Eastern Maine Medical Center Women and Infants Services/Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Children’s Miracle Network; four scholarships to Husson College nursing students; and awards, gifts, and memorial contributions. Wellness grants totaling $34,692 were awarded to: AweSome Body Classroom Project, Move and Improve Walking Club, Neonatal Intensive Care Development, Hospice of Eastern Maine, Eastern Maine Medical Center Case Management and Spruce Run, Family Practice Residency Program, and Acadia Hospital for artsbased civic dialogue.
2001–2002 Megan Clough, facilitator, met with the group to set goals for the year and to continue use of the Board Effectiveness Measurement Tool. The Auxiliary set goals of publishing a newsletter twice a year, creating an Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary brochure, developing a welcome packet, continuing wellness education grants, recruiting additional Gift Shop volunteers, and looking at A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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the frequency and profitability of producing the Follies. The Follies production was very labor intensive, and the process of soliciting ads was particularly cumbersome. It was decided to advance the timeline for the Follies to 2004. Michael Crowley met with the Auxiliary and spoke on the urgent need for secondgeneration digital mammography technology which would enhance existing equipment. Money was also being raised by Campaign of Hope with a goal of $2.2 million. One million dollars was designated for the new Cardiac Wellness Center. One million two hundred thousand dollars was designated for new equipment to assist in cancer detection and treatment. Other items within this campaign included $800,000 for new intensitymodulated radiation therapy equipment used to treat cancer. There was a need to match the $100,000 challenge grant by Galen and Susan Cole. The Auxiliary board was asked for $100,000 of its 2002 pledge towards NICU to go to the digital mammography equipment instead. It was voted by the Auxiliary to allocate $400,000 to Eastern Maine Medical Center for purchase of the second-generation digital mammography technology. Fundraising for the NICU was put on hold until space needs for neonatal and adult intensive care could be finalized and a Certificate of Need established. President Ledwin updated the board on several challenges facing healthcare providers in Maine and around the nation: a lack of public policy concerning healthcare, the problematic economics encountered by healthcare providers (with 45% of all hospital operating “in the red”), and insurance issues. Other speakers throughout the year included Dr. Stephen Amato and Dr. Stuart Stein presenting on new developments in pediatric neurology, and Barbara Higgins, who spoke on hormone replacement therapy. The Auxiliary’s tradition of presenting each graduate from Husson College School of Nursing with a rose and two awards for academics and proficiency continued. The 2001 Annual Meeting was held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club with guest speaker Dr. Linda Austin, who gave an informative talk from her book “What’s On Your Mind.” Projects for patient support totaling $120,310 were given to CancerCare of Maine for digital mammography technology; Children’s Miracle Network; Husson College scholarships; as well as awards, gifts and memorial contributions. Wellness grants totaling $29,200 were awarded to the AweSome Body Classroom Project, Move and Improve Walking Club, Neonatal Intensive Care development, Family Practice Residency Program, Acadia Hospital for arts-based civic dialogue, Diabetes and Nutrition Center, Volunteer Services, Hadley Parrot Library, and the Palliative Care Program.
$29,340 TOTAL WELLNESS GRANTS
GIVEN IN 2003
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Our Cherished Memories
2002–2003 The Auxiliary board was undecided about producing another Follies. It was decided to develop a ways and means committee to consider alternative fundraising projects. The board voted to delay the Follies until 2006. A plan was developed to hold a silver tea at a future meeting at Acadia Hospital. The dedication of the second-generation digital mammography equipment funded by the Auxiliary was held in October at the Healthcare Mall. A dance fundraiser featuring the band Motor Booty Affair was proposed as a new fundraising project. Joan Osler and Pauline Rock were the co-chairs of the first dance, which was slated to benefit the Campaign of Hope. The Auxiliary anticipated revenue of $10,000 and 400 tickets sold. The dance was to be held in March. Speakers throughout the year included Jonathan Wood, MD, director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit; Dana Lippitt from the Bangor Historical Society. The 2003 Annual Meeting was held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono with guest speaker Maestro Xaio-Lu Li, music director and conductor for the Bangor Symphony Orchestra sharing thoughts on the impact a symphony can have on a community’s well-being. Projects for patient support totaling $120,000 included: CancerCare of Maine digital mammography equipment, Children’s Miracle Network, and Husson University nursing student scholarships. Wellness grants totaling $29,340 were awarded to the AweSome Body Classroom Project, Move and Improve Walking Club, Family Practice Reading Project, Acadia Recovery Community, Diabetes and Nutrition Center, Bangor Area Visiting Nurses, Hospice of Eastern Maine, Palliative Care Program, and the Weight Loss Program.
2003–2004 The Gift Shop started a new baby photo service. Parents were able to look at the pictures of their baby online and place an order. At a general luncheon, Norm Ledwin, CEO and president of Eastern Maine Medical Center, presented on the topic of regionalization of healthcare in Maine and a state level approval process for hospital budgets, capital, equipment purchases, and patient services. President Ledwin encouraged the Auxiliary board and members to support the plan to align Eastern Maine Healthcare governance with national best practices. He encouraged the Auxiliary to prepare to advocate for Eastern Maine Medical Center as the Dirigo insurance proposals became public and were debated in communities across the State. A March dance at Spectacular Event Center featuring Motor Booty Affair netted $6600.
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Lyndy Rohman became the Auxiliary’s Eastern Maine Medical Center liaison. She provided a link to Volunteer Services and the Auxiliary Gift Shop. The Annual Meeting was held November 4 at Penobscot Valley Country Club. Lou Cappiello, R.Ph, presented “Herbal Medicine and Modern Pharmacology; Partners in Health.” Major gifts for the year, totaling $150,955, supported digital mammography; wellness grants (Eastern Maine Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss; Diabetes, Endocrine, and Nutrition Center; Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Service; Cardiac Rehab Learning Center, Rehab Center, Family Practice Residency Program, Move and Improve, and Acadia Adolescent Services); nursing scholarships; and Children’s Miracle Network. The Auxiliary distributed gift calendars to patients at Eastern Maine Medical Center during the holidays.
2004–2005 Goals for the year were to have general members feel connected to the Auxiliary; to develop an updated membership book that would be easier to update; and to investigate linking the Auxiliary website to the Eastern Maine Medical Center website. Work was done with facilitator, Eric Taylor, to enhance relationships within the board. The decision was made to have a kitchen tour in the fall. The first Kitchen Tour was October 15, chaired by Lynn Spooner. There were six homes to tour. The Auxiliary surpassed the fundraising goal of $15,000.
Claudette Faulkner, Pam Coffey-Paine, and Betty Comstock at the first Kitchen Tour in 2005.
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Our Cherished Memories
Hostesses Carol Colson, Sandra Blake Leonard and Mary Beth Lozada having a blast at the 2005 Kitchen Tour.
President Ledwin reported that the system continues to grow. At the time there were seven hospitals as well as other arms of business in nine counties, with over 7,000 employees in the system and an operating budget of $750 million. There was a new governance modernization in place with an interest in economic development. Research firms were being encouraged to move to the area. The economy was the biggest threat to the healthcare workforce. The Annual Meeting was held November 3 at the Penobscot Valley Country Club with Dr. Ellen Gellerstedt who spoke on “Advances in Developmental Pediatrics.” The Auxiliary announced support of the following projects totaling $119,150: NICU expansion project; Children’s Miracle Network; Husson University (four student nurse scholarships); and awards, gifts, memorial contributions. Wellness Grants totaling $28,246 were awarded to: Eastern Maine Medical Center Surgical Weight Loss; CancerCare of Maine; Diabetes, Endocrine, and Nutrition Center; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Inpatient Pediatrics; the Hadley Parrot Library, the Maine Rehab Center; Family Practice Residency Program; Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Move and Improve; Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems AweSome Body; and Bangor Area Visiting Nurses.
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2005–2006 Board member Linda Westphal became the Auxiliary’s liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board, a duty previously held by the Auxiliary president. The Auxiliary hosted a special event at the Collins Center on May 11 in conjunction with the Will Rogers show. A pre-reception honoring past presidents of the Auxiliary was held in the Bodwell Lounge. Martha Wildman was welcomed as the new Auxiliary liaison to Eastern Maine Medical Center. Cindy Curran and Lynn Spooner chaired the second annual Kitchen Tour featuring six unique kitchens in Bangor, Hampden, Orono, and Veazie. The tour was held on October 14 and netted $6,132.40. The Annual Meeting was held at the Penobscot Valley Country Club on December 11 with Sandra Blake Leonard, Financial Consultant. Her topic was “Today’s Investors’ Biggest Concerns.” The Auxiliary awarded $149,119 to projects for patient support including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Expansion Project, Children’s Miracle Network, and four Husson College nursing scholarships. Wellness and education grants were presented to Eastern Maine Medical Center Wellness; Surgical Weight Loss; CancerCare of Maine; Diabetes, Endocrine, and Nutrition Center; Cardiac Catheterization Lab; Family Practice Residency Program; Acute Rehabilitation Unit; Inpatient Pediatrics (Grant 8); EMHS Move & Improve Community Wellness Program; and Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems AweSome Body. Two $150 awards were presented to graduating Husson College nursing students – one for proficiency and one for academics. A new fundraiser was proposed to host a dance featuring the Tony Boffa Band. This event would become an annual event known as the Winter Beach Ball. Speakers throughout the year included Kathy Knight, RN, BSN on avian flu preparedness; Paul Potvin, MD spoke on anti-aging medicine; Jeffrey Mylen, PE gave a presentation on the Combined Heat and Power Project at Eastern Maine Medical Center; and Deborah Carey Johnson updated the Auxiliary on further advancements at the hospital.
2006–2007 Linda Westphal continued as the Auxiliary’s liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board of directors and served in this role until she left the area in 2008. The Auxiliary hosted the first annual Winter Beach Ball on January 19 at the Civic Center featuring the Tony Boffa Band. Sharon Theeman chaired the event and soon became known as Beach Ball Barbie. The Ball was a huge success and many beach attired attendees danced away the snow and cold of the season. The Auxiliary continued its legacy of presenting $150 awards for proficiency and academics to graduating Husson nursing students. 50
Our Cherished Memories
Barbara Howard and Lynne Spooner ready to greet guests at the 2007 Kitchen Tour.
Hostesses Jan Cox, Claudette Faulkner, and Paula Kagan prepared to serve at the 2007 Kitchen Tour. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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The third annual Kitchen Tour was held on October 20, 2007 with six beautiful kitchens in Bangor, Hampden and Veazie. Cindy Curran and Mary Beth Lozada chaired the event and net proceeds were $22,630. The Annual Meeting was held December 12 at the Penobscot Valley Country Club. Janet Hock, BDS, PhD., director of the Maine Institute for Human Genetics and Health presented an overview of their mission and progress. The Auxiliary was proud to be able to present a Giraffe incubator to the NICU. This new technology improves caregiver access, as the top raises to allow for treatment of the premature baby. The Auxiliary provided $120,250 to patient support projects that included the first pledge payment to CancerCare of Maine, Children’s Miracle Network and four Husson College nursing scholarships. The wellness and education grant program was suspended. Additionally, as the NICU renovation was delayed, the Auxiliary began a multi-year pledge of $500,000 to CancerCare of Maine. Deborah Carey Johnson presented on the hospital’s Master Facility Plan. Michael Crowley and Deborah Carey Johnson spoke about the Champion the Cure Campaign.
2007–2008 The second annual Winter Beach Ball held in January received an enthusiastic response again this year with over $20,000 in profit realized. Sharon Theeman continued as chair. The third annual Kitchen Tour was held on October 4, chaired by Cindy Curran and Mary Beth Lozada. Six wonderful homes were toured, featuring made in Maine food products for guests to sample. The Auxiliary netted $9,310 from this event. The Auxiliary made its first $125,000 payment on its pledge to support CancerCare of Maine and adopted adopt the resource library and group meeting area for naming opportunities. Dr. Ian Dickey, orthopedic surgeon at Eastern Maine Medical Center, gave a presentation entitled “Limb Salvage Evolution, Options, and Research” at the Annual Meeting, held on November 13 at the University of Maine’s Buchanan Alumni House in Orono. The Auxiliary voted to support the Pediatric Kitchen at Eastern Maine Medical Center up to $1000 annually.
$120,250 PROVIDED BY THE AUXILIARY IN 2007 TO PATIENT SUPPORT PROJECTS
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Our Cherished Memories
Linda Brown continued to manage a very successful Gift Shop in support of the Auxiliary. Speakers for the year included Jaime Nicole Call-Laliberte of Full Circle Fitness who spoke about mind and body wellness; Sandy Spiller, who demonstrated needle felting; Tom Judge, who delivered an informative presentation on LifeFlight of Maine; Maureen Buzzeo, who presented a program about her custom-made Maureen Elizabeth handbags, and six volunteer practitioners who gave a Reiki demonstration.
2008–2009 The Auxiliary started the year off with our very successful third annual Winter Beach Ball chaired by Sharon Theeman. More than 52 tables were filled, and the event’s profit exceeded $24,000. Jen Brooker became the Auxiliary’s liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board, a role she continued until she left the area in 2016. The Auxiliary Gift Shop began offering employee payroll deduction which proved to be a very popular payment option and helped profitability. Linda Brown, Gift Shop manager, continued to offer a wide selection of wonderful gift items and seasonal displays.
Sharon Theeman, organizer extraordinaire of the Winter Beach Ball, with Phil, the philanthropic penguin, also known as Miles Theeman.
March 19 found many Auxiliary members and friends taking advantage of the first shopping event in partnership with Talbots. The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary partnered with the Auxiliary to the Penobscot County Medical Society to supply the Pediatric Kitchen with snacks. The fourth annual Kitchen Tour, chaired by Ann Marie Orr and Gale Longo, was held on September 26. New this year was a Made in Maine Marketplace at Wellman Commons. The Marketplace provided guests an opportunity to sample products from more than 15 local vendors. The tour netted $8,191.59. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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A total giving check for $121,350 was presented at the Annual Meeting on November 5 at the Buchanan Alumni House. Dr. Rebecca Gass gave a presentation titled “Flying Pigs, Pandemic Flu, and You” about the H1N1 epidemic. Four Husson College nursing students were once again awarded $1000 scholarships, and two graduating students received $150 awards for proficiency and academics. Speakers during the year included Carol Colson, who gave a presentation on networking; John Mahon, from the University of Maine School of Business, who presented “Economics 101, How’s Maine Doin’?;” and Josh Scroggins, the new director of Children’s Miracle Network, who reviewed past fundraising activities. The Auxiliary board members toured the new Lafayette Family Cancer Center in November.
2009–2010 The fourth annual Winter Beach Ball proved to be another popular event with a profit of $27,599. The Tony Boffa Band attracted a large audience, and the Auxiliary was happy to have them return every year. Sharon Theeman and Jen Brooker chaired the event. In March, the Auxiliary opened a small gift shop in the Lafayette Family Cancer Center for the convenience of staff and patients. The Auxiliary published a cookbook, “Recipes to Crow About.” Recipe contributions came from employees, Auxiliary members, Auxiliary board members, and friends. Susan Nasberg and Eileen Hernandez collected, typed, edited, and compiled the very successful book. The Auxiliary also sponsored a sold-out bus trip – “Maine Wine & Vine” – that took guests to Cellardoor Winery, Sweetgrass Winery, Savage Oaks Winery, and Winterport Winery. Cindy Curran organized this event, ensuring that it was a great day of food and wine sampling. The fifth annual Kitchen Tour was held on October 2. The event included stops at seven kitchens and the Made in Maine Marketplace at The Brick Church. The event earned $12,883 in profit. A check for $120,500 was presented to Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems at the Annual Meeting held on November 16 representing the Auxiliary’s annual giving, including a pledge payment to CancerCare of Maine and the Children’s Miracle Network endowment. Eastern Maine Medical Center president and CEO Deborah Carey Johnson gave updates on information technology, primary care, the Beacon Grant, patient services, employee wellness, finance, and the Modernization Project.
$27,599 RAISED THROUGH 4TH ANNUAL
WINTER BEACH BALL IN 2009
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Our Cherished Memories
Mother and daughter hostess team, Norma and Ann Corliss, at the 2009 Kitchen Tour.
The Auxiliary awarded its annual $1000 scholarships to four Husson nursing students and $150 awards to graduating seniors, one for proficiency and one for academics. Long-time Gift Shop manager Linda Brown resigned effective December 10. The Auxiliary thanked Linda for all her dedication and hours of work making the Auxiliary Gift Shop successful. Speakers during the year were Bobbi Young, who spoke about her jewelry making business; Denise Sullivan, who presented on Women’s Heart Health issues; Scott Belanger from Olde Oak Farm, who spoke about his cheeses and the potential to create a custom cheese to benefit CancerCare of Maine; and Cheryl Zeh from Pine Tree Needles, who spoke about knitting. In December, Auxiliary members made goodies from the cookbook and provided samples outside the Gift Shop to encourage sales of the book. The Auxiliary distributed calendars as holiday gifts to hospital inpatients.
2010–2011 The Auxiliary Gift Shop was under new management with Deborah Chapman as Gift Shop buyer and Martha Wildman as Gift Shop manager. The Auxiliary celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Gift Shop, which officially opened November 1, 1961. The fifth annual Winter Beach Ball, chaired by Jen Brooker and Karen Marsters, was held on January 14 and produced a profit of $22,916. It continued to be a very popular event and many attendees showed up in their best beach wear to dance the night away. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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Champion the Cure Challenge 2010 team – Sheila Krautkremer, Eileen Hernandez, Sarah Quirk with Gwyneth, Martha Wildman, Cindy Curran, Ginger Ward-Green, David Green, Joanne Sincyr.
Nearing completion of its pledge to the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, the Auxiliary voted to pledge $350,000 for the Pediatric Oncology Treatment Center (later named Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center). The Center would be located on part of the third floor of the Lafayette Family Cancer Center. Ginger Ward-Green presented team building exercises to the Auxiliary board members at several monthly meetings. The Auxiliary entered a team in the Champion the Cure Challenge held on August 20. The team raised $2,700 in pledge support and came in sixth out of about 50 teams participating in this event supporting the Lafayette Family Cancer Center. Team members looked terrific in their lime green T-shirts donated by Eileen Hernandez. The sixth annual Kitchen Tour was held on October 1. The Auxiliary continued to ask local vendors to provide made in Maine samples to guests and this year they were able to enjoy those samples in each of the different kitchens on the tour. Profits from this year’s Kitchen Tour were $12,823.
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The Auxiliary presented Eastern Maine Medical Center with a check for $94,800 that included the final payment on the CancerCare of Maine pledge and the Children’s Miracle Network endowment at the Annual Meeting, held November 10 at Wellman Commons. Bettina Doulton, co-owner and operator of Cellardoor Winery gave an inspirational talk describing her path to her position at the winery. Once again the Auxiliary awarded four $1000 scholarships to Husson nursing students and presented two $150 awards to graduating Husson nursing students one for proficiency and one for academics. Speakers during the year included Sandy McKeen, who presented a fashion show of her custom-made creations. Deborah Carey Johnson, Michael Crowley, and Allen L’Italien, executive director, CancerCare of Maine, gave a presentation on the proposed pediatric oncology treatment center.
2011–2012 Jen Brooker served as liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board of trustees. The sixth annual Winter Beach Ball was held at the Bangor Civic Center with 500 attendees. The event, co-chaired by Sharon Theeman and Ginger Ward-Green, netted $28,616.80. The Auxiliary cookbook was printed for a second time and was on sale in the Gift Shop and at the Kitchen Tour. In June, the Auxiliary hosted a tapas “friend-raiser” at Winterport Winery. Auxiliary members once again participated in the Champion the Cure Challenge in August. Board members attended the opening and dedication services of the Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center.
President Ginger Ward-Green presents Deborah Carey Johnson, president, Eastern Maine Medical Center, with a check at the 2011 Annual Meeting.
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Fun at the 2012 Winter Beach Ball with Jen Brooker, Helen Genco, Irv Marsters, Karen Marsters, Ginger Ward-Green, and Martha Wildman.
Lori’s Gifts, a national organization serving hospitals throughout the United States, assumed management of the Auxiliary Gift Shop in October. Auxiliary volunteers continued to work in the shop. Crystal Tibbetts assumed the position of shop manager. The Brewer branch of the Auxiliary Gift Shop was closed. The eighth annual Kitchen Tour was held on October 13 featuring seven kitchens. The event netted $10,745. The Auxiliary made its final payment toward the $500,000 pledge for the Cancer Care project. The 2012 Annual Meeting was held at Wellman Commons on November 8. The presenters were Anita Peavey Haskell, who spoke of her son’s diagnosis, treatment, and death; and Allen L’Italien, RN, executive director of CancerCare of Maine. A check for $14,300 was presented to Children’s Miracle Network; $200 was awarded to two Husson University nursing students in recognition of proficiency and academic excellence; and $1,000 scholarships were presented to four Husson University nursing students. Auxiliary members had an evening of fun during a ‘behind the curtains’ tour of Penobscot Theatre. Speakers throughout the year included Sandy Spiller, fiber artist and owner of Essentially Felt Studio and Fine Yarn; and Ginger Ward-Green, who presented a slide show entitled “The Help” to raise awareness about who we are as the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary board worked to revise the membership brochure; proposed revisions to the bylaws; and revised the membership dues structure as follows. 58
Our Cherished Memories
Moving forward, membership would be free during the first year, $20 a year for general membership, $50 a year for a sustaining membership, and $150 for a lifetime membership. Gifts from the Auxiliary were presented to hospitalized patients during the week of Christmas.
2012–2013 Jen Brooker continued to serve as the Auxiliary liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board of trustees. The Auxiliary established a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Eastern-MaineMedical-Center-Auxiliary. The seventh Winter Beach Ball, co-chaired by Ginger Ward-Green and Sharon Theeman, was held on January 18 at the Bangor Civic Center with nearly 500 attendees coming out for the Tony Boffa Band. The Beach Ball netted $25,460. Revisions to the bylaws were approved by membership at the May Membership meeting. Members again participated in the Champion the Cure Challenge on August 17, raising $1,945. Paula Ballesteros and Lauren Applebee co-chaired the ninth annual Kitchen Tour, held on October 5. This year’s event featured six kitchens and netted $13,362. The Auxiliary presented $69,150 to Deborah Carey Johnson at the Annual Meeting, held at Season’s on November 7, which included the first payment toward a pledge to the Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center. Debbie and Joe D’Antuono, project manager, spoke about the hospital’s modernization project. A check for $13,800 was presented to Children’s Miracle Network, and the Auxiliary continued its long tradition of awarding four $1,000 scholarships to Husson University nursing students and two $200 awards recognizing academic excellence and proficiency. Lori’s Gifts marketed the store’s rewards program and the 20 percent discount for seniors on Wednesdays and for Eastern Maine Medical Center volunteers and military at all times. The store supplied fashions for a fashion show during the Membership Meeting on May 3. Donna Colbath became the Gift Shop manager. Speakers throughout the year included Michael Dyer, general manager, Cross Insurance Center, who provided a sneak peek of the new facility.
$13,800 PRESENTED TO CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK IN 2012
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The process for documenting Memorial Book donations ended early in the year and oversight was assumed by the EMHS Foundation. The Memorial Book honored Eastern Maine Medical Center employees and immediate family members who had passed away. The Auxiliary presented pocket organizers to hospitalized patients during the week of Christmas.
2013–2014 The Auxiliary enrolled in the Amazon Smile Program where half of a percent of eligible Amazon Smile purchases are donated to the Auxiliary. Monthly coffees were implemented as part of the ‘friend-raising’ efforts. Jen Brooker continued to serve as liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board. The eighth annual Winter Beach Ball was held on January 17 at the Cross Insurance Center with nearly 500 attendees. This year’s event raised $17,667 in profit. Auxiliary members were invited to volunteer at Camp Survivor in June. This collaborative program held at Eastern Maine Community College introduces high school students to medical career opportunities. For the fourth year members participated in the Champion the Cure Challenge on August 16. The tenth annual Kitchen Tour, chaired by Paula Ballesteros and Lauren Applebee, was held on September 27 and netted $13,101. Participants had an opportunity to visit seven homes.
Willie Bradford and Ruth Penney at the 2013 Annual Meeting. 60
Our Cherished Memories
Val Patch, Paula Ballesteros, Ginger Ward-Green, Jan Currier, Martha Wildman, Eileen Hernandez greeting guests at the 2014 Winter Beach Ball.
The Annual Meeting was held November 13 at the Hilton Garden Inn. The featured speaker was Joan MacCracken, MD, discussing her book “The Winter House”. The Auxiliary presented $35,000 as part of its pledge to the Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center; $13,500 was presented to Children’s Miracle Network; and the customary awards for Husson University nursing students were given: one each recognizing proficiency and academic excellence, and four scholarships. Members attended the Penobscot Theatre’s holiday show as part of a block of tickets organized by Ginger Ward-Green, the Auxiliary’s Minister of Fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus (Joe and Mary Brooks) led the Auxiliary in caroling at Ross Manor and selected patient units at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Gifts from the Auxiliary, flashlights on a key chain, were given to hospitalized patients during the week of Christmas. Lori’s Gifts sales were up 34 percent over 2013. Alex and Ani products became available in the shop. Mark Moran, LCSW, family service coordinator at Eastern Maine Medical Center, spoke to the Auxiliary about perinatal drug dependence. A video was shown highlighting the Inpatient Modernization Project. The revisions to the bylaws were approved by the Eastern Maine Medical Center board of trustees. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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Touring the new tower in hardhats – Kelli Roy, Eileen Hernandez, Jenn Morin, Martha Wildman, Betsy Simpson, Jan Currier, Nancy Long, and Cindy Curran.
2014–2015 Monthly friend-raising coffees continued at downtown locations. Board members took a hard hat tour of the construction of the hospital’s new patient tower. Jen Brooker served as liaison to the hospital board of trustees. The ninth annual Winter Beach Ball was held on January 16 at the Cross Insurance Center featuring the Bob Charest Band. Nearly 400 people attended and $13,325 in profit was raised. A tipsy art session, otherwise known as paint and sip, was held at Central Gallery in Bangor for members. Members participated as volunteers at Camp Survivor for a second year, and again formed a team for Champion the Cure Challenge on August 15. The eleventh annual Kitchen Tour was chaired by Valerie Patch. This year’s event, featuring six spectacular kitchens, was held on October 3 and netted $15,330. The pledge to the Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center was completed. At the Annual Meeting, held November 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn, the Auxiliary presented $14,300 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals; $100,650 representing current payment toward the pledge for the NICU, $200 awards to two Husson University nursing students, acknowledging proficiency and academic excellence, and four $1,000 scholarships to Husson nursing students. 62
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Jay Hagerty, MD, neonatologist, spoke at the Annual Meeting about the past, present, and future of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Foundation conducted an educational session on fundraising. The Auxiliary board approved a $400,000 pledge to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as part of the Remarkable Begins with You Campaign. New membership brochures were available for distribution. Members attended the Penobscot Theatre’s holiday play. Santa and Mrs. Claus (Joe and Mary Brooks) once again led Christmas caroling at Ross Manor and selected units at Eastern Maine Medical Center. The Auxiliary gave gifts to hospitalized patients during the week of Christmas, just as it had done for many years.
Enjoying a Paint & Sip Party – Diane Batty, Paula Mroz, Cindy Curran, Susan Nasberg, unidentified, Nancy Long, teacher Kat Johnson, and Helen Genco.
2015–2016 Jen Petrie (Brooker) remained the Auxiliary’s liaison to the Eastern Maine Medical Center board. The tenth annual Winter Beach Ball was held on March 4 at the Cross Insurance Center and raised a profit of $23,680. Kelli Roy took on the project as chair. Two shopping parties, organized by Cindy Curran in partnership with Talbots, were held on April 7 and October 27. Talbots in Bangor contributed 10 percent of the pre-tax sales to the Auxiliary. The Auxiliary Gift Shop, managed by Lori’s Gifts, relocated to the lobby of Penobscot Pavilion on May 10. A membership social was held at Season’s Restaurant on May 18. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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The first tapas party was held at Linda Lufkin’s home on August 10 as part of the Auxiliary’s friend-raising efforts. For the sixth year, the Auxiliary participated in Champion the Cure Challenge on August 20. The Auxiliary hosted its first lunch and learn. Mark Brown, MD, MSPH presented “Vital to Our Community – EMMC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.” The Auxiliary received a $3,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Bangor to purchase iPads for use by patients on the pediatric unit. Eileen Hernandez authored the grant. The twelfth annual Kitchen Tour, chaired by Valerie Patch, featured six homes and netted $17,669. The Annual Meeting was held November 2 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Dr. Jay Kerecman, Lisa Barnett, and Carl Zenk gave a presentation about neonatal transport by LifeFlight of Maine and Miracle One. Checks for $101,766 were presented to Deborah Carey Johnson, which included payment toward the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit pledge; $15,016 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other pediatric projects; $250 awards to two Husson University nursing students for academic excellence and proficiency; and four $1,000 scholarships for Husson University nursing students. The Auxiliary partnered with the Bangor Area Children’s Choir during the caroling at Ross Manor and Eastern Maine Medical Center. The Auxiliary continued its tradition of presenting gifts to hospitalized patients during Christmas week. During the year presentations included the continuation of education by the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Foundation on fundraising. In an effort to attract new members, after much deliberation, the board voted to terminate membership dues in 2016. The board reviewed its partnership with the Auxiliary to the Penobscot County Medical Society and the combined efforts to contribute to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Pediatric Kitchen. The Auxiliary decided to contribute up to $1,000 per year.
Amy Baker and Mikele Neal accept a check for purchasing iPads for pediatric patients — Jen Brooker, Eileen Hernandez, Kendra Speed, Suzette Vernon, Mary Brooks, Helen Genco, Martha Wildman, Amy Baker, Jenn Morin, Jan Currier, Mikele Neal, Colleen Russell, Cindy Curran, Terri Sleeper, Kelli Roy, Sarah Quirk, and Nancy Long.
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2016–2017 With the reorganization of the Eastern Maine Medical Center board, the Auxiliary’s liaison position was discontinued. Auxiliary board members became members of the Citizen Advisory Committee, another avenue for community healthcare education and advocacy. Monthly Coffee and Conversation continued with members and friends. A paint and sip event was held in January. The eleventh annual Winter Beach Ball, chaired again by Kelli Roy, was held on March 4 at the Cross Insurance Center. The ball raised $23,991 in net profits. The board held a friend-raising reception at The Tarratine on May 18.
Having fun at the 2017 Tapas Party – Jan Currier, Mary Brooks, and Suzette Vernon.
A lunch and learn session was held May 24 with Elaine Beaulieu, Bangor’s program manager for public health, on the topic of immunizations and current trends. A second tapas party was held on August 16 at the home of Susan Nasberg. Auxiliary members and friends participated in the Champion the Cure Challenge on August 19. Another shopping event was held on September 28 at Talbots, with 10 percent of pre-tax sales going to the Auxiliary. A second lunch and learn was held October 23 with Dr. David Monnier, Griffin Dill, and Dr. Rebekah Gass presenting “Lyme Disease: Emerging Trends, Treatments, and Prevention.” The thirteenth annual Kitchen Tour, chaired by Eileen Hernandez, was held on September 23 featuring seven homes, and netting $16,553. The Annual Meeting was held at the Hilton Garden Inn on November 12. Donna Russell-Cook, president, Eastern Maine Medical Center, spoke about moving the hospital’s mission forward. Checks of $103,597 were presented to Donna, which included a payment toward the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit pledge; $15,139 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other pediatric projects; and two $250 awards and four $1000 scholarships to Husson nursing students. The Auxiliary partnered with the Auxiliary to Penobscot County Medical Society to support the family kitchen on the Pediatric Unit. The Bag Ali sale in November netted $260. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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The Auxiliary caroling event brought out Mr. & Mrs. Claus, also known as Mary and Joseph Brooks.
The Auxiliary board approved revisions to the bylaws. The Auxiliary worked with Community Relations and designed a plaque to recognize the Auxiliary for its pledge to the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The plaque was placed outside the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the seventh floor of the Penobscot Pavilion. The Auxiliary partnered with the Bangor Area Children’s Choir and was joined again by Mr. and Mrs. Claus (Mary and Joe Brooks) caroling at Ross Manor and Eastern Maine Medical Center. The Auxiliary gift to patients, back scratchers, were delivered during Christmas week. Total giving by the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary to the hospital and its programs since 1893 reached an incredible $3,591,000! Planning began for celebrating the Auxiliary’s 125 years of service in 2018.
2017–2018 The Eastern Maine Medical Center board approved the updated Auxiliary Bylaws. The Auxiliary published a spring newsletter. In February, a paint and sip social at Specialty Sweets was held. The Winter Beach Ball, held in March at the Anah Shrine Hall with Motor Booty Affair and chaired again by Kelli Roy, netted close to $28,000. All of the tables were sold out with 361 people attending. 66
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At the May board meeting, Kathie Norwood and Mike Smith, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Foundation, were guest speakers. They presented the Auxiliary with changes to the Remarkable Begins With You campaign pledge in support of the Modernization Project. To be in compliance with accounting standards, the pledge was adjusted to $175,000 with $105,000 remaining. The Auxiliary retained all signage and recognition for the campaign. The Auxiliary decided to increase the amount of the two awards given to Husson University nursing students from $250 to $300 and awarded them at the Pinning Ceremony in May. One student is selected for demonstrating personal and professional growth in clinical settings and the other is a senior with the highest proficiency in theory. Husson University graduated 59 nursing students this year, the largest group ever. Later in May, the Auxiliary held a cocktail party at Season’s Restaurant with Helen McKinnon updating the group on the new Women and Children’s floor. The next lunch and learn event was held in June at The First’s community room. Thirty-two people attended. Special thanks to The First Advisors for sponsoring and providing lunch from the Harvest Moon Deli. Kelsey Barnes, Josephine Cirrinone, and Julie Mallett from Eastern Area Agency on Aging were the key speakers.
Nazrin Dixon, Jan Currier, Kathy Bernier, Kelli Roy and Eileen Hernandez appreciate the plaque recognizing the Auxiliary for their generous donation to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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Suzette Vernon and Linda Lufkin selling 50/50 raffle tickets at the 2018 Winter Beach Ball.
Libby Arrico, Kathy Bernier and Jenn Morin enjoy the 2018 Tapas Party.
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In August, a tapas party was held at Kathy Bernier’s house. Coffee and Conversation gatherings were held on the second Tuesday of each month. In October, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems changed its name to Northern Light Health. Aubrae Filipiak chaired the Kitchen Tour, held on October 6, featuring six beautiful kitchens in the Bangor area. The first Saturday in October was declared to be the permanent date for future Kitchen Tours. Co-chairs Jan Currier and Libby Arrico planned the Auxiliary’s 125-year Anniversary Celebration at the Bangor Arts Exchange on November 10, 2018. The theme of the event was “A Toast to the Times” with entertainment provided by the band The Dogs and magician Deane Stern. “Our Cherished Memories” was updated in recognition of the Auxiliary’s 125year anniversary by Paula Ballesteros; Kathy Bernier; Cindy Curran; Barbara Fister, chair; Helen Genco; and Eileen Hernandez. The Auxiliary explored new options for fundraising, moving from an event cycle to a yearly cycle, and working with the Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Foundation to provide structure. The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop, managed by Lori’s Gifts, continued to perform well financially. Roberta Winchell and Stephanie Oiler volunteered to be co-chairs of the 2019 Winter Beach Ball.
PRESIDENTS OF THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY (1994-2018) 1994-1995 1995-1997 1997-1999 1999-2001 2001-2004 2004-2005 2005-2007
Paula Ballesteros Barbara Fister Helen Genco Sandra Blake Leonard Pauline Rock Joan Osler Lynn Spooner
2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2011 2011-2013 2013-2015 2015-2017 2017-2018
Carol Colson Cindy Curran Paula Ballesteros Ginger Ward-Green Eileen Hernandez Jan Currier Jennifer Morin
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THE GIFT SHOP AT EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER 1960
The Women’s Auxiliary at Eastern Maine Medical Center began to discuss the idea of a Gift Shop at the September 1960 Board meeting. The Gift Shop began in a narrow closet near old Ward H (now the Phillips-Oliver Building). Polly Denaco, Director of Volunteers at the time, reported that the hours of the Gift Shop were 10-12 A.M., 1-4 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. The goal of the Gift Shop was to offer small gifts, jewelry, toiletries, newspapers and cards to the visitors and patients at the hospital. Estelle Robinson and Carol Philbrick volunteered to purchase jewelry and small antiques at wholesalers in Boston.
1961
The Gift Shop opened officially on November 1, 1961. The Bangor Daily News reported, “The Women’s Auxiliary of Eastern Maine General Hospital held a coffee and a meeting at the Nurses’ Home Wednesday afternoon. This was the official opening of the Gift Shop, located in the hospital foyer, which is being sponsored by the Auxiliary to serve the public visiting patients. . . Mrs. Richard Gaillard, chairman of the Gift Shop, explained the setting up of the Gift Shop and how it will be operated.” In the first year, the Gift Shop netted $661.92. The Auxiliary donated $600.00 to the Intensive Care Unit.
1961
$661.92
WHEN THE EMMC GIFT SHOP
AMOUNTED NETTED IN
FIRST OPENED
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FIRST YEAR
1964-71 Between 1964 and 1971, Gail Bryant ran the Gift Shop as a volunteer.
She did the buying and the arranging of the merchandise. The stuffed animals, flower arrangements and other gifts were displayed in the windows along the foyer hall. At the end of the shift, the display items were gathered into a cart and stored in the shop along with the gift cart that went throughout the hospital. In 1971, Carol Wood joined Gail as a buyer. Elaine Kelleher was the Director of Volunteers at this time.
1971
The Bangor Daily News reports on January 12, 1971, “A gift tag in the amount of $40,000.00 symbolizes a pledge by the Women’s Auxiliary of Eastern Maine Medical Center to provide a new patient/public gift shop just off the lobby of the proposed new patient tower to be constructed in connection with EMMC’s modernization and expansion program.”
1971-73 From 1971 until 1973, Gail Bryant and Carol Wood continued as
volunteer buyers for the Gift Shop still located in the cramped quarters of the closet. The space was so small that only one volunteer could work at a time, sitting at a little table in the hall with an adding machine and a sales book. In the summer, there was very little traffic, and, often, volunteers became discouraged. Thelma Turner was the volunteer who took the gift cart through the hospital. Alice Warren and Pearl Dressner were among those who staffed the shop. Eleanor Mirrieless was the treasurer. It was difficult for the buyers to get goods in small enough quantities at prices that still allowed the shop to make a profit, but, through their ingenuity, they managed.
1974
In August, 1974, the new Gift Shop opened. Sally Klekotta helped manage the Shop for a while as did Kay Blanchard and Helen Tabenken. Gail Bryant and Carol Wood continued as buyers, and, in addition, they sometimes kept the financial records and cleaned the shop. Eleanor Mirrieless continued as treasurer.
1977
At the end of 1977, Carol Wood, Gail Bryant and Eleanor Mirrieless resigned. In 1978, Carolyn Choquet took over as treasurer; Marlo Bradford and Doris Gass took over as buyers. Helen Tabenken was the shop manager, assisted by Joleen Knowles. The shop got its first cash register.
1979
In 1979, Helen Tabenken resigned. Joleen Knowles, Marlo Bradford and Doris Gass continued as buyers for the Gift Shop.
1981
In May, 1981, Brenda Smith was employed part-time as the Gift Shop Manager; Ruth Ann (Winchester) Nelson joined the staff, part-time, in August. Volunteers who gave a great deal of time were Dot Honey, Dot Getchell, Peter Davis, and Alice and Wayne Wilson. By now, the inventory of the Gift Shop had expanded considerably, and the shop was a convenience and a delight for employees as well as patients and their visitors. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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Gift Shop Volunteers Anita Schult, Bea Tibbets, Darlene Carr, and Cindy Curran.
1983
In 1983, the Gift Shop was expanded 108 square feet. Nightgowns, T-shirts, and other items of clothing were sold in the shop. Candy, magazines and newspapers continued to be the favorites with EMMC employees.
1990
In 1990, the Gift Shop was expanded again and an adjacent storeroom was added. The shop managers were now located next to the shop, and they had a computer to keep track of the increasing shop business.
1992
In 1992, the Gift Shop sent a small selection of gifts, candy, and reading material to Ross Manor.
1993
In 1993, the shop was expanded to a total shop area of 993 square feet. The storeroom area was expanded to 378 square feet. The renovation included the installation of a double door that made it easier for people to see the shop merchandise and easier for wheelchair-bound people to use the shop.
1994
In 1994, the shop had more than 25 volunteers in addition to two work-study students from the University of Maine at Orono. Carrie-Jo Martin co-ordinated the volunteer schedule as she had since 1991. The Gift Cart continued to circulate throughout the hospital, and the traveling Gift Shop continued to visit Ross Manor.
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1995
The Gift Shop Volunteer Luncheon took place on April 3, 1995 at the home of Betty Comstock. The Gift Shop cart, which was taken around to the patient floors, was still going strong. In May, a clearance sale in the Brandow Conference Room, organized by Maddy Clough and Norma Corliss, brought in more than $4,000. A new project for the Gift Shop was discussed—a company store to give employees an opportunity to buy items bearing the Eastern Maine Medical Center logo. The Gift Shop cart was retired for the summer. Because of the redesign of different areas of the hospital, the Gift Shop had to be moved to the outpatient registration area in the fall of 1995. In December, an open house was held featuring Snow Babies and Beyer’s Choice items at reduced prices.
1996
Inventory in the Gift Shop was done on September 30, 1996. Many volunteer vacancies were reported during the fall of 1996, but sales were up. Auxiliary President Barbara Fister noted at the 1996 Annual Meeting that the Eastern Maine Medical Center Gift Shop was the major source of revenue for Auxiliary contributions.
1997
In 1997, the Volunteer Luncheon was held at Betty Comstock’s house, with help from Peggy Youngblood. Nancy Carmichael replaced Dottie Dodge as scheduler. Barbara Fister reported that the gift cart was to be discontinued. A paid merchandise assistant was hired for 16 hours per week.
1998
In February of 1998, it was announced that Gift Shop Manager Brenda Smith would develop a job description for volunteer workers, and later, a job description for paid employees was created. In April, a drawing was held for the opportunity to purchase a TY Beanie Baby for $50 (there were 20 Babies). It raised $1,000 in one afternoon for the immediate needs of Grant 8 children and their families. Donna Rog was hired to replace Brenda Smith in August. Buying for the Gift Shop was combined with Acadia’s Gift Shop on a three-month trial period. Gift Shop storage on the eighth floor was lost, which required moving stored inventory.
1999
Donna Rog resigned in the early spring of 1999. The Gift Shop found a new home for inventory, with more space and convenience. Work-study students became part-time employees in the spring and Linda Brown was hired to be the new Gift Shop manager. Inventory software was explored. An internship program with area business schools like Beal College and Husson was explored. Sales of Beanie Babies totaled $75,000.
$75,000 BEANIE BABY SALES IN 1999
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2000
Linda Brown reported in January of 2000 that profit exceeded the previous year. In March, Linda traveled to Boston to visit Massachusetts General Hospital to review their technology and check out the new market of Beanie Babies. In May, renovations planned for the lobby meant more room might be possible for the Gift Shop. Decreased revenue reported in September reflected the unavailability of Beanie Babies. The president of Eastern Maine Charities presented a receipt for all the volunteer hours given to the Gift Shop—an amazing 4,000 volunteer hours.
2001
In the spring of 2001, Linda Brown reported that net revenue was up. Linda and Ann Trainor worked together to design a reporting format that was clearer and up-to-date. Ruth Ann Winchester, long time Gift Shop assistant manager, retired after 17 years of service, and was honored by the Auxiliary Board.
2002
A Gift Shop sale was held on June 18, 2002, with Auxiliary volunteers providing extra coverage. Positive financial growth was reported, despite a soft economy.
2003
Norma Corliss, a faithful Gift Shop volunteer for many years, left at the end of February 2003, and was recognized by the board. In April, Haven Chocolate Easter Baskets arrived. In May of 2003, Linda reported that she expected the Gift Shop activity to reflect the slowdown in the larger retail economy. Options considered were an enhanced floral department, a coffee kiosk in the Webber Building, and a baby photo program in conjunction with Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Maternity Department.
2004
The baby photo service started at the beginning of 2004. High quality photos were available for parents to purchase. In April, the possibility of payroll deductions for purchases to increase sales was discussed. Theft had become an issue and a security consultant was called in. It was decided that a new cooler for flowers would be purchased to cut down the expenses from renting a cooler.
2005
A “Spring Fling” sale was held in April of 2005. Flower sales were up due to the beautiful floral arrangements. A security button was installed to deter thefts, and website work was undertaken to link the Auxiliary site to the Gift Shop site.
4,000
VOLUNTEER HOURS DONATED
TO THE GIFT SHOP IN 2000 74
Our Cherished Memories
2006
In February of 2006, the candy supplier was changed. By June, a kiosk for the Cianchette Building in Brewer was established. Online purchasing from the Gift Shop website was explored. Flower revenues doubled. In December, two Christmas open houses at Eastern Maine Medical Center were a huge success. The Gift Shop began to take telephone orders, and the ability for employees to purchase with badge scanning was set up for 2007.
2007
In 2007, the best new sellers were Carson, Webkinz, Country Line, Melissa & Doug, Woodwick Candles, Swing Cards, and the Naked Bee line. DEMDACO continued to be the top seller. The baby photos took too much nursery staff time and went to an outside vendor. The shop space was revamped, allowing for more floor space. The shop was beautifully decorated for the holidays. A new cash register with scanner was set up. A kiosk was planned for the new Lafayette Family Cancer Center building in Brewer.
2008
Linda paid particular attention to made in Maine producers and their products at the beginning of 2008. In the spring, two new products were added, a candle club and a healthy goods line. The book “Cracked Marbles” by Dr. Thomas Palmer was very popular and was reordered. Payroll deductions were a huge success. The shop received positive feedback for their great products, reasonable prices, wonderful displays, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and excellent customer service.
2009
The employee wellness gift certificate program started 2009 off right. The employee badge swipe program started up on March 30. The shop was redecorated with a new rug, painted walls, and rearrangement of the cabinets. At the Annual Meeting, president Cindy Curran thanked the Gift Shop volunteers and a check was presented to EMHS on behalf of the Auxiliary for a total of $120,600.
2010
The Gift Shop at the Lafayette Family Cancer Center in Brewer opened in March 2010. Linda Brown resigned as Gift Shop manager in December. Also, in December, the new Auxiliary cookbook, “Recipes to Crow About,” was sold for the first time in the Gift Shop. A book signing of “Lost in Bangor” by Colette King netted the Auxiliary $700.
$120,600 AMOUNT PRESENTED TO EMHS ON BEHALF OF THE AUXILIARY IN 2009 A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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2011
In January 2011, Martha Wildman, Auxiliary Liaison, became the interim manager of the Gift Shops. An ad was placed in Bangor Daily News for a merchandiser that would be the buyer for both Gift Shops. At the February board meeting, it was announced that Deborah Chapman was hired as the new buyer, and Martha Wildman continued as interim manager. As buyer, Deb proposed more local and Maine-made products and healthier food selections. The fiftieth anniversary of the Gift Shop was celebrated in 2011. A weeklong celebration held in December was very successful.
2012
In 2012, Helen Genco reported on a Gift Shop survey conducted by the Auxiliary which included 884 responses. The recommendation was to get the word out that the State Street Gift Shop sells flowers and gift certificates. Improved signage and a broader range of pricing were also suggested. The idea of having three to four trunk shows a year was proposed. Martha reported that the lobby would be undergoing construction as the plans for the new tower got underway. This included the State Street Gift Shop, and architects’ drawings were shown to board members. Willow Tree products were reintroduced, and more jewelry was added to the inventory. In September, it was announced that Lori’s Gifts, a national hospital gift shop management organization, would be taking over the purchasing and management of the Gift Shop starting on October 8. The Brewer Gift Shop was closed. Sales of up to 90% off were held in the following weeks. Crystal Tibbetts was hired by Lori’s Gifts as the new manager of the Gift Shop. Eastern Maine Medical Center employee Gayla Cassidy was instrumental in the transition, becoming a Lori’s Gifts employee.
2013
The Gift Shop committee met on February 4, 2013. Crystal asked for feedback regarding customer service as well as product line. Crystal showed some of the new accessories in the Gift Shop, including scarves, makeup, jewelry, purses, sealed candles, gift baskets, and Eastern Maine Medical Center logo wear. Soon after, Crystal moved out of the area, and new manager Donna Colbath was hired. The Gift Shop improved financially. One full-time and five part-time employees staffed the shop, along with nine volunteers. Cindy Curran was Gift Shop committee chair.
$70,000 SALES HIT THIS NUMBER IN DECEMBER 2014
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Our Cherished Memories
2014
Special guests at the March 6, 2014 Auxiliary board meeting were Deborah Carey Johnson, president & CEO of Eastern Maine Medical Center; Michael Crowley, president, EMHS Foundation; Helen McKinnon, vice president of support services at the hospital; and Penny Chadwick, director of financial services at Eastern Maine Medical Center. They discussed the contractual arrangements as they pertained to Lori’s Gifts and the Auxiliary. Throughout the summer, the Gift Shop continued to do well under Donna’s management. It was ranked thirty-seventh out of 350 shops nationwide. Lougee & Frederick’s became the new florist for the Gift Shop. In December, the Gift Shop hit $70,000 in sales, and was the top-ranked of the 16 stores in the New England region.
2015
At the February 2015 board meeting, it was announced that the Gift Shop received a prestigious award for meeting their goal 11 out of 12 months. In May, plans were underway for the Gift Shop to move to their new, expanded space in the new Penobscot Pavilion. Sales continued to do well; the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop was among the top Lori’s Gifts in the country. In December, Donna brought a selection of shop items to the board meeting, including Alex & Ani bracelets and Noelle clothing and wraps.
2016
The opening of the new Gift Shop was delayed from March to June of 2016. In March, the legal department began negotiations on a new contract with Lori’s Gifts. At the June 2 board meeting it was reported that the Gift Shop was in the process of moving to their new space (20 percent larger) and was preparing for an opening ceremony. Sales at the new location were steady. New lighting was installed, and higher end products were added. Discussion for new Maine products was in the works. In October, Lori’s ran a promotion for breast cancer research.
2017
In January of 2017, a new product called Fabula Nebulae, created by two local physicians, was featured in the Gift Shop. Sales were going very well. In June, board member Cindy Curran was recognized for working 1500 hours in the Gift Shop. In November it was reported that the Gift Shop had raised more than $3,000 for Cancer Care.
2018
In 2018 the Gift Shop continues to be a large part of the Auxiliary’s history. Although the relationship has changed, the Gift Shop continues to represent the Auxiliary with its name and fundraising assistance.
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XIII. THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER FOLLIES
T
he Follies began in 1935 as a community event sponsored by the Junior League of Bangor. The League decided not to continue with the Follies in 1962, and, in 1972, the Women’s Auxiliary at EMMC adopted the idea. Since then, the Follies production has been a source of great enjoyment for the Bangor community as well as a successful fundraising effort for the hospital auxiliary.
1972
The first Follies (1972) was chaired by Jean Cunningham and Gail Bryant. The proceeds from “Stop the Stretcher! I Want to Get Off” benefited the major Building Fund Drive that began in 1971.
1974
In November, 1974, the Follies was held at Peakes Auditorium in Bangor. The theme was “Stop the Stretcher! I Want To Get On,” and the chairpersons were Gail Bryant, Lynda Clyve, Jean Cunningham, and Barbara Warren. The proceeds were donated to the Building Fund Drive of 1971.
1976
In November, 1976, “Follies ’76” was presented. The chairpeople for this Follies production were Linda Clyve and David and Gail Bryant. Again, the proceeds were donated to the Building Fund Drive.
1978
“Follies Goes to College” was the theme of the 1978 Follies. The chairpeople were Lynda Clyve and Nancy Mabee. The proceeds of the 1978 Follies were donated to the renovation of the Pediatric Unit.
1981
In October, 1981, the theme of the fifth EMMC Follies was “A Star is Born.” Gail Bryant and Lynda Clyve chaired the event, and the proceeds were given to the Edward C. Rosen Cancer Center.
1983
“Just for Kicks” was the theme of the 1983 Follies. Lynda Clyve chaired the October production, and the proceeds of that Follies went to the creation of a Children’s Endowment Fund.
1985
Joyce Coutts and Jean Cunningham chaired “Hearts in Tune,” the 1985 Follies whose proceeds were donated to the Cardiac Unit.
1987
In 1987, “We’ve Gotta Have Heart” also benefited the Cardiac Unit. Pennye Dyer and Pam Kelley chaired this October event. This program was dedicated to Dr. Wilbur Manter, a cardiologist.
1989
The first eight Follies were held at Peakes Auditorium, but the 1989 Follies was held at the Opera House (the former Bijou Theater) on Main Street in Bangor. “Heartbeat, ’89” was chaired by Pennye Dyer; the proceeds were donated to the Cardiac Unit.
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Our Cherished Memories
1991
In 1991, the Follies theme was “Rockwell.” While the first nine Follies were produced by Cargill Productions, “Rockwell” was written and produced by Carl Schmehl and held at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono. Pennye Dyer chaired the event; the proceeds went to the new Pediatric Unit.
1995
In 1995, the eleventh theme was “Follies ’95 Salutes the USO;” the production commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II. It was written and produced by Kenneth Stack. Tom Logan was stage director, Robert Bahr was music director, and Kelly Holyoke was choreographer. It was held in the Bangor Auditorium on September 1 and 2. The performances were attended by a total of 4,988 people. Co-chairs Sally Arata and Barbara Fister worked with Galen Cole to develop a USO type show to be the entertainment cornerstone of a September 2, 1995 World War II remembrance event in Bangor. Unique to this production was a commemorative book published in conjunction with the Follies. This innovative book was a pictorial and brief text history of World War II. It was called “Remembrances of World War II: From the Home Front to the Battle Front,” a dedication to those who gave all of their tomorrows for our todays. The commemorative book committee included Linda Collins, Barbara Fister, Linda Hansen, and Peggy Youngblood. The funds raised from the Follies were donated to the new Pediatric and Adolescent Unit.
1998
“Steppin’ Out” was the theme for the twelfth Follies which was held on October 24 and 25, 1998 at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono. The original script was written by Robert Libby, the musical director was Robert Bahr, and the choreographer was Kelly Holyoke. The tri-chairs were Sandra Blake Leonard, M. Jane Irving, and Peggy Youngblood. The proceeds went to enhance women’s healthcare.
2001
In 2001, the Auxiliary produced its thirteenth and final Follies, “A Follies Odyssey: Paul Bunyan and the Aliens.” The original script was written by Robert Libby, the artistic director was Kevin Bate, the music director was Sam Lanham, and Kelly Holyoke was the choreographer. It was held at the Maine Center for the Arts in Orono on October 18, 19, and 20. Once again the tri-chairs were Sandra Blake Leonard, M. Jane Irving, and Peggy Youngblood. The proceeds went towards the pledge to Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Women’s and Infants’ Services.
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XIV. THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY KITCHEN TOUR
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he Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary Kitchen Tour started in 2005 as the brainchild of Lynne Spooner and Lynda Rohman. The Kitchen Tour is a self-guided tour of kitchens and homes in the greater Bangor area. The Kitchen Tour included eight kitchens for the first year of the event. The Auxiliary provided volunteer hostesses in each home and there were light snacks for tour guests to enjoy at each kitchen. Tour guests were provided with booties to wear over their shoes to help keep the kitchen floors clean. The first year was such a great success, with a profit of over $18,000, that the Auxiliary decided to make it an annual fall fundraising event. With the support of many volunteers like Cindy Curran, who helped develop the framework of the Kitchen Tour, the Auxiliary has hosted 14 annual tours. Each year the Kitchen Tour offers new and unique combinations of kitchens. The Auxiliary has featured kitchens in Bangor, Brewer, Dedham, Glenburn, Hampden, Hermon, Holden, Old Town, Orono, Veazie, and Winterport. Over the years, the Kitchen Tour has included many different styles of kitchens such as large historic colonials, contemporary newly built homes, smaller bungalows, modern condominiums, a bed and breakfast, and even some commercial kitchens like the new kitchen at Eastern Maine Medical Center built in 2017. The Kitchen Tour has benefitted from the extraordinary support of area business sponsors, gracious homeowners, the hard work of the Auxiliary Kitchen Tour committee, and volunteer hostesses who greet guests and provide information about each kitchen. Since the kitchen is “the heart of the home,” the Auxiliary has made guests feel welcome by providing them with food and home products to sample. Guests can also make purchases from many of the vendors on the tour. In 2008 the Auxiliary decided that all food and home products would be made in Maine. The Auxiliary held a Maine Marketplace at Wellman Commons that was very well received by guests. At the 2010 Kitchen Tour it was decided to ask the vendors to provide their samples in each of the kitchens. The Auxiliary also printed a cookbook in 2010, “Recipes to Crow About,” and Auxiliary board members provided treats made from recipes found in the cookbook. The treats were thoroughly enjoyed by guests and enticed many of them to purchase cookbooks while enjoying the tour. The Auxiliary is very thankful to the wonderful local vendors for the support over the years. Kitchen Tour guests will continue to look forward to sampling and purchasing their products. The Auxiliary is proud to have hosted 14 annual Kitchen Tours to support its fundraising efforts. From 2005 to 2017 the Kitchen Tours have raised a profit of $176,805.44.
$176,805.44 TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED THROUGH 14 ANNUAL KITCHEN TOURS
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Our Cherished Memories
Gale Longo and Jan Currier Kitchen Tour 2013.
Joan Osler, Sue Warren, Ann Benson, Teile Benson and Willie Bradford at the 2015 Kitchen Tour.
Ann Marie Orr and Carolyn Eaton at the Kitchen Tour 2011.
Pauline Rock at the Kitchen Tour 2011.
Connie Kelsey at the Kitchen Tour 2011.
Barbara Butler and Ginger Ward-Green at the Kitchen Tour 2009.
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XV. THE EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY WINTER BEACH BALL
T
he first annual Winter Beach Ball event was held at the Civic Center on January
19, 2007. The event was inspired by Sharon Theeman, chairperson for several years, and Pauline Rock. It was an immediate success, with a profit of just over $20,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This secured its place as a yearly event for the Auxiliary and it has become its largest fundraiser. The Winter Beach Ball is loved by many and gives a break from the cold winter weather. It’s a great opportunity to dress in beachwear and tropical attire, while thinking of the warm weather to come. Various bands have provided lively music including: The Tony Boffa Band, The Larry Williams Band, The Bob Charest Band, and Motor Booty Affair. With the introduction of Motor Booty Affair, attendees had the option of dressing in disco attire as well as beachwear. Over the years, light refreshments, a cash bar, and lots of costumes, dancing, fun photos, a 50/50 raffle, and both silent and chance auctions have made the Winter Beach Ball a night of fun for the 400 to 500 people who attend each year. The early Winter Beach Ball events were held at the Civic Center with a focus on dancing. The event moved to the larger Cross Insurance Center in 2014 and auctions and raffles were added. In 2018 the Winter Beach Ball was held at the Anah Shrine Hall. There was added fun with costume choices including beach wear, disco, and St. Patrick’s Day attire! With the change of venue, a cozy disco atmosphere was created as well. A separate room was set up for refreshments and the silent and chance auctions. Everything combined made 2018 the highest fundraising year to date, netting close to $28,000. Many board members and volunteers have helped to secure sponsors as well as plan and set up the many aspects of this event. A special thanks to board member Kelli Roy for chairing and overseeing the Winter Beach Ball for several years and helping it continue to be a hugely successful and fun event. The Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary is proud to have hosted 12 Winter Beach Ball events, from 2007 to 2018, raising a total of $279,856. The Auxiliary could not have reached its pledge goals without the support of its many generous sponsors.
$279,856 TOTAL RAISED FROM HOSTING
12 WINTER BEACH BALLS FROM 2007 TO 2018 82
Our Cherished Memories
Carolyn Eaton and Cindy Curran at the Winter Beach Ball 2015. (Photo: Jeff Kirlin/The Thing of the Moment)
Eileen Hernandez at the Winter Beach Ball 2014. (Photo: Joel Holcomb/ JCHolcomb Photography)
All decked out at the 2017 Winter Beach Ball: Helen Genco, Marie Keane, Sarah Quirk, Suzette Vernon, Eileen Hernandez, Jan Currier, Terri Sleeper, Mary Brooks, Jenn Morin, and Kelli Roy. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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XVI. HEALTH AND WELLNESS GRANTS
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he idea for these grants was a result of the Auxiliary’s goal planning session in January 1996. A new committee was formed called Education. During the summer the executive board and committee chairs met to discuss and bring back to the board recommendations on allocating Auxiliary monies over a three- to five-year period: 1. For the next three years, 1996 to 1998, the focus on giving centered on women’s health issues. With this theme in mind, recommended for purchase in 1996 was the Lorad DSM mammography system for a sum of $90,000. 2. For 1996, the board appropriated $20,000 to $25,000 to the newly formed Education Committee for promotion of health education programs that fit within the needs of Eastern Maine Medical Center and its affiliated organizations. For the following four years, 1997 to 2000, the Auxiliary designated at least $150,000 to the Education Committee for distribution without specifying a yearly monetary amount. 3. From 1997 to 2000, monies that were not already allocated to the Education Committee would be considered annually and designated proportionally according to the needs of Eastern Maine Medical Center and Eastern Maine Healthcare. The Auxiliary had supported the charitable purposes of Eastern Maine Medical Center for several generations. However, the Auxiliary also recognized the importance of education in promoting the physical and mental wellness of our citizens. The Auxiliary was aware of wellness programs currently in existence or on the drawing board. Therefore, beginning in the fall of 1996, a portion of funds raised by the Gift Shop was made available as grants for wellness education provided to the community by Eastern Maine Medical Center, Acadia Hospital, Ross Manor, and Hospice of Eastern Maine. Letters of intent to apply for a grant had to be submitted by September 23, 1996. The first wellness and education grants were awarded at the Annual Meeting in November 1996 to Ross Care, Family Practice Residency Program, and Hospice of Eastern Maine. The giving of wellness grants continued until 2006. The total amount given over 10 years was $240,698.
$240,698 TOTAL AMOUNT OF WELLNESS & EDUCATION GRANTS AWARDED OVER 10 YEAR PERIOD
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Our Cherished Memories
XVII. FIFTY YEARS OF AUXILIARY PLEDGES 1967 – 1968
$15,000 to the Coronary Care Unit
1971 – 1972
$40,000 to the new building (Grant Tower)
1976 – 1977
$40,000 to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
1977 – 1978
$75,000 to the Rosen Cancer Center
1981 – 1982
$100,000 to the Children’s Endowment Fund
1984 - 1985
$250,000 to the Open Heart Surgery Program
1986 – 1987
$100,000 to the Open Heart Surgery Program (for a total pledge of $350,000)
1990 – 1995
$500,000 to the new Children’s Care Center
2001 – 2005
$500,000 to Level II Digital Mammography
2007 – 2011
$500,000 to the Champion the Cure Campaign
2012 – 2015
$350,000 to EMMC Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center
2016 – 2021
$175,000 to the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the Penobscot Pavilion
The NICU thanks the Auxiliary for their support in 2018.
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XVIII. THE FUTURE OF THE AUXILIARY (2018) Memories” “Ourwas Cherished first published in 1994.
In many ways, 1994 seems like it was just yesterday, yet so much has changed at Eastern Maine Medical Center in those nearly 25 years. The last two decades have brought a new outpatient surgery center, the Lafayette Family Cancer Center, and most recently, the Penobscot Pavilion. Eastern Maine Medical Center’s capabilities are greater than ever, and the hospital continues to grow and change rapidly to meet the needs of the community. The Auxiliary has also changed significantly in that time. The Follies, the Auxiliary’s highestprofile fundraiser for nearly three decades, has been replaced by other highly successful events including the Kitchen Tour and Winter Beach Ball. A national vendor now manages the Gift Shop, yet Auxiliary volunteers continue to play an important role in its success. Years ago, the Auxiliary awarded community-focused wellness grants and raised money for cancer care and women’s services, while more recently our support has helped ensure high quality, convenient infant pediatric care through our contributions to the Raish Peavey Haskell Children’s Cancer and Treatment Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. As Eastern Maine Medical Center has changed over the years, the Auxiliary has changed along with it to remain a modern, community-focused, forward thinking organization. What will the future bring? It’s hard to say for sure, but we know that the pace of change will continue to be significant, and that the hard work, passion, and experience that Auxilians provide will be needed more than ever before. The Auxiliary will continue to be an important link between Eastern Maine Medical Center and the community, just as it has been for the past 125 years. We’ll continue to provide support to benefit some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, engage the community in meaningful ways, and tell the hospital’s story as well as our own. 86
Our Cherished Memories
In the decades to come we may introduce new events to replace some of the ones we’re working on today. Our membership roster will undoubtedly be different as we welcome a new generation of Auxilians who will embrace the opportunity to become part of our rich tradition. Yet several things will remain the same. We’ll continue to be creative in finding solutions, just as the first Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxilians did 125 years ago. We’ll always approach our work with pride, knowing that with every event we hold and meeting we attend we’re affecting lives in our community. The future will bring new challenges, and we’ll be ready to meet them. Thank you to everyone in the community that supports the Auxiliary, and to every Auxilian, past and present, for your unwavering commitment to improving our community.
Jenn Morin, President Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
XIX. THE 2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2017-2018 Board of Directors, left to right: Stephanie Oiler, Kelli Roy, Helen Genco, Mary Brooks, Val Patch, Rebecca Potter, Susan Nasberg, Eileen Hernandez, Suzette Vernon, Kathy Bernier, Colleen Russell, Martha Wildman, Stacey Young, Jan Currier, Libby Arrico, Nazrin Dixon, Jenn Morin. Not pictured: Nancy Long, Sarah Quirk, Roberta Winchell. A History of the Eastern Maine Medical Center Auxiliary
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