As we approach the holiday season, I want to express my gratitude to each one of you. 2024 has been a remarkable year for Chesapeake Health Care, marking our 30th anniversary with incredible achievements. This past year we've served more than 65,000 patients, expanded our services, welcomed a new practice at Winterplace, relocated our Berlin Behavioral Health and Crisis Center, and opened a state-of-the-art adult medicine office on S. Division Street. These milestones are a testament to your dedication and hard work.
We take pride in the exceptional quality of care we provide to our patients and community. It’s thanks to your commitment that Chesapeake Health Care continues to thrive and make a positive impact on countless lives.
I hope to see many of you at this year's Christmas Party, where we'll celebrate our successes and express our gratitude in person. It will be a great celebration, marking not only 30 years of caring for our community but also a great kickoff to 2025.
On behalf of Chesapeake Health Care, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with joy, peace, and prosperity.
Best wishes,
Snapshots & Shoutouts
Our Outreach Team hosted a diabetic eye exam day in November at Woodbrooke Adult in partnership with CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland.
The staff at Woodbrooke Adult held a going away celebration for Kim Glass, BSN, RN. Best wishes, Kim!
Our Outreach Team attended the Salvation Army's Fall Festival. Pictured above is Valerie Purnell, HOP, and Francina Jones, Certified Application Counselor.
National Handwashing Awareness Week is Dec. 1-7. This week is a time to promote the importance of hand hygiene, especially as the cold and flu season approaches.
Handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. Here are some tips for practicing good hand hygiene:
✓ Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
✓ Wash your hands before and after patient care.
✓ Wash your hands before and after preparing food, and after using the bathroom.
✓ Clean your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Anniversaries & Department Updates
Michelle Gordy – 23 years
Jessica Bivens – 18 years
Sandra Moore – 15 years
Celeste Grudzien – 14 years
Daria Parsells – 11 years
James Park – 11 years
This month, we congratulate the individuals below who are celebrating work anniversaries in December. Your hard work and dedication for healthcare are inspiring!
Jennifer Malone – 11 years
Sarah Pryor – 10 years
Rebecca Taylor – 10 years
James Webster – 7 years
Lisa Airey – 7 years
James Muir – 6 years
Laura Mister – 6 years
Shanita Collins – 4 years
Deborah Lantz – 4 years
Chesapeake Health Care Achieves Centering Site Accreditation
Chesapeake Health Care is proud to announce that we have attained Centering Site Accreditation without conditions. This achievement highlights our commitment to advancing maternal health within our community through the Centering model.
Jacqueline Douglas – 3 years
Jennifer Ward – 3 years
Blythe Eberle – 3 years
Mary Booth – 2 years
Keyonia Dale – 2 years
Carole Smith – 1 year
Jacqueline Crockett – 1 year
Stephanie Bohon – 1 year
Centering Pregnancy, endorsed by the Centering Healthcare Institute, revolutionizes prenatal care by extending traditional visits into 10 comprehensive group sessions. Led by our skilled healthcare providers, these gatherings create a supportive environment where women gain knowledge and share experiences. This model empowers patients, ensuring they receive the highest quality care while fostering a sense of community.
At Chesapeake Health Care, we believe in the power of collaboration and education to improve health outcomes. By integrating health assessments, interactive learning, and community building, the Centering model not only enhances patient care but also strengthens the bond between patients and providers.
As part of our ongoing commitment, Chesapeake Health Care submits annual data to maintain our accredited Centering Site status. This accreditation underscores our dedication to providing exceptional care and support throughout every stage of pregnancy and beyond.
Welcoming New Team Members
As we continue to grow and expand our family here at Chesapeake Health Care, we’d like to introduce the newest members of our team. Each individual brings a unique set of skills and experiences that improves our organization and strengthens our commitment to providing exceptional care to our community.
Join us in welcoming these new staff members to the Chesapeake Health Care family:
Alecia Lovett – Dental Assistant at PA Dental
Amber Michaud – Medical Receptionist at Woodbrooke OB/GYN
Angela Leonard – Phlebotomist at Berlin Main Street
Ashlyn Heath – Dental Receptionist at PA Dental
Ayanna Millett – Client Navigator II
Brittany Strous – Medical Receptionist at Woodbrooke Adult Medicine
Courtney Goldbach – LPN at S. Division Street.
Eric Pusey – Dental Sterilization Aide at PA Dental
Kennesha Wilkins – Health Outreach Partner
Kimani Smith – Client Navigator II at Healthway Drive Mental Health
Leanna Wilson – Medical Receptionist at Berlin Main Street Mental Health
Nancy Settle-Mastenbroek – A/R Specialist at Corporate
Roberto Voltaire – Haitian Interpreter at Woodbrooke Adult Medicine
Sandra Anderson – Medical Receptionist at PMD Peds
Shantise Wilkerson – Medical Receptionist at Woodbrooke OB/GYN
T’Marah Cannon – Dental Receptionist at PA Dental
Veronica Jemes – Medical Receptionist at PMD Pediatrics
Welcoming New Staff Members to the Team
Welcoming new staff is not just a nice gesture but a crucial step in building a supportive and inclusive workplace. Here are some simple ways you can help make our newcomers feel right at home:
• Personal Introductions: Take a moment to introduce yourself and others around the office.
• Offer Assistance: Let them know you’re available to answer questions or lend a hand as they settle in.
• Provide Essential Information: Share key resources, like where to find supplies, schedules, and important contacts.
• Include Them: Invite them to join in on team meetings, lunches, or other social activities.
• Check-In Regularly: A simple “How's it going?” can go a long way in showing you care about their adjustment.
Let’s work together to ensure our new colleagues feel valued and supported from day one!
Happy birthday! We wish all the happiness in the year ahead to these staff members who are celebrating a birthday in October.
Sunny Lowe – Dec. 12
Alona Kuzmenko – Dec. 12
Chayanika Bhattacharjya – Dec. 13
Dimples Conquest – Dec. 13
Donna Pitts – Dec. 13
Sarah Phillips – Dec. 14
Beth Vitacco – Dec. 15
Heather Reeder – Dec. 15
Cynthia James – Dec. 16
Emily Harte – Dec. 16
Brooke Martin – Dec. 17
Obdiel Dormelus – Dec. 17
Sloan Selleh – Dec. 17
Deborah Anderson – Dec. 18
Mary Brinson – Dec. 19
Bryant Howard – Dec. 19
Kenzie Smith – Dec. 19
Samantha Roberts – Dec. 19
December Health
Observances
Monthly Focus Topics
National Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Give the Gift of Sight Month
Weeks to Note:
National Handwashing Awareness Week – Dec. 1-7
National Influenza Vaccination Week – Dec. 1-7
Days to Note:
World AIDS Day – Dec. 1
International Day of People with Disability – Dec. 3
Lisa Doyle – Dec. 20
Francina Jones – Dec. 21
Ashley Nicholson – Dec. 22
Krystle Branch – Dec. 25
Joseph Guard – Dec. 26
Omar Albasha – Dec. 28
Lisa Brasure – Dec. 28
Yousuf Ahmad – Dec. 28
Sydney Collins – Dec. 29
Danielle Harrington – Dec. 30
Kelsea Mathis – Dec. 30
Ionna Minto – Dec. 30
November Kudos
Cheyenne White
Crystal Roughton x2
Daneé Erb
Kelley Holloway
Kristy Peck-Hill
Morgan Gamble
Ty Christopher
Berlin Medical
Angela Wright
Ashley Cooper
Chanel Vogel
Guard
Katerina Todorov
Cynthia Mamufo
Deb Anderson x2
Rekos
Nicole Ford
THANK YOU to everyone who goes out of their way to help others! If you would like to recognize someone for their hard work and dedication, please use the link for KUDOS on your desktop in the folder called “CHC Official.”
Ashley Hills
Christie Brittingham x2
Cynthia James
Dana Malone
Judy Forse x2
Davis
Branch
Abrams
Brinson
LuAnn Hampshire Robin Iler
Nancy Baker x3
Teresa Bennett
Healthy Living Corner
Focus on Healthy Goals Month
Welcome to this month’s Healthy Living Corner, where we celebrate health and wellness through practical tips and seasonal inspirations.
As we approach the holiday season, it's easy to be tempted by the abundance of festive foods. However, making mindful choices can help us maintain our health goals while still enjoying the season. Here are some tips to stay on track:
Avoiding Processed Foods
Holiday classics like boxed mashed potatoes and stuffing often hide excessive sugars and unhealthy fats. By choosing whole foods and cooking from scratch, you can indulge without compromising your health.
Incorporating Vegetables
Keep a variety of fresh vegetables on hand to balance your holiday meals. These nutrient-packed options not only satisfy hunger but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Concentrating on Portions
During festive gatherings, it’s easy to lose track of how much we're eating. Focus on smaller portions, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s signals. Stop eating when you feel comfortably full.
Mindful Eating
Practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and being aware of your body’s hunger cues. This approach not only prevents overindulgence but also enhances your enjoyment of meals.
Using Small Plates
Opt for smaller plates and utensils when serving yourself. This simple trick can naturally reduce portion sizes and encourage mindful eating habits.
By incorporating these strategies, we can navigate the holiday season with health and mindfulness. Here’s to a season filled with joy, good health, and delicious, nourishing food!
Roasted Winter Vegetable Medley
Ingredients:
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F
2. In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potato, butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
• Serve this colorful medley as a nutritious side dish or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
• Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or spices for added flavor.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish that celebrates the seasonal bounty while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients!
Test your trivia knowledge Send an email with your answers to Julie Houk at jhouk@chesapeakehc.org before Friday, December 13th to be entered into a random drawing for a PRIZE!
1. In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” what was Mr. Scrooge’s first name?
A) Ebenezer
B) Jacob
C) George
D) Archibald
2. What Bing Crosby song is the bestselling single ever?
A) Silver Bells
B) Jingle Bells
C) Winter Wonderland
D) White Christmas
3. In the early 1800s, the first gingerbread houses were reportedly inspired by what famous fairy tale?
A) Cinderella
B) Rapunzel
C) Hansel and Gretel
D) Snow White
4. “Miracle on 34th Street” centers on what real-life department store?
A) Sears
B) Macy’s
C) Nordstrom
D) Bloomingdale’s
5. In the song “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” what “incriminating” evidence was found on Grandma’s back?
A) Reindeer hoofprints
B) Claus marks
C) A shopping list
D) Snowflakes
6. How many reindeer are featured in the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas?”
A) Seven
B) Nine
C) Ten
D) Eight
7. What traditional Christmas decoration is actually a parasitic plant?
A) Holly
B) Pine tree
C) Mistletoe
D) Poinsettia
8. In “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” who played Scrooge?
Hint: It wasn’t a Muppet.
A) Jim Henson
B) Frank Oz
C) Michael Caine
D) Tim Curry
9. What beverage company has been using Santa Claus in its advertising since 1931?
A) Pepsi
B) Coca-Cola
C) Dr. Pepper
D) Sprite
10. According to legend, what holiday goodies were shaped to resemble a shepherd’s staff, as a way to remind children of the shepherds who visited baby Jesus?
A) Gingerbread men
B) Fruitcake
C) Candy canes
D) Pfeffernüsse
November Trivia Questions & Answers
1. What is it that you are supposed to grow in November?
Answer: A moustache
2. If you were born on the 26th of November, what would your Zodiac sign be?
Answer: Sagittarius
3. On which date is armistice day celebrated, marking the end of World War I?
Answer: November 11
4. What should you eat on the 3rd of November?
Answer: A sandwich
5. In mid-November, when looking up at the night sky, what are you likely to see?
Answer: The Leonid meteor shower
6. In the NATO phonetic alphabet, what does the letter N stand for?
Answer: November
7. Which flower is traditionally associated with November?
Answer: Chrysanthemum
8. Which US state is known for hosting the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in November?
Answer: New York
9. Which national holiday in Mexico is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd?
Answer: Día de Muertos
10. Which sporting event occurs in November and is known as 'The Race that Stops a Nation'?
Answer: The Melbourne Cup
Congratulations to Heather Bare, Medical Assistant at Woodbrooke Adult, who was our Trivia Contest Winner for November! Heather chose the Pinnacle Tumbler as her prize. Congrats!
