Auxiliary members work ‘long and hard’ to support Medical Center in volunteerism spirit

Auxiliary members work ‘long and hard’ to support Medical Center with volunteerism spirit

It is not unusual for an Auxiliary member to be met in the parking lot on the day they hold their annual bake sale. Oftentimes, the baked goods are bought on the spot before the member takes a step toward the entrance of the Fulton County Medical Center.

Pie baking, soup making and many other fundraisers have been mainstays of the Auxiliary. It was, in fact, a bake sale that raised the first funds for the Medical Center.

MacKinlay plea

On Oct. 7, 1946, the late Dr. Edgar. H. MacKinlay was a guest of the Green Hill Civic Club to discuss the need for a medical center in Fulton County on Oct. 7, 1946. He suggested the possibility of the ladies helping fund such a facility. According to archived documents, the Green Hill Civic Club met on Dec. 3 of that same year and appointed committee members to contact similar federated clubs and organizations in the county. A cake festival was held on Aug. 9, 1947, that included a day of activities and events, including bingo and a concession stand manned by the local firemen. With the help of the local Girl Scouts, over 200 cakes, dozens of cookies and cupcakes were collected from local residents. The event generated $329.22. It would be the beginning of a tightly-woven relationship.

Auxiliary formed

The Green Hill Civic Club met with MacKinlay again, along with Attorney Albert Foster, in April 1948 at the McConnellsburg Court House to discuss the construction of the new Medical Center. After serving refreshments, the Fulton County

The original Auxiliary members.

Medical Center Auxiliary was organized with the naming of officers: Nell Barmont (president), Ethel Decker (vice president), Dorothy Keebaugh (secretary) and Amy Mellott (treasurer).

The Fulton County Medical Center opened in 1950. The Auxiliary met the second Wednesday of each month to sew new linens and mend torn ones. They bought an ice machine (1952), sewing machine (1953), medicine cabinet (1955), lamps

(1958), a freezer (1959), red smocks (1970), fire extinguishers (1974), hospital beds (1997), video camera system (1999) and a call system (2000), just to name a few things; early fundraisers included a square dance, fashion show and a street fair. They made lots of covered dishes for various events. In 1953, they gave the Medical Center $7,200. In 1956, they pledged $4,000. In 1997, they gifted $10,000. There were many other donations as well.

1986

Aug. 24, 1987: Sue Peck, D.O., and Steve Shepard, D.O., made an offer to establish a practice in FCMC service area. Oct. 4, 1986: Mammography equipment delivered to FCMC; first patient examinations performed Oct. 13.

1987

Sept. 28, 1987: The specialty clinic as an organized function was initiated. April 24, 1989: New GE X-ray machine purchased for $197,000 to provide faster and more precise images for film examination.

1988

Jan. 25, 1988: New ultrasound machine leased for $68,900. 1989

Feb. 22, 1988: FCMC Auxiliary donated $5,000 toward the renovation of the Physical Therapy department.

Volunteerism has always played a key role in the success of Fulton County Medical Center. Whether it’s in guest services, serving on the Auxiliary or staffing the gift shop, men and women of all ages have stepped up to give of their time and talents (sometimes even treasure). From June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019, 4,447 ½ hours were given by this dedicated group of volunteers. They assisted in The Corner Gift Shop, Greenhouse, Beauty Shop, Health and Wellness Center, with Long Term Care activities and with the various health fairs and fundraising events.

Answering the call

Today, the Auxiliary has 78 members, including 50 life-time, and its history of service, caring and philanthropic efforts remain steadfast.

They collectively volunteer thousands of hours of their time for fundraisers, assorted activities (Long-Term Care for example) and staff the FCMC Gift Shop. They donated $20,000 for Wound Care Services on April 1, 2013, and gifted another $60,000 for the construction of the Long Term Care Canopy in 2015. In 2016, they pledged another $50,000 toward the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) Project. In all, the Auxiliary has donated over $300,000 to FCMC.

‘Camaraderie with the Girls’

1990s

Feb. 26, 1990: OB room renovations complete; Med/Surgical rooms begun with completion date anticipated in June.

“It’s a way to remain active in the community and to make a difference,” said Carol Mellott, retired RN and a member since 1966 who serves as treasurer. “We care about the Medical Center and our community. If we can give a gift to assist in the betterment of the Medical Center, all of us benefit from it in some way, shape or form.”

Doris Ray, who was a member for over 30 years before her passing at age 91 in 2016, loved the camaraderie with the “girls.” She enjoyed the idea of “doing something good” for the Medical Center.

“I don’t think the Auxiliary gets the credit it deserves,” said Carleton Williams, a lifelong member. “It’s been serving the Medical Center from Day One, even before that. These ladies have worked long and hard to support this facility.” At the recent bake sale in the Medical Center lobby, Auxiliary members were greeting patrons by their first names as customers were buying assorted sweets and handmade crafts. In fact, people were in the lobby 30 minutes ahead of the 9 a.m. scheduled opening. In two hours, they were sold out of baked goods. Over $800 was raised.

“We are known for having some great bakers,” laughed Mellott. “Our Auxiliary has been the backbone of FCMC since its early days,” said former FCMC CEO Jason Hawkins. “They have always been a huge supporter of FCMC. We would not have realized our successes without their goodwill.” ■

September 1991: Board voted to renovate the Auxiliary/ Snack Room and move the Emergency Room to that area. Cost estimated at $100,000. Oct. 26, 1992: New Emergency Room complete and open for business.

1991 1992

June 1, 1991: Dr. James Rintoul began as Medical Director of the Emergency Room. 1993 1994

March 22, 1993: Board voted on an increase of $10/more per day for both LTC units. Effective May 1, 1993, $87/day in Intermediate and $94/day in skilled.

“The FCMC Auxiliary has been the backbone of FCMC since its early days. They have always been a huge supporter of FCMC. We would not have realized our successes without their goodwill.” – Jason Hawkins, former FCMC CEO

Why are you a member of the Auxiliary?

“Upon moving to Fulton County seven years ago, I was happily surprised to find a modern community hospital. The pride and commitment our community has towards this hospital is amazing and contagious! We are so blessed! I am a member of the hospital Auxiliary as a sign of my gratitude. I am happy and proud to be a part of this group working to support our hospital.” – Jacqueline Celestine, current President

“I believe in the mission to support the hospital, patients, and staff. I find it a way of giving back for all that the hospital has done for the community. It is an organization where many different skills are utilized. So whether you are a baker, a craftsman, an organizer, or a supporter, there is a place for you.” – Nancy Younker, former President

“I enjoy the teamwork of working with ladies who come from all walks of life. Our hospital is an essential part of our community. It supports the entire community. I enjoy helping out and it’s a stress reliever for me.” – Judy Eisaman, former President

“I wanted to do volunteer work that made a difference.” – Kathy Kinghorn “The Auxiliary provides tangible assistance to the hospital which benefits everyone in the service area.” – Rebecca Drover

“I like the sense of belonging to a supportive group that aids the Medical Center. Being a newcomer to Fulton County, I have met so many wonderful people in the Auxiliary.” – Portia Osterhoudt

“Since my retirement I have time to devote back to my community. FCMC has supported me and my family members through the years and this is a small way that I can give back. These ladies are most generous of their time and treasure and I’m proud to be a member of such a great group.” – Linda Sheffield

“I’m following in my mother’s footsteps.” – Faye Elvey

“Health care is my passion and FCMC is like family to me. I’ve been a member since the 1960s. It never gets old. What we do indirectly supports patient care and that’s important, plus it’s fun.” – Linda Garber

November 1996: Mr. & Mrs. Andy Washabaugh donated 22 acres of land for the new building.

1996

January 1996: Board of Directors voted to proceed with the new building project. 1997

February 1996: FCMC received notice that they were the beneficiary of a charitable trust contribution from the Estate of Thad and Elsie Shimer. FCMC will receive the net interest income annually from approximately $1 million. 1998: The Auxiliary funds the purchase of a three-chip Video Camera System. Dec. 22, 1998 & Oct. 19, 1999: Community mourns the loss of two beloved family physicians – Dr. R.C. McLucas and Dr. James Witt.

1998 1999

July 26, 1999: Board heard presentation on feasibility analysis of the replacement facility with recommendation from Gannett Fleming to proceed with the building project.

NAME Sharleen Brady Barbara Weller Joyce Peck Doris Simpson Michele Hann Linda Garber Carol Buterbaugh Cathy Souders Catherine Piper Karen Schooley Anita Bishop Polly Briggs Darlene Senft Drema Purnell Elaina Swope Joann Chilcote Rebecca Souders Jody Buterbaugh Nancy Gray POSITION Administrative Assistant Staff Nurse LPN II Medical Records Clerk Medical Records Clerk Staff Nurse RN Staff Nurse RN Certified Nursing Assistant IT Analyst Staff Nurse LPN II Medical Technologist Environmental Services Aide Staff Nurse LPN II Medical Technologist Radiologic Technologist Medical Laboratory Technician Certified Pharmacy Technician Certified Patient Account Tech. Certified Nursing Assistant Certified Nursing Assistant DEPARTMENT Medical Staff Community H&W Center Health Information Health Information Operating Room Community Benefits Long Term Care Info Technology Emergency Room Laboratory Laundry Med Specialty Serv Laboratory Radiology Laboratory Pharmacy Business Office Long Term Care Long Term Care YEARS OF SERVICE 55 (retired May 2020) 50 (retired May 2020) 46 44 44 44 44 43 42 41 41 39 37 37 37 36 35 35 33 NAME POSITION Pamela Suders Activities Aide Tina Younker Supervisor Lisa Saucier Nursing Supervisor Dreama Everts Staff Nurse LPN II Donna Clark Staff Nurse RN Glenda Rouzer MIS Clerk Adaria Woodward Certified Phlebotomist Michael Chilcote Manager Christopher Carr Radiologic Technologist Dawn-Theresa Stains Certified Surgical Technologist Michelle Kerlin Nurse Manager Linda Charlene Post Lead Transcriptionist Kimberly Harnish Staff Nurse RN II Amy Varner COTA Teresa Guyer Registration Clerk Mary Buterbaugh Certified Patient Account Tech. Rebecca Dase Staff Nurse LPN II Jennifer Buterbaugh Staff Nurse LPN II DEPARTMENT Rec Therapy Laboratory Long Term Care PCP Practice Emergency Room Accounting Laboratory Shmc Plant Maintenance CT Scan Operating Room IV Therapy Health Information Cardiac Rehab Occ Therapy Radiology Laboratory Med Surg Cardiology

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2000s

August 2001: Received Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Designation, resulting in an increased reimbursement status, a major step toward securing FCMC’s financial future.

Oct. 4, 2004: Gov. Edward G. Rendell awards $3,000,000 to FCMC building project.