eVoice The
End of Year 2015
Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center
New Members Enjoy Social Sixteen new members joined several members of the board and the Membership Committee for the second New Member Social which was held at the Chambers Center for Well Being on Nov 10th. Gwynne Wade, the Membership Committee Chair, welcomed the new members and introduced WAMMC President Mary WAMMC President, Mary Courtemanche who gave a Courtemanche, addressing short, informative talk about the new members at the WAMMC, our charitable Chambers Center. contributions, and volunteer opportunities. Anne Fritz, Co-Chair of the Volunteer Committee, and Gayle Khoury, Chair of the Twigs also spoke briefly and gave the new members a chance to associate a face with their respective committees. The New Member Social is designed to welcome new members to WAMMC, provide information about volunteer opportunities, and give everyone a chance to socialize. Board members with open volunteer positions also have a chance to recruit new members on the spot. Following the speaking portion of the agenda Emilie Rowan, Director of Programming, Atlantic Integrative Medicine, treated everyone to a mediation session and tour of the beautiful Chambers Center for Well Being facility. The event concluded with 30 minutes of socializing and some tasty snacks brought by Membership Committee members Lynne Sprague and Dale Scolnick. Feedback received at the event was very positive and several members commented that overall they were walking away with a much better understanding of the Women’s Association. Special thanks to committee member Megan Schubiger who coordinated the event with the Chambers Center. In the future, the Membership Committee has plans for both a spring and fall new member social with a potential for both a morning and evening event. New members who were unable to attend are encouraged to send feedback on a day/time that would work better for them to membership@wammc.org.
New members learning about the history of the Women’s Association.
Spring Fundraiser SAVE THE DATE! Please Save the Date for our Upcoming 2016 Spring Fundraiser
Farm to Table Supper June 10th
Garden Tours June 11th and 12th More information to follow
President’s Message As I sit and write this message to all of you, the Special Holidays team of Chris Parker, Pat Colbert, Barb Ruane and twenty-five wonderful volunteers are all working their magic to bring some holiday cheer to MMC. To me this activity embodies everything we aspire to be: a volunteer experience that always engages and inspires our members to ‘contribute with passion’. Our work was acknowledged by Trish O’Keefe, Interim President of Morristown Medical Center, as she wrote in an email to me, “I want to express my sincere appreciation for the WAMMC “elves” who each and every year do such a wonderful job transforming our hospital to celebrate the holiday season!” During our second annual WAMMC Board Retreat in September, we discussed how this was going to be the “Year of Membership.” Gwynne Wade, Membership Chair, and her committee have been working hard to come up with new and more effective ways to reach out to our new and current members, and our Twigs in order to improve the connection we all feel to WAMMC. It is imperative that we help those members who want to be active within the organization to join a committee and become involved since that is the only way WAMMC will survive. The Membership Committee along with the CoChairs of the Website Committee, Carol Tourgee and Kim Lopez, are also working on a new and improved system of paying our yearly dues. More on that to come in January 2016. I am thrilled to say that although we will not be hosting Mansion in May 2016, we are working on creating a weekend in June with a farm to table supper and garden tours. Linda Kearns, Wendy Barisonek and Nancy Gallagher – all from the Harding Twig – are the Co-Chairs of the supper and Gail Decker and Marianne Ehinger are Co-Chairing the garden tours. These two events are new for us and, I am sure, will be attractive to both current and new members as we will work to create a weekend that incorporates our core values of community, collaboration, fun, excellence and professionalism. I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to a productive and creative 2016!
Mary Courtemanche 2
Atlantic Health and WAMMC Featured in National Publication The Becker Hospital Review featured Morristown Medical Center and the Women’s Association in their recent article ‘Holidays in the hospital: How to make hospitals feel more like home’. WAMMC member Chris Parker who is Chair of the Special Holidays Committee for the Women’s Association was interviewed and explained that the committee of about 25 women decorate the entire Medical Center for the holidays. They trim about 30 seven foot trees and set up many menorahs and gaily wrapped packages in the various departments of the hospital. Chris said, “It brings the outside joy of the season into the hospital.” The Becker Hospital Review article appeared on line and in the November print issue which has a circulation of 18,500.
Welcome New Members Basking Ridge Michelle DeAngelis Elaine Edge Kim Geary Kendra Killeen Sheryl Mychalowych Kimmarie Shafer Bedminster Assunta Buonincontri Anne Marie Verdiramo Bernardsville Nathalie Gray Kathleen Sanderson Chatham Christine Berkson Melissa Cavallone Lisa Devine Nicole DiMaggio Kristin Harrington Carolyn Hyland Nancy Johnson
Laura Keenan Maryellen Rezvan Veronica Silverstein Cheryl Whitney Denville Corinne Nallet Doylestown Deborah Camiolo Florham Park Julie Sutherland Livingston Michelle Clifford Mendham Agnes Lacki Morristown Brandi Szymanski Whitehouse Station June Durr
For information about joining the Women’s Association go to: www.wammc.org/Get-Involved/Join.aspx
Bountiful Basket WAMMC EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2015-2016 PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER ASST. TREASURER PAST OFFICER
Mary Courtemanche Nancy Alfano Prudence Pigott Patty Mullens Linda Reeves Lynne Rosenfeld Kathy Christie Susan Kennedy Anne Fritz
THE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES BYLAWS/ PARLIAMENTARIAN FINANCE LONG RANGE MEMBERSHIP NOMINATING PROGRAM
Susan Armbrust Katie Nolle Barbara Hoyt Samantha Ekert Megan Schubiger Gwynne Wade Christie Gisser Judie Hofmeister
SPECIAL COMMITTEES ART COMMITTEE ART EXHIBITS BABIES ALUMNI BARGAIN BOX GIFT SHOP HOSPITAL LIAISON MANSION IN MAY MANSION SEARCH NEWSLETTER PATIENTS' LIBRARY PUBLICITY SCHOLARSHIP TWIGS UNDERWRITING VOLUNTEER WEBSITE
Linda Reeves, Linda Schweitzer June C. Meehan Heather Medd Gail Decker, Jane Kilcullen Janice Beck, Margaret Clossey Pat Colbert, Barbara Ruane Katie Nolle, Prudence Pigott Sue Bruen C. Merry LeBlond Joan Powell Barbara Gallo, Kathy Hobbs Brittany Lusardi Meg Dietrich, Valerie Marr Gayle Khoury Corinne Nallet Anne Fritz, Kathy King Kim Lopez, Carol Tourgee
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Nathalie Dennis Michelle Meszaros Cindy Feeley Tina Mulhare Amy Haskel Anne S. Rooke Dannette Merchant
Barbara Ruane presenting the WAMMC Thanksgiving Basket for the Annual Employee Basket Raffle in October.
WAMMC donated a basket to the Annual Employee Basket Raffle in October. This year the basket’s theme was a Thanksgiving Dinner for eight valued at $300. It included a gift certificate for a fresh turkey, two pies and cider from Ashley’s Farm in Flanders. Also in the basket was a pan, hot pads, turkey lifters, a meat thermometer, a platter, soup, pumpkin flavored salsa and chips, napkins, etc. All the essentials for a scrumptious dinner for eight except the chef!
eVoice The
C. Merry LeBlond Editor
Debbie Carroll Design and Layout
WAMMC TV Suzanne Ruffo
Contact us: newsletter@wammc.org
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Karen Johnson
A copy of this and past newsletters can be found on the WAMMC website, click here The eVoice 3
Twig Corner Chatham Twig Provides Backpacks Because of Chatham Twig members, eleven children with cancer went back to school posttreatment with a backpack filled with school supplies! Right: Joann Spera of the Valerie Center graciously accepts the donation from Twig Co-President Amy Crandall. Below: The generosity of the Chatham Twig members is incredible!
The Rolling Hills Twig Wants New Members Do you want to get involved with an active, energetic, creative group of women? Consider joining the Rolling Hills Twig! The members of the Rolling Hills Twig come from a wide geographical area throughout western Morris County. They meet several times a year to plan fundraising events which benefit specific programs in Morristown Medical Center. In addition to fundraising efforts, the group participates in various volunteer opportunities for WAMMC and MMC. Their recent, successful Wine and Cheese Social raised funds to provide a camp experience for a child from the Valerie Center at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. To learn more about the Rolling Hills Twig and future fundraising events contact Josephine Iandoli at (201) 787-2860 or josephineiandoli@yahoo.com or Lynne Rosenfeld at (973) 945-3399 or lfr599@optonline.net
Knitting with Love Twig The Knitting with Love Twig donated 31 blankets to Goryeb Children's Hospital in November.
CHATHAM TWIG TO CELEBRATE 5 YEARS
Save the Date! 5th Anniversary Party January 23, 2016 7:00pm, Summit Elks Club Please join us for a casual band party to celebrate five years of the Twig’s accomplishments! All funds raised will be used to purchase 1300 (yearly supply) infant sleep sacs for the NICU at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Evite to follow!
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Left to right: Amy VanDyk, Jane Donegan, Lynn Rusk, Michelle Whitlock, Joanne Kelsey, Rita Eoga, Grace Sampson, Helen Trinkle, Ginny Petit and Chair, Merry LeBlond. Knitting with Love members preparing blankets for donation. Left to right: Helen Trinkle, Ginny Petit, Lynn Rusk, Michelle Whitlock and Jane Donegan.
WAMMC Board Members Tour Inpatient Hospice and Palliative Care Center
Chapel Flowers
After the November board meeting Dr. Karen Knops and Dr. Reggie Saldivar greeted the board and thanked them for their strong support of the Nancy and Skippy Weinstein InPatient Hospice and Palliative Care Center. WAMMC donated 1.3 million for the center from the 2012 Mansion in May, Glynallyn, chaired by Dannette Merchant and Nathalie Dennis. Following the presentation the board was led on a tour of the Center which officially opened on December 8th. A delicious lunch was enjoyed by all after the tour.
The chapel is a serene place where visitors, patients and employees can reflect.
Did you know? Women’s Association members and friends provide fresh flowers weekly in our hospital’s chapel. Entering the main hospital lobby on Simon 1, everyone passes the chapel door, usually unaware of families who are searching for comfort and solace within. Our floral arrangements clearly support our mission to offer caring support when needed most. The non-denominational chapel offers Catholic Mass daily, as well as an “All Faiths Prayer” Tuesdays through Saturdays. Jumma prayer services are held each Friday.
How can I help? One group of board members on the tour: Left to right: Dr. Karen Knops, Katie Nolle, Anne Fritz, Margaret Clossey, June Meehan, WAMMC President, Mary Courtemanche, Nancy Alfano and Gayle Khoury.
With a donation of $35 for fresh flowers, you may choose the week that your chapel flowers will be displayed, along with your personalized dedication.
What kind of personalized dedication may I choose? Donations may be made in memory of a deceased family member or friend. Or you may choose to contribute chapel flowers in gratitude for your loved ones, or in honor of an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion. What a significant way to remember a friend or relative!
How do I become a part of this special program? Please visit our website - wammc.org and click on Donate The Palliative Care Family Room at left was furnished by the Cromwell Olive Twig pictured above.
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Bargain Box Events The Bargain Box had a very successful Wine and Cheese Event. This annual autumn event was held on Sunday, November 1st and is by invitation only for all WAMMC members as well as frequent Bargain Box customers. This Joe Nassaney, Manager of the year’s sales netted Bargain Box poses with a happy almost $7,500! Thank customer. you to the entire staff and volunteer team for making this a success. The Bargain Box is holding it’s annual fur sale. Don't be left out in the cold. Come browse the spectacular inventory of gently used luscious fur coats and accessories. On Friday, November 27th, the halls of the Bargain Box were decked out for the holidays. Check out the ama zi ng st ock of gor geous decorations, unique gift items, entertaining supplies and fun fashions to help the whole family celebrate the holiday season in style. The Bargain Box Thrift Boutique is open for shopping six days a week. It’s the go to source for A large selection of coats donating your gently used holiday are available during the items. annual fur sale. Donations of gently used items Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays from 10am-2pm.
Holiday Elves Adorn Hospital The Special Holiday Committee came and bedecked the entire Medical Center with beautiful holiday decor.
WAMMC elves ready to deck the halls with beautiful wreaths.
The team of Chris Parker, Barbara Ruane and Pat Colbert and their band of elves left no lobby unadorned. The decorations went up shortly after Thanksgiving and a delicious lunch was provided and enjoyed by all. The festive décor in the hospital brings much joy to the patients, hospital employees and visitors. Decorations will be taken down on January 5th and 6th from 9:00am-12:00pm and from 1:00pm-4:00pm with a lunch in between. Come join in on the fun!
A Great Discovery at the Bargain Box Thrift Boutique: MIMOSA Recently the Bargain Box received a very large donation of Wedgewood china. It was priced and displayed. A mother and daughter visited the shop the following Saturday and they couldn’t believe what they saw: a large amount of china in the pattern “Mimosa”. “Mimosa”, which is now discontinued, was the china pattern the mom had inherited from her mother. She is a collector and so enamored with the pattern she had custom wallpaper made for her dining room to match the Mimosa! They immediately purchased the entire collection. It was a win-win situation for both the shoppers and the Bargain Box!
Bargain Box Hours Monday 12:30pm to 4:00pm Tuesday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm 6
Mary Courtemanche, President of WAMMC, and Margaret Clossey, Co-Chair of the Gift Shop, prepare the hospital for the holidays.