By Doris Gardenhire/ETMC Auxiliary
In last month’s column I neglected to mention that the Retired School Personnel meet in September through May, corresponding to the school year. If you missed that information (or showed up and no one was there), they meet the second Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. So don’t go this month—go in September.
At the ETMC Auxiliary Gift shop, they are going crazy! The best sellers are clothes (beautiful!), baby items, and toys. There is almost always something on sale—currently 30% off some things.
They also have jalapeno and cheddar popcorn, as well as pretty ceramic birdhouses, besides all the beautiful new clothing items and peanut patties!
Coming up: Book sale, September 24-25. More information in the September column, but as usual this sale includes educational toys and games as well as books and some small electronics (chargers, etc.)
September 11 is the date for the $1 bake sale. Of course many of these items go to our nurses and staff, who like to have a good fresh homemade cookie or muffin, but all are welcome to come buy and/or supply goodies.
On September 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the East Texas Arboretum, the Auxiliary will host a get-together for all volunteers. Hopefully all new personnel will attend so we can all get acquainted, since many of us don’t see each other normally.
We do like to brag on the activities of our children and grandchildren! Last month I mentioned that Judy Wilfong’s daughter is the national champion shotgun shooter; this month we can report that Margaret Austin’s 10-year-old grandson is the national champion in archery for those age 12 and under. This contest was held in Pennsylvania.
We could still use some new volunteers, if you need a place to work and really feel good about what you are doing. There are openings in Radiology and Menus (and several on weekends).
A few changes have been made in the Auxiliary Constitution and By-laws and Procedure manuals. These forms have been passed out to all members who attend the meetings, and are available to all as they report for their duty stations. Among the changes are:
- Teen volunteers ages are now 14 to 19. Adult volunteers are ages 20 plus.
All new volunteers must now fill out the application process, go through orientation, take a TB test and drug test, and undergo HIPAA training. - Female volunteers who choose the teal jackets and khaki pants must wear sneaker-type shoes, either white or dark colored, and if they wear something under the jacket, it must be white or tan. Also, the khaki pants must be long, not capris or shorts.
- HIPAA training will be given at the general meeting on October 7. All members must go through this training, either at the meeting or individually in the Medical Records office. (In case you have missed earlier reports, this is the privacy agreement that all volunteers must adhere to—such as not sharing any personal information about patients with anyone, etc.)
The District 10 Texas Association of Healthcare Volunteers (TAHV) will meet here on October 2, since the Jacksonville organization decided they could not host it. Ruth Lang will be in charge of this last-minute activity. Thanks to the First United Methodist Church for being available.
Last month it seems that you readers enjoyed the tidbits about some of our volunteers, so here are a few more:
Ann Shoecraft was a flight attendant and a teacher; Nancy Smith was a teacher in Denton and Lake Dallas, mostly honors programs; Frankie McEntire was Training Coordinator for 16 years for Amoco’s World Wide Engineering and Construction; JoAnne Victry was an RN at Scottish Rite Hospital for 15 years. Now she belongs to two RV clubs, attends Blue Grass Festivals, and plays games three days a week! Delores Holubec said the best thing that happened to her was moving to Athens! She worked with the Texas Animal Health Commission for 30 years in Houston (no wonder she is glad to be in Athens!). She also helps with international students at TVCC. And last but certainly not least, Patsy Thornsberry has done everything (just as she does for the Auxiliary), from pumping gas to cooking in West Athens cafeteria, to being an Athens Review carrier, to being a mentor at South Athens school and working at the Litter Box.
So you see again what wonderful people we have in the ETMC Auxiliary. If you would like to join these great people, just pick up an application in the Gift Shop.