October 2020 Volunteer Newsletter

VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER // OCTOBER 2020 “On a Mission”

Jenny & Sherri, Volunteer Services

Guild News

Any Guild news for the next months newsletter needs turned into the Volunteer Office before the 15th of the month. Call 356-8234.

Linda Browne, President of the Scioto Guild hopes that everyone is doing well and staying healthy.

The Pleasure Guild recently completed a contest to see which member could make the most words using the letters in the Guild’s name.

Kathy Arnett, Vice President of the Guild submitted an Kathy Arnett amazing 500 words to win first place and bragging rights.

President Mary Moore wants to thank all of those members who participated.

Next up will be a raffle!

Jan Martin, Creative Chairperson for the Pleasure Guild, created a unique “Corona Care Basket,’ which will be given away to a lucky member of the Pleasure Guild on October 15th.

Members will receive instructions on how to Jan Martin win, so ladies be sure and watch your mail for further information!

Glenna Arnett, President of the Pediatric Guild writes: “I would like to commend and say a big THANK YOU to Jenny and Sherri for all their hard work and creativity to find ways to let all volunteers know they are not forgotten and that yes we CAN still play bingo together, apart!!

Sandy Cable, President of the Hope Guild sent the following message to share: “The simplest act of kindness not only affects the receiver in profound ways, but brings blessings to the giver as well. It makes us feel good to make others feel good.

So do something nice for yourself today – commit a random act of kindness.”

Karen Evans, President of the Service Guild hopes that everyone is doing well and welcoming the Fall season. She also hopes everyone is staying healthy, as she is looking forward to seeing everyone when it is safe to do so.

Karen Wood, President of the Kardia Guild notes that she loves and misses everyone so much! She also hopes and prays that her Guild can meet again soon.

A Note From Jenny October just might be the coziest month of the year. It’s finally boot and scarf season, leaves are falling, there are crockpot recipes galore, Halloween costumes and Fall ideas fill your Pinterest feed and pumpkin has made its way into EVERYTHING!

reopen our services at SOMC. With this in mind, a return date for volunteers has not yet been announced. However, we have been continuing to monitor the situation daily so we can make sure your eventual return to SOMC is a safe one.

On a fun note, mark your calendars for Friday, October 30th as Sherri and I are definitely brewing up something fun at Wolford’s Landing for our sweet volunteers for Halloween! Read the rest of the newsletter to find out further details!

Yes, October is a very good month. Another exciting edition to October this year is the re-opening of the Gift Gallery, as of October 1st the Gift Gallery will re-open to employees from 8am – 4pm (Monday – Friday). We are so excited to share this exciting news with our volunteers!

Speaking of staying safe, the end of Summer often means incidences of influenza. Flu season is just around the corner, but all active volunteers may stop

by Employee Health & Wellness (Monday – Friday) throughout the month of October to receive their required annual flu vaccination, free of charge. There is no need to bring your badge because the names of everyone on our “Active Volunteer” list have already been submitted.

In closing, here’s wishing you all the treats a day can hold, all the smiles your hearts can share, and all the fun a special volunteer like you deserves!

Happy Halloween and Happy Autumn!

As we move forward, our top priority remains ensuring the highest standard of health and safety for our patients, staff and volunteers as we continue to

Hugs & Smiles from a Distance,

Jenny Lavender, Mgr. Volunteer Services

announcements » Volunteer Best Fall Day Ever! Challenge – September 1 – October 31. » “Cruisin’ Pink” event – October 8. » October 30th it’s “No Tricks – Just Treats!”

(Wolford’s Landing, 11am – 2pm)

2020 looks nothing like we expected, but here we are preparing for Breast Cancer Awareness month during a pandemic. The Pink team had to get super creative this year for a socially distanced, safe event. The result – “Cruisin’ Pink,” an exciting event set for 7pm on October 8th.

» Virtual Coffee & Quarantine Break – October 23 – 10am » Have a good volunteer story or news that we can share? If so, then be sure and drop it by the Volunteer Office or e-mail to: lavendej@somc.org - Stories can inspire, comfort and educate, therefore we would love to share them with other volunteers!

At this year’s event, we are encouraging everyone to decorate their vehicles in honor of breast cancer awareness month and joining us for a fun night of cruisin’ the streets of Portsmouth.

Cruise around town and help us celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month while social distancing in your car!

Trick-or-Treat

Virtual Coffee & Quarantine Break

Halloween is just around the corner and like many holidays this year, it will look very different amid the pandemic. With this in mind, and to practice safe social distancing, volunteers will have the opportunity to visit Wolford’s Landing Campground to trick-or-treat in their vehicles at Jenny Lavender’s camper!

You are invited to join Jenny Lavender on Friday, October 23rd at 10:00 a.m. for 30 minutes to connect, encourage, and inspire each other during this time of physical distancing. If interested in participating, contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234. Please note that we are limiting “Coffee Breaks” to ten people so that all will have the opportunity to chat.

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 30th from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Sherri and Jenny will be dressed in their Halloween best, eagerly awaiting with treat bags and goodies for their volunteers – who are also invited to dress up!

The campground is usually decorated for the season and volunteers are sure to have a “howling” good time on this All Hallows Eve! For further information please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234.

From A Volunteer’s Perspective SOMC knows that as meaningful as your volunteerism is, it is the person-to-person connections that live on in your heart. For that reason, we especially value volunteers’ reflections and firstperson stories that tell of the new friendships, understandings, and perspectives you gain. If you have a story to tell about your volunteering experience at SOMC, we would love for you to share it with us.

You may e-mail your story to lavendej@somc.org. Mail to: SOMC Volunteer Office, 1805 27th Street; Portsmouth, OH 45662 or drop it by the Volunteer Office.

Volunteers Staying Home Safe Eloise White - Weeding her flower garden

Karen Wood - Lunchtime

Carla Scifres - Enjoying a Garden Tour

“Distance is just a test to see how far love can travel”

Flu Vaccinations

Knit For Hope

At SOMC we are dedicated to the safety, health and well-being of our patients, staff and volunteers. That is why all employees, providers, students, and volunteers must receive the flu vaccine each year.

Knitters and crocheters of all skilllevels are invited to get-together for an evening of fun and the support of a good cause, as part of the “Knit for Hope” volunteer program at SOMC.

The goal of mandatory flu immunization is to help protect our patients, staff and volunteers from the flu and the risks it poses. Volunteers will have the opportunity to obtain their annual flu vaccination during the month of October by stopping by Employee Health (Waller Building – Suite 307A) Monday through Friday (October 1 - 30) from 8am to 4pm.

If you should have any questions or need additional information please feel free to contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234.

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. To accommodate social distancing guidelines, the get-together will take place at Wolford’s Landing Campground, which is located at 6888 Front Street in Sciotoville. You must contact the Volunteer Office to RSVP, as we are limited to 10 in attendance.

Finished products will be donated to the SOMC Cancer Center and Hospice.

Please keep in mind that yarn donations are always accepted and appreciated! For further information please phone 740-356-8236.

What’s on the Menu Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken

With just a few ingredients and minutes to prepare, this simple and flavorful meal is one the entire family is sure to enjoy, and definitely perfect for a busy day. » » » » » » » » »

3 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts One-fourth teaspoon salt One-fourth teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 medium onion, halved and sliced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup One-third cup heavy whipping cream

Spray 3-4 quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until browned. Transfer bacon to slow cooker. Drain all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high; add chicken to skillet. Cook about 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Transfer to slow cooker. Reduce heat of skillet to medium; add oil and onion. Cook and stir about 4 minutes or until softened.

Add garlic; cook and stir 1 minute. Transfer to slow cooker. Add condensed soup to slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover; cook on High heat setting 3 hours or until chicken is tender. Add whipping cream; stir to combine. Cover; cook about 10 minutes or until hot.

Serve with angel hair pasta, noodles or mashed potatoes, if desired.

Take the “SOMC Volunteer Best Fall Day EVER” Challenge!

As you all know, SOMC Volunteer Services is very passionate about trying to make every day the best day for ourselves, and for our volunteers. That’s why we are inviting you to participate in the Best Fall Day EVER challenge!

To get started, choose from one or more of the listed challenges below. You don’t have to do them all, just the ones you choose!

Remember, in order to “capture the moment” you need to capture yourself in the photo!

Each photo the Volunteer Office receives is an entry to our “Volunteer Best Fall Day EVER Challenge!” At the end of the challenge, one lucky winner will win gift cards to celebrate the Fall season, totaling $50.00!

You can submit your photos by emailing them to lavendej@somc.org, tagging “Jenny Lavender” on Facebook or sending them directly to the SOMC Volunteer Office (1805 – 27th Street; Portsmouth, OH 45662).

The challenge ends October 31, 2019. You must be a current volunteer to enter. There is no limit to the number of entries per volunteer. »

Me & My Shadow

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Coffee Break

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How I Relax

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What I’m Reading

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Me & My Furry Friend

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My Favorite Place

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Breakfast Is Served

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Roasting Marshmallows

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Sunday Funday

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Going On A Picnic

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My Town

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Playing Up The Plaid

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Autumn Nights

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The View From Here

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Sweater Weather

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Loving Me Some Pumpkin

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Wild Wednesday

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Soup Season

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Warm Cup Of…

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Getting Cozy

Volunteer Book Club

October Birthdays 10/1 10/2 10/3 10/3 10/7 10/11 10/11 10/12 10/13 10/14 10/15 10/17 10/21 10/21 10/22 10/27 10/28 10/30

Mary Harold Patricia Pasquinelli Gloria Gibbs Donna Chabot Rae-Jean Wagner Betty Kennedy Roselyn Heslep Debbie Gambill Mary Jane Jones Stacey Sammons Freda Billiter Janet Welty Mary Moore Wanda Dillow Peggy Pollard David Malone Ralph Clay Traudi Strickland

The book chosen to discuss in October is “Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe” by Heather Webber.

To accommodate social distancing guidelines, we are scheduled to discuss the title on October 17th at Wolford’s Landing. Please contact the Volunteer Office to RSVP, as we are limited to 10 in attendance.

Until then – stay safe and remember, you can survive social distancing one book at a time!

To RSVP please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234.

Test Your Knowledge How well do you know your Halloween trivia? Take our quiz and find out! Once completed email answers to: lavendej@somc.org or mail to: SOMC Volunteer Services, 1805 27th Street, Portsmouth OH 45662. Those with all correct answers will be placed in a hat with a winner drawn on October 30. Good Luck!

1.

Every year Linus waits for the Great Pumpkin to arrive. Who waits with him? _____________________

2. What spice could you use to protect your home from spirits entering? ___________________________

Did You Know…

According to popular Halloween folklore, if you see a spider on Halloween, it could actually be the spirit of a loved one watching over you.

3. On Halloween it is traditional to “bob” for what kind of fruit? ______________________ 4. What kind of bug is it lucky to see on Halloween? __ __________________________________ 5. Christmas is ranked as the most commercial holiday.

Where is Halloween on the list? # ______ 6. Which of these famous individuals was born on October 31st? Michael Landon, Harry Houdini or Bela Lugosi? ________________________ 7.

Which animal is associated with a witch? ______________________

8. There were no pumpkins in Europe when Jack-O-Lanterns were first carved. What did they use instead? _____________________ 9. What is the proper term for a man who is a witch? ________________________ 10. Which is the most popular chocolate bar on Halloween? ______________________

E-Mail Addresses Wanted Please help SOMC reduce paper waste by signing up for electronic delivery of this newsletter and other volunteer news. Your privacy is valued as e-mail address shall be used for internal purposes only and shall not be distributed to third parties. To sign-up contact the volunteer office at 356-8234 or email us and let us know you’d like to receive our newsletter at lavendej@somc.org Have You “Liked” Us Yet On Facebook? If you aren’t already a fan of SOMC’s Facebook page, it’s time to “like” us! We will be posting photos and you just may see yourself in one of the postings!

Know Someone Interested In Volunteering? If so, send your friends to our website at http:// www.somc.org/employee/volunteering/ so that they can learn about some of the volunteer opportunities that are available. They may also contact the Volunteer Office at 740356-8234 or email to: lavendej@somc.org

If you would like to receive the newsletter electronically, please call the Volunteer Office with your e-mail address at 356-8234 or send an e-mail request to lavendej@somc.org

A Socially Distant Surprise for our SOMC Volunteers

(Story written by Kylee Duduit)

Learning to navigate life through the pandemic has been far from easy. COVID-19 has caused many people to get creative in order to stay connected. One SOMC team that has been working to stay connected is SOMC Volunteer Services.

In order to keep the volunteers safe, the program has been temporarily suspended – but that doesn’t mean their efforts to stay connected has been put on hold. The Volunteer Services Department has stepped up to ensure their volunteers know that they are thinking about them and are still there for them, from a distance of course. With that mission in mind, Jenny Lavender and Sherri Hurley set out on a mission. They plan to deliver a total of 100 signs that say “An Amazing Volunteer Lives Here” for the incredible volunteers to mount proudly in their yards.

Recently, Jenny and Sherri donned their masks, loaded up their car and began the trek of delivering to the first and second round of volunteers. None of the volunteers were expecting this special delivery. When they would stop by the house and plant the signs in their yards, many of the volunteers would come out and stand on their porch and send a socially distant “thank you” with a wave and an air kiss from their porch. Many were brought to tears from the sweet gesture.

While waving from their car, Jenny and Sherri were able to capture some of the incredible volunteers with their special delivery!

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4