VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER APRIL 2022 Destiny Dotson – Employee Health & Wellness
A Note from Jenny
Ah, spring. The snow is finally fading away, the temperature is warming up, the days are beyond doubt growing blissfully longer and the daffodils and tulips are blooming. I absolutely love this time of year, and am so happy to have the opportunity to see something new taking place around me every day! Yes, a flower here, a tree blooming on the hillside, the grass getting greener – and here at SOMC, I so enjoy the renewed friendships of those volunteers that return after the winter season has been overcome by the warmth of spring, and the additional smiles that volunteers share simply because the sun is shining, truly warms my heart. This particular month also brings the occasion to celebrate my favorite people – YOU, as National Volunteer Week begins April 18th, and in celebration of the occasion I have conjured up an amazing week of fun activities for you to enjoy! So be sure and mark your calendar and plan on stopping by the Volunteer Office (Waller Building – Suite 204A) during this particular week, as Sherri and I say “THANK YOU” for all you do for SOMC and us. (Daily activities are included in this issue of the volunteer newsletter). Also, with Easter on the horizon I thought I would share these great words of wisdom from the Easter Bunny that will hopefully touch your heart as much as it did mine…
New Volunteer Nevaeh Whelan
Mathew Haselip
McCaila Blankenship Tanner Preston
Destiny Dotson
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Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Everyone needs a friend who is all ears. There’s no such thing as too much candy. All work and no play can make you a basket case. Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day. Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits. Some body parts should be floppy. Keep your paws off of other people’s jelly beans. Good things come in small, sugar coated packages. The grass is always greener in someone else’s basket. To show your true colors, you have to come out of the shell. The best things in life are still sweet and gooey. May the joy of the season fill your heart.
And always remember…
» A true friend is someone who thinks you’re a good
egg, even though they know you are slightly cracked.
In closing, wishing you a blessed Easter, and looking forward to seeing you during Volunteer Week! Hugs & Smiles! Hugs & Smiles! Jenny Lavender, Mgr. Volunteer Services
Did You Know…
Baby birds learn to sing during Spring? Although they are born with the ability to sing, they must learn the specific songs of their species and often learn their songs within two months of being born.
Guild News
Any Guild news for the next months newsletter needs turned into the Volunteer Office before the 15th of the month. Call 740-356-8234. The Scioto Guild’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 6th at 10:30 a.m. at The Loft’s Coffee Company, which is located at 842 Gallia Street in Portsmouth. The Pleasure Guild’s next meeting will be held on Thursday, April 7th at 12:00 p.m. at Port City Cafe, which is located at 424 Chillicothe Street in Portsmouth. The Hope Guild’s next meeting will be on April 8th at 11:30 a.m. at Ollie’s Burgers & BBQ, which is located at 1619 Chillicothe Street in Portsmouth. The Pediatric Guild’s next meeting will be held on April 13th at 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. The Kardia Guild will meet on April 14th at 12:00 p.m. at Gatti’s Pizza, which is located at 1658 – 11th Street in Portsmouth. The Service Guild will meet on April 20th at 12:00 p.m. at Gatti’s Pizza.
Give Lavishly! Live Abundantly!
The more you give The more you get. The more you laugh, The less you fret. The more you do unselfishly, The more you live abundantly. The more of everything you share, The more you’ll always have to spare. The more you love, The more you’ll find, That life is good, And friends are kind. For only what we give away, Enriches us from day to day.
announcements » If you are unable to make your scheduled commitment, please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234. There is an answering machine, so if you are calling after hours, please leave a message. » Make sure you are turning in your volunteer time. » Annual Volunteer Education – Return Documentation ASAP » Jr. Volunteer Applications available April 1st » Volunteer Book Club – April 16th » National Volunteer Week Observed by Volunteer Services…April 18th – 22nd » 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
How To Become A Volunteer
Interested in volunteering at Southern Ohio Medical Center? If so, the only thing needed to become a volunteer is the desire to help people. At SOMC we focus on helping our patients and visitors as well as our hospital staff. There are many different areas of the hospital to volunteer your time and by meeting with the Volunteer Office we can work with you in choosing the area that suits you the best! If you like to be around people, Same Day Surgery or Heart & Vascular would be a perfect place. If you like retail and shopping, the Gift Gallery might be just for you. If you like to be busy, but prefer to be away from the crowd, office work may be the area you prefer. Special projects and events and fundraising with our Guilds, are some of the other things we do that you may have an interest in as well. So you can see, SOMC has many opportunities for you to volunteer! For further information or to obtain a volunteer application please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234.
Vaccine Documentation After Deadline
As you are aware, on September 17, 2021 all active volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated to continue volunteering at Southern Ohio Medical Center. To be considered “fully vaccinated,” a person would need to have completed two doses of either Moderna or Pfizer, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This mandate has been put in place as the COVID-19 pandemic presents such an overwhelming unprecedented challenge not only to our country and state, but to our community. If you are not currently scheduled due to the mandate and become fully vaccinated after the September 17th deadline you may submit a copy of your vaccine card to Volunteer Services and be returned to active status. For your convenience you may send a snapshot of your card to: lavendej@somc.org or text to 740-935-4306. Remember to take into account that proof of vaccination must include the manufacturer of the vaccine, date of vaccine administration, lot number, and the location where the vaccine was administered. For questions please feel free to contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234. As always, thank you for your continued support and understanding.
What’s on the Menu Vintage Vanilla Wafer Cake
This particular cake has many virtues: originality, sweetness, moistness and portability. It will also keep fresh for days (if it actually lasts that long) and is sturdy enough to transport so you can share with friends and family! Ingredients:
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1 box (11 oz.) Nilla Wafers, crushed 1 bag (7 oz.) sweetened coconut - shredded One – and one half cups pecan pieces 1 box (15.25 oz.) yellow cake mix 6 whole eggs 1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract One-half cup granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour a Bundt pan and set it aside. In a food processor, combine the vanilla wafers, coconut and pecans and pulse until blended to the consistency of coarse sand and no large chunks remain. Pour the crumb mixture into a large mixing bowl and add the cake mix, eggs, coconut milk, vanilla and sugar. Grab a spatula and stir to combine, just until all ingredients are moistened. Pour into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few small crumbs. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a cake plate and allow it to cool completely. This cake is good enough to eat as is, but everything’s better with cream cheese frosting. In a small mixing bowl, combine one 8-oz package of cream cheese and half a stick of unsalted butter. Allow both to rest at room temperature until softened. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and one-half to one cup of powdered sugar, depending on how sweet you like it. Whisk until smooth and frost as desired.
Volunteer Book Club The book chosen to discuss in April is “The Secret to Hummingbird Cake” by Celeste Fletcher McHale. We are scheduled (weather permitting) to discuss the title on April 16th at 1:00 p.m. at Wolford’s Landing. If you are planning to attend please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234 to RSVP.
Knit for Hope
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” group at SOMC. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 25th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and will take place at Wolford’s Landing, which is located at 6888 E. Front Street in Sciotoville. For further information please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8236.
April Birthdays 4/3 4/3 4/4 4/8 4/8 4/12 4/20 4/22 4/23 4/24 4/24 4/29
Amy Sopchak Debbie Daniels Linda Browne Hope Bruch Miracle Sammons Marilyn Mercer Sandy Murta Aubrey Roy Jennie Entler Ruth Boden Sally Ferrell Libby Brisker
Jr. Volunteer Program Returns to SOMC
Gift Gallery
Spring Time is here and that means new merchandise is continuously arriving. During your browsing experience you will quickly discover unique and wonderful gift ideas for that special someone. Keep in mind that gift certificates for the Gift Gallery are also available from a minimum of $10. If you find a few minutes, stop by and enjoy the beautifully decorated shop and great conversation with our delightful volunteers.
Summer Jr. Volunteer packets are now available in the Volunteer Office for interested students who are ages 16-18. This exciting program provides an array of opportunities for students to learn about healthcare careers while learning from our staff and also, alongside the best volunteers in town! The SOMC Summer Jr. Volunteer program begins on June 13th and will conclude on August 5th. If you have someone interested or if queried, the last day for submitting applications for the program is May 6, 2022. For further information please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234.
Volunteers in Action
Members of the Scioto Guild.
“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”
Members of the Pleasure Guild.
Have You Completed Your Volunteer Required Education?
If you have not yet completed your required annual training packet forms please review and return the TB Questionnaire, Acknowledgement & Receipt and Student/Non-Employee Acknowledgment Form as soon as possible to the Volunteer Office so that all volunteer information is up-to-date and in compliance for the year. If you should have any questions please feel free to contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234.
Volunteer Week Offers An Array of Excitement!
Because SOMC Volunteers are Un”BEE”lievable with their unwavering kindness, generosity, love and heart - to celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 18-22), SOMC will be celebrating with an enjoyable week filled with fun, sincere appreciation and memorable moments. For further information contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234. April 18th, 11am - 1pm Just BEE-Cause Cupcakes in the Volunteer Office to celebrate YOU! April 19th, 9am - 11am SOMC Volunteers are Sweet as Can BEE Buzz by the Volunteer Office for a sweet BEE themed favor! April 20th, 9am – 10:30am Donut Worry, BEE Happy Coffee, donuts and conversation in the Volunteer Office to celebrate the occasion!
April 21st, 9am-10:30am Busy BEE Waffles Tender and fluffy waffles are the perfect breakfast, especially for our wonderful volunteers! So be sure and buzz by the Volunteer Office, as we wind down the week with fresh homemade waffles for our “Busy BEES!” April 22nd, 11am-12:30pm BEE-Line to the Food Stop by Wolford’s Landing Campground for a fun “BEE-themed” lunch, as we will be serving up: BEE-LT’s. Chips, Drink & Cookie – Curbside!
Volunteers Celebrate Spring!
On March 22nd it was “Sunshine & Sweet Volunteers,” as we celebrated the occasion with a fun curbside lunch complete with a delicious Spring themed menu at Wolford’s Landing. Such a beautiful day filled with an abundance of happiness, much love and many blessings.
Keeping Your Eyes Wide Open An Inspirational letter from a Grandfather to his Grandson
One day, a young man was cleaning out his late grandfather’s belongings when he came across a bright red envelope. Written on the front were the words, “To my grandson.” Recognizing his grandfather’s handwriting, the boy opened the envelope. A letter inside read: Dear Grandson,
But be ready to end up in some new places too. As you grow with the years, you’ll be given bigger shoes to fill. So be ready for endings as well as challenging beginnings. Sometimes we have to be brave enough to move from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Life isn’t just reaching peaks. Part of it is moving from one peak to the next. If you rest too long in between, you might be tempted to quit. Leave the past in the past. Climb the next mountain and enjoy the view.
Years ago you came to me for help. You said, “Grandpa, how is it that you’ve accomplished so much in your life? You’re still full of energy, and I’m already tired of struggling. How can I get that same enthusiasm that you’ve got?” I didn’t know what to say to you then. But knowing my days are numbered, I figure that I owe you an answer. So here is what I believe. I think a lot of it has to do with how a person looks at things. I call it “keeping your eyes wide open.” First, realize that life is filled with surprises, but many are good ones. If you don’t keep watching for them, you’ll miss half the excitement. Expect to be thrilled once in a while, and you will be. When you meet up with challenges, welcome them. They’ll leave you wiser, stronger, and more capable than you were the day before. When you make a mistake, be grateful for the things it taught you. Resolve to use that lesson to help you reach your goals. And always follow the rules. Even the little ones. When you follow the rules, life works. If you think you ever really get by with breaking the rules, you’re only fooling yourself. It’s also important to decide exactly what you want. Then keep your mind focused on it, and be prepared to receive it.
Dump things that weigh you down emotionally and spiritually. When an old resentment, belief, or attitude becomes heavy, lighten your load. Shed those hurtful attitudes that slow you down and drain your energy. Remember that your choices will create your successes and your failures. So consider all the pathways ahead, and decide which ones to follow. Then believe in yourself, get up, and get going. And be sure to take breaks once in a while. They’ll give you a renewed commitment to your dreams and a cheerful, healthy perception of the things that matter the most to you. Most important of all, never give up on yourself. The person that ends up a winner is the one who resolves to win. Give life everything you’ve got, and life will give its best back to you. Love always, Grandpa If you begin the day with love in your heart, peace in your nerves, and truth in your mind, you not only benefit by their presence but also bring them to others, to your family and friends, and to all those whose destiny draws across your path that day. - Unknown
De-escalation Training For Volunteers
De-escalation skills are an important life skill for many people in our community, regardless of where they are or what role that they have. De-escalation is a learned behavior that is intended to prevent the escalation of conflict and learning how to do so compassionately – and safety is often of critical importance to those who work with members of the vulnerable community. With this in mind, Volunteer Services is currently in the process of organizing training sessions in conjunction with David Hall, SOMC Manager of Security Services, to offer participants practical skills to be able to support de-escalation primarily for their volunteer role, but also in their personal lives as well. If you are interested in participating please contact the Volunteer Office at 740-356-8234, as sessions will be limited to 10 participants each and will be scheduled during the month of May.
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 740-356-8234 or email to: lavendej@somc.org 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! If you would like to receive the newsletter electronically, please call the Volunteer Office with your e-mail address at 740-356-8234 or send an e-mail request to lavendej@somc.org