People remember their seventies wardrobes as preparations for The Nathan Littauer’s Foundation annual gala is underway

Nathan Littauer Foundation is gearing up for June 8, 2012’s gala, THE EVENT, a yearly soiree to benefit Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home. Susan Kiernan Vice President of Development and one of THE EVENT organizers explained, “THE EVENT has been all over the world-so-to-speak. We have had evenings in Paris, a journey down the Nile and we have even ‘traveled’ on the Orient Express. She added, “But this year we go back in time to the 1970’s.” She added, “The theme is generating a lot of enthusiasm- especially from people who would like to dust off their leisure suits and bell bottoms.”

Now in its 11th year, THE EVENT is a yearly gala benefiting the hospital. It has been listed in the Capital District Business Review as one of the most successful one-day fundraising events in the region. Sue Kiernan states, “Now more than ever we need our community to support our hospital. She explains, “Therefore we are asking those in our community to help, and next Friday is just one way they can do that.” She concluded, “Just think, by dancing, eating, drinking and visiting with friends you can help.”

“This community is so supportive of our mission.” said Kelly Colby another organizer of THE EVENT. About the gala she also said, “It has been fun to hear attendees- young and old alike plan their attire.” She explained that people can come even if they are not dressing the part.

Staff within the Hospital has been reminiscing about what they wore during that era. Nan Jones, RN Manager of the Operating Room laughs remembering “I wore powder blue hip hugger bell bottoms and a halter top.” Dave Bruhns Director of Engineering was in the service at the time, and explained that while he wore nothing embarrassing in the 70’s, “But in the 80’s, I made up for it and wore things that embarrassed my four kids to no end.” Nancy Travis, Director of Materials Management recalls wearing, “Hip hugger jeans and a man’s unironed white cotton, button down collar oversized dress shirt, ankle length black wool coat and work boots.” Priscilla Person in the Diagnostic Imaging Department said, “My favorite item in the 70’s was my bell bottom jeans with silver studs that made a design—they were the coolest”. And Tammy Gerdes who works in our mammogram department told us about a blue, white and “the obligatory orange” striped pantsuit her mom made her – with the zipper up the back. She adored it. Laurence Kelly, Hospital President and CEO said, “I am not sure if I can explain this right, but I wore these maroon textured wide-wale corduroy bell bottoms pants.” He added, “I wish I still had them today.”

Fashion aside, THE EVENT will be held next Friday under a tent and within the Pine Brook Golf Club in Gloversville, NY. The entire venue has been secured for the evening. Starting at 7:00 pm, guests will go back in time with décor, dance and food reflecting the 1970’s. The planners even have a few surprises for party goers.

Perhaps the most anticipated part of evening as well as the most closely-guarded is the menu. Susan Kiernan said, “People time and time again, rave about the food at THE EVENT.” She added, “I cannot reveal too much about this menu but I can tell you that chefs from across the state have helped to create this 1970’s inspired event.” THE EVENT will feature several food stations. For example, The “Jive Turkey” food station will have split Cornish game hens with smoked paprika, fresh sage and Yukon gold smashed potatoes with chicken au jus. And guests will be treated to Harvey Wall Bangers as they dance under the disco ball.

“We really stretch our culinary muscles at THE EVENT. And the feedback we get from the guests is extraordinary.” stated Tim Forte one of the chefs for THE EVENT adding, “The culinary team works for months on designing a menu which is eclectic and satisfying.” This year, the culinary team is sourcing local foods as well.

“I say it every year.” said Susan Kiernan, “Most of all, this is a great party for a great cause.” If anyone is interested in getting tickets for Friday’s event, please call 773-5505.

Nathan Littauer announced the first Employee of the Quarter for 2012 recently. The prestigious award was given to Lisa Langlois. Lisa works as a Patient Access Representative and has been with Nathan Littauer for 11 years. Laurence E. Kelly, Hospital President and CEO notes, “Lisa, exhibits patient compassion coupled with excellent attention to detail skills.”

Employee is credited with great patient service skills.

Lisa was very surprised when her name was called

When her name was mentioned at the Employee Celebration she said she was, “very surprised”. Lisa has many fans, including her coworkers and patients. Part of Lisa’s job is to check on authorizations for patient visits and tests in any department. Many times the job demands tenacity and numerous calls to various physician offices to gain authorizations on behalf of the patients we serve. With a keen eye towards detail, one of Lisa’s coworkers notes, “Lisa’s knowledge of insurance and authorizations is extraordinary and she is a valuable asset to our hospital. “ She also makes calls to patients at home to make sure they are all set before they come in- something many patients have been grateful for.

Lisa explains her dedication to our patients as, “When patients come to a hospital they are already anxious. I just want to make sure everything goes smoothly for them.” Being named Employee of the Quarter means a lot to Lisa who said, “The award makes me feel like my efforts are appreciated.”

Gloversville, NY — As part of full-service rehabilitative approach, Nathan Littauer Hospital’s Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Department has added massage therapy to its list of services. “This new service offering allows us to provide a complete array of services to the patient who is experiencing pain.” said William Oates, Registered Physical Therapist and director of the department. He added, “The massage therapists we have secured are the best in their field and share our passion for improving our patients’ health and fitness levels.”

The two therapists Jamie Page and Roberta Thomas will start taking appointments at the hospital’s Out-Patient Physical Therapy Department starting June 1, 2012. “The two types of therapy – physical and massage are closely related. They both concentrate on kinesiology, muscle movement and relaxation.” explained Mr. Oates. He went on to say, “Now, a patient can finish a physical therapy appointment, which can be physically demanding at times and immediately follow it with a massage in the same center.” One hour session cost $60. At this time, most insurances do not cover massage therapy.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage therapists have an average of 619 hours of initial training and vast majorities of massage therapists (91 percent) have taken continuing education classes. The organization also notes, “Forty-four (44) percent of adult Americans who had a massage between July 2010 and July 2011 received it for medical or health reasons compared to 35 percent the previous year.”

In a survey conducted in 2010 Ninety (90) percent of those questioned agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain, up from 86 percent in the 2010 survey.

Many health care providers strongly recommend massage therapy.

The AMTA reports that recent research has shown the effectiveness of massage for the following conditions:

People wishing to make an appointment with the Nathan Littauer Massage Team are encouraged to call: 773-5541.

Nathan Littauer Hospital was recently informed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) that its mammogram unit has been granted accreditation for a period of three years. “This is an important and stringent process. It speaks to our ongoing commitment to provide the newest technology coupled with the highest level of care in our diagnostic imaging department.” stated Cheryl McGrattan hospital spokesperson.

This accreditation was granted after Littauer was evaluated on four diagnostic criteria including the ability to demonstrate high clinical images. The accreditation will continue throughout July 26, 2014.

“The Auxiliary is an important part of our hospital community”

The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary has been recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) with the 2011 Auxiliary Advocacy Recognition Award. The organization bestows the honor upon auxiliaries that have committed significant time and effort serving as an advocate for their facility and community.

The Nathan Littauer Auxiliary supports the mission of the hospital. Founded in 1894, the Auxiliary has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist Nathan Littauer Hospital and Nursing Home in reaching its health care goals. The members also contribute thousands of hours to the organization as volunteers. For example, in 2011 the organization had 99 active volunteers who donated 10,114 hours of service to the hospital.

For more information on joining the Auxiliary, please call Susan McNeil at (518) 773-5408.