Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary plans Tree of Lights December 1, 2012 Posted on November 19, 2012 by Dakota PikeThe Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary is celebrating its 22nd anniversary of the Tree of Lights.Invitations to participate in this annual fund-raiser have been sent, said event Co-Chairmen Anita Moore and Donna Ellithorpe.However, anyone interested in purchasing a light on the tree in honor or in memory of a friend or loved one may pick up an order form in the hospital lobby or gift shop.The names of the donors and honorees will be listed on plaques in the hospital lobby and will remain there until the lights are extinguishedDecember 31.A tax-deductible contribution of $5 payable to Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary will light one light.For more information, call the volunteer office at 773-5408.The official lighting ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. December 1 at the main entrance of the hospital. Tom and Mickey Hobson will be the pianist and soloist during the ceremony.Refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided.
Nathan Littauer employees work to “Warm the Children” Posted on November 6, 2012November 6, 2012 by Dakota PikeLittauer collected over 100 coats for local children.Nathan Littauer Hospital employees donated 106 coats, 30 hats, 29 pairs of gloves and 5 scarves to local children in need last week. Now in its third year, the gently-used coats and other items are collected from hospital employees and cleaned by Robinson & Smith (who donate their services) before they go to the Fulmont Action Agency for distribution.
Littauer’s “Walking Track Challenge” winners announced Posted on November 5, 2012 by Dakota PikeMarion Enright walked 239.5 miles winning first place!In an employee gathering last week, Nathan Littauer’s Courtesy Council announced the winners of the Walking Track Challenge. The new initiative encouraged Littauer employees to walk and log their mileage from May 7th through August 31, 2012. Employees walked on the hospital’s walking track. Staff members who are located off- campus participated by setting up their own walking circuit around their primary care centers. “We want to create an atmosphere of health for our employees.” stated Bob Shwajlyk, one of the members of the Courtesy Council. He added, “We were surprised at how many people participated. And each week the mileage just kept creeping up.”The first place winner of in the individual category is Marion Enright who walked 239.5 miles. “That is like walking from NLH to Boston and then some!” stated Hospital Spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan. Marion works at Littauer’s Emergency Department. The team with the highest mileage was the Mayfield Magnolias team who walked a total of 1,233 miles. In all, 128 people participated logging a total of 4,800 miles. The hospital might repeat the program next spring. The hospital has a walking track located directly on campus, around the helipad. There is plenty of parking and is open to the public.xxx
Nathan Littauer readies for hurricane Sandy: A lesson in preparedness Posted on October 29, 2012October 29, 2012 by Dakota Pike“We practice all year long for any type of emergency”While the East Coast braces for Hurricane Sandy, Nathan Littauer’s preparedness is grounded in year-long drills and tests. Joe Slovak, Safety Officer for the hospital states, “It is business as usual at the hospital”.Tim Forte, Director of the Nutritional Services Team checks drinking water supplies ahead of the storm.The hospital is preparing for three things: Loss of electricity, high winds and staff who may not be able to get to work. “We are prepared for all three.” stated Mr. Slovak adding, “The hospital has plans in place for all these events and more.” Mr. Slovak has been sending out weather alerts to staff twice a day since last week.Since last week the engineering team has been preparing for the storm. The hospital ran a successful generator check at 7:45 this morning. The hospital has three generators. The hospital checks all generators the first Thursday of the month, but the hospital ran a special test this morning. “All went smoothly.” stated David Bruhns Engineering Director for Littauer. The engineering team also has walked the rooftops and secured outside items.The Engineering Team at NLH checks the generators ahead of the stormThe nursing team is reviewing their staffing plans. Last year Nathan Littauer received patients from St. Mary’s Hospital when flooding became an issue for theMontgomeryCountyhospital. They will be ready to do the same this year as well.All surgeries for the hospital are going on as planned.“The Emergency Department by nature is ready for any type of event”. Explained Bonnie Looman, Emergency Department Manager adding, “We can always activate one of our plans if we need to. Right now we are all set and we are ready if we need to go further.”Time Forte, Director of Nutritional Services checked their water supplies this morning and has 96 hours of food on hand. The Nutritional Services Department also has a disaster plan and if activated, is guaranteed to receive a shipment of food within 24 hours.xxx
Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary Card/Game Party fundraiser a success Posted on October 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeCard party players: L front to R – Iris Hayes, Barbara Draffen; L rear to R – Marge Maio, Pam HenkeNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Auxiliary hosted its annual Card/Game Party fundraiser on Wednesday, October 3, at The Holiday Inn, Johnstown.Approximately 70 women & men joined in playing cards and/or board games, and enjoyed a delicious luncheon. Louise Hornung and Deborah SanJuan co-hosted the event and Suzanne Herrick, Patron Chairman together raised approximately $2,500. Gift Certificates donated by Laurence Kelly, NLH & NH Gift Shop, Olde Bryan Inn, Raindancer Steak Parlor, Holiday Inn, Lanzi’s On The Lake, Union Hall Inn, Mountain Memories, Bowman’s Market, Wine & Roses, Sam’s Seafood, Harold’s Restaurant, Castaglione Gem Jewelers, Barb Tucci. Winners were Toby Ortell, Gretchen Haight, Connie JoDiCruttalo, Betty Ringelese, Nelle Abel, Irene Beaudin, Sheila Sammons, Edith Eckert Peck, Louise Hornung, Shelia Ambrosino, Barb Lomanto, Sofia Piazza, Juanita Fisher, Dr. Horowitz. Attendees also received gifts from Asian Delight, Thomas’ Hallmark, Gianna’s Pizza & Pasta, Adirondack Stained Glass, Mulberry Tree, Mohawk Harvest CO OP, Peck’s Flowers, Mountain Valley Hospice, Bona’s.Special thanks to Ann Adore, NLH & NH Gift Shop and Engineering Department, Jeanne Wilkinson, and thanks to committee members, Mona Capasso, Donna Ellithorpe, Ann Masala, Clementine Perritano, Barb Tucci, Pat Walker, Susan McNeil.Proceeds go to the NLH & NH Auxiliary toward their Pledge to the hospital and nursing home.
Nathan Littauer’s Auxiliary gives gift to hospital Posted on October 16, 2012 by Dakota PikeNathan Littauer’s Auxiliary presented the hospital with a donation during their annual luncheon recently. The check totaling $10,000 was a gift from their annual pledge to the hospital. Anita Moore, Auxiliary Interim President presented the donation to the hospital president and CEO, Laurence E. Kelly. The organization raised the monies throughout the year holding various fundraising activities throughout the year. Mr. Kelly explained, “The Auxiliary is truly an extension of our team. Beyond being generous of their time and spirit, they are also financially generous to our hospital.”Dr. Frederick Goldberg, (VP Medical Staff), Guest Speaker presented a slide show presentation and spoke about healthcare issues effecting our hospital and community.Anita Moore, Auxiliary Interim President hands Nathan Littauer’s hospital President and CEO Laurence E. Kelly a check.Along with its fundraising activities the Auxiliary also 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.In 2011 the Auxiliary had 99 active members donating 10,114 hours to the hospital. Also in 2011 Auxiliary members were used as “mock” patients during disaster drills. Last year 29 volunteers (27 volunteers and 12 auxiliary members) knitted 551 newborn caps, 21 booties, 6 dolls and 40 blankets and 15 sweaters to newborns in our Birthing Center. The group also launched a new program to honor our veterans. Now, when a patient is admitted to the hospital and identifies themselves as a veteran, the Auxiliary will present him or her with an American flag. In 2011 the Auxiliary delivered 149 flags to patients in the hospital.
