Torrance Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary December 2013 Between Us Vol. 60 Issue 12 The Healing Garden

2013 President Message Auxiliary President’s Will and Testament: As I leave the position of President of the Torrance Memorial Medical Center Auxiliary, I do hereby will and bequeath to Schola Tsai the following: All unused newsletter topics A place as a runway model in the Gift Shop fashion show The assistance of the ladies in the VSD The support of the Auxiliary Board My portable office A picture of Beyoncé What I take with me: My Monday p.m. Escort Shift high school students My Friday a.m. “peeps” My new circle of friends (well, I might share)

Signed: Susan Lohn

Save the Date General Meeting and Luncheon Installation of 2014 Auxiliary Board Presentation of Donation Check to Torrance Memorial January 7, 2014 11:00 a.m See flyer enclosed in this newsletter

From the Director’s Desk Mary Matson

In November we welcomed the newest member of the Volunteer Services department – Debbie Hight, our new office Secretary. Debbie has already proven to be a great addition to our staff in her role providing clerical and administrative support to the adult and student programs. In addition to answering phones and assisting volunteers in the office along with Marcela, Debbie takes the lead on entering hours and other data entry to our volunteer database (VSys One), ordering supplies, and performing general clerical duties for our growing volunteer program. As you may recall, we held off on staffing the student program coordinator position so we could bring on this much needed front office help. We will move forward with that position in 2014. Debbie transferred to our department after 2 ½ years as a Patient Access Representative (i.e., Admit Rep), first in Central Registration and then in Labor and Delivery. Many of our Registration Desk and L&D volunteers know Debbie and Mary Matson speak very highly of her – good confirmation of our hiring decision! Debbie has an undergraduate degree in Public Administration as well as a law degree. After spending some valuable years raising two daughters, Debbie says she was thrilled to join the staff at Torrance Memorial in 2011. Debbie’s remarks about joining Volunteer Services: “I feel very privileged to be able to assist our wonderful volunteers and look forward to meeting all of you! I thought Labor and Delivery was busy and exciting but Volunteer Services is even busier! I especially want to extend my thanks to all the wonderful volunteers I worked with in Labor and Delivery. Their presence helped immensely in getting our patients to their rooms quickly!” Welcome, Debbie! We are so glad you are part of our team.

Mary Matson Welcome New Volunteers Please give a warm Auxiliary welcome to our new volunteers from the November orientation: Neil Bautista Alexandra Ford Kanta Oguma Francine Soderstrom Sarra Beauzil Gabrielle Hersey Jesse Ortiz Mary Ann Solon Anna Candalla Viola Jackson Maria Polanco Andrea Solorzano Libby Cavagnaro Susan Johnson Gretchen Privett Abraham Taylor Vicky Chen Marian Komori Carol Quan Cheryl Todd Shirley Cook Eileen Kramer Thomas Robinson Paulynn Turner Steve Cooper Cynthia Ling Leah Robledo Richard Walker Miranda Cortez Melinda Ma Karen Rozenblatt Richelle Wildey Deanna Cowell Aaron Manabat Sahar Rupani April Willenberg Darnell Dean Ellen McCafferty Vicki Savage Bruce Dolph Sandy Mismith Eva Schaefer Susan Evans Martha Nordskog Deborah Segal Judith Fisher Jeri O’Donnell Sheetal Singh

Giving Thanks with our Student Volunteers Mary Matson stops by Carol Perna’s Sunday morning student Escort shift potluck on November 17.

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"A Special Thanks" Auxiliary Members, Another year as your Special Events Chairperson is coming to an end. My hope is that you had a wonderful experience at many fantastic places, such as Presidential Libraries, wineries, Queen Mary, The Doctors, Laughlin, Pechanga, Heritage Valley Train, as well as several others. We partnered with local restaurants in fundraisers that brought in approximately $1,000 for the Healing Garden. I would like to say "Thank You" to all the Volunteers that participated in our trips, bake sales, and restaurant fundraisers. I would like to offer a very special thanks to Irene Goldman for assisting me with the flyers and helping to organize some of our trips, and to Joanie Stahura for organizing our restaurant fundraisers. There is one volunteer that has worked tirelessly behind the scenes that also deserves a special thanks for helping Irene and myself navigate our way through this assignment: that is Margaret Johnson. We could not have done it without you!! Valerie Punzal Auxiliary Special Events Chairperson

Annual Auxiliary Bake Sale Thanks to everyone who baked and helped setup and sell for our very successful TMMC Auxiliary Bake Sale. Bakers brought in wonderful breads, scrumptious cookies, mouth watering cookie bars, delightful tarts, trail-mix and June Leach's marinated pretzels that were a huge hit!

I appreciate everyone's efforts in helping to make this year’s Bake Sale a huge success. Our net profit was over $1,100.

Thanks Again!

Valerie Punzal Auxiliary Special Events Chairperson

Condolences Thank You's We were sad to learn of the To the Volunteer Staff and Volunteers, passing of Virginia (Ginny) Thanks for the flowers and best wishes while I was in the hospital. I came home after 2 days and am getting better Keller, an eleven year volunteer every day. I can't wait to get back to work at the hospital who had been out on a medical instead of being a patient. leave of absence. Ginny volun- Jerry Herman teered in Escort, I&R desk and most recently as a Patient Thank you so much for the beautiful azalea plant sent by Representative. Ginny Virginia (Ginny Keller the auxiliary in response to my mother’s passing. lived a wonderful life as a respected teacher at Deacon Martin Clement Gardena H.S. for 38 years and a TWA flight

Dear Friends, attendant prior to that. Thank you so much for the lovely flowers you sent while I was recovering from surgery. I did so enjoy their beauty Our thoughts are with the family and friends of and the beauty of the thoughts behind them. Marilyn Cimino. Marilyn was a volunteer at the Ruth Kisner Registration Desk for almost 2 years and was out on a medical leave at the time of her passing.

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Kindness Korner Gift Shop News I would like to share a heartwarming Can you believe December is funny story about a patient, a little here already? We sincerely boy, age 7, whom I was sent to hope you will visit us and take discharge [editor’s note: name redacted advantage of the fun and throughout due to HIPAA]. When I arrived at his fabulous items our buyers have room, his dad was with a nurse, so I explained selected just for you. Our that we would meet him at the West Discharge wonderful volunteers have been area and that his son was in safe hands and also busy little elves decorating and displaying holiday assuring the boy that he was going to have a nice items. Please notice the beautiful displays of ride. By the time we were on the elevator, he told Byers Carolers put together by Mary Croes. The me that he was a twin and also had two sisters at gift shop is truly a winter wonderland of unique the school he attended. At that point, I knew he and unusual gifts from stocking stuffers to fine felt safe and comfortable with me. While we jewelry. waited for his dad, I sat on a bench so I would have eye contact with him. He told me, “you see Each day during the week of Monday, December your thumb, well I was as big as your thumb, and 2nd through Sunday, December 8th, we will be you know how I know that, from seeing pictures hosting an Open House. We invite you to visit us. with my grandma, holding me when I was a You can shop, enjoy some Santa cookies and take baby.” Then he said, “I’m going to tell you a big advantage of our 20% off sale. Yes, 20% off all wide secret. You know, I’m married and her items, excluding flowers, plants, magazines, name is [removed] and we met in preschool. I fragrances, lotions, all candy - including See's think we knew each other as babies.” I kept my and the Byers Carolers. Your discount is a gift composure and all I could say was “Really.” At from us as a token of appreciation for your that time, his dad arrived and I told him what a continuing support! dream his son is, and with that, the little boy wrapped his arms around me, and gave me a big While you are there, be sure to check out the hug and said goodbye. Little boy, you made my opportunity for a beautiful mouth-watering See’s day and made me appreciate volunteering in Candy Basket. Tickets will go on sale December Escort Services even more. 2nd. The winner will be announced on Friday, Submitted by RoseAnn Imbro – Escort Services December 20th at 3:00 p.m. Opportunity drawing tickets are $1.00 or 6 tickets for $5.00

Please be one of our Condolences Angels and help us make December the most We extend our condolences to Kandee Gutierrez, profitable month of the college student Emergency Department volunteer, year! Come by often to on the passing of her grandfather. shop for yourself or for that special person in your We express our deepest condolences to Lorne life. Wilton, Escort Services, on the passing of his

beloved son. We wish you a joyful holiday, and a fabulous new year! Jeannine Frandsen Spirit White Co-Manager Co-Manager

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December Birthdays The following volunteers have birthdays in December. During their birthday month, active volunteers receive a 20 percent discount in the Gift Shop. You only receive the discount once during your birthday month. So, stop and buy yourself something special. If you have a birthday in December and do not see your name listed, please contact the Volunteer Services department.

December 1 * Keri Folks 11 * Kate Ponsen 18 Merla Wilson 26 * Donna Bunn 1 Sonia McCoy 11 Nel Stingley 19 * Barbara Cameron 26 Marilyn Cohen 1 Nadine Walker 12 Louise Colin 19 Mary Ann Krauss 26 Pat Marlowe 2 Jon-Karl Jennewein 12 * Janet Roych 19 Jack Newman 26 Stephanie Sung 2 Nancy Tomlinson 12 Della Weinhuff 22 * Diane Augur 27 Jill Goodman 2 Arlene Zingery 13 Barbara Gauthier 22 Susan Lohn 28 Christian Shazad 3 Betty Jane Holtz 13 Evelyn Silverman 23 * Shera Dolmatz-Finkel 29 * Chava Laub 3 Melody Sprague 13 * Karen Whitehead 23 Wendy Max 29 * Mary Quilling 5 * Michelle Acosta 14 * Dale Karls 23 * Jean Simril 30 Lois Chapman 5 Ann McGavin 14 Barbara Mintz 23 Nancy Tanaka 31 Joe Burrow 5 * Marylen Ruston 15 * Era Burgos 23 Sandra Waters 31 * Eileen Mahoney 7 * Jenene Schafenacker 15 Stuart Wilson 23 * Kimberly Yonaha 31 * Karen Pano 8 Doris Garber 16 * Linda Prodromides 24 * Shirley Florez 8 Denise Navarrette 17 Rosemary Doll 24 Jerry Funt *Inactive Volunteers 9 * Charlotte Farno 17 Wanda Yao 25 * Mary Crocker 10 * Patti O'Reilly 18 Jay Fodor 25 Carol Hull 11 Carolyn Boettcher 18 Gail Long 25 Christi Lao 11 Mimi Brody 18 NorLu Longtin 26 * Betty Belsky Clown Graduation Class Gets New Names On Thursday evening, November 7, 2013, a new group of talented clowns donned their red noses and graduated from their TMMC clown class in fine fashion! Under the direction of our illustrious clown instructors Judy "Bumbles" Fullenwider, Joyce "Joy" Payne and Evelyn "Freckles" Silverman, our eight new entertainers performed skits with balloons, puppets, bells and more! With audience participation, noise levels rose and applause continued when each was presented with their certificates. Congratulations to Tracey "Doughnut" Duncan, Terri "Tai-Tie" Hampton, Ken "Nozy" Holcomb, John "Cha Cha" Nassar, Jan "Lilli" Specks, Jeff "Willi" Specks, Emma "Sissy Syllables" Spence and Priscilla "Twinkle Toes" Streisand. Clowns bring joy to young and old and their special talents are much appreciated everywhere! On behalf of the entire TMMC staff, volunteers, patients and their families we look forward to seeing you and your smiles wherever they take you. Beth Zager Auxiliary V.P., Hospital Services Commencement Standing (l-r): "Willi" and Speaker, Volunteer "Lilli", "Nozy", "Twinkle Toes," Coordinator Ruth "Sissy Syllables," Doughnut," Velasco, holds her "Tai-Tie," Freckles" (instructor) Honorary Clown Seated (l-r):Bumbles"(instructor), Certificate presented to "Joy" (lead instructor) her on behalf of the graduation class.

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Gift Shop Shows Season's Fashions David Sato, Auxiliary Programs Chairperson

The Fashion Show that took place at the General Meeting & Luncheon on October 31st was well organized by the Torrance Memorial Gift Shop volunteers. The Fall and Holiday collection for 2013 presented by the apparel buyers, Dina Gample and Jean O'Dell, showed that the bling is back and strong with the gift shop fashion show. Highlighted with metallic and beading the true thought was in a holiday spirit. The show was moderated by Chairperson Jeannine Frandsen. The models included: Nina Angeloni, Michele Stratton, Kerry Eyre, Tina Trudnowski, Susan Lohn, Shirley Sylvester, Judy Sipes and Darol Draggoo. The young girls who modeled were Kaylee Ward, Lillee Ward and Olivia Gample. They were the hit of the Fashion Show. Jeannine announced that the 20% discount coupons on the tables were to be used in the gift shop on the day of the Fashion Show only. Drawing for the center pieces was held. The winner of the pumpkin was Betty Broughton, and it was very appropriate as it was her birthday. The Byers Carolers was won by Ayda Karakas. It was a fun time and it was evident that the team behind the scenes put in some extra hours to deliver a great Fashion Show for everyone's pleasure. Have Volunteers Will Travel

Kerry & Bill Eyre at Southfork, Ranch Dallas, TX - 2013 (Site - TV series DALLAS)

Karla Masten at Eiger Mountain, Lesley Hull & husband Colin at Switzerland - June 2013 Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia - August, 2013 Laughlin Getaway - 2013 Irene Goldman – Special Events Committee Our last trip of the year turned out lucky for some, but not so lucky for others. Win or lose, everyone had a great time. The bus ride was pretty bumpy, although we did get there faster than usual.

We played bingo on the way up, and instead of watching a movie, everyone wanted to play more bingo. We all showed the true gambler spirit. The minute we arrived at the Riverside, several people went to the box office to get tickets for The Lettermen show that night. I heard it was good, but David and I were having too much fun at the poker tables to leave. The next day was gorgeous and many people walked to the mall to go shopping. Again, we were having way too much fun at the poker tables to go. However, I must admit that on the second night I did sneak away from the tables to see the Employee Talent Show, and it was a hoot. All in all, I think everyone enjoyed themselves, no matter what they did. When you actually go home with almost the same amount of money as when you arrived, you feel like a winner!

I want to thank everyone who came along for the ride. I especially want to thank Margaret Johnston for all her help. I could not have done this trip without her. Thank you!

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Volunteering Can Change Your Life By Allen Scarpetti, Auxiliary P.R. Chairperson

No one in particular inspired her. No one told her you should volunteer because it's really great to do. Something just kept nagging her in the back of her head. She finally made sense out of if realizing that she should be doing more with her life. That was the predecessor before deciding that volunteering was an act of service that would come to be part of Pat Carlson's life for the next fourteen years, thirteen of which would be spent volunteering alongside the love of her life, "Chloe."

Pat started at the same place as all volunteers spend their first hours - Escort Services. Like Chloe and Pat many do, she wanted to experience another aspect of volunteering, so it would be the ER that would be her next new experience. One day she was reading in the newsletter and she saw a write-up about the Pet Visitation Program asking for new participants. The program was going to pick ten dogs after tryouts that would last two days. There were forty-five dogs and owners that applied and when the winners were picked, "Chloe" would be among them. There is no way to know how many patients have been impacted by "Chloe" over the past thirteen years. What the evidence shows is that "Chloe" was always willing to please. She used to perform some tricks at the hospital and she especially loved playing her piano and honking her horn. Her best trick was putting her ears straight up when someone was going Kylie to take her picture. It's easy to see how "Chloe" put smiles on everyone's face! In March, 2013 "Chloe" passed away, but the memories will last forever. When asked what memory stands at the top, Pat said, "Hands down it was the beautiful paintings of our dogs that the Hospital commissioned, and now hang beautifully throughout the hospital and the celebration party recognizing all the hard work the volunteers and dogs go through." Recently, Pat welcomed two new dogs to train for our program. Quincy is a 1 ½ year old Tibetan Terrier & Kylie is a ten week old Briar. It's everyone's hope that at least one Pooch will qualify.

When Pat Carlson became a volunteer in 1999, she had no idea that a year from then she would begin a relationship with "Chloe" here at Torrance Memorial that would touch the lives Quincy of hundreds, maybe thousands of people. Eventually, Pat became the co-chairperson of our Pet Visitation program, a position she continues to hold today. To a person thinking about volunteering, Pat would say, "Don’t think, just go and sign up. It will change your life for the better. Most days you go home feeling great, and the days that are a little more sad, well then you have a great deal to be thankful for." Pat believes that volunteering has taught her to take one day at a time. "It's given me more of a purpose," she said. "Life is not about me."

Condolences We extend our love and condolences to the family and friends of our dear long-time volunteer, Dorothy Ladd. Dorothy joined Torrance Memorial’s volunteer program in 1967 with Mimi Brody and Lucy Kimball, and volunteered for over 40 years until she retired from the program in 2010. She remained a lifetime member of the Auxiliary. Dorothy also was a dedicated volunteer of the Holiday Festival with the Health Care Foundation’s Las Amigas volunteer program. Dorothy will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The family has designated the Health Care Foundation to receive gifts in Dorothy’s memory.

Our care and sympathy are extended to the family and friends of Gary Bloomstadt, an Emergency Department volunteer for 22 years before having to leave the program 18 months ago due to continued health problems. Gary remained a member of the Auxiliary. We thank his family for designating the Auxiliary’s Healing Garden pledge to receive donations in Gary’s memory.

Auxiliary

3330 Lomita Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505

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