Hospital auxiliary praised for community service
By ROWENA PLETT
Reporter / photographer
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary held its 32nd annual meeting Jan. 21 at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. The auxiliary provides services to the hospital, St. Luke Living Center, and Marion County Home Care.
"You really lend a touch that we don't always recognize and get to see," hospital board president Kevin Fruechting told the nearly 100 people in attendance.
Doug Newman, hospital administrator, said he is impressed with the organization.
"I've been at other hospitals, and it is unusual to have an auxiliary that plays such an active role," he said.
Newman introduced Debra Casey, new chief nursing officer at St. Luke.
Fruechting pronounced the year 2002 successful. "We turned a profit," he said. The hospital is actively looking for a management company, but if that is not possible, the board is preparing to operate independently, if necessary. "We have a good team," Fruechting said.
Speaking for the St. Luke Hospital Foundation, he said a milestone was reached when remodeling at the nursing home was completed. "The entire campus now is a beautiful facility," he said.
He noted that the $150,000 bequeathed from the Elmer Pritz estate gave the foundation a big boost.
Debbie Craig, administrator of the living center, said it was filled almost to capacity the entire year and there was very little staff turnover.
She said baby boomers are beginning to be admitted and they challenge the staff to make changes. Several new activities have been implemented, such as a book club and plant and art therapy.
Marion County Home Care director, Janet Herzet, praised the auxiliary for its help in decorating and furnishing the mammography room and supporting the women's wellness workshop. The auxiliary also redecorated the birthing suite.
"They're so active and help our community. They're an organization we all should be proud of," she said.
Activities reviewed
President Jean Case gave a report on activities during the past year:
— Celebration Sept. 28-29 of St. Luke Hospital's 50th anniversary with an open house. The anniversary was the Old Settlers' Day parade theme: "St. Luke Hospital: 50 Years of Care."
— Auxiliary Unit I elected to disband and join with Unit II.
— Mary Alice Jolley was appointed new gift case chairman. Tea towels continued to be the best seller. Sales totaled $2,081.31.
— Old Settlers' Day pie sales totaled $500.
— Mary Travis donated a cross-stitched, hand embroidered, king-size quilt top which was quilted by the women of Eastmoor United Methodist Church. Amount donated for tickets was $430. The quilt was won by Lucille Bredemeier of Marion.
— Scholarships were presented to Melissa Moffitt and Aminda Brunner.
— Treats were provided to staff members of the hospital and living center during National Hospital Week.
— A donation of $100 was made to the living center for Christmas gifts, and a new Bingo set was purchased.
— A bio-feedback system was approved for the physical therapy department.
Treasurer Eileen Sieger reported an end-of-the-year checking account balance of $7,957.09, including a general fund balance of $839.10 and a special account balance of $7,117.99.
Total membership in 2002 was 105. Volunteer chairman Lenore Dieter reported 519 volunteer hours spent inside facilities and 7,758 outside, for a grand total of 8,277.
St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary has contributed $65,831 toward projects from 1973 through 2002.
Officers installed for the coming year were: Janice Case, president; Randee Loomis, vice president; Lavonne Hannaford, secretary; and Eileen Sieger, treasurer.
Eastmoor UMC women provided the banquet meal, and Keith Collett entertained the group with renditions of Irving Berlin songs about unrequited love. He was accompanied by Laura Williams.
