News

Hospital Auxiliary Holds Annual Meeting

The Athol Memorial Hospital Auxiliary recently held their annual luncheon and meeting. President Pauline “Polly” Briggs acknowledged the members and officers for their continued support and commitment to the organization and reported on Fiscal Year 2009 activities. Auxiliary Treasurer Dorothy Mitchell presented the Treasurer’s Report. Hospital President and CEO, Steve Penka and Jim Meehan, Chairman of the Athol Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees each thanked the group for their many contributions to the hospital.

Fundraising activities during the past year included: The River Rat Pancake Breakfast, Annual Plant Sale and Fair, Lotto Calendars, a tag sale, and numerous raffles and vendor sales. All proceeds from The Glass Shelf Gift Shop, located in the hospital lobby, are also included. Monies generated through these efforts were used to purchase the following patient care equipment for the hospital: monitor/defibrillator/pacemaker ($10,000); bladder scanner ($12,000); ears/eyes/nose/throat treatment cart ($1,300); transport stretcher ($5,141.47); oxygen concentrator ($675); hydro-collator heating unit ($1,750); and an automatic blood pressure/temperature/pulse respirator/pulse oximeter device ($4,000) for a total of $34,866.47.

Hospital departments submit requests to the Auxiliary in advance of their August meeting, at which time the organization votes on which equipment they will purchase. The Auxiliary has donated over $170,000 worth of equipment, spanning all clinical departments of the hospital, just during the past five years. The organization was formed in 1955 with a mission to support patient care and comfort at the hospital.

The Auxiliary also awards a scholarship each year to a local area graduating senior who is pursuing a healthcare education, and hosts an annual Valentine Tea for all hospital staff as a thank you for supporting the Glass Shelf Gift Shop and other activities.

Following tradition, Mrs. Briggs bestowed special medals to honor individuals for their extraordinary efforts in helping the Auxiliary throughout the year. This year’s winners were: gift shop volunteer Phyllis Bowker (bronze); the Reverend Harold “Skip” Lloyd (silver); and AMH facilities engineering staff member George Richard (gold). Margaret (Mrs. Harold) Lloyd was presented with a fall flower arrangement to acknowledge her service to the Auxiliary. Each recipient demonstrated surprise and gratitude at being so honored.

The Auxiliary is looking to expand its membership. Dues are only five dollars a year and individuals are encouraged to participate as their schedule allows. All efforts are valued and much appreciated. Anyone interested in joining may contact the Auxiliary Liaison at 978 249-3511 x145.