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NOVEMBER 2014!

I’m certain that not everyone feels this way, but Ireally admire squirrels. Perhaps it is their devotionto food that inspires this deep affection in me.

My husband used to have a bird feeder in thebackyard. He would go off to work with thefeeder filled and come home to find it empty.Even though the feeder’s pole had a squirrel-guard,he was certain that a squirrel was to blame. Sureenough, one weekend he observed a squirreljumping onto the feeder from a distant tree branch -the gymnastics involved were quite impressive.Well, my husband went and sawed off the branchleaving only a tiny nub at the tree’s trunk. Thebird seed went down more slowly now except forthe occasional day when he would come homefrom work to find it empty. What was up? Finallyhe observed that clever squirrel sitting on the nubof the sawed-off branch - the squirrel would sitthere screwing up his courage and then flinghimself at the feeder. He didn’t always make itand sometimes crashed unceremoniously to theground. But he would persist and finally achievenirvana - a full bird feeder. What diligence - it justhas to be admired.

So too do I admire the diligence of the volunteersof our hospital auxiliary. One example is thestrawberry shortcake stand at the Palmerton FallFestival. Chic and Lovey Irvin spent many hoursattending meetings and planning the event. Thenthe weekend of the festival arrived, and again theyboth put in long hours, Chic virtually living at ourbooth. Both of them are to be commended for ajob well done as is Honey Cyr for scheduling themultitude of volunteers required to man the booth.

Another example of diligence may be found withthe Monday work crew at the Nearly New Shop.Sometimes the back room is so filled with

donations that they spill out into the other rooms,tucked under the rack of men’s shirts, piled on thestairway, etc. Many hours and much work isrequired to separate the wheat from the chaff, butthese volunteers do it every week, and the shopthrives.

Those volunteering in the thrift store or the giftshop, delivering the mail, sewing the Huggie Bears,working on the art committee, or doing clericalwork all deserve praise for their dedication andperseverance. Believe me, we couldn’t do itwithout you!

And now to the fate of that persistent squirrel ……my husband went out and sawed off the nub of thebranch - he explained that he didn’t want thesquirrel killing himself. I think I would have leftthe nub and rewarded the squirrel’s pertinacity.

All best wishes to you and yours throughout theThanksgiving and Christmas season.

Most fondly, Priscilla

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Priscilla Offen

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One of the auxiliary’s largest projects is therunning of the Strawberry Shortcake Stand at thePalmerton Fall Festival, a task wonderfullymanaged by Chic and Lovey Irvin. Since this wasthe 25th anniversary of the festival, Loveydecorated the booth with strawberry shapedballoons, and she and her daughter Laura passedout bright red and green balloons - the balloonshad white polka dots and were quite festive andfun. The task of filling all 100 plus balloons withhelium fell to Emily Bradbury, Honey Fabian,Janet Morgan and Priscilla Offen. Janet has to becommended especially for she was able to tie offthe polka-dotted balloons, a hard job consideringhow stiff those balloons were.

Lovey and Chic attend meetings leading up to thefestival, order the supplies, and make certain thatthe weekend proceeds without a hitch. Honey Cyrlines up the many volunteers required to staff thebooth throughout the weekend.

This year’s captains were Renata Allen, AnneBehler, Nan Campton, Honey Cyr, CarolHeffelfinger, Tudy Kresge, Donna Mackes, andPriscilla Offen. The volunteers working in thebooth included Kathy Ahner, Shirley Blynn, EmilyBradbury, Doris Bray, Carol Costenbader, CarolCurcio, Eileen Dailey, Honey Fabian, Kit Hall, PatHuszar, Laura Irwin, Lillian Jordan, Karen Kaiser,Bernice Kleintop, Mary Levendusky, Carol Papay,Evelyn Plechavy, Leanne Samok, Jenny Serfass,Joan Steinmetz, Janice Strauss, Violet Strickland,Lillian Strohl, Rachel Symons, Betty Thomas,Elaine Waitkus, and Carol Ziegenfuss.

Even with the auxiliary’s purchase of rain guardsfor the booth, we made $3,215.85 from the stand.Wow! And we won a prize for the most festivebooth at the festival, all thanks to those heliumballoons. Thank you, Lovey, for a great idea andfor ordering them.

THE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE STAND AT THEPALMERTON COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

Below - Priscilla Offen (left), Janet Morganand Emily Bradbury (right) corral the balloonsat the hospital prior to heading over to thefestival.

Above - Chic and Lovey Irvin withthe free balloons at the PalmertonFall Festival.

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The shortcake stand is openand ready for business,staffed by (from left) JoanSteinmetz, Lillian Strohl(partially hidden), Kit Halland Bernice Kleintop. Atthe back, Honey Cyr (right)greets Emily Bradbury.

Pat Huszar (left), ElaineWaitkus and Nan Camptonwait on June Andreas at theshortcake stand.

Pat Huszar (left), Elaine Waitkus,Nan Campton and Carol Ziegenfuss(seated) take time out to gather for apicture.

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WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

The leaves pile up, the nights grow crisp, and onceagain we snuggle in for the preamble to spring! . . .but, first and foremost we broadcast our gratitudeto YOU, the volunteers, for your steadfastdevotion to others shown through your willingnessto say "yes".

We appreciate your efforts.

We appreciate your ideas.

We appreciate YOU.

REGULAR AUXILIARY WAYS AND MEANSPROJECTS INCLUDE:

*On Going Art Sale - Linda Browne, Jeanne Stemler, Vinita Horinko

*Christmas in July - Priscilla Offen, Carol Heffelfinger

*Strawberry Shortcake - Lovey and Chic Irvin

*October Lottery Sale - Vi Strickland

*Uniform Sales - (Sept. Sale) Lillian Jordan, Betty Jane Thomas, Brenda Mull

*Masquerade Sale - Diane Owens

*Nut Roll Sale - Vi Strickland, Nan Campton

*Bakeless Bake Sale - Mailing volunteers

*Spring A-Fair - Elisabeth Leshock, Lucy Melo

*Krispy Kremes - Jenny Serfass, Priscilla Offen, Emily Bradbury

ENORMOUS thanks go to Priscilla Offen (ourdiligent, hard-working president), Pat Clark (ourdedicated editor, web master, and poster producer),and Honey Cyr (our volunteer scheduler) - hugejobs, every one ! We appreciate YOU !

Happy Holidays to all,

Emily Bradbury, Ways & Means Chairman

OUR COMMITTEES WITH THEIR CHAIRPERSONS

Ways & Means Emily BradburyMembership Levina IrvinHospitality Carol ZiegenfussHeartbeat Newsletter Patrick ClarkArchives Honey CyrNominating Jenny SerfassVolunteer Hours Patrick ClarkHuggie Bears Jeanette Christman / Beverly SmaleMail Room Judy WalckVolunteer Phoning Honey CyrApplications / Interviews Priscilla Offen / Emily BradburyAuxiliary Mailings Priscilla OffenNut-roll Sale Violet StricklandStrawberry Shortcake Stand Levina IrvinChristmas in July Carol Heffelfinger / Priscilla OffenOn-going Art Sales Linda Browne

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I am sorry to tell you that the manager of theOwl’s Nest Gift Shop, our wonderful Diane Owens,plans to retire after this Christmas season. DeeDee has managed the shop for so long that I don’tthink that even she is aware of all of the jobsinvolved in keeping the shop up and running.

Dee Dee has promised to teach us all of the myriadtasks and we are organizing an Owl’s Nestcommittee. Please consider joining us - it will bework, but also an opportunity to serve our hospitaland community.

We are holding the first meeting of the Owl’s NestCommittee on Tuesday, December 9. We willmeet at 9:30 AM in the hospital cafeteria. All of

the current Owl’s Nest volunteers will be receivingwritten notification, but if you are interested,please come. All are welcome.

At that time, we will try to appoint a manager, anassistant manager, and a scheduler. MaryLevendusky will continue as our hard-workingTreasurer of the Owl’s Nest. Some of the othervarious tasks will be assigned. I can promise youthat it will be fun. I can also promise you that atfirst the shop will not run as smoothly as it doesunder Dee Dee’s able hand, but it will eventuallyfly again - after all it is the Owl’s Nest.

Priscilla Offen

OWL’S NEST GIFT SHOP REORGANIZATION

The Owl’s Nest is alldecorated for Christmas -come in and browse!

The Owl’s Nest Gift Shop carries alarge selection of gifts and homedécor for all your Christmas needs.How can you go wrong with stress-free shopping, fabulous prices andfriendly service.

Look for a storewide 20% off salefrom November 24th throughNovember 29th.

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THE ON-GOING ART SALE

Our popular art exhibit in the hospital lobby has abrand new selection of art work and photography.A perfect idea for your Holiday gift giving. Pleasestop by soon to take a look at our display, ---- And

be tempted!!! We thank you for your interest andsupport throughout the year.

Linda Browne, Chairperson

All art work can bepurchased by stopping in atthe Owl’s Nest Gift Shop.Remember, credit cards arealways welcome!

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Happy 50th Anniversary Nearly New Shop! Wecelebrated throughout the entire week ofNovember 10th through November 15th. Therewere special sales and treats for our customers,news and TV coverage, and a luncheon onNovember 14th for our volunteers. The Nearly

New Shop has been an important part of ourcommunity for half a century, and we hope tocontinue on for many years.

Thank you everyone for your support!Karen Kaiser, Manager

THE NEARLY NEW SHOP

Nearly New volunteers enjoyed a specialluncheon to celebrate the shop’s 50thanniversary. The sandwich wraps and butternutsquash soup were delicious, as was thescrumptious cake.

We all shared information about the items wewere wearing to the luncheon that we hadpurchased at the Nearly New Shop.

Belva Greene was the luckywinner of the $50 giftcertificate from ouranniversary raffle.

Even JoeGuardianisported a “new”London Fog raincoat.

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The October lottery calendars were once again avery successful fund-raiser with the auxiliarypaying out $655 in winnings and ending with aprofit of $2,248. Many thanks are due to VioletStrickland who collects the tickets, watches for thewinners, and sends out the checks. Just putting allof the tickets in order is a mammoth job, butViolet does it without complaint. Thank you!

We sold the calendars at Country Junction, K-Mart,Pathmark and in the hospital lobby. Membersselling at these venues included June Andreas,

Alice Batt, Perma Berger, Emily Bradbury, HoneyFabian, Kit Hall, Carol Heffelfinger, Janet Morgan,Brenda Mull, Priscilla Offen, Susan Steigerwalt,Violet Strickland, Betty Jane Thomas, and JudyWalck. Thank you for donating your time!

Our lucky winners are listed below--

THE OCTOBER LOTTERY CALENDAR

Date Lucky Number Winner10/02 679 Betty Bolton

10/03 505 Teresa Bogert

10/04 082 Laraine Walck

10/05 503 Linda Young

10/06 201 Marjorie A. Federanich

10/07 750 Ray H. Smith

10/10 193 Levina Irvin

10/11 152 Julie Wangler

10/15 479 Iren Light

10/16 880 Kathy McNamara

10/17 893 Joyce Ruch

10/18 152 Julie Wangler

10/19 193 Levina Irvin

10/23 864 June Gaudreau

10/24 243 Melissa DeFrain

10/25 928 Joan Morgan

10/26 911 Tony Jordan

10/27 014 Margaret Conklin

10/29 816 Margaret T. Kuhet

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NOTES OF APPRECIATIONFrom Louise Zatoris, Administrative Assistant of BMHS -

In a reflection of our Auxiliary over this year, it is amazing what you continue to accomplish. Yourhours of volunteer service and dedication is outstanding and your efforts never ending. The way allof you work together is extraordinary! The smiles and friendship shared during your fund raisers istrue example of how much you all enjoy what you do. Each one of you are a treasure and admiredfor what you do. THANK YOU

Louise Zatoris

From Edie Roeder,Auxiliary Member

Thank YOU Edie foryour very generousdonation and also forsharing your memoriesabout the Nearly NewShop!

THE AUXILIARY HEARTBEAT NEWSLETTER IS ON THE INTERNET

The Auxiliary Heartbeat is now available forviewing on the Internet in a full-color magazinestyle format. This November issue, as well asseveral previous issues, are displayed at theIssuu.com web site. The Heartbeat can be found

at Issuu by typing in the keywords “Palmertonauxiliary”. We hope that you will enjoy seeing theHeartbeat in full color.

Patrick Clark,Newsletter Editor

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The shop carries a large selection of giftsand home décor for all your Christmasneeds. How can you go wrong withstress-free shopping, fabulous prices and

friendly service. Look for a storewide20% off sale from November 24ththrough November 29th.

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A SIMPLE PRESCRIPTION TO FOLLOW

DO GOOD! IT'S GOOD FOR YOU!

* 76% say volunteering has made them feel healthier

* 78% of volunteers report lower stress levels

* 80% of recent volunteers feel in control of their health

* 94% claim volunteering has improved their mood

People who regularly volunteer have better mental,emotional and physical health. Surprisingly, this

includes 40% decreased risk of high bloodpressure.

Improve your health. Increase your happiness.VOLUNTEER!

Your local hospital Volunteer Office or your localSenior Corps RSVP can help match your interests,skills and available time to what needs to get done.It is the one-stop resource for people who want tohelp others.

Jeanne M. TilghmanEastern Region Health Promotion ChairmanResource: Diane Schrameyer, RSVP

PAHA EASTERN REGION HEALTH PROMOTION REPORTFOR NOVEMBER 2014

Once upon a time there was a Rabbi who wassummoned to an unanticipated audience with the King.After he got over his initial panic about the visit, theRabbi thought it would be good idea to have a friendaccompany him; someone who could speak to the Kingon his behalf. He immediately sent out a message to aspecial friend who came to mind. Being a wise andprudent man however, the Rabbi as a precaution, sent asecond and third message to two other friends, just incase the first was unavailable….The very next day hereceived word from friend #1 who unfortunately flatout refused, saying simply that he would not be able togo along on the trip….Later that day he received wordfrom friend #2, who said that he would gladlyaccompany the Rabbi on his journey, however, hewould only be able to go as far as the gates of thepalace. He wished he could go further, but he wasunable. He offered the Rabbi his regrets and his bestwishes.Feeling dejected, the Rabbi waited anxiously to hearfrom Friend #3. Just as he was about to leave on hisjourney, a message from friend # 3 arrived. It read,Dear Rabbi, it would be my honor to be your advocate,and as I am near the palace, I will go ahead of you andwill tell the King all about you….The Rabbi, as youcould imagine, was relieved and anxious all at the sametime. He hoped desperately that friend # 3 would do anadequate job on his behalf….but after all he was choice#3.Upon his arrival the Rabbi was immediately taken tothe King’s chamber. There at the foot of the King wasFriend #3 who was enthusiastically engaged in animpressive introduction of his friend. When the Kingcaught site of the Rabbi, he stood up from his throne

and went to him…He hugged and kissed the Rabbi andwelcomed him into His kingdom with open arms….So what’s the meaning of this little fable? The firstfriend represents the inanimate things we come to ownand possess in life; the treasures we store up here onearth. We love and enjoy them, but they won’t gowith us when we’re called from this life…..The secondfriend represents our family and loved ones whosupport us along life’s journey but who are ultimatelyleft behind when we pass from this life to thenext….And, if you haven’t guessed already, the thirdfriend, not often thought about, are our good works.The good deeds, our acts of kindness and compassion,our humble service to others…As the story goes, these good deeds go ahead of us andserve as a witness to God about our truecharacter….just as the good works of the PalmertonHospital Auxiliary give faithful witness to each andevery one of you. Your gift of time, talent and treasure,your support, your encouragement, your good workssustains us and the Palmerton Hospital on a dailybasis…There has been a quote attributed to St. Francis ofAssisi in which he told his disciples to “Go and preachthe Gospel….but only use words if absolutelynecessary.” So it is in this spirit of “love in action” wepray; Pour forth your blessings upon our gatheringtonight. Bless the food and fellowship we are about toshare. Remind us Lord that our only true purpose inthis life is to reveal your love to one another…Bless themembership of the Palmerton Hospital Auxiliary,sustain them in their mission, and grant them peace inthe knowledge that with each good deed done atreasure is stored in heaven that will someday speakvolumes on their behalf. Amen.

Prayer from the Annual June Dinner by Joe Guardiani

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PALMERTON HOSPITAL AUXILIARY TREASURER’S REPORTJuly/August/September ~ 2014

July 1, 2014 Checking Account Balance $ 492.45

Receipts: Nearly New Shop – June 9 – Sept 27 6,679.69 Plant Sale – payroll 745.62 Christmas in July 1,416.00 Auxiliary Dues 150.00 Donations 1,120.00 Auxiliary Dinner 50.00 Art Sales 590.00 Owl’s Nest Sales Tax - June/July/August 332.81 October Lottery Calendars 2,453.00 Festival 5,816.00

Total Receipts $19,353.12

Total Receipts plus balance $ 19,845.57

Expenses:

Art Sales $ 472.00 BMHS –Auxiliary Dinner 2014 878.00 Levina Irvin – Festival Balloons 99.81 Beverly Smale – Fiber Fill 51.70 Beverly Smale – Huggie Bear Labels 197.35 Christmas in July – Nearly New #11 Prize 100.00 Owl’s Nest Gift Shop 2013-201 Charge Card Fees 933.06 PA Dept of Revenue – Sales Tax Apr/May/June 468.35 PA Dept of Revenue – Late File Penalty 23.84 Shea’s Hardware – Nearly New Shop 5.06 Arndt’s Flower Shop – 2014 Auxiliary Dinner Flowers 193.65 Larry H. Daniel Festival Stand Rain Guard 375.00 BMHS Festival Supplies 1,370.26 Zimmerman’s Dairy Inc. – Festival Shortcake Whip 286.08 Grandview Hospital Auxiliary – Fall PAHA Meeting 50.00

Total Expenses $ 5,504.16 Checking Account Balance $ 14,341.61

Savings Account Balance $ 862.00

Violet J. Strickland, Treasurer

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