Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

On behalf of the Grace Cottage Hospital Rehabilitation Department, I would like to thank the staff, community members and establishments who helped make this year’s 14th Annual Physical Therapy Month Poker Walk such a big success. This year over 100 walkers/runners, completed the 2-mile course on Wednesday, October 10, despite the cold and rainy weather.

I would like to thank the following donors for their generous contributions to our raffle: Grace Cottage Hospital, Grace Cottage Community Wellness Center, Grace Cottage Foundation, Messenger Valley Pharmacy, Patty Winter, Siobhan Young, Flo Burt, Jim Heal, Archer Mayor, Wayne’s Auto and Jeep, Newfane Greenhouse, and Mary Meyer.

A big thanks also to Snow Goose Inn of West Dover, VT, for again contributing our “Grand Prize,” a one-night stay for two, which went to the community member with the best poker hand. Thanks also to the Last Chair Restaurant of West Dover, for contributing the employee “Grand Prize,” a voucher for dinner for two.

We were well hydrated and fueled with water and granola bars donated by C & S Wholesale Grocers, who was also our event lead sponsor, thanks to a generous financial donation. Thanks so much.

This year we were once again fortunate to have the Windham County Sheriff’s Department and the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), who did an excellent job with traffic control. We really appreciate it. Also, a big thanks to Grace Cottage’s volunteers, the “Grace Greeters,” who cheerfully helped handing out cards at the stations despite the weather.

Once again, thank you, Tammy Claussen and Tom Russell, for bringing your students out. Leland and Gray is a huge part of the event.

Great job everyone! See you next year for the 15th Annual Physical Therapy Month Poker Walk.

Sincerely,

Sindy Hassig
Grace Cottage Hospital Physical Therapist

Life is about being happy and healthy. Here at Grace Cottage Hospital it’s our job to help encourage patients, friends and the community to practice wellness to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. It’s also important to have fun. That’s why we’re teaming up with Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and the Brattleboro Retreat to present the first-ever Wellness in Windham Health Festival on Saturday, September 22, 2012.

From 11:00am to 2pm, the Brattleboro Retreat lawn will be transformed into an interactive festival ground, all in the name of wellness. The event is free, family-friendly and promises to include lots of activities for all ages, many surprises and some great entertainment. The Wellness in Windham Health Festival will give you access to many different sources of information so that you and your loved ones can lead healthier, more active lives.

Kicking off this year’s Wellness in Windham Health Festival is the Fun Trail Run on the Retreat Trails on Saturday morning at 10:00am. This activity is free and open to the public. Everyone who enjoys a fun, relaxed run through the woods should join us. The trail run will be approximately 1.5 to 2 miles and runners will have the option of being timed. Register for the Fun Trail Run between 9:15-9:45am in the Front lawn of the Brattleboro Retreat, 1 Anna Marsh Lane, Brattleboro, Vermont.

After the trail, visit exciting and interactive exhibits to visit, snack on healthy food concessions and enjoy a host of activities focused on fitness, stress management and mindfulness practices. There will even be live entertainment including a performance by a local belly dancing troupe. What could be better? How about free parking, free admission, prizes, giveaways and information about some key ways to improve your health? We’re just getting warmed up, but to find out about everything the Health Festival has to offer, you’ll just have to be there. So mark your calendars for Saturday, September 22 and join us for a great day of fun, which, after all, is good for your health.

For more information about the Wellness in Windham Health Festival, visit www.wellnessinwindham.org

Sergeant George Badgley in the Dunking Booth.

Every year, hundreds, even thousands of people turn out for the annual Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day on the Townshend Common. It’s a great local tradition and a wonderful way for families, neighbors and even complete strangers to come together and have fun, while supporting our small country hospital. In an effort to keep the crowds coming back year after year, we try to offer fun activities and events that will draw audiences from near and far.

Fair Day organizer and Auxiliary President Stan Holt had this to say about this year’s Fair Day action:

“By about the tenth time that Deputy Sergeant George Badgley of the Windham County Sheriff’s Department went into the water, we knew the Celebrity Dunk was a big success. It was a new event at this year’s Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day. Mick Brant, Grace Cottage CEO, and Pharmacist Jim Heal also took the plunge, multiple times. We praise them for being good sports and helping to raise money for a great cause. Not to mention, it must have felt refreshing.

Grace Cottage CEO Mick Brant helps Pharmacist Jim Heal up out of the dunking booth.

Other volunteers staffing the booths, parking cars and fetching items for the auction weren’t as fortunate. They had to bear the heat and humidity without relief, but their endurance paid off and Fair Day raised over $70,000! Kit Martin and Art Monette performed their usual magic in the auction tent raising over $35,000. We salute the hundreds of volunteers who lent a hand throughout the day – we couldn’t have done it without you. Also, thanks to the Auxiliary Committee, who spent hours preparing the Fair, and to the hospital maintenance staff that made it all happen.

Congratulations to the winners of the mega raffle: $1,000 to Michelle Flynn of Newfane; a weekend in Maine won by Tim Kenney of Bozrah, CT, a handmade quilt by Christine Cathcart, won by Susan Fiske of Jamaica, and the Mary Meyer teddy bear, won by a five-year-old girl in Decatur, GA (her mother plans to surprise her when the big box arrives in the mail!).

Thanks again to everyone who came out and helped make this year such a big success. Have a great winter and we’ll see you at Fair Day next year, Saturday, August 3, 2013!”

What an amazing weekend we had for the 3rd Annual “Tee Up for Health” Golf Benefit on June 10. We had beautiful weather, for the first time in 3 years, and 104 golfers on 26 teams turned out for the event on a truly breathtaking day at the Tater Hill Golf Club in Windham, Vermont.

With the help of our golfers, sponsors, auction contributors, bidders and winners, volunteers and the staff at Tater Hill Golf Club we raised over $20,000 for the expansion of Grace Cottage’s Messenger Valley Pharmacy.

Congrats to the winning team of golfers: Doug Ward, Tom Dannemiller and Lynn Bucossi.

The winners for the Silent Auction are listed on the auction website, along with the final amounts that each item went for. Congrats to all of our high bidders. There were some really awesome prizes up for auction this year.

We enjoyed a fantastic cake made by Grace Cottage Hospital employee Kristina van Dusen. Yum!

We’d also like to offer a special thanks to our many event sponsors: Cerner Corporation , Architect Vance Hosford, and WKVT; the Dinner Sponsor was Elizabeth Walker; Silver Sponsors were Brunelle & Son, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, and People’s United Bank; Hole Sponsors were Brattleboro Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Delta Dental, Durand Motors, e-PharmPro, Dr. Walter Griffiths, H.D. Smith Wholesale, Hickey Alignment & Repair, Homestead Landscaping, Howard Printing, Dr. Susan Lemei, Dr. David & Dr. Kim Liebow, Joan McConnel, Mount Snow, Primmer, Piper, Eggleston & Craemer, The Richards Group, and The Windham Foundation.  Tee Sponsors were Amerinet, Greater Falls Pharmacy, Merrill Gas Company, Dr. Timothy Shafer & Dr. Deborah Luskin, and Trend Business Solutions.

Thanks again to everyone who helped make the 2012 Golf Benefit such a great success. Don’t forget to save the date for next year’s “Tee Up For Health” Golf benefit.

WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 2013

WHERE: Tater Hill Golf Club

See you then!

- Andrea

It’s time to dust off the golf clubs and start practicing your swing, because the 2012 “Tee Up For Health” Golf Benefit is just around the corner. As always, we’re leading up to this great event with the Silent Auction, where you can bid on anything from vacation getaways, to massages, local arts and crafts, even your name being featured in a novel by local author Archer Mayor. Take a look at what’s on the auction blog by clicking HERE.

In addition, there will be prizes at the golf benefit on June 10 at Tater Hill Golf Club. Prizes will be awarded for team finishes, longest drive, closest to the pin and more. You could even win a new car for hitting a hole-in-one! Check out the teaser below for more information and we’ll see you on the course!

WHEN: June 10, 2012, Noon – shotgun start

WHERE: Tater Hill Golf Course

WHY: Grab your friends, family or co-workers and join us for a fun day of golf to support “TEE UP FOR HEALTH!”

Planning on joining us? Don’t forget to register and RSVP to our Facebook event.

For more details call Jim Heal at (802) 365-3624

And they're off!

Come rain or come shine, this May we can all bounce back from the winter blues with the Grace Cottage Hospital Spring into Health 5k. This is a great event to join for health, for community and most of all for fun. Although this event is timed, it’s not a competition and we encourage people of all ages and abilities to get out and run, jog, walk, stroll or roll.

Here’s a rough outline of the 5K route:

The Spring into Health 5K will start on the Townshend Common. Participants will take a left onto Grafton Road ( Route 35) to a clearly marked turn around water station. Then return on a gently downward incline to the Townshend Common, passing through the timer at the end.

We’ll have healthy snacks and water available in the finish area to revitalize our fearless participants. Though we wish we had the power to closed the race course, it is important to mention that the 5K takes place on an active road and there may be traffic. A Windham County Sheriff car will be at either end of the course, but good sense and caution are a must to ensure everyone completes the 5K safely.

As you know, parking on the street in Townshend is limited, so we encourage participants to park at Leland & Gray High School.

Spring Into Health 5k

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 2012 8:30 AM

WHERE: Townshend Common, Townshend, VT

WHAT: A fun-filled run/walk/stroll to encourage outdoor activity

COST: $15.00 (adults) $10.00 (13 years and under)

REGISTRATION: To register, please download and complete this registration form and waiver.

The first 150 participants to sign-up will receive a cool, technical (a.k.a. breathable) non-cotton t-shirt. So register early.

We look forward to seeing you at the 5K.

It’s hard for a lot of us to get motivated about a new exercise regime. Even if you have a workout buddy, what happens when they can’t make it? Do you skip the gym to avoid going alone? What if you could get the motivational benefit of group classes and get a powerful workout, but feel like you’re at a dance party with your friends? You can. It’s called Zumba — the Latin-infused fitness party — and here’s a chance to try it out right here at Grace Cottage Hospital.

Zumba Festivals draw big crowds to the workout party. Photo: Simon Schoeters (Cimm) on Flickr.

Forget what you know about exercise. Who cares what you know about dancing. The Zumba workout combines easy-to-follow moves with invigorating Latin music, creating a fitness program that’s both effective and enjoyable. This workout is appropriate for all ages and accommodates any fitness level. The only requirements are comfy clothes, low tread sneakers, a water bottle and the ability to have fun.

Carrie Goldsmith is a certified Zumba instructor.

Zumba has become a hugely popular workout routine that’s featured in fitness centers, community gyms and even nightclubs around the world. There are even Zumba festivals and workout concerts where groups of thousands participate to get fit and have fun. The workout is led by a Zumba instructor who cheers you through the dance moves as they call them out. It’s like a big game of Simon Says, but with the benefits of a fitness class.

Grace Cottage Hospital’s Wellness Center periodically hosts six- to eight-week classes, so check out the Wellness Calendar for the latest schedule.

Classes typically meet on Tuesday or Thursday nights. Fee: $60 for six-week, $80 for four-week; $13.00 drop-in fee.

Taught by certified Zumba instructor Carrie Goldsmith, this has quickly become one of the Wellness Center’s most popular offerings. The class is limited to 20 participants so call 802-365-3649 to pre-register right away.

Raffling prizes at the Annual Poker Walk.

Every October, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) celebrates National Physical Therapy Month to recognize the important roles that physical therapists and physical therapist assistants play in helping people maintain, improve and restore the mobility necessary to stay fit, active and independent while enjoying the things they like to do as they age.

Here at Grace Cottage, we encourage everyone to get out and exercise for their health and to enjoy the natural beauty we are blessed with here in Vermont. As part of this national celebration Grace Cottage Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department holds an Annual Poker Walk as a way to promote healthy activity, engage the community and have some fun.

This year, the 13th Annual Poker Walk will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011.

The course

This two-mile walk/run begins at the Grace Cottage Hospital Wolff Building, where outpatient rehabilitation is located. The course goes north for one mile on Grafton Road (Route 35), then back again to the Wolff Building. It’s a relatively flat and paved route to accommodate walkers of all ages and abilities.

The game

Playing cards are dealt to walkers at different points along the route. At the end of the route each participant’s hand is recorded.  Walkers may do the course as often as they wish, collecting a different poker hand each time and increasing their chances of winning.

The best hand gets two nights here.

The prize

Well, everyone’s a winner of course, but the participant with the best poker hand at the end of the day takes home the grand prize — a romantic weekend getaway for two at the Snow Goose Inn in West Dover.

There are also several door prizes donated  by local businesses including bed and breakfasts, auto repair shops, restaurants, artists, markets, gift shops and more that will be raffled off.

The Annual Poker Walk is held rain or shine and it’s free and open to the public. Participants may start at the Wolff Building anytime between 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Advance registration is not required.

Hundreds of walkers have attended over the years, so put on your walking shoes, practice your poker face and come out and join the fun. Good luck.

For more information contact Grace Cottage Hospital at 365-3649.

Just like a family reunion, the Grace Cottage Hospital Fair Day is an annual festival in southern Vermont that’s filled with good times and good people. The tradition of meeting on the common in Townshend has continued throughout generations and every year seems to top the last. This year we are celebrating the 61st Fair Day on Saturday, August 6 and we hope you and your family will be there to join us.

If you’ve never experienced Hospital Fair Day before, here is an idea of what you can look forward to. Not only is this a FREE event that is fun for all ages, but it’s packed full of activities from 9 a.m. until the sun goes down. Fair vendors line the common selling crafts like handmade baskets and jewelry. Carnival games are set up for kids and parents alike to win prizes.

You can enter in the raffle to win cash, crafts, even a vacation night stay and see the many generations of Grace Cottage babies as they march in the Baby Parade. There’s plenty of great summertime food to eat. Enjoy a chicken BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, watermelon and of course, cotton candy.

And don’t forget the Fair Day auction. You’ll find just about everything from paintings and furniture to local crafts and even power equipment at the auction. If you’ve got items to contribute to the auction, contact Stan Holt at 365-4455 and we’ll pick them up.

The whole day caps off with a free concert by the Grafton Cornet Band. With so much going on, make sure you get there early so you can catch it all, and get a close parking space. See the schedule below for full details.

The time has come to mount up and roll out for a good cause.  The 2011 Tour de Grace Bicycle Rally to benefit Grace Cottage Hospital is this Sunday, July 24.  Whether you’re an avid rider, a proven road racer, or just enjoy the wind on your face as you coast down the back roads of Vermont, this benefit ride is the perfect chance to get some exercise and have some fun outdoors.

The 2011 Tour de Grace is part of Stratton Mountain’s Support Southern Vermont Weekend.  So while the ride will undoubtedly be warmer than years past when we’ve held it in September, the weather forecast for the weekend looks sunny and beautiful.  Be sure to layer lightly, wear some sunscreen and bring a water bottle on your bike.  As always, you can find refreshment stops stocked with water and snacks along the 19 mile route.  One in Jamaica Village, West Townshend, and at the top of the Townshend Dam. And of course, a grand reception will await you at the Grace Cottage Hospital finish line in Townshend. Plus there will be volunteers along the way if you need assistance.

Complete details about the rally, including a map of the route and a list of directions are over on our Tour de Grace event page.

If you haven’t registered yet, don’t forget that early registration saves you $5. Pre-register by NOON on Friday for just $25, or at Stratton Mountain on the day of the event for $30. Everyone involved gets a 2011 Tour de Grace commemorative t-shirt.

We had a great turn out last year.  Individuals, friends, families with riders young and old all came out and had a great time. Check out the slideshow below for some pictures from the 2010 Tour de Grace.

• In the staging area at Stratton Mountain.

   

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• Picking up shirts. "How's this look?"

   

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• A family full of ralliers.

   

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• Taking a pit stop in Jamaica.

   

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• Snack time! Mmmmm watermelon.

   

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• Getting back on the road.

   

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• Stretching legs and letting the bikes rest.

   

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• A quick stop at the end of Scott's Bridge.

   

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• The ride through Scott's Bridge is cool and shady.

   

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• The scenary alone is worth the ride.

   

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We have come a long way in our fundraising for the new Medical Imaging Suite at Grace Cottage Hospital, but there is still a long way to go. If you plan to join us, let your friends know. RSVP to the Tour de Grace on our Facebook page, then grab your helmet and bike gloves, and let’s roll.