Posts Tagged ‘Grace Cottage Hospital’

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

Louise McDevitt, FNP, ANP

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Grace Cottage Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Louise McDevitt has recently been awarded Fellowship Status by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). A limited number of Fellows are selected each year and  Lousie was one of only 43 Nurse Practitioners (NP) to be inducted in 2012 and the only one selected in Vermont.

What does it take to be inducted? Applicants for fellowship status must undergo a rigorous application process and must be sponsored by two current Fellows. Applicants must show evidence of outstanding and continuous contributions and leadership in NP clinical practice, research, education and/or health policy, as well as a potential for contributing to the mission of the AANP and to The Fellows of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner (FAANP) initiatives.

The 2012 FAANP Induction will be held June 22 in Orlando, Florida.

Louise has been a certified NP since 1989. She joined Dr. Shafer’s practice in 1992 and moved with him to Grace Cottage in 2003, but her service to the profession reaches far beyond Townshend and even Vermont. In addition to serving patients at Grace Cottage Hospital, Louise is a Senior Lecturer for Fitzgerald Health Education Associates, an international provider of Nurse Practitioner Certification exams and continuing education. In this role she has taught classes in the U.S. and Canada as well as Central and South America.

Louise is also a clinical instructor for medical programs at the University of Vermont, the University of Massachusetts and Albany Medical School. Her resume includes volunteer and lobbying activities on behalf of her profession.

“Healthy lifestyles are much easier to maintain in supportive environments,” said Grace Cottage’s Senior Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness Crystal Mansfield. “It was through a series of detailed questions and answers, followed by extensive discussions, that Grace Cottage Hospital’s employees realized that there were some immediate, relatively easy changes that could be made at the hospital to further encourage healthy lifestyles.”

The first improvement took place in the cafeteria lunch line. It has been rearranged so the salad bar is now first, followed by the hot food buffet.

“The first change we made may sound small,” said Denise Choleva, Grace Cottage’s Dietary Manager, “but it’s actually made a huge impact here. Now people fill up on healthy items like lettuce, vegetables, fruits and nuts. By the time they get to the hot buffet, they don’t have much room on their plates.”

Other changes made in the kitchen include the elimination of potato chips and soda. The funds that were being used to purchase these items are now being used to buy local, fresh foods. And the changes won’t stop there.

“Additional changes are being planned,” said Mansfield, “and we’re very excited and pleased that the Healthy Communities Coalition of Windham County has been chosen as a national model by YMCA of the USA.”

Here’s an excerpt about the assessment and planning process at Grace Cottage Hospital from the coalition’s video “Bright Spots: Stories from the Healthy Communities Coalition”. Watch their full video here.

To learn more about what’s changing at Grace Cottage, become a fan on Facebook and follow @gracecottagevt on Twitter.

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.

Some exciting news just came in on the press wire. We are proud to announce we were voted one of the Top 100 Hospitals in the U.S. by WomenCertified.com. This was an unexpected honor and it’s a great testament to our doctors, medical staff and hospital employees who are always working to provide patient care, second to none.

Here’s the full press release:

Townshend VT – Grace Cottage Hospital has been named one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience by WomenCertified®, based on female patient satisfaction. WomenCertified is an organization committed to helping women identify hospitals that value the patient experience and value the needs of female patients.

Hospitals do not apply for this award, but are selected for this prestigious annual list based on a scoring process that incorporates Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores along with an additional level of analysis that weighs criteria identified as the most important to women.

Grace Cottage Hospital and Fletcher Allen Health Care were the two Vermont hospitals recognized because of their high patient satisfaction scores. “Everyone who works here at Grace Cottage goes beyond patient care,” said Grace Cottage CEO Mick Brant, “and we
are pleased that patients recognize this when they fill out their patient satisfaction surveys.
It’s an honor to be recognized in this way, and also to be a Women’s Choice Award
recipient.”

“Women make or influence more than 85% of all healthcare decisions for themselves
and their families,” said Delia Passi, CEO and founder of WomenCertified® and former
publisher of Working Mother and Working Women magazines. “Recognizing the
top hospitals nationwide that are women-friendly and align with women’s identified
preferences is important to our mission at WomenCertified, where we are women helping
women make smart choices.” For more information, visit www.womencertified.com.

Thanks to all of our patients for continuing to spread the word about Grace Cottage Hospital and their positive experiences here. We’re elated to have you as part of the Grace Cottage family.

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.

Everyone in the Grace Cottage “family” has been affected in some way by the havoc wreaked in this area by Irene. Some employees and patients have lost their homes and/or businesses, and our hearts go out to all, especially those so severely impacted. Some are still without power, some have been evacuated, some are isolated on back roads or in towns that are still closed off. We give great thanks to the employees who stayed through the storm, kept Grace Cottage Hospital up and running.

Grace Cottage Hospital never skipped a beat, never lost power, and has stayed open and treating patients during this whole event. Grace Cottage has been working closely with the civil emergency personnel in the surrounding towns to keep the townspeople safe and healthy. While there has been widespread damage, neighbors have been helping neighbors in the usual Vermont way and the staff at Grace Cottage has been here to help.

It has been confirmed by the Army Corp. of Engineers Army Colonel himself, that the Townshend Dam is stable and in NO DANGER. On Sunday they had a small culvert near the dam give but that is separate from the Dam and has no impact on the dam itself.

Damages

If your home sustained any damage or you had to evacuate you can register for FEMA/state disaster assistance.

• register online at www.disasterassistance.gov
• call the toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Road Closures

Call 511 or visit www.511vt.com for current information about travel conditions throughout Vermont.

Volunteering

If you have time to volunteer or resources to offer, such as equipment and supplies, an organization in the Londonderry/Jamaica/Bondville/Weston area that you can call is Neighborhood Connections at 824-4343 and let them know:

• Your name and contact details
• What you can offer / your availability
• What towns you can help in

Conversely, if you need assistance, and you’re in the Londonderry area, please call Neighborhood Connections at 824-4343 and let them know:

• Your name and contact details, including your town
• The status / priority of your situation
• What assistance you need

They will work to match volunteers and resources with those who need it.

Donations

The Stratton Foundation has established a relief fund and is accepting financial contributions.  You can donate online, and you can also designate your contribution to a specific town, or the general area, if you wish.

We will be continuing to post links to more information on our Facebook page and on Twitter.

As always, the doors at Grace Cottage are open!

Hitting the road and clocking some miles is a perfect way to see the country and enjoy summer time in the great outdoors.  Those road trippers who regularly take to the highway, find a sense of community among fellow travelers and folks they encounter along the journey. A caravan of VW campers known as the West River Westies (WRW), are living the dream from the beds of their pop-up micro buses and annually gather at the Bald Mountain Campground here in Townshend.

The gathering draws vehicles, drivers, families and visitors from around northern hemisphere. This year there were even campers from four Canadian Provinces; Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario. The rest came from Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachuetts & Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Illinois.

The weekend is filled with games, swimming, tubing, biking, sharing stories, food and laughter. In addition, as they have done now for seven years, the ‘Westies’ hold a bucket raffle – donating the proceeds to Grace Cottage Hospital. This year through the generosity of all participants, they generated a record donation of $1,000 for the new Medical Imaging Facility. We were overwhelmed at the news and so thankful for their kindness and support.

This year’s contribution, added with their donations from past years, totals in nearly $4,000 that the West River Westies have raised for Grace Cottage Hospital. Upon completion, the new Medical Imaging Suite will proudly don a plaque in honor of their contributions that reads LIMBO – West River Westies.

It’s touching to see how a community that comes together just once a year, is connected to our small town community and little rural hospital. A very heartfelt thanks goes out to Nev and Sue Lescher, the WRW wagonmasters for organizing this event and to everyone who came out for the fun. We truly appreciate your support. Happy camping.

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.

   

  http://gracecottage.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/TdG10-3.jpg

• 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.