VISN 2: Volunteer News Fall 2007

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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Spotlight on Canandaigua


Staff donated door prizes for the award banquet as a thank you to the volunteers.


Jim McDermott (center) was one of the winners of the Above and Beyond Award. Other recipients (not pictured) were Bill Howe, Carl Cooper, John Duffy and Don Duval.

Volunteer Recognition
Nearly 175 people attended the Volunteer Recognition Banquet on April 20. Volunteers were honored for their dedication and support of the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Rochester Outpatient Clinic and veterans. One of this year’s “Above and Beyond” awards went to Jim McDermott. We are sure that everyone knows Jim by now. Jim volunteers in our office every day, arriving most days before we do. Jim does a variety of clerical duties as well as assisting volunteers and veterans.
Cake and coffee were offered during Volunteer Week As our way of thanking volunteers for their service.

Calendar Corner

August 5
Cookout/Ball Game*
11:00 a.m. - Pavilion, Courtyard 1
*Escorts Needed

August 23 (DATE CHANGE)
Volunteer Picnic and Student Award Ceremony
5:30 p.m. - Pavilion,
Courtyard 1

September TBA
POW/Remembrance

September 9
Bingo*
12:00 p.m. - Bldg. 5, Auditorium
* Escorts Needed

September 12
VAVS/Consumer Council Meeting
1:00 p.m. - Bldg. 5, Auditorium

September 22
Gospel Festival*
1:00 p.m. - Bldg. 5, Auditorium
* Escorts Needed

October 2
Bingo*
7:00 p.m. - Bldg. 5, Auditorium
* Escorts Needed

October 14
Bingo*
2:00 p.m. - Bldg. 5, Auditorium
* Escorts Needed

*Escorts needed 45 minutes
prior to event.

REMEMBER: Without your help,
many of the patients will not
be able to enjoy these activities!

Day of Caring
Volunteers were here from Excellus, Blue Cross and Blue Shield to assist staff in the task of making our gardens “spring” up.

Volunteers Excellus, Blue Cross, Blue Shield

Canandiagua Wish List

• Comfort care items:
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Shaving cream
- Body lotion
• Coffee (regular and decaf)
• Creamer, sugar, sugar substitute
• Hot chocolate
• Bowling/movie tickets
• Baking items, peanut butter, English muffins

• Gift cards from Walmart/ Wegmans/Tops
• Prepaid phone cards
• Tickets to sporting events,
zoo and outings
• Paper products, plates, napkins
• Dinnerware
• New socks and underwear
• 41-cent postage stamps
• Non-alcoholic beer (cans)
• Plastic hangers
• Plastic covered soap dishes

Pie, Plant and Ice Cream Sale
The Annual Pie, Plant and Ice Cream Sale was held on May 17. Thanks to all the volunteers who donated, we had a huge selection of plants for the sale. Staff and visitors were waiting at the door so they could have first choice of the beautiful plants - and what a perfect season for planting! Proceeds from this sale provide funding for volunteer activities through the course of the year. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Memorial Day

Several volunteers and staff were on hand at the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Canandaigua.

A Memorial Day Remembrance was held at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center on May 30. The 680th Reserve Unit posted the colors, the Blue Star Mothers displayed a float that they drove in the city parade, patriotic songs were sung and prayers were said to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

From left to right: Faith Hoffman, Women’s Wellness
Coordinator; John Oles, Treasurer, Erie County Farm
Bureau; Suzanne Klinker, Associate Medical Center
Director; Fred Harrington, Vice President, Erie County
Farm Bureau; Herb Wittmeyer, Homeless Program;
Katherine Smythe, Program Coordinator (for returning
veterans).

The Staff Award was presented to Chaplain Pamula Royal. Other recipients were Cora Cornelius and Tony Rosato.

Volunteer Opportunities
• DAV Drivers
• Companions
• Performance Groups
• Escorts for Church Services
• Clerical
• Computer Lab
• Pharmacy at Canandaigua
• Piano player and/or soloist for masses at 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays

National Golden Age Games
The Golden Age Games are being held in Houston Texas August 27 through August 31. Several of our veterans will be participating.

75th Anniversary Celebration
Wed., Feb. 6, 2008 1:30 p.m. Bldg 5, Auditorium Donations toward refreshments can be made payable to the VAVS Executive Committee. Any excess funds will be used to support veteran and volunteer activities throughout the year. If you would like to assist with providing mementos, please contact Voluntary Service directly for more information at 585-393-7759.

Reviewed/Updated Date: March 20, 2008