Spotlight on Canandaigua

As we get closer to spring, we reminisce about the holiday season and the celebrations. As staff - Robin, Patti and Dan stand firm in our salute to you, our volunteers, for your unwavering dedication and care. We know that without you and your support of our veterans, the dedication of your time and your continued donations, our holiday programs would not have been such a success. Veterans celebrated Veterans Day by attending a “Missing Man” ceremony sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. There were cake parties on each ward - made possible because of your donations. A veterans tribute mass was also held on Veterans Day. We wrapped presents for nearly 800 patients - purchased with the help of your donations. We welcomed many visitors on December 17. After donning our Santa hats, we went up to the wards, singing Christmas carols and helping patients open their gifts while feasting on homemade cookies and egg nog. Visitors ranged from young Brownie Troops to Rochester Reservists. We hung homemade mittens, hats and scarves on our Christmas tree and welcomed the gifts from our community friends who gave from the heart knowing that some of our veterans would celebrate alone this Christmas. The American Legion Auxiliary hosted their two day gift shop so veterans could pick out gifts for their family. It was a joyous holiday season! We know that the veterans at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and Rochester Outpatient Clinic appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity!   Calendar Corner February 6 Bingo* - 7:00 p.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium February 8 Decorating Day (in preparation for National Salute Week) - 9:30 a.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium February 11-17 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week A variety of activities scheduled throughout the week February 14 VAVS/Community Council Meeting - 1:00 p.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium February 14 Valentine Distribution/Ward Visitation - 10:00 a.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium February 15 Canandaigua Chamber of Music Concert* Bldg. 5, Auditorium February 22 Black History Celebration* - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium   March 18 Bingo* - 2:00 p.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium April 3 Bingo* - 7:00 p.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium April 15-21 National Volunteer Week Daily refreshments (volunteer lounge and at ROPC) April 20 Concert* - 7:00 p.m. Bldg. 5, Auditorium April 20 Annual Volunteer Awards Banquet - 11:30 a.m. Burgundy Basin Inn *Escorts are needed 45 minutes prior to the event to take patients to the auditorium. Without your assistance, many of the patients may not be able to participate.     Food Safety Presentations March 15 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Pavilion, Courtyard 1 February 28 and April 25 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pavilion, Courtyard 1 Updates to our food safety policy mandate that all volunteers who are responsible for the preparation of food for veterans’ activities attend one of these training programs prior to donating any homemade food items to the Medical Center. All organizations that serve food to veterans should send a copy of the license/inspection for their Post/Chapter or Unit to Voluntary Service. Thank you for helping us to keep our records current! Volunteer Opportunities DAV drivers (Rochester) Home Based Primary Care (Rochester) Companions Performance groups Escorts for church services Clerical Pharmacy (Canandaigua) Piano player and/or soloist for masses at 3:00 p.m., Saturdays and 10:30 a.m. Sundays Canandaigua Wish List Coffee (decaf and regular) Creamer, sugar, sugar substitute Hot chocolate Bowling/movie tickets Baking items, peanut butter, English muffins Gift cards (Wal-Mart, Wegmans, Tops) Toiletries Prepaid phone cards Tickets to sporting events, zoo and outings Styrofoam plates, bowls, cups, napkins and plastic dinnerware New socks and underwear 39 cent postage stamps

Spring 2007 Voluntary News Director's Message | Spotlight VSO Albany | Bath | Canandaigua | Syracuse | Western New York Voluntary Staff

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