VISN 2: Volunteer News Summer 2007

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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2

Spotlight on Albany

Patients Receive a Special Visit


Stephanie Donoto, a student from Van Corlaer Elementary School, reads her valentine to John Barton who is holding Ruby, a Pet Therapy Dog.

“Tail Wagging Tutors” brings children, dogs and books together to create children, dogs and books together to create happy, confident children who love to read. On Friday, February 16, students from Van Corlaer Elementary School in Schenectady along with certified therapy dogs and their handlers from Therapy Dogs International, Inc. visited veterans in our Adult Day Health Care Program. While the patients held the pets on their laps, the children read valentines they made them.

Children who might be hesitant, embarrassed or shy about their reading skills, feel at ease around a dog that is just there to listen to the story and not judge them on how well they read. Students that have participated in this program get over their fears and show improvement in their reading abilities. This was especially evident when the students proudly read their valentines to our veterans.

This visit was a culmination of activities, visits, and performances throughout our National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week celebration. The week brought a lot of smiles to our patients – and that’s good medicine!

Calendar Corner
Tuesday, May 1 Volunteer Week Social 10:00 a.m. Auditorium Saturday, May 19 Global Echo Taps - 11:00 a.m. Saratoga VA National Cemetery Saturday, May 19 Armed Forces Military Ball 7:30 p.m. Italian American Community Center Monday, May 28 9:30 a.m. Albany’s Memorial Day Parade		Monday, May 28 Memorial Day Ceremony 2:00 p.m. Saratoga VA National Cemetery Friday, June 1 Cancer Survivors Day Ceremony 10:00 a.m. VIP Parking Ramp June 19-23 National Veterans Wheelchair Games Milwaukee, WI Wednesday, July 4 4th of July Patient Picnic *Contact Karen at (518) 626-5506 for more information

Albany Wish List
Cans of coffee (decaf and regular) Creamora or sugar Tea Sneakers (mens - all sizes, new) Shower shoes (flip flops) Hair brushes		Winter Gloves Winter Boots (new) Barber Chair Funds for: Replacement vans for Transportation Program Maintaining four fish tanks Bedside television project

July 4th Patient Picnic
The annual Independence Day celebration at the Stratton VA Medical Center is an example of great teamwork between members of fraternal and veterans service organizations.

On Wednesday, July 4th, a picnic will be held for the hospitalized veterans and their visiting family members. Volunteers donate, prepare, and serve the refreshments. Volunteers eagerly transport patients by wheelchair from their hospital rooms to the festivities. Inpatients confined to their hospital beds receive bedside visits, food and gifts.

Fun, food, laughter, and camaraderie between veterans and friends of veterans - that’s what makes VA volunteers the best!

From left to right: Voluntary Service Specialist, Stephanie Bonenfant, Volunteer, Rebecca Willsey, and Voluntary Service Manager, Karen Covey participated in Recreation Therapy’s Mardi Gras party for our long term care patients.

Volunteer Opportunities

Human Resources - Answering phones and filing.

Eye Clinic - Answering phones and assisting clerical staff.

Greeter Desk (evening and weekend hours available)

Shuttle Drivers (weekdays and on-call)

Volunteer Drivers (weekdays and on-call)

Billing Office - filing, answering phones, Excel spreadsheets, photocopying.

Reviewed/Updated Date: February 5, 2008