January 25, 2006

Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary January 12 meeting notes
By Vera Faulkner

The Cumberland Health Care Auxiliary met at 7:30 p.m. on January 12, 2006, in the Board Room of the CRHCC with 22 members present. President Marilyn Conklin welcomed everyone including new member, Valerie Tims. The Auxiliary Prayer was repeated and the minutes of the November 10th and December 9th meetings were approved.

Tickets for the Grandfather clock are on sale in the gift shop and members also have tickets. Thanks to everyone who baked and/or made crafts for the sale on November 25th which was a financial success. Thanks also to everyone who contributed food to the food bank and toys for the Christmas for Kids Project at our Christmas meeting. It was decided that in future, the Auxiliary will make up gift baskets for the first Christmas and New Years babies. Co-Treasurer, Marilyn Boss gave a financial report.

Several pieces of correspondence were received including a thank-you message from the Christmas for Kids Committee, and a letter of thanks from Phyllis Cameron, Chair, Cumberland Health Care Foundation for the Auxiliary's donation to the Light The Way Campaign. The Auxiliary was the largest donor this year at $5,000 and so received the honour of having the top star. A notice was received that there will be a viewing of hooked rugs at 19 Lawrence Street on Thursday, Feb. 9, Friday, Feb. 10th and Sunday, Feb. 12th from noon to 4 pm. Admission is $3.50 and all admission proceeds will be donated to the Auxiliary. Members are encouraged to not the dates and make plans to see these beautiful rugs.

Gayle Janes, Membership Chair, reported membership is 81 members. Jean Miller reported that the next meeting of the Cumberland County Hospice/Palliative Care Society will be held on January 16th. The Foundation dinner will be held on April 21st at the Wandlyn and the annual Golf Tournament will be held August 11th at the Amherst Golf Course. She noted that the Light the Way project was a huge success. Jean reported that a cheque had been received from St. Charles CWL as they were unable to participate at the 2005 Highland FLing on Saturday, May 13th.

Vicki Daley reporting on the Treats & Treasures Gift Shoppe, stated that the November Readers Digest Book Fair realized $615. A 20% off sale of Christmas stock was held Dec. 18th to 23rd, and on January 4th, a 50% discount sale of Christmas stock and selected gift ware commenced. The sales were promoted throughout the hospital and have been a great success. Linda Long has taken over the financial duties from Shirley McCully. Shirley has carried out these responsibilities for many years and the Auxiliary appreciates the terrific work she has done. Thanks to all the Gift Shoppe volunteers and to the hospital staff (our main customers) who buy gift items for making this such a successful Auxiliary project! Gayle and Marguerite will be off the Gift Show in Halifax in early February to purchase new items.

Vicki also reported on the Crema Coffee Shop. The newest employee is Judy Rector and she attended a food handling course at the Wandlyn Inn. The Food Inspector visited the shop in November and gave it a high rating. Free cider was offered to customers on Dec. 18th (opening day of the 20% off sale in the Gift Shoppe). Staff members are: Nancy Bell, Manager, Joyce Ann MacDonald, Elizabeth McGregor and Judy Rector. Volunteers are Vicki Daley, Phylis Cameron, Heather LeMoine and Jennifer Brennan. The dedicated staff are to be praised for the high quality of food, home baking and exceptional service resulting in the great financial success of the Auxiliary's coffee ship. The Coffee Shop continues to grow in popularity. Inventory was taken by Nancy, Joyce Ann, Heather and Vicki on January 3rd. Gift Certificates printed & donated by Acadian Printing are now available. New shelving and more counter space will be upcoming improvements. Heather LeMoine gave the financial report for the Crema Coffee Shop. Shirley Young reported that sympathy cards had been sent to Timmy Howatt on the death of her mother and to Vera Faulkner on the death of her husband. Cards were also sent to Muriel Jean Craig and Helen Farrow. The members continue to be concerned about member Helen Farrow who is still in ICU of Dickinson continues to make recovery following knee surgery.

A reminder that or February 9th meeting will be the annual Valentine Tea. Membership fees are also due. Plans for entertainment are to be finalized.