FARMIINGTON — A donation to Franklin Memorial Hospital, scholarship announcements, and committee reports, were just a few of the actions that took place during the annual meeting of the Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary on June 7, according to a news release from the Franklin Community Health Network.

Jean Rand, auxiliary president, presented MaryAnne Goodwin, FMH maternal and child health services director, with a gift of $5,000 to go toward the purchase of new rocking chairs for her unit. Goodwin said the chairs are essential for the unit by fostering mother/infant bonding and enhancing healing for women who have had a C-section. Molly Chaplin, practice manager of surgical practices, accepted a gift of $6,500 to be used to acquire new handheld dopplers and a fetal monitor for Franklin Health Women’s Care, and new joint models for Franklin Health Orthopaedics.

Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary officers from left are Priscilla Smith, Les Gatchell, Jean Rand, Shannon Smith and Kamilla Hall. Contributed photo

The hospital’s gift shop is the auxiliary’s major fundraiser in its mission to provide financial support to the hospital. Pam Yenco, volunteer manager, gave a report of the finances, changes, special promotions, and new merchandise offered in the shop in the last year. She said that an increase in patrons during this time has resulted in an increase of 18 percent in annual sales. The gift shop, located near the hospital’s front entrance, offers a wide selection of gifts such as new baby presents, crafts from local artisans, jewelry, seasonal items, books, stuffed animals, gourmet chocolates, and floral arrangements.

The auxiliary also raises money by way of membership dues, raffles, Bag Ali sales, memorial stones, food and book sales, special events, and the Remembrance Tree during the holidays. Among the reports, Shannon Smith, assistant treasurer, reported that the most profitable sales are the Collective Goods book sales and uniform and shoe sales, which are each held twice per year. She also announced that the next fundraising sale taking place is the uniform and shoe sale on July 13.

Caroleen Caldwell, chairwoman of the scholarship committee, announced the six recipients of the auxiliary’s West Central Maine Health Careers Scholarship Program. The following nursing students will be awarded a $600 scholarship: Althea Mae Drummond, of Livermore Falls; Jennifer Nichols, of Jay; Abigayle Brackley, of Strong; Kaitlin Marshall, of Jay; Maggie Elliott, of Strong; and Kayla Meserve, of Jay.

Besides Rand, auxiliary officers for the coming year include Shannon Smith, first vice president and assistant treasurer; Kamilla Hall, second vice president; Les Gatchell, secretary; and Priscilla Smith, treasurer.

Following the business meeting, attendees were treated to a buffet meal along with entertainment by the Moose Creek Cloggers.

Anyone interested in joining the auxiliary can receive a membership form by contacting Jill Gray, staff liaison to the auxiliary, at 779-2555. Perks include annual appreciation events with entertainment, and recognition gifts, a free turkey before Thanksgiving, free flu shots, and complimentary meal privileges.

Related Stories