Springfield Hospital

Springfield, VT (May 11, 2020) –    Springfield Medical Care Systems and Springfield Hospital are pleased to announce Abby Burns, RN as the 2020 Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award recipient.

Abby Burns, RN
Abby Burns excels in the areas of communication, care of patients, nursing professionalism and teamwork. Abby greets patients as though she has known them for years. Her smile and friendly approach puts patients at ease and pulls them in. She is able to meet patients where they are at and find ways to connect and create trust. She does this through truly caring for patients and having a genuine desire to help improve their health or social situation. She is a great listener and she allows patients to be decision makers and set the course for what they are ready to tackle. She also takes the time to educate patients about the way these decisions can affect their overall health. Abby’s current role is RN Care Coordinator, where she collaborates with the primary care providers to ensure patients’ needs are met. She is often working with community partners to address social determinants of health and she is a strong patient advocate to ensure patients are able to access the resources they need. Abby previously held the role of Director of Nursing. As the Director of Nursing, Abby was a great support to the clinical support staff team for SMCS. She looked for opportunities to provide education and training to ensure staff were providing quality care and they felt confident doing it. She has the skills to identify efficient workflows and processes that both support the clinical support staff, primary care providers and the patient.  She developed an orientation and training plan that assessed skills and identified opportunities for growth for new team members. Abby is in influencer! She has a way of bringing people together and highlighting the strengths of team members and encouraging them to shine. Her approach inspires people to be at their best. Her passion for nursing and supporting the health and well-being of our patients and community is inspirational.

We are writing to nominate Abby Burns for the Eileen Austin Neal award for excellence in nursing.  As Nurse Leader for the practice, Abby’s positive attitude, high standards, and dedication to teamwork and patients knitted us together. She led us through the transition into the Springfield Health Center site, through changes, challenges, and audits with humor and the kind of enthusiasm that inspires everyone around her to do their best for the group. When she stepped away from Ridgewood,  it was of course, to leadership for the nurses of the entire FQHC system. During that period, Abby could be found anywhere she was needed, from staffing phones to writing procedures -anything that benefitted SMCS patients was touched by her influence, and often by her particular caring skill.   When she transitioned to Care Coordinator at Family Medicine, fate had other plans. There was no reason it had to be her to step up and lead Springfield Health Center through a pandemic crisis; that’s just the way she is. She organized the triage banks, designed the Health Center testing procedures, and had us all feeling like we are answering a call to service. We feel that way because she feels that way. Abby is qualified for the Eileen Austin Neal award by training, temperament, and inclination. She has served the people of this healthcare system in so many ways, from med-surg to mental health to community nursing.  We are so lucky and privileged to have her with us.

Abby Burns is an exceptional nurse, in more ways than I can count. I will try to summarize some examples in the following nomination. While reading the criteria under each category; Communication, Care of Patient’s, Professionalism and Team work, I could answer YES to every single one! I had the pleasure of orienting Abby. When she first started at Springfield Hospital on the Medical-Surgical floor, she hit floor running and even at her most stressful moments, had a smile on her face. Abby has now worked in many roles at SMCS office practices, most currently as a care coordinator in Suite 3. Abby is a pleasure to talk to on the phone and is always willing to help in any way she can. I can say that, from working collaboratively, Abby goes above and beyond for the patient’s in our community, meeting and exceeding their healthcare needs. Abby puts her whole heart into her nursing and treats patients as they were her own family members. She meets patients where they are at(emotionally, psychosocially) and treats them as individuals and works with them/their care team to develop an appropriate plan of care. During this COVID19 pandemic, Abby has stepped up as one of the main leaders for nurses at the health center and her leadership skills have been spot on. We are truly blessed to have Abby as a part of our team and hope that you can see, as I do, how deserving she is of this award.

Other 2020 Spirit of Nursing Award nominees include:

Scott Belt, RN
Patient Care Coordinator at Rockingham Health Center since July, 2015 where he had been employed at Springfield Hospital for 10 years. He is a CPR Instructor and a Smoking Cessation Instructor.
Scott listens to all people with open and positive communication, and views internal communication within this organization as his responsibility. His is committed to doing the best job possible, always willing to help with caring and seeking opportunities to be helpful. Scott demonstrates his ability to respond to requests for information without hesitation, has excellent leadership skills and incorporates these skills in teaching of health care. Scott interacts with ALL multidisciplinary members in a professional manner, and treats everyone fairly without regard to sex, race, color, religion or sexual orientation. He serves as a role model and strives for “service excellence, ” sharing his time, energy and knowledge with others to ensure they can succeed. He is always willing to “lend a hand” with staffing issues, Script Line, Triage Nurse, COVID-19 Monitor-to say  a few. As Jean Watson, PhD, RN says ” ….caring and love in our work….nursing is a life-giving and life­ receiving career” –this is Scott.

Carolyn Berk, RN
When Carolyn came to Ludlow, I was a bit intimidated by this sharp young ICU nurse, but I soon realized that she was just what we needed here. Carolyn is now our triage nurse, staying at “the helm”. She interacts all day long with patients. She is clear and concise when delivering information. Many patients see her as their “contact” person. Carolyn has learned to identify with patients, and sees them as individuals with needs that are unique to the individual. When it comes down to an emergency event, which we have quite a few such events in our rural clinic, there are only a few people I want at my side and Carolyn is one of the best. She knows her stuff and keeps me and other staff grounded, making everyone more calm. I don’t yell as much and the situation is handled. Carolyn is very professional, guides and inspires our newer staff; and strives always for professionalism. Carolyn shows pride in being an RN and is a valuable resource. Knowing she is “at the helm” of our day to day activities makes all of Ludlow Health Center better.

Mary Ann Bonneville, RN
One of the great attributes of a Nurse is the ability to adapt and change. Mary Ann does this not only in the blink of an eye but with a smile and a nod and her classic, “ok then.”This year has been beyond challenging, stressful and completely full of the need for changes and adjustments to not only the way we do Nursing, but also the way we live our lives in general. Mary Ann went from being a teammate to a leader in the Endoscopy Department. She took on those challenges with grace and understanding that the job needed to be done and she could do it. Not only have I been a Nursing peer with Mary Ann, but I have been her patient. I felt comfortable and at ease knowing that I had a Nurse who I felt genuinely cared about me as her patient. I have witnessed her treating every patient equally with compassion and without judgement, a quality that ALL Nurses should strive for. I am sure that Eileen would have agreed that Mary Ann is a Nurse worthy of this recognition. Mary Ann has been a Springfield employee for many years starting as an LNA then as an RN. Mary Ann has also worked for several departments in the hospital. Currently, she is the charge nurse for Endoscopy.  When Mary Ann first took on her new role, she was given many obstacles which she took in stride and never complained. Mary Ann is always able to see the good and has created morale that is happy and optimistic. Mary Ann always has the best interest of her coworkers and patients in mind. Mary Ann can be called on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and she is always willing to come to work and help out. She has a lot of knowledge and cares deeply about the work she does. She always wants her coworkers to succeed and wants what is best for her patients.  Mary Ann deserves this award because she has given herself to this hospital. She has built up her unit so her staff and surgeons are happy, and morale is at an all-time high. Her coworkers know they can call night or day. Mary Ann has committed herself to being the best nurse she can be.

Jenna Crawford, RN
Jenna Crawford is an exceptional part of our team. From the first day I met her, I could tell she was more than an asset to the Charlestown Health Center (CHC) family. She always has a smile on her face, but remains professional at all times with patients and colleagues. She’s willing to teach new team members and is always up for a new challenge! When working on certain tasks with Jenna, both with patients and “behind the scenes” in the office, she is compassionate, thoughtful, and puts patient care above all else. Jenna demonstrates a scope of clinical skills that is beyond what is expected of her, and yet she is always humble in all settings. Jenna is someone you look forward to working with on a daily basis; the nurse you want to call over when your patient needs someone’s hand to hold, draw blood, and everything in between, and the teammate you can depend on. To say she goes above and beyond as a nurse would be an understatement. It is quite a difficult feat to be kind, compassionate, empathetic, patient, skillful, well-educated, professional and, most of all,  humble.  Jenna Crawford does this effortlessly. We are so grateful to have her at CHC, and to put it simply, Jenna Crawford is deserving of the Eileen Austin Neal Spirit of Nursing Award. Jenna exemplifies every aspect of The Eileen Austin Neap Spirit of Nursing Award.

Jenna creates quick and comforting rapport with every patient and staff member she meets. She is able to calm any nervous patient she meets while getting to know them, all while performing her duties in an efficient manner. Jenna has an innate ability to understand the interaction of body, mind, and spirit of patients which makes her a perfect team member. After rooming the patient, Jenna is able to give great insight as to the patient’s overall well-being and is genuinely interested in their care moving forward. I can always rely on her to reach out to patients before and after an interaction, and to remember previous appointments and interactions. She does this all with such gleaming positivity that it is infectious to the patients and staff. Jenna is the definition of teamwork. She is technically Grace St. Pierre’s nurse, but takes on responsibilities for other nursing staff when she is needed, which is why we know her so well. She constantly reaches out for more opportunities to help with tasks and is always open for questions. Even when she gets overwhelmed, she does not let that affect her professionalism or her ability to remain positive. She is the epitome of this award, and beyond that, what it means to be a nurse. I strongly suggest a serious consideration for this award.

 Lindsey Grasso, RN
I’ve never met a nurse with such a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. Although Lindsey’s demeanor is tremendously kind and professional with patients and colleagues, and her greatest skill-set shines  at the front lines of direct patient care. She remains professional and personable during all interactions and never complains. Lindsey demonstrates a maturity and empathy that I’ve seen only in a handful of individuals with whom I’ve worked over the years.  She is the type of nurse that goes above and beyond even when no one is looking.

Blythe Kersula, RN
In her role as the Infection Control RN at Springfield Hospital, Blythe Kersula, RN, has shown extraordinary dedication and leadership. COVID 19 hit us in March when we became one of the first counties in Vermont to see cases. As this was a rapidly evolving situation, she had to navigate a very challenging landscape. Information and guidance literally changed sometimes multiple times a day with regard to best practices, and not only did Blythe have to coordinate a response within the hospital, she handled multiple outpatient SMCS facilities as well as the vulnerable Adult Day service.  Doing this in the face of limited resources and staffing, required her to be focused, organized and creative. I quickly came to see Blythe as knowledgeable, open to suggestion, organized, available, and very dedicated to our facility and its satellites. We owe a debt of gratitude to Blythe for helping to lead us through what has been something none of us has even seen before, and hopefully none of us will ever see again. She has managed to keep not only our patients safe, but has been key to keeping our staff safe.

Sarah Moran, RN
Patients regularly report how helpful she has been and how much they like her. She always takes the extra steps to help them. Patients look for her when they come in. Always willing to help the team.

Kate Moriglioni, RN
Kathleen, more affectionately known to most as Kate-Mo, is easily one of the most positive impacts on the nursing staff here as Springfield Hospital. She has not yet given her 60 plus years, as Eileen has done, but with no doubt in my mind will follow this profession through for many years to come. Kate does not consider this a job; it is a profession where she holds herself to the highest of standards, working tirelessly to empower her staff and patients to exceed. The emergency department is a humming center of intensity, with many personalities and multiple tasks to complete. I first met Kate when she was a nurse on night shift – always making sure her team was supported, inspiring others to do their very best, and always getting a few laughs in along the way. It was when she decided to become a charge nurse that I saw how truly amazing she can be. Caring for complex patient she is a born leader, who will always put her patients and staff first. I have first-hand seen her calm the anxious, support those in need of a little extra attention, and interact with our community members (including EMS, Police, HCRS, among many others) with professionalism and attentiveness that they deserve. She takes the initiative to get things done, before even being asked, and will go above and beyond the requirements.

Desirae Wilbur, RN
Dr. Patricia Benner described the evolution of a nurse from novice to expert the journey from knowing how to perform tasks to the expert nurse who has developed an intuitive grasp of the clinical situation – that extreme sense of the patient’s needs, at the moment and in the future, with an instinctual sense of when someone is really sick and potentially in danger that goes beyond simple vitals signs. I have had the great pleasure of watching Desirae, RN progress from novice to expert and become one of the finest young experts in our system. From a student nurse in 2005 to our clinical leader in 2020, I have watched her grow! Desirae is kind, she always expresses positivity with her peers. Always ready to embrace a new project and learning experience, and presents new initiatives from SMCS in a positive way to our staff. Desirae is beloved by the patients not only for her skills, as many patients request that she be the “only one to draw my blood” or the one “who knows me”. Her assessments are excellent and detailed.  Desirae shows compassion for the patient. She is able to walk in their shoes and is an amazing advocate. She encourages patients to “give a try” in getting better. She takes lifestyle medicine very seriously; working to be a healthy example. She engages in lifestyle change initiatives-weight loss and exercise and supports staff and patients in their efforts. She inspires us all to be better with sincerity and with a smile.

Photo: L to R: Lori Twombly, Director of Health Center Operations; Joshua Dufresne, Acting CEO, SMCS; Abby Burns, RN, Springfield Health Center; Michael Halstead, Interim CEO, Springfield Hospital

It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2020 nominees for the Eileen Austin Neal RN Spirit of Nursing Award. This award was created in 2004 in honor of Eileen who worked at Springfield Hospital for 65 years. Eileen was in her 80’s when she retired and she was the first recipient of this award!

Criteria for the award includes communication, care for patients, nursing professionalism, and teamwork. Nominations are accepted from throughout the organization, and are reviewed and voted on by a committee that includes the previous year’s recipient and a member of Eileen’s family, among others.

The following quote from American nurse theorist and nursing professor well known for her theory in human caring, Jean Watson, PhD, RN, FAAN, HNC, best describes the commitment to nursing:  “It is when we include caring and love in our work and our life that we discover and affirm that nursing, like teaching, is more than just a job, but a life-giving and life-receiving career for a lifetime of growth and learning.”

We are pleased to announce and congratulate our 2020 nominees:

• Scott Belt, RN, Rockingham Health Center
• Carolyn Berk, RN, Ludlow Health Center
• Mary Ann Bonneville, RN, Springfield Hospital, Perioperative Services/Endoscopy
• Abby Burns, RN, Springfield Health Center
• Jenna Crawford, RN, Charlestown Health Center
• Lindsey Grasso, RN, Charlestown Health Center
• Blythe Kersula, RN, BS, MSN, CIC, Infection Prevention, SMCS
• Sarah Moran, RN, Rockingham Health Center
• Kate Moriglioni, RN, Emergency Department, Springfield Hospital
• Desirae Wilbur, RN, Ludlow Health Center

Please join us in offering congratulations to this year’s nominees. The 2020 winner of the Eileen Austin Neal Award will be announced on Monday, May 11th.  ###

Photo: Eileen Austin Neal, RN

March 18, 2020

NO VISITOR POLICY at Springfield Hospital…Effective Immediately.

In light of the current Coronavirus situation, and in the best interest of the health and safety of our patients, staff and the public, we must adjust our visitor policy. With the exception of visitors to patients receiving end of life care, we are instituting a NO VISITOR policy at Springfield Hospital effective immediately.

If you have an appointment in one of our primary care offices, please keep your appointment, but limit the number of people you bring with you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Springfield Hospitals’ Visitation Policy is designed to safeguard visitors, patients and staff by limiting face-to-face contact when faced with the threat of contracting and/or spreading illness.

General Visitation to Springfield Hospital Patient Care areas:

• Visitors are restricted to two per patient at all times.
• Visitors are restricted to those over the age of 16.
• All visitors must enter the building through either the Main Entrance or the Emergency Department Entrance.
• Visitors will be screened for respiratory symptoms by the Front Desk Receptionist, Outpatient Registration, Emergency Room Registration, the Charge Nurse in the Emergency Room, or the Receptionist in the Radiology/Ambulatory Care waiting area. Visitors accompanying patients to appointments within the building can be screened by either the Front Desk Receptionist or Registration.
• Screened visitors will receive a visitor’s badge. This badge indicates that they have been screened for respiratory symptoms.
• If the visitor answers yes to having respiratory symptoms, they will be asked to postpone their visit until they are free of symptoms.
• Any patient without a visitors badge needs to be directed to the screening area before they can return to the patient care areas for their visit.

Visitors to Confirmed COVID-19 Patients:

• All visitors are screened for respiratory illness every time, according to the steps outlined above.
• General visitation is discouraged. Visitors can be considered in the case of a patient emergency or rapid deterioration of patient condition.
• Schedule visits as needed.
• Efforts will be made to assist patients with phone equipment, video calls, etc., to limit feelings of isolation.
• All visitors should wear the same personal protective equipment (PPE) as covered by the High Threat Infection Hospital Management Policy. This includes Contact, Airborne and Eye protection.
• Instructions will be given to visitors before they enter the room on hand hygiene, limiting surfaces touched, and the use of their PPE.
• Visitors to these patients should limit movement within the facility. Visits to the cafeteria or other areas are discouraged.

Ridgewood Office Building Practices (Orthopaedics, General Surgery, and ENT):

All visitors accompanying patients should be screened at registration at the same time the patient is screened. A visitor name badge will be provided which will indicate that they have been screened for respiratory illness. If they answer affirmatively, they should be asked to wait in their car or outside while the patient is being seen.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/hospital-preparedness-checklist.pdf

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Coronavirus Interim Guidance in the Health Care Settings- March 10^th, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Finfection-control.html

March 6, 2020   –  At Springfield Medical Care Systems, we are dedicated to providing high quality health care to all our patients.  As concerns grow for the potential development of cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our area, we want to assure you that we are focused on the health and safety of our patients and staff.

A task force has been meeting regularly to develop preparedness plans consistent with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control under the guidance of the Departments of Health of Vermont and New Hampshire.  Key members of the task force are on call 24/7 to help address any real-time concerns that arise at either Springfield Hospital or any of our outpatient offices.

At this point there are no confirmed cases in Vermont and the virus is not spreading widely in the United States.  In an effort to keep it that way, we ask for your help.

WHAT CAN YOU DO:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then properly dispose of the tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces with a household cleaning spray or wipe.
• The CDC does NOT recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms and those caring for someone with the disease.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• If you have returned from travel to Italy, Iran, South Korea, China or Japan in the past two weeks please call the Department of Health for your state of residence.
  • Vermont Department of Health 802-863-7240 (24/7)
  • New Hampshire Department of Health 603-271-4496 (business day)
    603-271-5300 (after hours)

• Call your primary care provider if you develop fever, cough or shortness of breath and have either recently traveled from an area with ongoing community spread of COVID-19 (China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea) or you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. We will help you work with either the VT or NH Department of Health to determine an appropriate testing, monitoring and/or treatment plan. 
• Please do not present to the Emergency Room, Walk-in or Primary Care without calling ahead so as to limit the risk of possible transmission to other vulnerable patients, or to our vital health care workers!   

Most often, mildly ill COVID-19 patients can be managed at home.

If you visit any of our health centers or Springfield Hospital, you will be asked about travel, cough, fever and/or contact with anyone who may increase your infection risk.

• NEW ADVISORY: Following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, returning travelers whose last day in China, Italy, South Korea or Iran was March 4 or afterwards should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. Travelers returning from Japan should monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the United States. All travelers who have returned from those countries in the last 14 days should call the Health Department at 802-863-7240 (VT) or 603-271-4496 (business day) 603-271-5300 (after hours) (NH) to discuss monitoring.  If you develop symptoms of shortness of breath, cough or fever, contact your health care provider right away.

We are here for you and appreciate you being there for us! 

Respectfully,

Katrina Taylor, DO                                         Robert Cantu, MD
Chief Medical Officer                                           Medical Staff President

Joshua R. Dufresne, MBA                          Michael J. Halstead, MBA
Acting Chief Executive Officer                          Interim Chief Executive Officer
Springfield Medical Care Systems                    Springfield Hospital

Springfield, VT (February 21, 2020)  —  Abnormal uterine bleeding can occur at any age and, while not exclusively, it is a symptom seen quite often in women of childbearing age.

Some of the causes of abnormal bleeding may include pregnancy, structural abnormalities in the uterus that may include fibroids or polyps, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, blood thinners, or hormonal changes.

Women who are entering or who are in menopause may have hormonal changes that can cause the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to thicken. This can cause bleeding or abnormal menstruation.

Some of the signs of abnormal uterine bleeding may include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding at unusual times (between periods, after sex, during menopause)
• Unusually long periods (seven days or longer)
• Inconsistent menstrual cycles

Testing may include a physical exam, blood tests, pelvic ultrasound, and further testing for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, or cancer may be needed based on your personal situation.

Your OB/GYN or other healthcare professional should be consulted immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. If you have questions, please call Springfield Gynecology at 802-885-7561.

Photo: Kara Pitt, MD, FACOG

Springfield Medical Care Systems (SMCS) and Springfield Hospital have an excellent working relationship that has served our communities well in the past; and the collaboration is expected to continue well into the future.

The SMCS health center network is an anchor in our local communities, as a valued healthcare provider as well as an economic cornerstone.  Current Chapter 11 Reorganization plans anticipate doing everything we can to strengthen the health system network and to ensure ongoing access to care within our region. All plans maintain a primary focus in terms of patient care and the delivery of healthcare service.

Reorganization may, and likely will, involve a somewhat different corporate structure.

Springfield Medical Care Systems, Inc. and Springfield Hospital filed Chapter 11 Reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in June of 2019. This action was taken to provide both organizations time to develop reorganization plans for a sustainable healthcare system. Throughout the process, management and the Boards of Directors for both organizations have carefully reviewed financial and organizational strategies to determine the best approach to efficiently and effectively maintain local access to healthcare services.

We anticipate filing exit plans with the bankruptcy court this Spring. Our goal is to ensure a strong primary care system that continues to operate health centers in the same towns where they are currently located. Also, that Springfield Hospital maintains operations. Specific services offered may change (as with any business) depending on community demand and reimbursement for services. It is premature at this time to share further details, other than to say exit plans will soon be filed and need to be approved by the bankruptcy court.

The message we want to be sure is clear throughout our communities is:

• We plan to file exit plans soon;
• Reorganization envisions continuing collaboration between Springfield Hospital and the SMCS
  health center network;
• Services will be designed to respond and meet the needs of the region; and,
• The organizations’ projections demonstrate they are sustainable into the future.

The future of healthcare in our region remains strong. Much work remains to be done; but Board members and staff are up to the challenge and we look forward to meeting the healthcare needs of our communities for years to come.  ###

Springfield, VT (1-9-20)  –  While the 64th Apple Blossom Cotillion is almost four months away, the hard work for its participants began on Sunday, January 5^th.  Weekly practices will continue at Riverside Gymnasium in Springfield, VT, each Sunday until the final performance and crowning of the 2020 Apple Blossom Queen on May 2nd.

Twenty-one high school senior girls and their chosen escorts will be joined by 21 elementary school couples at this year’s Cotillion.

The musical theme for this year’s production is Hollywood Nights and will feature songs that were performed or written by stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The high school senior girls who will be competing for the title of 2020 Apple Blossom Queen are: Julianna Albero-Levings, Lucy Applegate, Bailey Beebe, Jessica Cerniglia, Ashley Chamberlin, Lucia Coutermarsh, Hope Darrell, Alyssa Ferris, Allison Gibbons, Kayla Gibbons, Sarah Gurney, Grace Guy, Xandrea Luurtsema, Madison O’Brien, Hailey Perham, Ahna Perry, Courtney Stearns, Madison Tennis, Kaylee Warren, Maizy White and Mycah White.

Pam Church and Carrie Jewell return as this year’s Cotillion Directors.  They will be assisted by Tracy Austin, Anna Church, Bridget Sydney Wentworth, Brittany Peebles, Kyla Beardsley White, Robin Stoto-Keefe, Taylor Knoras, Mykahla Jasinski and Marie LaPlante.  Larry Kraft will be the event’s Master of Ceremonies for the 20^th consecutive year.

The Apple Blossom Cotillion is a fundraiser for Springfield Hospital.  Proceeds from this popular evening of community entertainment provide support for the Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award and services of Springfield Hospital.

For further information about the Cotillion, please contact Sandy Peplau, 802-885-7686 or email speplau@springfieldmed.org 

During this special time of year, there are many festive, spiritual, crafty and meaningful events one can attend.  At Springfield Hospital, a wonderful seasonal tradition takes place each year, called “Hearts of Hope”. This annual event provides a special opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who are currently battling, or may have lost their life, to cancer or heart disease.

Beautiful holiday ornaments, handmade by our volunteers, are placed on our Hearts of Hope tree in honor or memory of loved ones. Each year, the Hearts of Hope Committee, composed of Linda Feddersen, Barbara Bye and Ruby Pinders, raise funds through this event to purchase items for the support and comfort of our patients at Springfield Hospital’s Oncology and Cardiology Clinic.

This year’s tree dedication ceremony was held December 4th at the Nolin Murray Center in Springfield, and included caroling, honoring those remembered on the ornaments, special music by Patty Carpenter and Dr. Thomas Davis, and refreshments. This year’s event raised $6,400 for our Specialty Clinic. A long-time member of our Hearts of Hope Volunteer Committee, Arlene Pearson, was also remembered this year. Arlene put her heart and soul into this event for nearly 20 years and passed away earlier this year. She will be missed but always remembered by her HOH friends.

“We thank all of our donors who made this, yet again, a very special event,” says Sandy Peplau, Volunteer Coordinator, Springfield Hospital. If you wish to contribute to this campaign, heart ornaments are still available for a $15 donation.  Please contact Sandy at 802-885-7686.  ###