Entries Tagged as Volunteers
Former Volunteer Wills Funds to NorthBay Adult Day Center
NorthBay Healthcare Foundation recently received a bequest from one of its long-time supporters, and the funds will be used to support NorthBay Alzheimer Services and the Adult Day Center.
The bequest came from Oretta Cortland of Vacaville, who for years had generously volunteered her time to the NorthBay Guild. She worked in the gift shop, on the hospital floor and in the NorthBay Alzheimer’s Resource Center. She also served as president and vice president of the NorthBay Guild, believing it was important for people to give of their time, friends say.
Oretta passed away in December 2009, but because she took out a life insurance policy and named the NorthBay Alzheimer’s Program as the beneficiary, both that program and the NorthBay Adult Day Center will continue to benefit from her generosity for years to come.
The gift of more than $20,000 came as “an extremely welcome and unexpected surprise,” according to Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation. “Although we knew Oretta felt very deeply about the NorthBay Alzheimer Resource Center, she kept her bequeath a secret from all who knew her.”
Oretta did so much for the NorthBay Guild when she was alive that the Foundation Board determined it would be a fitting tribute to her memory to establish a permanent endowment fund of $10,000, Johnson says. “The Oretta Cortland Endowment will provide funds to help NorthBay Alzheimer’s services in perpetuity.”
The gift of more than $20,000 came as an extremely welcome and unexpected surprise.
The balance of the donation was then allocated to the NorthBay Adult Day Center, and the arrival of these much-needed funds came as welcome news to Sandy Perez, program manager. In late 2009, the Adult Day Center’s budget was seriously impacted when the state eliminated $40,000 in grants. Perez and staff had been using the state grant money to provide financial aid to families in need. “Those funds helped so many people; we’ve had to get creative over the past year to find other ways to help our families. We’ve drawn upon the Foundation for help, and from the NorthBay Guild.”
The Adult Day Center does receive some federal grant money but, because of restrictions, they are considered emergency funds and only available to families for a 90-day window of time, Perez says. “It’s a caregiver grant and is meant to help families temporarily until they can figure out the best plan of care for their loved one.” The center also receives donations from private citizens and participant fees.
Perez used some of the funds from Oretta’s estate to provide scholarships for her financially strapped families. She used the balance to build a shade structure to cover the center’s back patio, making it a more comfortable place for her clients to spend part of their day. Her clients and their families will reap the benefits of Oretta Cortland’s generosity for years to come, Perez adds.
For more information about the NorthBay Adult Day Center, call (707) 624-7970. For more information about how you can leave a legacy through charitable planned giving, contact Johnson at (707) 646-3130.
A Perennially Classic Golf Event
The 27th Annual Golf & Tennis Classic, a popular fund-raising event organized by members of the NorthBay Guild, is always a sell-out and it benefits the programs of NorthBay Healthcare.
This year’s Golf & Tennis Classic will be July 11, 2011 at the Green Valley Country Club.
To sign up for the event, contact NorthBay Healthcare Foundation at (707) 646-3133.
Tribute Honors Amazing Volunteers
George Daugavietis: Hospice Volunteer Delivers Compassion in the Final Days
If a rocking chair had feelings, it would be endlessly frustrated by George Daugavietis. That’s because
the 62 year-old will never be inspired to give into it.
George could easily be a model for AARP. Thin, fit and tan, with shock of “silver fox” gray hair and striking blue eyes, he is a vertical advertisement for health and vitality. But he doesn’t simply count on eating right and exercising. The retired U.S. Air Force pilot who currently teaches math and geography at Solano Community College believes a balanced life must include volunteering. For the last 15 years, the Vacaville resident has served NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement.
“There are two ways to get things done in life: We can do everything for ourselves or we can do everything for someone else. I personally feel there is more benefit to do the latter.”
Born in Germany to Latvian parents, George and his family lived for a number of years in a camp for “displaced persons” after World War II. They managed to find a sponsor in Michigan where he lived until he joined the service. He married his wife, Nancy, a former military nurse, in 1975.
George’s duties vary as a hospice volunteer. They range from reading books or newspapers to patients, taking them outdoors or simply holding their hands. He has also been asked to provide a much-needed break for a caregiver or to help with preparing a meal. “I remember one man who had Alzheimer’s. His wife used to push him around in his wheelchair, but she got sick and I did it. One other gentleman just wanted to talk. I visited him for a year and a half and saw him the last night before his death. I was very happy I was there for him.”
“Sometimes people forget that, although someone is dying, they are still living and want to participate in life’s ordinary routines,” says Veronica Wertz, volunteer coordinator for NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement. “George has a keen awareness of how important those routines are, and he is able to meet someone ‘where they are.’ He is always so sensitive and insightful about what is needed by our patients and his quiet modesty makes everyone around him so comfortable.”
“I feel I already have a pretty reasonable attitude about death and dying, but working with those who are looking at the end of life has had an impact,” he says. “Most of those I’ve assisted have a very refreshing approach to dying. There is a level of acceptance. After all, we are all going to get there in the end.”
Because of that, George wishes more people would be inspired to volunteer for hospice—particularly if they are male. “Right now, I’m the only guy,” he says. “And for a lot of men who are going through the end of life, they would appreciate talking to another man.”
He explains that “you don’t have to be a “super” volunteer, but everyone can do something. If we all did just a little bit, the world would truly be a better place.”
So, while it’s tennis on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and a run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, George says he is every bit as dedicated to giving his time to help others. He will continue to keep his physical, mental and spiritual life vital.
“We all know that our mortality is finite,” he says thoughtfully. “Nonetheless, nobody should die alone. That’s why I enjoy working for NorthBay Hospice.”
Pat Dennis: Guild President Brings Grace, Gusto to Role
Sitting with Pat Dennis in her comfortable and spotless Vacaville home, you have the distinct feeling that you’re witnessing something unusual for her. She is sitting still.
Pat, president of the NorthBay Guild, wearing a fashionable outfit and her trademark spiked hair and funky jewelry, defines enthusiasm. At 74, her energy is palpable—and you can see that she enjoys multi-tasking in a way that might make a woman half her age groan.
Neatly piled on her dining room table are scores of projects she is working on for various organizations including the hospital, Vacaville Museum and Vaca Arts, which provides accessibility to art and culture in the community (she has also been a past member of the Saturday Club, Vacaville Concert Society and Solano Symphony). You have the feeling she’s going to happily dive right into them after her interview.
“I realized I just didn’t want to clean my house anymore. I wanted to do something more,” she says.
Pat has racked up more than 5,000 hours of volunteer time at since she joined the Guild in 2001. Starting at the Guild gift shop, she worked
in various capacities, eventually becoming a vice president then, finally, president.
“Pat is simply tireless,” says Jane Schilling, NorthBay Healthcare director of volunteer services. “She has a strong sense of what needs
to be done—and she’s the kind of person who really can make big things happen. We owe a lot of our success with our volunteer program to her and we’re thrilled to formally recognize her accomplishments.”
Born in Collinsville, Illinois (which is about 15 miles from downtown St. Louis), Pat was the daughter of a truck driver and a factory worker. She spent her career in serving the Veterans Administration in admissions, discharge and eligibility. She believes that the demanding work made her stronger.
“Not everybody likes you when you had a job like I had,” she explains. “That made me learn to be a bit more aggressive. In fact, most people would say that I’m not really a sweetheart. I’m outspoken and I always have an opinion.”
About volunteering, for example. “Every day you’re volunteering, somebody is going to cross your path and you can make their day or they will make yours. I will keep volunteering until I can’t go anymore. ”
In Their Final Days... Making Dreams Come True
Carmen’s Day by the Ocean
Carmen Toledano knew a lot about dreams—especially one in particular. The 88-year-old widow followed her husband’s dream and traveled with him to the United States from Spain in the 1960s. Leaving friends and family behind, she uneasily settled in Vacaville where her husband had been born (his family had returned to Spain in the 1920s).
Through the years, Mrs. Toledano tried to get used to her new life, a new language and different customs. While she loved her husband and wanted to support his dream, she never adjusted to her new country. Instead, she longed to be back by the ocean in her beloved Southern Spain, watching the waterfront activity and seeing the boats come in.
“When my mother got very ill, we tried to think of something that would bring her peace and joy,” said her youngest daughter, Trini. “She told us she wanted to see the ocean once more before she passed away and joined our father. When we learned about NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement’s Dream of a Lifetime program, we hoped we could find a way to make her dream of a day by the ocean come true.”
“We wanted to find a picture-perfect spot for Mrs. Toledano to enjoy her dream,” recalls Veronica Wertz, “Dream of a Lifetime” coordinator for NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement. “We immediately thought of Tiburon with its amazing, scenic views and of Guaymas, a restaurant there that serves Mexican and Spanish-style food.”
Driven by limousine to Tiburon with her three daughters and grandchildren, Mrs. Toledano loved the enticing views. It was bright and clear—perfect for seeing the splendor of the dappled light on the waves. She was escorted to an outdoor table and enjoyed a heaping plate of shrimp, good, strong coffee and a bite of dessert—all the things she hoped to eat and drink at the restaurant. Beaming at her family and holding the hand of her only grandson, she told everyone that this was one of the finest days of her life.
After lunch, the family strolled along the waterfront and watched the sailboats and the ferries gliding by. Mrs. Toledano’s interest in people-watching was satisfied as couples, bike riders and energetic children shared the walkway she was traveling on via wheelchair.
When she returned to the modest Vacaville home where she had lived for more than 40 years, Mrs. Toledano went to her late husband’s picture, as was her ritual, to speak to him about her day and to give him a kiss. “She told him what a wonderful time she had and how much she enjoyed seeing the ocean again,” said Trini.
“We were so happy watching Mrs. Toledano savor her dream,” said Wertz. “The love she felt for her family and the enjoyment of the food and the scenery were reflected in her face. We are always so pleased when our plans to make someone’s dream come true results in great memories for all those who are a part of it.”
Son’s Return Fulfills Wishes
Just two days before his death, Dennis Newstead was planning a grand adventure. Newstead, 93, was scheduled to be a recipient of NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement’s Dream of a Lifetime program. He was about to go to one of his favorite cities in the world: San Francisco. The former musician and printer wanted to feel the excitement and stimulation of the art and restaurant scene in North Beach.
“San Francisco is a wonderful, ‘come-and-look at-me’ city,” he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement during a conversation at the care home in Vaca-ville where he was staying. “It has everything one would desire: wonderful restaurants, theaters and interesting people. It’s a city that invites you to enjoy it and I enjoy it.”
His dream included a few hours at Vesuvio, long a classic watering hole for artists and musicians. He also wanted to dine at the restaurant called the Stinking Rose. “I hear they season the garlic with garlic there,” the London-born Newstead joked.
Newstead had also hoped his son, Dave, could enjoy the outing, but economically, it simply wasn’t possible. However, thanks to an extra donation at the last minute by “dream maker” Stanley Davis, a Foundation board member, Dave was flown in so he could join his father and Newstead’s beloved wife, Jane, as well as Dennis Newstead’s daughters, Annie and Stacey.
Unfortunately, it was a dream destined not to happen. “It’s strange because now, looking back, there was something distant in his eyes the night before we were to go,” said Stacey. “Then, that evening, he fell, and he died two days later.”
“Mr. Newstead had such an incredible life and this dream was an indication of his adventurous spirit,” said NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement volunteer coordinator, Veronica Wertz, who is in charge of the Dream of a Lifetime program.
Although the San Francisco portion of the dream was not realized, the family said it profoundly shifted shape in a way that was even more meaningful to them. “It was so worth it to have Dave here just before and after dad fell,” said Stacey.
Team Must be Agile to Deliver Wishes in Time
NorthBay Hospice & Bereavement’s Dream of a Lifetime program has been granting wishes of terminally ill patients since 2008.
It would be nice to report that all dreams come true, but in truth it’s often a race against the clock, to deliver magic while a patient still has the strength and stamina to enjoy it, admits Hospice & Bereavement Volunteer Coordinator Veronica Wertz. Sometimes a lot of work goes into fulfilling a dream, only to have a patient pass away before it can be realized.
Sometimes, dreams have to evolve, in order to allow a patient to experience a piece of it, as was the case of Dennis Newstead, who was just too ill to travel to his beloved San Francisco (See story, far right). So plans have to be adjusted.
“You learn to be nimble because when bottom line, it’s about giving the family a happy memory of their loved one in their final days,” she says. “We’ve seen some patients hang on by sheer will power to see their dream fulfilled. It’s amazing how once it’s over, they somehow feel free to let go. In almost every case, they’ve died within three days after the dream was fulfilled”
Funded entirely by the good will of donors, it is coordinated by the Dream Team, led by Wertz and several NorthBay Healthcare Foundation board members. To donate funds or provide services, or learn about the guidelines and rules that govern the program, contact Wertz at 646-3575.
Friday Night Dinners: Food for the Soul Church Outreach Allows Physical Therapist to Nourish the Needy
Vacaville’s Epiphany Episcopal Church has been serving free hot meals every Friday night since 2000 and attendance continues to grow.
Sentenced to Serve, Financial Counselor Becomes Safequest’s Volunteer of the Year
A traffic ticket that led to community service helped NorthBay Medical Center Financial Counselor Vicquita Velazquez discover her passion for helping others.
In Grief, Two Mothers Reach Out to Others
Barbara Crandall and Kathy Gee are part of a club no one wants to join. It’s the club for parents who have lost a child.
Children’s Network Leader Helps Families in Need
The nation’s beleaguered economy has caused a seismic shift at Children’s Network, says NorthBay Healthcare’s Director of Accreditation and Licensure, Mary Dickey.
RN Rolls Up Her Sleeves in Nicaragua
Janet Walker travels to Managua, Nicaragua, each year on missions with the Community Presbyterian Church in Vacaville.
Family Bonds: Fund-raising for Muscular Dystrophy
When it comes to healthcare, it’s all in the family for the Olmstead sisters. Three of the five sisters and one sister-in-law have all worked for NorthBay Healthcare at one time or another, in different fields.
