| SMHC
invites public to share in holiday cheer
St Mary’s Hospital and Clinics is hosting a Christmas Open House from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20th in their Cottonwood clinic reception area. The seasonal event will feature refreshments, caroling and holiday cheer. “The patients and businesses in the community have been so supportive of our hospital and clinics so we’d like to invite everyone to share in some holiday cheer,” said Jim May, SMHC Development Director. “Christmas is a special time of year shared with family and friends. We consider the residents of this area to be our friends, as well as our patients. We hope everyone will stop by and enjoy the season with us.” The hospital and clinic is located at 701 Lewiston Street. Angel Tree needs elves As in years past, St. Mary’s Hospital staff and community ‘elves’ are asked to select an ornament from the Angel Tree, purchase the item(s) listed, attach the ornament and return it to the tree, unwrapped, by Friday, December 15th. The tree with its ‘ornaments’ is located in front of the hospital chapel. Maximum amount for requested gifts is $25. “We will be accepting names of children in need until Friday, December 8,” said Sr. Corinne Forsman, SMHC Mission Integration Manager. Sr. Corinne or Cheri Holthaus are compiling the names which will be held confidential. Each child is assigned a number to protect his or her privacy. The ornaments list the number, the child’s gender, age and items from their Christmas ‘wish list.’ “Last year so many area students helped with the project. They donated toys and food. It was heartwarming,” said Sr. Corinne. “In the past, a number of people asked if they could contribute money for the gifts because it was difficult for them to do the actual shopping. The answer to that is ‘yes’ because our staff volunteer to do the shopping if someone would rather send a check. The money can also be used to purchase missing food items when we prepare the food boxes that will go with each family’s gifts.” Families can pick up ‘Santa’s gifts’ on Wednesday, December 20th between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. at the hospital. For additional information call SMH, 962-3251. Donations can be mailed to “Angel Tree Project” c/o SMHC, 701 Lewiston St., Cottonwood, ID 83522. SMHC to offer second session of 'Kick Butts' program St Mary’s Hospital is hosting the second session of their free tobacco cessation program, Kick Butts, designed to help people interested in quitting tobacco. The group sessions are held the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the SMH Cottonwood Clinic reception area. The next session is planned for Thursday, December 14. The series will include both group meetings and individual sessions facilitated by Mary England, Respiratory Therapist. Participants can join the group at any time because it will be ongoing as long as there is interest. “Our next session will be a good one to attend for those who are planning on quitting as part of their New Year’s resolution. This will help prepare them and help ensure that they’ll be successful. We’ll have group sessions once a month as long as there is an interest., but I also get together with people individually throughout the program,” said England. “Everyone within the program picks a quit date within five weeks of the initial session.” There is no charge for the sessions which are designed for both people who smoke and those who chew. Advance registration is required for the program which will meet in the downstairs SMH Conference Room. Leave a message on England’s voice mail if you are interested in learning more about the program or would lie to preregister, 962-3251 ext. 1101. |
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