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'V . .AUGUST 6, 1975 - PLAINDEALER CENTENNIAL EDITION PAGE 12 Senior Citizens Club Proud Of Phenomenal Growth In Seven Years On April 26, 1968, an article' appeared in the McHenry Plaindeaier entitled "Organize For Senior Citizens' Program Monday", stating that an organizational meeting would be held Monday. April 29, to begin a Senior Citizens' program in McHenry. Gene Little, community school director and supervisor for this program, conducted this meeting, with the following in attendance Eleanor Foley, Eleanor Crawford. Ethel Groth. Ann Xevi, Hay McGee and Theron L . Young . The purpose of the, organization was to provide activities of interest, to the extent possible, tor all mem­ bers, the aim being of a social, educational, recreational and civiC concept Membership in the organization was restricted to residents of ltic McHenry area. especially School Districts No lf> and No. 156; and individuals over the age of 50 years, both women and men. regardless of marital status eligible for membership. There was 'a very en­ thusiastic response, as fifty-two interested persons attended the organizational meeting at the Junior high school At the Apr i l 29- mee t ing , the following officer's were elected: President. Brit Welker; vice- president. Mrs Eleanor Foley; secretary. Mrs. Eleanor Crawford and t reasure r , T .L . Young. Members sugges ted subjects they would be interested in would be photography. Nature Study, Wildlife. Dancing, Card Parties, Tours, Upholstering, Ceramics , Book Reviews , D r i v e r s E d u c a t i o n , Travelogues. and Local Politics. The second meeting of the organization was field May 13, 1968, with ninety-eight in at­ tendance The name McHenry Senior Citizens club was decided upon as the official name, and all timbers joining during the m fh of May, 1968, were considered charter members. It was decided there would be two meetings a month, the second and fourth Monday . evenings at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise specified. Membership fees, or dues, were set at $3 per person. The following were elected at this meeting to act as chairmen r of committees: historian, Lyda K Radisch. social, Helen Strandquist. program, W'.C. Wilson and publicity, Gertrude Disney By the fourth meeting of the club June 10 the membership had reached a total of 163. By July. 1968. the club had received its charter. The first annual Senior Citizens picnic at Veterans Acres was a huge success, with 175 members in attendance. Mayor Doherty and his wife attended the picnic as guests of the club At the three-month an­ niversary of the club, the membership had reached 227. ' The officers of the club and the chairmen of the committees have taken keen interest in their duties and in addition to the regular meetings the club had pot-luck dinners, par­ ticipated in the Fiesta day parade, had toui s. a picnic, and planned other festivities. By August, amendments had to be made .to the constitution and by-laws because of the fast growth of the club. Another advantage to club members is the free admittance to all regular season home athletic events, and all plays presented by the student body at the)high schools through the gold card. The club was honored by being asked to have some of the ladies serve refreshments at the open house of the new West campus high school Sept. 28 and 29. An important milestone was when the club started its own publication Clyde Blackwell was the editor-in-chief of the "News" and copies of this paper were distributed to the members each month . On Jan. 13. 1969 with a membership of 304, the n o m i n a t i n g C o m m i t t e e presented a slate of nominees, all of which were unanimously elected, many of whom had served under President Welker who was also re-elected for another term A Square Dance group was formed under the direction of Alf Heggeland. and other ac­ tivity groups were planned. City Clerk. Earl Walsh, a member of the club, was heard to remark after attending a meeting, "If this is an old folks' group, you can bet they won't- grow old in the rockin chair". May 2. 1969, is a date that will be historical as the McHenry Senior Citizens club kitchen band became a reality witn Dolly Mazzarella as the leader. The next new feature for the club was a smorgasbord dinner June 9 Jhe club planned on having four dinners each year, „ plus the Halloween costume party, free card parties for members.ifcnd the annual club picnic; also an annual art show to display the talented work produced by members, and the hobby and antique show. The bus-luncheon-theater tjips became very popular. The first Flower and Garden show far exceeded the ex­ pectations of the chairman of the event, and posed quite a problem for Judge Q.I. Wagner, and his assistants. Sixty prize ribbon^ were awarded. This, too. became an annual event. Sept. 9, 1969, was a red letter day for the club, as that marked the official debut of the McHenry Senior Citizens club bowling teams. Named President in 1970 was Lester Baker. Historian Lyda Radisch presented retiring president, Bert Welker, with a complete history of the club to date, including all publicity notices, and pictures of the many trips and activities. On special occasions throughout the year table decorations were taken to various nursing homes by Social Chairlady Helen Strandquist and her committee to help make the residents have a more festive holiday which were enthusiastically received and appreciated. The many interesting programs throughout the year, the bus trips, tours, and other activities of the club, were instrumental in the rapid growth in membership, and certainly provide much en­ joyment and entertainment for the members. On Jan. 11, 1971, George Binder, chairman of the nominating committee read the slate that had been prepared, and it was unanimously voted to cast a white ballot for the entire slate. Kenneth Fairchild was elected president. „ A new chairmanship was created, namely, greeter. Lester Baker was named of­ ficial greeter with Gertrude Disney to assist him. At the end of 1971 the membership had reached 427. Instead of having a grab bag gift exchange at the annual Christmas party, members contributed money which was used for the purchase of another wheel chair for Valley- Hi Nursing home, bringing the total of wheel chairs given Valley-Hi in 1971 to three. At the Jan. 10, 1972, election of officers, and Kenneth Fairchild was re-elected president. Activity remained the keynote of the club, as the bus trips increased and there were so many places to go; the luncheon-theater-bus events are increasing; circus; activity groups; dinners; good programs; and a sewing group w as very busily maki::g needed items for nursing homes; and the kitchen band was en­ tertaining many times at nursing homes and old people's homes in addition to playing for civic, church and club groups Sadness hit the club, because on June 6 President Kenneth Fairchild passed away following a very brief illness. A donation was made by the club to the McHenry Rescue Squad ii>° memory of Mr. Fairchild Due to his death, vice-presidt nt, Cyril Allen, was installed as t'resident with the responsibility of the leadership of the club with a membership of way more than 400. He was again elected in 1973. When the nominating com­ mittee presented a slate of officers for 1974, it met with the unanimous approval of club members. The new president was Kenneth Bowsher. 1974 was another year of tremendous growth for the club with membership well over 600. The bowling started with forty- four in 1969 and in '74 there were over 125 regular bowlers. The art classes and square dancing programs were growing also. It was a banner year for the kitchen )and. The highlight of the season was the trip to Springfield, where members competed in the kitchen band contest at the Illinois State Fair, and came home trium­ phantly bearing the coveted first place blue ribbon, plaque and check. Dolly Mazzarella, leader of the kitchen band, had the honor of introducing Governor and Mrs. Walker to the audience. Governor Walker told the band "You Are Great"! The band also entertained at the Walworth County Fair Elkhorn, Wis., and received a tremendous ovation, and had the pleasure of each band member being greeted by Governor Lucey. The kitchen band consists of Thelma Allen, Cyril Allen, Clara Bender, Viola Binder, George Binder, Eleanor Crawford, Emme DCIercq, Lucille Deitz, Louise Giel, Frank Giel, Carolyn Jansen, James Jansen, Mary Kan- torski, Susan Kaybor, Dolly Mazzarella, Rocco Mazzarella, Gertrude Murphy, Ray Mur­ phy, Lyda Radisc^ Anne (Continued pn page i5v MCHENRY HOSPITAL ...where concern for your health needs created these innovative services • The new concept of outpatient surgery enables a patient to arrive at the hospital for minor surgery in the morning and to return home directly on release from the post anesthesia recovery room. This saves a (fatient the expense of room charges and the inconvenience of overnight absence from home. It greatly reduces stress, especially for a child patient. A total of 576 outpatient surgical procedures were performed last year at McHenry Hospital. • The Emergency Room of McHenry Hospital has an emergency service physician on duty at all times -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, the hospital's medical staff provides "on call' Emergency Room service in the specialties of internal medicirte, pediatrics, otolaryngology, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and general surgery. Psychiatrists maintain an emergency consultation schedule, and dentists and oral surgeons on the hospital staff are called as needed. • In the special intensive Care Unit, constant surveillance and cardiac monitoring of critically ill or injured patients is possible. ICU nurses are entrusted with the care of patients at their most acutely ill stage. Every skill and facility available is'applied to the care of patients in the Intensive Care Unit. ^Family Centered Maternity Careis a program in which mother, father and baby are considered a family unit from pre natal classes, through labor and delivery, to voluntary "rooming-in" of the baby, and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. visitation for the father. • As a designated Trauma Center, in the State of Illinois Emergency Medical System, McHenry Hospital is committed to the training of ambulance personnel and rescue squads throughout this area. Physicians assist the EMS and Trauma' Center coordinator, Jim O'Heir, with lectures and demonstrations. All hospitals in this county use the Trauma Center to arrange transfer of patients to metropolitan medical centers. The State of Illinois provides teaching aids and equipment to help the Center fulfill its commitment. • Emergency Med]caI Technicians who are certified may take advanced training in coronary careso that they may transmit information back to the hospital from the site of a heart attack. The Trauma Center coordinates this training, using lectures by cardiologists and tests from the EMT National Registry. • The concept of modular nursing stresses "getting the nurse back to the bedside, rather than at a desk." A Registered Nurse in charge of a module (approx. 10 patients) coordinates the comprehensive care of those patients on a 24-hour plan. Rather than supervising others in giving care, ttie modular nurse provides direct patient care, using ancillary personnel to assist her whenever needed. • Classes for diabetic inpatients and family members, conducted by a medical-surgical nurse clinician and the therapeutic dietitian, are a harbinger of the increasingly broad role hospitals like McHenry Hospital will take In patient education. • The 17-bed Pediatric Ward provides expert nursing service and facilities designed especially for child patients. Parents are usually permitted to participate in everyday services to their child during their visits. • Patient Representatives are the patient's advocates who act as expert intermediaries in matters concerning insurance, public aid, Medicare- Medicaid, and other resources. In addition to fiscal matters, the Patient Representative also consults with the patient and his family concerning hospital services and responds to any request concerning problems which arise during the patient's stay. • Patients at McHenry Hospital enjoy the benefits of indivMuajllM) diet* in accordance with the instructions of their physician. Therapeutic and administrative dietitians oversee trie preparation of meals which are not repeated within a two-week period. The therapeutic dietitian also instructs patients who have special dietary problems regarding their post-hospital diet. The Dietary department also prepares the "Meals on Wheels" lunch and dinner tray sponsored by Church Women United and delivered to the elderly and incapacitated by volunteers. e The American College of Surgeons has approved McHenry Hospital's Cancer Activities Program and Tumor Registry, a service thatgives cancer patients the benefit of having specialists in consultation on their treatment. Problematic aspects are discussed in conference at meetings of the Tumor Board. Furthermore, the Tumor Registry follows up patients after discharge to make certain that they are receiving needed treatments or are following their physician's recommendations. McHenry Hospital is one of only 800 hospitals coast to-coast whose Cancer Activities Programs have received the approval of the American College of Surgeons. • Continuing professional educationfor physicians is the responsibiHty of a medical education committee of the Medical-Dental staff. The committee presents programs for the Medical Dental staff and provides information on postgraduate courses. • The hospital pharmacy department's unit dose system of dispensing medications guarantees the prompt and precise administration of medicines to each patient. Also, because each pharmaceutical dose is encapsulated, patients do not pay for any elective medication ordered but not used; this remains sterile and is returned to the central pharmacy. In addition, a 24 hour "drug profile" is kept updated to prevent the ingestion of any combination of medicines which could produce a synergistic effect. Started as a prototype in 1971 in cooperation with the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, this department remains a model for other hospitals. • The McHenry Hospital blood bank offers a blood assurance plan and a monthly blood donor day for which convenient afternoon and evening appointments may be made. • The two year School of Anesthesia program conducted by the Department of Anesthesiology trains Registered Nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. McHenry Hospital is one of only 214 hospitals in the United States conducting this kind of school. • A staff Development coordinator schedules and teaches inservice courses - from medical terminology to coronary care, arranges community health seminars, and develops inpatient education programs to ensure that the patient can care for himself after his discharge from the hosoltal. • Computer data processing enables all departments to extract information more efficiently and quickly; to formulate diets, medications, and other individualized needs, to tabulate charges and credits. Shared time enables the hospital to reduce its costs while using the computer system only when needed. • Clinical experience in caring for patients is provided at McHenry Hospital for student nurses and other health care students Through the nursing currlculums at McHenry County College and Elgin Community College, student nurses serve their clinical experience as both freshmen and sophomores. Dietitian students at Northern Illinois University do a practlcum with both our administrative dietitian and our therapeutic dietitian. • Respiratory therapy, which prevents pneumonia after surgery, brings down abnormally high temperatures, and clears congestion in bronchitis and other conditions, is administered by qualified technicians at McHenry Hospital. The respiratory therapy department is also called on to administer oxygen in cases of cardiac arrest. and a new Patients who enter the hospital for "outpatient surgery", whether it requires general or local anesthesia, are discharged from the post-anesthesia recovery room on the same day as the surgery. This young man underwent hand surgery a few hours before his discharge. McHenry Hospital has agreed to act as the Coronary Care Resource Center for the new coordinated Mobile Intensive Care Unit program for McHenryCounty and western Lake County. The Mobile ICU program, which will become operational in autumn, 1975, will enable a physician based at McHenry Hospital to read an electrocardiogram transmitted directly from the scene of a heart attack by an ambulance squad. The doctor Can then instruct the rescue squad by radio about the treatment and medications to be given the victim. Although the two-way EKG monitor will be connected to the emergency room and the Intensive Care Unit at McHenry Hospital, personnel at the emergency rooms of other hospitals in this area will be able to see the EKG and will hear the instructions of the physician at McHenry Hospital. The emergeny room staffs of all hospitals will be informed of the medications and treatment being given. The ambulance personnel will bring each victim to the nearest hospital, informing the hospital's staff of their Estimated Time of Arrival. The McHenry County Board of Supervisors has voted its approval of the program. The cities which have already given their approval include Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Harvard, Island Lake, Marengo, McHenry and Woodstock. Rescue squads which have agreed to participate under stringent terms of 24-hour duty, timed response deadlines, and advanced training and certification are: City of Crystal Lake Community Ambulance Service; Fox River Grove Fire Protection District; Harvard Rescue Squad; Village of Hebron Rescue Squad; Huntley Fire Protection District Community Ambulance Service; City of Marengo Rescue Squad; Woodstock Rescue Squad; Medical Transportation Systems (McHenry-Western Lake Counties); and Johnsburg Rescue Squad. The Medical-Dental staff of McHenry Hospital voted a unanimous endorsement of the program; Dr. Gregory Eckstein has accepted appointment as Project Medical Coordinator; and Anthony Corcoran has accepted appointment as Project Director. A patient's case history is entered in a bedside computer as the patient answers a battery of questions -- an important aid to the physician 'in reinforcing his clinical evaluation The MERCI radio-network between McHenry Hospital's Trauma Center and ambulances throughout the area enables Emergency Room nurse Molla Haugen to talk to an on-site rescue crew regarding the patient's vital signs and condition. The ER physician may give instructions and prepare for the incoming patient Computerized data processing enables McHenry Hospital to r individualized diets, medications, and other data within a fraction of the time previously needed. The pediatric department cares for hundreds of child patients each year in cheerful surroundings which are equipped for specialized care. I \ SUMMARY OF HOSPITAL SERVICES 1974 1975 Patients Cared for 17,023 19,397 21,028 Inpatients 4,926 4,859 5,144 Emergency Room 11,700 13,965 16,160 Outpatient Surgeries 397 573 724 and Procedures Average Length of Stay for Inpatients (days) 8.3 Under 65 7.6 Over 65 -14.3 7.3 7.0 6.7 6.6 11.9 11.7 Total Surgery Patients*. Anesthetics Babies Born 2,544 2,636 2,888 2,047 2,080 2,378 502 454 484 In reducing the number of days the average patient must stay in. the hospital, McHenry Hospital's staff and personnel have reduced stress and inconvenience to both the patient and his family, and have lessened the days for which the patient must pay room charges. To accomplish this, we have intensified the patient's schedule of tests, treatments and other services. All personnel work at a high level of efficiency; all resources are utilized to a high degree of potential. "The refinement of emergency medical services is probably one of the most important developments in the health field for meeting the traumatic situations that so often occur in our modern society." This statement by Governor Walker indicates the importance to all citizens of the new Mobile Intensive Care Unit program which is now being inaugurated in McHenry County and western Lake County. We at McHenry Hospital are honored to serve as the Coronary Care Resource Center for this Mobile ICU plan. Our Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit nurses are now engaged in taking a coronary care course. The Trauma Center is now teaching Emergency Medical Technicians an advanced course concentrating on coronary care. Our medical staff has enthusiastically agreed to serve as both teachers and consultants. We hereby pledge our resources and energies to this program. We believe it will save many lives. w Executive Director AUGUST 4j_lt7$ - PLAINDEALER CENTENNIAL EOITION-PAOB JJ Mi' • d Wilke and Mary Wood. Tl leader is Dolly Mazzarella, pianists, Eleanor Crawford and Lucille Deitz, and secretary, Lvda Radisch. (Continued from page 12) Roht in f ie r . E l s ie Reiker, Erna Santek'i^. Betty Sonnenberg, 11 • • 15 • n Strandquist. Julia Tin'.'i ns Ai'ncs Wissell, Woman's Club Outgrowth Of Mothers Group The McHenry Woman's club had its beginning through the Mothers' club, which was organized Jan. 28, 1925. In October. 1948. discussion was started to become a part of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs (I.F.W.C.), the 11th district and the McHenry County Federation. ii. January of 1949, the by- idus of the new McHenry Woman's club were revised. In May of that year, a formal motion was made to join the IFWC and District 11. On March 8,1949, a notice was sent to the club that the County federation was happy to welcome the new club. A certificated membership into the IFWC was received by the club and the McHenry Woman's club officially became a member of the IFWC in October of 1949. Some of the Jirst IFWC projects, such as the Park Ridge School for Girls and Indian Affairs, still benefit by club participation. In April of 1950, club mem­ bers were hostesses for the annual meeting of the McHenry County federation. In May, the club sent its first delegates to the IFWC convention. The first student was sent to a music camp in 1951. This was the start of a program which sent many students to music, art and conservation camps through the efforts of the club. The first student to attend camp was Jack Wirtz, son of Mrs.Alida Wirtz. She was a member of the original organization and remains an active member at the present time. Not only has the local club sent many local students to these various camps all these years but through. small donations to districts, the club has participated in sending many deserving students to college on larger scholarships. Donating books to the library in memory of deceased member was begun in 1952. That program is still in effect today. Through its * interest in gardens, the McHenry Woman's club formed the McHenry Garden club in April of that same year. The custom of opening the club year with a fall luncheon was begun in the fall of 1952. The practice of closing the year with a spring luncheon was established in 1957. The club's first card party conducted to benefit the McHenry library was held in 1953 and has since become an annual event. The club has been very successful in maintaining many of the projects and events which had their beginning almost twenty-five years ago. "If we really took the time to name all the philanthropies and projects we have been involved with these past twenty-five years, we would see that we are not just a group of women eating our refreshments and being entertained by very excellent programs,' ' President stated. "Each in our little way, a penny here, a cake or even just a few hours there, have been working quietly providing much needed help to many people and many worth while philanthropies." Business & Professional Women Active In City On Oct. 20, 1969, the McHenry Business & Professional Women's club was chartered with a membership of fifty-two women. The first officers and organizers of the club were Lenore Frisby, president; Rita Hahn. first vice-president, Libby Podpora, second vice- president; Judy Hamilton, recording secretary; Mildred Kersten, corresponding secretary and Shirley Harms, treasurer. Since that time membership has grown to over eighty under presidents, Rita Hahn, 1971; Libby Podpora, 1972; Vila Bemud. 1973 and 1974; and Cathy Nolan, 1975. When McHenry chartered, it joined with over 175,000 members nationwide in carrying out the following objectives: To elevate the standards for women in business and the professions ; to promote the interests of business and professional women and bring about a spirit of cooperation; and to extend opportunities to business and professional women through education along lines of in­ dustrial, scientific and vocational activities. Annual projects of the B.P.W. are Salvation Army tag day, Christmas gifts for the elderly, the awarding of two $200 scholarships for graduating McHenry high school girls to continue their education in business or the professions, the naming of McHenry Business Woman of the Year and many other civic and legislative programs. First Scout Troop 162 Chartered During J 929 ... ScQUt Troop 162 was char­ tered in 1929 with the McHenry American Legion as its sponsor. Merwin L. Schoenholtz was the scout­ master and continued his association with Troop 162 until 1955. Some of the other names on the original charter were A.J. Wirtz assistant scout­ master. and William Bickley, Troop committee chairman. Some of the faithful through the 30's and 40's were William H. Althoff. who served as troop committee chairman from 1933 to 1946. Lester Bacon and Elmer J. Freund, who both appeared on the troop com­ mittee roster. McHenry's first Eagle Scout was Robert H. Weideman, who attained this prestigious rank in 1943. Not until 1957 did a rival troop come into being which was Troop 131, sponsored by the Methodist Men's club, Lynn Stuart, scoutmaster. Both troops, plus some seven other cub packs and scout troops, served boyhood in the McHenry area today. The present roster is as follows: Pack 131, Methodist Men's club. Community Methodist church. Pack 162, American Legion Post No. 491. Pack 351, St. Patrick's Holy Name society. Pack 452, Mt. Hope United Methodist church Pack 454. Johnsburg Parent- Teacher organization. Troop 131, Community Methodist church. Troop 162, American Legion Post No. 491. Troop 452, Mt. Hope United Methodist church. Troop 455, St. John's church. Troop 459, Lakeland Park Property Owners' association. Jaycee Ladies Active Part Of Community The McHei . y Area Jaycee auxiliary started in the Fall of 1969 in conjunction with the ' McHenry- Area Jaycee organization. The auxiliary has sponsored such lund raising projects as its annual lemonade and homemade bake goods stand at the chicken bar-b-que during Marine Festival week; making and selling Christmas wreaths and Mother's day corsages, and rummage and bake sales. Proceeds from these projects have gone to purchase equipment for the Pioneer center, a steel toy cart and toys for the Pediatrics ward at McHenry hospital -a riding dolphin and flowers for the city park It has also participated in civic projects such as the Amblyopia clinic, a Baby­ sitting clinic, a First Aid course, the city Halloween party, lunch with the Easter bunny, and is currently sponsoring a local Girl Scout troop. The members of the auxiliary are proud to be an active part of the McHenry community. life saving program As the Basic Hospital in the Emergency Medical System of western Lake County and McHenry County, McHenry Hospital is committed to complete Emergency Room service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A physician is always on duty, and specialists are "on call" to provide specialty service as needed. Pharmacists dispense each patient's prescriptions for each shift in every department, insuring on-time and accurate medication. Each patient's 24-hour drug-profile is also maintained for the attending physician, to prevent the prescribing of a substance which may have a heightened effect in combination with a previously-ingested medicine. Recognition of all types of heart arrythmias is required of all certified Emergency Medical Technicians-II. They must pass a practical test, as well as a written one, before participating in the Mobile ICU program, 1h the Intensive Care-Coronary Care Unit, each patient is in constant view of the nurse and each cardiac patient's heartbeat is continually monitored. Individual attention is facilitated by the unit's open floor-plan. "Family-Centered Maternity Care," from prenatal lectures to rooming-in of the new baby, reaches fulfillment as the newborn is held by his mother and 4 greeted by his father in the delivery room immediately after birth. Nurses who will participate in the Mobile ICU program are shown in a coronary care class conducted by Karen Eckstein, R.N.,. M.S., who was coordinator of the Trauma Nurse Specialist program of the State of Illinois before coming to McHenry Hospital as assistant director of nursing service.