Busy Bees

The “Busy Bees” gather 3-4 times per month.  They make sweet bunny buntings to send newborns home in for Easter and festive stockings to send newborns home in for Christmas. The remainder of the year, the Busy Bees concentrate on creating Benji Bear hand puppets that are distributed to various departments throughout Overlook Hospital for pediatric patients.

CH Twig #15 Happenings

In January 2008, CH Twig #15 announced a contribution of over $6,000 to meet various items on the Overlook Hospital's "Wish List". CH Twig #15 will make donations to the Pediatric and Oncology departments, specifically donating a portable electronic vital signs machine and self-help books. 

CH Twig #15 is comprised of 57 members, all of whom are residents of the Highlands neighborhood located in Chatham Township. This Twig raises money for Overlook Hospital through neighborhood gatherings and events, such as the annual Block Party, Christmas Luminaria and the Spring Party.  This year's Spring Party theme was "Mardi Gras" and it featured a Silent Auction.  Auction items included many luxury baskets, golf outings, and vacation homes, all donated by the Twig members. The evening was a huge success and a lot of fun as well! 

We recently held our Luminaria Assembly, selling over 300 kits that included the folded bags assembled with sand and candles.  Our neighborhood is a beautiful sight all lit up on Christmas Eve.

CH Twig #15 is a wonderful organization that fosters great community spirit in the Highlands neighborhood.  We look forward to continuing to serve and raise money for Overlook Hospital.

CH Twig #16 Happenings

Members of CH Twig #16 continue to be busy volunteering. They meet once or twice per month and create beautiful “Love Pillows” which are presented to post operative patients.  Love Pillows serve as soft little hugs at a time when most of us need and appreciate a hug from a friend.

SU Twig #1 Happenings

To coincide with Donor Sabbath, Overlook Hospital Auxiliary's Donate Life Twig and the New Jersey Organ and Tissue Sharing Network (NJ Sharing Network) hosted a program entitled "The Gift of Life Symposium - a Religious, Personal and Clinical Perspective on Organ and Tissue Donation” on Friday, November 9, 2007 at Overlook Hospital. More than 120 members of the clergy and community attended this educational event.

After a warm welcome from Dr. Norman Luka, Medical Director of Clinical Affairs, the program included presentations from Rabbi Avi Friedman of the Jewish Community Center of Summit, Reverend George Blackwell of the Good Neighbor Baptist Church in Newark, and Edmund Luciano, Deacon and heart transplant recipient.  Rabbi Friedman spoke of the various Jewish viewpoints on donation, while Reverend Blackwell’s presentation identified religion as a major source of support for families who have lost loved ones. Deacon Luciano began his presentation with facts about religion and donation and then revealed to the audience that he is a heart transplant recipient of only 6 months. In addition, Overlook psychologist, Rosalind Dorlen, a living kidney donor, and her husband, David, a kidney recipient, discussed their participation in a 4-way kidney exchange, giving David his second chance at life. William Reitsma, RN, Clinical Director of NJ Sharing Network was also on hand to provide information regarding recent developments in donation and up-to-date clinical statistics. Many questions were directed to Mr. Reitsma during the Q&A portion of the program.

Those who attended the Symposium scored the program a 4 overall, which is the highest rating for this event. Members of the clergy planned to introduce donations to their congregations and would be calling NJ Sharing Network for more information in the near future.  This changed the minds of many about organ donation and attendees vowed to encourage friends and family to become donors.~

On May 28, 2007 Twig members of SU Twig #1 rode and walked in Summit’s Annual Memorial Day Parade. 

(Left to right) Simone Shelby, Wally Shelby, Dorothy Moxley, Lenore Ford, Summit’s Mayor Jordon Glatt, Wayne Engel, Ruth Rosensweig and Ron Rosensweig.

SU Twig #2 Happenings

Luminary Sale

SU Twig #2 gathered together on December 3, 2007 to assemble and deliver luminarias. It was a bright, beautiful winter day, and the well attended event helped to get everyone into the holiday spirit.   Proceeds from the sale fund items from the Auxiliary Wish List.

Shown assembling left to right: Danielle Maloney, Tammy McLean, Sue Britt, Regina Daly and Nora Holley.

SU Twig #3 Happenings

SU Twig #3 is currently planning the Auxiliary Spring Luncheon.  The Event is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2008 at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield.  Cary Barbor, Health Director of More magazine will be the guest speaker.

SU Twig #3 Chairwoman Jeanne Lawler reports continued sales of the Auxiliary cookbook Great Gatherings. Jeanne also announced that the cookbooks will be offered at a discounted cost at the Spring Luncheon to celebrate the Event.

For information or to puchase a cookbook, please contact jeanne.lawler@verizon.net.

SU Twig #4 Happenings

In March 2008, SU Twig #4 was happy to present Erika Nardini, the head of Child Life, and the Pediatric Playroom with many new Arts and Crafts materials worth over $400. Items included new crayons, markers, modeling clay, paper, bunny ears, Easter eggs, shamrocks, foam stickers, door hangers, wood crafts for painting, play dough, glue sticks and more. Also delivered were several plastic drawers to house the new crafts.

Gathering and delivering the items was both fun and rewarding. Michael’s supplied the gifts, and, although they do not usually provide discounts for non-profit organizations, the manager made an exception by generously offering her 25% employee discount. These wonderful crafts are not only used by sick children, but serve as much-needed diversions for their siblings who may spend long hours in the hospital waiting with parents. The Arts and Crafts make a difference for all of the children by providing a little year round cheer.

Summit Twig #4 Partners with Junior League of Summit

On Saturday, December 1, 2007, members of the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary’s SU Twig #4 partnered with the Junior League of Summit to decorate the Pediatric Playroom and floor for the holidays.  The JLS Pediatric Playroom initiative is run by Paige McInerney of Chatham.  In addition to creating crafts and games to entertain the young patients, JLS volunteers often decorate the playroom seasonally to create a happy environment. This year SU Twig 4 came together with the JLS to bring holiday cheer to the patients, families and staff of the Pediatric Floor.  The Twig purchased a new nine foot artificial tree along with various Christmas and Hanukah decorations for the Pediatric Playroom.   Working closely with Erika Nardini, Child Life Specialist at Overlook, SU Twig #4 also stocked the arts and crafts supplies for the Playroom.  

Pictured are: Katrina Walsh, Marianne Speni, Rebecca Kranzler, Dr. Laura Zimmermann, Virginia Cepeda, Anne St.Clair and Paige McInerney.

On Saturday, May 5, 2007, SU Twig #4 hosted a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the home of Meghan and Steven Duttenhofer.  We are proud to report that we raised over $2,000 to benefit Overlook Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Room.   Muchas Gracias!

Margaritas were the featured beverage along with traditional Mexican cuisine, including fresh salsa and guacamole with fajitas, empanadas and quesadillas.  Special thanks go to our hosts and the Cinco de Mayo Committee. 

Summit Twig #4 from left to right: Janie Garrett, Hadley Peterson, Anne St.Clair, Katrina Walsh, Valerie Minton, Meredith Guida, Maureen Griffith, Tracey Dunleavy, Laura Grosso and Meghan Duttenhofer.  Missing from photo: Amy Donohue, Rebecca Kranzler, Liz Martin, Chrissy Munn, Stacey Press and Dr. Laurie Zimmermann.

SU Twig #19 Happenings

Derby Day Party Reigns In Donations for Overlook Hospital

SU Twig #19 held its annual Derby Day Cocktail party on May 5, 2007 for the benefit of Overlook Hospital. The event was held in the Summit home and gardens of Twig member Vicky DeMuth and her husband Don.

Guests were greeted in the garden with traditional Mint Juleps and a sumptuous array of hearty hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Twig members. The theme of the party was built around the first leg of America’s horseracing triple crown, the Kentucky Derby. Partygoers enjoyed speculating on the race. The event began with a lively auction. At post time, Claudia Bell, one of the three Twig Co-Chairwomen, invited everyone to gather around TV sets placed around the DeMuth home to cheer on their favorite steeds.

Following an exciting race, the party continued with a light supper and interesting conversation. All in all, it was a successful day for “Street Sense,” the 2007 Kentucky Derby winner and for Overlook Hospital, the beneficiary of the evening’s generous guests.

Claudia Bell, Twig Co-Chairwoman and Vicki DeMuth, Event Hostess

The fall planning meeting of SU Twig #21 of the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary was held recently at the home of Hillary Hulten in Short Hills. SU Twig #21 has, for 25 years, designed and decorated Christmas trees for some of the public spaces at the hospital. They also host an Holiday Employee Open House at the hospital in December. At this reception, SU Twig #21 coordinates with all AuxiliaryTwigs to provide large amounts of homemade goodies which are festively presented as a way of saying "Thank You" to the health care providers who will spend their holidays at the hospital caring for the community. All employees are encouraged to enjoy a break during the day by attending this gathering.

In celebration of 25 years of service to Overlook Hospital and its Auxiliary, SU Twig #21 is also planning a reunion celebration next spring. They hope to contact past and present members of the Twig for a celebratory evening at the home of Connie Dwyer in Short Hills.

SU Twig #123 Happenings

A fun time was had by all at a recent cocktail party which was held by SU Twig #123 of the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary on January 27, 2007 for the benefit of the HealthStart Clinic at Overlook Hospital. Members of SU Twig #123, their spouses and several guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres at the home of Katherine and Richard Gatward.

The attendees participated in a lively Silent Auction, made possible through the kindness of many local businesses and private donors. The festive evening raised over $32,000 for the HealthStart Clinic. The event committee had hoped to raise funds that would enable the clinic to purchase Newborn Healthy Start Baskets filled with the essentials for infants; New Car Seats ensuring safety for little ones; New School Supplies for young students in need; and critical medicines through the Clinic’s Medicine Fund for families in who cannot afford them. However, because of the generosity of those who participated in the event, several other patient service programs at Overlook will also receive funds from the evening’s proceeds.

The HealthStart Clinic is an arm of the National Head Start program. Established in 1964, Head Start provides medical and other family services to the less fortunate members of our society including children and pregnant women. In partnership with local non-profits like Overlook Hospital, Head Start has served over 22 million children since its inception, including many from Overlook’s HealthStart Clinic, for whom the basic necessities are often financially out of reach. While all participants in the HealthStart program are living at or below the poverty level, Twig #123 has targeted those children and families from the HealthStart Clinic who are found to be in the most challenging of situations for their donation.

Founded in 2001, SU Twig #123 has 25 dedicated members who are also close friends from the surrounding communities of Summit, Chatham, Madison, and Short Hills. In addition to this contribution earmarked for HealthStart and various other patient services, Twig #123 currently funds several Standing Projects in the Child Life Department at Overlook Hospital.

SU Twig #123 Event Chairs Irene Loschert, Gretchen Oatman, Liza Tulloch and Katherine Gatward

Calling All Knitters

Many of our auxiliary members knit for the hospital.  Click here, to go to a website that has Free Knitting Patterns.