Sons of AMVETS Supports BCH Foundation With End-of-Year Gift

Community

Daniel Gallaway of the Sons of AMVETS Post 219 in Boston presented a donation to representatives from the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Foundation on December 19. This gift will be put toward facility equipment needs in the new year.

We thank the squadron for its continued generosity. This gift is representative of the support that our hospital and nursing home receive from dedicated and thoughtful individuals who drive local civic organizations like Sons of AMVETS .

Sons of AMVETS is a nationwide service organization comprised of male descendants of American veterans. As part of the AMVETS family they are united in service and dedicated to improve quality of life, advocate legislation for increased benefits and care, provide and support charitable assistance to veterans, their families, and community.

From left: BCH Foundation Board Member Grover Riefler, Daniel Gallaway, BCH Foundation Board Secretary David Batterson, Sr., BCH Foundation Board Member Joel Maul.

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Soricelli Retires from JBR after 15 years

Announcement, People

The Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home marked the end of an era on Friday, December 15 with the retirement of long-time administrator Roger Soricelli after 15 years.

Soricelli, a Java Center resident, has more than three decades’ experience in healthcare administration. He began his time at the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home in 2002 following roles in Batavia, Malone, Olean and Florida. He earned a bachelor of arts in economics at SUNY Fredonia, and a master of arts in administration and leadership at SUNY Plattsburgh.

As the landscape for skilled nursing and long-term care has evolved, Soricelli helped the Jennie B. move with it. An example of this was the development of a short-term rehabilitation program.

“My wife Margo and I have both had very satisfying careers,” Soricelli shared. “Now we are looking forward to spend a lot of time spoiling our grandchildren.”

An announcement regarding the new administrator for the Jennie B. will be made in early 2018.

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From left: Tracy Rolfe, Activities, Kathy Paszkiewicz, Admissions, Roger Soricelli, Roberta Murray, RN, Director of Nursing, and Patricia Loveless, Administrative Assistant.

Start 2018 with Freedom from Smoking

Announcement, Community

Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is offering the Freedom From Smoking program starting on Monday, January 15 and running weekly through February 26.

This program is designed for adult smokers and features step-by-step plans to help smokers gain control over their behavior. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals and can lead to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Smoking is a behavior that negatively affects nearly every organ in the human body. It is also a cause of heart disease and stroke.

This program is taught by an American Lung Association-certified respiratory therapist. Each class runs from 6-7:30 p.m. and registration is required. The cost for the program is $80. Please call (716) 592-9643 for more information and to register.

A Sleigh Full of Toys…

Community, People,

Representatives from the Cattaraugus County Town Highway Superintendents Association delivered a sleigh full – or maybe car full – of toys and games to the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital Emergency Department and Lab on December 15.

The association’s team was making the rounds this month to bring joy and smiles to children in the region. This included stops at Olean General Hospital, Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services and Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.

Association members and their families collected toys, games and gas cards to assist community members during this time of year.

These gifts will be distributed to the hospital’s littlest patients and visitors, particularly as we continue through the holiday season.

From left: Michael Pidsadnick, RN, Lori Hudzinski, MD, Association Secretary/Treasurer Tom Benz of East Otto, Tina Brooks, LPN, Vice President Brad Hurley of Mansfield, Executive Board Member Diane Metz, President Robert Barber of Otto

Eagle Scout Builds Benches with Planters for JBR Entrance

Community,

Eagle Scout candidate Jonathan Smith installed benches at the Jennie B. Richmond Nursing Home just after Thanksgiving. With the help of Boy Scout Troop 524 and support from the Springville Kiwanis, American Legion Post 431 and the Lions Club of Springville, two L-shaped benches and one bench will be available in the front entrance to the Jennie B. for residents, their family members and JBR associates.

This effort went toward the completion of Smith’s Eagle Scout requirements as a “citizenship in the community” project.

Standing: Ethan Smith and Mike Fullington; seated, Daryl Smith, Liam Smith, Jonathan Smith and Robbie Smith. (Photo provided by Jonathan Smith).

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