July 2007
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Nurses make sound waves
A few months ago, seven Children's Hospital Boston nurses made it loud and clear why they became nurses when they joined the Johnson and Johnson Radio campaign that aired on local FM stations. More than 500 nurses auditioned for 20 positions, all to help recruit nurses to the field. Children's Nelson Aquino RN, BSN, was also chosen for a TV ad to spotlight the importance of drawing male nurses to the profession.Celebrating 30 years together
The Institute for Community Inclusion hosted a celebration in honor of its 30 year anniversary on June 8. Guests included hospital administrators and managers, as well as consumers and their families that have been supported by the Institute over the years.Service Awards celebrations
The Service Awards receptions on May 30 and June 1 brought 450 recipients and 195 managers together at celebratory breakfast and lunch receptions. It was an opportunity for these recipients to be thanked by senior management, and also by patient families who shared their stories of how our employees have changed their lives. The recipients received Tiffany's cards, picture frames and pins recognizing their years of service.The Breakfast at Tiffany's outing on June 15 was a special event for those employees who have been at Children's for 20 or more years. At the breakfast reception at the Tiffany's store in Copley Plaza, Tiffany's employees were on hand to help the 58 Children's recipients select their gifts.
Local school sticks with Children's
Fifth grade students at the Cathedral Grammar School in the South End collected more than 7,000 stickers in just six short weeks for Children's patients. The sticker drive was the service learning component of the schools Peace Games program. Program coordinators, Carrie Benjamin and Ann Marie McGonacle, presented the sticker box, cards and banners to Child Life specialists on June 7. "We always need stickers because they provide instant gratification and are a great reward for all ages," says Child Life specialist Ingrid Dahlin.They thought they could dance
At the inaugural 'So you think you can dance' event last month, four employee finalists strutted their stuff on the Patient Entertainment Center's stage to a packed audience of patients and co-workers. While each contestant could clearly shake her stuff, it was Sister Carlotta who stole the show, performing the soft-shoe shuffle in a penguin costume that was hand-made by a Children's volunteer.A joy ride through Paint and Back to Life
Artist Tommy Hollenstein hasn't let anything get in the way of his artistic aspirations—not even when a mountain bike accident left him quadriplegic at age 24. Now, 22 years later, the Los Angeles artist has completed more than 200 paintings, done six solo shows and proudly displays some of his vibrant works in the main lobby of Children's Hospital Boston."It's too restraining to paint with a brush in my mouth," Hollenstein says. Instead, he spins his wheelchair's wheels through paint and wiggles, jerks and rolls his tires back and forth over a board to create abstract art. He was first inspired to use his chair as a paintbrush when he created a piece of art to remember his Labrador retriever service dog, Weaver. Hollenstein realized a sense of artistic freedom he hadn't felt since his accident.
For the first time, he shared his art technique with other children who use wheelchairs at the 10th annual Art for Kool Kidz celebration at Children's on June 12. I want them to see they can use their chair for something other than transportation," he says. With his new retriever companion, Hiley, Hollenstein coached patients through the experience and encouraged them to "make fast turns!" The children loved it. Some only made a few tread marks and were satisfied with their creations, while others sped over their boards for more than 30 minutes, insisting they weren't done yet. "Their smiles are priceless," he says.
Hollenstein says the abstract nature of his work makes it especially appealing to children. "Abstract is easier to teach because you let them know there is no right or wrong approach, and it allows a kid to establish a sense of self without restraint," he says.
Public Affairs wins big
The New England Society for Health Care Communications presents Lamplighter Awards each year to recognize excellence in a range of public relations and marketing areas. Children's Hospital Boston's Public Affairs Department received seven Lamplighters for their achievements in audio-visual presentations, publications and exceptional writing, marketing, and advertising projects.
- Public Relations Project: Jaime Crespo, Latino PR Campaign "Workplace of Choice"
- Single Public Relations Problem, Plan, Solution: Jaime Crespo, Latinos Making a Difference
- Audio/Visual Presentation-Slide Presentation: Patrick Bibbins, Can I Take Your Picture? Obtaining Authorization for the Use and Release of Photos
- Publications-Special Purpose: Michelle Davis and , Children's Hospital Boston SonneWheel Distribution Program Christine Powers-Perry
- Special Events: Christine Powers-Perry, Children's Hospital Boston Season of Hope Celebration 2006
- Design-Other Printed Pieces: Javier Amador-Pena and Bess Andrews Hospital Wide Patient Safety Campaign
- Design Single-Publications: Javier Amador-Pena and Michelle Davis, Children's Hospital Boston Diversity Brochure
The Bell Ringer Awards, sponsored by the Publicity Club of New England, recognize excellence in public relations and communications. The awards span all types of media and are given in every industry and field. Children's Public Affairs Department took six awards this year.
- Brochure: Javier Amador-Pena and Michelle Davis, Children's Hospital Boston Diversity Brochure
- News Release: National: Nancy Fliesler and Alissa Rooney, SIDS release
- Web site: Bess Andrews, Rick Groleau and Rachel Pugh, Press Room
- Employee Communications Campaign: Javier Amador-Pena and Bess Andrews, Patient Safety Campaign
- Direct Mail: Michelle Davis and Christine Powers-Perry, SonneWheel Distribution Program
- Print Magazine/Newsletter: Anna Gonski and Erin Graham, Children's News
