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New York/New Jersey VA Health Care Network

 

VISN 2: Volunteer News Fall 2014

Syracuse Highlights
 
                  

                  

 

                  

                  

Volunteer Celebration!
Veteran Volunteers event
Left to right: James Cody, Director Syracuse VA Medical Center; Magdeleine Wellner, Volunteer of the Year Recipient; Robert Hawes, Voluntary Service Manager.
 

 
Patients and Families enjoy Horticulture Therapy Program
Horticulture Therapy is the use of plants to re-connect Veterans with nature and helps Veterans strengthen their muscles and improve their mental health. Horticulture Therapy is a joint collaboration between Syracuse VA Recreation Therapists and researchers from SUNY-ESF. The SUNY-ESF students engage patients in gardening and nature-based activities several times a week.
The rooftop garden, part of the horticulture program, hosts barbecues and serves as a gathering place for patients to relax. Additionally, herbs and vegetables are grown on the rooftop and these items are used during cookout events in the Community Living Center.
 
Veteran Volunteers event
Horticulture Therapy plants.
Veteran Volunteers event
The horticulture garden is a very active social center.
Wish List
  • Body powder (small, travel size, only)
  • Combs (black pocket) / Hair brushes
  • Denture cleaner / Denture grip
  • Nail clippers (fingernail)
  • Sweat Pants, Sweat Shirts (all sizes)
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    Veteran Volunteers event
    Left to right: James Cody, Director Syracuse VA Medical Center; George Green, volunteer with over 20,000 hours of volunteer time; Robert Hawes, Voluntary Service Manager. Many volunteers received more than one nomination. Bill Fowler, Carol Sinesi, and George Green were all nominated multiple times.
     

    A special thanks to the organizations that provided activity, in kind, and monetary donations for the medical center during the months of April, May and June!
                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

                      

    Voluntary Service banner

    Director's Message | Patients Look
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