The cornerstone from the Swift Current Union Hospital was set in place and braced by Brent Kern and staff from Wilf's Oilfield Services. The cornerstone's placement marks the completion of The Gathering Place Wall- more work will continue in landscaping the area around the wall during the summer-at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Nameplates of those who have purchased bricks will be added by the end of summer. There are still many bricks available for purchase. Contact the Foundation office for more information: (306)-778-3314
Follow the building of The Gathering Place Wall at our Photo Galleries collection. 

Monday July 19, 2010. It seems incomprehensible to us, but the laying of the 500 bricks is complete. The Foundation can only echo what has been said previously. Thank You!
Viewers can see the entire building project at Photo Galleries and clicking-on The Gathering Place, Wall.
The Wall will 'cure' for approximately 10 days before it will be power-washed, allowed to dry. We are exploring covering The Wall in Polyurethane finish to protect the bricks before attaching nameplates of those who have purchased the bricks so far.

Friday July 9, 2010 As seen in the photographs above progress on the South Wall is almost complete. No words can adequately describe how the wall reflects the history of healthcare in Southwest Saskatchewan or, the contributions of Brent Kern & Brent Mitchell in realizing a dream. Thank you both.

Tuesday July 6, 2010. Brent Mitchell secured the scaffolding to begin laying the first of 500 bricks yesterday afternoon... Landscaping opportunities, around the perimeter of The Gathering Place, Wall are being discussed by a number of interested parties. The areas is still secured with reflective pilons with "Warning" signs posted along the walkway. The "original" cornerstone from the hospital on 4th Avenue NE will be brought down from the 3rd floor of the Cypress Regional Hospital and secured by Brent Kern/staff in the next few weeks. There are still bricks available for sale; an advertisement will be placed in our weekly publications next week.
If there are any questions please do not hesitate to call our office 778-3314 or
visit us at 2051 Saskatchewan Drive (east of Cypress Regional Hospital).
Office hours are 8 A.M.-5 P.M. closed over the lunch hour 12 noon-1 P.M.

Wednesday June 16, 2010. Despite the rain the staff of Wilf's Oilfield Service (78) Ltd. continue with the development of the wall. Today they are 'rolling' urethane onto the exposed crushed aggregate that The Gathering Place, Wall is composed of. In the coming days the 'original' cornerstone will be supported on 45 degree arms and, boxed to prevent damage until the bricks are laid. The bricks will be placed into the wall the first week of July allowing time for 'curing' weather permitting. The bricks are still available for sale and, can be purchased through our office and forms available in the front lobby of the Cypress Regional Hospital.

Wednesday June 9, 2010. What an amazing day; so much has been accomplished.
The form has been completed with the exception of the 'cap'. Bricklaying should commence the week of July 5th. The Foundation respectfully asks the viewing public to be very watchful of the barriers that have been erected and remain behind them during this next phase of development. We wish to thank all residents of Southwest Saskatchewan for their continued support in making our region a "Centre of Healthcare Excellence."

Tuesday June 8, 2010. It is pouring rain this morning.
There were two wonderful reports on The Gathering Place, Wall
at southwesttvnews & swbooster websites
The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. extends special thanks
for the tremendous support extended by the media, Beth Vachon, interim CEO Cypress Health Region and employees especially Val Hartley, Ken Rudd, Carol Hildebrand, Milton McKinnon, Dean Fleury, and, finally Brent Kern/staff Wilf's Oilfield Service (78) Ltd & Brent Mitchell who are making The Gathering Place, Wall a reality. 

Monday June 7, 2010. The final forms/frames are being secured today in preparation for more crushed aggregate that is being poured tomorrow. The frame will hold the 500 bricks that will hold the names on The Gathering Place, Wall. A place of healing and reflection created and maintained by the Foundation for the benefit of all.

View the construction as it develops with the many photos available in our Photo Galleries site:
Click-on The Gathering Place, Wall. 

Friday June 4, 2010. This morning the staff at Wilf's Oilfield Service have begun digging at the centre circle where the cornerstone from the 'original' hospital will be laid. The Wall is covered in orange tarps until Monday June 7, 2010 allowing time for it to cure. On Monday the staff will return and, begin the final installment of the wall prior to the bricks being laid.

The Foundation wishes to gratefully acknowledge Vim Parmar, Brent Kern & Staff of Wilf's Oilfield Service (78) Ltd. & Brent Mitchell for giving of their expertise in the creation of The Gathering Place, Wall and, Lyn Johnston, ex post facto Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.

Thursday June 3, 2010. Beth Vachon Interim C.E.O. Cypress Health Region, Etiennette Binette, Board Chair Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation, C. F. (Clay) Thompson, Executive Director Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. and special guest Pat Cammer were together at a press conference today that was held at Cypress Regional Hospital to introduce to the residents of Southwest Saskatchewan details behind the construction taking place at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Members of the media and staff of Cypress Health Regional Office & friends of the Foundation spent time together at The Gathering Place, Wall during the ceremonies that took place today at 1 P.M. 

Tuesday June 1, 2010. Construction has begun on The Gathering Place, Wall
Mr. Brent Kern and staff-Wilf's Oilfield Service (78) Ltd. have begun work on laying the footings and base for the creation of The Gathering Place, Wall built from 500 bricks of the 'original' hospital on 4th Avenue NE.
A remarkable display of the plans are available for viewing in the lobby of the Cypress Regional Hospital.
  

The Gathering Place, Wall: Donor Bricks from "Original" Hospital on 4th Avenue NE
Share your passion for remembering by ordering your personalized engraved brick today!

Engraved bricks offer a unique opportunity to permanently honor or commemorate an individual, group or event that is important to you. Your brick becomes a lasting reminder that will be shared with every person who enters our Regional Hospital. Bricks are purchased for many different reasons:

Honour a loved one’s memory. Remember a meaningful occasion. Pay tribute to a special person or group. Recognize family members or special friends.

"The Gathering Place, Wall" is an engraved brick fundraiser created by the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. Your engraved brick purchase not only memorializes a special person, group or event, but it also supports education and community services to the residents of Southwest Saskatchewan. Each brick purchased will be engraved with your message, will be installed in a prominent location along the wall and will be part of one of its distinctive features. It will create a lasting memory that you will be able to revisit each time you or, loved ones come by our Regional Hospital. When completed it will be available to friends, patients and families to quietly reflect and remember in a tranquil environment.

The bricks and, nameplates-UV treated-will be installed when the "The Gathering Place, Wall" is completed in Summer 2010, but you are invited to pledge a brick now. Donors will be regularly updated through our newsletters, web pages, and advertising supplements about the progress of the "The Gathering Place, Wall" development. Charitable Tax Receipt for the entire amount of the donation is available.

   
  

 
  

These Are Our Stories: Breast Cancer Quilt
Wednesday June 9, 2010. Breast Cancer Quilt was installed last evening with the assistance of Kruse Glass & Aluminum and Wheatland Machine Shop Ltd staff and Cypress Regional Hospital employees. Photos are available at our Photo Galleries: These Are Our Stories: Breast Cancer Quilt.
A special thanks to all who have made the Breast Cancer Quilt a reality.

Breast Cancer Quilt: These Are Our Stories, Recognizing Survivors
Wednesday June 2, 2010
Vim Parmar & staff Wheatland Machine Shop Ltd. have begun the process of hanging the frame that will house These Are Our Stories: Breast Cancer Quilt. The quilt was designed and completed by Wendy Kline & volunteers from Quilts 'N Treasures. The glass will be installed by Kruse Glass & Aluminum and the stencilling created by the staff at Signs 'N Such. Completion of the project should be done by Wednesday June 9, 2010.


These Are Our Stories: The Breast Cancer Quilt is a community project. In total, there will be 72 x 10" blocks available for sale at $100.00 per block with 7" in a diamond for your personal story-the wall hanging will be four feet in height & sixteen and a half feet long- providing up to $7,200.00 towards the funding for the purchase of equipment; support of programs and scholarships for the healthcare facilities across Southwest Saskatchewan . These Are Our Stories squares are created and donated by Wendy Kline & volunteers at Quilts 'N Treasures Ltd. in Gull Lake, SK. Many of the squares are made to honor a loved one lost to cancer or in celebration of the quilter's personal successes in overcoming this disease. It forces all of us to face questions about our lives and deaths that we usually put off until much later. At times such as these we find ourselves asking the unanswerable Whys and Whens? We all do. We have to look deep within ourselves to find courage and commitment, far greater than we ever thought we'd need. The small canvas of a quilt square seems to help contain the search for meaning in the chaos of disease.
Good Morning Michael
W O W!!!!!!   Totally amazing, and it so totally brought tears. I just can’t describe to you the feeling I get when I create a quilt and the feeling doubles when I quilt it out, and it triples when someone tells me how beautiful the quilt is. But this feeling is like no other I have ever felt before. On the quilt lies thousands of inches of thread stitched with happy and sad memories of family and friends that were/are survivors of Breast Cancer - I never thought that I could have a tiny part in being a part of their lives by doing something I so love to do. My hope is that many people will feel the inspiration as they look upon the quilt to tell their story Thanks so much Michael for including me in this most amazing adventure Hugs Wendy
Wendy Klein- Quilts 'N Treasures

 
Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.
4th Annual Charity Golf Classic
Friday June 11, 2010.

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain."  ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella."  ~Terri Guillemets
It rained through the night before the tournament began and, it rained throughout the eighteen holes 103 golfers ventured into during the 4th Annual Charity Golf Classic held at the Chinook Golf Course. A special thanks to John Gaudet and staff, Doug Leavens and grounds crew for making the course available to the Foundation and, telling all that would listen, "Bad weather always looks worse through a window. . "
Thanks to the tremendous outpouring of donations/gifts/time by our sponsors, volunteers and the golfers from across Southwest Saskatchewan.
Special thanks to Spiros/staff for another tremendous feast. Efharistoomay

"There is little chance that meteorologists can solve the mysteries of weather until they gain an understanding of the mutual attraction of rain and weekends."  ~Arnot Sheppard

  



In Memory of Donald MacRae 1927-2008
Tuesday June 8, 2010. Mrs. Edna MacRae, made a lasting donation to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional healthcare Foundation In Memory of her late husband Donald MacRae with the purchase of a Cherry Tree that was planted in the front of Habitat for Healthcare with the assistance of Jeff Grainger, Nelson Pompu & Theresa Pompu.
  



City of Swift Current Council Meeting
May 17, 2010 Council Chambers, City Hall

C.F.(Clay) Thompson, Executive Director, Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. introduces himself as the new Executive Director and to promote the upcoming 4th Annual Charity Golf Classic to members of Swift Current City Council.

     

RBC employees Grant Magnuson & Kim Dueck present a cheque in the amount of $10,000.00 to C.F.(Clay) Thompson, Executive Director-Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. Monday May 17, 2010 on behalf of RBC Foundation and their continued comittment to the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation with the fifth and final instalment towards a total donation of $50,000.00.

Annual General Meeting: Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.
Thursday April 8, 2010 East Side Church of God

     

Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.
Welcome- Board Chair Etiennette Binette
Greetings From:
Councillor Denis Perrault representing the City of Swift Current
Reeve, Rural Municipality of Swift Current- Jerry Knipfel
Introduce:
Chair -Cypress Regional Health Authority- Tyler Bragg
Interim Chief Executive Officer- Cypress Health Region- Beth Vachon

Special Tribute:
Lyn Johnston, C.E.O. (retired) Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.

Portraiture presented by Kara Park RBC/ Roger Mirka:
Mirka/ Kochan Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities
Flowers presented by Tyler Park to Lyn Johnston
Bill Redekop- Remarks to Lyn Johnston on behalf of the Board of Directors-
Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.

On behalf of RBC sponsors to the (Multi-Media Room) Cypress Regional Hospital Kara Park/ Roger Mirka
Portrait done by Artistic Expressions- Bobbi-jo Knakoske
Framing/ Matting Keith Miyashiro- Engel’s Custom Framing & Trophies
BREAK return in 10 minutes…

Welcome
Introduction Board- Board Chair Etiennette Binette
Dr Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.
Introduction of C.F. (Clay) Thompson- Executive Director &
Kathy Carlson- Front Office Coordinator
Cora Gerlach- Housekeeping

Greetings- C.F. (Clay) Thompson-
Executive Director: Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.

Minutes- Annual General Meeting, Thursday April 23, 2009
Auditor’s Report- Teri Olfert- Stark & Marsh Chartered Accountants
Motion to Accept Auditor’s Report- Darlene McDougald
Motion to Appoint Auditor 2009- Ernie Moen
Motion to appoint Stark & Marsh as the auditor for 2011
Board Chair’s Report- Etiennette Binette
Committee Report- Scholarship Committee & Endowment Committee- Colleen MacBean
Human Resources Committee- Bill Redekop
Motion to Accept Committee Reports & Executive Director’s Report
Election of Officers- Sheila Gronhovd
Slate running for re-election
Slate of new officers running: Karen Schaitel; Dick Lee; Helen Pardoe
New nominations from the floor: Shannon Hanna
Call for nominations to cease
Signing of Confidentiality Agreements by all Board of Director members- Kathy Carlson
Adjourn Annual General Meeting, 2010

Announcements- Michael Evans-Smith- Development/ Communications/ Program Coordinator
What’s New 2010 Capital Campaigns:
Restoration of Water Fountain, Cypress Regional Hospital-
Work completed by Wheatland Machine Shop Ltd- Vim Parmer
Thanks to Signs ‘N Such- decal on glass- Lynne & Diana
Wheatland Machine Shop Ltd. Tempered Glass Casing for
“These Are Our Stories: Breast Cancer Quilt”
Quilts ‘N Treasures creators of the quilt- Wendy Kline of Gull Lake, SK.
Coordinator Brent Mitchell- The Gathering Place, Wall
Construction of wall with the cornerstone from the original hospital to be added to area
Pencil drawing by Glenda Keating
Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. / Mirka/Kochan Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities 4th Annual Charity Golf Classic-
Friday June 11, 2010- Chinook Golf Course- Sponsorship & Team information (tables)
Early Donation by Roger Mirka $3500.00

2nd Annual Your Family’s Health RadioThon- Friday September 17, 2010
with our partners CKSW 570/ CJSN 1430 Golden West Radio

Special Verbal Recognition(s) to East Side Church of God;
Gus Tsougrianis K-Motel desserts/ coffee/ tea
Dan Green audio & Kendra Klausen- Powerpoint assistance
BREAK-

Introduction of Keynote Address:  by C.F. (Clay) Thompson-
Executive Director- Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.
Keynote Address: Brian Wonnick
Guest Speaker:  Brian Wonnick Gift Coordinator at Lutheran Foundation Canada;
Leave A Legacy South Saskatchewan Steering Committee, National Committee
Questions & Answer session

Special Presentations: Retiring Board of Directors members:
Presentation by Etiennette Binette-Board Chair to:
Doreen Kern & Darlene McDougald
Honoring the work on behalf of the Foundation:
Presentation by C.F. (Clay) Thompson- Executive Director
Garth Knakoske- Stark & Marsh Chartered Accountants
Donna Barber- Cypress Regional Hospital Auxiliary

Closing Remarks- C.F. (Clay) Thompson, Executive Director:
Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.

To the residents of Southwest Saskatchewan:
My name is Clay Thompson. I have recently been chosen as the Executive Director of the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. I have been given the responsibility and privilege of working with the Board of Directors to continue the Foundation's mandate "Making a Difference in the Southwest", as it applies to the health and welfare of the people who have chosen this part of our great province as the place to live, work & raise a family.
As you know, the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. has served our area for the past ten years. The amount of time, the level of effort, the imagination and dedication Lyn Johnston and the Board of Directors have shown over this time frame has been well documented and as an individual who has lived in Swift Current for the past eighteen years, I am going to use this opportunity to say thank you for these efforts and the obvious commitment that you have shown. I am honored that you have given me the opportunity to join the your team and continuing the work that you have started and I am looking forward to the challenges that we will be facing as we move the Foundation into the future.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to our Donors who have graciously contributed to the needs of the people of the Southwest through the Foundation. I will be making every effort to maintain the relationship that exists between you and the Foundation and I am very excited about working with you and for you as we move into the new decade.

Sincerely submitted,
C. F. (Clay) Thompson
Executive Director
Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.


The people of the Cypress Health Region from directors to staff to administrators, from Eastend to Chaplin, from Ponteix to Kyle-from infants to seniors- take this opportunity to say thank you Lyn Johnston for improving healthcare with services such as mammograms, kidney dialysis, cardio ultrasound with echo, CT Scans, defibrillation; equipment such as Broda chairs, bed, lifts. When the Community of the Great Southwest needed a new hospital you were there for all of us, pushing that mega project forward by pledging to help.
We thank you for developing the facility for hosting our families and friends- Habitat for Healthcare/ Swift Current Rotary House- that home a way from home for families while they are in attendance at the Cypress Regional Hospital.
Our health care providers have been given wonderful scholarships for educational opportunities under the Skills Enrichment Program in order to better serve our communities.
You have visualized our needs and worked tirelessly to provide equipment, furniture and resources to keep the residents of SW Saskatchewan healthy and help sustain the quality of life we all enjoy.
From all, the people whose lives' have been improved, sustained or saved- we send a heartfelt thank you- a 16 1/2 million dollar hug- and an 10 year salute- for your endless dedication to serve... boundless energy for campaigning... creativity... your concern for every need... and for your undying love for the people of the region.
Your compassion has sustained us. Thank you Lyn.

Submitted by:
Edith Gibbings
Vice- Chair, Board of Directors
Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc.

CKSW 570/ CJSN 1430 Radio Infomercials
Aired January/ February 2010

The Foundation is shaped by human presence… the workaday world that gives form to the essential Southwest Saskatchewan landscape.

Over the last decade stewardship has given the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation insights that have helped us increase the agility and responsiveness of your healthcare needs. With the assurances by the people of Southwest Saskatchewan our solutions are immediate and the impact far-reaching; solutions that inspire us to deliver lasting change. Together we continue our mandate of working towards creating a centre of healthcare excellence and assuring a continued improvement in the quality of care for all.

My name is Doreen Kern. Join with us in 2010 as we document the decade past and pursue a strong presence into the future.

Leadership is a skill that needs to be constantly reviewed to
avoid ‘lopsidedness’. This means continuing to invite feedback and paying attention to our capabilities across a number of dimensions, some of which come naturally and others less so. Only then can we be sure to get the balance right.  2010 begins a new decade in the history of the Foundation and, with it a new Executive Director Mr. C. F. (Clay) Thompson. The Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge Clay Thompson with a most welcome recognition of work past and most helpful impetus for the work that lay ahead; essential to the Southwest Saskatchewan landscape.

My name is Karen Schaitel. Join with us in 2010 and beyond as we document the decade past and pursue a strong presence into the future.

Your Family's Health RadioThon  Most doctors feel that early detection tests for breast cancer save many thousands of lives each year, and that many more lives could be saved if even more women and their health care providers took advantage of these tests.

"It is important the Cypress Regional Hospital provide women in southwest Saskatchewan with the latest technological advancements in the detection of breast diseases. The acquisition of a digital mammography unit will greatly enhance our capacity and capability of providing a more comprehensive breast imaging program in the fight against breast cancer." Dr. Dawood Moola, Head of the Medical Imaging at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, states.

Breast cancer is an illness that is not color-blind, prejudiced or ageist.

Embrace... continue to participate to help cultivate a new legion of supporters, who won’t stand to be beaten by the disease. As the slogan for the campaign states, "The only defense is a breast offense." Together we can help create a future without breast cancer. Get involved. Bring a new face to early breast cancer awareness -- out in the open, freely discussed.

Together we can work towards creating a centre of healthcare excellence for the people of Southwest Saskatchewan.

The people of Southwest Saskatchewan expect the very latest in medical technology for diagnosis and treatment. The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Inc. has a long tradition of outstanding involvement in the Southwest and, we consistently receive rave reviews for our commitment towards assuring a continued improvement in the quality of health care for each resident.

These are challenging times for health care, but the residents of Southwest Saskatchewan have always come forward. We, as a community, have done it in the past and, again, we have come together, in record numbers and with humility and generosity, to fully fund our financial commitment of a Digital Mammography Unit for our Regional Hospital.

Each year the projects get larger, but they are the most important things we can do to secure a strong future for our Regional Hospital. Special thanks goes to the Volunteers across Southwest Saskatchewan that made the Your Family's Health RadioThon such a huge success. The commitment of our friends to helping us provide the best medical health care in Southwest Saskatchewan is unparalleled.

We know there is a great deal of work left to be done to help us meet your needs in the future both near and long term. Here is how you can continue to show your support...

These Are Our Stories: Breast Cancer Quilt!
These Are Our Stories: The breast cancer quilt is a community project to raise funds for a Digital Mammography Unit for the Diagnostic Imaging Department, Cypress Regional Hospital. In total, there will be 72 x 10" blocks available for sale at $100.00 per block with 7" in a diamond for your personal story- the wall hanging will be four feet in height & eighteen feet long- providing up to $7,200.00 towards the purchase. These Are Our Stories squares are created and donated by Quilts N' Treasures Ltd. in Gull Lake, SK. Many of the squares are made to honor a loved one lost to cancer or in celebration of the quilter's personal successes in overcoming this disease. It forces all of us to face questions about our lives and deaths that we usually put off until much later. At times such as these we find ourselves asking the unanswerable Whys and Whens? We all do. We have to look deep within ourselves to find courage and commitment, far greater than we ever thought we?d need. The small canvas of a quilt square seems to help contain the search for meaning in the chaos of disease.

"I belong to a Clan of One-Breasted Women. My mother, my grandmothers, and six aunts have all had mastectomies. Seven are dead. The two who survive have just completed rounds of chemotherapy and radiation."- Terry Tempest Williams

We look forward to the having These Are Our Stories Breast Cancer quilt hung along the South wall leading into the Diagnostic Imaging Department, of our Regional Hospital and hope that you will revisit our website from time to time for more Current News on other fundraising events to help raise awareness to Early Breast Cancer Detection such as the NO GO GALA; The Gathering Place, Wall; Support without Support: Women Telling Their Stories Across the Clothesline; the WalkaThon Pedometer Challenge; Your Family’s First RadioThon & many, many more.

These Are Our Stories: Recognizing Survivors.
Support Without Support: Women Telling Their Stories Across the Clothesline: Women, children and family members brought new or gently used bra(s) along with a donation & hung their bra(s) across the clothesline at the Swift Current Mall Thursday where they were hung September 10th & Friday September 11, 2009 during the 28 1/2 hour RadioThon. The bras were on display throughout the RadioThon for everyone to s