The Fountain
Terrell State Hospital’s Monthly Newsletter
March 2010
Verseckes Named TSH Financial Officer
By Sheila Kunick
Mike Verseckes was named Terrell State Hospital Financial
Officer in February. Mr. Verseckes adds his experience as
TSH Chief Accountant to his new role at the Hospital. He
began his career at TSH in September, 1999. Mr. Verseckes
has held three major positions at the Hospital. He began as a
Network Specialist for IT; in 2006 he began the Chief
Accountant duties; and is now the Financial Officer, as of
February 1.
He is responsible for the Business Office, Accounting,
Switchboard, Cashier‟s Office, Trust Fund, and
Reimbursement. He is responsible for all the fiscal operations
of the hospital.
“My responsibilities include making sure everything is done
properly and that everything that we need is purchased. It is a
very busy position and I wear many different hats. I am a
purchaser, an accountant, a supervisor, and a manager,” said
Mr. Verseckes.
“Mike is a great asset to Terrell State Hospital,” said TSH
Assistant Superintendent Perry Harwell.
Before coming to Terrell State Hospital he owned his own geochemical exploration company for about six years. While
running his company he also taught chemistry at Texas State Technical College in Breckinridge and was database manager
for a seismic company. At that time he was president of the geochemical exploration company. Juggling different duties and
multi-tasking, and having an overwhelming amount of responsibilities is nothing new to him. Prior to owning his own
company he was a geochemist Field Manager for Geochemical Services, Inc. Prior to that he was a manufacturing supervisor
for Texas Instruments. He also served five years in the United States Navy.
“When I was in geochemical exploration not only was I the supervisor, geochemist, chief bottle washer, sales
representative, software writer, and I also designed and built the laboratory. All of that experience has really helped here at
the hospital. I solved a lot of problems that might not have been solved as quickly,” said Mr. Versekces.
He continued, “I get a lot of satisfaction out of what I have been able to accomplish. We have made many improvements in
many different areas since I have been here. We have been able to improve the value of what we offer our patients because
we are spending our money frugally and wisely which is really necessary. We make sure we are getting them the best value
for the dollar, and that it is all tracked and accounted for as it should be.”
Mr. Verseckes also had an active role in the client computer lab on campus. Now clients are able to access the internet. He
said it was very rewarding to see the effects of his actions.
In closing he said, “I love to come to work. I love working with the people that are here. I love to see the positive effects
that our work has for the facility. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish and the positive impact this has on the
people that we work for. It is very gratifying for me to know that people can come to me and know something will get done.”
He has a BA from the University of Texas at Austin; an MS in Organic Geochemistry, MBA from Texas A&M—
Commerce, and an Associates Certificate in Contract Management from George Washington University.
He and Gay, his wife of almost 38 years, have three sons.
Mr. Verseckes enjoys bicycling. He is a member of the Dallas Off-Road Bicycling Association, Greater Dallas Bicyclist
Association. (GDBA). He also does a lot of volunteer service for both cycling associations. 1
Terrell State Hospital employees
participated in the Carter Blood Drive
that was held at the Marie Ballard
Conference Room on January 29.
Employees Robert Hicks and Alex
Arredondo are pictured as they donate
blood. (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
March TSH Volunteer
Birthdays
March 7
Dorthy Floyd
March 15
Alicia McConnell
March 17
Emily Diamond
March 18
Dean Whiteside
March 27
Jan Gillespie
March 28
Hal Richards
March 29
Linda Smith
Sherry Hulse
March 31
Gary Persall
TSH New Employees
Terrell State Hospital Community Relations Grant Coordinator Bob Watson and
Laura Carter Community Relations Representative Sheila Kunick presented the TSH Volunteer
Jennifer Hill-Rogers Services Council PowerPoint Presentation to the Kaufman Rotary Club on
Keitron Murry February 3. Anyone interested in having the PowerPoint shown for your group or
John Phillips, Jr. organization event should call TSH Community Relations at (972) 551-8639.
Barbara Thoms
Erica Wilkerson
Monica Wright
2
TSH Employee Feature
By Sheila Kunick
Lee Wiley is a WSA (Work Schedule Administrator) at
Terrell State Hospital. Mrs. Wiley has 300 employees that she
is timekeeper for, and is in charge of the overtime program.
There are only three Work Schedule Administrators at TSH.
“The state program is a challenge because it wasn‟t really
designed 24/7, and it is difficult to understand. That‟s why
there are WSA‟s to help with the process. We have all been
trained in Austin. I think that the three of us in our
department do a very good job. My job is very rewarding and
fun. I really enjoy it, it is a challenge,” said Mrs. Wiley.
She began her career at Terrell State Hospital in 1984 as a
transcriptionist.
“When I first began at the State it was because I simply
needed employment. I came to work on a unit and worked for
several doctors. The more I did the more involved I became
and started to understand what mental illness actually was. It
gives you a sense of achievement to know that you‟re making
a difference. If you keep the employees happy, which is what
I do now, you are making it easier for the employees to help
patients. I have always been a big patient advocate. I
understand the realm of care. We have made great strides
here at Terrell State Hospital since I have been here. I care
about everybody that I work with. Monica (Pittman) is a
steadying force,” said Mrs. Wiley.
She went on to talk about the new programs, training improvements, improvements in quality of care for the
clients at TSH. She said she enjoys her job, works hard, and feels very rewarded. “The patients deserve to be
treated in a good manner consistent with compassion. We are really growing in that area and I am very proud of
the hospital for the improvements that have been made. I love my job; I have had a good successful career here. I
retired and came back to work. The Hospital has been good to me and I hope I have been good for the Hospital. If
I had it all to do over again, I would probably be a caregiver here. They are the ones that we should admired, they
are extraordinary people,” said Mrs. Wiley.
She and her husband of 27 years, Russell, have one daughter Angela. Mrs. Wiley enjoys camping, outdoor sports,
reading, and her grandson Corbin who is four years old. She volunteers at nursing homes and at her church. She
collects tea pots, marbles, and buttons.
There are four employees in the Work Scheduling Department, Mrs. Wiley, Monica Pittman (Supervisor), Heidi
Biberger, Susie Tolbert.
TSH To Celebrate 125 Years of Caring
By Sheila Kunick
Terrell State Hospital will celebrate 125 years of service (1885-2010) on July 13 and July 14. A fun day of
activities is being planned for July 13 that will include the patients and staff of the hospital, carnival type games; and
hot dogs, drinks, popcorn will be served. This fun event will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On July 14, 2010 the formal celebration will be held at the gymnasium beginning at 2 p.m. Terrell State has been
serving the citizens of the State of Texas for 125 years.
Everyone is invited to come and help celebrate this historic event. More information will be available as the TSH
125 Anniversary Committee makes the final plans.
3
Black History Fashion Show/Celebration Scenes
4
Dr. Cook Devoted To TSH
Services for Dr. Chester Edwin Cook, M.D., F.A.C.P., 87, of Dallas were held on November 13 at Sparkman-Hillcrest
Funeral Home and Cemetery Chapel. Dr. Cook was very devoted to Terrell State Hospital. Dr. Cook passed away at a
Dallas nursing home from complications of a fall two weeks earlier. Dr. Cook was in his mid-50‟s when he decided to
become a psychiatrist.
Before changing specialties, he had a successful 24-year career as a medical executive at Southwestern Life Insurance
Company in Dallas. During that time, Dr. Cook, who was certified in internal medicine, taught medical school students.
He devoted the last 28 years of his medical career to the patients of Terrell State Hospital.
It was his wish to be buried at Terrell State Hospital and he was laid to rest at TSH Wildwood Cemetery November 13,
2010.
“He was a wonderful mentor and boss. He probably taught me more about psychiatry than I‟ve learned from any other
person I‟ve ever worked with,” said TSH Clinical Director Tony Claxton.
Dr. Cook was well thought of both by his fellow doctors and his patients for his ability to remain calm, Dr. Claxton
said.
“He was always a steady, easygoing sort of person who never seemed to get flustered. He had a very pragmatic
approach. He always put his patients first. Dr. Cook‟s request to be buried in the hospital cemetery drives home his
dedication to his patients, many of whom had the most severe illnesses,” said Dr. Claxton.
Dr. Cook served on the boards of Dallas County MHMR and Rusk State Hospital.
Dr. Cook, the seventh child of eight siblings, was born in Silsbee, Texas, on Christmas Day 1921.
He was the first in his family to earn a college degree, graduating form the University of Texas at Austin in 1942. He
received his medical degree form Southwestern Medical College, graduating with the first class in 1945.
He met his wife-to-be, Billie Maxine Jones, at a medical school classmate‟s wedding. He was the best man; she was
playing the violin. The couple married on September 8, 1945.
Dr. Cook did his internship and residency in internal medicine at Cumberland Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. He
started his medical practice in Plainview, Texas, in 1949.
He was an Army captain at Fort Hood during the Korean War.
In 1953, he was named assistant medical director of Southwestern Life Insurance Co. of Dallas.
In 1976, he re-entered the practice of medicine as a resident fellow in psychiatry at UT Southwestern. He trained at
Terrell State Hospital and stayed on staff after his service commitment ended. He retired in October 2007.
Dr. Cook was an active member and deacon of First Community Church in Dallas.
His professional medical activities included serving as a committee chairman for the Dallas Health Planning Council, a
trustee of the Dallas Cardiac Institute, and committee chairman of the Dallas County Medical Society.
In addition to his wife, Dr. Cook is survived by son, Lawrence Peter Cook of Lake City, Florida; two daughters, Celia
Cook Sams of Rowlett and Camille Cook Guirola of San Salvador; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
TSH Recognition Award Continues
In April 2009, the Terrell State Hospital Award and Recognition Committee implanted the “Champion of Caring”
monthly award where two employees are selected for the Champion of Caring Award. The committee chooses two
winners each month from nominations submitted by co-workers. The Champion of Caring winners receive a certificate
at the bi-monthly Department Head meeting and a gift card for $75. The monthly Champion of Caring winners will be
eligible for the new annual Superintendent‟s Award at the annual Employee/Volunteer Awards Banquet beginning 2010.
Please continue to nominate employees that go above and beyond the daily duties assigned to them and help make this
new program a success. You can now access the Champion of Caring form, complete it and return it to the Assistant
Superintendent's office. The form has been revised to be more user friendly and can be accessed from the “Campuswide
2/Short Term Info./Champion of Caring Forms” folder. When completed, you may choose to print it and send it to Linda
Peters, Recording Secretary for the Employee Awards and Recognition Committee or e-mail to
linda.peters@dshs.state.tx.us.
There have been twelve winners to date. We need your participation to make the “Champion of Caring” program a
success. For further assistance call extension 8592.
5
“Taste of TSH” Cookbook Available at Community Relations
The “Taste of TSH” cookbook is still on sale in the Community Relations Department at Terrell State Hospital. The
cookbook features a collection of recipes from employees, retirees, volunteers and friends of the hospital.
The cost of the cookbook is $15 each or two for $25. Two of the recipes featured in the cookbook include the
following:
Cream Puffs
1 cup water 1 lg. box sugar-free
1/2 cup butter instant pudding
1 cup flour 2 cups milk
4 eggs 1 cup whipped topping
Heat water and butter to boiling. Stir in flour. Keep stirring vigorously over low heat for one minute until mixture turns
into a ball. Remove from heat. Beat in eggs until smooth. Drop by heaping teaspoons onto greased cookie sheet (3 inches
apart). Bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown. Cool away from draft. Make pudding
as directed. Add whipped topping by hand. Cut cream puffs in half and fill.—Christine Wilson
Buttermilk Apricot Jell-O Salad
1 cup buttermilk
1 can crushed pineapple 4 oz. Cool Whip
1 small package apricot Jell-O
In saucepan, cook pineapple with juice until it bubbles. Add Jell-O and mix well. Cool slightly and put in refrigerator for
20 minutes. Take out of refrigerator. Add buttermilk; mix well. Put back in refrigerator for 20 minutes; then take out and
add cool whip. Mix well. Pour into square dish to chill.—Kathy Boltin, Retiree
March Employee Birthdays
March 1 March 6 March 10 March 18
John Simpson Latanya Clark Bobby Oats Page Holloway
Bob Watson Tristen Clark March 11 James Jackson
March 2 Danny Durst Maria Gonzalez Bonnie Tadlock
Barbara Belew Nedra Eldridge Robert Hicks March 19
Olivia Burton March 7 March 12 Rita Donaldson
Maria Diaz Gene Bennett Larry McBride Patti Sluder
Carolyn Sanchez Jesse Carr Merry Murphy March 23
David Stine Dorthy Floyd March 13 Anthony Scott
March 3 March 8 Cathy Shapcott March 24
Juana Garcia Charles Mathis, III March 15 Lisa Whalen
Evelyn Hemphill Antoinette Palmer Brianne Evans March 27
Natacha Roblow Akiyah Ross Tanya Hill Jan Gillespie
March 4 Darold Sprouse Alicia McConnell March 28
Lisa Massey Rose Willie Reta McNown Julie Skrivanek
Donnita McLamore March 9 Connie Millhollon March 29
Velma Roberson Jiudy Mayberry Jason Oneill Shirley Holland
Walter White Regina Robinson March 16 Deborah Montgomery
March 5 Likishia Wren Leo Rivers, Jr. March 30
Carmen Fugate Philip Wright March 17 James Douglas
Frank Wright March 10 Joshua Bell March 31
March 6 Kim Ballard Mary Moore Georgia Oliver
Tracie Booker Joe Burns
6
Kevin Keith Receives Honor
By Sheila Kunick
Kevin Keith has been awarded the Texas Nurse Association
Emerging Leader Award. The purpose of the Texas Nurses
Association/Foundation (TNA/F) Emerging Leaders Program is
to identify and develop new nursing leaders by providing them
with essential information and skills necessary to shape their
individual careers and the future of nursing and healthcare in
Texas. Criteria for this award include the ability to demonstrate
leadership at TNA, facility, and district events. Demonstrates
leadership beyond place of employment, practicing RN for less
than ten years. The nominee must also have served as a role
model, preceptor or mentor and provided a service role to the
community.
Mr. Keith has shown all of these qualities during his nine years
of employment at Terrell State Hospital. He has been a committee
member for the development and implementation HS to the RN
program at TSH. He has served as recourse person and sub-
committee chair for Terrell State hospital's application to become
the first State Psychiatric Hospital to achieve Pathway to
Excellence. He also served on a discussion panel at the 2009
Texas Nurses Leadership Conference in Austin and is the
recruitment and retention committee chairperson for TSH. He Kevin Keith
helps organize, mentor and host the Hospital's annual Summer (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
Healthcare Camp for high schools students.
Mr. Keith has received the TSH Champion of Caring Award and received multiple “Niceness Wins Awards”
from patients of Timberlawn in Dallas.
“Furthering my education has always been of the utmost importance to me and I am very appreciative of
growth opportunities afforded to me. Regardless of whether I promote beyond my current position, I know it is
my responsibility to continue in professional growth in an effort to provide quality leadership to those under my
charge. For that reason, being selected to participate in the Emerging Leadership Program is an honor,” said Mr.
Keith.
“I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Kevin on a project and I wholeheartedly agree with the
TNA/F Board. He is an excellent choice as an Emerging Nurse Leader, and I am very pleased to hear his
exciting news. We all know that the DSHS State Hospital Section has some of the finest nurses and nursing
leaders in the state—but it‟s so great to hear that Kevin will validate that with others. We are glad to “share” this
honor with him,” said Jay Norwood, MSN, RN (Nursing Director, Hospitals Section Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Division.
Kathryn Griffin, RN, MSN, NEA-BC (TSH Chief Nurse Executive) submitted the nomination letter for Mr.
Keith. In part it read: “Kevin is an outstanding RN who personifies the high expectations of Terrell State
Hospital, but especially those of management. Kevin is a Nurse Manager on our most chronic adult unit at
TSH...I have watched Kevin grow professionally and have called upon his numerous times with projects and
special interest to challenge and expand his leadership. He has exceeded my expectations each and every time,
not only completing the task at hand, but gaining spontaneous accolades from the audience and/or other leaders
in attendance. One example being when I asked him to serve on our multidisciplinary patient education
committee. When suicide prevention became an emerging issue for the Joint Commission, Kevin spearheaded a
campaign within the committee to improve outpatient and family products related to suicide awareness and
prevention. Another example is Kevin's chairmanship of our Nurse Recruitment and Retention Committee. He
routinely accommodates all types of nursing students onto his unit and either personally precepts or ensures his
staff oversee each student's learning experience while on his unit...Without reservation, I believe
Continued on Page 8 (See Keith Award 7
Keith Award
Continued from page 7
Kevin Keith more than demonstrates the leadership qualities that would allow him to be a worthy recipient of the
Emerging Leader Award.”
Mr. Keith has worked at TSH for nine years. After graduating from high school he began his studies in Pre-Med at Texas
A&M University. He enlisted in the United States Army serving as squad leader and section chief..
“From the beginning of my nursing career in the ER I enjoyed caring for the patient, but also putting an emphasis on
the family members of the patient. I did the best I could to be educated to lessen their worries. When I began working in
psychiatric nursing, it was a more holistic approach to patient care. I dealt with medical, psychiatric, social, and family
and it grew for me coming to work here. I love it. What other field of nursing can you go into where you share tears one
day and be outside playing the next? We get to be involved in all aspect of our patients‟ lives. We do have the
therapeutic relationship, but we would be kidding ourselves if you did not say we had formed friendships with some of
these patients. We have mutual caring and respect for our patients here,” said Mr. Keith.
When he first began working with psychiatric patients he was affected by a patient that help him get over the
stereotypes that most people have about people with mental illness. This patient and her husband worked in real estate
together and had the American Dream. They owned their own home, were successful, and had two children. Both of her
children died in a car accident. From that great loss the couple had marital problems and divorced. Due to her depression
she lost her job. In a matter of 16 months her life had been totally taken away. “That patient really affected me and
taught me that this could happen to anyone. There is a wide variety of mental illnesses, but this taught me a very valuable
lesson. Many times we think we are beyond having a mental illness. It is just like any other illness; you never know what
can happen. This patient really touched me. No where else have I ever seen such gratitude for a pair of shoes or a
birthday cake on their birthday. Many of our patients here have totally lost their support group and there is not a lot that
brightens their day. I don‟t see myself ever leaving this field. There are a lot of misconceptions in the psychiatric field.
The patients that we have can be wonderful if you get to know them,” said Mr. Keith.
He continued, “Many things along the way have taught me how to interact with patients. You learn to individualize
care. Each person is different. They always feel vulnerable, so you must try to empower them and give them a sense of
dignity.”
When asked what receiving this honor meant to him he replied, “People tell me I am a good leader. It is hard for me to
visualize that. In my opinion, I tell the staff what needs to be done and get out of their way and let them do it. I
appreciate the fact that I was nominated and others have faith that I can represent Nursing and Terrell State Hospital. It is
still a learning process for me to get the most out of staff without micromanaging or being overbearing.”
Mr. Keith and Amy his wife of 11 years have two sons Spencer, 9, and Griffin, 5.
He was a TSH preceptor on the Child and Adolescent Program prior to being promoted to management. He mentors
nursing students from surrounding nursing school programs during their clinical rotations. He provided annual
orientation to Psychiatric Nursing for TVCC students. He is also very active in the community. He has participated in
multiple public school presentations. He is a deacon at First Baptist Church in Kaufman. He is the annual camp
counselor for preteen summer camp at his church and the annual summer small group leader for freshman at his church.
Each year he presents a Career Day Program at local schools. He represents Terrell State Hospital at the City of Terrell‟s
annual Business Expo. He also participated as a member of the chainsaw team of volunteers during Hurricane Rita
recovery efforts. He is a member of “Handy helpers” assisting people in the community with needs as basic as changing
light bulbs to minor construction projects. He is a coach for several community youth sports including Upward Soccer,
basketball, and football, City soccer league and YMCA basketball.
Mr. Keith participated in a number of events in Austin on February 26 and 27 including “Nurses Learning from Nurses”
and “Nurses up Close to the Political Process”.
The Fountain is published monthly by Community Relations Editor Sheila Kunick for employees, retirees,
volunteers and friends of Terrell State Hospital.
Please feel free to share your story ideas, or nominate a co-worker that goes the extra mile for the monthly
Employee Feature. Call Sheila at (972) 551-8639 with nominations or ideas.
Please send your change of address or change of e-mail address to: The Fountain, Volunteer Council for Terrell
State Hospital, P. O. Box 70, Terrell, TX 75160 or e-mail sheila.kunick@dshs.state.tx.us
8
Above: Palm trees were donated several years ago to beautify the campus at TSH. On February 3 workers were on site
replacing some of the palm trees with new trees. (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
The Volunteer
Services hosted
a Valentine
flower sale on
February 11
and February
12. David Gray
is pictured as he
picks flowers for
his wife, Teresa.
(Photos by
Sheila Kunick)
9
TSH Celebrates Black History Month
By Sheila Kunick
Terrell State Hospital celebrated Black History Month with a special program on February 16 at the TSH Winton
Gable Chapel.
Several people were honored with special recognition by TSH Superintendent Dr. Joe Finch. Honorees included:
Mr. Chester Davis, Jr., Mr. Terry J. Eason, Dr. Kathryn McClellan, and Mrs. Cynthea Rhodes-Patterson.
Terrell Mayor Hal Richards read a proclamation declaring February 1 through February 28, 2010 as “National
Black History Month” in the city of Terrell.
“I appreciate being invited to come and be with you here today. This is one of the fun things I get to do—to
recognize the great things that people do in this community...Before I make this proclamation I want to make sure
that I say how proud I am to have the state hospital in our town. This is a sanctuary for so many decades. This is a
place where people can get support and help. It is a great place,” said Mayor Richards.
Reverend Richard Rollerson, the Bethlehem Baptist Church Pastor, was the keynote speaker. Reverend Rollerson
was an honoree of the Terrell State Hospital Outstanding African American citizen in 2006.
“We are here to celebrate the contributions of black Americans and as you well know it is not just black history but
American History. Black History is part of American History. There are so many ethnic groups that have made many
contributions to make our country what it is today...My question today is 'What do you do when you are pressed into
service?‟ You are not looking to be involved in an earth shattering experience? How do you respond to situations
like that? There was a young lady by the name of Rosa Parks. She simply got up one day, went to work, and on her
way home she was tired and she decided to take the first seat available. From that act she was pressed into service.
There was a young preacher in the area that heard about her plight; having to sit in a seat only reserved for those of
the Anglo ethnic group. Martin Luther King, Jr. was pressed into service. He was not looking to become a civil
rights leader...There is a man in the Bible by the name of Simon. He was simply minding his own business...He
stopped and Roman Officers compelled him to help Jesus carry the cross...Simon was pressed into service,” said
Rev. Rollerson.
He continued, “If we want to help others, and that is why we are here, that is why we celebrate Black History
Month. For the purpose of reaching out and serving others. If we are going to help others along the way we have to
be ready when the moment presents itself...It does not matter what ethnic persuasion a person may be. We are here
on planet earth, not just to consume but to serve. And the question should be „What can I do to help someone.‟ Reach
out and help someone along the way...We need to be responsible with the path that is presented to us.”
Marian Martin and Lanora Garner performed solos during the ceremony. Chaplain David Stine gave the
invocation. Adeline Johnson was the Mistress of Ceremonies and Leonard DeGrate introduced the keynote speaker.
Left: Rev. Richard
Rollerson was the
keynote speaker at
the TSH Black
History Program
held on February 16
at the Winton Gable
Chapel.
Right: Mayor Hal
Richards read a
proclamation at the
TSH Black History
Program held on
February 16.
(Photos by Sheila
Kunick)
10
Black History Celebration Award Winners
Terrell State Hospital Black History Program 2010 honorees are pictured during the Black History Celebration held on
February 16. Top left: Mrs. Rhodes is pictured accepting the award for her daughter Mrs. Cynthea Rhodes-Patterson.
Top right: Mr. Terry J. Eason is pictured as he receives his award from Dr. Finch. Bottom left: Dr. Kathryn McClellan
is pictured receiving her award from Dr. Finch. Bottom right: Barbra Davis is pictured as she accepts the award for her
husband Chester Davis, Jr. (Photos by Sheila Kunick) 11
Black History Celebration Scenes
Above left: Marion Martin is pictured as
she performs at the Black History
Program held on February 16. Above
center: Lanora Garner is pictured during
her solo performance at the ceremony.
Above right: Dr. Joe Finch is pictured as
he presents Reverend Rollerson with a
plaque of appreciation. Center right:
Adeline Johnson was the Mistress of
Ceremony. Center left: Leonard DeGrate,
Jr. is pictured as he introduces the
keynote speaker at the ceremony. (Photos
by Sheila Kunick)
Left: The
Eternity
Gospel
Singers
performed
at the
TSH
Black
History
Celebratio
n held on
February
17. (Photo
by Sheila
Kunick
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From The Desk Of Chaplain Stine
Proclamation
When I was a young boy growing up in the Midwest I remember watching the clouds that often would be dark and
indicate that a strong storm was approaching. In fact, one summer afternoon this was my experience. I was working at a
little country store that my parents operated when the sky became very dark very quickly. And my mother asked me to
“run” to the house and close the windows. You see, we lived only a half of a city block from the store through the field
behind the store. In fact, there was a clear path that many of the neighbors used to walk to the store.
As I approached the house the wind began to blow very strong and I ran to the front door and tried to open it with the
key, but the door appeared sealed from the inside. And just at that moment a big Oak tree, approximately 30 to 40 feet
from our house, twisted like a toothpick and crashed on the house next door. As the wind blew there seemed to be a
moment of relief and the door opened and I was able to enter the house. Later, the news on the television indicated that
several tornados had been spotted in the area that afternoon about the same time that I witnessed the tree falling.
From that lesson of human nature, I learned that you can't always predict or proclaim what will happen to you from one
moment to the next. This past month was a good example of what I mean. When many of us in North Texas experienced
some strange looking white stuff called snow in our communities. Who would have thought that we would wake up one
morning and see 12 inches of that glorious blanket of beauty?
This month we celebrate Lent. Lent is a time in the church calendar when we focus on what we can do to be reminded
that we do not know what tomorrow will bring and we ought to be prepared spiritually to walk with God. Traditionally
Lent was a solemn and joyless period which emphasized a sackcloth and ashes mood. Special celebrations, such as the
famous Mardi Gras, were held just prior to and following the season because there was no opportunity for joy or fun
during the bleak days of Lent. But in more recent years we have come to appreciate the place of joy and celebration in
the Christian faith Lent is now a time of
sharing our lives of faith in community and
accepting God‟s love for one another. The
word “testament” means “covenant” and it is
no accident that scriptures encourage us to
build on this relationship of letting go of
ourselves and renew our spiritual commitment
to walk with God. A covenant implies a
binding of two parties together in mutual
agreement. The story of God‟s faithfulness to
the covenant and the people's unfaithfulness is
the kind of relationship that tends to evolve.
However, Lent is the time to be reminded that
God renews his covenant by forgiving his
people and starts anew (even every day). By
concentrating upon God we are pulled out of
ourselves and filled with the desire to serve
God who has faithfully kept his covenant with
us.
Thus, any type of Proclamation, be it the
weather or a fragmented relationship with
others and even with our Creator, God, can be
restored out of an attitude of Love. May we all
be encouraged this month to look to God for
renewed hope and healing. If someone asks Right: The Singing Soldiers performed at the Terrell State
you, “How are you doing?” Just respond by Hospital Black History Celebration held on February 17 at the
saying, “I‟m blessed and highly favored.” I gymnasium. (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
believe that is the best Proclamation anyone
can give!—Chaplain David Stine
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Terrell State Hospital Executive Committee
Joe Finch, Psy.D.— Superintendent
Perry Harwell—Assistant Superintendent
Anthony Claxton, M.D.—Clinical Director
Kathryn Griffin, R.N., MSN, NEA, BC—Chief Nurse Executive
Vertis Storey—Director of Quality Management
Leonard DeGrate, Jr., L.C.S.W., D.C.S.W.—Director of Social Services
Vickie Barnes—Assistant Director of Quality Management
Benny Britton—Director of Special Projects
Terri DeJarnett—Director of Medical Records
Mike Verseckes—Financial Officer
Debbie Helm—Director of Community Relations and Development
Dorthy Floyd, Ph.D.—Director of Psychology
Chaplain David E. Stine, M. Div., AAMFT, BCC—Director of Pastoral Care
Clent Holmes, RNC—Risk Management Coordinator
Monica Pittman—Employee Services Coordinator
Pat Denson—Administrative Services Coordinator
Amy Pierce—Peer Support Liaison Supervisor
Non-Profit Organization
Volunteer Council U.S. Postage
for Terrell State Hospital PAID
P.O. Box 70 Terrell, Texas
Terrell, TX 75160-0070 Permit No. 61
www.terrellshvolunteers.org
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