The Fountain
Terrell State Hospital’s Monthly Newsletter
April 2010
TSH Dental Clinic Serves The Needs Of Patients
By Sheila Kunick
The TSH Dental
Clinic has reopened
with a new dentist,
Paul Wayne Nelson,
D.D.S., M.S.,
F.A.M.A. Janet Austin
and Dental Assistant,
Julie Willis.
The team treats seven
to ten patients a day.
The modern
equipment and
relaxing atmosphere in
the TSH Dental Clinic
makes the patients feel
more at ease. There is
a large waiting area for
patients with a table
set up for the children
to color while they
wait.
The Dental Office is
open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Dr. Paul Nelson, Janet Austin, and Julie Willis are pictured at the Terrell State
Monday through
Hospital Dental Clinic. (Photo by Sheila Kunick)
Thursday.
The Dental Clinic has two operatory rooms, two x-ray rooms, and a lab.
Dr. Nelson began in February, 2010, and now runs the dental clinic. He received his B.B.A. in 1968 from Lamar
University. In 1978 he received a D.D.S. from Baylor College of Dentistry and an M.S. in 1995 from Amber
University.
Beginning in 2000, he was Assistant Professor of the Baylor College of Dentistry before coming to TSH. He was an
instructor from 1978 to 1979 at Baylor College of Dentistry and an instructor at Lamar University from 1980 to
1981.
Both Ms. Austin and Ms. Willis worked in the THS Dental Clinic before it closed its doors in July 2008. Ms. Willis
worked 14 years in the Dental Clinic and went to ATD as an art therapist when the clinic closed. Ms. Austin worked
12 years at the Dental Clinic and went to Transportation after the clinic closed.
“We strive to make sure that the patient is at ease. We try and make their time here enjoyable, with the plants, and
photos on the wall and music playing,” said Ms. Austin.
“We love it here. We enjoy coming to work everyday. I was very torn whether I wanted to come back to the Dental
Clinic, because I truly loved ATD. I was teaching art classes. I really enjoyed being able to impact some of the
patients. Now I am impacting the patients in a different way here at the Dental Clinic. After I met Dr. Nelson I knew
this was a position that I could be happy with again. I miss ATD, but I am glad to be back,” said Ms. Willis.
TSH contracted with a private practice dentist to fill the dental needs of the patients for the 18 months that the
Dental Clinic was closed.
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Right: South Garland High School
HOSA Chapter donated items to
Terrell State Hospital for a project
on Mental Health Awareness. The
group collected items at several
different locations and delivered
them to TSH on February 23.
April TSH Volunteer
Birthdays
April 1
Beatrice Kaplan
Kelli Clower
George Lawshe
April 2
Margie Curry
April 3
Joan Stine
April 4
Jeanie Teel
April 5
Hope Tankersley
Betsy Poe
April 8
Jill Mormon
Patient Health Fair Deemed A Success
April 10
Sue Humphries By Sheila Kunick
April 13 The TSH Patient Health Fair was deemed a success on February 25. The I
Jimmy Williamson am the Evidence: Recovery is Possible Health Fair was sponsored by the
Betty Glaeser TSH Peer Support Department. The Health Fair featured different booths to
April 18 educate the clients of TSH.
Judith Smothers This is the second annual Peer Support Mental Health Fair.
April 22 Participants included Dallas Metrocare, APPA/DRA (Association of
Linda Peters Persons Affected by Addiction/Dual Recovery Anonymous), ABC
Janet Austin Behavioral Health, Advocacy, Inc., Community Relations, Patient
April 23 Relations, Social Services, Patient and Family Education Committee,
Ronnie Hopkins Medical Records, NAMI Dallas, Value Options, Psychology, Chapel,
April 26 NAMI Kaufman County, Turtle Creek Manor, Adapt, ATD, Lakes Regional
Jack Hopkins MHMR, Country Manor, and DARS (Department of Assistive and
April 27 Rehabilitative Services).
Belinda Morgan “Our theme for this year is—I am the Evidence: Recovery is Possible.
Everyday persons live successful lives with a mental illness and are the
evidence that recovery is possible. We invited providers of mental health
TSH New Employees services, support groups, advocacy organizations as well as our own staff to
provide a wide variety of information and services that are available in the
community. We also had many booths set up that had games that the
Emily Bratz consumers could play. Having fun is an integral part of recovery so it was
Noah Cruz important for the health fair to have those elements also. We are now
Kerri Hammack gearing up for the next workshop which will be held in May. This workshop
Jo Ottman will continue with the theme I am the Evidence: Recovery is Possible,” said
Natashua Thompson Amy Pierce, TSH Peer Support Supervisor.
Donna Waymire
Karen Wilson (See Health Fair photos on page 3)
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Patient Health Fair Scenes
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Erica El-Moghrabi Proceeds To National DECA Competition
By Sheila Kunick
Erica El-Moghrabi participated in the Distributive Education
Clubs of America (DECA) representing Terrell High School
recently. The Texas DECA has 10,987 student members and Texas
is the second largest association in the United States. Terrell High
School has a strong DECA Program under the direction of Ron
Wesson. The goal of the DECA is to teach students the value of the
Free Enterprise System and how their occupation benefits from our
system. The program builds character, integrity, dependability and
self-reliance. Her assignment for the competition was hotel
management. Her presentation won the State competition. She will
compete at the national competition in Kentucky on April 24.
“I want to say congratulations to Erica and how proud we are of
her. As I have shared previously, Erica is doing an outstanding job
as one of our High School to RN students, and these types of
experiences will only enhance her skills as a nurse and health care
professional. We know she will represent Terrell High School,
Terrell State Hospital, and the community of Terrell proudly,” said
Walt Davis.
Ms. El-Moghrabi is currently in the High School to RN Program
at Terrell State Hospital. She works in the TSH Clinic, Unit 8, and
CTD.
She is a 17 year old senior at Terrell High School. Ms. El-
Moghrabi is in the top five percent of her graduating class, ranking
seventh.
She is president of the DECA, treasurer of the National Honor
Society, secretary of the Key Club, and a member of the Student
Council. She enjoys reading, spending time with her friends, and
Erica El-Moghrabi
riding horses.
After graduation she will be attending nursing school and will work part time at TSH.
Ms. El-Moghrabi truly enjoys the patient contact she has at TSH. She wants to make a difference at TSH. She has not
decided at this point if she wants to pursue her nursing career in the psychiatric field.
The Fountain 5K And Walk Scheduled
By Sheila Kunick
The Fountain 5K & Walk benefiting the Terrell State hospital Volunteer Services Council is scheduled for
Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Ben Gill Park in Terrell. The Fountain 5K & Walk is being held in conjunction with the
29th annual Terrell Heritage Jubilee. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. The course is certified, and timing services will be
provided by RunFAR Racing Services.
The 3.22 mile route will showcase the heritage of historic Terrell
Front Runner sponsors as of print date are U Rent It, G&S Sales, and Lone Star Credit Union.
Anyone interested in registering for the run or sponsorship should contact Kristy Renfro or Bryant Martin at (972)
563-4295.
Sponsorship levels are: Front Runner, $750; Sprinters, $500; Road Warriors, $250; and Fountain Friends, $100.
To register, please log on www.thefountain5K.com, register in person at Ben Gill Park Pavilion or by mail—
Volunteer Services Council, Terrell State Hospital, P.O. Box 70, Terrell, TX 75160.
All proceeds will benefit the Volunteer Services Council for Terrell State Hospital.
For more information, or to get involved, please visit www.terrellshvolunteers.org.
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Employee Feature
By Sheila Kunick
Trish Perry has worked at Terrell State Hospital for 40
years. She began on a ward when she was only 18 years old.
She is currently an Administrative Assistant and Computer-
Aided Facility Management System Specialist. Mrs. Perry
was featured in the February, 2010 edition of the Texas
Health and Human Services System—The Connection. TSH
is like a second home to Ms. Perry. Her parents and
grandparents worked at TSH.
Her job includes managing the facility's work order system,
entering data for the facility fleet system, updating
employees’ driving records and creating reports for all of
these programs. This system records all work in all the
building at TSH. She also inputs data into the Capital
Construction program for funds for major hospital repairs
such as new air conditioning equipment, fire alarm and
sprinkler systems, etc. She communicates with the CAFM
staff at Central Office and assists with the training of other
CAFM Specialists. She also assists maintenance personnel
that need help in the Work Order System. She keeps all Life
Safety Code work orders in files ready for inspection at
anytime. She inputs all vehicle information such as fuel,
repairs, and mileage into the Texas Fleet Management
System. She maintains the list of authorized vehicle
operators, sends for employee driving records, and ensures
that all drivers have the requirements to be able to drive a
state vehicle.
“I’ve met a lot of great people here at the Hospital. My
supervisors have always been good. When I first began
working here there were 2,500 patients and now there are
only 300. There was a lot more interaction with the patients
in my earlier days. I have seen so many changes. I have
worked with some great people. I worked for 13 years as Trish Perry
secretary to the Social Services Department.
I have always liked a challenge; and, believe me, when the hospital started receiving computers that was a big challenge
for me. When I first came to the Maintenance Department we did not have computers, just a calculator and typewriter. It
would take me the entire month to close out work orders and file them. End of year reports would take a very long time
to complete. The computer age has been great for this department,” said Mrs. Perry.
She began her career at TSH on a ward and transferred to a receptionist position on Witt Hall. She then transferred to
the Social Services Department, where she was supervisor of the steno pool for 13 years. She then went to work in the
Maintenance Department in 1983 and still works in that department.
She and her husband of 37 years, Jack, have four children and ten grandchildren. She and her husband love to travel,
fish, work in their yard and keep their grandchildren.
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
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“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:
Carrot Cake
2 cups sugar
4 eggs 2 teaspoons lemon extract
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup pecans, chopped
3 cups flour 3 cups carrots, grated
2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup orange juice
1 tsp. orange extract
Mix first nine ingredients in order. Bake at 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours in tube pan. After taking from the oven, mix the
last three ingredients and pour over cake while it is still hot.—Rebecca Edwards
Bar-B-Que Brisket
Brisket
Salt, to taste 1/2 bottle Liquid Smoke or
Pepper, to taste Worcestershire sauce
BBQ Sauce
Put heavy-duty foil in large pan. Place brisket in foil. Add remaining ingredients. Wrap brisket very tightly. Bake at least
seven to eight hours at 250 degrees without opening. Open foil; drain juice into bowl. Mix with BBQ sauce to taste. Slice
brisket when cool. Serve with sauce.—Larry Zajic
April Employee Birthdays
April 1 April 10 April 15 April 23
Kelli Clower Marcus Kennedy John Vlasin Rhonda Miranda
Anecita DeCastro Adelita Lopez April 16 Leonard Parker
Rory Turner Caffield Samuels Dennis Cole Linda Wimbley
April 3 April 11 Silvia Resendez April 26
Julie Marshall Ethel Allen Jeffrey Stephens Edwin Price
Ed Weideman Patricia Evans April 17 April 27
April 4 John Phillips Jeana Adnerson Georgia Colston
Rene Funk Carolyn Raines April 18 Alesa Oliver
Guadalupe Gomez Dotty Rigney Carla Johnson April 28
Charlotte Gore Kenneth Subido April 19 Kendrell Dean
Rose Henning Karen Sullivan Laquita Edinbyrd Timothy Harris
Esther Njoku April 12 Sherrod Kelly Miranda Huddleston
April 5 Audrey Stone Isaac Palmer Lashell Kennedy
Marilynn Johnson April 13 Sarah Stonehouse James Odonnell
Patsy Primm Fredrick Boyd Maxcimiano Valenzuela Brenda Rumbo
Marilyn Roberson Marisa Hernandez April 20 April 29
April 6 Dwight Keith Lula Edinbyrd Marie Adkins
Debra English April 14 Marianna Graham Della Duff
Jeareld Miller Marthanne Goen Precious Johnson Shirlyn Hedgemon
April 8 Linda Pool April 22 David Session
Jill Mormon April 15 Janet Austin Shawn Wilabay
April 10 Brenda Berglund Susie Brown April 30
Tushuna Byrd Linda Peters Brittany Chesler
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TSH Courtyard Project In Planning Stage
By Sheila Kunick
The Volunteer Services Council of
Terrell State Hospital is planning a
Courtyard Improvement Project.
Courtyard Committee Chairman
David Desmond submitted the plans
for the courtyard to his committee on
March 8.
The committee is planning to begin
the improvement project at the Unit
K and Unit L courtyard.
After final approval, the VSC
plans to paint the surrounding walls,
update the basketball court, and have
two separate shading elements. The
committee toured the courtyard to
see what improvements need to be
made.
The committee plans to improve all the courtyards at TSH. More information will be
released when final approval has been made on this project. Pictured are George
Lawshe, Kenny McDonald, James Harris, and David Desmond.
TSH Rummage Room Sale Continues To Be Successful
By Sheila Kunick
The Terrell State Hospital Rummage Room sale continues to be very
successful. The rummage room sale is held the first Thursday of each
month at the TSH Community Relations building from 8:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. All proceeds from the sale benefit the patients of Terrell
State Hospital.
Not only do the patients of the
hospital benefit from the sale, but
the community benefits as well.
The rummage room sale is open to
the public.
Dedicated volunteers work
weekly on the rummage room sale.
Rummage Room Volunteers
include: Linda Strickland, Judy
Hendricks, Pauline Brown,
Carmela Rodriguez, Ruth
Ravelette, Arlene Logan Jimmye
Hargrove, Diane Livingston, Donation accepted at TSH Community
Sharon Mester, Tommie Airheart, Relations Monday through Friday 8 a.m.
Brabara Hendricks, and Barbara to 5 p.m.
Kelly. 7
Caught You Caring Award Winners
Above: Superintendent Joe Finch, Psy.D is pictured presenting Bobby Oats, Building Maintenance Technician, with
the February Champion of Caring Award. Center: Dr. Finch presents Linda Peters with the February Champion of
Caring Award. Right: Tammy Langford, Ward Clerk, Intensive Behavioral Unit is pictured receiving the January
Champion of Caring Award. Below: Brenda Blundell, Environmental Services Supervisor, is pictured receiving the
January Champion of Caring Award from Assistant Superintendent Perry Harwell. (Photos by Sheila Kunick)
January 2010 Caught You Caring Winners include: Karla
Hooten, David Gray, Sue Cole, Monica Pittman, and Linda
Peters.
February 2010 Caught You Caring Winners include: Appollonia
Brumley, Likishia Wren, Vickey McKenzie, Bill Holland, Dr.
Kranti Purimetla, Maria Gonzalez, Reagan Teel, and David Gray
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.
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Flag Presentation Held At VSC Meeting
Left: Dr. Joe Finch, Superintendent, Anne Davidson, Wildwood Cemetery Chairperson, and Richard Sander,
representative from Congressman Jeb Hensarling’s Office, are pictured during the VSC meeting on March 17. Mr.
Hensarling’s office presented a flag to the Wildwood Cemetery Association. Right: Dr. Finch is pictured as he presents
Mr. Sander with the Terrell State Hospital History Book. (Photos by Sheila Kunick)
Betty Rockwell Retires After 29 Years
Betty
Rockwell
was
honored
with a
retirement
party on
March 11 at
the TSH
Family
Center.
Betty is
pictured
receiving a
plaque (left)
and with her
grandchildr
en (right).
Photos by
Sheila
Kunick)
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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.
On July 14, 2010 the formal celebration
will be held at the TSH gymnasium
beginning at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to
attend this historic event that will include
guest speakers and entertainment. Terrell
State Hospital has been serving the citizens
of the State of Texas for 125 years.
As part of the formal celebration a time
capsule will be buried to commemorate the
date. The time capsule that was buried in
1985 will be opened in a special ceremony.
Terrell Mayor Hal Richards has accepted
his invitation to be a part of the formal
celebration along with Benny Britton, TSH
Special Projects Coordinator, and Albert
Rice, VSC Board Director.
A PowerPoint of the history of the
hospital will be shown during the formal
celebration. Hospital construction site 1752
On July 13 a special celebration for the patients and staff of TSH is being planned. This celebration is only for patients and
staff and will include carnival type games and food.
More information will be available as the TSH 125 Anniversary Committee makes the final plans.
1902 Hospital Board Members 10
From The Desk Of Chaplain Stine
The Gardener
My father had a green thumb. It seemed like anything he planted would grow. I did not receive his “gift”. It
seems like my experience is very much the opposite. Everything I try to plant seems to turn brown and die! No
matter how much attention I try to give the plant, it just does not respond.
When I think of April, I think of spring and look to see how beautiful everything begins to appear. However, this
winter the weather has been very severe with lots of precipitation, but it might lead to a very colorful springtime. I
also think of April being the time for Easter when we, of the Christian tradition, look to the glorious light to shine
in our hearts that has been made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Just as “life” has been provided for us
in the birth at Christmas time, we now celebrate the “New Life” through faith in the risen Christ.
A friend of mine this week shared with me a scripture from his devotional readings in II Corinthians 4:8-9, which
reads from the New International Version, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not
in despair...struck down but not destroyed.” This word reminded me how my father (the Gardener) would not get
discouraged if his crop did not produce well in the season, but looked forward to another planting season to reap
the harvest.
So often I hear from our clients’ stories of disappointment and defeat that they have experienced in their family of
origin or their young adult journey. I try to remind them that there is always hope for the future to be different, but
they need to listen to the caregivers in our hospital and to open their hearts (their spirit self) to God who loves
them no matter what kind of experience they have encountered in life. No matter how “crushed” we all might feel
at times, we are loved and can find value in life as we look for light to illuminate our paths from above.
The scriptures also remind us that the fields are ready for harvest, that means to me that God understands our
needs and as the great “Gardener” can bless us though love and mercy experienced in the Sprit of love. My prayer
for each of us this month is to have a great harvest of God's love and share it with others who might be feeling
crushed. Enjoy your garden!—Chaplain David Stine.
TSH Employee/Volunteer Award Banquet Scheduled
By Sheila Kunick
The Terrell State Hospital Employee/Volunteer Awards Banquet is set for May 20, 2010 at 6 p.m. The banquet will
be held in the TSH gymnasium.
The banquet committee met on March 11 and the theme for this year is Casino Night “TSH Employees/Volunteers
Are a Sure Bet”.
If you would like to help with this years’ banquet please call Community Relations at (972) 551-8639.
Employees will receive awards in the following categories: Health Services Award, Support Services Award,
Psychiatric Aide of the year, Marie Ballard Award, and Circle of Excellence Award.
The Circle of Excellence Award recognizes groups, work units, and/or teams employed by TSH who demonstrate a
positive attitude and cooperative spirit and who exemplify the values of TSH, including customer satisfaction,
integrity, family, and teamwork.
The Support Services Award recognizes and rewards employees at all levels and/or in all divisions/departments who
have improved quality of services in their department or unit to meet the needs of people they are serving, promoted a
positive work environment, promoted effective leadership and management, or built positive relationships with
consumers, families, advocacy groups, etc.
The Health Services Award recognizes and rewards employees at all levels who have improved the quality of
services in their department or unit to meet the needs of people they are serving, promoted a positive work
environment, promoted effective leadership and management, build positive relationships with consumers, families,
advocacy groups, etc.
The Mental Health Association in Texas presents the Psychiatric Aide of the year Award to focus public attention on
the important role of psychiatric aide providing direct services to patients; to help gain adequate recognition and status
for those engaged in this profession, and to encourage higher standards of treatment for persons with mental illness.
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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
Jill Mormon—Director of Adjunctive Therapies
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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