It’s been a year since we acknowledge the Big Medical Center, but it was for the entire staff what it year. They did an excellent job during the pandemic. I was looking forward to visiting with the staff and the residence but found myself ill when I was supposed to interview. I sent my phone (it has a recording option) and asked Lisa Sipler to ask a few questions for me.

Pam Gasvoda is the longest-employed employee at 33 years. “It’s amazing.” She would fill in a few shifts when her children were little. But those years are not included. When her youngest daughter, Cindy, graduated in 1988, and that’s when she started working full time. Pam finished nursing school in 1970.

She loves it because she now works with the elder folks. “I love the elderly. So purposeful, so simple, so easy; They make you slow down, and be there for them.” Their experiences help them see things differently, and she learns from that.

Pam believes that “During Covid-19 Lisa Sipler put her hat on! She did fantastic with these folks. She did something different all the time!”

If she had an opportunity to talk to high school seniors, Pam would tell them they should go into nursing. “You don’t have to see an emergency room; you don’t have to see a baby being born; you don’t have to see someone die. There are so many opportunities available to them. Right now, we have two nurses that are so good they should be teachers. Jessica Ophus is a very good teacher. You can work with old folks. Be a public health expert. There are so many different avenues you can pursue. Go into nursing.

Lisa Sipler said, “I have worked at BSMC since I was 18 years old. I’ve met and become close with so many people. Between staff and residents, I have so many stories and memories. I have pictures with Alan Halverson after my daughter Audrey was born. I spent so much time playing Kings Corner with Sis Olson, sharing dry humor with Sydney Boettcher, hours of Rummikub with Margaret Grub, and today sharing my personal stories of my children growing up with Shirley and Frances. So many friendships with my fellow staff. I truly love my job, the people I work with, and the folks I get the privilege of spending time with. I’m very proud to be an employee at Big Sandy Medical Center.”

Hannah Williams thinks, “what is most amazing is how much everybody cares for our residence!”

Ashley Allderdice is the Director of Nursing. Hasley was a teenager at Big Sandy high school when she started by working in the kitchen. Then she became a CNA before she went and became a nurse. She believes that “Being from Big Sandy and knowing people before I became a nurse, I know them personally. I know them as a whole person. And not just what’s wrong them,” is her most significant advantage in her profession. “It’s a challenge to be one of the youngest; I’m still learning a lot.”

Lisa set some of the residences down for Virgin Sunsets, olives, and asparagus. “I had to feed them and get them drinking to get them talking.” You could hear them all laughing on the recording.

Lisa asked what it was that they liked best about the Medical Center. For a second or two, there was silence, and then one of the men said, “Security!” He feels safe.

One of the women said, “I don’t have to do my laundry or clean house!” That made me smile. I’d be saying Amen to that.

Another woman said, “We are waiting on hand and foot. Everyone is so kind.”

They visited about the staff and how they have such good relations with the staff. One said, “Lynn Faber is the best,” but then one added quickly, “Everybody is special.” They mentioned how much they love the little kids when they visit, even if it’s just coming to the window. Alisha, a high school senior, is on staff and is a granddaughter of one of the residence, and she expressed how wonderful it was to get to see her often. “I get to see everyone in our family. Before I moved here, I only saw family once a year.”

They love to sit outside in the morning under the umbrellas, And now that they can have visitors, four local pastors are now coming again. “It’s been so good. It was a long time before we could have church.”

They were lonely when covid-19 didn’t allow for visitors. The Big Sandy Medical Center does allow visitors now, but please call and make arrangements before visiting.

Things they LOVE to do. “Bingo, Bingo, Bingo, watching TV, listening to books on tape, sitting outside. Plant our flowers in the spring and watering them during the summer. “It’s a lot of work.”

I heard Lisa tell them about Hospital week May9th-15th. Monday 10th will be superhero day, hoping everyone will dress up in their favorite hero costume. The Tie-dyed day will be on Tuesday. They will all have made new tie-dyed t-shirts for the day. That day they will have pizza. I could hear “good,” and it made me smile because everyone likes pizza. Wednesday will be Farmer- Rancher day, along with horse races. Thursday patriotic day. Friday is the rainbow day. There will also be a parade starting from the catholic church going down two blocks before turning right past the nursing home. I was at the last small parade, and it was an incredible event. They loved watching everyone going by. Families were walking together, old cars, pets being walked by their owners, children on bicycles; it didn’t matter, it was incredible fun for them. After the parade, there is an ice cream social at 2 o’clock. Please keep in mind social distancing, and it will be important to please wear a mask when you are around the folks.

One of the residences said, “Sounds like a good week.”

Francis used to work there, and she never thought she would live there. A gentleman said, “Everyone needs to live somewhere. And a place to die. I am going to die here.”

“It’s just a wonder place to be.”

Francis wants everyone to know, “the food is really good here. Kitchen staff cooks good.”

“Zane and Krystle are excellent providers here. The lab work is done here too.”

“Tracy Schuster comes to the hospital to cut hair. “

“Moose, LJ, and Brandon keep the places looking fantastic.”

It was understood that the nurses and the CNAs were the best. And celebrating the medical center without completely understanding the depth of their involvement in the lives of the residents would be a huge mistake. Everyone understands that the medical staff has been one of the clear heroes of our lives during this year.