The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the staff at BSMC. The holiday season is never short of celebration, joy, and commotion at the medical center. The HR Director, Karma Hale, along with her helpers put on a wonderful Christmas Party at the Mint for all staff. It was a joyful event with great food, good company, and a healthy dose of laughter. Inside the facility, the Activities Director, Lisa Sipler, does a fantastic job getting everyone into the Christmas Spirit, staff, and residents alike. This season was no different. Shortly after Thanksgiving, she started decorating beautiful Christmas trees with the residents. They really enjoy these traditions and find so much joy in admiring them for days to come. Each resident has a small, decorated tree in their room, wreaths on the doors, and the halls are certainly decked as well! Rotary members came to carol on December 12, there really is something about those caroling classics that just warms the heart. On December 13, an indoor Christmas parade was held for the residents and their families. Community members and staff participated, creating quite an occasion for the folks. The parade included a Live Nativity Scene (Ashley J., Colt J., Mike M., Jessica O., Emma O., Hannah W., Sarah B., Billie S.), a Snoopy float (Karma H., Kellen, K.), a Gingerbread House float (Lisa S., Patti P., Laci L., Nicole A.,), a Christmas Wagon (Heather D.), Santa (Sierra G.), Polar Bear (Roberta E.), and a Grinch (Dave K.)!

Barb and Mary came from Havre to play the harp one afternoon, such beautiful music to fill the air! A cookie exchange took place. The residents had their fill tasting a wide variety of confections as 15 staff members took part! No Christmas celebration is complete without an ugly sweater day there sure were some festive ones around while the gals were making rosettes! The high school choir came to perform for the residents at lunch on the 20th. The 21st brought everyone to work in their best Christmas PJ’s. As cold as it was, it was not surprising to see so many cozy jammies inside that day. Finally, BSMC family Christmas took place on December 23. Residents spent time with their friends and families, alongside the staff. Gifts were exchanged and treats were had. What a wonderful way to celebrate the season!

On behalf of the resident’s here, a wholehearted thank you is extended to the Christ Lutheran Church, the Church of God, and the St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church, as well as the Medical Guild for purchasing gifts for the folks. Gratitude is also extended to the community members who participate in the celebrations and show up with a little extra joy this time of year. It is those little things that make the season extra special, and it does not go unnoticed. People really are the heart of BSMC. A special thanks also to Lisa who works so hard to bring it all together every year.

A little Christmas magic was all we needed to get the generator here! It arrived on December 12, but there is still work to be done before it is operational. The new clinic building also arrived, just the day after the generator. It will be a few months yet before that building is set up and ready; the goal is to be operating out of it by Spring of 2023. Senator Russ Tempel stopped in for a visit one afternoon as well. He met with the administration and discussed some of the challenges faced in rural facilities as they are certainly unique to the healthcare system. That winds down the festivities for the year. We all look forward to what comes next in 2023.

From all of us here at Big Sandy Medical Center, we wish you a warm, healthy, and happy holiday season. May you find joy in your homes and warmth in your heart. And if a chill comes your way or a bug has gotten you down, the clinic is open Monday-Friday 9-5 pm. Please be advised, the clinic will be closed on January 2nd , however the Emergency Room is always open.