Hospital Auxiliaries meet in Carson City this week

A petite woman with bright blue eyes and silver hair, Carson City resident Rosemary Smith buzzed around the podium during the 41st Annual Nevada Association of Hospital Auxiliaries/Volunteers convention this week.

Smith has been president of the organization for the past year and said it's been busy. The group held its convention at the Pi-on Plaza Tuesday through Thursday.

"Working with the auxiliary makes me feel like I'm putting something back into the community," she said. "I have no children and no grandchildren. The community is my life."

One California and 20 Nevada hospital volunteer groups are represented at this, the group's 41st annual convention The event included a number of speakers, installation of new officers as well as discussion of each group's accomplishments.

In its 50th year, Carson-Tahoe Hospital's Auxiliary has raised more than $1 million, funded the hospital's $140,000 helipad and purchased the Hospitality House, a residence for the families of patients at the hospital.

Right now it is saving money for the extras the new hospital will need.

Plans still are being considered for the new regional medical center to be located in north Carson City bordering the Silver Oak Golf Course. Officials expect to break ground on the new facility in early 2003 with a completion date in late 2005.

Three other Carson-Tahoe Hospital Auxiliary members served with Smith this year. Audrey Rich was secretary, Kay Millard, treasurer and Kathy Stading served as legislative chairwoman. Smith will serve as parliamentarian for the next term as the only Carson City member of the statewide group.