2007 Christmas Party Loads of Fun

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Attendees of the annual CHC Christmas Party certainly had reason to celebrate, given the tremendous year that was 2007. This year’s event was held on Saturday, December 8th, at the Embassy Suites ballroom in San Luis Obispo, CA. Staff and their guests filled the ballroom to capacity with close to 400 revelers. Celebrants enjoyed mingling and reconnecting during the cocktail hour, followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner, topped off with a decadent dessert table.

One memorable un-scheduled moment in the evening was a pre-dinner fire alarm that forced all hotel guests into the cold December air. Everyone waited patiently outside for 20-plus minutes, many taking advantage of the blankets offered by Embassy Suites staff. The fire turned out to be a neglected bag of microwave popcorn that caught fire – no doubt reminding certain CHC staff of similar events at work!

An impressive assortment of raffle prizes were handed out this year by the Employee Relations Committee (ERC). Lucky winners walked away with amazing gifts like a Flatscreen TV, Digital Camera w/ printer, mobile GPS units, a surround-sound stereo system, a Roomba robot vacuum, movie tickets, and a variety of cash gifts.

After dinner, the DJ revived people from their food-comas and enticed them out onto the dance floor. Francisco Ramirez from Paso Robles Pediatrics was a fixture on the boards, dazzling his many dance partners, including new CHC Pediatrician Dr. Laura Herzberg, who seemed to have little problem keeping up. Francisco kept everyone dancing when he jumped up on stage and demonstrated his DJ skills to the delight of the crowd.

Another force to be reckoned with on the dance floor was QI Director - and Master of Ceremonies - Vince Surra. Having knocked himself unconscious only weeks before during a pick-up football game, Vince showed no signs of injury when throwing himself at the ground in order to “bust a move”, showing off some impressive break-dancing skills in the process. Not only did he do a wonderful job executing his MC duties, Vince proves that Italians’ CAN dance!

Special thanks to the Employee Relations Committee (ERC), who did a tremendous job orchestrating this year’s event. Committee members are Barbara Allen, Bernadette Alexander, Cindy Alarcon, Cynthia Vigneron, Debra Martin, Gloria Aragon, Jim Sweredoski, Juanita Tutson, Lisa Silva, Marie McKenzie, Patricia Sly, Roxanna Gavilanes, Sandy Sanchez, Shannon Royster, Victoria Valdiviezo, Yolanda Estrada, and Yolanda Guerrero.

Thanks to CEO Ronald Castle, CHC's Board of Directors, and everyone at CHC who made such a memorable evening possible!

CHC Dental Gets a Taste of the SLO-life

Joseph Mercardante | DENTAL SERVICES
In the ongoing effort to increase access to care, CHC Dental continues to grow. We have added a provider and a new office in San Luis Obispo, along with three new employees!

CHC is thrilled that Dr. Paul Walker has decided to join our staff. Dr. Walker attended the University of Florida Dental School in Gainesville, FL. After graduation in 2001, he joined the Air Force and completed his General Practice Residency at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Following starting a private practice in Arroyo Grande, Dr. Walker now cares for our patients at CHC Santa Maria II and CHC Lompoc.

ATTENTION Employees: We now have dental care in San Luis Obispo! My dental practice at 878 Boysen Ave. (near New Frontiers Grocery) is the newest addition to the CHC network. This is a private office, and offers our employees a relaxing place for treatment.

Also joining the fold are Office Manager Teryn Kelley, Dental Assistant Nancy Jordan, and Dental Hygienist Mandy Daniels. Teryn has managed the SLO office for the past two-and-a-half years. Call her at (805) 544-9440 to make an appointment. Nancy has been my assistant for over a year-and-a-half. Nancy is a career dental assistant, and her welcoming smile and friendly personality will help put you at ease. Mandy is our newest hygienist, and a recent graduate of Carrillo School of Hygiene.

Dr. Malia Johnson is now available at CHC SLO Dental on Thursdays and Fridays. Any employee that makes a new appointment with Dr. Johnson in SLO will be entered in a drawing for a free teeth whitening!

Nipomo Dental Assistants Patricia Hernandez and Mia Valdoz recently attended a “1st Smiles Training” in Santa Ynez. Under the direction of Dr. Johnson, and with help from Dental assistant Dora Gallegoes, the group began Fluoride Varnish Training. They will be participating in the Pediatric F Varnish Campaign throughout SLO County. The Dental Department hopes to have all CHC Pediatricians participating in the fluoride varnish program for their young patients.

Finally, we wish to welcome Hygienist Esthela Castro in Santa Maria and Dental Assistant Josh Mendivar in Templeton. Recent hires Esthela and Josh wasted no time getting started by participating in the Oceano Health Fair. Esthela and Josh teamed up to provide hygiene instruction and Fluoride varnish to almost a 100 youngsters.

Please help me in welcoming our newest members to the CHC Dental team!

CHC Provides Low-Pressure Education at Farmer's Market

CHC recently collaborated with CenCal Health (formally SBRHA) in San Luis Obispo, with their “Go Red for Women” American Heart Association Screening at the weekly SLO Farmers’ Market. Provided in honor of Women’s Health Month, the free blood pressure checks & educational information was well-received by market-goers.

[Photo L-R] Kathryn Reid (CHC), Theresa Merkle (SBRHA), Krista Morley (SBRHA), Bernadette Alexander (CHC), Paula Marie Michal (SBRHA), Steve Smith (CHC)