News

President’s Message, July 2008

Dear Friends,

The Tehachapi Hospital Foundation remains committed to moving forward with construction of the new hospital; indeed, we believe it is essential to Tehachapi’s economy and quality of life.

While recent events have upped the difficulty factor of what was already a major undertaking, Foundation member support is essential to the successful completion of the task. As part of this effort, the Foundation is interested in switching to online communication, as much as possible. If you have an email address and would like to be kept up-to-date in this manner, please forward your electronic address to us. Another method is to visit "http://www.thfinc.org", click on “Membership”, then “Subscribe to ENews”.

Online communication assures that you will be informed of Tehachapi Hospital Foundation activity and actions in a better, easier, and less expensive manner. Needless to say, we assure you that your address will not be shared with any other organization.

Otherwise, we are always available to answer your questions or listen to your concerns via phone at (661) 972-1450 or mail at P.O. Box 734, Tehachapi CA 93581-0734.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Sincerely,
JoAnne Huckins
Chair

a report from the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation - year end 2007

President’s Year End Message

Dear Friends of the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation and of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District,

As Board Chair of the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation, I am very happy to report that 2007 was another financially successful year for your Foundation. I am also happy to report that we acquired many new members and a substantial number of renewing members. Current Foundation membership is now more than 300 members strong! This is our largest membership in some time.

The Foundation continues to benefit from large contributors, with several five figure donations to the Hospital building fund having been made in the past year. In addition, two new fundraising teams produced successful and enjoyable events in 2007. The Western Romance in the Generous Heart Saloon event in February was enjoyed by almost 200 attendees and raised almost $14,000 for the Foundation. The annual 2007 RoundUp in September was enjoyed by 160 guests and raised more than $15,000 for the Foundation. At year end, Foundation assets will have increased by $70,000 and total almost $364,000.

On an administrative note, several changes were made to the Foundation Bylaws in September, 2007. The most notable change was a reduction in the number of Directors from fifteen to nine, and the elimination of the office of Second Vice-Chair from the Executive committee. Other changes reflect the desire of the Board to acquire Errors and Omissions insurance for all Directors. The new bylaws and standing rules are posted on the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation website, www.thfinc.org. Associates without internet access may call the Foundation at (661)972-1450 and request that a copy of the bylaws be mailed to them.

Finally, the terms of three of the remaining Foundation Directors will expire in January, 2008. Through a provision in the bylaws, these directors will be asked to continue their terms until a timely election can be held to confirm or replace them. The election process is well delineated in the bylaws, and includes the creation of a nominating committee, the collection of candidates for open positions, and an election by ballot if more than three candidates are fielded. The timeline for this process is also specified in the bylaws. Because the Foundation Secretary was also chair person of the RoundUp Committee this year, the election process was delayed. It is the intention of the Board to convene a nominating committee at the January, 2008, Board meeting and to continue the election process on the specified schedule, although delayed by five months. Anyone desiring to serve on the nominating committee or run for the Board of Directors should contact J. Huckins, 822-6589 or P. Mester, 822-6159.

Please note that the new Foundation phone number is (661)972-1450. Also, remember that 2008 membership dues are due on or before January 1, 2008, if you have not already paid in advance.

Thank you all for making 2007 a successful year for the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation!

Sincerely,
Donald T. Daniels, MSHS, PA-C

TVHD New Replacement Hospital Status

The TVHD new hospital project has been accelerated in the last couple of months from the local level with a new TVHD project manager, John Hicks, to the state level at OSHPD during their design review and approval cycle now underway. Mr. Hicks volunteered to help the District beginning about November 1 of this year and has been spending a lot of time in direct discussions with the state, the Aspen Street Architects (ASAi), local city and county agencies, and both government and private experts in the field of hospital development. All outside county and state government agency approvals have now been obtained, including from CalTrans for the helipad, the county Health Dept. for the Dietary Kitchen, and the county Fire Dept. for the fire flow suppression certification. The fourth and latest design plan review was submitted to OSHPD by ASAi on November 27, who are now working hand-in-hand to complete a 40-day review with the objective of final plans approval as early as January 6, 2008. Starting in March 2006, the plans have been in review for 21 months so far with 8 months spent at OSHPD and 13 months spent in redesign and corrections at ASAi.

The first major project hurdle of approved plans appear to be close at hand, but the second major hurdle of sufficient funding hovers in the near future. Numerous surveys by Mr. Hicks of current hospital construction projects in the state shows construction costs running about $650-850 / sq. ft. for acute care space, which is rising at about 15-18% / year for labor and materials according to a study conducted by the California Hospital Association. For our approximately 34,000 square foot acute care building and total building area of almost 48,000 square foot, this potentially equates to at least $30M-35M total construction costs plus another 20-25% additional project costs, based on the best estimates from experts in the industry. All sources indicate that these prevailing costs are valid whether the hospital is a free-standing all-modular concept as is ASAi's design for Tehachapi, built in an all-conventional approach, or is just a hospital addition or renovation.

With the 80% voter-approved bond issue back in March 2004, TVHD had budgeted a total of about $16.5M, which included the $15M bond issue, additional funds from a federal grant, and funds from local support groups like the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation and the Hospital Guild. At the time the TVHD assumption was an estimated construction cost of $300/square foot and a 9-month accelerated review at OSHPD that would have just fit the $15M bond budget. But with the plans now in a 21-month OSHPD review and project prices climbing sharply with each passing year, that planned project could now require an estimated two to nearly three times the originally available funds. OSHPD has granted TVHD a five-year seismic compliance extension to Jan. 1, 2013.

An additional question to face the TVHD is whether to pursue the novel all-modular construction concept in light of recent design and construction problems at the two preceding ASAi projects at Healdsburg District Hospital and the Sierra Kings Hospital in Reedley. Construction site problems along with schedule slippages and escalating costs have plagued both hospitals, delaying openings at both locations by many months. Alternative construction methods using the OSHPD-approved ASAi plans is being investigated by the project manager, including going to an all-conventional "stick built" approach that would be lower risk and may be lower overall project cost. Alternative methods of additional funding are also being aggressively pursued. According to the current, November 2007 Aspen Street estimate, the anticipated opening date of the new hospital is April, 2009. John Hicks, Proj. Mgr

A NOMINATING COMMITTEE REQUEST:

The by-laws state “A nominating committee of five Associates in good standing (Directors included) appointed by the Board Chair from Associates not coveting election, approved by the Board.....All qualifying Associates who make their desire to be nominated known to the nominating committee shall be nominated by that committee....”

There are three Directors, JoAnne Huckins, Priscilla Mester, and Robert Fox who have agreed to be on the nominating committee (these Directors terms are not expiring this term). We must have two Associate members agree to serve on the committee as well, so let us hear from you. This is a job that will not take much time and you will be helping the process. Jobs like this are always easier if people are willing to help.

The Committee will be contacting those members meeting the stated requirements, to discuss the possibility of their willingness to serve. We really need the membership to step up, be willing to serve, bring new ideas and support the mission that this organization was formed for. Some of our members may not be aware of the objectives of the Foundation, they are as follows:

A.    To promote and to advance a new healthcare facility and needs of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District.

B.    To build a new Medical Facility to include but not be limited to a new hospital, new long-term care facilities, medical facilities, medical office facilities, and related support facilities.

C.    To engage in fund-raising activities and solicitations to carry out said objectives and to disburse such property and the income there from to or for the exclusive benefit of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District, a public agency or their successor public agency; and to inter into and perform such contracts and obligations as may be necessary for the above stated objectives.

As stated, Foundation membership is approximately 300, and has hovered around that number since 2001. The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District covering the greater Tehachapi area which boasts a population of approximately 35,000; why are only approximately 300 people supporting the objectives of this Foundation?

If these objectives are to be achieved, these goals can not be reached with only a small fraction of the membership pulling the load. We have a unique opportunity to be in the forefront of this endeavor, using individual will power not, “let someone else do it” mind set. We need your help, the “someone else is each and every one of us” that want the New Tehachapi Hospital!
    P. Mester, VP
    Contact:      822-6159
    thf@isp.com

More Reminders

We continue soliciting unique fund raising event ideas; if you have any, please pass it on to one of our directors, or attend a meeting and share it. Regarding meetings, the Foundation meetings are the SECOND TUESDAY of each month at 6 p.m. in the Hospital Conference Room. These meetings are open and members and nonmembers are always welcome to attend. We try to limit the length of our meetings to one hour, but on occasion they run a little longer. Please do attend.

While you are on this report page look down at your address label to verify when your Foundation membership expires. Please consider adding another year or more to that date to further benefit the organization and promote our mission to ultimately benefit you with a new medical facility. The cost is only $10 per additional year per person, or $20 per household. If you are currently a member, a new application need not be returned with your dues unless your situation and/or the information has changed. Each new “member-to-be” must return a filled out membership application with their dues. Applications are available from any Director or JoAnne Huckins, Membership Chair, 661-822-6589, or downloadable from our website.

Unique Donation Opportunity

Do you have an operating automobile you wish to dispose of? Consider donating that treasure to the Foundation to reap whatever tax rewards that donation may offer. Since our inception three such vehicles have resulted in $4500 added to the Foundation treasury. Contact the CFO of the Tehachapi Hospital for further details.

Use Back Button to return to this page. Western Romance 24Feb2007 THF Donor Train RoundUp 9Sep2006 Map to Benz Barn Map to Souza Ranch B&B Revisited T.C.R. Benefit BBQ 26Aug2006 New Hospital Update The Archives	President’s Message, July 2008 Dear Friends, The Tehachapi Hospital Foundation remains committed to moving forward with construction of the new hospital; indeed, we believe it is essential to Tehachapi’s economy and quality of life. While recent events have upped the difficulty factor of what was already a major undertaking, Foundation member support is essential to the successful completion of the task. As part of this effort, the Foundation is interested in switching to online communication, as much as possible. If you have an email address and would like to be kept up-to-date in this manner, please forward your electronic address to us. Another method is to visit "http://www.thfinc.org", click on “Membership”, then “Subscribe to ENews”. Online communication assures that you will be informed of Tehachapi Hospital Foundation activity and actions in a better, easier, and less expensive manner. Needless to say, we assure you that your address will not be shared with any other organization. Otherwise, we are always available to answer your questions or listen to your concerns via phone at (661) 972-1450 or mail at P.O. Box 734, Tehachapi CA 93581-0734. Thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, JoAnne Huckins Chair a report from the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation - year end 2007 President’s Year End Message Dear Friends of the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation and of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District, As Board Chair of the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation, I am very happy to report that 2007 was another financially successful year for your Foundation. I am also happy to report that we acquired many new members and a substantial number of renewing members. Current Foundation membership is now more than 300 members strong! This is our largest membership in some time. The Foundation continues to benefit from large contributors, with several five figure donations to the Hospital building fund having been made in the past year. In addition, two new fundraising teams produced successful and enjoyable events in 2007. The Western Romance in the Generous Heart Saloon event in February was enjoyed by almost 200 attendees and raised almost $14,000 for the Foundation. The annual 2007 RoundUp in September was enjoyed by 160 guests and raised more than $15,000 for the Foundation. At year end, Foundation assets will have increased by $70,000 and total almost $364,000. On an administrative note, several changes were made to the Foundation Bylaws in September, 2007. The most notable change was a reduction in the number of Directors from fifteen to nine, and the elimination of the office of Second Vice-Chair from the Executive committee. Other changes reflect the desire of the Board to acquire Errors and Omissions insurance for all Directors. The new bylaws and standing rules are posted on the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation website, www.thfinc.org. Associates without internet access may call the Foundation at (661)972-1450 and request that a copy of the bylaws be mailed to them. Finally, the terms of three of the remaining Foundation Directors will expire in January, 2008. Through a provision in the bylaws, these directors will be asked to continue their terms until a timely election can be held to confirm or replace them. The election process is well delineated in the bylaws, and includes the creation of a nominating committee, the collection of candidates for open positions, and an election by ballot if more than three candidates are fielded. The timeline for this process is also specified in the bylaws. Because the Foundation Secretary was also chair person of the RoundUp Committee this year, the election process was delayed. It is the intention of the Board to convene a nominating committee at the January, 2008, Board meeting and to continue the election process on the specified schedule, although delayed by five months. Anyone desiring to serve on the nominating committee or run for the Board of Directors should contact J. Huckins, 822-6589 or P. Mester, 822-6159. Please note that the new Foundation phone number is (661)972-1450. Also, remember that 2008 membership dues are due on or before January 1, 2008, if you have not already paid in advance. Thank you all for making 2007 a successful year for the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation! Sincerely, Donald T. Daniels, MSHS, PA-C TVHD New Replacement Hospital Status The TVHD new hospital project has been accelerated in the last couple of months from the local level with a new TVHD project manager, John Hicks, to the state level at OSHPD during their design review and approval cycle now underway. Mr. Hicks volunteered to help the District beginning about November 1 of this year and has been spending a lot of time in direct discussions with the state, the Aspen Street Architects (ASAi), local city and county agencies, and both government and private experts in the field of hospital development. All outside county and state government agency approvals have now been obtained, including from CalTrans for the helipad, the county Health Dept. for the Dietary Kitchen, and the county Fire Dept. for the fire flow suppression certification. The fourth and latest design plan review was submitted to OSHPD by ASAi on November 27, who are now working hand-in-hand to complete a 40-day review with the objective of final plans approval as early as January 6, 2008. Starting in March 2006, the plans have been in review for 21 months so far with 8 months spent at OSHPD and 13 months spent in redesign and corrections at ASAi. The first major project hurdle of approved plans appear to be close at hand, but the second major hurdle of sufficient funding hovers in the near future. Numerous surveys by Mr. Hicks of current hospital construction projects in the state shows construction costs running about $650-850 / sq. ft. for acute care space, which is rising at about 15-18% / year for labor and materials according to a study conducted by the California Hospital Association. For our approximately 34,000 square foot acute care building and total building area of almost 48,000 square foot, this potentially equates to at least $30M-35M total construction costs plus another 20-25% additional project costs, based on the best estimates from experts in the industry. All sources indicate that these prevailing costs are valid whether the hospital is a free-standing all-modular concept as is ASAi's design for Tehachapi, built in an all-conventional approach, or is just a hospital addition or renovation. With the 80% voter-approved bond issue back in March 2004, TVHD had budgeted a total of about $16.5M, which included the $15M bond issue, additional funds from a federal grant, and funds from local support groups like the Tehachapi Hospital Foundation and the Hospital Guild. At the time the TVHD assumption was an estimated construction cost of $300/square foot and a 9-month accelerated review at OSHPD that would have just fit the $15M bond budget. But with the plans now in a 21-month OSHPD review and project prices climbing sharply with each passing year, that planned project could now require an estimated two to nearly three times the originally available funds. OSHPD has granted TVHD a five-year seismic compliance extension to Jan. 1, 2013. An additional question to face the TVHD is whether to pursue the novel all-modular construction concept in light of recent design and construction problems at the two preceding ASAi projects at Healdsburg District Hospital and the Sierra Kings Hospital in Reedley. Construction site problems along with schedule slippages and escalating costs have plagued both hospitals, delaying openings at both locations by many months. Alternative construction methods using the OSHPD-approved ASAi plans is being investigated by the project manager, including going to an all-conventional "stick built" approach that would be lower risk and may be lower overall project cost. Alternative methods of additional funding are also being aggressively pursued. According to the current, November 2007 Aspen Street estimate, the anticipated opening date of the new hospital is April, 2009. John Hicks, Proj. Mgr A NOMINATING COMMITTEE REQUEST: The by-laws state “A nominating committee of five Associates in good standing (Directors included) appointed by the Board Chair from Associates not coveting election, approved by the Board.....All qualifying Associates who make their desire to be nominated known to the nominating committee shall be nominated by that committee....” There are three Directors, JoAnne Huckins, Priscilla Mester, and Robert Fox who have agreed to be on the nominating committee (these Directors terms are not expiring this term). We must have two Associate members agree to serve on the committee as well, so let us hear from you. This is a job that will not take much time and you will be helping the process. Jobs like this are always easier if people are willing to help. The Committee will be contacting those members meeting the stated requirements, to discuss the possibility of their willingness to serve. We really need the membership to step up, be willing to serve, bring new ideas and support the mission that this organization was formed for. Some of our members may not be aware of the objectives of the Foundation, they are as follows: A. To promote and to advance a new healthcare facility and needs of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District. B. To build a new Medical Facility to include but not be limited to a new hospital, new long-term care facilities, medical facilities, medical office facilities, and related support facilities. C. To engage in fund-raising activities and solicitations to carry out said objectives and to disburse such property and the income there from to or for the exclusive benefit of the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District, a public agency or their successor public agency; and to inter into and perform such contracts and obligations as may be necessary for the above stated objectives. As stated, Foundation membership is approximately 300, and has hovered around that number since 2001. The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District covering the greater Tehachapi area which boasts a population of approximately 35,000; why are only approximately 300 people supporting the objectives of this Foundation? If these objectives are to be achieved, these goals can not be reached with only a small fraction of the membership pulling the load. We have a unique opportunity to be in the forefront of this endeavor, using individual will power not, “let someone else do it” mind set. We need your help, the “someone else is each and every one of us” that want the New Tehachapi Hospital! P. Mester, VP Contact: 822-6159 thf@isp.com More Reminders We continue soliciting unique fund raising event ideas; if you have any, please pass it on to one of our directors, or attend a meeting and share it. Regarding meetings, the Foundation meetings are the SECOND TUESDAY of each month at 6 p.m. in the Hospital Conference Room. These meetings are open and members and nonmembers are always welcome to attend. We try to limit the length of our meetings to one hour, but on occasion they run a little longer. Please do attend. While you are on this report page look down at your address label to verify when your Foundation membership expires. Please consider adding another year or more to that date to further benefit the organization and promote our mission to ultimately benefit you with a new medical facility. The cost is only $10 per additional year per person, or $20 per household. If you are currently a member, a new application need not be returned with your dues unless your situation and/or the information has changed. Each new “member-to-be” must return a filled out membership application with their dues. Applications are available from any Director or JoAnne Huckins, Membership Chair, 661-822-6589, or downloadable from our website. Unique Donation Opportunity Do you have an operating automobile you wish to dispose of? Consider donating that treasure to the Foundation to reap whatever tax rewards that donation may offer. Since our inception three such vehicles have resulted in $4500 added to the Foundation treasury. Contact the CFO of the Tehachapi Hospital for further details. Top