December 12, 2003

What's happening

Winter 2004 schedule for computer training
Partners Information Systems Training has released the winter computer workshop training schedule for Microsoft Office applications. Classes are held at MGH Training and Workforce Development, 100 Charles River Plaza. For more information, visit http://is.partners.org/training Schedules and registration forms also are available by calling (617) 724-1240.

Holiday songfest
Patients, families, visitors and MGHers are invited to participate in the MGH holiday songfest, Dec. 18, from noon to 1 pm in the Main Corridor near the Blum Center. The event is sponsored by MGH Chaplaincy.

Blood donors needed
The MGH Blood Donor Center would like to encourage MGHers to donate blood during this holiday season. Because of this past weekend's snowstorm, an early flu season and the hectic holidays, the Blood Donor Center is anticipating a blood shortage. To encourage MGHers to give blood, the Blood Donor Center will be giving a "puppy pal" to an MGH pediatric patient for each donor who gives blood during the holiday season. Each donor will be given a gift tag to write a note to the patient, and all of the Beanie Baby puppies will be delivered to the MassGeneral Hospital for Children. To make an appointment, call (617) 726-8177.

MGH Chaplaincy holiday services
The MGH Chaplaincy Department will host the following holiday services: the first candle of Chanukah will be lit at the regular pre-Shabbat service Dec. 19 at 11 am; an ecumenical Christmas Service celebrating the season with carols and readings will be held Dec. 23 at 12:15 pm; an ecumenical Christmas Day service will be held Dec. 25 at 12:15 pm; regularly scheduled Roman Catholic masses will be held Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 at 4 pm; an interfaith New Year's Day service will be held Jan. 1 at 12:15 pm; and Buddhist meditation sittings will be held Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at 5:30 pm. The regular Buddhist meditation sitting Dec. 24 is cancelled. All holiday services will be held in the MGH Chapel on Ellison 1.

Personal training sessions
The Clubs at Charles River Park is offering personal training sessions at a discounted rate until Jan. 31. A five-session package is just $275 for both members and nonmembers. Personal training can be a way to stay motivated to maintain a regular exercise routine, learn proper exercise techniques and be guided by a personal coach. For more information, call (617) 726-2900.