It may be a New Year, but the happy memories of 2011 still linger on. During the week of December 5th, University Hospital celebrated the holidays in style with delicious $5.00 Meal Deals, daily musical entertainment, the "Gift of Warmth" for our patients and cider and donuts personally delivered to our hardworking night staff by the Leadership Team. A good time was had by all! And here's the proof!

The University Hospital Garden Club took home 2nd place for Best Organization Garden by the Greater Newark Conservancy. The group was honored at the 21st Annual Awards Ceremony, held at NJIT on Thursday, October 20th. Club members plant their gardens on the hospital patio and maintain them throughout the summer for staff, patients and visitors to enjoy throughout the summer.

University Hospital volunteer, Carol Dokes and the AARP (Newark University Area, Chapter #5398) were also recognized with the Green Community Partner of the Year Award. The group maintains the West Ward Panther Pride Garden, which this year featured basil, lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers.

The City Gardens Contest pays tribute to Newark residents for their accomplishments in gardening and neighborhood beautification. Contestants compete in 14 categories including: Best Home Garden, Best Community Garden, Best Organization Garden, Best Newark Block and more.

The UH Garden Club members, who come from both University Hospital and the New Jersey Medical School, were also recognized at the CEO's Leadership Meeting with a presentation showcasing their hard work, creativity and team spirit.

If you didn't get a chance to experience the gardens first-hand, explore them now and enjoy their lush, vibrant beauty.

Most Loving Garden
Minnie Presley, UH Auxiliary

Kindest Garden
Diane Olszewski (3rd from left) and Cathleen Hughes (not shown), Care Coordination

Friendliest Garden
Garba Jimmeh, Food and Nutrition Services

Strongest and Tallest Garden
Sol Maria Hernandez and Harry Cuartas, Pharmacy

Most Charming Garden
Lisa Maria Bronson, Preventive Medicine

Most Exotic Garden
Bonaventure Magrys, Cell and Molecular Biology

On September 21, UMDNJ-The University Hospital held Employee Appreciation Day — a day where hospital management provided fun-filled activities to thank hospital staff for their hard work and continued commitment to patients. The festivities included a special lunch served by hospital leadership; lunchtime karaoke, games and music; health screenings; and hand-delivered cookies to the night staff. A good time was had by all. Just look at the pictures and see for yourself!

It's A Feeding Frenzy! Acting President and CEO, James R. Gonzalez, MPH, FACHE, happily prepares to serve the staff a festive and delicious appreciation lunch prepared by the staff of Food and Nutrition.

The University Hospital rolled out the red carpet and decorated the lobby with carnations, balloons and banners – all to honor our physicians on March 30, Doctors' Day. The administrative staff greeted the physicians as they started their morning rounds and planned a full day of festivities, including the distribution of goodie bags, a continental breakfast, lunch, massages and afternoon tea with our acting president and CEO Robin D. Wittenstein, EdD, FACHE. She expressed her heartfelt thanks and the gratitude of the UH Board of Directors in a letter displayed in the hospital lobby: "In this ever-changing world of healthcare and the continuing pressure to accomplish more with less, it is the passion and commitment shown by the faculty of University Hospital that has allowed us to move forward."