Meet a difference maker: Connie Gohlman

Connie Gohlman, a retired banking professional, has always been interested in reaching out to children and expanding their learning experiences. Ever since moving to Lincoln City 14 years ago, she’s been a strong supporter of the many organizations that broaden knowledge opportunities for the children of north Lincoln County – such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Neskowin Chamber Orchestra Outreach Program.

One of her primary passions, however, is Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital. Her significant contributions to the hospital foundation have funded the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment for several hospital departments. She is a Lifetime Member of the Samaritan Society for major donors and also a member of the Heritage Society for those who have included their local Samaritan hospital in their wills.

“My mission in life is to help children,” Gohlman said. “Every day this hospital helps children in our community get well and stay healthy.”

When the North Lincoln Hospital Foundation offered donors the opportunity to “makeover” and remodel patient rooms with designs and themes of their own choosing, Gohlman jumped at the chance. She chose to decorate the patient room closest to the nursing station – which is where most pediatric patients are placed.

Gohlman, who has travelled extensively throughout the world, chose a travel theme, with maps and compass borders accenting the walls and travel-themed books and magazines for children, which she personally updates monthly.

“I wanted to make it so that a little boy or girl at our hospital would feel welcome and comfortable,” she said. “I hope that this room captures their imaginations a little bit and helps them dream about faraway places. I think it’s important that we make our hospital a comforting place and more than just sterile, white walls.”