As Barbara Bush has said, “Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally their life’s blood – but everyone has something to give.”
The devoted members of Saint Mary’s Volunteer Auxiliary have given countless hours of their time and skills and expertise, and have been of immeasurable value to the hospital and our community since the founding of the auxiliary more than 45 years ago.
Recently, Saint Mary’s honored this group at the annual Volunteer Installation of Officers and Service Awards Luncheon, held in Cafés 2 and 3 of the hospital. In attendance were auxiliary members and members of hospital administration, who expressed their gratitude for the contributions of the volunteers, presented service awards and conducted installation of the 2015-2016 officers.
Large bouquets of fresh-cut spring flowers added gorgeous color to the “candy land” themed event. The room was filled with giant garlands of colorful hard candy and huge paper gumballs hung from the ceiling and decorated the tables. Before filling their plates with a delicious lunch, auxiliary members were seated and led in the “Prayer for Hospital Auxiliaries” by President Diana Stensland. Lunch fare, prepared by the hospital dietary staff, included tossed salad, roast beef au jus with horseradish, chicken kiev, roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables and a wonderful variety of decadent desserts.
Special music was provided by Diane Maxil and Scott Arnold. The duo’s songs included music to match the event theme: Sugar Sugar, songs from Willie Wonka, and a sing-a-long to Lolliepop, Lolliepop.
Presentation of hourly service pins was conducted by Saint Mary’s CFO, Wendell Van Es. Thirty-eight volunteers received service pins. Lifetime contributions of 3000 hours or more went to: Maggie Barlow 3000 hours; Jerry Pruitt 3500 hours; Sue Schrock 4000 hours; Charles Davis 4400 hours; Barbara Boeh and Dale Boeh each received pins for 4600 hours; Nina Price 5500 hours; Verna Daniel 6300 hours and Delphine Zydzik was recognized for 6900 hours.
Van Es expressed his sincere gratitude for the work of the volunteers, adding, “We realize the immense value of your service to this hospital and community – we certainly could not hire the work that you do, nor the spirit in which you give so much of your time.” The auxiliary as a whole served almost 14,000 hours in 2014, which is near the equivalent of hours worked by seven full-time employees.
Among the hospital’s 65 active Volunteers, an elite group of 13 were identified by Mike McCoy, Interim CEO/COO, for the achievement of significant milestones in their years of service. “It is an honor to be able to recognize our Volunteers and let them know how much they are appreciated,” McCoy said. “In healthcare, the patients and the families we serve are often in their greatest time of need. Volunteers donate their time unselfishly to serve others who need our help. We applaud their dedication and all they do for this hospital and the River Valley community.”
Years of service awards pins were presented to:
10 years – Judy Bost, Naomi Darter, Charles Davis, Evelyn Denton, Sharyn French Audrey Olson.
15 years – Verna Daniel, Patsy Parnell and Nina Price.
20 years – Barbara boeh, Dale Boeh and Maggie Barlow.
40 years – Delphine Zydzik
Zydzik also received a plaque for her 40 years of service
McCoy also performed the installation of officers for the 2015 – 2016 year. Officers include Diana Stensland, President; Lynette Price, Vice President; Wanda Reed, Secretary; and Sharyn French, Treasurer.
In her closing remarks, Auxiliary President Stensland thanked the auxiliary for their support and continued hard work. “I look forward to serving with you,” she stated, “and striving toward our shared goals for our hospital, our patients, and our community. Together we make a difference.”
Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center is always looking for people to join its dedicated, energetic and enthusiastic volunteer team. For more information on the program or to become a volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Diana Herrera at 968-2841. Applications are available at the hospital switchboard, just inside the main entrance, or can be accessed online at www.saintmarysregional.com.
Saint Mary’s Recognizes Volunteers and Install Officers
