Mount St. Mary’s marks National Volunteer Week by honoring its own

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 21, 2007

Shown above is one of the 23 volunteer groups recognized Wednesday at the Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for having reached 20 years or more of service. In the photo, from left, are Frances Horning, Loretta Joseph and Linda Bykowski. Also reaching 20 years of service but not in the photo was Kate Newton.

More than 220 volunteers from Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center and the Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence were honored at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon this past Wednesday at the Niagara Falls Country Club.

During 2006, nearly 52,000 hours of service were given by volunteers at the hospital and nursing care residence to improve the lives of others. Volunteers represent the American Red Cross, Our Lady of Peace, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, VanGo Drivers, the St. Francis Guild, the Board of Associates, and the Senior Companion Program.

Those recognized included:

•More than 500 hours of service awards: Bill Brodie, Sal Chiappone, Dennis Collins, Marge Destino, Ann Gallagher, Fred Landers, Lucille Pippins, Lucille Rice, Vicki Suitor, Greta Thompson, Ron Willacker, Fay Willard, Margaret Wizeman, and Ron Yates.

•Individuals recognized also included those who have served 20 or more years. Newly added to the group were Linda Bykowski, Loretta Joseph, Kate Newton, and Frances Horning. Also recognized were Lucille Borget (23 years), Dorothy Breckon (27 years), Marian Carpenter (29 years), Mary Dahoda (38 years), Margaret Destino (22 years), Shirley Elia (35 years), Theresa Fernandez (29 years), Phyllis Fyfe (39 years), MaryLou Lanphear (29 years), Milt Lindsay (21 years), Marian Love (25 years), MaryJane Lynch (36 years), Emily Martinez (23 years), Nell Monahan (31 years), Ed Page (23 years), Jean Price (37 years), Lucy Rainville (26 years), Marianne Rampado (21 years), Cecilia Ryan (25 years), Margaret Schulz (24 years), Sheila Spatar (21 years), Margaret Tower (28 years), and Ruth Woolery (38 years).

“Our dedicated volunteers give so much to our patients and their families,” said Judith A. Maness, president and chief executive officer. “From greeting visitors at the main lobby, to escort and delivery and everything in between, they all touch the lives of our patients, staff, and physicians. They are very special people.”

She pointed out these volunteers typically work in many areas of the hospital and nursing care residence and also operate the “VanGo” patient transportation system.

The Wednesday program also welcomed new volunteers to the organization and said goodbye to eight volunteers who passed away in 2006.

Those who were remembered for their passing include Ruth Cleary, Mary Huff, Beatrice Mangione, Mary Mussari, Floyd Nichols, John Stoyell, Sam Trapasso, and Margery VanEtten.

New volunteers include John Attanasio, Chris Belkota, Shirley Bevacqua, Jane Brese, Bonnie Brown, Larry Cirrito, John Dojka, Heidi Gatehouse, Wayne House, Phyllis McMillan, Jeff Paterson, Thomas Patti, Sandy Rueter, Bonnie Seelbinder, Nancy Southwood, Paul Stankiewicz, and Joe Talarico.

For more information on volunteering, call the Mount St. Mary’s Hospital Volunteer Office at 298-2144.