Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center recognizes volunteers for contributing more than 62,000 hours of service

More than 220 volunteers from Mount St. Mary's Hospital and Health Center and the Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence were recognized at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held Friday, April 27, at the Niagara Falls Country Club.

During 2011, more than 62,000 hours of service were given by volunteers at the hospital and nursing care residence to improve the lives of others. Volunteers represented the American Red Cross, Our Lady of Peace, Mount St. Mary's Hospital, VanGo Drivers, St. Francis Guild, board of associates and the Senior Companion Program.

The first Outstanding Volunteer Award in Honor of Ruth Woolery was presented to Margaret "Marge" Destino, who has more than 27 years of service, and was selected by her peers.

Individuals recognized for more than 1,000 hours of service included: Ed Page and Lucille Rice from Mount St. Mary's; Dolores Borowski, Marilyn Keenan and Faustina Muzzillo, foster grandparents at the Child Care Center; and Dr. Salvatore Chiappone and Fay Willard of Our Lady of Peace.

Individuals recognized for more than 500 hours of service included: Philo Brooks, VanGo; Nick D'Aloise, information desk and coffee Cart; Rosemary Dann, gift shop; Jessica Freeman, gift shop; Judith Ellman, EmStar; Ann Gallagher, info. desk; Lois Grauerholz, gift shop; Stephen LaBarber, info. desk; Doug Reading, VanGo; Dolores Scarfone, EmStar; and Greta Thompson, gift shop.

Individuals recognized also included those who have served 20 or more years from Mount St. Mary's were: Elsie Bateman (24 years), Lucille Borget (28 years), Marilyn D'Angelo (21 years), Margaret Destino (27 years), Josephine Deweese (24 years), Shirley Elia (40 years), Jane Finn (24 years), Janet Furlong (24 years), Phyllis Fyfe (44 years), Frances Horning (25 years), Dennis Horvath (24 years), Pat Irish (24 years), Mary Lou Lanphear (34 years), Nila Lee (24 years), Milt Lindsay (26 years), Marilyn Lojek (22 years), Arline Loughrey (23 years), Mary Jane Lynch (42 years), Ed Page (27 years), Eileen Payne (21 years), Marianne Rampado (26 years), Cecilia Ryan (30 years), Sheila Spatar (26 years), Joyce Switzer (23 years), Agnes Wakeman (22 years), Ruth Woolery (deceased) (43 years) and Eleanor Zelinski (23 years).

Individuals who reached 20 years of service this year were: Mary Lou Brennan, Peter Fatouros and Mary Judson.

"Our dedicated volunteers give so much to our patients and their families," said Judith A. Maness, Mount St. Mary's president and CEO. "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."

Volunteers work in many areas of the hospital and nursing care residence and also operate the "VanGo" patient transportation system.

The program also welcomed new volunteers to the organization and said goodbye to seven volunteers who passed away in 2009. Those who were remembered for their passing included: D. Joy Borks, Gerry Brusino, Mary Dahoda, Carmella Giambattista, Sr. Maureen Huet, Marian Love, Margaret Schulz, Rosemary and Bud Thompson and Phyllis Zygmont.

New volunteers at Mount St. Mary's Hospital include: Priscilla Baker, Cheryl Bevilacqua, Bruce Boe, Carol Brandon, Debbie Burns, Virginia Crooks, Francine DelMonte, Jeannie DiMeo, Carol Henschel, May Jowdy, Bob Noble, Ken Penvose, Dave Pressley, Lorenza Pusateri, Michael Quarantillo, Cathy Rafferty, Michele Reisch, Anne Sauvageau, Dr. Maria Crea-Smith and Herman Steele, II.

For more information on volunteering, call the Mount St. Mary's Hospital Volunteer Office at 716-298-2144.