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Volunteers contributed 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 honored at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Thursday, April 25, at the Niagara Falls Country Club. In 2012, 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 represent 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 second annual Outstanding Volunteer Award in Honor of Ruth Woolery was presented to Mary Lou Brennan of Lewiston who has more than 21 years of service. She was selected by her peers.
Individuals recognized for more than 1,000 hours of service include: Ed Page from Mount St. Mary's; Dolores Borowski and Marilyn Keenan, foster grandparents at the Child Care Center; and Lucille Rice, HANCI senior companion program.
Individuals recognized for more than 500 hours of service include: Philo Brooks, VanGo; Rosemary Dann, gift shop; Jessica Freeman, gift shop; Ann Gallagher, information desk; Lois Grauerholz, gift shop; Dorothy Kraft, gift shop; Stephen LaBarber, info. desk, Milton Lindsay, mail cart; Donna Montie, coffee cart/north lobby; Doug Reading, "VanGo"; Dolores Scarfone, EmStar; Barbara Scozzafava, gift shop; and Mary Rose Thomas, gift shop/info. desk.
Individuals recognized also included those who have served 20 or more years from Mount St. Mary's are: Elsie Bateman (25 years), Mary Lou Brennan (21 years), Marilyn D'Angelo (22 years), Margaret Destino (28 years), Josephine Deweese (25 years), Shirley Elia (41 years), Peter Fatouros (22 years), Jane Finn (25 years), Janet Furlong (25 years), Dennis Horvath (25 years), Pat Irish (25 years), Mary Lou Lanphear (35 years), Milt Lindsay (27 years), Marilyn Lojek (23 years), Arline Loughrey (24 years), Ed Page (29 years), Marianne Rampado (27 years), Cecilia Ryan (32 years), Sheila Spatar (27 years), Joyce Switzer (24 years), Agnes Wakeman (23 years), and Eleanor Zelinski (24 years).
Individuals who reached 20 years of service this year are: Kathy Banks, Red Cross; Rosemary Dann, St. Francis Guild; Sandy Demus, Mount St. Mary's; Sarah Jean Pasek, Red Cross; Phyllis Ibaugh-Specyal, St. Francis Guild; and Audrey Tower, Red Cross.
Our Lady of Peace Volunteer awards were given to Salvatore Chiappone, DDS, for more than 500 hours of service; and Al Picogna, spiritual care, for service since the facility opened in 2003.
"Our dedicated volunteers give so much to our patients and their families," said Judith A. Maness, 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 luncheon also welcomed new volunteers to the organization and said goodbye to seven volunteers who passed away in 2012. Those who were remembered for their passing included: Anthony Guthrie, MSMH volunteer; Melinda Hutchison, SFG member; Phyllis Mussari, SFG member; Eileen Payne, Red Cross volunteer; Betty Stoyell, MSMH volunteer; and Donna Wrona, SFG gift shop.
New volunteers at Mount St. Mary's Hospital include: Gary Balcom, Barbara Bongiovanni, Kathy Boslet, Barbara Duck, Richard Duck, Alice Morgan, Gina O'Brien, Judy Preskop, Nancy Richards, Dolores "Dee" Roma, Alan Schug, Jean Schul, Diana Smith, Janis Sotherden and Amos Sweet.
For more information on volunteering, call the Mount St. Mary's Hospital Volunteer Office at 716-298-2144.