Pictured above (from left)  Shirley Byal, Volunteer Coordinator; Evelyn Umphress and Sara Oates, Above and Beyond Award recipients; Pam Sprang, Rookie of the Year Award; and Mark Seckinger, HMH CEO.

 

Kenton, Ohio - Hardin Memorial Hospital volunteers gathered at the Plaza Inn to give the hospital the opportunity to say "thank you" to them for their years of service in 2009.

 

Volunteers gave a total of 14, 945 hours of service.  Of these hours of service 6,587 hours were given at the Information Desk; 2,628 in the Gift Shop; 1290 in Dietary; 783 in Surgery Waiting; 570 in the Emergency Department; 519 in Administration; and 403 in Sewing.  The rest of the time was given to various other projects and department areas.

 

The entertainment was provided by author and speaker, Raelene Phillips, who provided a delightful program entitled "Where is Your Pineapple?"  The program challenged the group to use their gift of hospitality.  Mark Seckinger, President of HMH, thanked the volunteers for their commitment to HMH.  He complimented them on the difference they make to the patient experience by the smile they give or by their kind words.

 

Shirley Byal, Volunteer Manager, recognized the present Guild officers which includes Jann Oglesbee, President; Judy Kinney, Vice President; Linda Smith, Secretary; and Joyce Ramsey, Treasurer for all their assistance throughout the year.  She also acknowledged the 2009 In-Service Volunteer Committee which consists of Shirley Gillen, Information Desk; Marilyn King, Administration; Charles McConnell, Emergency Department; and Linda Smith, Gift Shop.  Byal stated that this committee is so beneficial to her and to the volunteers.

 

Shirley Byal then introduced this year's "Rookie of the Year".  This award is given to the volunteer who gave the most hours in their first year and was presented to Pam Sprang.  Pam has volunteered approximately 74 hours in her first year in the Gift Shop.

 

The volunteers who were recognized for the Above and Beyond Award in 2009 were Evelyn Umphress and Sara Oates.  The Above and Beyond Award is given to volunteers who consistently go above and beyond in their service to the organization, displaying an upbeat, "can-do" attitude, with an enthusiasm and extra effort that sets a shining example for all those around them.

 

Byal ended the luncheon by stating how much the volunteers are greatly valued and thanked them for all their hard work and dedication.