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Memorial Health System hosts annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet

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Jack Heater was recognized as 2024 Volunteer of the Year at the Memorial Health System’s annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Aug. 27. (Photo provided)

VIENNA -- Memorial Health System hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Aug. 27 at the Grand Pointe Conference Center in Vienna.

The 42nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet was held to recognize MHS volunteers who consistently demonstrate outstanding quality, quantity of work, customer service, and dedication to the system's mission of providing exceptional care.

Several volunteers reached milestones in the number of hours given during this past year. They included:

*200 Hours - Braedon Ayers, Kayleanna Cochran, Becky Craig, Janelle Hawkins, Judy Maxson, Leanna Omietanski, Machelle Paul, Linda Robinson, Libby Rogers, Jennifer Sisson, Whitley Smith, Barbara Williams

*500 Hours - Kay Brammer, Cecelia Goff, Evelyn Hartley, Donna Hasley, Jean Lawrence, Becky Marks, Kathy McConkey, Peggy Powell, Karen Snow, Luke Williamson

*1,000 Hours - Rita Burchett, Pat Chambers, Jack Heater, Susan Shelton, Mark Wilmoth, Chris Wood, Jennifer Wright

*2,000 Hours - Sue Fyfe, Esther Nesselroad

*3,000 Hours - Nick Graham, Doris Robinson, Lillian Schilling, Linda Thomas

For the 20+ year club, the following volunteers were inducted for volunteering their services for 20 years or more: Marilyn Bookman (27 years), Herma Eddy (31 years), Jacie Hayes (23 years), Jody Kohler (27 years), Richard Sams (21 years), Jayne Stehle (34 years), Casi Stewart (28 years), and Frances Tornes (42 years)

*2023/2024 Volunteer of the Month Recipients: August - Luke Williamson; September - Douglas Thompson; October - Barbara Williams; November - Janet Lamp; December - Carol Marteney; January – Susan Shelton; February - Mark Wilmoth; March - Jack Heater; April - Becky Marks; May - Jenny Walsh; June - Marilyn Bookman; July - Leanne Omietanski.

The 2024 Volunteer of the Year was Jack Heater, who has been volunteering on Wednesdays and Fridays since March 2021 and currently has 1,623 volunteer service hours.

During the last year, 186 volunteers have donated a total of 26,241 hours of service. Other than their time, these volunteers have donated to several different programs and have provided items such as baby burp cloths and puddle pads for the hospital's nursery, heart pillows for heart patients, and stuffed animals provided to the children when treated throughout Memorial Health System.

"Our volunteers are priceless! They are special and amazing people who make a difference for our patients and families," said Cindy Hall, Volunteer Services Coordinator for Memorial Health System.

The banquet's theme this year was Volunteers: Giving, Caring, Making A Difference.

"Our volunteers walk the extra mile to make an important difference in our patients' lives," said Hall. "They are always appreciated for the important work they do. They are key to our success, and we are proud to celebrate them. They help in numerous ways by greeting and escorting patients and guests, delivering flowers, bringing veteran flags to our veteran patients, parking assistance, nursing, and working behind the scenes in offices, medical records, and other areas of the system. We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize the volunteers for their commitment and dedication to our system."

For information on becoming a hospital volunteer, please contact Hall at 740-374-1778 or visit mhsystem.org/Volunteering.

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