Lightsaber duel!
There was a lot of whooping, hollering and laughter coming from the cafeteria at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital (SNLH) April 19, as members of the SNLH Auxiliary/ Volunteers were celebrated for their unending dedication to service.
Volunteer Coordinator Celeste O’Brien centered the appreciation luncheon on the theme of “Star Wars: Volunteers are the Force Among Us!” Thus, the hospital volunteers enjoyed a light salad luncheon featuring Obi-Wan Kabob-ies, Chewbacca’s Calarantrum Corn Salad, Yoda Soda, Leia’s Buns and other appropriately named dishes. Under the stern eye of a large inflatable Stormtrooper, the volunteers competed in a series of fun games, including the Jedi Training School Relay and Pass the Death Star.
After the laughter subsided, the program turned to a more serious note: honoring volunteers for their service to the hospital, to patients and to the community.
During 2015, the 56 men and women of the SNLH Auxiliary/Volunteers contributed a total of 8,302 hours of service in a variety of ways: gift shop sales, family and patient assistance, crafters and knitters, event organizers, community health fair staff, and so much more.
Proceeds from the hospital gift shop and special events, including the scrub sales, book sales and orchid sale, raised close to $41,500 last year. In turn, the Auxiliary purchased $24,215 worth of equipment for the hospital; provided $7,500 in scholarship money; and contributed $6,326 toward hospital supplies and special programs.
Four volunteers received special recognition: Agi Ceroli, Bonnie Gatlin, Ruth Green and Susie Lazott.
Ceroli was honored for her deep love of people and her openness to life. Volunteering once a week at the emergency department desk providing information, encouragement and comfort for those waiting to be seen by the medical staff, Ceroli has said she is often inspired by the patients for their positive spirit and forbearance. She has volunteered for almost 1,500 hours, O’Brien said.
Gatlin has volunteered at the hospital for almost nine years in various positions including Vial of Life and the surgery desk, and has served as the Auxiliary treasurer for several terms. “Her diligence in her current position as Procurement Officer is unsurpassed, helping to assure that the hospital’s funding requests of equipment and supplies are paid for in a timely and accurate manner. For this we are most appreciative,” O’Brien said.
Green is described as the gift shop “guru” and “go-to” person. She has served in various positions on the Auxiliary Board and sometimes works in the gift shop as many as three to four days a week when needed. “Her enthusiasm and commitment are incomparable,” O’Brien said.
“Susie Lazott is our hospital’s very own ‘personal shopper,’ ” O’Brien said. “Susie will travel the country, and even when she is out of the country, to bring back just the perfect gift or the best items for the gift shop clientele – especially the staff,” O’Brien explained. “Susie is always thinking of ways to raise more funds for the hospital, and does not count the hours she dedicates to doing this.”
In addition, 26 members received service pins for total hours of service during their membership, ranging from 100 hours to 5,000 hours. They are:
5,000 hours: Ruth Green
2,500 hours: Nellie Jaujou
2,000 hours: Marguerite Cooper, Audrey Crocker, Bonnie Gatlin, Deryl Ingraham and Susie Lazott
1,000 hours: Kay Dixon.
900 hours: Nancy Cross and Carol Seeley
800 hours: Nancy Frome
600 hours: Pat Callin and Arthur Richwine
400 hours: Carmen Lanegan and Harriet Shull
300 hours: Norma Baird and Carol Souza
200 hours: Cathy Baumgarte, Bettye Ruth Gamester, Judy Hathaway, Margie Haun and Joni Kaletka
100 hours: Karen Andreika, Diane Hayes, Grace Morrison and Betty Winter
CUTLINES:
LIGHT SABER DUEL: Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital employees Rick Rhoton, emergency services manager, and Kimber Silbernagel, clinics director, duel with light sabers to the surprise of nearby Auxiliary members, from left, Bettye Ruth Gamester, Kitty Bushman and Jim Seeley.
2016 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS: Honored for guiding the SNLH Auxiliary this year are executive board members, from left, Bonnie Gatlin, procurement; Carol Seeley, past co-president; Susie Lazott, treasurer and gift shop manager; Jackie Watson, secretary; Ruth Green, vice president; Bettye Ruth Gamester, president; and Kitty Bushman, past co-president.
