Speare Memorial Hospital’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon was a tribute to old Hollywood glamour showcasing its “shining stars”—our volunteers—complete with a Speare Walk of Fame, featuring a star for each of the Hospital’s 48 volunteers.

Student and Volunteer Services Coordinator Chris Fenn, welcomed everyone with a trip down memory lane noting Ann Blair had the longest tenure, having started back in 1977.  It was the same year Reiki Volunteer Tangi Sampson remembers being a Candy Striper at Speare.  Fenn said, “We do appreciate each and every one of you.”

CEO Michelle McEwen echoed that sentiment, saying, “We really appreciate this opportunity to bring you together and say ‘thank you.’  It is amazing the number of departments you all support.  You are a part of the team and your contributions make a difference in the lives of our patients, families and all of us.”

After lunch, Fenn awarded service pins to those volunteers who had given 100+ hours of service. The following volunteers were honored for their service:

100 Hours                                            500 Hours                                1000 Hours                  1500 Hours
Kristen Cochran                                  Joan Bergstrom                     Annie Martin               Irene Blake
Marie Gardner                                                                                      Elva Piehn
Ashley McClay                                                                                       Joan Poitras
Sarah Steenbergen                                                                              Bethany Ward
Michael Guy

2000 Hours                                          3000 Hours                              12,000 Hours
Richard Flanagan                                Kathy MacDonald                   Ginny Dunn
Carol Mabin
Carolyn Piantedosi

Additionally, long-time volunteer Marty Stokes was remembered for the 8,000 hours of service she gave over the last 14 years in Speare’s Medical Records Department.  Marty passed away in March and her family was presented the pin at her memorial service.  She was a proud and dedicated volunteer, but remembered as a friend.

If you are interested in volunteering at Speare, contact Chris Fenn, student and volunteer services coordinator, at (603) 238-6460.

Speare Memorial Hospital— nationally ranked as both an iVantage Top 100 Critical Access Hospital and a HealthStrong Hospital—is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth and the communities of central New Hampshire. Visit online at www.speare2020.wpengine.com and join us on Facebook and Twitter.  Speare Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity provider and employer.