Union County Hospital District Auxiliary has awarded scholarships for 2019. From left are Emmelie Hawk, Jessica Nicolic, Britini Helton and Lexi Miller, with auxiliary president Sandra Boaz.  Taylor Loveless and Nolan Knupp could not be present for the picture. Photo provided.Union County Hospital District Auxiliary has recognized volunteers for their hours of service. From left are Donna Bible, Delores Landreth and Jane Bauer. Elaine Crain could not be present for the picture. Photo provided.

Hospital district auxiliary honors volunteers, presents scholarships

Union County Hospital District Auxiliary recently hosted its annual meeting.

The meeting was June 26 in the fellowship hall at the First United Methodist Church in Anna.

The event had a Hawaiian luau theme. Table decorations and refreshments were in keeping with the theme.  Many of those who attended the meeting dressed in “Hawaiian” clothing.

After a time of fellowship and refreshments, auxiliary president Sandra Boaz welcomed all who were present and called the event together, with chaplain Donna Bible leading the Auxiliary Prayer.

Each officer and committee chairperson gave a brief report about activities of their office/committee for the past 12 months. 

The auxiliary board has spent the past year on updating the auxiliary by-laws. The final draft was presented to the members present for voting. They were adopted unanimously.  

If a member of the auxiliary was unable to attend  the meeting, but desires to view the new bylaws, they can call 697-0097 to obtain a copy.

Union County Hospital CEO Jim Farris talked to the group. He shared information about new developments, both corporate and at the hospital.

Tami Davis, HR director at the hospital, also shared information with the membership.

The highlight of the annual meeting traditionally has been the recognition of volunteers and the announcement of scholarship winners.

Volunteers Honored

Auxiliary volunteer hours chairperson Mary Cunningham explained how volunteer service hours are recorded and tallied.  

During 2018, volunteers at the hospital front desk and gift shop, and other auxiliary related activities gave 2,929 hours of their time.

Volunteers are recognized as they achieve increments of 500 hours.  

Those recognized this year, along with their hours, included Jane Bauer, 1,000 hour level (1,023 hours); Donna Bible, 1,500 hour level (1,551 hours); Elaine Crain, 1,500 hours (1,633 hours); and Delores Landreth, 2,500 hour level (2,509 hours).  

Patricia Fahlberg was posthumously recognized for achieving the 1,500 hour level, with a total of 1,576.5 hours.  

These volunteers were presented certificates, as well as gift cards to the hospital gift shop.

Scholarships Awarded

Years ago, a scholarship fund was set up by the estate of, and in memory of, nursing supervisor Alma Wilson.  

Any resident of Union County who completes the application and is enrolled at an institution of higher learning in a health care related field is eligible for consideration by the scholarship committee.

For the past couple of years, the auxiliary said that it has been blessed with a sizable donation from a single donor family who prefer to stay anonymous, as well as numerous smaller donations, during the auxiliary’s annual scholarship fund-raisers.  

This year six scholarships were awarded. The winners were presented with certificates and checks will be sent to their college/university in early September.

Two $1,000 scholarships were presented to Britni Helton and Nolan Knupp.  Both are second-year students at Southeast Missouri State University, where they are studying biomedical sciences.

Three $1,500 scholarships were awarded to the following first-year students:   

Lexi Miller, who is pursuing a degree in nursing; Jessica Nicolic, who is pursuing a degree in nursing; and Taylor Loveless  who is pursuing LPN certification.

The hospital gift shop continues to flourish. Manager Linda Jackson gave a $1,500 scholarship to Emmelie Hawk, who is pursuing an LPN certification.  

This scholarship was presented in memory of long-time auxiliary member, past president and dedicated gift shop volunteer Patricia Fahlberg. 

Volunteers Welcomed

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the Union County Hospital or join the auxiliary is invited to call 697-0097.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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