EMMC Celebrates Generous Spirit of its Volunteer Corps

BANGOR – On April 25, Eastern Maine Medical Center honored those who volunteer some 30,000 hours a year serving patients, visitors and staff at the medical center. EMMC hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at Spectacular Event Center, in observance of National Volunteer Week. Volunteers from age 14 to 98 donate time in nearly 60 departments throughout the year. Their time and dedication to EMMC are vital to its mission to care for patients, families, communities and one another, organizers of the event said.

Included in the ranks of EMMC volunteers are 11 married couples, nine who have four legs – the pet therapy volunteers, and many snowbirds who travel back to Maine in the summer and spend some of their days serving the EMMC community.

Among those honored at the dinner event were volunteers reaching major milestones, beginning with 3,000 hours of service. When the 3,000-hour milestone is met, a permanent nameplate is affixed to the Volunteer Honor Board in the hospital’s main lobby.

Those reaching the 3,000-hour milestone are Howard and Carol Glefke, and Anita Leonard.

Those reaching the 4,000-hour milestone are Jane Harriman, Linda Houston and Joanne Tracey.

Reaching the 6,000-hour milestone is Trudy Bragg.

Those reaching the 10,000-hour milestone are Robert Cormier and Ruth Striar.

And, reaching his 12,000-hour milestone is Doug Grant.

“Many of these volunteers have been with us for decades, others for only a few years,” said Nurse Deborah Carey Johnson, president and CEO of EMMC. “Regardless of the duration of their association with us, Eastern Maine Medical Center is grateful to be the beneficiary of their generosity. Each year they give to us a most precious commodity – their time, energy and kindness.”