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John Muir's Walnut Creek Campus recognizes its volunteers at brunch
Contra Costa Times
by Jacquie Oliverius
7/09/2008
Like the oil in an engine, volunteers allow nonprofit organizations to function smoothly. In the case of medical centers, volunteers help staff members glide through their duties and services and make things as pleasant as possible for patients and visitors.
During National Volunteer Week recently, John Muir Health honored its volunteers at both the Concord and Walnut Creek campuses, at the John Muir Behavioral Center and at the John Muir Outpatient Centers, Tice Valley/Rossmoor and Brentwood.
In all, more than 1,400 volunteers were recognized for contributing in 2007 more than 205,468 hours of service at John Muir Health facilities. In addition last year, "the John Muir Auxiliary-Walnut Creek Campus and the John Muir Volunteers-Concord Campus contributed a combined $487,000 toward programs at the medical centers and services for our communities," said Barbara Hepner, senior public relations associate for John Muir Health, in a news release.
In Walnut Creek, volunteers and members of the Auxiliary were invited to a brunch reception at the medical center, which included food and music, and entertainment by Three's a Voice singing group. Ken Meehan, executive vice president/operations for John Muir Health, thanked the assembled group for "that extra special touch" for patients and visitors, said Hepner.
And Jane Willemsen, president and chief administrative officer for the Walnut Creek Campus, thanked the volunteers for 49 years of service to the center.
"Success is what you do for others," she said, adding that volunteers now serve in more than 30 different areas of the medical center.
One of the highlights of the brunch was the presentation of awards to the 2007 recipients of the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), which was started in 2006 for all John Muir Health volunteers.
"The VIP award program encourages participation in wellness programs to promote healthy behaviors," said Hepner in the release. "Volunteers can earn points throughout the year for participating in a variety of wellness programs and receive an incentive for reaching the qualifying point levels, and incentive program points can be earned for completing preventive medical screenings."
Alice Villanueva, senior vice president/human resources of John Muir Health, thanked the volunteers on behalf of the medical center's management and employees for all the services they provide. She also presented the VIP awards to volunteers from the Walnut Creek Campus who met the qualifying level for participation in wellness program and preventive health screenings.
Those receiving the award included Gittiy Altman, Velma Black, Dolores Carter, Marilyn Kleinsmith, Fred Pueringer, Judy Pueringer, Pat Taylor, Evelyn Ternstrom, Linda Thompson and Lorraine Wear.
The luncheon and fashion show for the John Muir Volunteers-Concord Campus was equally outstanding, and volunteers at the outpatient centers were also recognized.
"The volunteers at the John Muir Outpatient Center, Brentwood, enjoyed a special luncheon hosted by Jacqueline Hanel, executive director of the center," said Hepner.
"Many volunteers also received their service award pins at the 100 (hour) and 500-plus (hour) levels this year as this team grows to serve the increasing needs of John Muir Health's newest campus."
The Tice Valley/Rossmoor outpatient center honored its volunteers with a luncheon hosted by administrator Michael Linn at Grace Presbyterian Church. Entertaining the group was the fourth-grade choral group from Alamo Elementary School, under the direction of Nancy Raaum.
Hats off to all of the John Muir Health volunteers for all that they do for the medical staffs, the patients and visitors, and the community.
(Posted July 28, 2008)