Photo submitted to Times Observer Many of the WGH Auxiliary Hospital volunteers.

With a theme of “You are Priceless — Our Warren General Hospital Volunteers,” the Warren General Hospital Auxiliary reflected on the Auxiliary’s 2018 work and honored many adult hospital volunteers during a complimentary 2019 Annual Volunteer Luncheon at the Conewango Club of Warren.

Welcome comments were made by Linda Keverline, Auxiliary Board of Directors’ President, and by WGH Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer, Mr. Joe Akif.

Auxiliary Board member Gwenn Scutella gave a meaningful Invocation before the luncheon meal.

The Director of Women’s Care Center of Warren, Ms. Mary Brown, who has a background in client counseling, fundraising, and client education programs, was the guest speaker for the event. Brown highlighted some of the Center’s services free to women, which include pregnancy tests and ultrasound, childbirth and newborn care, a Stepping Stones Learn to Earn Program which educates young parents regarding personal development, parenting skills, and healthy relationships while earning “credits” to acquire new baby items. STD testing is also available.

Debra Gray, WGH Volunteer Director, reported that, in 2018, adult volunteers gave a total of 15,921.75 hours of service to Warren General Hospital.

Marking their milestones and expressing appreciation for their time, energy and dedication, Gray recognized the following volunteers with award pins: 5,500 hours: Mary Putnam; 5,000 hours: Marguerite Lyle; 4,500 hours: Linda Keverline, Gwenn Scutella; 4,000 hours: Susan Nosel, Gwenn Scutella; 3,000 hours: Audree Ord; 2,500 hours: Gayle Mohney, Geri Ross; 2,000 hours: Judy Bunce, Sally Clark, Ann Swanson; 1,500 hours: Kathy Keller; 500 hours: Patti Benson, Ron Bloom, Jane Rohlin; 100 hours: Ginny Barrett, Debbie Brewster, Marcus Briggs, Ashley Hummer, Brenda Huya, Michael Johnson, Jean Wagner, Sierra Wees.

Past board presidents Bette McAmbley, Dottie Higgins and Gwenn Scutella, and past Volunteer Directors Judy Cerra, Pat O’Dea and Jodi Bevevino were recognized for their years of service to the Auxiliary.

Auxiliary President Linda Keverline conducted the annual Auxiliary business meeting.

New Auxiliary Board members Sue Borland, Beth Ellsworth, Gail Wright, Pat Scutella and Janet Jespersen were introduced to and approved by the General Auxiliary. Keverline highlighted how the fundraising monies were distributed this past year, supporting the various requests from hospital departments and administration.

For their assistance with the luncheon, thanks were extended to Auxiliary Board members Sylvia Wurst and Ginny Barret, co-coordinators of the luncheon, and to Board members Debbie Olson, Janet Peterson, Joyce Yeagle, and Stephanie Freitag.