ETMC Athens Auxiliary celebrates another year of service

By Toni Garrard Clay

Members of the ETMC Athens Auxiliary who are 80 and over include (standing, from left) Betty Gibson, Marie Watson, Vera Jernigan, Anna Mathis, Della Paroline, Cecilia Kubic, Chris Lippert and (seated, from left) Hazel Smith, Roxie Fullington, Bernice Gregory, Violet Tindle and Jean Mettetal.

Members of the ETMC Athens Auxiliary recently held their annual awards luncheon, where members celebrate and recognize the many hours given in service to the hospital over the past year.

“It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to be here,” said ETMC Athens Administrator Pat Wallace in his opening remarks. “Thank you for all that you give: your time, your talent and your resources. You show one another and you show our visitors such compassion and love.”

After outgoing Auxiliary President Betty White introduced special guests, outgoing First Vice President Pat Rogers distributed bar awards, which declare the number of hours volunteers accumulated over the past year.

“I feel very blessed to be a part of this organization,” said Rogers. “I think this is one of the most wonderful organizations anyone can be a part of.”

ETMC Athens Auxiliary officers are (from left) President Linda Kunick, 1st Vice President Tommie Avera, Historian Doris Gardenhire, Secretary Mary Bess and Treasurer Shelby Weaver. Not pictured is 2nd Vice President Gertrude Wahoviak.

Included among the many bars handed out were those of 31-year auxiliary volunteer Bernice Gregory, for 7,706 volunteer hours, Vera Jernigan, for 8,814 volunteer hours and Gertrude Wahoviak, for 11,295 volunteer hours.

C.W. Bess shared a word with the group, following which Louise Graham, director of infection control at the hospital, installed the new officers.

“You all have lived well, loved well and we laugh often,” said Graham, echoing the theme of the luncheon. “That’s what it takes to get through. … You are our priceless treasure. This is an amazing group.”

The officers for the present year are: Linda Kunick, president; Tommie Avera, first vice president; Gertrude Wahoviak, second vice president; Doris Gardenhire, historian; Mary Bess, secretary; and Shelby Weaver, treasurer.

Outgoing President Betty White closed the gathering by expressing her gratitude at having had the chance to serve in leadership the past two years.

“I have loved every bit of it,” she said. “It has been so much fun and I have made so many friends. I thank you for allowing me to serve as president.”