2006 Employee Recognition Dinner celebrated by MCDH

3/23/06  Submitted by Terri Wharton and Heather Paulsen, MCDH

2005 Employees of the Quarter: Cooper, Sparacino, Bradshaw, Ware.

Kathy Warner (far right) receives a Career Achievement Award from CEO Bryan Ballard and Home Health/Hospice Manager Michele Philliber.

On March 9, 2006, Mendocino Coast District Hospital held its annual Employee Recognition Dinner to honor employees with five or more years of service. Also honored are the Employees of the Quarter, and the Employee of the Year Award is announced.

The dinner was held at the Cliff House Restaurant with over 115 employees and guests attending.  There were 31 employees receiving awards.  Sean Connolly, an MCDH Radiology Technologist, provided the music, while Mark Scheffer, Surgical Technologist, documented the evening with photographs.  Good food and fun was had by all.

Awards were presented by Mendocino Coast District Hospital Board of Directors Charlene McAllister, President, John Kermen DO, Camille Ranker, Donald Tucker, Jim Hay and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Ballard.

Service Awards

The following employees received certificates of appreciation and service award pins:

Five years of service: Margaret Bradshaw, Deena Dias, Ann Gittings, Susan Jones, Kathleen Lang, Nanette Loewen, Patricia Miller, Emmet O’Connell, Kristine Reiber, Charrish Starr and Beth Ward.

10 years of service: Susan Bishop, Jeff Edwards, John Funderburk and Suzan Garcia-Wells.

15 years of service: Arlene Colombi, Michelle Henry, Judith Hougland, Pamela Johnson, Denise Navarro, Lana Treutler and Robin Waschak.

20 years of service: Beverly “Amber” Curtis and Cynthia Wuoltee.  Each 20-year recipient also received a crystal vase.

25 years of service: Lydia Arnold, Gail Boucher-Paoli, Anthony Boyd, Sandra Lowe, Timothy Mackuliak and Maria Wetzel.  Each 25-year recipient also received a crystal bowl.

30 years of service: Barbara “Bobbie” Demos.  Each 30-year recipient also received candlesticks.  As this year’s 30 Year Employee, Demos joins Marsha Green-Smith with 31 years of service, Sharon Morris with 32 years of service and Kathy Costa with 34 years of service.  Congratulations!

Employee of the Year

Each quarter at MCDH, employees are nominated by their co-workers for recognition as Employee of the Quarter.  In 2005, Employees of the Quarter were: Margaret Bradshaw, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department (Spring); Linda Cooper, Coder, Medical Records Department (Summer); Sue Sparacino, Patient Registration Representative, Patient Registration (Fall); and Shelley Ware, RN, Float Pool (Winter).

Each Employee of the Quarter is honored with a photo in the Hall of Fame and their name engraved on a plaque, a certificate, a check for $150, and a prime parking space for a quarter.  They also are in the running for Employee of the Year award, which is decided by a hospital-wide vote of fellow employees.

Margaret Bradshaw was named Employee of the Year, 2005.  Margaret received an engraved plaque, a $500 gift certificate for Indian Springs Spa, and a $150 check.

Special Recognition Awards

Kathy Warner was surprised with a Career Achievement Award during the evening’s event, presented as a heart-felt thank you for all that she has contributed to MCDH and the community during her 19 year local tenure.  Over the years, Kathy served in several roles, including Swing Bed coordinator, patient representative, Bio-Ethics Committee co-chair and Hospice coordinator.  Kathy recently returned from a six-month sabbatical, and will be moving to the east coast permanently later this year.

Terri Wharton was also recognized for her excellent service to MCDH in addition to her role in organizing the Employee Recognition Dinner.  Terri has worked in various roles at the hospital for almost 18 years, including Board Secretary, Nursing Staffing, and Human Relations Specialist. This summer, Terri will be moving to Oregon with her family.

MCDH is grateful to all its employees for their dedication to providing excellent quality patient care and service to the community.