ASHLAND — Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO) presented the first annual Sandra J. Rule Dauch Volunteer of the Year Award to 90-year-old Betty Barker, of Ashland.
Barker, who was honored at the Volunteer Holiday Breakfast on Nov. 16, began volunteering for HNCO in March of 2001. She was 75 and stopped at the hospice office to offer to clean up the flower beds. Since then, she has arranged flowers, assisted with office work, supervised mailings, made prayer shawls, and, for the last 10 years, managed and stocked supplies.
She continues to volunteer two or three days each week.
“She impacts so many people every day she is here,” her nominator stated. “I hope I have her energy, enthusiasm, and desire to be productive — she runs circles around me and is twice my age!”
A grant received by The Richard & Sandra Dauch Foundation in 2015 established the award which will be presented each November in honor of National Hospice and Palliative Month to the HNCO volunteer who exhibits extraordinary commitment, impact, personal growth, and inspiration to others.
Nominations were submitted by supervisors and reviewed by a selection committee. The name of each Volunteer of the Year will be permanently displayed on plaques at the hospice offices in Ashland, Mount Vernon, and Ontario, and at What Goes ‘Round Thrift Shoppe in downtown Mansfield.
HNCO Executive Director Bill Kahl stated, “We had several outstanding candidates to choose from, yet Betty is simply inspirational! We all love her and her ‘can do’ attitude!”
In addition to Barker, Carol Harding, Aneta Harris, Bruce Harris, Marilyn Hobson, Catherine Kearns, Sandy Nardo, and Jeanette Thomas were nominated for the 2016 Dauch Volunteer of the Year Award.
HNCO boasts 290 volunteers who provide companion and vigil care for patients, help with administrative duties, water plants, assist at special events, operate the Thrift Shoppe, and more. Several were recognized for milestones in their years of service, including Melody Barnes of Ashland, who has volunteered at the Mount Vernon and Ashland offices for 30 years.
Hospice of North Central Ohio continues to provide palliative, hospice, and bereavement services to families in Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow and Richland counties. Call 1-800-952-2207 for more information.
