Healthy Living Newsletter
Gifts of Time & Talent... from the Heart
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| Mercy Auxiliary Volunteer Organization (MAVO) celebrated their 2006-07 accomplishments at an Annual Meeting and a Memorial Mass held earlier in June. (Pictured left to right back row to front row) Sandra Bonito, past MAVO President, Father Brian Cokonougher; Barbara Heinen, Second Vice President; Pam Ruehle, Recording Secretary; Geeta Dalal, incoming MAVO President; and Marilyn Moss, Financial Secretary. |
How do you send heartfelt expressions of individual appreciation to nearly 260 active, contributing and life members of the Mercy Auxiliary Volunteer Organization (MAVO)? The question is too daunting to consider, but that’s one of the goals of the MAVO Annual Meeting recently held at Black River Country Club in Port Huron Township.
During the event, nearly 60 community and MAVO members attended to celebrate their successes, honor members who are now deceased, and welcome in a new slate of Executive Officers and board membership.
A Memorial Mass kicked off the luncheon meeting held earlier this month. The Mass was presided by Father Brian Cokonougher, who offered prayers of thanksgiving to honor MAVO members who have passed away.
“Health care is a special ministry,” Father Brian Cokonougher commented during his Homily, “and every member contributes to what Mercy Hospital provides to this community.”
During the Annual Meeting portion of the event, MAVO Directors of the Board reported on the success of their areas of responsibility. Numerous reports were provided regarding the benefits MAVO bestows on Mercy Hospital.
Last year, over 180 active members contributed more than 18,000 hours in volunteer services. Over the past two years, MAVO provided more than $110,000 in financial contributions to support Mercy Hospital programs and services.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the MAVO secondary education scholarship program recipients. This year, 18 area students submitted applications for $1,000 secondary education scholarships in health-related fields. This year’s winners included:
- Katie Burgett, Fort Gratiot Township
- Heather Cook, St. Clair
- Jennifer Lewis, Casco Township
- Christina McCracken, North Street
- Katrina Rich, St. Clair
- Jennifer Riehl, Port Huron
Congratulations are extended to each student.
The Passing of the Gavel
During the event, a special Missioning Service was held to reaffirm MAVO membership’s commitment to the Mission of Mercy Hospital in providing community and faith-based healthcare; as well as welcome in the new slate of Executive Officers and Board Directors. These positions are held for a two-year term.
The 2007 - 09 slate includes:
Executive Board
- President ~ Geeta Dalal
- First Vice President ~ Barbara Heinen
- Second Vice President ~ Esther Vasquez
- Financial Secretary ~ Marilyn Moss
- Recording Secretary ~ Pam Ruehle
Directors:
- Dolly Nutt
- Kathleen DeVigili
- Virginia Paknikar
- Sally McDonald
- Linda Keller
- Kathy Pietrowski
- Barbara Brown
- Donna Gossman
Representatives:
- Dale Keller
- Bernie Lee
- Sister Kathy Wood
- Erdeen Kalinoff
Members At Large:
- Linda Foltz
- Nancy Groch
- Dorothy Porrett
- Judy Sidun
“The past two years I have served as MAVO President have gone by very quickly,” commented Sandra Bonito, who passed the gavel to new Board President Geeta Dalal during the event.
“It has been my pleasure to represent this fine organization. It has given me the opportunity to get to know many of Mercy’s volunteers and supporters.” she continued. “I would like to thank all of my board members, all the faithful, caring volunteers and hospital administration for their continued support.”
“Mercy Hospital would be hard-pressed to find a more caring, dedicated or committed corps of volunteers than MAVO,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital President and CEO. “We are only successful in providing outstanding quality and service because of this dedicated group. We thank them for all they do.”
For more information regarding MAVO or to become a member, please call Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Henrion at (810) 985-1674. Or go to the MAVO section of this website.
Lakeshore Surgery Center, LLP
receives Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission
 By demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety, Lakeshore Surgery Center, LLP, has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval.
“Achieving accreditation demonstrates that Lakeshore Surgery Center, LLP, has voluntarily sought an independent evaluation of its compliance with state-of-the-art performance standards,” explains Michael Kulczycki, Executive Director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, The Joint Commission.
“We sought accreditation for our organization because we want to be the best,” explains Lynn Burgett, Administrator, Lakeshore Surgery Center, LLP. “We view obtaining Joint Commission accreditation as another step toward excellence.
“Our staff is very supportive of the process. It gives them a feeling of prestige to work in an accredited organization,” continues Lynn. “They also appreciate the educational aspect of the survey.”
An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission is the predominant standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Since 1975, The Joint Commission has developed state-of-the-art standards for outpatient ambulatory care organizations. Nearly 1,200 freestanding ambulatory care organizations across the United States maintain Joint Commission accreditation.
Located within Mercy Health Center, in Fort Gratiot Township, Lakeshore Surgery Center is a joint venture between Mercy Hospital and local surgeons. The center began performing procedures in May 2004. In addition to its Joint Commission accreditation, it is fully licensed by the State of Michigan.
Patients who undergo procedures at Lakeshore Surgery Center receive the same type of outstanding care they are accustomed to in a hospital setting. The only difference is the center is clinically focused on outpatient surgery.
For more information about Lakeshore Surgery Center, LLP, please call the center at (810) 989-7733; or visit the Lakeshore Surgery Center section of this website. |
