Franklin Square Honors Top Volunteers

April is coming to an end. And as you may know, April is “Volunteer Appreciation Month.” Throughout the last week of the month an even more special emphasis is placed on honoring volunteers for “Volunteer Appreciation Week.”

Throughout our area, there are many different venues for residents to donate their time. Some of the “” were identified in my December 29, 2010 column.

However, one of the largest homes to a cadre of volunteers is our local hospital, Franklin Square Hospital Center. In 2010, the hospital benefited from 75,000 volunteer hours from an energetic and dedicated throng of men and women who perform a very long and varied list of duties.

There are those who stuff envelopes and do filing. There are those who accept flower deliveries, which they then deliver to patient rooms. Some volunteers operate the thrift shop and others work in the gift shop. 

And while there are still many others who perform numerous duties throughout the hospital, there is also a group of dedicated ladies who work at home to create things like baby’s caps and prayer shawls.

Franklin Square Hospital Center’s administration does not take these services for granted. They ensure that the volunteers are part of the center’s “family,” providing training programs and holding events to keep the troops well informed about what is happening at “The Square.” Every April, a special appreciation dinner is held at Martin’s East to honor those who do so much for so many.

Franklin Square president Adrienne Kirby said, “At times, it has felt like a decade since last year, and at other times like three weeks, but know that every day has been precious. Thanks to your efforts, patient satisfaction scores have risen, our culture of service has improved, and the administration and I appreciate your commitment to all and to each other.”   

Kirby emphasized it was with the volunteer corps' help that the hospital won two very prestigious ‘

Ann Heil, Franklin Square’s Volunteer Coordinator, reminded all at the dinner how connected everyone at the hospital is through their “SPIRIT": Success, Pride, Impact, Rays of sunshine, Inspiration and Innovation Teamwork.

Del. Joseph Boteler presented a proclamation on behalf of the House of Delegates to Ernestine Chambers in honor of her 60 years of service to the Franklin Square Hospital Center. 

Chambers began her volunteer service in 1951 when Franklin Square was still located in downtown Baltimore.  She remained active within the hospital after the move to Rosedale.   

“I volunteer because it keeps me connected and active,” she said.  

Other top honors went to: Connie Gilbert—35+ years; Anne Bock, Jean Merritt, and Freida Zajdel—30+ years; and Doris Funk, Mary Hackley and Ruth Hemric—25+ years.  There were 15 volunteers with 20+ years; 22 volunteers with 15+ years; 21 volunteers with 10+ years; and 49 others with five years or more of service. There are many more who have served for less than five years. 

 “I have the very best position in the hospital,” Heil said. “It is a joy to come to work each day to be fed by you [the volunteers]. My life is full as a result.”  

Heritage Society of Essex Middle River in Need of Volunteers  

While Franklin Square is one of the largest volunteer venues in our area, the maybe one of the smallest. 

Currently only a handful of volunteers are on board to keep the museum open, operating and in good condition. Additional hands would be greatly appreciated.

While visiting the Heritage Society, I learned that volunteers are the lifeblood of the museum. It is located at 516 Eastern Avenue in the heart of Essex and is open to the public every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. 

For those not familiar with the building, it is the original police and fire station.    During my visit I was also educated on how displays must be kept clean and presentable for the public. Volunteers are needed to shift or rearrange items as new donations are received or as special holidays and events occur.   

“If you know someone who loves to rearrange furniture, we would love to meet them,” Heritage Society President John W. August Jr. said. “While not everyone can get new furnishings at home or their place is simply too small to have lots of reorganization choices, the museum can fulfill that itch.   

“We have different rooms, receive items from the estates of longtime residents, and of course the holidays and seasons continuously change.  With lots of hands, the job can be done quickly and easily.”  

Volunteers are also needed to help staff the museum when it is open to the public on Sunday afternoons. There are several roles to be filled on Sunday afternoons, including staffing the gift shop.

This is also a great way to learn about the history of your hometown area.   

To volunteer, stop by the museum on Sundays or call 410-574-6934.