Volunteers recognized at Doolittle holiday dinner
“Never were the decorations more beautiful, never was the food more delicious,” said Jack Authelet, president of Doolittle Home, in his appreciation to staff members at the annual Trustees Holiday Dinner on December 6.
He extended a special welcome to residents of the Home, who were the honored guests for the evening. “It has been our privilege to serve you this past year,” he said, “and I am proud to note we have a staff that allows us to provide your personal care to the highest standards in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Noting that the evening also provided an opportunity to recognize and thank many of the volunteers who serve Doolittle Home, he said the hardest working volunteers are members of the Board of Trustees, volunteers all, who constitute one of the hardest working board’s in the Home’s history. “Each board member is either an officer, on a committee or a special project,” he said, “and the majority of them meet monthly throughout the year.”
Past President Pete Turner was singled out as the longest serving trustee, having joined the board in 1965 who chairs the Building and Grounds Committee.
It was pointed out that many trustees also show up on the list of volunteers, and most notable among them was Richard Cross, volunteer comptroller for the Home for decades, preparing monthly, quarterly and annual filings. More recently he joined the Board of Trustees, bringing his insights and sensitivities to the board meetings as well.
Trustee Joanne Pratt was recognized for graciously sharing her time and love of doll houses and all things miniature to go in them, as well as stories of her travels in search of such treasures.
Joanne constitutes half of the Home’s successful Marking Committee with Trustee Lynne Sarikas and the two of them are also in the Home monthly with their Card Parties. Residents regularly anticipate their visits to make one-of-a-kind greeting cards with Lynne providing all the materials.
Lynne also makes hand-made cards for all the residents for special holidays and their birthdays, writes the quarterly Doolittle Updates and handles the advertising and feature stores in the area newspapers.
The acquisition of a wheelchair-accessible van through the generosity of Joanne Pratt also opened up another volunteer opportunity as the trustees provide wheelchair van service to the veterans of Foxboro with Treasurer Charles McAlister, Finance Committee member Steve Foster and Clerk Edward McIntyre joining President Jack Authelet in transporting veterans to area medical facilities.
Trustee Bob Gillis is the man behind the scenes on the Doolittle web page, created and maintained by him and he also pays the domain fee. Bob is also central to the annual Foxboro Cable Access/Doolittle Home Auction which is set for March 1 this year.
The auction is chaired by Trustee Lynda Walsh and for the past few years, this has been the largest fund raiser in Doolittle history, thanks to everyone who pitches in with donations and an offer to help.
Lynda also chairs the Fundraising Committee, responsible for the General Solicitation which always places such a heavy clerical demand upon staff members.
“This year’s mailing went out untouched by the hands of any staff member,” said Jack, “thanks to Lynda handling the entire mailing for us.”
Also recognized for his volunteer effort was Barre Rochelle who shares his musical talent at the keyboard several times each year for spirits Sing-a-Longs, even on New Year’s Eve.
Barre was accompanied by his wife Helen, a tireless volunteer at the Card Parties, helping residents make their special greeting cards.
Also assisting with the Card Parties are Jane Grady, Sherry Aitkenhead and Marge Authelet. Jane works for United Way of Massachusetts Bay and has also lent her talent in reviewing Doolittle Personnel Policies as has Trustee Ken Bryant “even before he was voted in,” is was noted.
Ken joins Trustee Kathy Spier in that effort, who lent her background in nursing and business to the review. Kathy and her husband Greg are principals in the Spier Family Trust, major benefactors of Doolittle Home.
Trustee Marie Crimmins, who writes all the gift acknowledgements for the Home, also got caught up in the Card Party routine and her husband Dave was credited with “calling a mean game of Bingo” when pressed into service.
New to the ranks of Doolittle volunteer is Dr. Victor Leung, a dentist by profession, a kind and caring person in spirit, who provides his services performing regular check-ups and dental evaluations for residents.
Identified as a “three-fer,” volunteer Marge Howard is the daughter of a Doolittle resident, a contract provider of physical therapy service for residents, and a tireless volunteer bringing assisted bowling to Doolittle for those who need a little extra help to chalk up all those spares and strikes in spirited bowling competition.
Trustee Beth Ferencik was recognized as a popular volunteer assistant to her pet poodle Elvis who comes to the Home each week for another fascinating session of Password With Elvis and competition is keen for tantalizing imaginary prizes.
Also recognized for their volunteer efforts were Sue Robinson, daughter of resident Erdine Winegqar, and Joanne Howard, daughter of residents Jane and Bob Babcock, who hosted a fall craft program during which residents created door decorations for their room and holiday lapel pins.
Sue Lathrop, another daughter of Jane and Bob Babcock, visits several times a year from Oregon and has created her own tradition of leaving centerpieces of fresh cut flowers on the dining room tables as each visit comes to a close.
Sharon Kantzer, LPN, night charge nurse at Doolittle since 1994, was recognized for returning as a volunteer, entertaining residents with programs that encourage them to reminisce and cultivate memories that might tend to slip away.
Long-time volunteer Bob Brown, son of resident Pauline Brown, was recognized for his monthly Poetry Hours during which enthusiastic residents share their favorite poems. Bob also occasionally surprises them with an original composition, much to the delight of everyone.
Pam Kapitz, daughter of Mary Winn, shares her talent providing musical entertainment. Pan is a member of “The Noteables” and has brought the group to the Home on three occasions for special music.
Lisa Benoit and her children, Madison and Jonathan, continue to help with bowling twice each month as they have been for three years, and they enjoy a close relationship with the residents.
Jim Sasso, pianist extraordinaire, performs frequently at the Home, occasionally accompanied by his nephew Josh, playing the violin. Jim also tunes the Doolittle piano at no cost to the Home.
Appreciation was also extended to Rev. Bill Dudley for his effort in coordinating the Doolittle Home chapel program and being a strong supporter of the Home. His aunt, Priscilla Bartlett, was a long-time resident.
New to the rank of volunteers is Kate Goodwin, a college student who committed 25 hours of service engaging residents in Bingo and Spelling Bee activities. She also provided the material and helped them make holiday wreaths for their doors.
“It speaks well of Doolitle Home and its residents that the core of our volunteer effort is drawn from the family of residents, members of the Board of Trustees, Doolittle staff members and a wide range of caring, loving people willing to give of themselves to enrich the lives of others,” said Jack in his closing remarks. How fortunate we are to be blessed by the generosity of so many willing to give so much of themselves for others. On behalf of the residents of Doolittle Home, I extended to each and every one of you our deepest appreciation.”
