20th
Annual Awards
Banquet
Westminster Communities of Florida
Volunteers and
Employees
of the Year

Volunteers of
the Year — 2017
We are so thankful for our volunteers. They contribute
thousands of hours in our communities, improving the
lives of our residents, and we’re so blessed to have them.
It’s our pleasure to recognize their contributions tonight.
TOUCHING LIVES
THROUGH SERVICE

MAGNOLIA TOWERS
2017 Volunteer of the Year
Irma Anes
“I do it with my heart,” says Irma of her
work as a dedicated volunteer. This year,
during Thanksgiving, we were fortunate to
have packaged meals donated by Golden
Corral. Irma sprung into action to identify
who was home and needed a hot meal for
the holidays. Irma serves in our community,
volunteering with Friday bingo and our food
pantry program. She also works at IDignity,
where she helps individuals obtain proper
identification like birth certificates and
IDs. She even met her husband at Magnolia
Towers! There are not enough words to
describe the kindness within Irma.

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE
2017 Volunteer of the Year
Murry is most often seen helping his fellow
residents, with a quiet dedication and a knack
for finding those who need a little assistance
and pitching in without being asked. He
often helps residents with their purchases
on shopping trips. Murry always says, “Why
not?” He assists them into and out of our
bus or their personal vehicles, and he says,
“Looked like they needed help.”
His daughters say that he can fix anything,
from woodworking to car engines to boats,
and for a time he even lived on his sailboat.
In the Bahamas, he picked up a talent for
cooking, and he often shares delicacies.
We’re so glad for Murry’s help.
Murry Cook

What a contribution to our community that
Dick has made since he began volunteering
in 2012. He logged more than 500 hours of
service in the last year, including reviewing
every tree on our campus with an arborist to
save good trees and identify the ones to be
removed or trimmed. His meticulous attention
to detail saved countless hours on the part of
contractors and the downtime to residents.
He serves as a deacon at Deermeadows Baptist
Church and is a retired army officer. He even
holds two patents from his time working at
General Electric.
Dick’s passion for serving our community is
beyond noteworthy.
George “Dick” Dickinson
WESTMINSTER WOODS ON JULINGTON CREEK
2017 Volunteer of the Year
We’re so glad for Murry’s help.

RJ’s volunteer work exemplifies the eight
dimensions of wellbeing. He volunteers
with grace, serving on the Resident Council
and a variety of committees. Through
his involvement with our Eckerd College
program, he promotes lifelong learning
for residents and students. He is even an
enrichment specialist at Southeastern Guide
Dogs. In the past, he worked with Pinellas
County’s Juvenile Welfare Board and its more
than 80 social service programs, and served
in the U.S. Army in Germany as chief of
family and child services. He holds a Ph.D. in
counseling from the University of Pittsburgh.
Congratulations, RJ, and thanks for all you do!
RJ Doody
WESTMINSTER SHORES
2017 Volunteer of the Year

After nearly 500 performances, we’re pleased
to recognize Jack for his role in founding our
Ensemble choral group in 1997. Jack has made
music his life’s work, as a former high school
band director, and now with the Ensemble.
He has devoted countless hours over the past
20 years to providing musical enjoyment for
his fellow residents. He works closely with
the chaplain and looks for new music, writes
music to fit the Ensemble’s needs, and recruits
for new members. He especially enjoys seeing
someone come back to their music after a
hiatus. Our community is so much richer for
Jack’s hard work.
Jack Emig
WESTMINSTER WINTER PARK
2017 Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations, RJ, and thanks for all you do!

With a contagious spirit, Arthur can be
found smiling any time of day. If he sees
someone in need of help, he goes right ahead.
He always says that it’s the Christian thing
to do. He is a longtime volunteer at our
community and at Riverside Presbyterian
Church, where he has been a member for
many years. He cares for our gardens and
takes care of other residents’ pets when they
are away. Arthur found an interest as a child
in hunting and fishing. Although he misses
it, he took an interest in gardening and has
continued ever since, including beautifying
our community today.
We appreciate your efforts, Arthur!
Arthur Frazier
RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN APARTMENTS
2017 Volunteer of the Year

Whenever someone needs help, Janice
is there. She volunteers in our Thrift Store
and makes sure that our Thursday meal
deliveries from local churches are organized
and distributed to other residents, as well as
bring them to their apartments if they are
ill. If someone needs an item moved, she’s
always there to pitch in, carrying items from
Manor I to Manor II. She took on the task of
reorganizing our library with pleasure.
Janice’s broad smile and happy disposition
brighten the room whenever she’s in it, and
her energy and enthusiasm have a positive
effect on everyone. Thank you, Janice!
Janice Harper
WESTMINSTER MANOR – FORT WALTON BEACH
2017 Volunteer of the Year
We appreciate your efforts, Arthur!

Pat, who has been a volunteer almost since
the day she came to our community, works
diligently to check on her fellow residents. She
has served for a number of years as the chair
of the Emergency Committee. She has led us
through two successive years of hurricanes,
making sure everyone had flashlights,
batteries, bottled water and other necessities.
After the storm passed, she walked the
campus, checking on everyone’s needs and
coordinating updates. She excels at our
weekly trivia games, and she is also an avid
bird watcher — and especially loves anything
to do with people. We’re so thankful that Pat
has been there for us when we needed her.
Patricia Johnson
WESTMINSTER OAKS
2017 Volunteer of the Year

How do you recycle _____? We know that
John knows the answer. His true passion is
recycling. His work as co-chair of our Green
Committee has helped us recycle aluminum
cans, turn plastic bags into waterproof mats
for the homeless, and coordinates our bottle
recycling. His energy is contagious, and he
inspires many other residents to get involved.
John is also a woodworker and carpenter,
and a design engineer who worked on the
Sunshine Skyway fishing piers, among many
projects. John is a true leader who has a strong
desire to serve. We’re so thankful he does so in
our community!
John Lefebvre
WESTMINSTER SUNCOAST
2017 Volunteer of the Year
has been there for us when we needed her.

Richard’s service at our community is
extraordinary: He is always happy to help in
any way he can, with a smile, contributing
to our Manna food program, monitoring
residents’ door cards, yard work and more.
In his three years as a volunteer, he’s touched
his fellow residents’ lives in a variety of ways,
both large and small.
Westminster Village is so fortunate that
Richard is there to make our community a
better place. Thank you!
Richard Loomis
WESTMINSTER VILLAGE
2017 Volunteer of the Year

Nancy has been a dedicated volunteer in our
community for the last 12 years. She always
places an emphasis on working behind the
scenes, to keep our community a delightful
place to live. She spends countless hours
working in the White Elephant Thrift Store
and is the co-chair of our Employee Christmas
Fund. A longtime mental health counselor, she
cares so much for everyone she meets. She is a
past president of the American Mental Health
Counselors Association. When she isn’t
helping people, she loves decoupage, sewing,
reading, puzzles and refinishing furniture. We
appreciate all that you do, Nancy!
Nancy McCormick
WESTMINSTER TOWERS – ORLANDO
2017 Volunteer of the Year

We’re so thankful for Donald’s hard
work contributing to our community. He
volunteers more than 800 hours a year,
raising funds for Westminster Asbury to
provide activities and entertainment so his
fellow residents don’t have to pay. Donald
manages our bread deliveries, cooks holiday
meals for residents, and helps residents fix
their mobility devices. He also manages the
Thrift Store and attends yard sales to purchase
merchandise on the weekends.
We have recognized Donald several times
before for his generosity — and now we want
to thank him again. Congratulations, Donald!
Donald Miles
WESTMINSTER ASBURY
2017 Volunteer of the Year

Carol is a willing and generous volunteer,
and a long-time contributor to the greater
St. Petersburg community, too. At our
community she serves as secretary of
the Resident Council and contributes to
committees on scholarships, foundation,
lifestyle and more. She also serves on the St.
Petersburg City Beautification Committee, is
active in her church, and is the past president
of the Garden Club of St. Petersburg. When
she’s not making other people’s lives better,
she loves gardening, painting watercolor,
sewing and needlepoint, reading and cooking.
We are so grateful for Carol’s contributions
to our community. Thank you!
Carol Moore
WESTMINSTER PALMS
2017 Volunteer of the Year

What community has a holiday party with
an electronically enhanced blazing fire and
mantelpiece? Whose apartment is a showpiece
for the community? Who hosts themed
socials with an extremely diverse selection of
music? The answer is: Don, the man with the
easygoing demeanor and the cheerful outlook
on making Westminster Canterbury a better
place. Over the last four years, he has made a
positive impact to our community through
his presence. He loves to create props for his
apartment, and tinkering with electronics.
Congratulations to Don, who makes our
community a great place to live!
Don Pennington
WESTMINSTER CANTERBURY
2017 Volunteer of the Year

When Elder Care Services comes to our
community to provide a good, hot meal to her
fellow residents, Delores’s dedication shines.
She has been volunteering for years by helping
to order, monitor and distribute the food, as
well as training responsible volunteers. These
delicious meals provide a ray of sunshine
to Westminster Gardens residents, and
she truly enjoys overseeing this program.
Delores also enjoys playing board games
and helps organize game nights, providing
entertainment as well as sustenance. We are
so fortunate to have such a caring, dedicated
and hard-working volunteer. Thanks, Delores!
Delores Rush
WESTMINSTER GARDENS
2017 Volunteer of the Year

Steve exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism.
He has served more than 400 hours a year as
a volunteer over the last five years, working
in the Country Store, leading hymn singing,
serving on the Dining Committee and our
Ambassador program, and leading the No
One Dies Alone initiative. Steve is also busy
contributing to making Bradenton a better
place, serving at both local hospitals and at
his church. A retired college professor, an
administrator and a missionary pastor, Steve
has done it all. Steve truly has a servant’s
heart and gives freely of himself to improve
the world. We’re so thankful that he can do so
in our community.
Steve Springer
WESTMINSTER MANOR – BRADENTON
2017 Volunteer of the Year

Howard has been contributing to the
life at our community for 10 years. He’s
busy promoting the wellbeing of his fellow
residents, heading and financially sponsoring
our penny bingo program, assisting staff with
activities and recruiting other volunteers.
Howard is always happy to assist wherever
he is needed. His support is invaluable in
keeping our community engaged with fun
lifestyle options. An Army veteran, Howard
enjoys birds, gardening, Western movies
and books. Howard is a force of positivity
and support for our community. We are so
thankful to him for it. Congratulations!
Howard Stone
COLLEGE ARMS TOWERS
2017 Volunteer of the Year
in our community.

Congratulations to Lydia, a volunteer
who truly does it all in our community. She
helps out with our monthly parties, setting
up, serving and cleaning up. She’s a good
neighbor who takes the time to check on
her neighbors, as well as helping them with
transportation to doctors’ offices, the grocery
store and more. She never minds helping
anyone. She loves to fish, sew, paint and go
for walks. Originally from Puerto Rico, Lydia
worked for many years there before moving to
Central Florida and working for Tupperware
for 15 years.
Lydia’s contributions make Westminster
Plaza a wonderful place to live. Thank you!
Lydia Videl
WESTMINSTER PLAZA
2017 Volunteer of the Year

Sallie has transformed our Thrift Store
into a real boutique through hard work
and creative promotion. She has organized
resident fashion shows, recruiting resident
and staff models, to help sell her wares. At the
fashion show, she helped sell donated outfits
to raise funds for the Employee Scholarship
Fund. She also serves as a volunteer for Gift
of Presence and on the Women’s Retreat
Committee. A registered nurse, Sallie went to
New York City after the September 11 attacks
with an American Red Cross national disaster
team and was recognized by the Red Cross for
her service.
Congratulations, Sallie!
Sallie Worl
WESTMINSTER POINT PLEASANT
2017 Volunteer of the Year
Plaza a wonderful place to live. Thank you!

Evelyn is a delightful cook and a former
restaurant owner who receives great joy in
nurturing others. When she first moved to
our community, she immediately started
cooking for the residents at our morning
coffees, and all the card players in the
evenings, as much as five days a week, all at
her own expense. This delightful, nutritious
and plentiful food didn’t go without thanks:
Other residents quickly began to help out,
bringing her food or gift cards.
She has helped build our community over
the last year by bringing us into her loving
kindness. We’re so grateful — and so full —
from her love. Thank you so much, Evelyn!
Evelyn Yates
HUGH ASH MANOR
2017 Volunteer of the Year

WESTMINSTER SUNCOAST
We are so thankful for these wonderful individuals,
who embody the Seven Habits of Legendary Service:
Familiarity H Ownership H Respect H Appearance
Communication H Thanks H Stretch
Employees of the
Year — 2017

There is no one reason Silvan is our
Employee of the Year — instead, there are a
thousand reasons. He takes on every task with
vigor and takes the extra time to make sure
something is done right. He is always positive
and upbeat, greeting each day with a smile.
Silvan loves his work at Westminster
Suncoast, which allows him to use all of
his skills: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and
carpentry. He also holds a black belt in
Taekwondo and is an artist in pencil and ink
drawings.
Silvan is a true asset to Westminster
Suncoast. Thank you!
Silvan Brown
Maintenance Engineer Date of Hire: September 15, 2014
WESTMINSTER SUNCOAST
2017 Employee of the Year

We are proud to acknowledge Anita’s
outstanding performance as a home health
aide at Westminster Home Care. Her sincere
compassion and complete devotion to our
clients are exemplary.
Anita is committed to excellence,
outstanding compassion, unwavering care, and
excellent service to her clients and co-workers.
She is a consummate professional, always
willing to help a last-minute client in need.
Rain or shine, she is there with a smile and
ready to go.
We can’t say enough about how valuable
Anita is to us. Congratulations, Anita.
Anita Caron
Home Health Aide Date of Hire: April 14, 2014
WESTMINSTER HOME CARE
2017 Employee of the Year

Ismael first came to Westminster Manor
when he was a student at a local high school
and volunteered for a job training program. It
wasn’t long after he graduated that he joined
our team — his proudest accomplishment, he
says. He is very proud of his wonderful wife,
Nika, who is also part of the Manor family,
and two beautiful daughters. When he’s not at
work, he is doting on them. In 2017, he received
three separate recognitions for excellence. He
lives out the Seven Habits of Legendary Service
every day, keeping our community beautiful.
We’re so thankful to have Ismael as our
Employee of the Year.
Ismael Colon Aviles
Groundskeeper Date of Hire: April 16, 2015
WESTMINSTER MANOR – BRADENTON
2017 Employee of the Year
Anita is to us. Congratulations, Anita.

Westminster Point Pleasant couldn’t be more
glad that Tina is our Employee of the Year. She
was nominated by 20 different individuals for
Legendary Service Awards throughout last
year. Her recognition ranges from her service
during Hurricane Irma, to volunteering to help
residents move in and out on her own time,
to helping out at the Health Center reception
desk. She does all of these things while making
sure that she does a great job in medical
records. Tina is a valuable asset to Westminster
Point Pleasant, and this is how we wanted to
thank her.
Tina Davis
Medical Records Clerk Date of Hire: March 14, 2013
WESTMINSTER POINT PLEASANT
2017 Employee of the Year

Here’s someone so good, he was Employee
of the Year at his last company, too! Koran
is an excellent and versatile cook. At times
when we’ve been challenged, he was willing
to change both his personal and professional
schedules to make sure we continued to
deliver the great dining experience residents
expect. He will work any station and does
so with a positive attitude and a smile. Long
ago, someone told him that he would never go
anywhere — so he just worked even harder to
make sure he succeeded, and he has. Without a
doubt, having Koran in the kitchen makes each
day easier and more fun. Congratulations!
Koran Emanuel
Cook Date of Hire: April 17, 2008
WESTMINSTER SHORES
2017 Employee of the Year

Melba is an exemplary team member at
Westminster Winter Park. She takes ownership
of our assisted living services. For example,
when a new resident changed levels of living,
Melba assisted by helping her to adjust to her
surroundings and gave her newfound dignity.
She builds effective relations with residents,
families and staff, exceeding their expectations
with her excellent communication. Melba
is especially proud of her two children, one
a teacher and another a businessperson.
She loves to bake and spend time with her
grandchildren. We are so delighted that Melba
is our Employee of the Year!
Melba Gilbert
AL Certified Nursing Assistant Date of Hire: February 2, 1982
WESTMINSTER WINTER PARK
2017 Employee of the Year

Jackie was raised by her father to give
100 percent in everything she does. Today,
she provides outstanding service. During
Hurricane Irma, Jackie drove one of the
buses and safely transported residents to
Westminster Oaks. After we arrived, she
helped with activities and housekeeping,
served meals, and spent time comforting the
residents. Jackie’s tireless energy and selfless
acts of kindness during this stressful time
were remarkable. Her favorite saying is, “I’m
going to make it work!” Last year, she received
four separate recognitions, and we’re proud to
announce that she is our Employee of the Year!
Jackie Godwin
Bus Driver Date of Hire: April 18, 2016
WESTMINSTER WOODS ON JULINGTON CREEK
2017 Employee of the Year
is our Employee of the Year!

We are so thankful for Desrene. She is
well-known throughout our community for
her compassion and energy. She is always
courteous and helpful to others. She is highly
respected by her fellow team members, and
appreciated by the residents because of her
compassion and consideration — they say she
is well-known for working hard and always
thinking of others. Desrene says that working
at Westminster Towers has really helped her
so much in life. At home, she enjoys sewing,
knitting and listening to music. Desrene is a
role model, striving for excellence in caring for
those we serve. Thank you for all that you do.
Desrene Lloyd
Housekeeper Date of Hire: June 7, 2016
WESTMINSTER TOWERS – ORLANDO
2017 Employee of the Year

Tron first came to our community as a part-
time security guard, when he wanted a change
in his career. He transitioned seamlessly from
security to maintenance mechanic. He has
excelled beyond our wildest imagination. This
year, he was a Hurricane Hero, and was also
recognized for saving a resident’s life. He even
volunteers to play games with Health Center
residents. He greets everyone with a big smile
and a positive demeanor, because he has a big
heart. Tron shows genuine care and hospitality
to everyone he meets. We’re so thankful that
Tron came along. He lives out the Seven Habits
every day. Congratulations!
Tron McLeod
Maintenance Mechanic Date of Hire: January 26, 2016
WESTMINSTER PALMS
2017 Employee of the Year
those we serve. Thank you for all that you do.

Sarah is one of our most dedicated
employees. Each day, she strives to do her
job accurately, taking care of the needs of
the residents we serve. She is proud of her
work, ensuring that medications are refilled
seamlessly. Without hesitation she will go
above and beyond to help a resident obtain the
medication they need, alongside maintaining
precise medical records. She is a big foodie and
enjoys finding great food with her best friend,
Sam, her husband of nearly 40 years.
Her hard work and dedication is what makes
Sarah our Employee of the Year. Thanks!
Sarah Miller
Medical Records Date of Hire: September 14, 2007
WESTMINSTER PHARMACY SERVICES
2017 Employee of the Year

Known for his compassion, energy, courtesy
and helpfulness, Jim consistently finds ways to
help not just the communities he’s responsible
for, but the entire organization. He holds high
ethical standards and is an excellent mentor
and role model. When Westminster Towers
needed help, he showed up late at night with
five maintenance directors to help. When
Hurricane Irma arrived, he hunkered down
at Westminster Manor – Bradenton and
helped to keep everyone calm. Jim is a true
humanitarian and lives his life with energy and
enthusiasm for those we serve. We couldn’t be
more glad that Jim is our Employee of the Year!
Jim Polaski
Regional VP of Operations/West Coast Date of Hire: August 26, 2014
MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
2017 Employee of the Year

Gerald is the team member who helps
everyone with everything. If someone has no
need for a piece of furniture, he brings it to a
resident who needs it. When our community
flooded, he helped clean the water-damaged
apartments. What makes him stand out is
that he is an advocate for residents who won’t
or can’t speak up for themselves. A retired
soldier, Gerald is proud of his service to our
country and especially proud that his son is an
officer in the Marines. He prides himself on
his collection of antiques. He says he wakes up
each morning loving what he does. We’re so
thankful that he’s part of our team.
Gerald Thomas
Custodian Date of Hire: July 9, 2010
RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN APARTMENTS
2017 Employee of the Year

Care and compassion for those we serve are
at the core of what Natalie does. She goes out
of her way to assist the residents, helping them
across the street or assisting with technology.
She even helps residents load groceries into
their carts. Residents say that, in addition to all
of this, she makes them feel “extra safe” in our
community.
In a funny twist, Natalie’s mother was a
resident at Westminster Manor before she
came to work here. She is very proud of her 14
grandchildren.
Thank you, Natalie, for being so dedicated to
our residents.
Natalie Wanless
Security Guard Date of Hire: July 27, 2015
WESTMINSTER MANOR – FORT WALTON BEACH
2017 Employee of the Year
thankful that he’s part of our team.

Marion is our Employee of the Year for
her exemplary dedication to our community
and the dining department. She has served
as interim Dining Services Director, Dining
Supervisor and Clinical Nutrition Manager,
when she helped fill vacancies. She has a
passion for her work: Marion believes that
people should be able to decide what they want
to eat. She is an excellent communicator and
has earned the respect of our dining team
for her work ethic, direct manner, and loving
personality. Her passion makes life better
for those we serve, and we couldn’t be more
thankful for her hard work. Congratulations!
Marion Wilson
Clinical Nutritional Supervisor Date of Hire: March 11, 2014
WESTMINSTER OAKS
2017 Employee of the Year

thankful for her hard work. Congratulations!
Please join us tonight in congratulating employees of our organization
who, as of this month, have achieved the milestone of 35 years or more
of service. These individuals have accomplished a lifetime of service to
our residents in a variety of positions, and we congratulate them.
Westminster Winter Park
Melba Gilbert
AL Certified Nursing Assistant Date of Hire: February 2, 1982
We Honor Long-
Serving Employees

20th
Annual Awards
Westminster Communities of Florida