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Westminster Communities of Florida 2019 Volunteers of the Year
The document recognizes the 2019 Volunteers of the Year from various Westminster Communities in Florida, highlighting their significant contributions and selfless service. Each volunteer has made a remarkable impact on their residents and community through diverse activities, from offering exercise classes to organizing library resources and community events. The recognition emphasizes gratitude for their dedication and the positive atmosphere they create within their respective communities.
Westminster Communities of Florida 2019 Volunteers of the Year
- 1. Westminster Communities ofFlorida Volunteers of the Year
- 2. Volunteers of the Year— 2019 TOUCHING LIVES THROUGH SERVICE 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.
- 3. HUGH ASH MANOR 2019Volunteer of the Year Suzi saw a need for a group exercise class that focused on balance and functional mobility for her fellow residents, who were living independently but who may have difficulty getting around in their home. As a retired physical therapist, Suzi started offering this class herself in 2017. The class is offered to residents once a week, free of charge. Suzi makes it fun, with upbeat music and a group format. We’re so thankful to her contributions and that she shares her professional expertise with the whole Hugh Ash Manor family. Suzi Backstrom
- 4. Our library hasbeen transformed into a well-organized and tranquil environment for enrichment over the last several years, thanks to Marie’s hard work. She spends hours organizing and labeling each book and author, helping her fellow residents locate their favorites. An avid reader and published author, Marie is dedicated to making the library and our whole community a better place to live. Westminster Canterbury is very fortunate to have such a caring, dedicated and hard- working volunteer! Marie Brack WESTMINSTER CANTERBURY 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 5. Marion is thesilent doer, always looking for another area where he can contribute. He can be found painting bollards, cleaning street signs, driving the tram and much more. Recently, he even found a way to help other resident gardeners and save money by repurposing earth piles created by the campus infrastructure project to create raised garden beds. He even helped move the soil himself! Marion’s service is legendary because of its breadth and the helpful spirit with which it is given. It’s no coincidence that he is known as the “Mayor of Eastwood”! Marion Broughton, Jr. WESTMINSTER WOODS ON JULINGTON CREEK 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 6. Wherever there isa need, Nadene is there to fill it. She serves residents in Assisted Living and the Health Center by playing Bingo, running activities and even assisting staff with administrative tasks. At her church she serves as treasurer, and in her spare time she knits for various charities. In the last year alone, she completed nearly 1,200 hours of volunteer time. Nadene exudes joy, patience, kindness, and respect for those she assists, and her example has made others better volunteers. She is a true servant volunteer! Nadene Brown WESTMINSTER MANOR – BRADENTON 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 7. Katie is aprime example of how we should all live by the Golden Rule in how we treat others. As a floor captain, she keeps a watchful eye to ensure that everyone is safe and well cared for. She also gives endlessly of her time, delivering meals as often as three times daily to her fellow residents, plus calling Bingo and assisting with Communion services. Residents who need transportation to a doctor’s appointment know they can count on asking Katie for help. We are thankful that Katie is willing to help at any time, whether it’s the simplest need or the largest project. Katie Bruski RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 8. A true servantleader, right now Karen is the secretary of the Resident Council, chairs the Employee Scholarship Committee and the committee revising the Resident Handbook — just to name a few. She also serves on the board for PACE for Girls, is an instructor for Catch Healthy Habits, and is an active member of the American Association of University Women and The Women’s Club of Winter Park. With all of that she still finds time to be a member of our mini-golf team and teaches a monthly cooking class. Karen is a valued member of our Westminster Winter Park family. Karen Buchan WESTMINSTER WINTER PARK 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 9. With an incrediblededication to volunteer service and a background in health care and regional planning, Marie has been an invaluable member of our community for many years. Recently, she reviewed and edited the resident handbooks for Assisted Living and the Bertrand Health Center. She serves on at least six committees and is a past president of the Resident Council. If that wasn’t enough, she serves on several boards and committees at Florida State University and the city and state. Marie is a tireless worker for health, safety and welfare of others. For all of her contributions, she deserves our recognition. Marie Cowart WESTMINSTER OAKS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 10. Alan chairs ourCommunity Development Committee, and serves on the Garden, Library and Resident Activities committees, plus the Foundation Support Team. A disabled veteran himself, Alan organizes our annual veterans’ service. Currently he is also the president of our Florida Life Care Residents Association chapter. Alan’s creative spark, his obvious love for people, his humor and sunny disposition, a refusal to be defined by either age or disability, and his willingness to “pitch in,” all make him an amazing volunteer. Alan Cutter WESTMINSTER SUNCOAST 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 11. This year, Donnawas voted unanimously to be our Volunteer of the Year. She is selfless in giving her time, unfailing in helping her neighbors while never asking anything for herself. Donna provides transportation for shopping and doctors’ visits to her fellow residents. She cooks and delivers food to anyone who is ill or who comes back from the hospital. With their permission, she’ll even say the appropriate prayers or blessings for any who need it. For being an incredible neighbor and a wonderful member of the Westminster Manor family, we’re delighted to give her this honor. Donna Drotleff WESTMINSTER MANOR – FORT WALTON BEACH 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 12. From the momentshe moved into our community, Loretta has generously given her time to many different causes. She is always the first to jump in! She plans seasonal decorations for our common areas, many of which she personally makes herself. She “recruits” assistants to encourage participation by others. Additionally, she offers her time in a variety of ways: Working in the library, assisting the Resident Council with many activities, supporting Meals on Wheels and more. Loretta is always ready to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. Her contributions to Westminster Gardens are immeasurable and create an atmosphere where all are welcome. Loretta Edwards WESTMINSTER GARDENS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 13. Carolyn spends countlesshours looking into ways to make our community the very best it can be. Her excitement for serving is infectious and makes a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Currently she serves as the Floor Host chair, is the Secretary on the Spiritual Life Committee and is a member of the Food Committee. Carolyn not only volunteers her time, but inspires others to also make an impact. Her daily efforts encompass our Eight Dimensions of Wellbeing and our Mission to serve. Carolyn Holland WESTMINSTER TOWERS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 14. Helping people isBill’s #1 reason for being in this world. A retired minister and former board member for our organization for 17 years, Bill moved to Westminster Shores and immediately took up volunteering in the community. He serves on the Resident Council, is a member of our Habitat for Humanity team, chairs our Great Discussions program and so much more. Bill is also a great contributor to our faith-based Mission and spiritual life, serving as a liturgist and preacher at services in the chapel, and teaching Sunday School at his church. Bill Hull WESTMINSTER SHORES 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 15. Robert is alwayskind and willing to go the extra mile in extending a helping hand around the community. He assists with our Manna food pantry program, sets up and supports our weekly Bingo games. Robert also helps with bread donation deliveries, and volunteers with our door card monitoring system, in which the residents check on each other. Robert takes pride in his ability to volunteer his services in helping others. Robert Jackson WESTMINSTER VILLAGE 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 16. In just ashort two years, Jude has made an enormous impact on the lives of her fellow residents in our community. As the president of the Resident Council, she leads meetings and organizes our efforts with professionalism. She also works diligently to recruit new volunteers to help out in the community when they move in. Jude also gives her time to make our neighborhood in Sarasota a better place, serving on the Laurel Park Association and Rosemary District Board. Jude makes the community a wonderful place to live and consistently increases the size of our volunteer base. Judith “Jude” Levy JEFFERSON CENTER 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 17. Susan has apassion for the wellbeing of all residents at our community. Recently she was instrumental in planning and implementing a variety of Creating Community events. She even took photographs of 57 pairs of hands to make a 12 foot banner! She also serves on the Resident Council, writes and photographs for the Echo, supports fundraising for the Employee Scholarship Fund, hosts Newcomers events, works as a floor representative, and helps with our Quality of Life Surveys. Susan also volunteers at several local organizations and is very active in her church. Susan Moore WESTMINSTER POINT PLEASANT 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 18. A kind andcompassionate person, Annie is the type of person that would give the shirt off her back to help someone, without asking why or expecting anything in return. She assists at Westminster Asbury in a variety of ways, from helping to set up for events, to doing laundry and cooking for her fellow residents when they’re unable. She also volunteers regularly at House of Hope in Merritt Island, serving the homeless. In every interaction with Annie, we find ourselves with more than we originally sought. Annie Robbins WESTMINSTER ASBURY 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 19. Since arriving atour community four years ago, Michel has been donating her time and money to help support the needs of her fellow residents. She saw a great need, so she co-founded our Special Needs Committee! Michel is the Treasurer and says that, since its inception in 2018, the committee has received $2,111.25 in donations and has paid out more than $1,300 for insulin needles, medications, a medical boot, shower chairs and more. Michel also gives of her time to support others in need. She weaves and knits goods for the homeless, helping make our greater community a better place. Michel Rose COLLEGE ARMS TOWERS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 20. A past Volunteerof the Year, we’re recognizing Lil for her incredible contributions in coming out of “retirement” to take back over our food pantry program, which she helped run for more than 14 years. Her work with this program provides vital support for those among us in need, and she has been able to recruit more volunteers. Now more residents are participating than ever! Lil also decorates her floor for each and every holiday, bringing cheer to her neighbors. We’re doubly thankful now that Lil is part of the Magnolia Towers family. Our community is a better place with her! Lillian “Lil” Sangster MAGNOLIA TOWERS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 21. Kathleen has dedicatedher life to serving others through her love of the arts. It is a gift to the whole Westminster St. Augustine family — and greater St. Augustine! She has conducted and accompanied many community choirs, serves as music director at her church, and directs the St. Augustine Chamber Singers. She’s even the secretary of a civic group seeking to build a new performing arts center in St. Augustine. Her outgoing, warm and fun personality is a joy to be around and she glows with a forever youthful spirit from within. Kathleen embodies a life full of wellbeing of body, mind and soul, and inspires others to do the same! Kathleen Vande Berg WESTMINSTER ST. AUGUSTINE 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 22. Our community andour neighborhood are a better place because of Barbara’s service. She attends City Council and Five Points Improvement meetings, with the goal of having a crosswalk at the corner of Lomax Street and Oak Street. She also meets with leaders of various groups and hosts events for the causes she holds dear. Most importantly, Barbara has a caring heart. She works hard to get great turnout for resident activities, going door-to-door to inform her neighbors about upcoming events and asking for their feedback on what they would like to see going on. Barbara is the treasure of our Resident Council! Barbara Ventimiglia RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN APARTMENTS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 23. Celso is willingto help with anything! Shortly after our previous gardener became sick and couldn’t take care of the Resident Garden any longer, Celso jumped right in to fill their shoes. He took on the whole trowel of daily tasks, from watering the plants, to pulling weeds and removing any over grown shrubbery. He does all this in spite of his many time commitments and being the caregiver for his wife. Under his dedicated care, the Resident Garden looks better than ever! We’re so thankful for Celso’s drive to make Westminster Plaza better. Celso Villa WESTMINSTER PLAZA 2019 Volunteer of the Year
- 24. Carol Lee isa consummate volunteer, exemplifying the spirit that motivates our volunteers. Since January 2012 she has reported more than 1,300 volunteer hours. Most recently, she was the driving force behind “Sunday Morning Fellowship,” a weekly spiritual program for the Health Center. She has served on numerous resident committees, including Resident Council, Library, Gift Shop, Choir and more. She is also a generous caretaker of her neighbors and inspires others to volunteer. Her nominators described Carol Lee as “a wonderful help in time of need” and “our ambassador of good cheer and kindness!” We agree. Congratulations! Carol Lee Wathen WESTMINSTER PALMS 2019 Volunteer of the Year
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