Westminster Communities of Florida's 2016 Volunteers and Employees of the Year

Volunteers of the
Year 2016
Westminster Communities of Florida’s
19th Annual Awards Banquet

Westminster Communities of Florida
MAGNOLIA TOWERS
2016 Volunteer of the Year
Magnolia Towers is lucky to have such a humble,
hard-working and bright spirit among our volunteers.
Thanks to the countless hours Dianne spent preparing,
this year’s annual rummage sale was an incredible suc-
cess. She sorted, priced and folded over 50 boxes of bins
full of clothes. This was on top of her efforts as a cashier
during the two-day event. Her tireless efforts to make
sure that everyone is included and feels appreciated do
not go unnoticed. Dianne’s patience and kindness are
infectious to those who volunteer and serve with her.
Thank you for all of your hard work, Dianne, and
congratulations.
Dianne Albright

WESTMINSTER PLAZA EAST
Joyce Alden
Joyce is a dedicated volunteer at Westminster Plaza East
— and a resident for nearly 25 years. For the last five
years, she has devoted her volunteer time to working
in the Sunshine Room thrift shop. As a member of the
Sunshine Room planning committee, Joyce coordinates
and serves monthly dinners for up to 70 of her fellow
residents. Joyce has also volunteered as a greeter and
usher at St. John’s Lutheran Church for 17 years and
has dedicated her time to a women’s group doing work
throughout Orlando.
We recognize Joyce not only for what she has done for
Westminster Plaza East, but also for her hard work and
service to the community.

WESTMINSTER TOWERS – ORLANDO
Mary Atwood
Mary’s many small acts of volunteering add up to some-
thing big! She serves our community in a variety of ways:
Working in the library and White Elephant thrift store,
and calling bingo in assisted living, just to name a few.
She goes above and beyond in greater Orlando as well:
She is the chairman of the Prayer Line distribution on
the Spiritual Life Committee at First United Methodist
Church and knits for C-A-P-S to benefit Orlando Health
and Angel Snugs.
In her spare time Mary has visited all 50 states in an R.V.
with her husband, Clyde.
We’re so thankful for Mary and her many contributions to
our community.

WESTMINSTER MANOR – FT. WALTON BEACH
Ethel Bowen
As a new resident of Westminster Manor, you’ll recognize
Ethel as the first resident to introduce herself to you with
a big smile while she sings the praises of the community.
She also sings in her church choir and shares her beautiful
voice at many resident parties. Ethel is a dedicated mem-
ber of the Westminster Manor Resident Council and puts
her all into each activity. She is known as fair, respectful,
approachable, heartfelt and encouraging—an exemplary
member of the community.
Ethel has been a volunteer as long as she has been a resi-
dent, and we thank her for her service to our community.
Congratulations, Ethel.

WESTMINSTER VILLAGE
Diane Brooks
In our community, it doesn’t take long to become ac-
quainted with Diane Brooks. As president of the Resident
Council, you’d meet her at a holiday dinner, or at a bake,
hot dog or hamburger sale, where she helps plan, set up,
serve and clean up, or at one of the Resident Council’s
community dances! She’s helped transform the Country
Store from a store into a boutique where her friends gath-
er and visit, while still selling food staples and clothing.
Diane takes great pride in doing her duties as a volunteer
with joy. We’re very grateful for her.

WESTMINSTER WINTER PARK
Lila Burke
Starting with a great talent for craft and pastry decora-
tion, Lila has made it her vocation to seek out projects
that are lovely and unusual, and enjoyable to make. Then,
she teaches these skills in classes for her fellow residents.
No matter their skill level, Lila’s classes are encouraging
and fun. She says that the best part of her classes is when
the individuals realize that they have made these crafts
themselves! Lila loves to sew, bake, decorate and do nee-
dlework. When she’s not doing that, she’s reading a good
mystery novel.
Our community is so much better because of Lila’s classes.
Thanks for sharing your gifts!

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE
Myrtis Daniel
Myrtis’s name is an uncommon one, but it is a name
fitting for an uncommonly caring and compassionate
person. She is always ready to lend a helping hand for any
purpose. She is willing, capable, and generous with her
time. No job is too big or too small for Myrtis and our
community is better for it.
When she’s not making Riverside Presbyterian House a
better place, she keeps up through reading and exercising
daily.
We’re so thankful to Myrtis for her continuous efforts to
help anyone who needs it. She is truly an asset to our com-
munity – and that’s why she is our Volunteer of the Year.

WESTMINSTER WOODS ON JULINGTON CREEK
Elaine Goleski
Over the last four years, since Elaine joined our com-
munity, she has been a dedicated volunteer in so many
ways. She has been co-manager of our Boutique, chaired
the Employee Scholarship Committee, served on the
Foundation Advisory Committee, represented Westmin-
ster Woods on Julington Creek on the Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute’s Leadership Council, and volunteers
for the Spring Fling and Fall Festival, just to name quite
a few! She is truly an enthusiastic spirit with a sunny
disposition. Elaine greets each new challenge with vigor
and inspires others to be better. Our community is richer
for her contributions. Thank you.

WESTMINSTER OAKS
Nancy Franck
Our resident-run Country Store is stronger than ever
because of Nancy’s tireless efforts to make it so. As Com-
mittee Chairperson, she recruits and trains volunteers and
teaches them not only the procedures, but coaches them
in customer service to make every shopper feel welcome.
For residents who no longer drive, she even takes special
requests and delivers them personally. Her dedication
to the Country Store, alongside countless other volun-
teer opportunities, makes her stand out. Nancy is also a
wonderful listener and is always encouraging to everyone
she meets.
For all her contributions to our community, we’re so
thankful for Nancy!

WESTMINSTER PALMS
Fraser
A soft-spoken, gracious and hard-working lady, Fraser
works behind the scenes to keep our community filled
with activity, wherever it is needed. In a year and a half
as a volunteer, she logged nearly 1,500 hours on her own!
She works in the Gift Shop, helps decorate common areas,
assists with the Resident Services department and even
helps collect our Quality of Life Surveys.
Fraser, a true caregiver at heart, is always busy taking
care of the people and things around her. She constantly
demonstrates her commitment to the community and
that’s why she is our Volunteer of the Year.

WESTMINSTER SHORES
Kathy Kelly
Each day Kathy asks herself, “How can I be of service
today?” She has been a member of our community for
just three years, but in that time, she’s made a tremen-
dous contribution. She serves in a variety of capacities
on our Resident Council, and helped start two groups to
support her fellow residents, for those with visual impair-
ments and those in need of spiritual aid. She also assists
informally, including helping her fellow residents with
appointments and errands.
In our lives, we sometimes encounter people who are
both inspiring and unforgettable. Kelly fits that definition.
Westminster Shores is so much richer for it.

WESTMINSTER CANTERBURY
Evelyn Lyons
When Evelyn first moved to our community in 2013, she noticed the need to
organize the library and immediately sprang into action. Thanks to her efforts,
the library has been transformed. Today, residents can more easily find the books
they’re looking for. Evelyn transports new books, takes orders and delivers books
door-to-door to residents with mobility limitations. She also aids her fellow resi-
dents whenever they need help in their homes. Evelyn is the light of Westminster
Canterbury, with a contagious smile and infectious laughter. Her dedication and
positivity is why it is our pleasure to name her Volunteer of the Year.

WESTMINSTER SUNCOAST
Veronica “Rocky” Miller
A librarian and teacher, Rocky led the enormous un-
dertaking of relocating our library when it was under
renovation — while preserving access to the collection of
thousands of books. She and a team of residents and staff
volunteers undertook the enormous task of keeping the
library open throughout. Rocky is also the co-chair of our
New Resident Welcome Committee and serves on several
others, greets visitors at the Health Center Welcome Desk,
and helps us input volunteer service hours and update
menus on My W Life.
We’re so thankful for her help, and we couldn’t be more
glad to give her this honor.

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN APARTMENTS
Colleen O’Connor
Here’s someone who gives all she can: Colleen volunteers
to work on any committee where she is needed, spear-
heads the weekly donations of bakery items from Publix,
plants in the garden twice a year to provide garden-fresh
vegetables, and sits with other residents if they fall ill.
Colleen is a person who helps whoever she can whenever
she can, without complaint. When she’s not busy helping
someone else, she loves to crochet and garden and to go
fishing.
Her sincerity and genuine care for her fellow residents is
apparent. We’re very thankful that Colleen is our Volun-
teer of the Year.

WESTMINSTER ASBURY
Kenneth M. Schulz
As Resident Council Vice President, Kenneth works with
the council to run our community’s two thrift shops.
He also volunteers his time at bingo and catered holiday
meals sponsored by the council. Kenneth’s extensive back-
ground in interior design was also exceptionally helpful
when he worked with the council to help refurbish the
lobbies, and we rely on him each season when it comes
time to decorate for the holidays.
Kenneth is also a Vietnam veteran, with a variety of
commendations, and we honor his service to our country
and to our community by saying thanks. Congratulations,
Kenneth.

WESTMINSTER MANOR – BRADENTON
Munro “Mo” Sherrill
Mo exemplifies what we mean when we say that the
Westminster Mission is to serve from the heart. Whether
it’s serving as assistant treasurer for the Resident Council,
taking his fellow residents to appointments, managing
the ongoing display of resident art in the Gallery Lounge
with the Resident Art Committee, helping to stock the
Country Store, or so many other things — Mo does it all
to improve the quality of life of the residents.
An artist, Mo also serves in his church and volunteers
with the Sarasota Orchestra.
We’re so thankful for Mo and his service — he’s the reason
we’re “Manor Proud”!

WESTMINSTER TOWERS & SHORES
April Vest
As a volunteer, April does everything. But she’s perhaps
most accomplished for her work with the Resident
Council Employee Scholarship promotion, for which
she’s volunteered more than 450 hours and raised more
than $8,000. A former teacher and executive-search-firm
owner, her interest in supporting the greater community
runs deep. In addition to her service in our community,
April also serves on Braden River High School’s technol-
ogy advisory committee, supports fund-raisers for the
Sarasota Orchestra, and is active at First Baptist Church of
Bradenton.
For all her contributions, we’re grateful to have April as
our Volunteer of the Year!

WESTMINSTER GARDENS
Denis Wayt
What makes Denis stand out is his willingness to help
fellow residents. When we really needed a bus driver,
Denis, a former school bus driver, volunteered to fill
in. He has earned a treasured place in the hearts of the
residents and staff, all of whom respect and admire him.
Today, after stepping down from driving the bus, Denis
finds numerous other ways to assist his fellow residents,
like volunteering in the dining room, helping out with
electronics and other general-purpose handyman tasks for
his fellow residents.
Denis constantly demonstrates his commitment to the
community and that’s why he is our Volunteer of the Year.

Employees of the
Year 2016
Westminster Communities of Florida’s
19th Annual Awards Banquet

WESTMINSTER SUNCOAST
2016 Employee of the Year
Recently, a client who had been discharged from the
Rapid Recovery Unit forgot their medication — so Brian
dropped it off on his way home. He will take the initiative
to add special touches to the dining room to make it
special, or to assist other employees without being asked.
Because of his dedication, he’s received four Outstanding
Achiever Awards and two Legendary Service Awards in
the last year alone.
Brian is an outstanding member of the Westminster Sun-
coast team and we are so very delighted to name him our
Employee of the Year.
Brian Briggs
Health Center Receptionist Date of Hire: June 25, 2012

WESTMINSTER WINTER PARK
Shameeka Brown
Certified Nursing Assistant Date of Hire: May 6, 2013
A family member said recently, “Shameeka works as an
aide for my father. I have witnessed the loving, tender
care she gives my dad during visits… Ms. Shameeka
respects and renders care in an old-fashioned way that is
rarely seen today.” Shameeka has earned respect from her
co-workers, who see her as contributing to the life and
sense of warmth of the community, and from around the
state. In 2016, she received third place for Florida Certi-
fied Nursing Assistant of the Year.
She is a truly legendary employee and we are blessed and
proud to have her on our team.

WESTMINSTER TOWERS
Jennifer is well-known to our community for her compas-
sion, energy, courteousness and helpfulness. She is highly re-
spected by her peers and much-appreciated by our residents.
She has been recognized time and again for her resource-
fulness, excellent problem-solving and care, including with
six Special Recognition Awards in 2016 alone. Each day, she
takes the view that going above and beyond is the only way
to do her job. She considers her greatest accomplishment to
be raising her three children and instilling her strong faith in
them.
We are so glad that Jennifer is a Westminster Towers treasure.
Jennifer Collins
Administrative Assistant Date of Hire: August 14, 2013

RIVERSIDE PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE
Recently, a client who had been discharged from the
Rapid Recovery Unit forgot their medication — so Brian
dropped it off on his way home. He will take the initiative
to add special touches to the dining room to make it
special, or to assist other employees without being asked.
Because of his dedication, he’s received four Outstanding
Achiever Awards and two Legendary Service Awards in
the last year alone.
Brian is an outstanding member of the Westminster Sun-
coast team and we are so very delighted to name him our
Employee of the Year.
Cynthia “Cindy” Giddens
Assisted Living Coordinator Date of Hire: August 11, 2014

WESTMINSTER WOODS ON JULINGTON CREEK
Robyn spends every day interacting with countless resi-
dents, family members and staff. She does so while living
out the Seven Habits of Legendary Service, providing
them with a caring, compassionate and empathetic ear
to support them. Even when situations are emotionally
charged, she is an expert at acknowledging each individ-
ual’s feelings and helping residents and their families to
come to a consensus.
She has earned the respect of her peers as well for her
professionalism and dedication.
Thank you, Robyn, for your commitment to touching the
lives of those we serve.
Robyn White Lester
Director of Social Services Date of Hire: September 20, 2005

WESTMINSTER MANOR – BRADENTON
With five Outstanding Achiever Awards and a Legend-
ary Service Award in 2016, Ivonne is a truly outstanding
member of the Westminster Manor family. She shows
exemplary service in her daily work and goes above and
beyond to make notable contributions to every depart-
ment in our community, taking on additional responsibil-
ities and meeting short deadlines easily. She always has a
positive attitude toward her fellow team members and our
residents.
Ivonne is a true asset to our family and we’re so glad to
name her Employee of the Year.
Ivonne Hernandez Lopez
Receptionist Date of Hire: May 16, 2013

WESTMINSTER TOWERS & SHORES
Watch out, world! Ericka beat non-Hodgkin’s lympho-
ma in 2008 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in
Healthcare Management from Liberty University. In our
community she’s worked her way up from CNA to Health
Center Admissions Coordinator, with stops in medical
records, reception and social work. Ericka personifies the
Seven Habits, and shows care, compassion, respect and
teamwork each and every day.
She was recognized for her dedication more than 12
times in the last year alone. We are proud to name Ericka
Employee of the Year!
Ericka Morales
Health Center Admissions Coordinator Date of Hire: August 30, 2008

WESTMINSTER SHORES
We believe there isn’t anything Michael can’t do! He is
eternally cheerful and respectful, takes ownership of every
situation and will lend a hand no matter the task.
In 2016, he earned more awards than there are months in
the year. He represents each and every one of the Seven
Habits when he goes about his work. When he’s not
making our residents’ lives better, he enjoys basketball and
lifting weights.
We couldn’t be more thankful for Michael, and we’re
grateful for his contributions.
Michael Palija
Maintenance Mechanic Date of Hire: January 2, 2013

WESTMINSTER PHARMACY SERVICES
Carlos doesn’t just help us provide pharmaceutical care
for our residents – he takes full ownership, by developing
relationships with each interaction with the communi-
ties and those we serve. He consistently goes above and
beyond to resolve any problems that need to be addressed
with billing, and works hard to ensure that residents
receive their medications in a timely manner.
He’s also passionate about making sure that residents are
familiar with their Medicare Part D options, and coordi-
nates educational events throughout the state.
Thank you for all you do, Carlos.
Carlos Quiles
Billing and Data Entry Supervisor Date of Hire: February 2, 2016

WESTMINSTER MANOR – FT. WALTON BEACH
During recent renovations, Ellen managed the respon-
sibility of scheduling the apartment renovations with
poise. She contacted each resident who would be affected,
explained what the contractors would be doing and how
long it would take, and identified a date and time that
would work for the residents, the community and the con-
tractors while keeping us on schedule. One employee re-
cently wrote, “Ellen is a highly valued member of our staff.
She is always willing and able to help whenever possible.”
We’re so grateful that Ellen brightens our community
every day and that is why she is our Employee of the Year.
Ellen Stewart
Administrative Assistant Date of Hire: October 10, 2011

WESTMINSTER OAKS
One day, a CNA in the Bertrand Health Center experi-
enced stroke-like conditions. Donna dropped every-
thing and raced to help the CNA, and then requested
to clock out so she could personally transport her col-
league to the hospital to ensure she was safe and cared
for. This is just one example of her calm demeanor and
composure, as well as her willingness to help everyone
in our community.
Her husband serves in the military, and Donna is
proudest of raising their three children through his
multiple deployments.
Donna is truly a legendary employee. Thank you!
Donna Whaley
Registered Nurse Date of Hire: September 15, 2003

MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Shannon exemplifies legendary service in her commit-
ment to go above and beyond. Recently, when she learned
of an apartment fire at Westminster Manor – Fort Walton
Beach, she traveled three hours from her home to facili-
tate the safe relocation of 18 displaced residents. Not only
did she make hotel arrangements and ensure that they
received meals for nearly two weeks, but she remained
in the area to support the staff through the recovery. She
makes a significant contribution to the Rental Retire-
ment Communities through her leadership, support, and
enthusiastic spirit!
Shannon Woods
Regional Director, Rental Retirement Communities
Date of Hire: April 1, 2011

WESTMINSTER PALMS
Tonya has been recognized with a variety of awards because
she takes to heart the importance of ensuring that our res-
idents’ lives are fulfilling and happy. We call her “Wonder
Woman.” Whenever someone doesn’t know where to find
something or doesn’t know where to turn, they turn to Ton-
ya. While employed full-time, Tonya has also been working
to complete her bachelor’s degree in business at Eckerd
College. She currently has a 4.0 GPA and will graduate
in August 2017. When she’s not working or studying, she
enjoys painting and jewelry-making. We’re so thankful for,
and proud of, Tonya. Congratulations!
Tonya Zalick
Administrative Assistant Date of Hire: June 29, 2011

We are so thankful for them
and we congratulate them on
this honor.

Westminster Communities of Florida's 2016 Volunteers and Employees of the Year

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