Four MHP Volunteers Receive Governor’s Volunteer Award
Mahaska Health Partnership Volunteers who received the 2017 Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for their contributions to the hospital are, front row, from left: Janet Masterson and Mary Lou McCartie. Back row, from left: Gary Malin and Shirley Kelderman, shown with MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt. (submitted photo)
MAHASKA COUNTY— Oskaloosa residents Mary Lue McCartie, Shirley Kelderman, Janet Masterson and Gary Malin received the 2017 Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award in October for their selfless contributions to Mahaska Health Partnership.
The Governor’s Volunteer Award program provides a way to honor the dedicated people who volunteer their time and talent to help an agency or organization deliver on its mission. Nominations are accepted in March and April each year.
“We are fortunate to have so many great volunteers,” MHP Volunteer Coordinator Kim Langfitt said. “They can always be counted on to make healthcare personal for everyone they come in contact with at MHP—their kindness and passion is a huge benefit to both staff and visitors.”
Criteria for the nomination include exceptional commitment to volunteerism, exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and work in their service to others, according to Langfitt. The program provides Iowa nonprofit, charitable and government organizations a way to honor their cherished volunteers with prestigious and state-level recognition.
Mary Lue McCartie started volunteering in 2011 after retiring from the Department of Human Services. She has been an active volunteer, working as a Surgery Liaison every Thursday morning. McCartie keeps things running smoothly and the surgery staff appreciates all she does.
“She is instrumental in greeting and assisting patients and their families,” Langfitt said. “Her dedication and effort to make healthcare personal to patients shows in her volunteer work. McCartie proudly represents MHP and we are grateful to have such a wonderful volunteer.”
Shirley Kelderman started volunteering in June 2013 working at entrance #4 as a greeter every Tuesday afternoon. Kelderman keeps things running smoothly while guiding patients to their destinations.
“Her hard work and dependability are admired by many MHP employees,” Langfitt explained of Kelderman, who enjoys babysitting her granddaughter in her free time. “She is instrumental in serving our patients with her positive attitude and calm demeanor, and is an inspiration and role model to all volunteers.”
Janet Masterson started volunteering at MHP as the Hospital Auxiliary Treasurer in 2006. Working as a book keeper prior to joining MHP as a volunteer, she brings her expertise in managing the Auxiliary finances.
“Janet’s dependability and dedication to the Auxiliary are great additions to our volunteer staff,” said Langfitt. “This type of dedication and dependability is highly regarded amongst our Auxiliary Board we are very grateful and lucky to have Janet on our Auxiliary Volunteer Services Team.”
In her spare time, Masterson is an avid golfer and spends her summer on the golf course or walking several miles a day to keep active.
Gary Malin started volunteering at MHP in January 2014 after retiring from Pella Corp with 30 years of service. Malin has been an active volunteer, working as a Surgery Liaison every Tuesday and Thursday morning. He also keeps track of the necessary supplies needed for the visitor’s lounge, including coffee and hot chocolate.
“Gary is always willing to come in and help with extra shifts if someone is sick or on vacation,” Langfitt explained. “The surgery staff appreciates all he does. Gary is instrumental in serving patients and families while their loved ones are having surgery.”
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at MHP, call Langfitt at 641.672.3342 or visit mahaskahealth.org and click “Become a Volunteer” under the “Careers” tab.
