By Danetta Barker
Editor
Every year the women of the Fleming County Ladies Auxiliary work hard to earn money for Fleming County Hospital. Their efforts were recognized April 7 with a dinner.
It was the first time new CEO David Sirk spoke to the group. He talked the importance of volunteering.
When Sirk was a young boy his family took camping trips throughout the country. The family enjoyed the vacations so much that they continued to use the camping trip as a form of staying in touch after Sirk and his brothers and sisters grew up.
“Thirteen years ago Mother said she couldn’t make the Memorial Day camping trip,” Sirk said. “She said she didn’t feel up to it.”
After a checkup it was discovered that Sirk’s mother had cancer. After surgery at a Pittsburg hospital, Sirk met a volunteer. He and his wife brought homemade treats and gifts. The volunteer, George, became a friend. When Sirk’s mother talked about camping and how much the family loved it, George made a tiny wooden camper to sit by her bed.
“The little wooden camper reminded us of good times,” Sirk said.
The family used the camper as reminder of happier days throughout the mother’s four-month battle with cancer. After his mother passed away, Sirk realized how important the kind act of George had been to the family.
“Volunteering is giving of yourself,” he said.
Faith Lee provided several songs, including numbers originally recorded by Patsy Cline.
The Ladies Auxiliary gave the hospital a check for $15,000 to go to the new building fund.
The women were recognized for the hours they have served with the auxiliary. New officers were sworn in and are: President, Jennifer Harrington; Honorary President, David Sirk; First Vice President Janice Wasson; Second Vice President, Sue McIntyre; Recording Secretary, Connie Vandewarder; Correspondent Secretary, Wanda Jo McKee; Treasurer, Polly Hurst; Assistant Treasurer, Phyllis Harmon; Directors Jan Johnson, Betty Miller, and Paula Hyatt.
Hospital Dietician Vickie George and her staff provided the evening’s meal.
