Center, Fran Gregory, recipient, with her family and Scott and Nikki Niswonger far right.
Fran Gregory, the 2007 recipient of the Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award, is a perfect example of an unsung hero.
She is a soft-spoken person, seldom seen in the spotlight, but always active in so many important programs in our community.
A cancer survivor herself, she seeks a very supportive role for others who are facing this disease. Fran’s passion for the American Cancer Society’s work sets her apart from others in the community. Fran was honored during a special dinner and ceremony hosted at the General Morgan Inn by Laughlin Memorial Hospital.
The award has been presented each year since 1996 by the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the hospital, to honor persons who have quietly, but consistently, performed outstanding volunteer service for the local community.
The Blanche W. Grady Award was established with the Laughlin Health Care Foundation by the family of Greeneville businessman and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger to honor his mother, Sharon Niswonger. The award recognizes their close friend, Mrs. Grady, a retired educator and long-time community volunteer.
Niswonger Praises Gregory
For the first time in the history of the Award’s Dinner, Niswonger presented the award. Niswonger said he could think of no one more deserving of the honor, than Fran Gregory, calling her “the perfect example of an unsung hero.”
Although she works quietly in the community, her service plays a vital role with “so many important programs in our community,” Niswonger added.
Due to declining health, Mrs. Grady was unable to attend the event, but she was fondly remembered by those in attendance.
The master of ceremonies of the event was Terry Bellamy, chairperson of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation and the 1999 recipient of the Grady Service Award.
“God has a plan for all of us in life and his plan for Fran is service to others,” Bellamy said.
Niswonger said that Gregory became a community volunteer early in her life. Some of the programs that she has served through the years include: the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, the American Red Cross, and the Andrew Johnson Club. “When her children were in school, she took ‘a very active role’ in their school’s Parent/Teacher Organization,” he said.
“Instead of remaining just a victim and a survivor of cancer, she chose to become actively involved with helping others who have faced this tragic illness,” Niswonger said.
Gregory is an active volunteer in the Cancer Society’s, “Look Good, Feel Better,” program which provides a free service to female cancer patients to demonstrate ways to enhance their changing appearances while coping with the rigors of cancer treatment.
The local “Look Good” program is held monthly at the Laughlin Center for Women’s Health, and Gregory is “always there to share her knowledge and lend support to the women who attend,” Niswonger stated.
“Other groups that benefit from our recipient’s time, energy and dedication,” Niswonger said, “are the Bosom Buddies program that brings hope and support to breast cancer patients and their families; the Greene County Relay for Life, an event that generates donations and support for cancer research; and Reach to Recovery, another cancer support program.”
“I know there are more people out there who are more deserving of this award than I am,” Gregory said after being surprised by the honor.
“But I thank you and I will try to live up to this honor,” she added.
The scene at the award’s dinner at the General Morgan Inn was aglow in red, white, and blue to celebrate Sandra Ricker’s love and support of veterans. Ricker, last year’s recipient of the Grady Award, chose to designate funds for the creation of a community health fair to benefit area veterans. In keeping with her commitment to the veterans, the entrance to the conference center was lined with American and state flags and table decorations depicted an American patriotic theme.
The Veterans Fair was held earlier this year at the Greene County Fairgrounds and was attended by approximately 800 veterans, according to Noah Roark, human resources and marketing director at Laughlin Hospital.
A video presentation of the health fair was shown during the awards banquet.
'PAINTING LAUGHLIN PINK'
October 2007
“Painting Laughlin Pink” to raise awareness within the community of breast cancer. Committee members represent members of Laughlin Health Care Foundation Board of Trustees, spouses of Foundation board members, LMH Volunteers, and staff of Laughlin Center for Women’s Health. Pictured: Front row, seated: Betty Carter Justis, Jean Henard, and Eloise Emory. Second row: Lisa Kirk and Patty Tilson. Third row: Cecil Easterly, Kathy Clark, Emily Rivers, Shelia Carter, Susan Holzschuh, Karen Teague, and Betty Weemes. Not pictured is Donna Coughlin, who also helped with the project.
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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society reports that one in every eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
Laughlin Center for Women’s Health, Laughlin Memorial Hospital Volunteers, and Laughlin Health Care Foundation are engaging in a project that will “paint” the campus and interior of the Hospital “pink,” in an obvious display to raise awareness to breast cancer. Pink bows will be tied around trees and utility poles to draw attention to breast cancer awareness. Additionally, pink bows will be reflected at the entrances to the Hospital and throughout the interior, as visible reminders to women and men in our community to be alert to breast cancer and to be conscientious of early detection.
Several month-long activities are planned by Laughlin Center for Women’s Health and Laughlin Health Care Foundation. Hospital employees and others in the community are encouraged to wear pink on Friday, October 19, during National Mammography Day to raise awareness to the importance of this day.
Speaking engagements are scheduled throughout the community and will feature physicians, staff members of Laughlin Center for Women’s Health, and others to convey the significant message of early detection of breast cancer.
Packets of information will be distributed to Women’s Center patients throughout the month of October and at the speaking engagements. These packets include an array of useful items in addition to the “Yes, Mam!” stickers. The “Yes, Mam!” program is a reminder to women and men to practice three-way detection, as recommended by the American Cancer Society. The stickers are placed on one’s calendar to encourage early discovery of breast cancer. The packet includes a fully integrated brochure to explain the program and provide information to help women and men to be more successful in detecting breast cancer.
Laughlin Center for Women’s Health encourages women to be aware of the three-step program for early exposure of breast cancer and healthy breast care:
- Perform monthly breast self-exam
- If you are over 40, schedule an annual mammogram
- Have a clinical breast exam by a doctor or health care professional every year, if you are age 40 or over; every three years for women age 20 to 39.
Laughlin Center for Women’s Health is a comprehensive center that offers accredited mammography; accredited ultrasound for the breast, pelvic and obstetric studies; stereotactic breast biopsy; a computer aided detection system to assist radiologists in reading associated imaging; and bone densitometry testing for osteoporosis. A professional qualified staff supports these state-of-the-art pieces of diagnostic equipment.
The comprehensive Health Information Library, located inside the Women’s Center, provides health and wellness materials to the entire community. Over 200 books, including numerous books and other publications on breast cancer, reference materials, periodicals, and videos, are available, free of charge for check-out to the public. Additionally, Internet access is available and 25 pages can be printed free-of-charge from healthcare sites.
The library is open the same hours as the Women’s Center: Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Laughlin is the host site for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program, a program designed to support women who are in active treatment for cancer. Through this free program, women learn how to combat the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment through proper use of cosmetics and wigs, scarves, and other accessories. The cosmetics and hair accessories are without charge to the patient.
The program is held the second Monday of each month at Laughlin Center for Women’s Health at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, 1420 Tusculum Blvd., from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 noon.
To register for the “Look Good, Feel Better” program, please call Fran Ricker-Gregory at 639.1600 or Joyce Hyde at 639.2661.
Additionally, the new support-group program for cancer survivors will be offered the first Monday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the LMH private dining room. The program is presented as a community-benefit program by Laughlin Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society to provide information, support, and educate.
The Reverend Abby Cole Keller will be the facilitator for the meetings. A cordial invitation is extended to all survivors and family members to attend. Please call Susan Price, director of social services, for additional information about the support group at 787.5026.
Further, Laughlin is a healthcare site that participates in the Reach to Recovery program through volunteers. The program unites trained volunteers with women and men who are in various stages of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. The volunteers, who are breast cancer survivors themselves, provide comfort, understanding and hope, as they provide prosthetic bras and other support to mastectomy patients.
Chuck Whitfield, president and CEO, Laughlin Memorial Hospital, said, “There is great value in the “Paint Laughlin Pink” campaign. When patients and their families, employees and other visitors drive onto the Laughlin campus, they will be reminded of the benefits of being faithful to the guidelines of early detection of breast cancer. Whitfield further stated, “This campaign is designed to seize attention and educate; if one life is saved, the energy of painting Laughlin pink will be well worth the effort.”
Join Laughlin Memorial Hospital and Laughlin Center for Women’s Health in the fight against breast cancer and be mindful of the purpose of painting the campus pink at Laughlin Memorial Hospital: To raise alertness of women and men in our community to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and breast cancer, itself.
For additional information, contact the Laughlin Center for Women’s Health at 787.5123 or Laughlin Health Care Foundation at 787.5117.
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Laughlin
Hospital Opens New Pediatric Playroom
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Shown cutting the ribbon at the new playroom at Laughlin Memorial Hospital are, from left, Noah Roark, director of human resources; Kevin, Elaina and Austin Johnson, a former patient; Leslie Waits, supervisor of the Johnson City Toys ‘R’ Us store; Chuck Whitfield, the hospital’s CEO; Michelle Pooley, project manager of Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation; Betty Weemes, executive director of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation; Tina Jones, store manager of the Johnson City Toys ‘R’ Us, Jackie Estepp, a world leader with Toys ‘R’ Us and Terry Bellamy, chairman of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation.
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By: By AMY ROSE/Staff Writer
Source: The Greeneville Sun
10-30-2006
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Children who are pediatric patients at Laughlin Memorial Hospital can play video games, surf the Internet, watch a movie or just relax in a new state-of-the art playroom opened in a special ceremony on Sunday afternoon.
The “Starlight Site” is the first such playroom in Tennessee created through a partnership with the Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.
“I hope the children and the staff enjoy the playroom just as much as we’ve enjoyed making it a reality,” said Michelle Pooley, of Los Angeles, project manager for the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.
Pooley recognized Jerry Whitson, the hospital’s site supervisor, and Betty Weemes, executive director of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, for their work on the project.
She also thanked the hospital’s third-floor staff for enduring the disruptions of the construction project.
Pooley was introduced by Noah Roark, the hospital’s director of human resources, who welcomed the crowd of hospital staffers, volunteers and board members; former and current pediatric patients and employees of Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us.
The guests first gathered in the hospital lobby, where educational booths on safety and other issues related to babies and children were displayed.
Also attending was Geoffrey the giraffe, the Toys ‘R’ Us mascot, who got some dramatic reactions from many of the children.
Whitfield Comments
Chuck Whitfield, the hospital’s CEO, said “We are delighted to be the first site in Tennessee to receive a Toys ‘R’ Us Starlight Site. We are deeply moved by the generous gift from the Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation that has created an area to encourage our pediatric patients to recover quickly and return home.
“The playroom has been designed as a warm and welcoming environment for our patients. It is a peaceful and fun-filled addition, where pediatric patients of all ages can escape the feeling of being hospitalized and enjoy normal play and activity,” Whitfield said.
The playroom is part of a $7 million multi-year donation made by the Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund to Starlight Starbright for the construction and renovation of kids’ playrooms in hospitals across the country.
Terry Bellamy, chairman of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, noted that the playroom was developed through a renovation and expansion project by Greeneville-based Hite Construction Company.
Includes Many Features
The playroom features shooting stars across the ceiling, interactive wall-mounted games and play areas for infants, toddlers and older children.
Amenities include a computer system with flat-screen monitor, big-screen TV with DVD/VCR player, stereo CD player, Nintendo GameCube system and new toys purchased with a $1,000 gift card from Toys ‘R’ Us at its Johnson City retail store.
Also introduced during the ceremony were Rick Roberts, store manager of the Johnson City Babies ‘R’ Us, and Tina Jones, store manager of the Johnson City Toys ‘R’ Us.
Weemes explained that the hospital’s partnership with Toys ‘R’ Us began in 1995 when she wrote a grant for the construction of a playroom. Toys ‘R’ Us agreed to build the room and furnish it annually with $1,000 in toys, she said.
This original playroom was one of three of its kind in the Southeast and one of 10 in the entire nation, Weemes said.
Several years ago, she said, the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation became a vehicle for renovating and updating these playrooms and began conducting annual inspections.
Last year, Weemes realized that there was a vacant room adjacent to the existing playroom, and she applied for another grant, which was accepted, she said.
The new playroom is more than double the size of the original playroom.
One of the displays in the hospital lobby explained the importance of playtime during a hospital stay.
“Typically when a child undergoes a hospital stay, some form of developmental regression takes place,” it said.
“Play can help a child reduce the amount of regression that takes place in a hospital,” it said.
“Play is the work of children. They learn from playing by putting their imaginations to work. Play also represents normalcy in a child’s life,” the display said. |
The Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award is a program to honor unrecognized individuals from Greeneville and Greene County who have shown leadership, courage, and service and have worked in ordinary ways to accomplish extraordinary good in the community. Dividends from the endowment are distributed back into the community for health care or health care education. Scott M. Niswonger and his mother, Sharon, are the benefactors of the fund.
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Sandra Ricker Receives 2006 Blanche Grady Award
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Sun Photo by Jim Feltman
Scott M. Niswonger, at left, benefactor of the annual Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award, is shown with 2006 recipient Sandra M. Ricker, center, and Barbara Lawson, who announced this year’s recipient. |
By: By LISA WARREN/Staff Writer
Source: The Greeneville Sun
11-15-2006
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Sandra M. Ricker was the recipient Tuesday evening of the 2006 Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award, presented during a special dinner and ceremony at the General Morgan Inn.
This award has been presented each year since 1996 by the Laughlin Health Care Foundation to honor an “unsung hero” who has performed outstanding volunteer service for the community.
Ricker was nominated for the Grady Award based upon her longtime volunteer service in Greeneville and Greene County, especially in areas of veterans recognition, historic preservation and cancer care.
She was nominated for the Grady Award by Steve Alexander, who heads the local Veterans Service Office.
The award is named in honor of Blanche Grady, a retired educator from the Greeneville City Schools and a longtime volunteer with Laughlin Memorial Hospital.
The award was established in 1996 by Greeneville businessman and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, in honor of their friend, Mrs. Grady.
Each year, the Niswongers present a sizable contribution to the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Laughlin Hospital, in order for the annual Grady Award recipient to designate funds toward a health-care-related service or educational program.
“Our community is blessed with an abundance of individuals who make a tremendous, positive difference in the lives of so many every day,” said Niswonger, who served as the master of ceremonies for the occasion. “(These individuals) never seek accolades or public recognition. They are simply going about their business and helping others on a regular basis,” he said.
Niswonger continued, “This is one of the reasons why we established the Grady Award, to identify these very special individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in helping others, and to recognize them for their good works.”
At the close of the banquet, Laughlin Hospital president and CEO Chuck Whitfield presented a plaque to Scott Niswonger and Sharon Niswonger in honor of the event’s 10th anniversary.
In remarks accompanying the presentation, Whitfield expressed deep appreciation to the Niswongers on behalf of both the hospital and the Laughlin Foundation itself.
Called ‘Most Deserving’
Ricker was announced as this year’s recipient by Barbara Lawson, who called her “one of those exceptional individuals who has given selflessly of herself and to the community for over 40 years.
“(She) is most deserving of being the recipient of the Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award,” Lawson continued.
She called Ricker a “champion to others,” who possesses “a volunteer spirit, accompanied by an infectious, positive attitude and a love of country.”
“She has given a voice to people who didn’t have a voice, especially our veterans.”
Among her varied activities, Ricker has worked diligently through the years to increase community awareness of the sacrifices made by the nation’s military veterans and to honor their service.
She was instrumental in the founding and dedication of a permanent marker to honor and memorialize Greene County veterans. The memorial is located along Snapps Ferry Road, near its intersection with the Andrew Johnson Highway.
That portion of the roadway has been designated as the “Veterans Memorial Parkway.”
Ricker also worked successfully to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Defense to have Greeneville recognized as a “Commemorative Community” for both the Korean War and World War II.
DAR, Church Roles
Not only does Ricker work to honor veterans, but also she strives to preserve the county’s historical legacies, Lawson said in her remarks before the presentation. In addition to having served with the Greene County Heritage Trust and Main Street: Greeneville, Ricker continues as an active member of the Nolachuckey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Since 1988, she has served in a variety of capacities with the local DAR chapter, inclushe has just completed a two-year term as the regent, the highest leadership position in a DAR chapter.
Ricker is also actively involved at Asbury United Methodist Church, where she has been a member and lay leader since 1953. Lawson cited numerous service and leadership roles Ricker had played at the church over the years.
‘Look Good, Feel Better’
Perhaps one of her most personally inspired volunteer positions, however, has been helping to bring to Greeneville a program that aids female cancer patients.
Following her own treatment for breast cancer five years ago, Lawson explained, Ricker helped to establish the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program at Laughlin Hospital.
This free service helps to educate women who are undergoing active cancer treatment concerning how they can enhance their appearance and improve their self-esteem through the use of beauty techniques.
In addition to “Look Good, Feel Better,” Ricker has also been involved in other cancer support programs, such as Laughlin Hospital’s, “Yes, Mam!” program, which encourages women to undergo regular screenings for breast cancer.
She also has helped fundraising events including “Horizon of Hope,” which supports breast cancer research, and the “Greene County Relay for Life,” which benefits the American Cancer Society.
“Sandra went through her surgery, treatments and recovery with a smile on her face and was a tremendous inspiration to those around her,” Lawson said. “She continued to work during her treatments, and, although in the midst of a very challenging time, she was making plans to help others.”
‘Honored, Very Surprised’
In accepting the award, Ricker said she was “honored and very surprised.”
Ricker said she was not alone in the projects that involved her.
“There were others who worked with me, and continue to work with me,” Ricker said.
“Volunteers are a special breed,” she added. “When a volunteer commits herself to something, she does so out of love and caring.”
Previous Recipients
Several previous Grady Award recipients were in attendance at the awards ceremony, including: Della Malone (1998), Terry Bellamy (1999), Tyre Culbertson (2000), Bruce St. Laurent (2001), Fannie R. Henderson (2002), Richard McKinney (who shared the award in 2004 with his son, Richie), and Frances Taylor and Barbara Barner (sisters and co-recipients in 2005.)
Two of the previous recipients have since died: Adelle Haynes (1997) and Ann Huntsman (2003).
Mrs. Grady was unable to attend because of health problems, Niswonger said, but he led the large crowd attending the dinner in singing “Happy Birthday to You!” to her by videotape.
Appreciation Expressed
Bellamy, newly appointed chairman of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation’s board of trustees, thanked many who make the community service awards possible, including the Laughlin Foundation and Laughlin Hospital’s board members, the hospital’s volunteer staff, and Scott Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger.
He also thanked Cecil Easterly, who served as the chairman of this year’s Grady Award banquet.
Bellamy also pointed out one of the premier programs that grew out of the Grady Awards, the annual dental and vision clinic that provides free care to needy individuals in the area.
He thanked local dentists and eye care professionals and their staffs who make this annual event possible.
He also recognized Remote Area Medical (RAM), a Knoxville-based, nonprofit organization that travels internationally to provide health-care services to those in need. |
Barner, Taylor Receive 2005 Blanche W. Grady Award
The 2005 Blanche W. Grady Service Award was presented Tuesday evening. From left, Scott M. Niswonger presented the award to Barbara Barner, and her sister, Francis Taylor. Blanche W. Grady, for whom the award is named, is at right.
Blanche Grade Service Award Presented to Two Sisters
Who Cook for 60 Children
The Late Geneva Patton Also Honored
By Nelson Morais
Greeneville Sun Staff Writer
Two sisters, Francis Taylor and Barbara Barner, have been named recipients of the 2005 Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award for their dedicated, selfless volunteer work as cooks with the Boys & Girls Club in Greeneville.
The two sisters were in the audience of about 130 people gathered Tuesday evening for an elegant, festive awards dinner at the General Morgan Inn.
The announcement that they were co-recipients of the Grady Award came near the end of the program.
In addition, the beloved Geneva Patton, who died Oct. 9, was recognized with a posthumous Honorary Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award for her varied humanitarian work that stretched over a period of almost four decades.
Patton’s daughter, Pat Pielich, and family members accepted the honorary award.
Scott M. Niswonger, the local business leader and philanthropist, and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, established the Grady Award nine years ago as a way to honor their longtime friend, Blanche Grady, who was in attendance Tuesday evening.
Grady is a retired school-teacher who had 28 years of service with the Greene County School System.
After her retirement from teaching, Grady became a hospital volunteer at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, where she became a lead volunteer, logging more than 8,000 hours of service.
She was also a founding member of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation’s board of trustees.
The award was established with the Laughlin Health Care Foundation.
Niswonger prefaced his announcement of the winners by saying of them that “they pack a powerful punch.”
“They are gentle, kind, patient people we could all strive to be like,” he said.
Niswonger quoted British statesman Winston Churchill as saying, “We make a living by what we make. We make a life by what we give.”
In comments to The Greeneville Sun after they received their awards, the two soft-spoken women described their volunteer cooking activities at the local Boys & Girls Club.
Cooking for 60 Children
Barner, the younger of the two sisters, said the two women prepare and serve nutritious meals to an average of about 60 elementary-school children on a daily basis.
She added that they cook both breakfast and lunch when the schools are out, but only prepare afternoon snacks when school is in session.
Barner said she has been preparing meals and simply talking with the children for two years. Before starting there, she said she worked 32 years at Greene Valley Developmental Center.
Taylor said she has been preparing meals for four years at the Boys & Girls Club, and prior to doing so worked for 28 years at Plus Mark Inc.
“Most of the kids say “Thank you,” Taylor said. “They’re very appreciative kids.”
Barner added, “Most of them always come back for seconds.”
The two women said they both were born and raised in Greeneville.
Tribute to Geneva Patton
Niswonger said of Patton, who died this fall at age 75, “She lived. She loved. She cared for others.”
“Let us pause to reflect on our many fond memories of her years of dedicated service.”
”Niswonger then read a lengthy personal and revealing portrait of Patton written by her daughter, Pielich, specifically for Tuesday’s occasion.
In the prepared statement, Pielich said her mother grew up thinking she was her “daddy’s girl,” but then he suddenly died of tuberculosis when Patton was only 14.
“My mother’s world crumbled, because he was the one who loved her most in the world.”
Patton married at the age of 17, gave birth to her daughter, Pat, and then to a son who was diagnosed with a severe heart condition at the tender age of six months.
“His future was uncertain and throughout his 22 years,” Pielich recalled of her brother, “my parents knew that one day they would lose him.”
Pielich said, “All of this helped my mother to understand the pain of felling unloved and rejected…She wanted above all else to keep others from feeling that pain.”
She said that was what most motivated her mother to help the distraught and poor throughout much of her life.
Pielich and her husband, Greg, their daughter, Holli Wills, and their son-in-law, Scott Wills, accepted the honorary Grady Award on Behalf of Patton.
Blanche Grady Praised
The theme for Tuesday’s event was “Volunteers are Joyous Blessings.”
Niswonger, master of ceremonies for the evening, said, “Tonight’s banquet celebrates volunteers, our joyous blessings, no matter what the season.”
Asking Grady to stand to receive recognition from the audience, he said, “Thank you for inspiring all of us.”
“Blanche Grady is a joyous blessing to all of us,” Niswonger said.
The Grady Award was established to recognize Grady’s volunteer efforts and others “who work quietly, and without a lot of recognition,” Niswonger said.
The Grady Award presents $5000 to the annual winners for them to distribute to a health-care program or for health-care education of their choosing.
N iswonger said one of the Grady Award’s premier events is a free dental and visual clinic held annually in Greeneville for low-income people.
Laughlin Foundation
Betty Weemes, executive director of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, said the clinic has provided almost $150,000 in free care, such as eye exams and glasses, and primary dental care for adults 21 and over, in the past seven years.
The clinic works in cooperation with Remote Area Medical (RAM), a Knoxville-based organization that provides medical care to needy persons in rural areas.
The clinic also relies on the skill of local dental and eye-care professionals who volunteer their time for the event, and the Greene County Health Department that coordinates the clinic’s appointments and conducts screening of qualified individuals.
In addition to the annual visual and dental clinic, Niswonger said the Grady Award has supported numerous other community causes, such as a grief support program; healthy snacks and meals for youth at the Boys & Girls Club; support for medically at-risk children at Laughlin Hospital’s Infant-Toddler Program; financial support for cancer patients through Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries; and a health fair for local low-income seniors who volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program.
Past recipients of the Grady Award include: Adelle Haynes (1997), Della Malone (1998), Terry Bellamy (1999), Tyre Culbertson (2000), Bruce St. Laurent (2001), Fannie Henderson (2002), Ann Huntsman (2003), and co-recipients Richard and Richie McKinney (2004).
McKinneys Receive 2004 Blanche W. Grady Award
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Sun Photo by Jody Snyder
Richie and Richard McKinney, center, a father and son who help serve the local Hispanic population, were honored Tuesday evening with the eighth annual Blanche W. Grady Service Award. From left, are Nikki Niswonger, wife of Scott Niswonger; Sharon Niswonger; Richie McKinney; Richard McKinney; Blanche Grady, and Scott Niswonger. |
By: By LISA WARREN/Health Editor
Source: The Greeneville Sun
11-10-2004
Richard McKinney and his son, Richie McKinney, had no idea of the real reason for their trip to the General Morgan Inn on Tuesday evening.
The McKinneys, who are involved in a local Hispanic ministry, thought that they were going to speak briefly about their volunteer work.
However, the committee who selected the eighth annual Blanche W. Grady Service Award winners had other plans.
The father and son were surprised with the presentation of the service award, which not only recognizes the achievements of a local “unsung hero,” but also provides a cash prize that the winner can designate to a health care-related cause.
The McKinneys have long been involved in missionary work, not only locally, but also in Ecuador and Spain.
Currently, they are involved in helping local Hispanics. Fluent in Spanish, as well as Chinese, Richie McKinney serves as an English translator for local Spanish-speaking individuals.
According to his father, he has made many trips to hospitals, courtrooms, workplaces, insurance companies, among many other places, to assist Spanish-speaking persons.
One night, his father said, Richie McKinney even made a “very quick trip” to a hospital with a pregnant Hispanic woman who was about to give birth.
Grady Award’s Objective
Local businessman and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, established the Grady Service Award as a way to honor their longtime friend, Blanche Grady.
Mrs. Grady is a retired schoolteacher who had 28 years of service with the Greene County School System.
After her retirement from teaching, Mrs. Grady became a hospital volunteer at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, where she became a lead volunteer, logging more than 8,000 hours of service.
She was also a founding member of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation’s board of trustees.
Niswonger said at the service award banquet, “My mother and I established this award in 1996 as a caring way to recognize the magnificent volunteer effort of Blanche Grady and others like her in our community, who bring joy to us by working quietly and without a lot of recognition.
“Our community has an abundant source of individuals who make a tremendous difference every day, and that’s why the Grady Award was established. We identify those individuals and recognize them for their good works,” he said.
McKinneys’ Service Here
Richard McKinney came to Greeneville about 17 years ago. He is the co-owner of Landmark Systems Inc., a roof-truss company.
“My primary mission in life is to serve others,” McKinney said. “As the word of God tells me, if you will serve others, you will be blessed,” he said.
He had lived in Ecuador for a period of time. When he came to Greeneville, he met an individual who was starting a Hispanic church here and told McKinney of many needs of the local Hispanic community, especially the need for a translator.
Richie McKinney had been involved in a missionary program in Spain for about a year and a half, and when he and his father learned of the need for a Spanish translator, Richie McKinney volunteered his time and talents.
Greene and Hamblen counties have a higher percentage of Hispanic residents than any other county in Northeast Tennessee, Niswonger said. There are several hundred Hispanic families in Greene County.
A major problem, Niswsonger said, is that because these families have been so transient, “the young children are illiterate not only in the English language, but also in their own language.
“Richard and Richie, along with the Literacy Council and others, are finding ways of helping these children to become fluent both in their (native) language and English so they can get along here,” Niswonger said.
Richard McKinney said, “God has blessed me and I’m thankful to be a part of this community. My son gets me and others involved in this work. It’s all about getting involved. God has blessed us so richly that we can share it with others.”
Richard McKinney said his son gets many calls from people in the local Hispanic community.
“The Hispanic people are a little out of touch with our society,” Richard McKinney said. “They have been raised in a different culture, but you know, if we can encourage them to get driver’s licenses, insurance, and obey our laws, they can become an important part of our community. And Richie helps them do that — and gives freely of his time,” his father said.
“It’s a blessing to be able to help people,” Richie McKinney said.
“The Lord has really blessed me with a good example of helping others — that example being my dad,” he added.
Richie McKinney, who works with his father, said he feels blessed that the Lord gave him the ability to learn the Spanish language and the opportunity to help the Hispanic residents of this community.
He said that people can help others in many different ways, whether that be through special talents and skills, knowledge of a particular subject, or financial support. “God has given us so much. I feel He expects us to use our gifts to help others,” Richie McKinney said.
Award Presents $5,000
The Blanche W. Grady Service Award presents $5,000 to the annual winners for them to distribute to a health-care program or for health-care education of their choosing.
Niswonger said, “One of the premier events of the Grady Award is the free dental and visual clinic that has been held for the past six years. This clinic alone has provided well over $100,000 in free care for people in need within our community.” The annual clinic works in cooperation with Remote Area Medical, a Knoxville-based organization that provides medical care to needy persons in rural areas.
The clinic also relies on the skill of local dental and eye-care professionals who volunteer their time for the event, and the Greene County Health Department that coordinates the clinic’s appointments and conducts screening of qualified individuals.
Persons who qualify for the clinic receive an eye examination and glasses, if needed, and primary dental care services — all free of charge, Niswonger said.
In addition to the annual visual and dental clinic, Niswonger said, the Grady Award has supported numerous other community causes, such as a grief support program; healthy snacks and meals for youth at the Boys & Girls Club; support for medically at-risk children at Laughlin Hospital’s Infant-Toddler Program; financial support for cancer patients through Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries; and a health fair for local low-income seniors who volunteer with the Foster Grandparent Program.
He added, “The Grady Award stands as a monument to Mrs. Grady’s dedication to this community and speaks volumes about her and others like her who work quietly behind the scenes to give unselfishly to their community.”
Past recipients of the Grady Award include: the late Adelle Haynes (1997), Della Malone (1998), Terry Bellamy (1999), Tyre Culbertson (2000), Bruce St. Laurent (2001), Fannie Henderson (2002), and Ann Huntsman (2003).
The Late Ann Huntsman Receives 2003 Blanche Grady Award
The Late Ann Huntsman Receives 2003 Blanche Grady Award
Shown, from left, are Sharon Niswonger; Blanche Grady; the late Ann Huntsman, recipient of the 2003 Blanche W. Grady Service Award; and Scott M. Niswonger. Scott Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, are the benefactors of the annual Grady Award.
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Longtime local volunteer leader and worker the late Ann Huntsman was honored for her commitment to the community Tuesday evening with the 2003 Blanche W. Grady Service Award.
The award was presented before a large audience in the ballroom of the General Morgan Inn and Conference Center.
Established in 1996 by Greeneville business leader and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, the award honors Blanche Grady, a highly respected retired Greeneville educator and a 15-year volunteer with Laughlin Memorial Hospital.
Since that time, the Grady Award has been presented annually to honor an 'unsung hero' from the local community who has been dedicated to providing valuable but little recognized public service.
'This award has a different goal than the others in this community,' said Mr. Niswonger, who presided over the award celebration.
'The award not only honors the ‘unsung’ volunteers but also provides funds to be distributed, in cooperation with the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, at the behest of the winner to benefit health care or for health-care education,' Niswonger said.
The recipient of the annual award is enabled to direct grant money toward a charitable health-care organization or service project.
The use of the award money is facilitated by the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, which works in cooperation with the award winner to direct the grant.
This year, Mr. Niswonger presented $5,000 for the grant and an additional $15,000 for the award's endowment in Mrs. Huntsman's honor.
In a surprise event that concluded the evening’s program, Mrs. Grady herself was also honored through the presentation of an honorary nursing degree by Laughlin Memorial Hospital.
She was presented the honor by Chuck Whitfield, Laughlin Hospital’s president and CEO, and Gerri Shultheis, the hospital's head of nursing, who 'capped' Mrs. Grady with a nursing cap.
Betty Weemes, executive director of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, explained the reason for the honor in remarks prior to the actual presentation.
Weemes explained that, in working with Mrs. Grady over the years at the hospital, she had learned that the veteran hospital volunteer had always dreamed of becoming a registered nurse.
Obviously delighted by the presentation, Mrs. Grady said in response that she was completely taken by surprise by the honor.
“This is the most overwhelming moment of my life,” Mrs. Grady said upon acceptance of the honorary degree.
Varied Service Roles
Nominated for the 2003 Grady Award by Jane Brown, Mrs. Huntsman is a retired employee of Sprint and a homemaker. She and her husband, David, have two daughters and two grandchildren.
During the presentation of the award, Brown called Mrs. Huntsman 'a volunteer with an extensive record of community service.'
Perhaps her most visible community project has been spearheading an annual free Thanksgiving meal in the Glenwood community for the past nine years.
Last year, the event served more than 1,500 individuals, Brown said.
'As well as serving as co-chairperson, Ann has worked at food preparation, organization of volunteers, meal delivery, and clean-up,' Brown said.
In addition to the Thanksgiving meal, Mrs. Huntsman has also served with the Glenwood Ruritan Club and the Greeneville High School Choral Booster Club, and has participated in community fund-raising efforts for the March of Dimes, the United Way, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.
An active member of Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Huntsman also participates as a youth volunteer, organizing events for the church youth, preparing meals for them and serving as a chaperone for their activities.
In addition to her work with young people, Mrs. Huntsman can also be found helping to prepare meals and provide care to elderly individuals in the community.
She is also involved with the annual Sprint Coat Drive, a project that collects coats, cleans them, and distributes them to those in need.
Mrs. Huntsman also is currently involved in a fund-raising project to purchase coats for children in need who attend the Boys & Girls Club of Greeneville.
During the past year, Mrs. Huntsman extended her service to others outside the Greeneville and Greene County community by spearheading an effort to send clothing for those in need to Morgan, Scott and Cocke counties.
'Ann's life of personal service and helping other people is an inspiration to many,' Brown said.
'She is described as an energetic, hard worker who sees a need and answers the call,' Brown continued. 'She works tirelessly to alleviate the conditions of many who are less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, and the sick.
'Her volunteer work serves as a catalyst for others to become involved,' Brown said.
‘Finding A Way’ Theme
The theme for the night's festivities was 'Finding A Way.'
'Our community has an abundant source of individuals who 'find a way' to make a tremendous difference,' Niswonger said, 'and that's why the Grady Award was established. We identify them — and we recognize them.'
He said that he and his mother established the Grady Award to 'recognize the magnificent volunteer efforts of Blanche Grady and others like her in our community, who 'find the way' by working quietly and without a lot of recognition.'
Weemes commented after the dinner that “This was an exceptional year for the Grady event — celebrating the life of an outstanding recipient, Ann Huntsman, plus, bestowing the honorary degree on our beloved Mrs. Grady.”
“It was an incredible evening.”
Free Clinics Noted
One of the largest projects that was born from Grady Award grants has been an annual vision and dental clinic that provides free eyeglasses and dental services to some of the neediest individuals in the community.
Last February, 166 local residents received either eyeglasses or dental care through the clinic that was held at the Greene County Health Department, said Betty Carter-Justis, chairman of the Laughlin Hospital Foundation's board of trustees.
The annual vision and dental clinic is staffed by local dental and eye-care professionals who volunteer their time and expertise as well as by volunteers from Remote Area Medical, a Knoxville-based health-care ministry that travels world-wide providing care to those in need.
Many Projects Assisted
An example of some of the other projects and services aided through previous-awarded Grady grant funds include:
• a health fair held recently that provided free medical screenings for 75 low-income seniors who serve in the Foster Grandparent Program;
• a financial donation to the Hope Center, a local crisis pregnancy center administered by Free Will Baptist Family Ministries;
• a donation to the cancer victim assistance program administered by Greeneville-Greene County Community Ministries;
• four wheelchairs for students in the city and county school systems;
• a reading device for the visually impaired to use at the public library;
• a parenting program for families of special needs children in the Infant/Toddler Program at Laughlin Hospital; and
• the publishing of a guide, called the Youth Yellow Pages, that provides numbers and contact information for organizations that provide help to youth who are in crisis situations.
Previous Grady Award winners were: the late Adelle Haynes (1997), Della Malone (1998), Terry Bellamy (1999, Tyre Culbertson (2000), Bruce St. Laurent (2001), and Fannie Henderson (2002). |
By: By LISA WARREN/Staff Writer
Source: The Greeneville Sun
11-12-2003
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Fannie Ruth Henderson Receives 2002 Blanche Grady Award
Foster Grandparent Volunteer Receives 2002 Blanche Grady
Community Service Award
Fannie Ruth Henderson, second from right, is the recipient of the 2002 Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award. Also shown, from left, are: Scott Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, who provide a $15,000 endowment for the award, and Grady, for whom the award is named. (Sun Photo by Jody Snyder)
Fannie Ruth Henderson, an 82-year-old Foster Grandparents volunteer, received the 2002 Blanche W. Grady Community Service Award during a special ceremony Tuesday evening.
'I feel honored and humbled tonight,' Henderson said after the surprise announcement. 'I just feel wonderful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.' Nearly 140 people attended the awards celebration at the General Morgan Inn & Conference Center.
Henderson received an engraved crystal obelisk and the opportunity to designate a $5,000 grant from the Laughlin Health Care Foundation for a community health care service or health care education program in her name.
The award was established in 1996 through an endowment by local business leader and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger and his mother, Sharon Niswonger, through the Laughlin Health Care Foundation.
The annual award honors an individual who makes significant contributions to the community through volunteer service but who has not received public recognition for those efforts.
Blanche W. Grady, a beloved friend of the Niswongers and a long-time volunteer at Laughlin Memorial Hospital, was the first recipient of the award, which was then named in her honor.
Greeneville Alderman Sarah Webster announced this year’s winner, describing her as a parent, grandparent, great-grandparent and great-great-grandparent.
13 Years As Volunteer
Henderson has volunteered for the Foster Grandparents program for 13 years and has served as a mentor, educator and adjunct parent for more than 260 children by reading stories, playing games and giving hugs at The Children’s Center, Webster said. Henderson also has volunteered for 13 years with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).
Since her retirement from The Magnavox Company, she has written and published two books of poetry.
At age 80 she received college credit in computer science from Walters State Community College and in early childhood development from East Tennessee State University.
'It is a feat achieved by only a few,' Webster said of Henderson’s college credits, adding that, also in her 80s, Henderson began surfing the Internet on her new computer.
Much of Henderson’s family attended the ceremony and presented her with a dozen red roses.
At the close of the ceremony, Niswonger presented the Laughlin Health Care Foundation with $15,000, from which the $5,000 grant will be taken.
Betty Weemes, executive director of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation, presented the Niswongers a leather-bound book of Henderson’s poetry.
The theme of the celebration was 'Unseen Angels,' which was evident in accompaniment by harpist William Lovelace and the table decorations of magnolia leaves arranged to resemble angels, provided by volunteers of Laughlin Memorial Hospital.
Niswonger, who served as master of ceremonies, expressed appreciation to all those 'who serve in very special but unseen ways.'
Weemes introduced past recipients of the award: Della Mae Malone, Terry Bellamy, Tyre Culbertson, Bruce St. Laurent and the now-late Adelle Haynes.
In the past, the grant award has been used for projects such as a free vision and dental clinic at the Greene County Health Department.
In 2002, a total of 166 people received eye glasses or dental care at the clinic, according to Betty Carter Justis, chairman of the Laughlin Health Care Foundation’s board of trustees, who also spoke during the ceremony.
By AMY OVERBAY/Staff Writer The Greeneville Sun
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| Fron l-r: Nikki Niswonger; Benefactor, Scott Niswonger; Honoree, Blanche W. Grady; 2001 Recipient, Bruce Saint-Laurent; and Kathy Austin, who nominated Mr. Saint-Laurent. |
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| From l-r: 2000 Honoree, Tyre Culbertson; Benefactor, Scott Niswonger |
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| From l-r: Noah Roark; 1999 Recipient, Terry Bellmay; Benefactor, Scott Niswonger |
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| Front row from l-r: Benefactor, Sharon Niswonger; 1998 Recipient, Della M. Malone; Honoree, Blanche W. Grady; Back Row: Benefactor, Scott Niswonger; Speaker, Bill Williams. |
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| From l-r: Honoree, Blanche W. Grady; 1997 Recipient, the late Adelle Haynes. |
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