Caring for Our Community
In 2009, the Samaritan Hospital Foundation introduced an Annual Appreciation Dinner to recognize those whose lives of service have forever impacted our community. At Samaritan Regional Health System (SRHS), as we look to our many accomplishments in 2011, the most meaningful ones are those given in service. While there are many “unsung” heroes in Ashland and while we humbling thank all associated with SRHS for making a difference in the lives of others, we felt it fitting to acknowledge those special individuals who were the recipients of the 2011 Samaritan Hospital Foundation Awards.
Time, Talent and Treasure Recipient: Dr. Katherine Hess, an Ashland resident, has been practicing medicine in Ashland since 1980, seeing patients through a private practice and also serving as one of the medical directors at Hospice of North Central Ohio. She served on the Development Committee for the Ashland Christian Health Center in 2002 and continues to remain active with that organization, volunteering her time to see patients. Even as a busy physician, Dr. Hess has always been a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, as well as an active member of her church.
Time, Talent and Treasure Recipient: Connie Jenkins is a mailroom clerk at SRHS. Award presenter Bev Spreng, director of the Samaritan Hospital Foundation, said “Connie doesn’t just sit in her family room, watching TV and hearing about suffering women and children on the other side of the globe; perhaps shedding a tear, perhaps feeing sorry, perhaps saying a quick prayer that someone will do something to help these desperate, hopeless people. She doesn’t send a $5 donation, instead, she buys a plane ticket to Rwanda or Kenya, finds out what needs done and makes it happen.” Connie’s many accomplishments include: an above ground water cistern built in Rikoro to hold a year’s worth of clean drinking water; the purchase of 72 goats to support the lively hood of Rwanda widows and their children; and a metal lined storage container to prevent food from being ravaged by rodents at an orphanage. Connie founded and runs “Hope for the Weary Ministry,” a nonprofit organization.
Time, Talent and Treasure Recipient: Tom McGee originally came to Ashland with his family on a three year assignment with his employer, Goodyear Chemical Division. After the three years, they decided to stay, as Tom felt Ashland was a place where he could become involved and truly make a difference. Since then, Tom’s visionary efforts have made a lasting impact on the community. As the chairman of the City of Ashland’s Planning Commission, Tom headed the final effort to realize the 250 bypass and has been involved in all major plat approvals in the City.
Heart of Giving Award Recipient: In special recognition of Samaritan Hospital’s 100 year anniversary, Bud Ingmand and Barbara Erickson accepted this award in honor of their heritage and generational trademark of community service. Their grandparents, J.L. and Mary Clark gave Samaritan Hospital to Ashland, and their parents, Robert and Marjorie Ingmand, continued the family legacy. Speaking on behalf of the family, Bud said his parents took over the philanthropic role of his grandparents, which is something he and his sister continued and is just as evident in their children and grandchildren.
Jerry Seiter Community Service Award Recipient: Retired Ashland YMCA Director Jerry Seiter was honored with this inaugural award, appropriately named after him. Jerry has left his mark at the Ashland YMCA, including renovations of the original space and the addition of a double gym, three lane walking track, six classrooms, including a preschool, and a new Wellness Center for community use. A proponent of health and wellness, Jerry has also established a growing corporate membership program. In addition, Jerry, along with Ashland University, Samaritan Hospital and Ashland City Schools, helped to develop the Kidz Fit program to combat childhood obesity and create healthier lifestyles. Another program developed by Jerry is the Partner with Youth, providing memberships to the Ashland YMCA for needy children. Jerry’s encouragement led to the creation of the Joy of Living Camp, developed 18 years ago by his friend, Pastor Dale Engle. The camp offers opportunities to inner-city and underprivileged children to attend Summer Camp.
Congratulations to everyone who makes a difference!
