WATERBURY, Conn. (May 25, 2006) – Saint Mary’s recently honored the accomplishments of 31 volunteers at the hospital’s annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Country Club of Waterbury.

Nancy Krulikowski, who is a humorist, RN and APRN at Saint Mary's, and was guest speaker at the event.

The event, held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week, celebrated the hundreds of active adult and junior volunteers who provide inspiration through their dedication and commitment to Saint Mary’s patients and staff.

Awards were presented to individuals in recognition of the personal milestones of volunteer service they have achieved, ranging from 500 to 13,500 hours.

"Last year, our volunteers donated 31,000 cumulative hours of service to the hospital. They make a difference every hour of every day, whether they work in the emergency department, the gift shop or at the reception desk. No matter where they are, they are a very big part of who we are in this community,” said Robert P. Ritz, president and CEO of Saint Mary’s Health System, who presented each honoree with a certificate and pin in recognition of their service to Saint Mary’s.

Awards (listed by town):

Cheshire – Joel Kronengold (2,500 hours)

Naugatuck – Donald Stabile (500 and 1,000 hours)

Prospect – Eleanor Buonocore (1,500 hours)

Residents of Waterbury who were honored at Saint Mary’s annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon share a laugh with Nancy Krulikowski, APRN and humorist, who was the guest speaker at the event.

Southbury – Copey Smith (2,000 hours)

Southington – Loretta Zabit (2,000 hours)

Waterbury – Barbara Abromaitis (2,000 hours), Louise Boulanger (2,500 hours), Janice Brouillard (1,000 hours), Lawrence Chiucarello (7,000 hours), David Cuddeback (13,000 and 13,500 hours), Eleanor DiLorenzo (2,500 and 3,000 hours), Marie DiPietro (3,000 hours), Alfred Durante (500 hours), Denise Kennedy (500 hours), Elizabeth Knightly (2,500 hours), Margaret Luddy (500 hours), Ellen Madden (500 hours), Florence Malefant (1,500 hours), Angeline Mangiapane (4,500 hours), Elizabeth Mannello (500 hours), Jacqulyn Marshak (3,000 and 3,500 hours), Lucille Martin (2,000 hours), Marion Mayor (12,000 and 12,500 hours), Margaret Naughton (2,500 hours), Catherine Nesta (2,500 hours), Dolores Nole (1,000 hours), Tomas Rodriquez (4,500 and 5,000 hours), Irene Scopino (500 hours) and Eva Sills (2,000 hours

Watertown – Patricia Keavney (1,500 hours)

Wolcott – Betty Lozier (500 hours)