Levindale and Courtland Gardens Fete Volunteers

The beginning of December can be a chilly, gray time of year. However, for volunteers at Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital and Courtland Gardens Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, the first week of month was filled with warmth and praise.

The annual Volunteer Dessert Tea was held in Levindale’s Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room on Friday to honor the nearly 200 volunteers who spend some of their precious time assisting residents, patients and staff members at Courtland Gardens and Levindale.

Volunteer Manager Janine Boulad has a special reason for hosting the tea during the first week of the month every year. In 1985, the United Nations designated December 5 as International Volunteer day; a day set aside to thank volunteers their contributions.

And that’s exactly what Janine does. “The words 'thank you' sound very inadequate because the men, women and teens who donate their time at Courtland Gardens and Levindale do an incredible job of providing both tangible and intangible extras," she said.

At this year’s event, the keynote speaker was Gary Applebaum, MD, the executive director of Season’s Hospice & Palliative Care. He spoke from the heart about how important and meaningful the role of volunteers is.

After his speech, Janine presented awards to the volunteers who reached milestones during 2010. Edith Judelson was recognized for volunteer 9,000 hours at Courtland Gardens. Ruth Lebowitz and Carol Werdig hit the 4,000-hour mark at Levindale. Not to be outdone, resident volunteers, Arthur Abrams from Courtland Gardens and Mike Tucker from Levindale, were both honored for their dedication.

Fruit tarts, macaroons and brownies were served at the tea, and all attendees received corkscrews as part of this year’s bountiful harvest theme. Before people left, the volunteers also helped to create poster as part of a contest to share the innovative ways they provide great care at Courtland Gardens and Levindale.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer at Levindale or Courtland Gardens, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
-Helene King