Chambers and James present inaugural Beacon Award

FOLLANSBEE -- The staff of Chambers and James Funeral Homes hosted their first Beacon Award Ceremony Tuesday at Saint Francis Centre to honor those in the health care profession.

Chambers and James Funeral Homes reached out to around 15 nursing and hospice homes and requested each facility nominate a person they felt deserves recognition based on their extraordinary service, lending a helping hand and making someone's life better.

In the award's first year, Chambers and James received nine nominees.

"We were just blown away by the support and recognition by those who nominated," said Chambers and James Funeral Homes owner Eric Fithyan.

Fithyan said himself and the staff decided to organize the Beacon Award Ceremony because they want to spread some motivation to those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

"Over the years, we at Chambers and James received some awards that kept our momentum going," said Fithyan. "We wanted to spread that energy."

Fithyan added that an unbiased committee was formed to select the recipient of the Beacon Award.

The committee consisted of Jennifer Kelly, who formerly worked in the human resources field, and Kathy Yecko, a nurse. Both Kelly and Yecko live out of the area.

"We didn't want this to be a popularity contest," said Fithyan.

The award went to Pam Wood of Gables Care Center, who was nominated by Community Director of Marketing Nancy Felton.

Wood is the activities director at Gables where she has worked for more than 21 years. Wood started as a state-tested nursing assistant in her senior year of high school. However, around five years ago, the Gables were in need of an activities director. Wood took on the role. Wood has twice received "Employee of the Year" and she continues to hold her STNA Certification.

Felton said Wood's contributions go much further than professional achievement.

"Pam makes my job easier," said Felton. "Marketing begins on the inside before it reaches to the outside."

Holidays are Wood's favorite at the facility.

"She plans major events that would give the Oscars a run for their money," said Felton.

From Senior Prom with a "The Wizard of Oz" theme to National Nursing Home Week, Wood celebrates it all, but the one event that shows Wood's selflessness is her Family Christmas Day at the Gables.

"Pam's husband plays Santa and her kids are the elves, which are grown now," noted Fithyan. "She tells Nancy it is not an option for the family, it is a requirement."

"I am honored and privileged to even have been nominated, but to win is a surprise," said Wood. "I just want to say thank you to everyone. I never expected any rewards."

Other nominees include:

¯ Executive Assistant, Medical Records and Volunteer Coordinator Diane Wasco of Charity Hospice, nominated by Cathy Cich, founder.

¯ Companion Mary Valentino of IC Care, nominated by Tate Blanchard, director of marketing and community outreach.

¯ Dietary Supervisor and Cook Mary Toner of Woodland Hills, nominated by Tamela McQuiston, owner.

¯ Social Services Coordinator Denise Rawson of Altercare Adena, nominated by Jennifer George, executive director.

¯ Administrative Assistant Barbie Elliott of Carriage Inn, nominated by Andrea Taylor, administrator.

¯ Resident Assistant Christine Doggett of Wyngate Senior Living Community, nominated by Mark Cummings, resident manager.

¯ LPN Supervisor Rhonda Barnhart of Brightwood Center, nominated by Kathy Hadden, administrator.

¯ LPN Patricia Bailey of Valley Hospice, nominated by Natalie Bolock, vice president of administration and support services.

(Linder can be contacted at tlinder@heraldstaronline.com)