LRGH volunteers Gulick, Smith receive Vaughan award

LRGHealthcare volunteers Emily Gulick and Fred Smith were presented with the 2006 Joseph D. Vaughan Award by Gov. John Lynch on May 9.

The award was created in 1962 in memory of the Honorable Joseph D. Vaughan, a New Hampshire legislator who was an advocate of the elderly. Each year N.H. State Committee on Aging and N.H. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Elderly and Adult Services presents the award in recognition of outstanding volunteer leaders.

Emily Gulick is a volunteer at Franklin Regional Hospital, and has led the line dancing classes for seniors at the TRIP Center in Franklin for more than eight years, representing Franklin Regional Hospital. Gulick has physical limitations, which make it painful for her to teach this program, but that has not stopped her. She continues to make every effort to teach and participate and is an inspiration to all who meet her. The original class was once a week and has been extended to twice weekly. The loyal group of seniors involved in this program continues to grow.

Gulick serves on the board of Franklin Visiting Nurse Association, TRIP (Twin Rivers Intergenerational Program) Advisory Council, Apollo Senior Club as president, and is a hospice volunteer for Franklin VNA. She stands on her feet every Thursday to serve the congregate Meals on Wheels lunch at the TRIP and fills in when needed.

“She is always willing to pitch in and help out wherever she can. Emily’s hours are countless and she gives limitlessly to support the Franklin area senior population,” said Sandy Marshall, Franklin Regional Hospital volunteer coordinator.

Fred Smith has been a volunteer at Lakes Regional General Hospital since 1997. Since 2000, Fred’s primary involvement has been in the hospital’s Medication Connection. The program assists clients, who qualify financially, obtain their medications free of charge from the pharmaceutical companies. At least 50-percent of the clients are the elderly whom many times need to choose between putting food on the table or having their prescriptions filled. Too often, the prescription is not filled, or is cut in half, thus opening the door to the escalation of health programs.

In addition, Smith spends one afternoon a week in the hospital pharmacy doing various tasks to assist the staff at the in-house pharmacy. He has also served as chairman of the LRGHealthcare Board of Trustees, stepping down in January.

“Fred’s enthusiasm and countless hours spent championing the needs of the elderly and under-served in our community has been remarkable. His devotion and enthusiasm has been instrumental in ensuring that the Medication Connection benefits are available to the people who need them,” said Lynne Devivo, LRGH volunteer director.