Mahoning Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center honored its "shining stars" Friday at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Tea.

"What comes to mind when you hear the word "star?" questioned Cindy Swatt, activity director, who served as mistress of ceremonies.Swatt said the shining star volunteers at the center help brighten the day for the staff and residents."No one could ever say Mahoning Valley Nursing Home is dark and void of light," she said."Laughter from our residents can be heard from the activity room, dining room and during an activity program," said Swatt.She said smiles and laughter are present whenever "the shining stars" brighten a resident's room."Even a small flicker of light can eliminate darkness," Swatt said.She said that in her youth she thought of movie "stars" as heroes, but today she thinks the heroes are the volunteers at the center."You save the day for our residents," she said. "Through your programs, kind words, listening to our residents, offering solace, smiles, a gentle touch, and laughter with our residents eliminates the darkness."Swatt compared the volunteers to the sun, our closest star."Like our sun in the Milky Way, you are full of energy, offer light and bond with our residents," she said. "They feel love, warmth, compassion and care radiating from you."Swatt said that if volunteers ever wondered if they made a difference, she assured them that they do in a big way."You brighten the days of others being the great volunteer you are," she added. "You make a difference because you are a star."Nancy Snyder, activity staff member, said that there are many groups of volunteers at the center.There are those who assist with church services, including Eucharist ministers, piano players and hymn singers; bingo volunteers; those who play music; card players; veterans projects; costumed people; and those who do paperwork."If we did name a Volunteer of the Year it would be Barbara Arner," said Snyder. "She is here to do whatever needs to be done.To complete her comments, she had the group sing "You Are My Sunshine," and then asked everyone to turn on their gift to shine some light, while singing.Each volunteer was given a small flashlight as a token from the center.Mike Mickey, CEO and president, also made some comments to the volunteers."You do so much for our residents," said Mickey. "Our staff appreciates all you do to brighten our residents' days."Mickey said that while the past winter was long, he continued to see the volunteers show up in all kinds of weather on a regular basis."You truly make a difference to our residents," said Mickey.Following the program, several of the volunteers shared special moments they had with the residents.Cake and punch were served by the staff members.David Westrip, a volunteer, provided the musical entertainment.