They are punctual and conscientious in the fulfillment of their duties, and strive to make their work of the highest quality.

It's no wonder then why a group who freely gives of their time was hailed during the recent Volunteer Recognition Program and New Member Tea of the Palmerton Hospital Auxiliary and Blue Mountain Health System.The volunteers were recognized in the third-floor conference room, where they were welcomed by Priscilla Offen, president of the auxiliary."This is a nice way to recognize our volunteers and recognize new members," said Offen.The group was then led in prayer by Joe Guardiani, vice president of BMHS Fund Development and Auxiliary Liaison."You all are the most important thing I'll do today," Guardiani said. "That's the most important thing, to say thank you."Dorothy Patzek, vice president of nursing, offered greetings."This truly is the highlight of my day," Patzek said."I'm always in awe of the work of the auxiliary."Joann Kercsmar, president-elect, presided over the awards presentation.Those recognized with volunteer awards were as follows:• 50-hour certificates: Sheila Lannak, Marion Rodgers, Janice Strauss and Debbie Wert• 100-hour pin: Janice Strauss and Debbie Wert• 500-hour pin: Carol Curcio and Mary Levandusky• 1,000-hour pin: Brenda Mull• 3,000-hour pin: Emily Bradbury and Margaret Kuhet• 4,000-hour pin: Priscilla Offen and JoAnne Ritter• 9,000-hour pin: Violet Strickland.Offen recognized the following new auxiliary members as of April: Tammy Berger, Amy Breiner, Alice Buskirk, Deborah Higgs, Joanne King, Phyllis Kreiss, Dottie Lang, Sheila Lannak, Patricia Moyer, Irina Skrapits, Brenda Smellowsky, Becky Steigerwalt, and Kimberly Wentz.