PORT ANGELES — Soroptimist International of Port Angeles Jet Set has honored 12 Port Angeles residents as Women of Distinction Behind the Scenes.
Awards were made at the group’s April 12 breakfast held at the Port Angeles Senior & Community Center.
The Jet Set group honors women who act as ideal role models for other women in that they have made outstanding achievements in their professional, business or voluntary activities; demonstrated exemplary character and integrity along with outstanding ability and leadership; performed activities relating to a Soroptimist program of service; economic and social development, education, environment, health, human rights/status of women, international goodwill and understanding.
The Bear Ladies — Maxine King, Dee Merrill, Mary O’Sullivan, Nancy Phillips, Karen Schoenfeldt, Shirley Weatherbee, and Diane Weyerman — were honored as well as individuals Lori Cates, Teresa DeRousie, Jo Johnston, Sam Minkoff and Reta Vigoren as the Jet Set Club’s 2018 Women of Distinction Behind the Scenes.
Excerpts from the nominations are as follows:
• Bear Ladies, nominated by Olympic Medical Center lab staff.
“Maxine King, Dee Merrill, Mary O’Sullivan, Nancy Phillips, Karen Schoenfeldt, Shirley Weatherbee, and Diane Weyerman make up the regular ‘Bear Ladies’ crew, with others dropping by the Weatherbee house weekly over the last 20 years to enjoy lunch or a card game and work on the bears.
The group, retired nurses and members of Fairview Bible Church, make about 600 bears each year. Some are specialty editions like the pink ones for breast cancer awareness, or the Seahawk ones for charity auctions.
Olympic Medical Center lab staff have found it helpful to let a child pick a bear to squeeze during a blood draw.
This has given them something to focus on while the phlebotomist is drawing and also keeps their other hand busy so they are not pulling at the needle or tourniquet. Beyond the lab, OMC emergency room staff have experienced the positive impact the bears have on patients.
Anyone wishing to donate material or stuffing can drop it off at White Crane Martial Arts downtown.”
• Lori Cates, nominated by Priya Jayadev, executive director of Clallam Mosaic.
“Lori Cates has been involved with Mosaic since 2005, when her daughter Bonny started attending Clallam Mosaic’s day program. Unlike many family and caregivers who drop off their loved ones and utilize the class time as respite time for themselves, Lori continually stays to help with programs.
“Lori contributes more than 100 hours of volunteer service to Mosaic every year. As a small nonprofit with limited financial means and staffing, volunteers are much needed in order for us to optimally deliver our programs to individuals with developmental disabilities.
“Lori maintains an easy rapport with participants so that she is able to engage in facilitating their involvement in classroom activities. Participants feel comfortable with her assistance and often seek her out for support. She is dependable and willing to step in no matter how complex or menial the task. She is just as willing to work one-on-one with client as as they learn literacy skills as she is to help move chairs and wash dishes.”
• Teresa DeRousie, nominated by Sam Phillips, fire chief of Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue.
After joining the district as a volunteer five years ago, DeRousie attended Peninsula College to obtain her certification as an emergency medical technician, Phillips said, adding that the training took more than 114 hours followed by testing at the college and with the National EMT Registry. She was awarded her EMT by the state Department of Health shortly after completing the program.
“Teresa has represented our fire district and the community during children’s bicycle rodeos at a local retail establishment,” Phillips said. “She has assisted every year with our educational booth at the KONP Home & Lifestyle Show often staffing the booth for two days in a row.
“Annually, Teresa can be found teaching children fire safety at the Kid’s Fest Safety Fair in the Vern Burton Community building. Moreover, Teresa donates her time with local health and safety fairs on behalf of the fire district.
“Teresa also serves as our program coordinator for the fire district’s community First Aid, CPR/AED training program where she teaches a monthly daylong class. As the coordinator, she is responsible for coordinating the monthly classes, arranging for the instructors to be prepared and on hand, management of the CPR manikins and issuing CPR cards to successful students.”
• Jo Johnston, nominated by Randy Johnson, Clallam County commissioner, District II.
“Jo is a one of a kind tireless volunteer that just gets things accomplished without any fanfare and never takes credit for any of her accomplishments….As a general comment, because of her humble background, she has a unique ability to relate to the individuals and nonprofits that help our community,” Johnson said.
“First as her employer, she reviewed all nonprofit requests for funding as well as sitting on many nonprofit boards. In this endeavor, she reviewed all requests and always gave me her opinion as to the fit for the greatest community good. Since she was on the board of many of these entities, she never hesitated to also step up and help out if there was a need.
“On the YMCA Board, she has been a stalwart volunteer for many activities ranging from fund raising to strategic planning as well as having been president.’
Johnson said that Johnston was an important voice in the expansion of the Y into Sequim.
“Another new activity Jo is involved in deals with the Peninsula College Foundation, which began a program called Finish Line.” Johnson said. “This program helps individuals finish their college program when they are about to drop out due to short-term financial stress.
• Sam Minkoff, nominated by D Bellamente, director of Port Angeles Senior Center.
“Serena (Sam) Minkoff has been an active volunteer for the Port Angeles Senior Center (PASC) for well over 12 years, Bellamente said.
”She has been a dedicated volunteer who helps in a variety of ways. Sam volunteers as the director and piano player for our Senior Singers Chorus. She is responsible for scheduling the chorus’ visits to our local assisted living venues, rehabilitation, and nursing homes. Sam drives our group to Sequim to sing for the folks in facilities there. Sam is deeply touched by her volunteer work with this group, as she witnesses first hand, the positive effect singing and music have on those entertained by Senior Singers.
“Sam has driven thousands of miles as a volunteer driver for the PASC. She has added to the joy of our trips for our travelers with her excellent driving skills, friendliness, and attention to our ‘tripsters.’
Her commitment to volunteering extends past our doors to benefit the entire community. She currently volunteers with the Port Angeles Police Department. Sam also volunteers to play the piano at her church. Sam inspires others to volunteer with her positive attitude of service.”
• Reta Vigoren, nominated by Jean Hordyk.
Information was provided by Kathy Coombes, Olympic Medical Center volunteer coordinator.
Vigoren began volunteering at Olympic Medical Center when her son entered kindergarten around 1953.
“We can only imagine the changes Reta has seen since then,” the nomination said. “The one thing that has not changed is her dedication to serving our patients, staff, visitors and community.
“Reta volunteers every Thursday and has held many positions. Currently Reta is a floor runner which involves interacting with patients and assisting in any way she can.
“She cheerfully takes around the hospitality cart to patients who may need a magazine or special item. If the item is not on the cart, you can be sure Reta will find it. Reta welcomes all with her contagious smile and sunny disposition. She will direct you to your destination and most likely walk you and make sure you find your way. She is ready to escort by wheelchair if necessary and assists with discharges from the hospital.
“You will not meet a more loving and compassionate woman. To say she walks her talk is an understatement. Reta sincerely loves to listen and find out the best way she can help in any give situation.”
Vigoren is a member of Bethany Pentecostal Church, where her husband Omer has been the pastor for 50 years, and is involved in virtually every aspect of the church, including flowers, gifts and cards, vacation Bible school, choir director, and leading the prayer chain.
