The Homewood Star
A18 • April 2021
Community Have a community announcement? Email Ingrid Schnader at ischnader@starnespublishing.com to be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue.
6 at Brookwood Baptist presented with Melissa Cole Award The Medical Staff of Brookwood Baptist Medical Center recently honored six members of hospital staff with the distinguished Melissa Cole Award. The award, named in memory for the beloved team member who personified dedication and compassion in her role as a cardiac intensive care unit nurse, is presented annually to nurses and staff who demonstrate the same outstanding qualities that defined Cole’s work and career. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant career commitment to the care of patients at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center and who define the standards of great care and serve as role models for all. Recipients receive a plaque, monetary award and a temporary dedicated parking space. The 2020 Melissa Cole Award recipients are: ► Catherine Akhtar, RN – Cath Lab ► Jason Duke, CST – Main OR ► Laura Dunham, OTR/L – Behavioral Health
► Ann Johnson, RN – Emergency Department ► Lisa Williams, RN – 4 Main ► Shelly Miller, RN – Women’s Medical Center “The past year has been one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history, and the professionalism, determination and perseverance our staff has shown has been inspirational,” said Dr. Mark Adams, immediate past president of the Brookwood Medical Executive Committee and medical director of inpatient rehabilitation. “In particular, these six staff members truly embody what it means to be a health care hero, and I am humbled by the level of compassionate care they have demonstrated throughout the pandemic. On behalf of our entire medical staff, thank you for your exemplary service in patient care, and we are grateful to have you as part of our Brookwood family.” – Submitted by Laura Clark.
Pictured with Dr. Mark Adams, immediate past president of the Brookwood Medical Executive Committee, are 2020 Melissa Cole Award recipients Jason Duke, Lisa Williams, Ann Johnson, Catherine Akhtar and Laura Dunham. Photo courtesy of Laura Clark.
Milo’s Tea surprises grocery workers
From left: Ronnie Carlton, CEO Tricia Wallwork, Stan Virciglio and Andy Virciglio during Supermarket Employee Day celebration. Photo courtesy of Danielle Durange.
Fun fact: the Piggly Wiggly in Homewood was the first grocery store to sell gallons of Milo’s Tea in the 1980s. On Supermarket Employee Day, which was Feb. 22 in the holiday’s inaugural year, Milo’s Tea Co. decided to give back. The Milo’s Tea Co. Team, headed by CEO Tricia Wallmark, held a celebration with balloons to honor the essential workers who have made sure Birmingham families had food throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s a small thank you for a big job that kept our families well-stocked and fed during the pandemic,” the company said in a statement. One employee also won a drawing for free Milo’s tea for a year plus some Milo’s Tea Co. swag. – Submitted by Danielle Durange.
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE FOR SUSAN WILLIAMS
BEARD 4 BUCKS DELIVERS GOODIES
Susan Williams walked into a sweet surprise at work Feb. 24 at the CVS Pharmacy on U.S. 31. Every aisle and cash register had a sign announcing her 25th anniversary, and there were large banners hanging in front of the entrance and over the cash registers. Williams started working there when the business was a Big B drugstore, and she has formed personal relationships with her customers over the years. Will Weaver, the store operations manager, said she’s the hardest working person he’s ever met. Photo by Ingrid Schnader.
Members of the Homewood Police Department on Jan. 20 handed out goodie bags to the students at The Exceptional Foundation and presented a $1,600 check as part of the department’s annual Beards 4 Bucks campaign. The goodie bags and check are usually handed out and presented during Santa’s visit to the center in December, but it had to be postponed due to COVID-19. With the Beards 4 Bucks campaign, members of the Homewood Police Department can donate money to the campaign to grow out their facial hair. Photo courtesy of John Carr.