For 50 years volunteers have played an important role at Northampton County’s Gracedale Nursing Home, and on April 13 volunteers, Gracedale staff, county officials and residents celebrated those volunteer efforts at the 44th annual volunteer recognition ceremony. “It’s part of your heart …. and you are part of what makes Gracedale so special,” said Northampton County executive Lamont McClure.

Hosted by the Gracedale Nursing Home’s volunteer services department, current coordinator of volunteers Jennie Repsher welcomed attendees. She recognized past volunteer coordinators Lorita Musselman (1975-1996), JoLynn Claroni (1996-2012) and Michael Colon ((2012-2018).

On the job for just a month, current Gracedale administrator Michelle Morton remarked, “I can already see what a vital program it is for our community.”

McClure’s remarks centered on his efforts to keep Gracedale a county home, both as a member of Northampton County council and as county executive. “My primary responsibility has been that Gracedale remain a county home and we (the county) and voters supported that.”

Spiritual services organizations (14), groups and organizations (16) and individual volunteers (78) received certificates of recognition. Briana Horvath (4,811 hours), Lorita Musselman (3,259 hours), David Bosich (2,899 hours) and Linda Hutnick (2,610 hours) achieved the highest number of hours.

Repsher noted that volunteers provided 5,145 hours in 2024 with a financial impact of $153,000 for Gracedale.

A moment of silence was observed for those volunteers who had passed, after which those assembled adjourned to enjoy refreshments prepared by the Gracedale dining services.