Three were feted at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception.

Melissa Bogatz, coordinator of volunteers at Saint Mary Home, volunteer Howard Hahn, and Bill Fiocchetta, president and CEO of The Mercy Community, celebrate his 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award win. Submitted photo

Submitted by Christine Looby, The Mercy Community

The Mercy Community, West Hartford’s premier continuing care retirement community, honored three West Hartford residents during its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception held April 11 in the Saint Mary Home Auditorium.

Mr. Howard Hahn of Ironwood Road received Saint Mary Home’s Volunteer of the Year Award; Reverend Leonard Clough and Mrs. Mildred Neusner, both of Steele Road, were lauded for their work as volunteers at The McAuley. More than 80 individuals from the community attended the event, which featured The Rob Fletcher Jazz Quartet in a performance of hits from such legends as Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

William J. Fiocchetta, president and chief executive officer of The Mercy Community, told the volunteers:  “The late poet Maya Angelou said:  ‘Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.’ That is how you are. Many of you go about your volunteer roles quietly, not drawing attention to yourselves or your generosity, but rather, showering your attention upon our residents and clients. Still, your spirit, your goodness, and your compassion glow brightly, and that light warms the hearts of all of us who live and work on The Mercy Community campus.”