LEWISTON — Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice (AHCH) presented the Robert D. Turcotte Award to three individuals at recent volunteer recognition events held in Auburn, Farmington and Bethel.

The award is presented in honor of Robert Turcotte, an Auburn resident, who was treasurer of the AHCH board of directors from 1978 until his death in 1982. AHCH gives the award in acknowledgement of outstanding contributions to the promotion of home health care.

The 2010 award recipients are:

Mary Begert of Lewiston, a bereavement, hospice, hospice house, pet therapy and annual fund volunteer. Begert provides kitchen support at the Hospice House, Stetson Road, Auburn, and she has a trained therapy dog named “Maggie” that she brings in to visit with patients and family members.

As a bereavement volunteer, she works one-on-one with family members who are struggling to come to terms with the death of a loved one. She has taken her skills to another level as a grief group facilitator.

John Whalen of Auburn is an organizer of the 5K Run and Remembrance Walk for the Hospice House. His wife’s experience at the Hospice House prompted him to establish the KMW fund, which supports care at the Hospice House for individuals who do not have insurance.

Through his efforts the Hospice House 5K and Remembrance Walk was initiated. The event does much more than raise money, it offers the opportunity for family and friends to join together to remember their loved one. When called upon, Whalen is always willing to speak to the impact hospice care has on patients and family members.

Carole Ressler of Auburn is a hospice and office volunteer and a member of the Volunteer Life Stories Committee. In 2009, she responded to a plea for skilled office volunteers for the hospice department in Lewiston. Ressler transformed the way that the hospice team utilizes the expertise of experienced office volunteers.

“Our volunteers are vital and highly regarded members of our hospice team. They are integral in providing compassionate care to our patients and families. We are honored to recognize the leadership and commitment of these award recipients,” said Julie Shackley, AHCH president/CEO.

More information about AHCH can be found at www.ahch.org.