LEWISTON — Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice presented the Robert D. Turcotte Award to three individuals at the spring Volunteer Recognition events held in Auburn, Farmington and Bridgton.

The award is presented in honor of Robert Turcotte, an Auburn resident who was treasurer of the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Board of Directors from 1978 until his death in 1982. Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice gives this award in acknowledgement of outstanding contributions to the promotion of home health care.

The 2014 award recipients are:

Melanie Lee, of Auburn, a volunteer since March 2007, has dutifully arrived every Tuesday afternoon at Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice’s Hospice House to provide one-on-one therapeutic harp music to dying patients and for patients and families in the rotunda. Her music fills the building with the soothing sound of the harp bringing comfort and a sense of peace to all who are present.

Patients, families and visitors at the Hospice House frequently comment on the warm welcome, joyful environment and energy they feel when Melanie plays her music. Melanie is a full-time teacher, among other things, and still makes time to give back by sharing her special gift with patients, families, visitors and staff.

Bob Oliver, of Lewiston, a volunteer since October 2005, has been known to have up to five patients at one time. All the patients he visits are in the home setting receiving one of the following services: hospice, skilled home care, Compass Care or the Community Care Team.

Bob does things that increase a person’s quality of life. He took a patient to his home town, helped a patient record his life story, took a patient to visit his wife’s grave, took patients for ice cream on a nice summer day and has taken patients for rides around the lake. It does not matter what program the patient is under or what services they need, Bob is willing to help in any way he can.

Bob was a volunteer for two families in the past who were on hospice services and because of the great support he offered, the spouses of those patients later became volunteers for the agency and continue to volunteer today. Bob has had several patients for a year or more and he stays committed to them week after week and is there till the end.

Cyndi Robbins, of Poland, made a commitment to Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice after the loss of her husband, Mel, in 2007. Cyndi remains as passionately dedicated as she was from day one. She gives of her time, her finances, her resources and of herself.

Cyndi is serving her third term as chair of the Autumn Night Out planning committee, is a member of the Board of Directors and a donor to the Annual Fund. She drives from Poland Spring on a regular basis to attend committee meetings, board meetings or to just say hello.

She will also warmly welcome you into her home to be showered by kisses from her five friendly cocker spaniels or tour you through the Victorian home she is currently renovating. On the morning of Autumn Night Out you will find Cyndi, right alongside other volunteers, loading auction items, setting up tables, decorating and lending a hand wherever possible. Cyndi rolls up her sleeves and is as “hands on” as a committee chair can get. Cyndi gives of herself enthusiastically, joyfully and without hesitation while expecting nothing in return.

“Our volunteers are vital and highly regarded members of our team,” said Julie Shackley, president/CEO of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice. “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.”

For more information, visit www.AHCH.org.