Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) recently held a luncheon at Stones River Country Club in Murfreesboro, Tenn., to honor the hospital’s volunteers as part of celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month.

Approximately 80 people attended the 2012 Volunteer Appreciation and Award Ceremony which recognized the outstanding service volunteers provide to the hospital. Every day, volunteers unselfishly donate extensive hours to MTMC through many different types of service ranging from staffing front desks throughout the hospital and providing vital services at nurses’ stations to assisting with process improvement initiatives.

The Daughters of Charity Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor presented to a volunteer. This year, MTMC presented the award to Ruth Gilliam, who has volunteered more than 5,000 hours at the hospital. A volunteer since 2000, Gilliam spends most of her volunteer time presiding over coffee duties, delivering flowers and assisting with mailings and other needed tasks. Her husband, Bob Gilliam, is also a volunteer at MTMC and works in the Wellness Center.

Carolyn Davenport received the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award. Davenport was chosen by her peers for being a kind, loving person and always ready to help others. Since she joined MTMC as a volunteer in August 2008, she has volunteered more than 1,600 hours. Davenport works regularly in the gift shop and has helped greet guests at the Bariatric Center.

Judy Overall, the 2011 Daughter of Charity Award winner, was recognized as the volunteer with the most hours of service. Overall, she has volunteered more than 18,000 hours of service at MTMC.

"Each volunteer has a unique gift and they are vital in every aspect of our organization, including creating a warm, friendly environment,” said Anne Davis, MTMC Foundation senior development officer, who oversees the volunteer program. "Volunteers make a positive difference at MTMC. They are your friends and neighbors, who are here because they have a heart to help others.  We are blessed to have both college age volunteers and more mature, retired or semi-retired participants."

More than 40 new volunteers were on board at MTMC in 2011, including a number of pre-med, pre-nursing and pre-pharmacy students from Middle Tennessee State University, Belmont University and Lipscomb University. Volunteers are placed in various departments at MTMC, including the Wellness Center, Dispensary of Hope, Cancer Center, Diabetes Center, Imaging, Bariatric Center, nursing units, emergency department, pastoral care, LEAN process improvement department and pharmacy and as shuttle drivers, mail and coffee deliverers and gift shop workers. In addition, many volunteers knit baby blankets, caps, bears and puppets for patients and several church groups participate with donations for the hospital critical care unit waiting room guests.

During the 2011 Fiscal Year, volunteers at MTMC gave 17,312 hours of service. According to a new report by the Independent Sector, the dollar value of an hour of volunteer time is estimated at $21.79. Based on the number of volunteer hours at MTMC for Fiscal Year 2011, those hours would be valued at more than $377,000.

To join the volunteer program at MTMC or obtain more information, visit www.MTMC.org/volunteer.php or contact Anne Davis at 615-396-4809 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About Middle Tennessee Medical Center

Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) is a member of Saint Thomas Health, Middle Tennessee’s faith-based, not-for-profit health care system with more than 6,500 associates. Saint Thomas Health is focused on transforming the health care experience and helping people live healthier lives, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable. The regional health system includes – Baptist Hospital, Saint Thomas Hospital and The Hospital for Spinal Surgery in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville – and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities. Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension Health, the largest Catholic, not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.mtmc.org or www.sths.com.

Nine people’s lives were saved by the efforts of 12 Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office officers during the past 13 months.

Sheriff Robert Arnold presented Lifesaving ribbons to the officers during an Awards Ceremony Tuesday at the sheriff’s office.

“I am proud of all of you,” Arnold told the award recipients. He also thanked the families who supported the deputies in their careers.

Three patrol deputies earned awards for their persistence in seizing more than 200 pounds of cocaine.

Also, Sheriff Arnold presented awards to nine officers named as Deputies of the Month.

Owner/General Manager David Lee of Ford of Murfreesboro presents an engraved watch each month to an outstanding officer chosen by the sheriff’s office.

Officers who received the Lifesaving Award include:

Patrol Deputy Luis Parra-Flores saved the wife of a mother who contemplated taking her own life March 8, 2011.

Patrol Deputy Roscoe Sanders risked his life to save a sleeping man when fire engulfed his home Aug. 3, 2011.

SRO Carl Watts of Smyrna Middle School rescued a child who planned to take his life Sept. 20, 2011.

SRO Sgt. Irvin Turner of Siegel High found a missing high school student armed with a knife threatening herself and other students Sept. 26, 2011. Turner calmed her down and convinced her to drop the knife without harming anyone.

Training Cpl. Greg Wassom negotiated with an armed, suicidal man for two hours and persuaded him not to take his own life Dec. 22, 2011.

Patrol Sgt. Trent Givens and Deputies Matt Powell and Shane Vaughn performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a man who suffered a heart attack at his home Jan. 14. They were able to save his life.

Detention Cpl. Joshua Cope observed an inmate hanging himself with a sheet in booking Feb. 10. Cpl. Cope lifted the inmate up and cut him down to save his life.

ICE Deputy Christian Wrather came upon a citizen having a heart attack and started CPR Feb. 16. Sgt. Mike George joined Wrather in performing CPR and saved the citizen’s life.

Patrol Deputy Jeff Verbruggen responded to a man suffering heart a heart attack March 25. He started CPR and followed the prompts of his Automated External Defibrillator to save the man’s life.

Sheriff Arnold presented a Sheriff’s Commendation to Patrol Cpl. Brian Wright for his persistence in an investigation that led to the recovery of more than 200 pounds of cocaine April 3 in the rural Florence community. The sheriff recognized Patrol Sgt. Chris Kauffman for using his experience in the investigation and Deputy Mike Hoekstra and K-9 Balu for locating the cocaine hidden in a horse trailer.

Narcotics Detective Sedric Fields received the first Officer of the Month award for seizing $14,996 from illegal drug proceeds in July.

Sanders risked his life to save a sleeping man when fire engulfed his home Aug. 3, 2011.

Watts of Smyrna Middle School rescued a child who planned to take his life Sept. 20, 2011.

Sgt. Turner saved the life of a high school student armed with a knife Sept. 26, 2011. Turner calmed her down and convinced her to drop the knife without harming anyone.

Cpl. Wassom negotiated with an armed, suicidal man for two hours and persuaded him not to take his own life Dec. 22, 2011.

Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy organized the Shop with a Sheriff event to provide Christmas to about 25 students and coordinated three Christmas parades.

SRO Michael Martin spotted a man threatening people while armed with a pistol Jan. 6 on the street in front of La Vergne School. SRO Martin recovered the pistol from the suspect and filed several felony charges against him.

Deputy Jon Levi of the Mounted Patrol Division worked with several Eagle Scouts to map and mark horse trails in the county to make the trails safer for citizens. Each trail will be marked with signs and will have GPS coordinates to allow quicker response time by emergency personnel.

Deputy Verbruggen responded to a man suffering heart a heart attack March 25. He started CPR and followed the prompts of his Automated External Defibrillator to save the man’s life.

Family members and friends attended the ceremony to support the deputies.

Lady Antebellum’s second Best Country Album Grammy in as many years means more accolades for MTSU after the 54th Grammy Awards ceremony Feb. 12.

Scott and Schleicher were two of nine MTSU alumni and/or former students nominated for their work on musical releases ranging from country to contemporary Christian to bluegrass.“Own the Night,” the trio’s third album, garnered the win for Hillary Scott, a 2004-06 MTSU recording-industry major and member of the group, as well as for engineer Clarke Schleicher (B.S. ’80). Both were Grammy winners in 2011 for “Need You Now.”

Music by 14 current and former MTSU School of Music professors was included in the catalog that earned a classical Producer of the Year nomination for Blanton Alspaugh. Three-time winner Judith Sherman took home that category’s Grammy.

“What makes this most satisfying is that we’re showing a level of consistency and expanding in these categories,” said Dr. Loren Mulraine, chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry. “When you start expanding into other areas of the industry, it shows a depth and breadth in your program, and that’s most exciting for us.

“Success breeds success, and we expect to see success on an ongoing basis.”

The Lady Antebellum album win bumped several MTSU nominees who had been recognized for their work on three of the other competing albums.

Those MTSU-trained nominees for their work in the Best Country Album category included:

• Brandon Epps (recording-industry major, 1996-2001), engineer for “My Kinda Party” by Jason Aldean;
• Jason Hall (B.S. ‘00), engineer for “Chief” by Eric Church;
• Michael Knox (B.S. ’91), producer for Aldean’s “My Kinda Party”; and
• Brandon Schexnayder (B.S. ’05), engineer for “Here for a Good Time” by George Strait.

Knox, a College of Mass Communication alumnus, had three other Grammy-nominated projects:

• Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Aldean with Kelly Clarkson, “Don’t You Wanna Stay” (won by The Civil Wars for “Barton Hollow);
• Best Country Solo Performance: Aldean’s “Dirt Road Anthem” (won by Taylor Swift’s “Mean”); and
• Best Country Song: “Just Fishin’” by Trace Adkins (also won by Swift’s “Mean”).

Recording-industry alumnus Dave Barnes (B.S. ’00), writer of “God Gave Me You,” performed by Blake Shelton, also was nominated in the Best Country Song category.

Fellow alumnus Brandon Heath (B.U.S. ’03) earned three nominations for his contemporary Christian project “Leaving Eden,” including:

• Best Contemporary Christian Music Album;
• Best Contemporary Christian Music Song as co-writer for “Your Love,” the album’s second cut; and
• Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “Your Love.”

Brandon Bell (B.S. ’04) was nominated in the Best Engineered Non-Classical Album category as co-engineer on “Follow Me Down” by Sarah Jarosz. Alison Krauss and Union Station’s “Paper Airplane” producer, Mike Shipley, won that Grammy.

Among his other credentials, classical nominee Alspaugh produced “Osterfield: Rocky Streams” by MTSU School of Music faculty members Paul Osterfield and Todd Waldecker.

The CD also features performances by current music professors Don Aliquo, Michael Arndt, Sandra Arndt, Deanna R. Little, David Loucky, Tim Pearson, Dewayne Pigg, Stephen Smith and William Yelverton and former School of Music faculty members James Douglass, Caleb Harris and Maya Stone.

“We’re very pleased to see that a recording by School of Music professor Paul Osterfield was included in producer Blanton Alspaugh’s Grammy nomination and that another 12 of our music faculty members helped the music come to life as performers,” said Dr. George Riordan, director of MTSU’s School of Music.

“This international recognition of the artistry of our MTSU professors as composer and performers is another milestone in the development of the School of Music as a national player, and we congratulate all of those involved, our faculty members and producer Alspaugh.”

The Grammy Awards ceremony was broadcast live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS. Except for Best Country Album, the categories affecting MTSU nominees were announced in the pretelecast award ceremony.

– Gina E. Fann ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

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Somewhere in the great beyond Uncle Dave Macon is smiling

Uncle Dave Macon Days, the nationally-recognized music and dance festival, which is the namesake of one of the Grand Ole Opry’s earliest banjo-playing stars, will be honoring two performers known for their love and mastery of the five-string instrument during this year’s event, July 13-15.

Grand Ole Opry star, Mike Snider will be presented the 2012 Heritage Award, Saturday, July 14, at 7 p.m. On the opening night of the three-day festival, Bluegrass music legend, J. D. Crowe will be the recipient of the 2012 Trailblazer Award at 7 p.m., Friday, July 13.

“We are celebrating our 35th anniversary of Uncle Dave Macon Days this summer and are especially excited our two award winners are both outstanding entertainers who, like Uncle Dave, embraced the banjo and have taken it to so many audiences,” said Gloria Christy festival president.

The Heritage Award recognizes an individual who has spent a lifetime perpetuating and preserving old-time music.  Snider certainly meets the criteria. He grew up in the rural town of Gleason, TN and continues to live there today.  Falling in love with the banjo as a 16-year-old teenager, he often carried it with him while doing his afternoon farm chores.  After winning the 1983 national Bluegrass banjo contest in Winfield, KS, he became a part of the syndicated television show,  Hee-Haw,  and landed  a seven-year gig at the former Opryland USA theme park.  The west-Tennessee native was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1990.

In addition to his genuine sense of humor he often displays on stage, Snider also has a deep affection for the frailing style of playing the banjo first shown to him by the late Grandpa Jones. Today on the Opry, he and his band members, often play a rousing old-time fiddle tune during the broadcast.  WSM-AM radio personality, Eddie Stubbs calls them the “best string band in the nation.”

“I am thankful to be chosen for an award that has to do with good ole string band music,” said Snider. “I feel like I’m in the business for the same reason as Uncle Dave; for the joy of playing the tunes and sharing a laugh or two with the common everyday folks.  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in July.”

The bluegrass  banjo legend,  James Dee  “J. D.”  Crowe fits the bill perfectly for the Trailblazer Award.  As a teen in the 1956, he joined ranks with Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys. In the mid 1960s he formed the Kentucky Mountain Boys with Doyle Lawson, Red Allen and Bobby Sloan. A new generation of bluegrass lovers was inspired  in the mid-1970s with his band J. D. Crowe  and the New South which helped to launch the careers of Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, Jerry Douglas, the late Keith Whitley and others. This band’s  1975 debut  on Rounder Records is considered one of the genre’s most important recordings. Crowe’s sound placed traditional standards along side of more contemporary tunes with a wealth of innovation .

The Kentucky native is known for his commitment to musical excellence and nurturing of fresh talent.  He won a Grammy in  1983, was a 2001 recipient of the Folk Heritage Award of the Kentucky Governor’s Awards  in the Arts and placed in the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame in 2003.

“I’m so honored to be a part of this year’s Uncle Dave Macon Days celebration and even more honored to be the recipient of the 2012 Trailblazer Award,” said Crowe. “When you think of what an important music trailblazer Uncle Dave Macon was, this award means even more to me.”

The 35th annual Uncle Dave Macon Days, a traditional old-time music and dance festival, July 13-15, will take place at historic Cannonsburgh Village, 312 N. Front St.  Gates open Friday at 1 p.m.  The three-day event features highly charged contests with more than $10,000 in prizes.  It is the home to the national championships in old-time banjo, buckdancing and clogging.  Enjoy arts and crafts, Saturday’s “Motorless” parade, shade-tree jamming, concessions, gospel singing in the chapel, living history demonstrations, a historic photo exhibit and more.  Admission charged on Friday and Saturday.  Sunday is free and features a gospel and shape-note singing and a Community Service Fair.   For more information visit www.uncledavemacondays.com  or www.facebook.com/UncleDaveMaconDays  or call (615) 893-2369 or 1-800- 716-7560.

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MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (Dec. 5, 2011) - Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) held its annual Physician Christmas Reception in the new Seton Medical Office Building on Dec. 1. During the event, MTMC’s Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. Edward Eastham, announced John H. Barton, Jr., MD as the physician of the year, Matthew O. Barrett, MD as the clinical excellence award recipient and James A. Nunnery, MD received the Olin Williams Distinguished Service award.

“MTMC has an outstanding medical staff and it’s an honor to recognize these three leaders who provide such exceptional care, skill and compassion to our patients and families,” said Gordon B. Ferguson, MTMC president and CEO.

Honored physicians were chosen by the MTMC medical staff. Possible areas for consideration when nominating physician of the year include longevity on the medical staff, hospital service, medical staff offices, committees, hospital board membership, medical and community service, and service to the needy.

Dr. John H. Barton, Jr., 2012 Physician of the Year, became a member of the MTMC medical staff in 1997 and practices at Tennessee Oncology. He is board-certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine, and served as the medical staff’s Chief of Medicine from 2004-2005. Dr. Barton has served numerous years on both the hospital’s cancer committee and ethics committee. He received his medical degree from the Wake Forest University Bowman Gray Medical School in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he went on to complete his residency and fellowship training.

“Dr. Barton is recognized by both the medical community and his patients for continuously providing the highest-level of care and compassion. He truly embodies the mission and values of MTMC, and we are proud to recognize him as Physician of the Year,” said Dr. Andy Brown, MTMC vice president of medical affairs.

Dr. Barton and his wife, Betsy, have two sons, Jack and Stephen, and enjoy adventure, travel, sports and gardening.

Dr. Matthew O. Barrett, 2012 Clinical Excellence Award recipient, is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement orthopaedic surgeon who received the award in recognition for bringing new techniques and new knowledge to the medical staff and for his leadership in guiding MTMC in becoming a Joint Replacement Center of Excellence. Dr. Barrett joined the MTMC medical staff in 2008 and practices at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance.

He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee- School of Medicine in Memphis and completed his orthopaedics residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital and Clinics. Dr. Barrett completed The Engh Joint Replacement Fellowship at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute in Alexandria, Va. He has authored 12 published articles in major orthopedic journals including Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, the foremost journal in the field of orthopaedics. He was also invited this year as a guest reviewer for the Journal of Arthroplasty.

Dr. Barrett lives in Murfreesboro with his wife, Sharman, and their two sons, Tyler, 4 and Jonathon, 2. He is accomplished in guitar and piano, an avid runner and enjoys woodworking and carpentry.

Dr. James A. Nunnery is the recipient of the Olin Williams Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to a physician who is dedicated to the betterment of MTMC and the community and who has shown great wisdom and compassion throughout their medical career. “Olin Williams was an enormously talented servant who loved this hospital and our community,” said Nunnery.

Dr. Nunnery first joined the medical staff in 1978 as a surgeon and was recruited by Dr. Olin Williams. He retired in 2003 after 25 years of service. In 2010, he returned to the medical staff after completing fellowship training in palliative medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical School in Nashville. Dr. Nunnery established the MTMC Palliative Medicine program which he currently serves as medical director. Palliative medicine includes the physical, spiritual, psychological and social treatment of suffering for patients with life-limiting or life-threatening illness.

Dr. Nunnery and his wife, Alice, have two grown children, Andy and Jennifer, and two grandchildren. They regularly attend First United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro.

The Sigma Omicron Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity presented the Triangle Achievement Award scholarship to two incoming MTSU freshmen on September 11, 2011. A Finalist's Reception hosted by the Sigma Omicron Alumni Association was held that day where the award winners were announced. Finalists and award winners were chosen with regard for scholarship, leadership and service. These areas make up the foundation of the fraternity’s tradition of excellence.

The scholarship is made available to men and women, 18 years of age or older, who are attending Middle Tennessee State University for Fall 2011 as first-time Incoming Freshmen and enrolled full-time by taking at least 12 hours of classes. This financial award is designed to help new students offset costs associated with attending college.

The award was presented in the form of a check for $250 each to students Macari Harrison and Jesse Scott, while having their photo taken with MTSU mascot "Lightning" during the MTSU vs. Georgia Tech football game.

Macari Harrison is an Elementary Education major from Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was involved with Varsity Basketball for 4 years, Girls' Track for 2 years, Health Occupations Students of America, Key Club, Pep Club, Star Club, Murfreesboro Young Life, Junior League of Murfreesboro Debutante and was a Senior Office Aide. In addition to performing many hours of community service she was a 2010-2011 Beta Club Inductee, 2010-2011 Senior Football Homecoming Queen, 2010-2011 Senior Superlative-Most Popular, 2010-2011 Senior Basketball Team Captain, SRO Sharpshooter Pageant 2009-1st Runner Up, 2011 Siegel High School Pageant-3rd Runner Up and Student Council Senior Class Representative.

Jesse Scott is an Entrepreneurship/Business major from Eagleville High School in Rockvale, Tennessee. He had accumulated over 300 volunteer service hours along with being involved with the high school varsity baseball and basketball teams. He helped tutor younger students in math, was involved with Future Farmers of America and Future Business Leaders of America and Virtual Enterprise, was a delegate for the American Legion Boys State, and received numerous academic honors including recognition as a TSSAA Student Athlete Award of Merit as well as the Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award for both baseball and basketball.

"The Triangle Achievement Award is an opportunity for us to recognize tomorrow's leaders for their service and academic excellence, while also being heavily involved in extracurricular activity." said Nathan Lux, chairman of Sigma Omicron.. "It showcases some of MTSU's finest incoming students who have already demonstrated a desire to excel in life. It is our goal to encourage them to continue that level of involvement throughout their lives"

This is the third year the Triangle Achievement Award has been presented. The scholarship is privately funded through donations and fundraisers. For more information visit http://sotke.com or write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) announces the annual nursing award winners, recognizing nurses for their exceptional skills and service to patients.

Angelique Dooley, RN, labor and delivery, is the recipient of the 2011 Clinical Excellence Award. This award is given to someone who exemplifies outstanding patient care, behaviors indicative of MTMC’s core values, a passion for nursing and patient advocacy.

“I am honored to have this award and MTMC is a great place to work,” said Dooley, who has worked at MTMC for 17 years. “I feel like I am just doing my job. We are a team and always there for each other.”

Aaron Vantrease, RN, critical care unit, is the recipient of the Nursing Rising Star Award. This award recognizes a registered nurse who has worked as a nurse for three years or less and shows exceptional growth and excitement for nursing at MTMC through special attention to patients, families and coworkers.

Kristy Ahlgrim, RN, oncology nurse manager, is the recipient of the Nursing Leadership Award. This award recognizes a registered nurse who works as a nursing manager, supervisor or director and shows special support for high-quality, safe care, advocacy for patients and associates and represents MTMC in the nursing profession or community. Ahlgrim has been at MTMC for nearly 17 years.

Kim Jarrell, RN, neonatal intensive care unit, is the recipient of the Nursing Seasoned Expert Award. This award recognizes a registered nurse or LPN who has worked as a nurse for 20 or more years and who has contributed as a preceptor, mentor, charge nurse, safety coach and/or participant in special initiatives. Jarrell has worked as an RN in MTMC’s neonatal intensive care unit for more than 24 years.

Honored nurses were nominated by MTMC front line nursing associates. Areas for consideration when nominating these recipients included the ability to assist with other’s work along with their own, maintaining a professional appearance, reliability, technical proficiency and advocating for patients and coworkers.

(Photo caption: MTMC President and CEO Gordon B. Ferguson, Nursing Seasoned Expert recipient Kim Jarrell, RN, Rising Star recipient Aaron Vantrease, RN, 2011 Clinician of the Year Angelique Dooley, RN, Nursing Leadership recipient Kristy Ahlgrim, RN and Interim Chief Nursing Officer Betty Nelson.)

Saint Thomas Health Services is a faith-based ministry with more than 6,500 associates serving Middle Tennessee. Saint Thomas Health Services' regional health system consists of five hospitals – Baptist Hospital, Saint Thomas Hospital and The Center for Spinal Surgery in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville - and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices clinics and rehabilitation facilities. STHS is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sths.com.

Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) recently held a breakfast in honor of the hospital volunteers. The 2010 Volunteer Appreciation and Award Ceremony recognized the outstanding service volunteers provide to the hospital. These volunteers unselfishly donate extensive hours to MTMC through many different types of service.

“Volunteerism is a gift solely out of love for service, people, ministry and community,” said Timm Glover, vice president of mission at MTMC. “It comes from the unique love of God; it’s a sacred work.”

The Daughters of Charity Distinguished Service Award is the highest honor presented to a volunteer. This year, MTMC presented the award to Judy Overall, who has volunteered more than 16,000 hours at the hospital. Overall was the 2008 Volunteer of the Year and a recipient of the 2009 Tennessee Hospital Association’s Meritorious Service Award for individual volunteer.

Joe Campbell received the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award. Campbell was chosen by his peers for being reliable, dedicated and an inspiration to others. He has volunteered more than 2,000 hours at MTMC.

Many volunteers have reached outstanding levels of service hours during their years at the hospital: Herb White, Betty Ruth Graham and Jean Taylor with 5,000 hours each; Polly Scott and Louise Stevenson with 7,500 hours each; and Sara Turner with 9,000 hours. A total of 93,600 hours have been volunteered by the 31 volunteers present at the ceremony.

(Photo Left to Right: MTMC Vice President of Mission Timm Glover, Daughters of Charity Distinguished Service Award recipient Judy Overall, 2010 Volunteer of the Year Joe Campbell and MTMC Volunteer Manager Anne Davis celebrate this year’s volunteer ceremony.)

Over 70 student-athletes named to Honor Roll or Commissioner's List

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee's top student-athletes were honored Monday for their accomplishments in the classroom at the annual Student-Athlete Award Luncheon.

At the event, over 70 athletes were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Those who maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher were named to the Honor Roll, while those who earned a 3.5 GPA or higher were announced on the Commissioner's List.

Click here for photos of the event!!

Terri Sterling of Murfreesboro, TN is among the 28 of Nashville’s most successful business women in the running for the 2011 Nashville ATHENA Award. These outstanding candidates represent the best and brightest stars in the metropolitan business community.

Sterling, president of Sterling Communications, is ponsored by CABLE - Rutherford Chapter.

Professional organizations across the region nominate outstanding women who best embody the goddess ATHENA, who is known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment, but most of all for her generosity.

"This wonderful group of women demonstrates such great leadership in their professions, churches, and communities every day,” said Teresa Campbell, Chair of the ATHENA Award Nominee and Judges Committee.

“Because of them our communities are a much better place for all of us as they fight injustices, volunteer at non-profits, and make key decisions in their businesses. We are excited to have each of them participate in the ATHENA Award process. I am honored and humbled to work with these caliber of women."

The ATHENA Award is Nashville’s highest recognition for women in business. Established in Chicago in 1982 and brought to Nashville in 1990 by the CABLE organization, the award is now celebrated in more than 500 communities and five countries. The 2011 ATHENA Award will be presented March 31, 2011, in a gala celebration, appropriately enough, at the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Deborah Faulkner, Chair of the 2011 ATHENA Award Program explained, “The ATHENA Award is the premier event for women in the Nashville business community. Every March during Women's History Month, we come together to celebrate outstanding women leaders. We congratulate all of these women who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in their professional, academic, and civic life.”

The Nashville ATHENA Award honors business and professional women for their career successes, service to community, and encouragement of women. It seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. The ATHENA Scholarship Program will award a total of $21,000 in scholarships to six deserving recipients in four categories, based upon a 300-word essay and superior academic performance.

For more information, visit www.NashvilleATHENAAward.org.