THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1995 TAG: 9508100254
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 53 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BARCO LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Sentara Nursing Center residents Inez Grandy, Ruby Whipple and Gilbert Brooks weren't able to sign the letter of support like 30 other nursing home residents.
So they and 19 others expressed their gratitude to 14-year-old volunteer Amanda Barkalow by inking their thumbprints on a nomination for the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Assocation Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The statewide organization, in turn, gave Amanda the thumbs-up.
This week the Currituck County High School freshman was expected to travel to Asheville to receive the association's Youth Volunteer of the Year award.
What set Amanda apart from the others nominated across the state?
``The dedication,'' said Diane C. Bray, the Sentara activities director and Amanda's nominator. ``She has an ability to relate to the residents, especially to be so young and giving up paid baby-sitting jobs to come to the residents.''
And why would a teenager forgo a paid job for one she's been performing for free the past four years?
``The residents - I like them,'' the shy student said. ``They're nice. They're friendly.''
Each year the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association, which includes 342 member facilities, honors its top youth, group and resident volunteers throughout the state. Most member facilities participate in the awards competition, a Sentara official said.
This is the first time a youth from the Currituck facility has won. The nursing center, part of a Virginia-based chain, won third place in overall community involvment in 1991-92.
``When you mention Amanda's name to a resident, their face lights up,'' Bray said. ``Amanda's like their girl. She has lots of grandpas and grandmas.''
She also has a mother who works as a certified nursing assistant at the Barco nursing home. It was through Helen Barkalow that her daughter, then 10, started volunteering.
Years later, she still visits every other Saturday, plus extra time on school breaks. She will play bingo with residents, read to them and write letters for them.
She also does manicures. ``The residents say she does the best nails,'' Bray bragged.
Amanda also helps train new volunteers. The 100-resident facility has about 85 volunteers, with an average age of about 60.
A distinguishing feature that sets Amanda apart from even her state contemporaries is her length of service, said Sharon Crum, the nursing home administrator.
``Also, the type of activities that Amanda participates in are ones that usually would be done by a licensed recreational therapist,'' Crum said.
``Residents respond to Amanda's visit. They remember her when she comes and miss her when she leaves.''
Added Bray: ``She makes the residents feel young.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by ANNE SAITA
Amanda Barkalow, left, with Diane C. Bray, center, and Sharon Crum,
the nursing home administrator.
by CNB