July 2, 2004

Support service staff honored

The MGH support staff was welcomed under the Bulfinch tent June 22 for a celebratory luncheon recognizing the important work that they do. Plates were stacked high as support staff members took a well-deserved break from their busy day to enjoy the complimentary catered lunch. Embroidered Partners duffle bags and MGH water bottles were given as tokens of appreciation. A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the second-annual Ricardo Diaz Memorial Award to this year's recipient, Guy Mont-Louis of MGH Environmental Services.

From left, Slavin, Mont-Louis and Banchiere

The Ricardo Diaz Memorial Award was established to honor Diaz, an employee of MGH Buildings and Grounds for 12 years, who died tragically while plowing snow from the sidewalks surrounding the hospital during a blizzard. The award is meant to acknowledge a hardworking, dedicated individual who goes beyond the call of duty.

Mont-Louis' manager, Allan Dolinski, spoke kind words at the presentation. "Guy has been a mainstay in the department as he comes to work with a lot of enthusiasm," said Dolinski. "He strives to ensure that everyone has a sense of pride, belonging and involvement."

Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, said it was "a pleasure and honor" to participate in the day's events and spoke about how Diaz made the workplace better by making his colleagues feel like they were part of a team.

Bill Banchiere, director of MGH Environmental Services, offered words of praise in Spanish about Diaz and Mont-Louis. Greg Doyle, director of Buildings and Grounds, read a letter to the MGH community from Emerson Niles, the first recipient of the Diaz award. Diaz's wife, Rafaela, and cousin, Eneida Castillo, also were in attendance at the award ceremony. Later that evening, there were celebrations and refreshments for second and third-shift support staff employees.