October 20, 2000

MGHers gathered under the Bulfinch Tent Oct. 13 to honor employees for their length of service to the hospital during the annual Ether Day celebration. More than 1,500 employees and staff who have worked at the hospital for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 and 60 years were honored with pins and colored flowers distinguishing years of service, a celebratory ceremony and reception with refreshments.

Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources, emceed the event, recognizing the 5- to 30-year honorees by group and the 40-, 50- and 60-year honorees individually. The audience had the opportunity to stroll down memory lane when the number one hit song for each milestone was played as Davis announced each group. From Hootie and the Blowfish's 1995 song "Only Wanna Be With You" to the 1940 hit "Frenesi" by Artie Shaw and his Orchestra, the songs added a touch of humor to the ceremony.

Guest speakers Peter L. Slavin, MD, chief executive officer of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization; Ed Lawrence, chair of the MGH Board of Trustees, and James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, offered their congratulations to the honorees for their dedication and commitment to the hospital.