COUDERSPORT — Cole Memorial Hospital held its 50th annual meeting at the Coudersport Consistory to present the annual business report, elect new directors and community benefit advisors, present distinguished service awards to individuals who made significant long-term contributions to the success of the hospital and launch the hospital’s 50th anniversary.

More than 100 board members, community benefit advisors and hospital leaders attended.

The results of the 2016 election for the board of directors were announced. J. David Buckler, Melynda Budd, Jeanne Miglicio, Esquire, and Thomas Shaffer, Esquire, were elected to the board for three-year terms.

The 2016-17 board of directors will be comprised of the following individuals: Chairman, Charles Updegraff; Vice-Chairman, Thomas Shaffer; Treasurer, Jeanne Miglicio; Secretary, Alanna Huck; David Buckler; Melynda Budd; Michael Callahan, D.O.; Dr. Christan Caramia,; David Crandall; John Leete; Robert Smith; Jason Tronetti, D.O., and Betty Wallace.

Hospital officials said Ron Caskey was lauded for exceptional participation on Cole Memorial’s board and for reaching the maximum nine-year term. He was presented with a personalized, logo-embossed wooden chair as a token of appreciation from the board.

Meanwhile, seven current community benefit advisors were re-appointed for a second five-year term. In addition, the following new Cole Memorial community benefit advisors were named: Tammy Conway; Abbey Johnson-Ernst; Pamela Ferman; Nancy Fragale; David Greene; Dr. Michele Hartzell; Tonia Hartzell; James Kockler; Tim Morey; Amy O’Rourke Costa, RN, BSN, CSN; Kimberly Rees; the Rev. Tom Shatto and Andy Watson.

Also, in keeping with the practice of recognizing those who had a significant impact on the long-term success of the hospital, four individuals were elected as honorary directors.

Cole Memorial named the Rev. Randall Headley as an honorary director for his nine years of dedication on the board, two of which he was the chair. Hospital officials said while his service to Cole Memorial was more than impressive, his dedication to his parishioners and service to the hospital’s patients was nothing less than remarkable.

Another honorary director’s position was filled by Peter Ryan, D.M.D.

Ryan started in 1976 when he was recruited by Dr. Castano and Ben Stimaker to provide dental services in Potter County. After retiring in 2013 with 37 years of service, he and his wife, Debbie, wanted to be sure the community received continued access to dental care. So, the Ryan family donated their dental office to Cole Memorial and Ryan served on the local dental collaborative committee to assist with the formation of the Cole Memorial dentistry program in 2015. Additionally, he served the hospital as a member of the Potter County Hospital Authority for almost 30 years and chaired for the last 10 years.

Hospital officials said the final two honorary directors are a couple who have devoted their lives to serving the community in many ways.

Cliff and Fay Wood moved to Ulysses in 1962 when Cliff Wood accepted a teaching position; Cole Memorial has been blessed to be included in their volunteer mission ever since, hospital officials said. Prior to her recent passing, Fay Wood held the record for the highest number of volunteer hours at the hospital, while Cliff Wood served on the board for seven years.

In preparation for Cole Memorial’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2017, high school artists were invited to submit artwork for an anniversary banner contest. Several local students participated and votes were received via Cole Memorial’s Facebook and entered at a hospital display. The following top three winners received $250 each during the annual meeting: Tiffany Bair, first place; Autumn Heller, second place; and Eve Olofson, third place. The winner’s design will be used in 50th anniversary materials or banners throughout the next year.

Cole Memorial and its ten rural health centers serve approximately 60,000 residents within a 65-mile service area, including Potter, McKean, Cameron and Tioga counties in Pennsylvania and New York’s Southern Tier.