Two volunteers complete FMH chaplaincy training program

FARMINGTON — The chaplaincy program at Franklin Memorial Hospital, 111 Franklin Health Commons, welcomed its newest volunteers — Gretchen Legler of Jay and Jon Olson of Mt. Vernon — in a ceremony held at the hospital chapel March 8. Legler and Olson join 10 other trained volunteers who visit with patients and families weekly under the direction of the hospital staff chaplains.

To qualify, the new volunteers completed a 100-hour training program of instruction and supervised visiting under the direction of the Staff Chaplains the Rev. Tim Walmer, the Rev. Steve Bracy and the Rev. Douglas Allan Dunlap. The chaplaincy volunteer training includes studies on topics such as ethics, religious traditions, communications skills, prayer with patients, family support and supervised visiting.

Both new volunteers bring experience to this role — Legler as a professor of creative writing at University Maine Farmington and Olson as a former lobbyist for the Maine Farm Bureau. Legler attends Old South Congregational Church, while Olson is a part time pastor of a community church he also attends.

For additional information on the chaplaincy volunteer program call 779-2509. Inquiries are welcome from people of all religious traditions.

Photo ID from left: The Rev. Steve Bracy, Jon Olson, Gretchen Legler and the Rev. Tim Walmer.