Paulette and Michael Mormino primarily volunteer at North Valley Hospital. About three years ago they retired from their jobs in California and moved to Whitefish.

Paulette, born in Hawaii, moved to San Diego with her family when she was a toddler. It was there that she attended school, graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in social services followed by employment with the city as human resource manager.

“Mike” as he is known to his many friends, was born in Illinois, and graduated from the electrical department of St. Louis Trade School. He travelled extensively inspecting transmission lines before settling down to work in a supervisory capacity for the city of San Diego.

Paulette and Mike met in church and subsequently married. Their close-knit family consists of two daughters, Danielle and Shannon, five grandchildren, and two friendly pug dogs, Kona and Puka.

Previous vacations convinced them that this was where they would retire. They can’t say enough about the beauty of the area — the lakes, the mountains, the small clean town, the performing arts, which they say compare favorably to the best any large city has to offer.

They partake to the fullest of the amenities of the area including “anything to do with the outdoors.” They describe the people as “friendly, considerate, and thoughtful about others” and of living here as being “just great, great, great.”

Knowing that the best way to quickly make friends and become a part of the community is to volunteer, they chose North Valley Hospital.

Because Mike was raised as the oldest child in a large Italian family which worked, played, cooked, and enjoyed life together and because he loves to cook it was logical that he became the “cookie man.” Each Friday, in small ovens spread throughout the hospital, he cooks about 17 dozen cookies for patients, staff, visitors and anyone else who shows up.

Needless to say, the aroma is tantalizing and one and all look forward to his arrival.

Paulette chose to work with administration in the birthing center, where she “does anything they want done.” She is enthralled with the “wonderful staff of caregivers who are so dedicated, concerned and respectful, even to each other.” She observes that to the staff each birth is like a family event.

Paulette and Mike you are a welcome addition. The work you do makes our community an even better place, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn