Lawrence “Larry” Dominguez of Ponchatoula joined fellow volunteers
at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond on February 6 for an early celebration of his 95th birthday.
Dominguez has volunteered at the hospital for the past 20 years and was
named Volunteer of the Year in 2003, which he shared with his wife of
68 years, Bertha Dominguez. He gives credit to Bertha for introducing
him to North Oaks and showing him the benefits of serving as a volunteer.
“I could look the world over again and never find a woman near as
great,” said Dominguez. “My wife actually volunteered at North
Oaks 1 year before I did, and I’m glad she did. If I had not become
a volunteer, I’d be missing so much.”
As a Transport Volunteer, he collects records, charts and pumps, delivers
flowers and escorts discharged patients, among other responsibilities.
“I love volunteering. I always have, and I’ll be here as long
as I’m moving,” Dominguez shares. I feel as young as ever,
in my mind of course. The volunteers we have here are the best, and we
joke and get along so well. I really do enjoy the good company. It keeps
me going.” His daily regime also includes 45 minutes of physical activity.
Melissa Dufour, Volunteer Director, describes Dominguez as the epitome
of a great volunteer and attributes his kindness, positivity and dedication
to service as assets to visitors and members of the staff.
“If ever there was a benchmark for a volunteer, it’s Larry
Dominguez,” affirms Dufour. “In my 20 years of working with
him, I’ve seen only a kind and considerate man with a huge desire
to help everyone. Never have I heard him speak negatively about anyone
or anything. He’s amazing. His energy is incredible, and his enthusiasm
for life is contagious. He’s full of joy, and it shows."
Dominguez continued a family tradition, graduating from barber school
in 1951 and going
on to own and retire from Dominguez Barber Shop after 50 years of service.
He also served in the U.S. Navy and is a lifetime member of the Ponchatoula
chapters of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Hall.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at North Oaks Health System
for men and women, ages 14 and older,
click here or call the Volunteer Office at (985) 230-6811.