No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to spotlight our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
If you’ve had a medical appointment at the Tassell Medical Arts Building at Mariners Hospital, chances are you met a petite, jovial volunteer by the name of Maxine Enkey. She provides a warm welcome and enthusiasm to patients coming through the automatic double doors. She’s arguably the greatest greeter around town. And she’s logged more than 5,000 volunteer hours in her 16 years at Mariners Hospital.
Enkey has called the Keys home for 40 years. She grew up on the south side of Chicago, where she says everybody once got along. She also spent some time in Phoenix, Arizona before moving to the island. Many people remember Enkey from her days behind the pharmacy desk at Winn Dixie.
What led you to volunteer at the hospital? Having worked for Winn Dixie, I knew a lot of people who worked here (at Mariners Hospital). I met volunteers here who said ‘Why don’t you come and volunteer at the hospital?’ I thought about it and knew people who worked here, locals. So I thought it would be the perfect place for me. And it is. I love hanging out there.
What does a normal day here look like for you? Every day is different. It may be busy, it may be slow. I like to help people. If they ask where the doctor’s office is or I see them looking at the board, I just don’t tell them where to go, I take them. They appreciate it. When new parents come in with babies and have never been to the pediatrician, I take them to the two doors; one is for well patients and the other is for sick ones.
What are some of your duties as a volunteer? I help take people to the doctor’s office who don’t know where they’re going, or don’t know where the Wellness Center is. In that case, I get their name and introduce them at the desk and say ‘so and so wants to know about Wellness Center.’ I always make sure there’s a wheelchair available for those who need it. After they’re done with it I wipe it off and clean it before putting it back.
Do you have a favorite memory in all your years volunteering? When a lady came in with her arm in a sling, she wanted to know where the orthopedic office was. I helped her and opened the door to the office, and she said, “You made me feel so much better.” Tears were in her eyes and she gave me a big hug for just taking her up there.
What are you doing when not volunteering? I find something to keep myself busy. I get up in the morning, let the day unfold and whatever happens happens.
Before volunteering here, what were you doing? I worked at Winn Dixie for 24 years. I worked for Monroe County in home care for the elderly; I had a CNA in home health. I got to meet a lot of people and heard stories from back in the old days. Sometimes, I was the only person to talk to them for the week. The county was going to do away with the program, so I went back to Winn Dixie, and they never did away with the program. The last 10 years of my career I was a certified pharmacy tech. I had a lot of one-on-one with locals.
Is there someone who’s influenced you in your life? My parents were a good influence on me moneywise. They always stressed don’t waste money on things you don’t need. We were well to do. My parents never had credit cards; if you can’t afford, don’t buy it. They were always there for me whatever I did. It made me be there for my kids. I have a daughter in Clearwater and a son and grandson in Phoenix.
What are your hobbies? I like to read real books. I’ve been reading Sue Grafton from A to Z. I like gardening and taking care of my butterfly plants. I love butterflies. When they fly by my face, I say, ‘Mom, I know you’re watching.’
If you had a superpower, what would it be? To be able to make all turmoil going on in the world come to a stop, and let there be peace.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? I would like my family in heaven to come and have dinner with me. My mother can make her famous liver and onions. Also, I’d like to have dinner with Max Thieriot from “Fire Country.”
What is the biggest daily challenge you face? Not eating so much sweet stuff. I love my sweet stuff.
What are you most proud of as you look back on your life this far? Getting my CNA, becoming a home health aide and getting my pharmacy technician license. I never thought I’d pass the test, and I did.
