News & Media
Mark your calendar for the Rising Tide Lifts All Boats event, hosted by the Weems Memorial Healthcare Foundation on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Apalachicola Yacht Club. This fundraising event will feature delicious tapas curated by local chefs, drinks, and live music from the Flabbergasted band. Proceeds will support the enhancement of outpatient care at Weems Memorial Hospital. Tickets are available for $100 each, and there are group ticket discounts. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those looking to make an even greater impact.
Weems Memorial is pleased to recognize three outstanding employees for their dedication and hard work. Gabrielle Pine, LPN, Debbie Mashburn, and Monica Varnes, RN, were recently recognized for their exceptional work.
March:
Weems Memorial Hospital was delighted to recognize Gabrielle Pine, LPN, as our Employee of the Month for March. Gabrielle truly exemplifies patient-centered care, consistently demonstrating remarkable focus and unwavering advocacy for those she serves. Her exceptional compassion and dedication to providing excellent care are evident in the positive feedback from her patients, who describe her as “excellent,” “wonderful,” and “kind.”
Gabrielle’s deeply ingrained “patient-first” attitude and integrity have made her an invaluable member of the Weems Memorial team. We are proud to recognize her for her outstanding work and commitment to our mission of providing the best possible care.
June:
In June, we were excited to shine a spotlight on Debbie Mashburn from our Finance Department. Debbie’s versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges make her an incredibly valuable member of the Weems team.
After retiring as our Admissions Supervisor, Debbie’s dedication kept her on board as PRN to assist with claims. When an essential payroll representative role became available, she stepped up without hesitation. Her consistent contributions have been crucial in keeping our hospital running smoothly every day. Thank you, Debbie, for your exceptional commitment to Weems Memorial Hospital!
July:
Monica Varnes, RN, was honored as Employee of the Month for July. Monica shines on every shift with her high energy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to patient care. She consistently steps up with initiative, supports her coworkers, and is always the first to assist with patient needs.
Monica exemplifies our core values of Integrity, Accountability, and Respect. We are proud to recognize her as a dedicated team member who continually goes above and beyond for both our patients and our hospital.
These employees are true examples of Weems’ values of integrity, accountability, and respect, and we are grateful for their contributions to our hospital and community.
Krista Varnes, a senior at Franklin County High School, is the proud recipient of the Weems Doug Creamer Health Care Scholarship. Krista’s impressive academic record, coupled with her dedication to her community, made her an outstanding candidate for the scholarship. She plans to attend Florida State University to pursue a career in medicine, with a focus on dermatology.
Krista’s achievements extend beyond academics. She actively contributes to her community, volunteering at the local Humane Society and library, and is an engaged member of the Beta Club and Honor Society. Weems is proud to support Krista’s journey into healthcare and looks forward to her future contributions to the field.
Weems Memorial Hospital embarked on an exciting collaboration with the Foundation for Hospital Art, local students, and community members to create beautiful, hand-painted ceiling tiles. This initiative, focused on butterfly-themed tiles, aims to bring comfort and healing through art. The project is part of a broader effort to create a positive atmosphere within the hospital for both patients and staff.
John Feight, founder of the Foundation for Hospital Art, has long advocated for the therapeutic benefits of art in healthcare. The tiles have been installed in various areas of the hospital, enhancing the environment and creating a sense of calm for all who visit. “The joy these art projects bring to hospitals is truly special,” said Feight.