'Our seniors just love Jackie' Parkway Manor's marketing director receives Silver Shepherd Award for going above and beyond

MARION - Jackie Parker, marketing director for Parkway Manor nursing home in Marion, was the recipient of the Second Annual Silver Shepherd Award Tuesday night at a dinner and ceremony at The Pavilion.

The award was presented by Our Healthy Circle, a senior citizens group that is an offshoot of the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

Diana Burgess, marketing coordinator for Our Healthy Circle, said the award was established to honor people in the Marion community who go "above and beyond" in their service to seniors. Last year, the first Silver Shepherd Award was presented to Mayor Bob Butler. The award is voted on by Our Healthy Circle members.

"Our seniors just love Jackie," Burgess said. "She is so involved - from raising money for group projects to calling bingo games to anything that benefits seniors. It's obvious that she cares. She was at the top of our list of nominees for this award."

Parker said she was caught off guard by the award.

"I am so honored, surprised and humbled," she said. "This award ranks right at the top with anything I have ever received. It means the world to me. I love seniors and am so thankful that I work for a company that allows me to do what I do.