VNA honors staff and volunteers

The Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties (VNA) held its 106th Dinner and Staff and Volunteer Recognition event on November 8th at the Doubletree Hotel in South Burlington. 195 staff, volunteers and friends of the VNA gathered to honor their colleagues and friends at the yearly celebration
Over 120 staff and volunteers were celebrated for anniversaries ranging from 5 to 35 years. Barbara Werle and Mary Gundel were recognized for their respective 25 and 30 years of service as VNA Hospice volunteers. Claire Weis, RN was inducted into the VNA Quarter Century Club for her 25 years of service to the VNA. Karen Obert, RN and Terry Paquin, PT, were honored for 30 years of service and Suzanne Archacki, RN, was recognized for her 35 years of dedicated service to the VNA.
The VNA Richard H. Wadhams Award, the VNA’s highest honor, was presented to Dr. Allan Ramsay for his work as Hospice Medical Director and as a VNA Board Member. The Wadhams Award is given to individuals who generously provide outstanding support to VNA programs and participate in efforts to increase public awareness of home care and related services to our community. VNA CEO Judy Peterson shared, “We lost Allan on the VNA Board to the Green Mountain Care Board last year. It was a sacrifice we gladly made so that Allan can do what he does best on an even bigger scale…offering a level-headed, clear-eyed perspective on how to better serve the health care needs of our state.”
The J. Churchill Hindes Community Service Award was created to acknowledge a person or group who exhibits exemplary community service and support of the VNA. The award was given to Special Services Transportation Agency (SSTA) for giving seniors and adults with disabilities safe and caring transportation to and from VNA Adult Day Program locations.
The VNA is a 106-year-old non-profit home health agency caring for people of all ages – from critically ill children to vulnerable families to adults who need rehabilitation, care for chronic illness, adult day services or end-of-life care. The VNA provides medically-necessary home and community-based care to individuals and families regardless of their ability to pay.The VNA serves over 4,800 individuals and families in Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties each year.