Staff, volunteers, community leaders and board members gathered at the Eastside Restaurant in Newport recently to recognize and honor those whose service have contributed to the quality of care the OEVNA&H provides its clients and families in Orleans and Northern Essex Counties. Tina Willey, of East Hardwick, a 10 year employee and OEVNA&H Physical Therapy Assistant, was honored as Employee of the Year for her dedication and contributions during a year of great change in her department.
Executive Director and CEO, Nancy Warner said of Willey, “It is with great appreciation that we recognize our colleague and friend, Tina Willey, PTA, as our 2011 Employee of the Year. With many staff changes and an increasingly demanding schedule and expanded territory, Tina exemplifies the meaning of the word loyalty and grace under pressure. She willingly took on a greater roll and additional responsibilities during a year of considerable transitions in the Physical Therapy Department. Tina proved her dedication to both her clients and to the Agency. We are proud to acknowledge Tina Willey as our 2011 OEVNA&H Employee of the Year.”
Special service awards were presented to Karla Lillicrap, Kimberly Flynn, Karey Tribul, and Laurie Bellizzi in recognition of their exemplary service and willingness to take on added responsibilities to help the Agency maintain its efficiency due to changes in Medicaid and Medicare fees.
Service pins were given to:
5 Yrs of Service: Noella Berthiaume, PCA, Ryane Davis, LNA, Marlene Gilfillan, PCA, Rosemary Jacobs, Board of Directors, Bonnie Marrotte, PCA, Dolores Niles, PCA, Shirley Picken, PCA
10 Yrs of Service: June Rosenberg, Board of Directors, Tina Willey, PTA
15 Yrs of Service: Carolyn Elliott, Volunteer, Cheryl LaBounty, PCA, Carolyn “Jo” Sweatt, Volunteer
20 Yrs of Service: Marcia Driscoll, Volunteer
This year’s Community Service Award was given to Mr. Ray Pronto, for continued support of the OEVNA&H through his sponsorship of the Magic of Master Fiddlers – a major annual fundraising event for the Agency. The award was accepted on his behalf by his mother, Mrs. Velma Coburn, of Newport, who stated, “I know firsthand how important and vital the VNA is to our community. You were there when my husband was ill and your staff was exceptionally caring to him and helpful to me.”
Orleans Essex VNA & Hospice, Inc. a HomeCare Elite Agency for 2011, has served Orleans and Northern Essex counties since 1969 providing home health care, long term care, maternal/child care, wellness programs and hospice services to a population of more than 27,000 people in over 1000 square miles – the largest service area of any home health agency in the State of Vermont. The Agency is Medicare and Medicaid certified. It has a Board of Directors served by ten community members and is operated under the direction of Nancy Warner, CEO.