Every year the Orleans Essex VNA & Hospice, Inc. takes time to recognize the achievements of their staff, volunteers and Board members. On December 1, the agency gathered for breakfast at the Eastside Restaurant for their annual Employee and Volunteer Recognition event. Board President, Bonnie Nash, spoke about the continued commitment to excellence of the staff and the leadership of Nancy Warner, CEO. Collectively, staff have provided over 500 years of service to the Northeast Kingdom; an astounding confirmation of the dedication of staff. In celebrating 40 years, Ms. Warner noted that she has been honored to lead the organization and has been proud to work with so many professional, highly skilled individuals.

"Working with so many good people makes my job easier," she stated. The organization has been through challenges in the past few years with financial struggles, competition from a for-profit agency, the state's mandate for services and lack of funding to pay for those services, and the federal government's decisions regarding decreased Medicare funding and increases in regulations. Although the agency has met and survived these challenges, it has relied on local community support through town dollars and private donations to ensure the continuation of needed services.

In recognizing the achievements of those involved with the organization, Ms. Warner thanked everyone for their efforts. Recognized with certificates were Tim Shearer, RN for obtaining his Wound Care Specialist Certification, Maria Khosieva, Billing Specialist for completion of her training as a Coder, and Wendy Hilliard for obtaining her certification as a Professional in Human Resources. Jay Peak Resort was given the Community Appreciation Award for hosting the Annual 18 Holes for Hospice at Jay Peak for the past four years; Rep. Michael Marcotte who serves on the Board of Directors was recognized for his efforts in Montpelier on behalf of the agency and the home health care industry; and Karla Lillicrap, Executive Assistant, was recognized for her efforts in organizing the 2009 H1N1 clinics.

Every year the agency acknowledges years of service to the agency and this year honored a collective 165 years of service. Pins were awarded to: Jennifer Prevost, Helene Ouimette, Ellie Adamek, and Susan Brown for 20 years; Sandy Florsheim and Dolores Niles for 15 years; Linda Thayer and Lori Griggs for 10 years; and Debra Hawkins, Marielle Ross, Brian Ward, Tracy Houle, Jane Shumski, Amy Wheeler and Jim Jarvis (Board) for five years. The agency also recognizes one staff member who best exemplifies the mission of the organization and the Employee of the Year for 2009 was presented to Judy Farrar, PCA. Ms. Farrar has worked for the agency for 6 years. Congratulations to all recipients.

The Orleans Essex VNA & Hospice, Inc. works closely with other area health care providers, with state agencies and regulators, and with other agencies to ensure the strength of the not-for-profit system in Vermont that has provided quality service to all regions of the state for over 100 years.