In a typical year, the entire staff of VNA & Blue Water Hospice gather for breakfast, laughs, and awards. Unfortunately, this year is anything but typical. Instead, the agency spread the celebration out over a week, honoring several staff and volunteers with Volunteer of the Year, Leader of the Year, Bess MacCulloch, and Dr. Elmore Shoudy awards. In addition, a little competitive fun was had between staff with gingerbread house and door decorating contests!
Volunteer of the Year Award
Fran Meyers was named 2019 Volunteer of the Year (luncheon was cancelled due to COVID). A volunteer since 2009, Fran has helped in many areas such as bereavement, fundraising, mailings, memorial services, and most recently in the kitchen at Blue Water Hospice Home. Everyone – patients, families, and staff enjoy Fran’s treats!
Carl Erickson was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year. Carl has been a volunteer at the agency since 2016, helping at the Blue Water Hospice Home kitchen, front desk, and assisting with mailings. During COVID, he never missed a shift, and picked up a few extra. “Carl never hesitates to help out. I am grateful for his commitment to our staff, patients, and the organization,” says Heidi Benner, Volunteer Coordinator.
Marilyn Cruickshank was named 2020 Volunteer of the Year. As a volunteer since 2018, Marilyn has contributed as a companion volunteer, greeter, housekeeping, and with mailings. “Always with a smile, she is there when I need her. I appreciate Marilyn’s commitment to us,” says Heidi Benner, Volunteer Coordinator.
Bess MacCulloch Award
Rebecca Reeves was named 2020 Bess MacCulloch Service Award winner. This award is given to someone in the Health Services, Home Health Care, or Special Care services area who exemplifies the mission of the agency. They provide excellent care to clients in addition to their community service.
Rebecca has been with VNA since 2018 and works in Private Duty. She was nominated by a co-worker who stated “She is always friendly to clients and their families. She knows how to handle difficult situations, has a dependable work ethic, and is always available to fellow staff.”
Dr. Elmore Shoudy Award
Chuck Seigneurie was named 2020 Dr. Elmore Shoudy Award winner. This award is given to an employee of the Hospice division who provides extraordinary care to patients and families dealing with terminal illness.
Chuck has been with the agency since 2019 creating exquisite meals in the Blue Water Hospice Home kitchen. A patient’s husband commented “you can tell Chuck makes all of the meals with love. He takes the time, so it not only tastes good, but looks good too…that’s someone who loves what they do.” A co-worker added “he strives to make patients feel like this is their home; he goes out of his way to help, not only patients, but also the staff. He embodies the mission of the agency.”
Leader of the Year Award
Jessica Martin, RN, BSN was honored with the first annual Leader of the Year Award. To be named Leader of the Year an individual must demonstrate compassion, outstanding leadership, hold themselves and others accountable, while functioning with the utmost humility.
Jessica has been with VNA & Blue Water Hospice since 2018 and is currently the Director of Hospice at the Blue Water Hospice Home. Several of her staff nominated her, all listing her willingness to help – no matter day or night. “Jessica is the kind of manager anyone would be lucky to have. She hops right in to help with anything a patient may need. She listens to employees and you can talk about anything with her” says a staff member.
Submitted by VNA & Blue Water Hospice
