St. Clair County

VNA & Blue Water Hospice Honor Staff & Volunteers

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

Congresswoman Lisa McClain Michigan's 10th District

Congresswoman McClain Selected to Serve on House Armed Services Committee

Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) announced she will serve on the House Armed Services Committee during the 117th Congress.

“The House Armed Services Committee is vital to keeping Americans at home and abroad safe, and I am honored to serve on the committee. The assets at Selfridge Air National Guard Base are critical to our national security,” said Rep. McClain. “I look forward to protecting our armed forces, making sure our military has the support it needs and ensuring Michigan remains at the forefront of national defense.”

“Congratulations to Rep. Lisa McClain on her selection to the House Armed Services Committee. Lisa brings a valuable perspective to our committee, and I’m confident she will immediately make an impact on our national defense policies,” said House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers (AL-03).

Rep. McClain’s district includes several defense and national security assets including Selfridge Air National Guard Base, the Michigan Defense Corridor and the Blue Water Bridge, an international border crossing.

Submitted by Congresswoman McClain’s Office

Nine St. Clair County Companies Awarded Go Pro Grants

The Going PRO Talent Fund was established to improve the skill level of Michigan’s workforce and help employers train their employees. Nine St. Clair county companies applied for the grant, and a total of $243, 900 was awarded to them by the state.

Dan Casey, CEO of the EDA of St. Clair County, said, “The EDA and our workforce development partners worked together to market the program and encourage companies to apply for Going PRO Talent Fund grant funding. The funds awarded will provide industry-recognized training for St. Clair County residents and help companies reduce talent skill gaps.”

Two Port Huron companies received the Going PRO grant, PJ Wallbank Springs and Dunn Paper. The funds will be used for customized training that leads to a credential or skill that is transferrable and recognized by the industry. The investment in training ensures that Michigan’s employers have the talent they need to compete and grow.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Rep. Beeler Appointed to Committees for 21-22 Term

State Representative Andrew Beeler (R-Port Huron) has been named Vice Chair of the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee for the current legislative term. He was also chosen to serve on the Health Policy, Tax Policy and Education committees.

Prior to his election to the House, Beeler spent five years as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for his service aboard the USS Decatur (DDG 73). Prior to receiving his commission, he attended the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 

“As a veteran, I understand the sacrifices our military heroes and their families make for their communities and country,” Beeler said. “It’s an honor to be in a position to help our returning service members get the benefits they deserve.” 

Rep. Beeler made it clear that he was “very excited” with the committee assignments announced earlier today.

“I am very excited that Speaker Wentworth and the House leadership team have given me this opportunity to fight for the taxpayers of Michigan,” Beeler continued. “I look forward to working for Michigan’s students, developing a coherent strategy to the COVID-19 response and giving taxpayers a voice in the legislative process.”

Beeler is in his first term representing the 83rd House District, encompassing all of Sanilac County and parts of St. Clair County, including Port Huron.

Submitted by Rep. Beeler’s Office

Whitmer: Indoor Dining Resumes Feb 1st

In a press conference today, Governor Whitmer stated that due to positive trends in COVID-19 cases MDHHS is lifting the ban on indoor dining as of February 1st.

Restaurants must limit the amount of people indoors to 25% of their normal capacity along with collecting names and phone numbers of their patrons for contact tracing purposes. Ventilation systems must be in working order, and the state is providing grant money for businesses that need to update their systems.

Along with opening indoor dining, concessions at entertainment venues may also resume, and gathering limits will be increased at funerals and outdoor gatherings. The only activities that will remain closed after February 1st are night clubs, contact sports, and water parks.

A full reading of the order with detailed guidelines and restrictions is available <HERE>.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Kasey Wolak McLaren Port Huron Employee of the month

McLaren Port Huron December Employee of the Month

Kasey Wolak has been named the Employee of the Month for December. Wolak has worked at McLaren Port Huron for 13 years and is currently a unit assistant on 4 South.

Wolak was nominated by her peers because she exemplifies the hospital values. Her customer service skills are amazing. She goes above and beyond to help patients and visitors, making their visit to the hospital better. Wolak is sincerely compassionate and caring, ready and willing to help anyone who needs it. Her coworkers look forward to working with her because she is always happy, helpful, and a joy to work with. Wolak is friendly, happy, bright, has a positive attitude and smiles all the time. She is an example of what all employees should strive to be and is without a doubt worthy of this award.

This employee recognition is given to individuals who consistently live the values, mission and performance standards of McLaren Port Huron. Honorees are nominated by a co-worker, physician, volunteer, and/or customer.

To learn more about McLaren Port Huron, visit www.mclaren.org/porthuron.

Submitted by McLaren Port Huron.