Nearly 200 staff, board members, volunteers and friends of the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County gathered at Strongbow Inn on February 24th for the agency's annual recognition dinner.
Staff members recognized for their exemplary service to the VNA included Carrie Mason, MSW (VNA Caregiver of the Year), Rudelle Crowley and Amanda Rodriguez (VNA Support Staff of the Year), and Angela Rippe (June McCort Award-Respite Companion of the Year).
VNA Physician of the Year Dr. Michael Mirochna was honored for his exceptional commitment to his patients and the community. United Way of Porter County President Sharon Kish recognized volunteers Joanna Truemper (VNA Volunteer of the Year) and Judy Evans (VNA Hospice Volunteer of the Year) for their dedicated volunteer activities on behalf of the VNA, a United Way agency.
Tammy Csmereka, RN was presented the VNA Good Nurse of the Year Award in memory of Tricia Marie Simpson Russell, RN. The award, established by Tricia’s family following her death in 2008, honors a VNA nurse selected by her peers who displays extraordinary compassion and commitment to patients and families. The family also established Tricia’s Scholarship, presented annually to a nursing student who exemplifies Tricia’s spirit and commitment to the nursing profession. Layne Watts, a senior at Hobart High School, was selected as the 2014 recipient.
Lynda Krueger, VNA Hospice volunteer was honored for over 4,000 hours of volunteer service to the VNA with the President’s Call to Service Award.
For more information about the programs and services of the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County, visit the VNA website at www.VNAportercounty.org or call 219-462-5195
Photo: Joyce Alex, VNA VP of Regulatory Affairs; Rick Rhew, VNA President & CEO; and Dr. Kenneth Black, VNA Board member and Medical Director present the Dr. Kenneth Black VNA Physician of the Year Award to Dr. Michael Mirochna.