The V.N.A. of Porter County celebrated their staff and volunteers with a dinner at Strongbow Inn on Monday, February 23, 2015. Cold weather did not impede the warm smiles and friendly atmosphere of this annual event. Held in the chandelier-adorned banquet room, the night was filled with kind words and fraternizing among the VNA’s many dedicated staff members, board members, and volunteers. About 150 people gathered to honor the time and service it takes to run the successful VNA program.
Among those in attendance was the family of Tricia Simpson. Simpson was a VNA nurse for the last four years of her life before she passed away in a car accident. In 2008, her family created a VNA scholarship in her honor. Each year, they select a RN to receive a $2,000 scholarship in memory of their deceased loved one. “She always wanted to be a nurse,” recalls her mother on the seventh year anniversary of her daughter’s passing. “Even at age 5 she knew!”
This year, Debbie Rigg was the recipient of Tricia’s Scholarship. Tricia’s sister, Pamela Hood, believes that Debbie has the passion and positive attitude for nursing that her sister demonstrated during her years as an RN. “My sister really loved three things in her life,” reflected Hood. “Her family, her friends, and her career as a nurse.”
The annual “Wind in our Sails” Award was awarded to George & Joyce Uzelac who provided support for the VNA’s annual Stroll for Hospice event. Thanks to their help, the event was able to double the amount of attendees and the money raised. Stroll for Hospice was able to move locations to Central Park in downtown Valparaiso thus raising more public awareness about the event and the VNA Hospice program. At the end of their acceptance of the award the Uzelac’s presented the VNA with a $10,000 check for the next walk. The banquet room was filled with applause and a standing ovation for the generous gesture.
Many award presenters spoke of the emotional support, long hours, and dedication to clients provided by the VNA services. While guests enjoyed a delicious dinner provided by the Strongbow staff, award-winner Shawn Housler spoke about his time at the VNA. “I’ve only been here for three years and it really feels like a family,” said Housler. Many others echoed this sentiment of a family-like atmosphere.
The VNA Hospice Sustaining Leadership Award was presented to a surprised Dr. Michael Weiss. Dr. Weiss is the VNA Hospice Medical Director and has been a leader of the VNA Hospice program since its inception in 1983. Dr. Kenneth Black, who presented Weiss with the award, shared words of heart-felt gratitude with the attentive audience: “He is the VNA,” said Black of Weiss. “To say ‘thank you’ isn’t strong enough.”
Award winners included:
- June McCort Companion of the Year Award: Lori Smith
- Art Tilton Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year Award: Barbara Pumroy
- VNA Physician of the Year: Dr. Derek S. Gasper, D.O.
- Wind in Our Sails Award: George & Joyce Uzelac
- VNA Volunteer of the Year: Penny Yelkovac VNA Hospice Volunteer of the Year: Katy Hardwick
- VNA Caregiver of the Year: Patty Warring, Hospice RN
- VNA Support Staff of the Year: Shawn Housler, IT Data Base Administrator
- Tricia Marie Simpson Russell, RN “Good Nurse of the Year”: Suzie Yagelski, LPN
- Tricia’s Scholarship: Debbie Rigg
Rick Phew ended the evening’s program saying he was “honored and humbled to be part of an organization that has such a positive impact on the community.” Looking around the room, it was evident that those in attendance, who are part of the extended VNA family, feel the same way.