Mary Anne Fischer, Executive Director, addressed a crowd of around a hundred at the Hospice of Orleans annual organizational meeting and volunteer recognition event April 30 at the Medina United Methodist Church.
Fischer applauded the work of the Hospice volunteers and reported that in 2014, more than 150 volunteers contributed over 6,800 hours to the Hospice mission of providing comfort, compassion and expertise to Orleans County residents facing serious illness. She attributed a cost savings of over $110,000 last year to volunteer involvement. “Our mission would be impossible without you – our volunteers.”
Fisher also detailed key accomplishments of 2014. These included implementing changes in employee medical and dental coverage, evaluation of the agency’s cost structure and saving over $350 in postage alone with increased use of email and online volunteer scheduling. “Hospice of Orleans has grown from an average daily census of 5 to 17,” she reported.
Agency priorities for 2015 include implementing the new Pet Peace of Mind program, strengthening the infrastructure of the agency to ensure its long term viability, investigating a group purchasing program with other area hospice programs, and continuing to educate our community about the benefits of hospice.
Don Algeo received Hospice’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Volunteer Coordinator Christine Fancher noted that “Don is always willing to help. He volunteers at the Residence four or more hours a week and goes to a patient’s home and prepares meals twice a week.” Algeo also serves on the Hospice of Orleans Board of Directors.
Jerome Pawlak received the Mary Janet Sahukar Award, named for Hospice of Orleans’ founding director. The award recognizes a community member who understands, embraces and supports the organization’s mission in sacrificial ways. “Jerome always says ‘yes’ when we ask if we can sell bouquets at his Save-a-Lot Stores or ask for any other assistance.” said Mary Anne Fischer as she presented the award. Jerome told the group that his father had been a supporter of Hospice since its inception and that he is proud to carry on that tradition.
Merrill Grinnell Funeral Home received the Hospice Business/Civic Award for their role in developing and supporting the Classic Car Show for the past two years.
A Special Recognition Award was presented to Leonard Oakes Estate Winery for their many contributions to fundraising for Hospice. Wendy Wilson accepted the award for the Winery. Her voice filled with emotion, as she said, “I can’t thank Hospice enough for taking care of one of our long time, much loved employees this past year. Two of our employees are receiving services now. Hospice staff has been incredible! Hospice has been near and dear to our family and we are happy to support them in any way we can.”
John Girvin was honored for completion of his term on the Hospice of Orleans Board of Directors. Lynn Short, former owner of Arjuna Florist, and Pamela Reamer, professor of Nursing at SUNY Brockport, were elected to serve two year terms on the Board of Directors. The Board had previously elected Dennis Piedimonte, owner of JP’s Farm Market in Holley, to a three year term.
Provided information
