Home Health Celebrates Loyalty  

The loyalty of its board, staff, volunteers and community was celebrated at Franklin County Home Health Agency’s (FCHHA) 41st annual meeting on September 15, 2010 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in St. Albans. 

“Loyalty is the key to our success – our faithfulness and commitment to our community,” remarked Janet McCarthy, Executive Director.  The meeting included special recognition of 31 employees who achieved milestone years of service this year.  Combined, this group of individuals had 370 years of service to FCHHA and the community, including three individuals who have been with FCHHA for 25 years: Pat Lindsay, Debbie Peloubet and Criss Sheridan. 

For the past 20 years, FCHHA has presented an award recognizing an individual or organization in the community who exemplifies the spirit of Home Health, who has gone above and beyond to serve others, to give gifts from the heart, and to whom the community is more than just a place to live and work. 

This year, award was named in honor of Oren J. Lane and will now be known as the Oren J. Lane Community Service Award.  McCarthy remarked, “Oren was a man that not only touched the family of FCHHA, but countless others in our community.  Oren served as Chaplain of the Agency’s Hospice program for 14 years after serving in the same capacity at Lamoille County Home Health Agency…He taught us as much about life as he did death and he was passionate about his work with our organization.  He was also involved in church activities, youth camps, photography, music, and his sense of humor is legendary.” 

For the past 6 years, the Agency has awarded the Patricia A. Dean Make a Difference Award to an employee.  This year’s recipient was Connie Lane, who was nominated by a peer for her excellence in customer service, enthusiasm and willingness to go the extra mile, positive attitude and image of the agency, and community involvement. 

The following persons were elected to serve as Directors of the Corporation:  Andrew Bachand, Vanessa Madden, Gail Albertelli, Jim Coutts, Kathy Perry, Lewis Rose.  The following were elected to serve as Officers of the Corporation:  Vanessa Madden, Chairperson, Gina Clark, Vice Chairperson, Barbara Murphy, Secretary, Andrew Bachand, Treasurer.  Jean Jacobs was appointed to fill an open Director’s position earlier in September.   

In his treasurer’s report, Andy Bachand commented on the landmark healthcare reform legislation passed this year, saying, “Health Care Reform brings positive changes along with significant concerns.  As an industry, Home Health agencies will need to advocate and clearly communicate the benefits of the services that are provided.  We appreciate the efforts of our congressional delegation and our local legislators to address our concerns.”  He also added, “We extend a special thank you to the Franklin Grand Isle United Way, our loyal donors and the towns of Franklin County for their continued support and confidence in the mission of the Agency.  Our task to provide services to our county would be even more difficult without their loyal support.”

Outgoing board president, Patrick Calecas, addressed the crowd saying, “I was fortunate enough to become part of what I would soon realize was a group of individuals who created a family that truly cared about their patients; the place that they worked; their fellow co-workers, and their community.  I have learned so much from you all about what is most important in life - I have learned that an incredible group of people who truly have a blessed purpose in life and really care about the people they associate with and their community, can make such a wonderful difference in this world.”