AROUND AND ABOUT THE OTIS CENTER

NEW EMPLOYEES The following employees have joined the Otis Health Care Center during the past four months:
Robert Crego April DeSoto Jake Duby Lab Technician Catherine Peterson Patricia Winter Physical Therapist	Grantwriter LNA Lab Technician LNA Physical Therapist

EXEMPLARY EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED

Jodi Perkins & Dr. Moss Linder.		Deb Wilson & Donna Young.

During the past three months, the following employees have been recognized for outstanding activities, accomplishments, and leadership that goes beyond standard job requirements:

Jodi Perkins, Licensed Practical Nurse (October) - One of Jodi's nominations was from a patient, who wrote: "Jodi always tells the patient 'I'm here to help you, don't be afraid to ring the bell and I'll be right here to help you.' She is always cheerful and goes out of her way to make the patient happy."

Deborah Wilson, LNA (November) - In her position, which includes answering phones and greeting people as they walk into the hospital, Deb is always "on the front line. Deb is always approachable, and ready, willing and able to step in and help. She often stays after hours, if something comes up at the last minute, and everyone enjoys working with her."

Donna Young , Valley Health Council Homemaker (December) - "Without the extra help that Donna gives, at least one client would not be still living in her own home. She always goes above and beyond the normal scope of her job, and often does extra for clients to make sure that they are well cared for."

Moss Linder, M.D. (January) - "He has a kind and gentle, positive attitude. He has extended an open hand to work with nursing staff to improve systems and benefit patient care in all areas. He's received many compliments."

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR - 2001

Gary Lavorgna of the Maintenance Department was voted the Otis Health Care Center's Employee of the Year for 2001. This is the third year that an employee of the year has been chosen by department managers at the Otis Health Care Center; those eligible for the award are the twelve employees who have already earned the Employee of the Month Award during the calendar year. Last year, Bonnie Dowley, LNA, was selected for the award, posthumously, and in 1999, Alison Urie, occupational therapist was the recipient.

"Select the person you feel most exemplifies the spirit of Grace Cottage," said Al LaRochelle, Administrator, before department managers voted by paper ballot. Gary is well known by his co-workers as one who is always ready, willing and able to step in to lend a helping hand. His sense of humor is renowned (truth be told, he's famous for his bad jokes), and he always has a twinkle in his eye. He's a fabulous locksmith, and a talented jack-of-all-trades. More important than his numerous skills, however, is his attitude. No job is too big or too small for Gary.

A native of Connecticut, Gary was employed at Yale University for 26 years as a senior groundskeeper and then in the physical plant and locksmith department before he and his wife, Julie (who also worked at Yale, for 30 years, most recently as a graphic designer), moved to Vermont.

"We bought a cabin in the woods in Brookline in 1986, and moved here full-time in August 2000," said Gary. Their home, which is completely solar-powered, is where Gary enjoys woodworking, aromatherapy, and reading, in his free time.

"I know my parents both lived full, long lives, partly due to the excellent health care they received from Dr. Backus and Grace Cottage Hospital." Janice Guminak, daughter of Richard & Mary Kuhlman