The volunteers of Wilton’s Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County were honored recently at an awards ceremony and luncheon at Bernard’s Inn at Ridgefield. Seven individuals were singled out and received special recognition for their outstanding commitment, compassion and dedication to volunteer service.
Three Wilton residents were honored for their commitment and time given to the organization. Jeannie and Rick Stolting (pictured below) received awards for their volunteer work as Patient Support Volunteers; and Rita Ruskewich received an award for her volunteer work at the Turnover Shop of Wilton. Ruskewich is pictured above (center) with Sharon Sobel of the Turnover Shop and Sharon Bradley, president and CEO of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.
They were joined by residents from other towns who were also recognized: Paul Companik of New Canaan received an award for his volunteer work at the New Canaan Thrift Shop; Ken Edgar of Weston received an award for his volunteer work on the agency’s Board of Directors; and Gormandee Maximin of Stamford received an award for her work as a Hospice Volunteer.
Clare Myers of Darien received the Agency’s highest honor–the Carol B. Bauer Community Spirit Award–for her outstanding service as a Hospice Volunteer.
“This award was established in honor of Carol Bauer of Wilton, whose spirit of support and devotion to volunteerism is unmatched in the community,” said Bradley. “The Carol B. Bauer Award is presented each year to that special individual who embodies the ideals of volunteerism. In the time that she has been volunteering with our agency, Clare has demonstrated a deep commitment to helping patients and families at the most vulnerable time in their lives. She is civic-minded and cares about patients and the community, both local and global. Clare is an inspiration and a role model and we are grateful for her compassion and caring.”
“Clare exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism,” said Bauer, who was present at the awards ceremony. “It is with deep gratitude and great pleasure that we recognize Clare for her exceptional contribution to the mission of Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County.”
A non-profit community organization for more than 100 years, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County provides professional nursing and support services, senior care management, physical rehabilitation, health education, community wellness programs and compassionate hospice and palliative care for children and adults in Wilton and throughout Fairfield County. The agency is a preferred provider of home health care and hospice services for the Western Connecticut Health Network. Visit them at online or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.