The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County honored the physicians
of Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute at the VNA Annual Recognition
Banquet in February, naming the group “VNA Physicians of the Year” for
2007.
Each year, the VNA bestows this award on a physician in the community
whose practice affirms the vital importance of home health care. In
nominating physicians James Malayer, Michael Leland, Bruce Thoma, Paul
Gruszka, Thomas Kay, Anton Thompkins, David Musgrave, Anthony Levenda,
Nick Nenadovich, Aaron Anderson, Marc Bruell, Rachel Stern and Karen
Kovalow-St. John for this honor, VNA nurses expressed their warm
appreciation for their genuine and continued commitment to home health
care. Joyce Alexa, Clinical Director for the VNA says, “The physicians
at Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute communicate with clarity and
show great concern for their patients, as well as respect for the VNA
staff. We’re grateful for the wonderful working relationship we
enjoy.”
The staff of the VNA are pleased to recognize their care and
compassion for those in need in our community by honoring the
physicians of Lakeshore Bone and Joint Institute as VNA Physicians of
the Year.
More than 100 walkers of all ages strolled through the streets near
the Visiting Nurse Association and Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA
Hospice Center in Valparaiso on April 22nd in support of the 6th
Annual VNA ‘Stroll for Hospice’. Adding to the enjoyment of a
beautiful spring day, walkers were able to take advantage of the new
pathway on Vale Park Road for the first time since the event began in
2002.
This year, Stroll for Hospice took on an international flair as
teacher Chris Gaffner from River Forest High School in Lake Station
led a large team of students from around the world. Students from
Ghana, the Philippines, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Russia,
Thailand, Egypt, Malaysia, Germany, Turkey and Azerbaijan not only
learned about the concept of hospice, but got an education in our
uniquely American, grassroots approach to fundraising and community
awareness. Ms. Gaffner said her students are anxious to get home and
share what they have learned here, to raise awareness and meet needs
in their own communities.
Event sponsors included the Harold and Margaret "Sis" Heinold
Foundation, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, Porter,
Angelcrest, Centier Bank, First National Bank of Valparaiso, North
Coast Distributing, Focus Enterprises, Firstcare, McGill/Emerson Power
Transmission, GE Marshall Inc., Valparaiso American Legion Auxiliary,
Tudor Floors, Arbor View Animal Hospital and Design Organization.
Raffle prizes and supplies were provided by Family Express, Town &
Country, Chicago Street Theater, Fast Coffee/Naturel Water, David's
Mens Clothier, Tudor Services, Brandy's Lock & Key, Wiseway, Costas
Soft Touch, Bill and Carol Koss, Blondie’s, Bon Femme Cafe, Deb
Killion, Inn at Aberdeen, Lynda Krueger, Memorial Opera House, Panera
Bread, Philips Ace Hardware, Bill Spicer, Deb Springer, Rachel Rosati,
Arlene Gross, Patty Rooney and Mary Ann Konopacki.
Music for the event was provided by Orison, a talented group of
musicians from St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Valparaiso.
Individuals receiving awards were Bill Koss, who raised the highest
dollar amount in sponsorships and Martha Arroyo, who had the greatest
number of sponsors.
Team awards were split between a veteran team and a new team.
Longtime hospice supporters Oestreich's Angels received the team award
for raising the highest dollar amount in sponsorships, while newcomer
River Forest High School team received the award for the greatest
number of sponsors.
Nearly $25,000 was raised through corporate sponsorships and
individual and team sponsorships.
Since 1983, the Visiting Nurse Association Hospice program has
helped terminally ill patients and their families with their physical,
emotional, social, and spiritual needs and enabled them to prepare for
death with peace and dignity. "The Stroll for Hospice is a wonderful
way to raise funds to help us provide hospice care and to help the
community learn more about the benefits of hospice," said Patty
Rooney, VNA nurse and chairman of the event.
The mission of hospice has always been to help people die with
dignity, at home, with their loved ones by their side. But hospice
goes even further. It not only comforts the patient, but reaches out
to the family as well, helping loved ones through the experience of
loss and grief. The VNA provides hospice care wherever the patient
calls home, whether it is the patient's home, the home of a loved one,
assisted living facility, extended care facility or at the Arthur B.
and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center.
Bill Lukach presents the 2006 Lukach Memorial Scholarship to
Stacy Sowers
The scholarship is
awarded each year through the Visiting Nurse Association to assist
health care workers who lack access to traditional scholarships,
enabling them to pursue further education in health care. It was
created by the late Mrs. Avis Lukach, a past Visiting Nurse
Association board member and longtime community volunteer who believed
in opening doors for non-traditional students.
The scholarship
continues as a lasting testament to her vision. Anyone employed in the
health care field who desires to advance their health-care related
education through formal courses, certificate courses, or specialized
training may apply for this scholarship.
Stacy has been a
member of the VNA Support Services team of the Visiting Nurse
Association of Porter County for the last two years. The mother of
four plans to attend Ivy Tech as she works toward her RN--a dream of
hers for more than a decade. The Visiting Nurse Association and the
Lukach Scholarship Committee are proud to recognize Stacy's
dedication, caring and diligence with a scholarship in the amount of
$850.
For more information
or to request an application for the 2007 scholarship, please call the
VNA Foundation at (219)462-5195. You may also visit the VNA website
at www.vnaportercounty.org.
Previous recipients are not eligible for additional assistance.
2007 Lukach Scholarship Application
(click here for printable application)
Pictured left to right:
Front: Pam Thompson, President of the Ladies Auxiliary; Delores
Wallace; Rose Muckway; Laura Harting, Executive Director of the VNA;
Jan Yoder, Aerie #2517 President; Kit McLean; Brady Bryan, Home Pro
Back:
Lora McLean
Valpo Eagles support VNA Hospice
Committed to the Fraternal Order of Eagles motto "for Home, for
Country and for God" the Valparaiso Eagles and Ladies Auxiliary, Aerie
#2517 donated a total of $4,000 in support of the Visiting Nurse
Association Hospice program.
Founded in 1898, the Eagles have more than 1 million members
nationwide. Over the years, the Eagles have helped establish the
Workman's Compensation Act, Social Security laws and work to assist in
the prevention and cure of diseases through their sponsorship of the
Art Ehrmann Cancer Fund, Max Bear Heart Fund, Jimmy Durante Children's
Fund, "Doc" Dunlap Kidney Fund and the Diabetes Fund.
The Valparaiso Eagles’ donation to hospice started with funds
raised through a rummage sale, bake sale and gift basket raffle held
by the Ladies Auxiliary earlier this year."The Auxiliary raised $1,000
to support the hospice program," said Auxiliary President Pam
Thompson. "When the men saw how much we raised, they decided to match
it and then one of our members, Brady Bryan from Home Pro matched both
donations."
The VNA Hospice program provides care for the terminally ill and
their families in Porter County, in addition to portions of Lake,
LaPorte, Jasper and Starke counties. Hospice brings comfort and
support for both the patient and family members, allowing the patient
to live their final days with peace and dignity. Care may be provided
in the patient’s home, home of a family member, long term care
facility, assisting living facility or at the VNA Hospice Center.
"We’ve had a lot of members touched by the VNA Hospice program.
They make such a difference for people and we want to help make sure
hospice is there for our community," said Thompson.
Joe Wagner of Joe's Towing presents $3,500
to Maria Galka of the Visiting Nurse Association to support the VNA
Hospice program.
Joe Wagner, owner of Joe's Towing in Chesterton, recently presented
the Visiting Nurse Association with an early holiday surprise: a check
for $3,500.00 to the VNA Hospice Program, representing proceeds of the
Joe's Towing 5th Annual Charity Golf Outing, which took place on
August 12, 2006 at the Brassie Golf Club.
Each year, the event donates its proceeds to non-profit organizations
in Porter County. Over the last five years, the Golf Outing has
donated more than $45,000.00 to support groups that make a difference
in the community.
Mr. Wagner has a very personal reason to care about hospice. In 2002
his father, Carl Wagner, received hospice care through the VNA. "I had
always heard of the good work they do," he said, "but I did not have
first hand experience with them until my father's illness and passing.
I was very impressed by their skill, and care, and concern. They were
genuinely good people who tried their best to help my dad and provide
assistance to the rest of the family."
Hospice is a program designed to assist people who have been diagnosed
with a terminal illness. VNA hospice care is provided by a team of
caregivers that includes the patient's physician, registered nurses,
social workers, clergy, occupational therapists, physical therapists,
chaplains, aides, dieticians, and volunteers. The Visiting Nurse
Association provides care in the patient's home, nursing home,
assisted living facility or at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA
Hospice Center.
Mr. Wagner is modest about his generosity. "I am grateful to them," he
said simply, "and wish them continued success."
Joyce Alexa, VNA Clinical Director presents
Dr. Timothy Ames as VNA Physician of the Year
Dr. Ames Named VNA Physician of the
Year
The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County honored Dr. J.
Timothy Ames at the VNA Annual Recognition Banquet as Physician of the
Year for 2005. Each year, the VNA gives this award to a physician
whose practice affirms the vital importance of home health care and
hospice.
Dr. Ames was recognized for his deep commitment to delivering
quality health care services to patients of all ages and backgrounds.
The nurses who nominated him for this honor noted his exceptional
dedication to his patients. As one nurse observed, "He cares about
helping people above all else."
After helping to establish two clinics for low-income and uninsured
patients in Porter County, one in Portage and one in Valparaiso, he
left private practice to devote himself full-time to the clinics.
Fluent in Spanish, he is currently Medical Director and full-time
family physician at the Hilltop Health Center in Valparaiso, where his
language skills help bridge the gap for immigrants in desperate need
of health care services. In addition, Dr. Ames serves as Medical
Director of the Ivy Tech Medical Assistant Program, and is a volunteer
board member for Pines Village retirement community. Dr. Ames, a
graduate of the University of Virginia, has been a diplomate of the
American Board of Family Practice since 1987.
With all these commitments, this father of two young sons is also a
member of the vestry at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and a Cub Scout
Leader. He and his wife Debra, a professor of Spanish at Valparaiso
University, have been Porter County residents for nearly 20 years. The
staff of the VNA are pleased to acknowledge his contribution to the
community by honoring him as Physician of the Year.
Realtors Minakshi Ghuman and Gail Kneeland
present VNA Executive Director Laura Harting with a check for
$1,100.00.
Christmas in February at the VNA
For the staff of Century 21 Estates, community support is a key part
of their annual Christmas celebration. Recently, representatives of
Century 21 Estates honored the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter
County with a very special contribution.
Realtors Gail Kneeland and Minakshi Ghuman presented VNA Executive
Director Laura Harting with a check for $1,100.00, donated by members
of the firm as their "Christmas gift to the community."
The
Visiting Nurse Association is a leader in home health and hospice care
for Porter County, with services that include nursing, physical
therapy, speech and occupational therapy, nutrition counseling,
medical social services, hospice care, senior wellness programs, flu
shot administration and home health aide services. The VNA also offers
respite care, homemaker and attendant care, health watch and meals on
wheels for patients who need help in their homes for everyday tasks.
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas thanks Laura
Harting, Executive Director of the Visiting Nurse Association for
providing 35 years of care and compassion to the community through the
programs and services of the VNA.
VNA Celebrates 35 Years
Nearly 200 staff, board members, volunteers and friends of the
Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County gathered at Aberdeen Manor
on February 27, 2006 for the agency’s annual recognition
banquet. The banquet highlighted the agency’s 35th
anniversary.
Staff members were recognized for their years of service to the VNA,
with special salutes to JosAnn Aguilera (VNA Caregiver of the Year),
Cookie Torchia (VNA Support Staff of the Year), and Mary Jane Manfred
(June McCort Award-Respite Companion of the Year).
Dr. J. Timothy Ames was named VNA Physician of the Year for his
dedicated service to his patients and the community. The United Way’s
Sharon Kish recognized volunteers Lynda Krueger (VNA Volunteer of the
Year) and Carol Fellores (Meals on Wheels Volunteer of the Year) for
their exceptional volunteer activities on behalf of the VNA, a United
Way agency.
In an evening filled with laughter, tears and memories, guests paid
tribute to Executive Director Laura Harting, the agency’s founder and
director since 1970, and Clinical Director Joyce Alexa, who has served
the VNA for 30 years.
Sharon Kish made a presentation in honor of Laura Harting on behalf
of the United Way of Porter County, and Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas
shared an official proclamation naming February 27, 2006 ‘Laura
Harting Day’ in appreciation for her visionary leadership and service
to the community. The proclamation states that her "expansive
knowledge of healthcare, her vision for home care, her ability to see
challenges rather than obstacles, her tenacious nature and her
compassion set the standards for home care in this area...."
Laura Harting established the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter
County in 1970. What began as a three-employee operation headquartered
in the kitchen of a private home has grown to become one of the
region’s premier providers of home healthcare and support for
independent living, offering a wide range of services from skilled
nursing care to Meals on Wheels and much more.
Despite legislative and fiscal challenges which have forced the
closure of many VNAs nationwide over the years, the VNA of Porter
County continues to thrive. Today it provides services throughout
Porter County as well as portions of Lake, LaPorte, Jasper and Starke
Counties.
Under Harting’s leadership, the VNA has also been a pioneer in
hospice care. The agency has provided home hospice care since 1983,
adding inpatient services in 1994. In 2000, aware of the ever-growing
need for compassionate end-of-life care, Harting launched a campaign
to build a new, freestanding hospice center and in February of 2002,
the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center opened its doors.
Since its opening, this state-of-the-art facility has provided support
for hundreds of dying patients and their family members.
VNA Foundation board President Doug Watkins
presents retiring Foundation President Joe Claesgens with a plaque
commemorating his 21 years of service as board leader.
Joe Claesgens Retires as VNA Board
Leader
When Joe Claesgens first became involved with the Visiting Nurse
Association of Porter County he did it purely as a favor to a friend
who was then serving on the VNA Board. Claesgens figured he would
serve for a year or two before passing the baton to someone else.
That was in 1984. In early 2006, Claesgens officially retired as
president of the VNA Foundation Board after 21 years. Fellow Board
members presented him with an inscribed clock and some heartfelt words
of gratitude for his many years of service. As a special surprise,
wife Mary Ann and grandsons Daniel and James were present to share in
the honors.
By the time of his retirement as president, he had served on all three
of the organization's Boards, including 22 years on the VNA Foundation
Board, 20 years on the board of sister organization HHS of Porter
County, and 8 years on the Visiting Nurse Association Board.
Claesgens, Assistant Vice President and Banking Center Manager at
Fifth Third Bank, has seen the VNA and VNA Foundation through many ups
and downs, and he regards his time with the VNA as a long learning
experience. His steady leadership helped steer the organization
through the tumultuous 1990s, when financial and legislative
challenges forced nearly half the VNAs in Indiana to close their
doors.
He also helped to spearhead the $2.85 million capital campaign that
built the landmark Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center,
remaining deeply committed to this project despite (or perhaps because
of!) claims that it "couldn't be done." His devotion to the agency has
led him to get others involved, and he can regularly be spotted
conducting 'introductory tours' for friends and colleagues.
The affable Claesgens is not 'calling it quits'. Rather, he remains a
member of the VNA Foundation Board, recently agreeing to lend his
expertise and experience to head a committee of the Foundation. As
wife Mary Ann notes, if Joe Claesgens sits down during the day, he
feels as though he's missing something. During his years of service to
the VNA, he has also been active with his homeowners' association and
his church, served as a Loaned Executive with the United Way, and been
an ardent advocate for Family House, Inc., a social service
organization that supports children and their parents during periods
of family trauma.
Claesgens moves seamlessly between the life of work, family,
neighborhood, faith and service, guided by a strong belief that we
repay our blessings through involvement. He is firmly convinced that
everyone has something to share. "If you can't give financially," he
observes with a smile, "then you give yourself."
Express Scripts Prescription Drug Discount
Program
For a number of years, the Visiting Nurse Association of Porter
County has made a prescription discount program available to area
residents. Until 2003, this program was administered by the National
Prescription Administrators, Inc. (NPA). In 2003, NPA was purchased by
the nationally-known Express Scripts, Inc., which continues to make this
prescription discount available. To date more than 280 local residents
have taken advantage of this opportunity through the Visiting Nurse
Association. In addition, local businesses have included the program as
a supplement to their major medical package.
Typically, discounts may be 12% - 15% off average wholesale price on
brand name prescriptions, and as much as 55% off generic. Some
participants have noted savings of hundreds of dollars per year.
Virtually all prescription medications are covered.
Express Scripts is available to anyone of any age. The cost is just
$18.00 per year. Spouses and dependent children under 19 (or up to age
23 for full-time students) are covered at no additional charge.
The program will benefit those who do not already have a prescription
plan. It will not benefit those with a pharmacy co-pay insurance
plan. Express Scripts may be used with HoosierRx, Indiana’s refund
program for prescription drugs for low-income seniors.
Participants receive a discount card to use when filling
prescriptions. Discounts are automatically calculated by the
participating pharmacy.
The Express Scripts card may be used at over 45,000 pharmacies
nationwide. These include major chains like Walgreens, Target, Fagen,
and Kmart, as well as more than 86% of local independent pharmacies. In
addition, through the Express Scripts Mail Service Pharmacy (CFI),
participants can receive up to a 90-day supply of their medication.
Express Scripts can make a real difference, especially for those on
fixed incomes who must struggle with rising food, heating fuel, and
medical costs. VNA offers Express Scripts as a community service to
assist residents in stretching their limited resources to meet tight
budgets.
Contact the VNA of Porter County at 531-8076, for an enrollment form
or more information.
