On Saturday, October 27, 2007 the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills (VNA) and Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders officially opened the new VNA Headquarters and the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center at 200 Mt. Airy Road in Basking Ridge.

“This is an historic day for all the residents we serve,” said Evelyn K. Savage, VNA President & CEO. “This unique senior campus provides a full range of services designed to assist seniors in their desire to remain at home for as long as possible. We recognize their desire to age in place and have created the resources and programs to help them achieve this goal.”

Evelyn went on to pay special tribute to all of the volunteers who were involved in making this day a reality. Former Board President Nina Vitale and current Board Chair Carol Buttera, along with volunteer Project Director Charlie Lind were signaled out for their leadership and contributions. She thanked architect George Kimmerle of The Kimmerle Group, as well as Paul Newman and Cindy Cui, for listening to and understanding the VNA’s needs and services and for incorporating this knowledge into the design of this innovative facility. Stan Frankoski, President and James Perrier, site superintendent, from Frankoski Construction were also recognized for executing the design and building the facility.

Other special guests and dignitaries who were present for the opening celebration included Governor Thomas Kean, Honorary Campaign Chair; Congressman Rodney P. Frelinghuysen; Congressman Michael Ferguson; Somerset County Freeholder Deputy Director Denise Coyle; Somerset County Freeholder Rick Fontana; John Carpenter, Deputy Mayor of Basking Ridge; and Joseph S. Frelinghuysen, Jr. and Grania Allport, Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs.

The remarks were decidedly personal in tone. Governor Kean spoke about how the services of the VNA were critical to his own recovery after surgery. “Without a doubt, my recovery was faster because I was able to rehabilitate in the comfort of my own home.” Congressman Michael Ferguson touched on how home health services provided critical care for his mother and family as she battled cancer. “Her life was improved by the home care she received from the VNA nurses. Thank you for the work that you do.”

“This partnership comes at a critical time for today’s seniors,” stated Freeholder Deputy Director Denise Coyle. “With the baby boomer generation beginning to join the ranks of the senior population, this campus is poised to become a model healthcare resource for these residents as well as for those in other counties and communities.” Congressman Frelinghuysen supported this statement by acknowledging the importance of educating seniors about the services provided by the VNA.

Joe Frelinghuysen recognized the tireless efforts of the Centennial Campaign Committee in raising the $9.4 million for the VNA’s new headquarters a two-story, 23,090 square-foot facility which also houses their adult day center.

A second building on the site purchased by Somerset County from the VNA is a one-story, 9,940 square-foot facility, named the Senior Wellness Center, and houses the former Bernardsville Senior Center. This multi-purpose center will provide a variety of services including meals, educational programs, day trips, access to the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and eldercare services for seniors in the area.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, both buildings were open to the public for tours. If you were unable to attend the opening celebration and would like to tour the VNA and the Adult Day Center, please call us at (908) 766-0180 ext. 140 to set up a time for a visit.

Contact Information:

Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills

200 Mt. Airy Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

mail@visitingnurse.org

phone 908-647-1077

fax 908-647-5033