Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills
Honors Dedicated Volunteers at YMCA Recognition Night

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ - - The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills recognized two volunteers at the annual YMCA Volunteer Recognition Night on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at the Olde Mill Inn in Basking Ridge.

Basking Ridge resident Betty Heitmann was recognized for her service to the members of the Somerset Hills Adult Day Center, though her volunteer work for the VNA extends to longtime service on the Board of Trustees and 16 years at their bi-annual Rummage Sales. Ms. Heitmann visits the Somerset Hills Adult Day Center once a month to play the piano and sing some old favorites that members are likely to remember.

Leslie Mensak of Millington was honored for her service as a Hospice and Home Care volunteer since 2003.  A retired educator, Ms. Mensak’s assistance to patients and families has included running errands and helping to organize their homes and giving a spouse some respite. She also pays friendly visits to the VNA’s patients at Arbor Glen Continuing Care Retirement Community in Bridgewater and has helped out at the VNA’s flu clinics.

“Our volunteers extend our reach”, stated Anne Kelleher, Director of Volunteers at the VNA.  “Through their compassionate care, our clients know there is a community that cares for them.  This human contact is vital to our client’s health and well being.  Our volunteers become friends and “neighbors” to our clients – a relationship that benefits them both.”

The VNA has a roster of over 40 hospice homecare volunteers and 40 friendly visitor volunteers.  In addition, there are many other volunteer opportunities at the VNA including helping at the Somerset Hills Adult Day Center and the Rummage Sales.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact the VNA at (908) 766-0180 x. 118.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The mission of the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills and its subsidiaries is to provide individuals and families with comprehensive, high quality, cost-effective home and community health care services, regardless of ability to pay, using partnerships where appropriate. It is a charitable, tax-exempt home health agency and hospice certified by Medicare, accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Program (CHAP), and licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. 

The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills celebrated 100 years of service in 2004 and began the Centennial Campaign to raise the $8.85 million to construct new headquarters in Basking Ridge.  Construction of the new building is underway at 200 Mt. Airy Road. The architect for the project is The Kimmerle Group of Morristown. For more information on the Centennial Campaign, contact (908) 766-0180 ext. 140.

PRESS CONTACT: Marie Sperber (908) 766-0180, x. 150

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