Since 2013, we have hosted the Golden Care Awards with the help of local sponsors. This event is an opportunity for caregivers in Wood County to be recognized for their dedication to caring for others. Caregivers are first nominated by friends, family or coworkers. Those nominations are given to the Wood County Commissioners, who read through each nomination and choose a winner from each of three categories: agency support staff, medical professionals, and community caregivers.
This year's event was held on Monday, November 1 at the Wood County Senior Center in Bowling Green, with 20 nominations in total (5 support staff, 10 medical professionals, and 5 community caregivers). Senator Theresa Gavarone was the MC for the evening, and all nominated caregivers in attendance were presented with a certificate by Wood County Commissioners Dr. Theodore Bowlus, , Doris Herringshaw, and Craig LaHote.Event committee sponsors included: Bowling Green Manor, Briar Hill Health Care Campus, Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Brookdale of Bowling Green, Kingston of Perrysburg, and Wood Haven Health Care.
A video was created to honor all of the nominees. The video can be viewed below, or can be found by going to YouTube and searching for the WCCOA YouTube channel.
GOLDEN CARE AWARD WINNERS 2021
COMMUNITY CAREGIVER WINNER
Amy Lee
Amy Lee
"This nomination is written on behalf of Mary Murphy, a current hospice patient. I (Stephanie Good) am one of her caregivers and we have both decided to nominate Amy Lee. Amy has been an exceptional neighbor and friend to Mary for the past several years. She provides quality care consistent with that of a nursing facility, and will rise in the middle of the night if Mary calls and she needs help. Many mornings she arrives with breakfast in hand and will serve Mary with a smile. (When Mary was still able, Amy would come most every evening and play cards with her and this eventually evolved into more of a care-giving role.) Mary is currently unable to get out of bed and it is essential to have quality, consistent and compassionate care. Amy provides a warm smile and much needed comfort and reassurance at every turn we encounter. This past Fourth of July Amy, and Mary's son Mark, were able to get her into a wheelchair and into Amy's garage to see the fireworks. They initiated a safe transfer into a safe environment so Mary could enjoy the evening. It was a much needed evening with a different view. This is merely one example of going above and beyond that Amy has provided. When Mary talks of Amy you can see the love light up her eyes and a warm smile spread across her face. She will remember a time when she and Amy did something and it will garner a chuckle out of her. It is a warm feeling that fills the room and you feel it in your very soul. You realize right away that this is much more than just "my neighbor Amy". There is a respect, a reverence, and a pride. It is a feeling that resonates with you and you wish you had that kind of neighbor, that kind of friend in your life. Almost like a Guardian Angel living next door. You can feel the relief, literally feel, the relief Mary has when she knows Amy will be coming. The list is too numerous for me to include all the specific examples of things that Amy has done to care for her friend, Simple things like just bringing the breakfast over, picking up a favorite snack at the store, picking up prescriptions, popping over to make sure Mary is eating a nutritious lunch, or being by Mary's side when the Hospice nurse visits are just a few. The care and compassion Amy has shown toward her friend is something that we could all learn from. It is not always easy to step up and go from neighbor, to friend, to caregiver, and yet Amy has made Mary a priority, without a thought of what she may have going on in her life. We could all learn a great lesson in compassion for humanity from Amy Lee and I believe that is what this world needs a bit more of right now.”
Thank you for all you do, Amy!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WINNER Deb Klasen, Wood Haven Health Care |
Deb's nomination, written by Heather Greeno, is included here:
"Deb started her career with Wood Haven Health Care back in 2007, then retired and decided to come back part time and work in 2020. Deb is very dedicated and knows each and every resident, prioritizes the nurse to patient relationship and is very respected by staff and residents. Her many years of experience is shown every day in her work and she has been a great mentor to the nursing staff. Deb taught the STNA training for Wood Haven's new employees. Deb takes new employees under her wing and goes above and beyond to ensure they are providing the best possible care. We appreciate the many years of hard work Deb has dedicated to Wood Haven Health Care."
Thank you for all you do, Deb!
| SUPPORT STAFF WINNER Laura Steffan, Wood Haven Health Care |
Laura's nomination, written by Heather Greeno, is included here:
"Since Laura began her career at Wood Haven Health Care in 2008 she has been essential in many different roles. Laura first started out as a STNA providing direct care to our residents then transitioned into her current role as the Transportation Specialist. In this role Laura is vital to ensuring the residents are scheduled and transported to important appointments and also picks up our new residents who come to stay with us long term or for rehab. Laura is always eager to help when needed and has a special gift to comfort our residents when they are having a hard day. Laura has a true passion for senior care and the residents are grateful for her presence. We appreciate all Laura has done over the many years she has worked for Wood Haven Health Care.”
Wood County Advocate of the Year
Maureen Veit, Adult Protective Services
Senator Theresa Gavarone, the MC for the evening!
All of the attending caregivers were presented with a certificate:
Bill Scovell
Community Caregiver Nominee
Doug Ringler
Community Caregiver Nominee
Gail Baden
Community Caregiver Nominee
Shelly Ruehl, Brookdale of Bowling Green
Medical Professional Nominee
Shannon Herrig, Bowling Green Manor
Medical Professional Nominee
Scott Fornwald, Kingston Residence of Perrysburg
Medical Professional Nominee
Linda Hazard, Kingston Residence of Perrysburg
Medical Professional Nominee
Korie Poling, Bowling Green Manor
Medical Professional Nominee
Amanda Wagner, Wood Haven Healthcare
Medical Professional Nominee
Amanda Esquivel, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg
Medical Professional Nominee
Michelle Davenport, Kingston Residence of Perrysburg
Support Staff Nominee
Jim Cress, Wood Haven Healthcare
Support Staff Nominee
Jennifer Lewellen, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg
Support Staff Nominee
NOMINEES NOT PICTURED INCLUDE:
Community Member:
Ken Lohman
Medical Professionals:
Alaina LaCourse, Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg and Tanai Lyles, Woodlane Residential Services
Support Staff:
Tabitha Tippin, Amada Senior Care
THANK YOU
On behalf of the Wood County Committee on Aging, we would like to thank our
sponsors and supporters for making this event a success. This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize caregivers in our County. Most importantly, THANK YOU to all of the caregivers who go above and beyond to make sure those they serve are receiving the
care they need to not only survive, but to thrive.
Your devotion does not go unnoticed.
GET INVOLVED
If you would like to be involved in this great event next year by purchasing a table for your company, or by making a nomination, please contact the Programs Department at
419.353.5661 or 800.367.4935 or email programs@wccoa.net
