FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Anne Massar

Friday, December 10, 2004 366-3333

COI Honors Home Care Employees

DUNKIRK – A recognition ceremony was held today by Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI) to honor the work done by the agency’s Home Care field staff. The event was held at Connections North in the town of Dunkirk. It was well attended by many of the personal care aides, as well as the Executive Director Roberta Keller, several of the Department Heads, and the Home Care office staff; and featured an awards ceremony, lunch, and a raffle.

Home Care Coordinator Anne Massar said, “This ceremony is our opportunity to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Home Care field staff. I would like to personally thank our employees for the care they give our clients every day.” The recognition ceremony has been held for over 15 years.

The awards ceremony recognized the employee of the year, the employees of the month for 2004, as well as people who have been employed for 5, 7,10, 15, and 20 years with the agency.

The awards for Employee of the Year went to Michael Fisher (North) and Pat Toland (South).

The employee of the month awards were given to:

• Tonya Kahabka (January)
• Linda Seybold (February)
• Michael Fisher (March)
• Patty Harris (April)
• Jane Stelmach (May)
• Lorraine Heald (June)
• Marla Casey (July)
• Katrina Cochran (August)
• Betty Mele (September)
• Ashley Wisniewski (October)
• Betty Syper (November)
• and Harriet Pierce (December).

A ceremony to honor staff in the Jamestown-area was held the previous week.

The event also featured a lunch prepared and donated by the Home Care Office Staff, a raffle, and presentation of gifts to attendees which were also donated by the office staff. COI, Cliffstar and General Mills also made donations to the event which were given to the aides, in appreciation for all that they do in the community.

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