"A job well done"

Because of the Department of Health meeting in New York last Friday, I was not able to return to Syracuse in time for the annual Service Recognition Dinner for Community General employees and for recent retirees.

This was, I think, the first Recognition Dinner I have missed for Community. I am sorry to have missed it, it being a poignant evening as the last one under Community’s independent status.

My thanks to Sharon O’Neill, Human Resources Director, and her staff for organizing the event again this year, and thank you too to Vice President Dennis Trepanier and to Medical Staff President Dr. David Halleran who “did the honors” in saluting employees and retirees at this milestone event.

A highlight of the evening was an “ode” by Jan Filsinger, an Emergency Department Coding Data Analyst. Here's what she said:

ODE TO MY ADOPTED FAMILY
Jan Evans-Filsinger

When I was very young you took me in.

You had patience with me and showed me skills.

You watched me grow under your tutelage and there were expectations.

I worked hard over the years and in return you helped me provide for my family.

You paid for some of my education and most of my insurance.

You provided me with the means to save for my children’s education, Christmas club, and even my own separate retirement.

When my children were born, I came to you and you took care of me and the expense.

When I or my family were sick or injured we came to you and again you took care of us and the expense.

Just like any other family, we had our ups and downs but you always stuck by me; even in some really rough patches when I left you in the lurch you were still by me and helped work things out.

Oh sure we have some siblings that have felt you should have done more, given them more, but with the economy changes that got harder to do. Yet year after year you have recognized us, given us gifts, some free lunches and never forgot a Christmas.

But just like any other family member on a fixed income, you began to falter under the weight of the economy.

You made some changes and tightened your belt.

But at the end of the day it proved to be too much and now you need assisted living.

As we move forward I will do all that I can to help you transition with your dignity and self-respect intact.

Tonight we recognize you for 48 years of hard work and a job well done.

I will always look back with fondness and say thank you to Community General Hospital!