By now you may have met Hospice by RVNA nurse, Betty Avery (pictured at left).  And by now, you may know that Betty often has a story up her sleeve.  All of which remarkably .. are true.

What you may not know is that Betty is also a Supreme Problem Solver.  Or at least that’s the title that one of her patients — a Wilton resident who Betty has cared for since mid-July — assigned Betty late last week.

Here’s why:  upon starting care, it didn’t take long for Betty to realize that he needed help getting around. Even short walks – partly across the room, to the door – left him breathless and uncomfortable. And in Betty’s mind, immobility was not an acceptable option. It wasn’t fair to either him or his wife.

But what to do?  Electric wheelchairs were an option, but prohibitively expensive. Betty did track down a company that partners with prisoners to refurbish plain wheelchairs, making some electric, and donates them to people in need. But getting the wheelchair to Wilton was beyond complicated. And electric wheelchairs can be potentially unwieldy within a home.

So Betty put her thinking cap on. A scooter would be a better option.

And in this big world of ours, Betty was certain that there was an unused scooter that needed a home. It was just a matter of finding it. So Betty started talking to people she knows. And it didn’t take long to find a match. With Mary Foley at Meadow Ridge Senior Living in Redding, CT.

Mary, Resident Service Coordinator at Meadow Ridge, knew the daughter of a resident was looking to give away a scooter. Her mother had passed away and she knew the scooter needed a new home.

So Betty gracefully accepted it, and she and Mary pushed that scooter into the back of Betty’s car and Betty drove it over to Wilton.  En route, recognizing that getting the scooter up to the second floor residence was going to pose an issue for her, Betty called the Wilton Police Department and asked for help.  (Not while driving, mind you.)  The Wilton PD was happy to oblige and Officer Sean came to the scene.  Betty and Officer Sean worked together to wheel in and present the treasure.

Imagine that. Imagine the surprise and delight of Betty’s patient and his wife.  To know that the love of their nurse could and would profoundly change their lives.

‘It Takes a Village’ is a lovely but often over-used phrase, but with this story, that phrase rings abundantly true.

Thank you to everyone in our Village who made this story come true: Mary Foley, our scooter donator, the Wilton Police Department, our precious patient and wife, and our own indomitable Betty Avery.

Summertime and the Living is Easy…

Or is it? While beautiful summer days usually lift your spirits, there may be times when you just don’t feel that happy. What does happiness mean to you? It’s not easy to define and means different things to different people. One definition offered is that happiness is a feeling of joy, contentment, or positive well-being combined with a sense that life is good, meaningful, and worthwhile.

Since it’s not unusual to experience occasional bouts of unhappiness, it’s comforting to know there are things you can do to boost your happiness quotient. Do an act of kindness: when you do something kind, you’ll feel your happiness soar. Hold the door for someone and wish them a good day or buy a cup of coffee for a friend or the stranger in line behind you. Practice gratitude: list three things that make you feel grateful. They can be as simple as a sunny day, finishing a project or an outing with a friend. Play: take time to have fun and step out of your normal routine. Get outdoors and take a hike, play with the dog, read a good book, or walk on the beach. You’ll feel more relaxed and contented.

If, after all that, you just don’t feel positive, fake it. Choosing to exhibit a positive attitude has mental and physical health benefits. Brighten your face with a smile and try to counter every negative thought with an optimistic one. And, finally, practice self-care. Don’t always put the needs of others before your own. It’s important to take care of yourself to feel happy, to be available to help and support others, and to live a meaningful and happy life.

Sometimes the story tells itself and all you have to do … is listen.

Today, meet Betty Avery, RN, who brings equal magic to the stories she tells and the stories, memories, and emotions she encourages in others.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in a small town in north Jersey, Ridgefield Park, where everyone knew each other. I am the 11th of 12 children and my husband Paul is the 10th of 10. Paul is also from Ridgefield Park. Although this may seem impossible, we represented the average family in our home town. We moved to New Fairfield back in 1993, twenty five years ago, but we still miss Jersey (#18 on the NJ Turnpike).

What is your role at RVNA?

I am a Hospice nurse and work very closely with our Director, Leslie Chiaramonte, and our entire team to provide comfort care to our patients,’ “End of Life.”  I like to see it as Quality of Life and this goes not only for the patient but for the family and loved ones too.

How long have you been at RVNA?

I started at RVNAhealth back in mid-November, before we had any patients. I can’t express what a gift it is to me to work for such a great place and to be part of this new endeavor, Hospice at its inception.

What brought you here?

I have worked as a nurse for over 35 years, mostly with children in both hospital and school settings. Coming from a pediatric setting, I believe my care often extended to the parents and loved ones, to educate them and relieve them of their fears. That experience is a wonderful transition into Hospice.

Approximately 14 years ago, I took care of a dying woman, a friend, who I worked with at her request. Subsequently, at the request of her daughters, I started working for a Hospice in the region one day a week. After that experience, I always knew I would return to Hospice and the opportunity that RVNAhealth presented was like fate to me and I knew it was time to return to Hospice Care.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Although working with such wonderful people for a common goal is wonderful, my favorite part is knowing I have helped someone die with comfort, with dignity, and with peace.  I love families — all families — and getting to know them and to help them see their loved one die in peace, brings them an inner joy and gratitude that cannot be expressed in words.

When did you decide to become a nurse?

I have had a grammar school friend for over 40 years who likes to remind me that in my 8th grade yearbook, I apparently told the world that I wanted to be a nurse.

When did you decide to become a hospice nurse?

I think the day my friend’s daughters came to see me and asked me to become their hospice nurse.  My first response was “no way.”  But two weeks later, I found myself signing up!

What do you love to do when you’re not working?

I love to read and spend time in the woods.

What is your hidden talent?

I think I’m a storyteller by nature and love to bring joy to others.

What would you do if you won the lottery? 

I always had a dream of having my own “kids camp.”  I’ve thought of many different variations, like for girls to build self-esteem, children with hardships, and the list goes on and on.

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story?

After I was here at RVNAhealth for less than a month, there was a visitor just outside my office, but down the hallway. The visitor was a woman named Ashley, who was bringing her newborn child to see her mother-in-law, a long-time RVNAhealth employee.

But Ashley was also the daughter of the woman I had taken care of years before in my first hospice experience.  Ashley and her sister had been my inspiration. Years before, they had given me a beautiful angel that is in my garden and is also my screen saver.

At RVNA, when we re-connected, Ashley said to me, “If you ever doubted where God wants you, doubt no more.”

I believe that with all my heart.

RVNAhealth is currently accepting resumes for a part-time (10-15 hours per week) 2018 Flu Clinic LPN.

This role will support RVNAhealth Flu Clinics both on-site at RVNAhealth and in the field, and will work under the direction of the RVNAhealth Community Health Nurse Manager.  Interested candidates must have Connecticut Licensure, a valid Driver’s License, and their own transportation.  Flexibility and willingness to travel also required.

RVNAhealth is a six-time Top Workplaces Award Winner dedicated to delivering high quality care to the people and communities we serve. Join us!

The RVNAhealth Board of Directors began a new term on July 1, bidding farewell to three “retiring”members and welcoming new members aboard. Stepping down are Betsy Brand, Mary Jones, and Joyce Ligi who each completed two consecutive terms in June. Returning member Marcie Coffin rejoins after a brief hiatus, and new members Linda MacDonald and Carolyn Nolan began their terms at the first meeting on July 31.

“RVNAhealth is so fortunate to have the support and vast experience of our Board members behind us as we move into our next phase of growth,” says RVNAhealth President and CEO, Theresa Santoro. “Their dedication bolsters us in our mission to provide exceptional care and promote the highest quality of life to community members of all ages and all stages of health.”

RVNAhealth is pleased to introduce…

Marcie Coffin is Executive Vice President and Risk Management Officer for Fairfield County Bank, where she’s been employed for 18 years. She is returning to the Board after a brief hiatus, having originally served from 2009 – 2017. A 20-year resident of Ridgefield, Marcie has dedicated her time to numerous organizations in town. In addition to serving on the board of Ridgefield Sunrise Cottage and the Lounsbury House, she has volunteered for the Ridgefield Library, the Soccer Club of Ridgefield, the RHS Boys’ Soccer Booster Club, and the Lions Heart service organization. Marcie currently serves as one of the town’s elected Police Commissioners.

Linda MacDonald is Senior Managing Director at Ankura consulting group. With 30 years of experience, she is a recognized expert in financial accounting and reporting. Linda holds an MBA in finance from American University, is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Fraud Examiner. Her professional work includes 12 years of accounting standard-setting experience with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and investigatory experience in the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Washington, DC. Linda is a Ridgefield resident.

Carolyn Nolan is Chief Strategy Officer for OnQ Solutions, Inc. She has had extensive experience in sales, marketing, operations, and management for organizations across the country, including IQNavigator, Volt Information Sciences, and ActionLink, with additional expertise in strategic planning and organizational change. A Ridgefield resident, Carolyn is no stranger to RVNAhealth and is currently a member of the Rebranding Task Force.

As Aesop said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” This is never more true than it is for hospice volunteers who share their talents, or simply their time, to enrich people’s lives.

Just ask RVNAhealth volunteer, Paul Avery. “You know how the saying goes,” he says. “’You get more from giving than you actually give.’ That’s exactly how I feel about my Hospice volunteering. I spend time with people at a very important time in their life, and I treasure it. It’s gentle time — talking, sitting, watching Mets games, that kind of thing. The connection is what’s important.”

Volunteers are critical to the mission of  Hospice by RVNA and support patients in a variety of ways, including visiting and offering companionship, reading books or magazines, assisting with writing letters or scrapbooking, pet care, and more. Volunteers are also needed for office and phone work, assistance with mailings, or help at fundraising events. Professionals willing to offer their services – such as religious leaders, massage therapists, manicurists, handy helpers, and gardeners — are also welcome.

“There are so many ways to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families,” says Hospice by RVNA Director, Leslie Chiaramonte. “What may seem like a small task to you could mean the world to them.”

Hospice by RVNA is currently seeking volunteers* for Ridgefield and surrounding communities. For more information, contact Hospice by RVNA Social Worker Cindy Merritt at 203-438-5555.

Hospice by RVNA is licensed and in the final accreditation stage.

* While we appreciate the generosity of all volunteers, we ask those who have recently lost a loved one to wait at least one year before volunteering. Please allow yourself the time you need for yourself — to strengthen and heal.  Thank you.

It’s a rare day that Christine Tracy is not the first one to arrive at the RVNAhealth offices, frequently clocking in by 7:00am.  She’s a natural early bird, a calendar phenom, a marathon runner, an organizational wizard, and just about the person you most want to run into in the company kitchen. Take a moment to meet Christine yourself.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I was born and lived in a couple of places in Westchester County, New York and then moved to New Milford, CT just in time for middle school and I stayed there until my husband and I bought a house and moved to Brookfield several years ago.

What is your role at RVNAhealth?

I started out as the professional scheduler but I am now the Medical Records Compliance Coordinator. (Editor’s note: In 2021, Christine was again promoted to Supervisor of Health Information Management) I interact with the field staff (nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists) and their supervisors to ensure paperwork compliance. I also connect with the doctors in our community who provide services to our patients in order to ensure all medical orders are signed and in order in the patient record.

How long have you been at RVNAhealth?

I’m coming up on 5 years this November. (Editor’s Note — make that 8 years! This item was written in 2018.)

What brought you here?

A former supervisor of mine from a nursing homing where I worked as a CNA came to RVNAhealth (then RVNA) and absolutely loved the atmosphere here. When the professional scheduler job opened up, she called me right away and encouraged me to apply.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love that my job lets me utilize my organizational skills. Medicare regulations ensure that my days are always packed with something new and I am NEVER bored!

Have you ever considered becoming a nurse?

It was something I considered briefly when I was working as a CNA. I have always been drawn to the healthcare field in some form.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?

I enjoy anything that lets me be creative. I paint along with Bob Ross which might be the most relaxing thing I’ve ever done. I’ve also dabbled in woodworking, building some of my bedroom furniture and even constructing pieces that have made it into my office to help keep me organized.

What is your hidden talent?

My coworkers will tell you that I ALWAYS know how many days there are until Christmas.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

The first thing I would want to do would be to provide financial security for my parents. They’ve been 100% supportive of me for my entire life, it’s the very least that I could do. I’d also probably continue to expand my dog’s wardrobe.

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story?

I think my favorite would be when we moved into the new location. Everything was so shiny and new and everyone was just beyond excited. It was the most joyous chaos I’ve ever seen.

If you have an exotic vacation coming up — or even if you don’t — take the quiz below to test your knowledge of health and safety while abroad.  Quiz answers are at bottom. No cheating!

1. International travel may require preventative medicines and vaccines. How long before your departure should you visit the Travel Health Clinic?
   1. 10 days
   2. 4 to 6 weeks
   3. 5 days
   4. 3 days
2. Hepatitis A may be contracted during travel to which of these regions?
   1. Central America
   2. Western Europe
   3. Eastern Europe
   4. All of the above
3. Blood clots can develop in the lower leg during extended travel by air or motor vehicle. How often should you move around to keep your circulation normal?
   1. Every 15 minutes
   2. Every 30 minutes
   3. Every hour
   4. Every 2 hours
4. Mosquito repellent and sunscreen should be applied at the same time.
   1. True
   2. False
5. If you are scratched or licked over broken skin by a mammal you need to get rabies vaccines?
   1. True
   2. False
6. Spicy food is always safe to eat, as the spices eradicate the germs.
   1. True
   2. False
7. Bottled water is always safe to drink.
   1. True
   2. False
8. The following can help reduce the chance of being bitten by mosquitoes, with the exception of:
   1. Wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants in light colored fabric
   2. Wearing long sleeved shirts, long pants in dark colored fabric
   3. Avoiding perfume, cologne, or other strong scents
   4. Regularly applying effective mosquito repellent
9. Mosquitos only come out at night.
   1. True
   2. False
10. Japanese Encephalitis is a vaccine preventable virus which is potentially fatal. Which countries are you at risk for Japanese Encephalitis?
    1. China
    2. Thailand
    3. Japan
    4. All of the above

Answers:

1) 2   2) 4   3) 4   4) 2*   5) 1   6) 2   7) 2   8) 2   9) 2   10) 4

RVNA’s  Maria Chann keeps many balls in the air at work. As a “paraprofessional coordinator,” she handles everything from scheduling, to payroll, and more. Even though she’s not in a clinical role herself, Maria’s favorite aspect of the job is connecting with patients. Like many of her colleagues, Maria enjoys helping others. Her smile and can-do attitude are a part of everything she does.

Where did you grow up and where do you reside now?
I lived in Puerto Rico until I was 6 years old when my family moved to Danbury. I still live there now.

What is your role at RVNA?
I’m a paraprofessional coordinator in charge of the CNAs (certified nursing assistants). I handle their scheduling and payroll, and take part in interviewing CNA candidates. I also do the home health scheduling for nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists.

How long have you been at RVNA?
5 years

What brought you to RVNAhealth at first?
I used to work at a health center in Danbury where I was in charge of 30 medical assistants and 10 schedulers. A doctor I knew there who was from Ridgefield told me about RVNA. I never would have thought to apply, but he said he knew I could do the job.

What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is speaking with the patients. They all have something to say. Some of them don’t have many people to talk to, so I learn a lot about their lives.  I like that. In addition, I love working with the staff here. Everyone is really nice and we all work together well.

Have you ever considered another profession?
At one point I considered being a nurse, but I think coordination is really my thing. Every day is something different. I love what I do.

What do you love to do when you’re not working?
Spend time with my two sons. I have an 18-year-old who is going to West Conn in the fall, and a 12-year-old.

What is your hidden talent?
I don’t think I have one. (Editor’s note: Maybe juggling?)

What would you do if you won the lottery?
I think about that a lot…. I would buy my mom and myself a house so we could create a family community. (Maria still has a large extended family in Puerto Rico.)

Do you have a favorite RVNAhealth moment or story?
Once an aide went to see a patient in Ridgefield. When she got there, she realized that the patient had no food in the house. She’d been eating ice cream and that was it. The aide came back to RVNAhealth and got some food from our food pantry so she could prepare something for her patient to eat. The patient’s family wasn’t even aware, so we called them. Hearing them say how thankful they were was awesome. Communication is one of the most important things we do here.