Happy Holidays Everyone!
Greetings from NER. I cannot believe that another Christmas is nearly upon us. It really is true that the older we get the faster time goes!
Like many of you, we have been busy at NER preparing and planning for the holidays. In addition, we have been looking at the year that is coming to a close, and with much anticipation, looking toward the year that lies ahead. But before we close out 2011, all of us at NER would like to wish all of you a very merry holiday season and a blessed New Year!
2011 has been a very busy year and as always, we have all been blessed in so many different ways. We can look back on a year filled with much to be thankful for as well as some unexpected changes that have left us feeling sad but also provided us with new opportunities.
Two of our RNs moved on to new positions with U Care. As much as we hated to see them leave, (They are both going to continue to do some training for NER) it is a good move for them. Julie will now have a “normal” 40 hour work week Monday through Friday, and with ten children, this will be a good change for her and her family. Tammie’s husband bought a company in Alexandria, MN and this move for her will bring her closer to his work location as well. We wish them both the best as they move in new direction, and we so appreciate their willingness to continue with our training for a while.
Despite the budget cuts, NER is committed to maintaining a strong nursing support system for the people we serve and for our direct care staff. That is why it is especially exciting to be able to say that we have hired two new RNs. Jill has worked in the day program setting for several years before getting her RN degree and has, in fact, worked with some of NER’s residents. The other RN recently hired is a former direct care staff who worked for NER for six years while she was in nursing school. Lilly has missed the group home work she grew to love and is anxious to be back at NER in her new capacity as one of our RNs.
On another note, Linda Tschetter has also made a career change. Many of you will remember her as our financial manager for nearly 14 years. After leaving that position to become the Development Director, a job she tells me she enjoyed, Linda admits she missed the office environment and she has accepted a position with Washington County Community Services as their financial manager. We all wish her well.
After talking with Linda about her new opportunity at Washington County, I contacted Jane Stevenson at the St. Croix Valley Foundation and told her that I remember her telling me if I ever needed any help is all I needed to do was call her. So of course, I took her at her word and I called her and I told her I needed help and she came through big time.
She referred Linda Lia to me as a potential replacement for Linda Tschetter as a new Development Director. Linda comes to NER with a wealth of experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy. I hope you will all welcome her as she begins her work with us.
So, as you can see, we are ending 2011 on a very high note! Life is good!
Finally, during this wonderful time of year, I want to thank everyone for all you do for NER. To our excellent employees, thank you for your good care and your dedication. To our wonderful volunteer board of directors, thank you for your time and for your commitment to the employees and most of all to the people we serve. And to our families and to the boys and girls and women and men we serve, thank you for allowing us the pleasure of serving you.
NER is truly blessed! May you all have a joyous and very Merry Christmas and holiday season, and may the New Year bring you much peace and happiness.
Corrine Schmidt, Administrator
