MMC staff honored with reception

Debbie Vassar, Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year, and Regina Hatch, Director of Nursing of the Year, were honored with a reception at Manila Nursing Center on Tuesday, Nov. 30.

The reception was in recognition of their recent honors being selected by the Arkansas Health Care Foundation as top CNA and top DON statewide.

The two were nominated by co-workers for the awards and received plaques and gifts at a recent awards banquet held in Little Rock.

Manila Nursing Center owners, administrators, and staff hosted the reception for family and friends offering their congratulations to the two employees.

Hatch has served as DON at Manila Nursing Center for six years but has been in nursing since 1981.

Vassar has been with the Manila Nursing Center for 32 years and said she cannot imagine working anywhere else.

"We are very proud of them," Melinda Gryner, activity director, said. "They have been re recognized for what we already knew."

Shari Doty, MNC Administrator, welcomed the guests and expressed her appreciation to Vassar and Hatch, along with all of the staff at MNC for their work and dedication.

Doty introduced Boyd Wright, President of Arkansas Health Care Association.

"Five or six years ago Arkansas Health Care Association was looking for ways to recognize health care workers throughout the state," he said. "Manila Nursing Center had the Volunteer of the Year award year before last. It says a lot for Manila to have the CNA and DON both this year. Arkansas has 243 nursing homes in the state sending in nominations. What makes a home is the people inside. It is a great honor to recognize both Deb and Regina. It is fantastic for you to have them here."

John Ellis, chief Operations Officer with Reliance, offered his congratulations on behalf of Reliance to Vassar and Hatch.

"This has been Manila's year," Ellis said. "The last numbers I've seen showed 17,000 certified nursing assistants in long term care in the state."

Brandon Adams, Reliance owner, was also in Manila for the reception and along, with Ellis, presented the two award winners with a cruise from the company.

Other guests from the Reliance family included David Barker, Compliance Officer; Vincent Grant, Director of Operations; Sherry Boone, Business Office Consultant; Michael Smith Lakeside Administrator; and members of Heritage Square.

Both Vassar and Hatch had several family members and friends present for the reception.

Refreshments were prepared and served by the Manila Nursing Center staff.