Hospice celebrates 26th year of community service, Valdes new President

January 30, 2008
Santa Paula News

Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group celebrated 26 years of service to the community at their annual installation luncheon held January 16 at Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport.

By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group celebrated 26 years of service to the community at their annual installation luncheon held January 16 at Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport.Set among a backdrop of a screen showing a continuous loop of the River Valley Club Adult Day Program, Hospice supporters learned from Outgoing President Richard Schmittou that the organization has enjoyed another successful year.Pastor Ron Dyvbig asked that blessings be received for the Hospice “Mission and vision and determination to give help to those who need help.”Recognitions were given to notable Hospice supporters including the former Santa Paula Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies who donated $30,000 to Hospice - represented by Past President Jody Caudillo - and the Santa Paula High School Class of 1957 Reunion Committee, an honor accepted by Dottie Armbruster.Musician Gale Graham, insurance agent Mike Harvey, the Santa Paula Times as well as the Sespe Sun and Fillmore Gazette were also thanked for their contributions to the organization.City Councilmen Gabino Aguirre also attended the luncheon.“...it takes the whole board and staff” to ensure Hospice’s success, noted former longtime President Cathy Barringer.
Board Director Paul Smith noted that Hospice would hold several fundraisers in the coming year including the popular Spring Flower Tour, Home & Garden Tour and Casino Nite.Schmittou introduced new Board President Elias Valdes and Vice President Marilyn Harvey as well as returning Treasurer Bob Russell and Secretary Kathryn Wilbur.“I want to thank each and every member of the board” for their contributions and hard work noted Schmittou before Justice Ed Beach installed the 2008 officers and directors.“They have people who are running for office but this falls into people’s laps,” noted newly installed President Valdes.With a skilled and dedicated staff directors have a lightened load, “But one thing that hasn’t changed is the need” for the wide variety of Hospice services offered free to Santa Clara River Valley residents from Piru to Saticoy.“Cathy (Barringer) set the bar high, real high,” for leadership of “this noble organization and I’m looking forward to a great year. The River Valley Club is a great, great club, a fun place to be,” that Valdes said includes clients such as a former Ventura County Deputy Sheriff who worked the notorious Ma Duncan murder case.“The best part is to see him light up, that’s the payoff of me,” and Valdes said he looks forward to the club’s expansion.“I’m honored and will work my hardest so it will be a bang up year for us,” promised Valdes.



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