2005 News

September 15, 2005
COUNTY EMPLOYEES PRESENTED WITH "BUCKS COUNTY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE"

From left: Comm. Charles Martin, Comm. Sandra Miller, Kathy Bates,and Comm. James Cawley.

KATHY BATES is the assistant director of activities at Neshaminy Manor and an employee who has long been recognized by fellow staff and residents as a creative, caring innovator -- someone who puts the happiness of the residents of the Manor - first. The Activities Department strives to improve the quality of life for the residents. Kathy actively seeks out new and innovative ways to develop the residents creativity and interests. It is acknowledged that Kathy contributes incredible time and energy to her efforts because of a sincere dedication to the residents. Kathy developed "Arts for the Manor," an arts program designed with a local artist that taps into the creative abilities of the residents. To coordinate this effort she enlisted a team of prominent community members to oversee the arts program and its financial responsibilities, in particular. Kathy coordinated a fund-raising brunch, with all the food and servers donating their supplies and time, raising more than $6000 for the program.
Kathy then developed the idea of a garden area that would showcase many of the residents' arts projects. She enlisted the help of Delaware Valley College's Landscape Architect department. As part of their spring thesis, the students designed the garden, and presented various concepts to the residents who chose a final design. Kathy is now coordinating fundraising events for the garden with groundbreaking set for next spring. During the holidays, Kathy runs the "Santa Claus" committee project that makes sure each and every resident receives a Christmas gift. These are just a few of the many events Kathy organizes. She demonstrates a wonderful zest for her work and a unique ability to bringing enjoyment, fun and excitement to the hundreds of residents at Neshaminy Manor.

From left: Military Affairs Directo Dan Fraely, Comm. Sandra Miller, Comm. Charles Martin, Betty Carleo and Comm. James Cawley.

ELIZABETH (BETTY) CARLEO , a Veterans' Aide with the county Department of Military Affairs, helps provide services and assistance to the veterans of Bucks County, but she often goes beyond her assigned duties to help others. Betty welcomes a challenge and tackles new projects with enthusiasm and volunteers for special projects in the department. She always is willing to work extra hours or on weekends. Betty assumed responsibility for the department's new 15-passenger van - a much-needed addition used to transport veterans to area VA hospitals in Philadelphia and Coatesville. She took on much of the responsibility for dispatching the van and scheduling the riders, most of them veterans of World War II, who had frequented the Levittown veterans' clinic before its closing. Driving to distant VA hospitals created a problem for some and the van service was added in 2001. Since then, nearly 4,000 veterans have received free transportation to the VA hospitals for exams and treatment, largely helped through Betty's efforts and organizational skills. She also was instrumental in ensuring the success of veterans' bus trips to the World War II memorial in Washington and the department's fundraising golf tournament, as well as in the daily operation of the office. Betty is capable and caring when it comes to our veterans and continues to show a desire and an ability to go the extra mile.

From left: Comm. Sandra Miller, Comm. Charles Martin, Dale Nicholas,and Comm. James Cawley.

DALE C. NICHOLAS, the director of the Child Adolescent Service System (CASSP) within the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation, is a dedicated supervisor who provides oversight and direction for the delivery of mental health services to children and adolescents. As director for the past 16 years, Dale is known as a genuine, caring never loses sight of the goal --- providing a safe and positive community for our youth and families. and completely professional person who is always available to anyone in need of support. On many occasions, Dale has contacted families and staff while on vacation or after hours to ensure that issues are resolved. She is reliable, respectful and conveys warmth and empathy to those in contact with the department, as well as to her colleagues. Dale strives to create a better community and often volunteers at various community events -- pancake breakfasts, clothing drives and caring for dogs in shelters. As the first Bucks County director in the Child-Adolescent Service System, Dale helped develop collaboration and communication among all the child-serving systems, thus paving the way for the current "Systems of Care" initiative. Her work - and her service -- is evident in the positive manner in which the various agencies work together.

From left: Comm. James Cawley, Comm. Sandra Miller, and Janess Voigt.

JANESS VOIGT , the clerk administrator for District Justice Philip Daly in Warrington, was unanimously nominated by co-workers who recognized the daily contributions made by an outstanding administrator. Because of her experience and knowledge, Janess has enhanced the service and professionalism of the staff and created a motivated team that directs the daily workings of a busy court. Janess is known to go well beyond what is expected of her to make sure each clerk in the office has all the training, information and tools needed to perform well. She has a strong work ethic and personal high standards, and sets the tone for the office. A great multi-tasker, Janess is recognized as a willing partner when it comes to sharing a heavy clerical workload. Above all, her personal demeanor is a benefit to both staff and visitors. Janess is cordial and pleasant to everyone -- and that shines through each day. With her commitment to the public, the court system and her office, Janess is setting the standard for job excellence. She is an employee to be valued and emulated.