An event 100 years in the making, the Newtown Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) celebrated its milestone anniversary in Edmond Town Hall’s Alexandria Room on September 23.

The room was decorated with personal touches of VNA history, including a nurse’s uniform, poster boards with article clippings showcasing the group’s different initiatives, and even a display with hundreds of broaches from VNA member Cris Fadus’ personal collection, many of which were purchased at the VNA’s Thrift Shop.

Members of the public were invited to join the VNA for an afternoon of food and refreshments and to learn more about the impact the organization has had on Newtown.

Representing Newtown’s Delegation, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky started off the ceremony portion by saying, “I can tell you firsthand that VNA itself is an incredible resource for any community, but to have one that has been going with this kind of energy and this kind of community involvement that we have in Newtown is remarkable.”

He commended the group for their years of caring service and for providing resources to those in need.

Then, with the official citation in hand, Mr Bolinsky said, “On behalf of the entire Connecticut General Assembly, on this day, I recognize all of the high-quality care, and congratulate and thank every single person involved in this incredible organization.”

The VNA also received a special Town of Newtown proclamation from First Selectmen Dan Rosenthal.

Mr Rosenthal recalled his first memories of the VNA were his mother bringing him to the VNA Thrift Shop when he was a child.

“And not that the 101st or 99th year are any less significant, but I’m really pleased that my tenure lined up with the 100th,” he said. “Keep doing what you are doing… the VNA is a true gift to the community.”

Longtime VNA member Mae Schmidle held both declarations in her hands and modestly said, “I can only say, how lucky can we get?”

Also present at the celebration were Newtown Lions Club members Steve Bennett and Neil Randle.

“The Lions congratulate the VNA, our partners, in the completion of their first 100 years,” Mr Bennett said.

He then presented the group with a check to help them as they embark on their next 100 years.

VNA President Anna Wiedemann thanked everyone for their support of the VNA and concluded by saying, “It’s such a great group of people to work with. Anytime you say, ‘I need—’ you don’t even have to finish the sentence, [because] there’s five people that pop up like a jack-in-the-box to help.”

The VNA’s ability to be there for its members and for the community continues to be a testament to what goes into a successful 100 years.