Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman visited Newtown Thursday morning, driving from Tolland to spend just a few minutes with the members of the local Visiting Nurse Association chapter.[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-304389" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SH_Wyman-honors-VNA-on-100th-anniversary-Wyman-speaking-WATERMARKED.jpg" alt="SH_Wyman honors VNA on 100th anniversary -- Wyman speaking WATERMARKED" width="400" height="605" /]Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman smiles while speaking with members of VNA Newtown on February 8. The lieutenant governor was pleased to share the news that one of her granddaughters has decided to enter nursing school, which drew cheers and applause from those in attendance.

VNA-Newtown is observing its 100th anniversary this year. Lt Gov Wyman joined the group at Newtown Municipal Center to congratulate its current board and members on the milestone.

"This organization is 100 years old," Lt Gov Wyman said, holding a bouquet of red roses that had been presented to her upon her arrival. "You should be very proud of that.

"Now, more than ever, we need a VNA," she continued. "We know how much nurses are needed, to help people stay in their homes when possible, and to offer care."

VNA Newtown President Anna Wiedemann was joined for the visit by members of her board and VNA members at large. They all smiled broadly as they were praised for continuing to take care of fellow residents.

"You have given more than most VNAs," Lt Gov Wyman said. "Thank you for everything you've done.

"I hope someone will be here in 100 years, to congratulate Newtown VNA on its 200th anniversary," she added. "Because this cannot go away.

"Thank you for everyone you do, and keep up the good work," she said in conclusion.

VNA Parliamentarian Mae Schmidle told the lieutenant governor that Newtown's VNA has "done anything that has ever been needed."

"In World War I, when people needed food, we gave them eggs," Mrs Schmidle said Thursday morning. "We have provided flu shots, and even clothing."

For years the VNA has operated a thrift shop in a space on the lower level of Edmond Town Hall. The public can visit the shop on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, when gently used clothing, accessories, decorative accessories, books, and more are offered for very low prices. Proceeds from the thrift shop sales are combined with other fundraising efforts to provide flu shots, blood pressure screenings, and preschool eye screenings, among other public outreach.

The VNA also offers a Medical Equipment Loan Closet, which offers use of wheelchairs, shower seats, crutches, and other pieces of equipment.

The nonprofit organization is focused on providing services and programs that contribute to the health and well-being of the residents of Newtown. It members, including its board, are volunteers.

VNA Newtown works closely with Bethel VNA to provide many of the services it offers. It also works with Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert to address health issues, programs, and town needs.

The local organization also looks toward the future of nursing, awarding scholarships to Newtown residents - high school seniors or adults returning to school - who are pursuing a career in nursing.

New members are welcome. The VNA Newtown board meets the first Tuesday of the month, September through May, at Newtown Volunteer Ambulance headquarters, 6 Washington Square. Meetings begin at 9:30 am.

For information about VNA Newtown, contact Anna Wiedemann at 203-426-1035. The VNA Thrift Shop can be reached during its regular hours (Wednesdays, noon to 3 pm; and Saturdays, 9 am to noon) at 203-270-4377. Donations of clothing and household items and collectibles may be dropped off during shop hours.

-Bee Photos, Hicks

 

[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-304391" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SH_Wyman-honors-VNA-on-100th-anniversary-group-at-municipal-center-option-02-WATERMARKED.jpg" alt="SH_Wyman honors VNA on 100th anniversary -- group at municipal center option 02 WATERMARKED" width="800" height="687" /]Seated from left is Lt Gov Wyman, VNA Newtown Parliamentarian Mae Schmidle, and Dr Robert Grossman. The lieutenant governor visited Newtown Municipal Center Thursday morning to congratulate VNA Newtown on its 100th anniversary. Standing from left, VNA member Margareta Kotch, guest Lorrie Rodrigue, VNA Newtown President Anna Wiedemann, Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, VNA member Joanne Albanesi, and State Senator Tony Hwang.

[naviga:img class="aligncenter wp-image-304392" src="https://newtownbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SH_Wyman-honors-VNA-on-100th-anniversary-Wyman-Schmidle-Grossman-WATERMARKED.jpg" alt="SH_Wyman honors VNA on 100th anniversary -- Wyman, Schmidle & Grossman WATERMARKED" width="800" height="560" /]After the formal photos were taken, Nancy Wyman, Mae Schmidle, and Bob Grossman shared a quiet conversation Thursday morning.