Cornell Cooperative Extension

Sullivan County
Jean Dittmar, Caregiver Summer 2015

Jodi Goodman, CRMC; Jean Dittmar, caregiver; Bonnie Lewis, CCE

Carolyn Brucher, Caregiver Resource Center Recognition 2015

Jodi Goodman, CRMC; Carol Brucher, caregiver; Kathy Werlau, friend; Bonnie Lewis, CCE

Caregiver Recognition

The Caring for Caregivers Committee was created earlier this year to seek family caregivers in the area who should be acknowledged and honored. 

The committee is represented by Bonnie Lewis, RN, dependent care educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County’s Caregiver Resource Center and Jodi Goodman, director of community services at Catskill Regional Medical Center.

The Caring for Caregivers Committee, realizing caregivers often neglect their own needs and selflessly give of themselves, continues to seek nominations. Letters should include the name and description of why the caregiver is to be considered. 

Letters can be mailed to:

Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County                                                                                                    Attn: Bonnie Lewis                                                                                                                                                          64 Ferndale-Loomis Road                                                                                                                                                  Liberty, NY 12754

Last updated October 28, 2015

Caregiver Resource Center

Fall: Carol Brucher

Carol Brucher of Jeffersonville was surprised by her friends this August to recognize her help as an informal caregiver in the community. Carol was nominated by her friend and co-worker Kathy Werlau, and as Kathy shared in a letter to the Caring for Caregivers Committee, she was given a small afternoon party to thank her for her “helping hands”.

Carol had provided dedicated caregiving for her husband as he recovered from a serious car accident, which occurred while traveling three hours each day during last year’s difficult winter. Kathy also shared several other instances when Carol pitched in to care for others who were under the weather or in need of kind words. Examples of her generous nature that were given include delivering groceries, cooking, driving, and arranging for medical appointments—all done quietly and without seeking recognition.

The Caring for Caregivers Committee presented Carol with a certificate naming her as the outstanding caregiver for the fall. Kathy and friends celebrated her recognition with a cake and lovely bouquet of flowers. Carol was also invited to the Caregiver Celebration in November, recognizing National Family Caregiver Month.

Summer: Jean Dittmar

Jean Dittmar of Liberty was surprised by her friends with a party and picnic, recognizing her years of dedicated and unconditional caregiving that Jean has lovingly provided for her husband Tom for several years. Two members from the Caring for Caregivers Committee also attended the occasion to honor Jean for her tireless efforts upon the recommendation of her friends and neighbors.

Jean was presented with a certificate and gift package as well as an invitation to join the National Family Caregiver Month recognition celebration in November, hosted by the CCESC Caregiver Resource Center.

Jean was nominated by friends and family in her Liberty Presbyterian Church congregation during the spring search for an outstanding caregiver in our county. The committee received a thoughtful letter from the congregants singing Jean’s virtues, including sentiments such as, “Jean is very dedicated to her husband and his care”, or “Her knowledge is comparable to a nurse in many ways. Jean has been described as an angel and a saint, with such patience, love, and faith that makes her an extra special person and very worthy of the recognition of a super caregiver!"