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From the Director: An alternative to the
governor's Plan
Budget Cuts & Councils on Aging
Helen
Vanasse, Community Service Volunteer of the Year
Yvette
Bastow, Money Management Volunteer of the Year
Nutrition Volunteer of the Year
Jim Smith, SHINE Volunteer of the Year Award
Elder Services welcomes new volunteers
Elder Services celebrates National Volunteer Week
Francesca Byrne, Ombudsman Volunteer
Winner
Trainings offered to volunteers
A call to Action for elders
Francesca Byrne, Ombudsman Volunteer Winner
By Dorinda Gamberdella
Francesca Byrne, a certified Long Term Care Ombudsman since 1991, moved to the Berkshires from Astoria, New York after marrying a Lenox native she had met at the World’s Fair. She recounts her mother "negotiating" for her wedding dress in the garment district of New York. "Mother felt when it was all done, that if I had just kept quiet, we might have gotten it for less than the $35 we ended up paying!" A 4'11" dynamo who will be celebrating her 83rd birthday this month, she has more energy than people half her age.
Every morning around 5:30, you can usually find her at a local fitness center working out. She uses the treadmill, the stationary bike and several other machines to strengthen arms and legs. Then off for a quick bite before attending early morning mass.
As an Ombudsman Volunteer, she visits her assigned 88 bed nursing facility once a week, and visits with residents to be sure they are being well treated. She asks if they have issues she may be able to help with. Byrne is happy to rearrange her schedule to accommodate the needs of the residents. If she has a specific concern, she will visit more than once a week, making sure her residents are receiving quality care. A wonderful mediator, she finds it especially rewarding to work with both the resident and administration to resolve any issues. She has been described as, "a kind, considerate, supportive woman." It is that quality which makes her aware of the many residents in the home who are lonely. Because of this, she takes the time to be sure and visit with every resident that she can.
In addition, Francesca is very involved as a volunteer with her church, visiting weekly in a different nursing home. She enjoys travel and has taken several trips abroad with church groups.
In her spare time, she loves to read, go to movies, go out to lunch and create ceramic Santa Clauses. She has a collection of santas, in different shapes, sizes and colors from many countries. Family and good health are the two most important things in her life. When told of her nomination, she was delighted and honored. However, in the true spirit of this amazing volunteer she confessed, "I don’t care if I never win anything as long as I am making a difference." Indeed, Francesca Byrne is making a difference in many lives.