The Welsh Team

May 24, 2013

May 21, 2013

Dear Marthaline Mimbar, Mamakor Browne, Diane Jamison, Beverly Thomas, Alberto Verdier, Lawrence Hawthorne, Hazel Easley, Garretta Cooper, Tina Toliver, Samuel Doekieh and
Akia Clay,

Aristotle once said “Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them”.  Over the past year the team at Welsh has experienced some of the toughest challenges anyone can face in our profession, beginning with the tragic loss of two very special men whom they had supported for many years.  These losses were heartbreaking in and of themselves, and were even more difficult to handle due to how close in proximity they were to each other.  As they were all still mourning the loss of Joey Rittinger and Ed Gallagher, this dedicated team did what they needed to do and put on a smile and welcomed Bill Stokes and Jackie Hawkes into Welsh with open arms. Because of this team’s commitment both Jackie Hawkes and Bill Stokes moved into Welsh with an overwhelming sense of family and comfort.  The team, while still keeping memories of Joe and Ed in their hearts, pushed forward and personalized the home for Bill and Jackie so that they would be able to live a full life of possibilities.  Just as the team began to settle, and grow in their new found love and appreciation for both Jackie and Bill, they were hit again with hardship.  Jackie Hawkes, on a visit to her mother’s home on Christmas night, suddenly passed away.  This close knit team was devastated after hearing this news.  Although Jackie was only with the Welsh team a short while, she was welcomed into the home with open arms and was a beloved member of the Welsh family. 

This team, like family, helped each other through yet another incredibly difficult emotional challenge.  As with the passing of Joe and Ed, there was little time to mourn.  Not long after Jackie’s passing the team was asked yet again to wipe their tears and push forward to support a new person into the home, Marian Garczynski.  Marian was not familiar with most of the team at Welsh and was moving from a home and people she had lived with for many, many years. Once again this team stood up tall and showed their resiliency by putting Marian first and welcoming her into the home.
Professionalism is so imperative when circumstances are challenging.  This Team experienced a series of tragic incidents and dealt with it with utmost strength, professionalism and commitment.
As Frank Margerum wrote in his nomination letter, “The dedication to people first supports, the glowing examples of performance excellence, the demonstration of impeccable professionalism, and no decline in productivity, even through all the adversity of this past year, is why I am honored to nominate the WELSH TEAM for team of the quarter.”

It is my pleasure to recognize the Welsh Team as the January to March 2013 SPIN Team of the Quarter and on behalf of Martin, Bill and Marian, the SPIN Management Team and the SPIN Corporate Board to congratulate and thank you for your care and commitment.

My Warmest Regards,

Kathleen Brown McHale
President and CEO