Two Riverside directors bid farewell

 Cecil Ogden and Emily Watson said good-bye to the Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc.’s board of directors on Thursday night during its annual meeting in Emo after completing three three-year terms on the board.
    “It’s been a really great nine years,” noted Watson, adding it’s fitting for the pair to finish up their service in Emo because that’s where they were elected nine years ago.
    “I’ve really enjoyed it,” echoed Ogden. “I’d like to thank Robin [Wright] for his leadership . . . and if it weren’t Wayne [Woods], a lot of these things wouldn’t have happened.”
    Directors are unable to serve on the board for more than nine years consecutively.
    “I’d really like to thank you for your work on the board—we do appreciate it,” board chair Robin Wright told Ogden and Watson. “You are both remarkable individuals and we’re going to miss you for everything you done.”
    Ian Simpson and Telford Advent also left the board this year after three and four years on it, respectively.
    But Wright agreed to accept a third term.
    After making a bylaw amendment, it was determined the Riverside board now will be comprised of nine elected directors instead of 13.
    Marlis Bruyere, who already has served two years of a three-year term as a representative appointed by the Fort Frances Tribal Chiefs Secretariat, was acclaimed to a three-year term on the board of directors.
    The Fort Frances Tribal Chiefs Secretariat has appointed Earl Klyne as their representative at this time.
    Also at last Thursday’s annual meeting, Wright and CEO Wayne Woods gave a report summarizing the past year.
    “We had a very successful year,” Woods noted. “One of the major happenings was completing our amalgamation with Rainycrest [Home for the Aged].”
    He explained in his report that the long, arduous process was made much easier with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and district municipalities.
    “Early indications are that we will be able to help Rainycrest achieve financial security and continue on their path with excellent patient care,” Woods added.
    Another successful initiative of Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. this year was the “Just Imagine” campaign.
    “Our amazing communities once again offered their support in raising funds for a new CT scanner,” Woods remarked, adding he hopes the machine will be installed and operational at La Verendrye Hospital this fall.
    “We’re really thankful of everyone who donated to help us achieve this,” said the board’s vice-chair, Wendy Judson, who also is on the campaign committee.
    The board of directors also heard reports from chief of staff Dr. Philip Whatley, Emo and Area Health Care Auxiliary president Heather Oltsher, La Verendrye Hospital Auxiliary president Wilf Sanders, Rainy River Health Care Auxiliary president Myrna Armstrong, and auditor Jon Evans of BDO Dunwoody.
    “Our future looks bright,” Woods stressed. “A new strategic plan is being developed that encompasses all of the changes that we must deal with on a daily basis.
    “Our aim is to make Riverside a model that other communities in Ontario will aspire to achieve,” he added.
(Fort Frances Times)