Letters to the Editor Dec. 31

I am writing this letter as a rebuttal to an article written by Kurt Hildebrand, titled "Valley nursing home gets 1-star rating," which appeared in The Record-Courier on Dec. 26.

This article stated that the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center in Gardnerville was ranked the lowest nursing home in Nevada during an annual inspection given by federal officials.

I would like to state that I just spent two weeks as a resident at this facility recovering from a bad fall I had on Dec. 5.

My femur was shattered in my right leg and I was told it would take three to four months to heal.

The treatment I received by all staff members was outstanding. I couldn't believe how much love and compassion was shown to me, as well as all the patients, by all the employees working at this facility.

Regardless of the time of day or night, 24-hours a day, seven days a week, these employees are hard at work trying to ensure that each patient's stay is as comfortable and pleasant as possible; they work their hearts out.

The amazing staff in the therapeutic department treat patients from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, twice daily and more if needed.

The facilities at Evergreen are kept exceptionally clean at all times.

Patients also have the opportunity to get involved in daily activities such as crafts, bingo, etc.

Patients were also treated to special events and treats during the holidays. I believe the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center was given an unjustified low rating by inspectors.

I don't believe an accurate rating can be given to this facility unless federal inspection officials have the opportunity to spend two or three days observing the overall operations. Only then would officials see the hard work and dedication that each staff member gives to patients day in and day out.

If I were to ever require long-term care in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to stay at this facility.

Joe A. Davis

Gardnerville

Editor:

The Douglas County Senior Center, Young At Heart Senior Citizens Club and the Douglas County, Nevada TRIAD extend their appreciation to all of those who helped with and contributed to the Christmas gift bags for the local homebound seniors and Meals on Wheels recipients.

This season we were able to distribute 116 gift bags filled with your donations.

We received gifts and funds to buy gifts from many local businesses, casinos, retailers, schools, service clubs, churches and individuals too numerous to list here.

The response to this project was fantastic.

Special thanks go out to the students of Gardnerville Elementary School and Douglas High School who handmade Christmas cards for the recipients of the gift bags and the elderly at the senior center.

The Douglas High School leadership students also helped with the delivery of the gift bags.

The homebound seniors who received these gifts were highly appreciative and in many cases they were the only Christmas gifts they received.

Thank you again, Douglas County, for your generous holiday spirit.

Paul Lockwood

Joan Cummings

Young At Heart Gift Bag

Committee chairpersons

Editor:

I'm writing this to the mean person who took my bags of gifts I had hanging on my mailbox for my hard-working mail carrier. I put them out five minutes before he arrived on Christmas Eve.

He works six days a week, in rain, snow and hot summer days. He may even deliver your mail.

I'm 71 years young and he helps me so much.

I hope you enjoy his goodies. Thanks to you, he won't be enjoying his. Shame on you. I'll be watching for you now.

Joan Ames

Gardnerville