Published: March 21, 2008 11:59 pm         

City employees honored by Greencroft

For their “faithful and unwavering passion to meet the needs of seniors,” the employees of the city of Goshen received the annual Diamond Award from Greencroft Communities at the retirement organization’s annual spring gala, according to a release from Greencroft.

Greencroft Communities annually recognizes through the Diamond Award an individual, group or organization outside of Greencroft Communities that demonstrates sensitivity to the concerns of older people and provides outstanding service to older adults.

The 2008 Diamond Award was given to the employees of the City of Goshen.

In his comments at this year’s Gala Feb. 29, Mark King, the president and chief executive officer of Greencroft Communities, said that “Partnerships are a key to our success. Each year, virtually day in and day out, members of the police and fire departments and the ambulance crews step foot onto the Greencroft Goshen campus to help a resident with a pot burning on the stove, or to answer an alarm in health care, or with a medical emergency requiring transport to Goshen General Hospital.

“Or it might be dealing with an administrative problem at City Hall or finding that right book at the library. And every day the city employees provide these significant services to all Goshen residents, including seniors not living on the Greencroft Goshen campus.”

Turning to Mayor Allan Kauffman and several representatives of Goshen city employees on the stage with him, King said, “I present to you the Greencroft Communities Diamond Award for the outstanding service of the City of Goshen employees to the seniors living in the Goshen community.”

Mayor Kauffman commented afterwards that “The Diamond Award was a pleasant surprise.” He said it will be shared with the various city departments before being displayed.

Kauffman added that it’s easy for people to call with a complaint, so “City employees always appreciate it when people take the time to acknowledge their hard work and talents.”

The Diamond Award was first given in 1996. The award is designed to encourage community responsiveness to the special needs and interests of older adults.

Greencroft board members, staff, and residents may nominate individuals, groups, or organizations in Elkhart County that provide exemplary service to older persons.

The nominations are reviewed by the Greencroft Communities executive management group, who then select the award recipient.