Hospice of Orleans announces return to original name, no longer ‘Supportive Care’

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Gathered around the fountain in Hospice’s Memorial Garden are from left, front, Christine Fancher, development director Julia Alt, Stacey Lampo and Brenda Knapp. In rear, from left, are Heather Rowley, Cheryl Krajewski, administrator Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand, board president John Lomeo, Jennifer Metz, pastor Randy LeBaron, Shanin Moyle, board treasurer Carlo Figliomeni, and Jenelle Andrews.

ALBION – A luncheon at Hospice of Orleans on Thursday was an opportunity to thank the dedicated staff and to announce the return to the organization’s original name of Hospice of Orleans County.

Leaders at Hospice acknowledged the name change to Supportive Care of Orleans was never well accepted in the community.

“Staff wanted to go back to our roots,” said Julia Alt, director of development. “Hospice of Orleans is who we are. It’s what we do, and we want to make sure the community knows that.”

At the luncheon, Alt revealed the new logo, which represents the agency’s original name. The return to Hospice of Orleans was effective Thursday.

From left, John Lomeo, chairman of Hospice’s board of directors, treasurer Carlo Figliomeni and new administrator Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand enjoy the sunshine before a staff appreciation luncheon and announcement of the return to the name of Hospice of Orleans on Thursday morning.

As Supportive Care of Orleans, the agency has had some turbulent times in recent months, with a lot of turnover in staff.

“It’s great to see everyone has their passion back,” Alt said. “A lot of us – myself included – have had personal experience with Hospice, and we believe in its nurse-driven leadership. We are on a much more solid ground. We really function as a team and everybody is very happy with the change.”

Hired at the first of the year as administrator was Marilyn Almeter-Milbrand of Attica. She started her nursing career at Medina Memorial Hospital, and was there for 15 years. Then she was chief of nursing at United Memorial Hospital in Batavia, before retiring and then coming back to work at Hospice.

After posing for pictures in the Memorial Garden, Alt unveiled the new logo, followed by a chicken barbecue lunch in the home next door.

Almeter-Milibrand praised the staff for their dedication and support.

“We totally appreciate every single person here,” she said. “We’re a great team, and there are great things to come.”