SLIGO, Pa. (EYT) — County Springs Personal Care opened a little earlier than expected 20 years ago in demonstrating its community service. Part of the Clarview family of continuity of care, Country Spring opened its doors early due to the flood in New Bethlehem.
(Photo: Resident Aide Amy Foringer and 82-year-old Dean Fox, a former area truck driver. Dean has stayed the longest at the complex, spending 17 years at Country Springs and moving to Clarview Nursing Home for the last year and a half.)
Since then, the personal care home has continued to serve the local senior community in Clarion County and surrounding counties with two to three community events held each year at the facility, inviting only local seniors.
“We attend and provide activities for the local senior centers monthly,” said Country Spring Administrator Megan McMurray. Terry Sattely was administrator for 15 years until her retirement in 2013, and McMurrary followed her in the position.
A celebration of the Cool Springs 20th anniversary was held on Friday afternoon for residents, families, and employees.
[Photo: Country Springs Administrator Megan McMurray (center) thanks her two longest employees, Amy Foringer (right) and Kristy Conner]
“We are honored to provide the county with employment opportunities and have a wonderful staff with many years of longevity,” said McMurray. “The two longest employees have 19 years and several others have over ten years. Country Springs would not be what it is today without the caring and compassionate staff and family like environment. We also would like to thank the local communities for their support through the last 20 years and look forward to working together to make this community the best place to live for many years to come.”
Two Country Springs employees have worked there for 19 years, Amy Foringer and Kristy Conner. Amy said she has a slight edge on Kristy because she started one week before her. Since then, they have always stayed on the same shift as each other as resident aides.
Amy lives in the Rimersburg area and has one daughter and one grandson.
“I grew up in a small town with mostly elderly neighbors,” said Amy. “I always enjoyed visiting with them and felt comfortable around them. I always wanted to be a nurse growing up. I treat our residents like family because they are my family. I have seen a lot of wonderful resident come and go in the past 19 years, and each one of them touched my heart.”
Kristy Conner has lived in the Sligo-Rimersburg area all of her life. She is married, has two daughters, and three grandsons. She loves the country, loves the outdoors.
“Through the residents, family members, and staff, I have met many new people and learned many things,” said Kristy. “I feel that the people at Country Springs are my family.”
(Photo: Mary Leis, Resident Aide, and Sharon Downs, Wellness Coordinator, are out in front of the many informational posters and balloons used for the celebration. Downs has worked for the Clarview family for 15 years, with 10 of the years at Country Springs.)
