An outing that gave Heritage Hall Grundy residents a chance to see elk in the mountains and take part in Elk Fest has earned the facility a statewide award.
Heritage Hall Grundy won first place in the Virginia Health Care Association’s D.A. “Woody” Brown Community Involvement Award for Special Event. The award recognizes a one-time activity for its design and its ability to bring residents and the community together.
The award was presented Sept. 16 at the VHCA/VCAL annual conference in Norfolk. Administrator Derek Keen and activities department staff members Karen Lee and Crystal Kelly accepted it on behalf of the facility.
For last year’s Elk Fest outing, the activities department worked with residents, facility staff, conservation leader Leon Boyd, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Southwest Virginia Sportsman. The trip combined a scenic drive, wildlife viewing and festival activities.
Residents saw elk in their natural habitat and spent time with local businesses, volunteers and other community members. Staff accompanied them, sharing an experience that Keen said helped strengthen their relationships with residents.
“We are truly blessed to receive this award and proud to represent Heritage Hall, our residents, our staff, and the community,” Keen said. “This award recognized an event that brought our residents into the community and allowed them to enjoy a special event that makes Buchanan County such a wonderful place to live.”
Keen said Heritage Hall wants residents to remain connected to the community they call home and continue to enjoy new experiences. He thanked Boyd, Lee Dotson, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Southwest Virginia Sportsman for helping make the outing possible.
