NEW BERLIN - Dedication and compassion are special gifts some people have and share with others. Bonnie Kline, an employee of Chase Memorial Nursing and Rehab in New Berlin, has these qualities and was recently presented with the award "Employee of Distinction." 

Jim Clyne, President and CEO of LeadingAge New York, a statewide not-for-profit association for long term care facilities, presented the award to Kline on March 22, at the Chase Memorial Nursing and Rehab in New Berlin. Many residents attended the event which honored the long time employee.

"It's good to be back at Chase, It's a lovely place," said Clyne. "So, just a little bit about us and the award, we represent over 400 not for-profit and government providers across the state of New York and as we all know, one of the backbones of the long term care providers system are the direct care workers."

He said each year they choose 16 workers from the nominations received from across the state and recognize the work they've done over the past year. The 16 employees of distinction are chosen from those with a lengthy employment history and have shown commitment  to long term care. 

LeadingAge New York has a worker's distinction letter that is sent out annually to long term care facilities and Chase Memorial Executive Director of Nursing Patti Hitchcock sent back the nomination letter, sharing her experience working with Kline and how she nurtures the staff and cares for the residents.