Diamond Gems Celebrated During Employee Appreciation Week 2006

Giving thanks from the heart was the duty at hand as the VA Maryland Health Care System recognized all employees during the annual Employee Appreciation Week held May 22-26, 2006. A pat on the back or a word of thanks is always in order for a job well done, but the VA Maryland Health Care System pulled out all the stops to put on the best for its employees. This year’s theme “Diamond Jubilee”was chosen to honor VA’s 75th Anniversary and to recognize the men and women who sparkle each and every day throughout the health care system in serving our nation’s veterans. No detail was left undone. From the red carpet to the oversized birthday cake, employees were treated like gems as they enjoyed a catered picnic, dancing, singing, and of course, a well-deserved break away from the workplace.

Photo of Dennis Smith

Director Dennis H. Smith gets in a festive mood to help Perry Point employees bring on the glam during their Employee Appreciation Week picnic.

Photo of Dorothy Snow and Mary Barcikowski

Over 2,600 VA Maryland Health Care System employees received a leather note-pad for this year's giveaway. Pictured is Chief of Staff Dr. Dorothy Snow (left) presenting this year's employee gift to Loch Raven Employee Appreciation Week Committee Chair Mary Barcikowski.

Photo of Barbara Thibaut and Robert Taylor

Barbara Thibault and Robert Taylor, both of Nutrition and Food Service, are all smiles as they play darts during "game day" at the Perry VA Point Medical Center.

Phtoto of Mae Brown, Barbara Moyer, Marie Debrosse-Solomon and Charity Emerson

This group of hard-working Loch Raven employees took advantage of the beautiful day to participate in the employee picnic: left to right: Mae Brown, Barbara Moyer, Marie Debrosse-Solomon and Charity Emerson.

Photo of Ernest Jones

Ernest Jones, Environmental Management Service, prepares to give it his best as he takes a stroll down the red carpet during the Baltimore employee appreciation week picnic.

Photo of Dr. Saladino and Grace Kao

Andrew Saladino, MD, and Grace Kao, MD, of Pathology & Laboratory Service enjoy good food and sunny weather during the employee appreciation week picnic at Baltimore.

Photo of Lawanda Carter

Lawanda Carter of Pharmacy Service cheerfully prepares a "You're a Gem" certificate for a co-worker she wanted to recognize for doing a great job at the Baltimore VA Medical Center.