‘You Get One Chance To Do This Well’: NVRH Chaplain Turns Career Of Listening Into Legacy Of Kindness
JOHNSBURY — Across from the stained-glass windows of Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital’s small chapel, not far from the emergency department and day surgery wing, is the office that for many years belonged to interfaith chaplain Abby Pollender.
Her 17 years of service at NVRH ended Friday afternoon when she turned in her pager and began her retirement.
A longtime newspaper journalist who found her way into hospice and palliative care before becoming a hospital chaplain, Pollender first came to NVRH in 2009. The previous chaplain, Lynn Burgess, hired her for a four-month, grant-funded position to help develop a palliative care program.
Pollender, a Vergennes native, had been director of Hospice of the Lancaster Area in Lancaster, N.H., which later became part of Weeks Medical Center.
NVRH President and CEO Shawn Tester also expressed gratitude for Pollender’s service.
“We are so grateful for the years of service that Abby has provided our patients and our community,” Tester said. “She made the chaplaincy program an integral part of the patient experience, and NVRH is a better place because of her.”
And now it’s time for your Moo92 sports…
A 4 run 2nd inning was all the Boston Red Sox needed as they beat the visiting Los Angeles Angels 5-2 on Monday afternoon. Adley Rutchman’s 3 run homer helped propel Boston to their 5th win in a row. The Red Sox will send Patrick Sandoval to the mound tonight as they go for 6 in a row. First pitch at 6:45pm.
And in local sports…
The undefeated Lake Region Lady Rangers soccer team will host the one loss North Country Falcons this afternoon. The Lady Rangers have a plus 7 goal differential in 3 games this season. The Lady Falcons are undefeated in the month of September. . This battle for local soccer supremacy starts at 4:30pm.