GOODBYE AND HELLO
By Mary Purcell, Grow Regional Manager
It is with a heavy heart that we are saying Goodbye in the Midwest to Amie Hughes and Michael Crowe in the next couple of weeks. Michael and Amie have worked as Area Coordinators in the Region for the last number of years and to say their contribution has been immense is an understatement. Both have brought compassion, integrity, passion, commitment, and honesty to their role. The welfare of the Grow members and their support of their colleagues and of me as their Manager has always been paramount with them.
They are two very different people, but worked so well together for the good of all those whose lives they have touched in their time in the role – once we sorted out Michael's aversion to paperwork and being prepared and Amie’s love of organisation and heat, it all ran smoothly!!
The Regional Team, the Staff, and a great gathering of members, met on 24th January for a “surprise” party to say goodbye and thanks to Michael and Amie – and it was one of those special Grow events, where many of the people present spoke about the positive impact the two ACs had made in their lives.
We wish Michael and Amie, every happiness, good health, and good times as they move to a new stage of their lives – the Grow door will always be open for them.
Our Wonderful Regional Administrator Joan and I were feeling the loss of Michael and Amie this past while so were very relieved and grateful when Celia Brett came along last April to replace Amie during her maternity leave and has now become a permanent member of Staff. Celia has proven to us all that the Clare people are as good as it gets. We welcome Celia and are so grateful for all she has done, the connections she has made, and the support she gives to all of us, members and colleagues alike.
In the last few days, we have been delighted to welcome Area Coordinator Danielle Londra to the Midwest Team. We have nearly stolen her from the Digital Services Team and know that Danielle will bring the energy, passion, and commitment to her in-person groups that she has brought to the online work to date.
The glue that holds the MW Team together is Joan and we are so glad she is staying with us and continues to keep the ship running smoothly, while she minds us all and ensures that all that is needed behind the scenes is in place for staff and members.
Michael and Amie – may the road rise to meet ye, may the wind be always at your backs, and may you be proud of the work you have done, the people ye are, and the difference ye have made.
