Caption: Honorees from the Island Dental Offices are, from left, Becky Gray, Dr. Wendy Alpaugh, Irene Morey, Jessi Judkins and Dr. Brian van Emmerik.

On Thursday, December 12, the Island Health & Wellness Foundation hosted a reception to welcome Dr. Anthony Fusco, the newest provider at Northern Light Primary Care Stonington, and to honor nine employees who have worked at Island Medical Center for 20 years or more. The community was invited to share light refreshments and leave a note of thanks for each of the honorees, according to a press release.

Anne West, IH&WF’s Executive Director, told the assembled crowd of more than 50 residents how fortunate this community is to have found Dr. Fusco. He has been practicing at IMC since September and has already received high praise from both fellow employees and patients. She also reminded the group how incredible it is to have so many employees working in one place for over 20 years.

Each person being honored was recognized, including: Dr. Fusco, Dr. Wendy Alpaugh, Lisa Eaton, Sandy Eaton, Becky Gray, Jessi Judkins, Dana Morey, Irene Morey, Elliott “Duke” Shepard Jr., and Dr. Brian van Emmerik.

Sandy Eaton was applauded as the employee with the most years of service (41).

West also took a moment to recognize the work done by Duke Shepard, who has been in charge of maintenance at IMC for 30 years. She said, “It is the work that Duke does behind the scenes, mostly in the evening and on weekends, that is the reason that we always receive high marks on this facility during inspections, and why visitors comment that it is one of the most well-kept and beautiful medical buildings they have visited.”

Each honoree was presented with a bag of Island goodies, including 44 North coffee, Tempest in a Teapot tea, Nervous Nellie’s jam, and Eggemoggin Salt Works sea salt. Guests were asked to write a note of thanks or a share a memory and add it to the bags.

Gail Senecal, President of the IH&WF Board of Directors said, “It was a wonderful opportunity for the community to thank the people who contribute to the island’s health every day. They deserve a great deal of credit for spending decades committed to the wellness of those that live and work here.”