Names of Note: Modesto-based hospice seeks new leader. Kids’ art adorns Turlock
C. DeSha McLeod has left Community Hospice after eight years as president and CEO.
McLeod moved on to an out-of-state position that allows her to be closer to her family, the Modesto-based nonprofit said in a news release.
Director of Operations John Renner is serving as interim president/CEO while a permanent successor is recruited.
The release listed hospice milestones during McLeod’s tenure:
Community Care Choices, “focused on enhancing quality of life for individuals facing a serious illness”
Expansion of specialized Pediatric Care Programs
Opening of Camp Erin of the Central Valley, a grief camp for children and teens, located near Sonora
Hope Counseling, for people with family, mental health and behavioral issues
Expansion of Hope Chest Thrift Store with locations in Stockton and Turlock
- Electronic medical records and other efficiencies
“On behalf of the members of the Community Hospice board, we share our gratitude for DeSha’s invaluable contribution and dedication to the mission of the organization,” said Susan Donker, the board chair.
Community Hospice, founded in 1979, is the oldest and largest nonprofit hospice agency in the Central Valley.
“I am truly grateful for my time and the opportunity to work with the amazing staff, volunteers and boards in service to our community,” McLeod said. “I am most proud of Community Hospice being awarded one of the Best Places to Work in the Central Valley for four consecutive years.”
Young artists honor Carnegie milestone
Eighteen young artists created banners around downtown Turlock to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Carnegie Arts Center reopening.
The winners, chosen from 148 entries, attend schools in southern Stanislaus and northern Merced counties.
The center at 250 N. Broadway opened in September 2011 after rebuilding from a 2005 arson fire. Part of the complex is a 1916 building that once housed one of the libraries donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie.
Each of the children’s works was printed onto two banners hanging along Broadway and Main Street. The artists are:
- Alexis Aguiar, eighth grade, Hilmar Middle School
- Arabella Arias, sixth, Walnut Elementary School, Turlock
- Cristal Arredondo, sixth, Dutcher Middle School, Turlock
- Brendyn Brockett, eighth, Hilmar Middle
- Elin Callis, second, Walnut
- Emily Edgerton, sixth, Walnut
- Mia Givargis, sixth, Walnut
- Logan Graham, fourth, Brown Elementary School, Turlock
- Cade Hackett, kindergarten, Julien Elementary School, Turlock
- Isabella Khamo, sixth, Walnut
- John Lopez, eighth, Hilmar Middle
- Danica Maldonado, 10th, Turlock High School
- Savannah McMullen, sixth, Walnut
- Carlos Reynoso, eighth, Hilmar Middle
- Samira Salem, sixth, Walnut
- Cove Semmens, first, Hickman Charter School
- Summer Stricker, sixth, Walnut
- Allie Vickroy, eighth, Turlock Junior High School
The contest and banners were sponsored by the Greenery Nursery & Garden Shop, Robic Refrigeration and the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association.
Names of Note recognizes people and organizations for their contribution to their communities. Submit items to jholland@modbee.com.
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This story was originally published October 10, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
