Valley Health and Valley Residential Services Celebrate Milestone Anniversary

A celebratory luncheon was held at Valley Residential Services in Herkimer on October 16, 2025 to mark a combined 50 years of care and community, provided to area seniors, patients, and families by Valley Health Services (VHS) and Valley Residential Services (VRS).

The event, organized by Friends of Bassett Healthcare Network and the VHS and VRS development committee, raised $34,750 in sponsorships and contributions, to directly support VHS and VRS as they continue to excel in providing long-term care, rehabilitation services, and assisted living services. Adirondack Bank was recognized as the event’s lead sponsor.

“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past - it’s the beginning of our next chapter,” said Lisa Betrus, MBA, LNHA, President of VHS and VRS, and Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for Bassett Healthcare Network. “I first walked through the doors of VHS on October 30, 1995 as its administrator and I’ve never looked back. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. As I reflect on this milestone, I’m thankful to the staff, who are the bedrock of VHS and VRS. I’m also reminded of the residents we’ve had the honor to serve and the families who had trusted us with their care. My life has been deeply enriched by the opportunity to know so many of them and to be part of their lives during moments of vulnerability, strength, and grace.”

VHS started operations 40 years ago in the former Herkimer Memorial Hospital building. In the decades that followed, the building was renovated and services expanded to the 160-bed facility that serves patients and residents today. VHS provides a comfortable environment, with equal emphasis on the mind, body, and spirit of the individual, as they receive outpatient rehabilitation, short-term inpatient rehabilitation, subacute care, palliative care, or skilled nursing long-term care.

VRS opened 10 years ago with 46 apartments on 220+ acres of land. This premiere assisted living and enriched housing community features social areas and amenities such as an onsite beauty salon, fitness facility, and activity room with a café. Apartment-style living means each residence features its own living room, kitchenette, bedroom, and private bath. In 2018, a new wing, featuring an additional 14 double-occupancy apartments (large enough to accommodate couples), were added.

“We have built and cultivated a truly special community within the walls of our Valley facilities. All who visit cannot deny that walking through the doors feels like home and we have our talented, exceptional staff and leadership, both past and present, to thank for that,” said MaryBeth McCall, Chair of the VHS and VRS Board of Trustees. “From my own experience as a nursing home medical director, I also know that the work that you do is both important and joyful. I know that these two institutions are a remarkable gift to our community.”

VHS and VRS are currently the only nonprofit, mission-driven senior care providers in Herkimer County. Not only do staff on each campus provide for each resident or patient’s health needs, they are also dedicated to engaging with them and their families, to plan regular activities and events. This creates an atmosphere of comradery and connection.

“With an aging population in Central New York, facilities like VHS and VRS are become more critical with each passing year. They are absolute gems in our healthcare system and essential components to Bassett’s commitment to providing for patients across the continuum of care,” said Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network. “I could not be prouder of the care the Valley facilities provide.”

“It was truly heartwarming to see so many attend our luncheon and celebrate such an important milestone for VHS and VRS. The event would not have been possible without the support of many community partners and donors. On behalf of the boards of VHS and VRS, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Adirondack Bank for being the lead sponsor of today’s event and to Raymond Durso, Jr., President and CEO of The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley region for the outstanding job he did as our keynote speaker,” said Curt Pearsall, Chair of the VHS and VRS Development Committee. “

Residents, patients, or families looking to learn more information about services provided at VHS are invited to call (315) 866-3330. Those looking to learn more about VRS can call (315) 219-5700 and from there, those looking to request a private tour at VRS, dial extension 3239.

From left to right, Curt Pearsall, Chair of the Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services Development Committee, Lisa Betrus, MBA, LNHA, President of Valley Health Services and Valley Residential Services, and Staci Thompson, MHA, FACMPE, President and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network attend the anniversary luncheon.