State House honors sibling nurses in Winchendon

WINCHENDON — Two sisters, who are both Montachusett Public Health Network (MPHN) nurses, recently received special recognition from the Legislature during a recent meeting of the Board of Selectmen.

Board of Health Chairman Keith Kent and state Rep. Jon Zlotnik, D-Gardner, on Oct. 25 jointly honored MPHN nurses Susan Avallone and sister Sandra Knipe with citations of recognition from the State House for their dedication to public health and hard work during the pandemic in both viral case tracking and notification efforts for the good of the public.

Avallone, who also serves as chair of the Gardner Board of Health, is active working in other important health and educational causes. Knipe, who could not attend the ceremony due to a schedule conflict, would receive her state citation from her sister.

Both Avallone and Knipe expressed surprise and thanks to the Board of Health and Zlotnik.

Avallone, who holds the certifications of MSN, RN and NCSN-E, and her sister, Sandra, RN and BSN, are both part of the Montachusett Public Health Network COVID-19 Response Team.

This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Legislature honors nurses Susan Avallone, Sandra Knipe in Winchendon