Joliet, IL – Deerbrook Care Centre, 306 N. Larkin Ave., would like to recognize and congratulate Arlene Albert, the 2010 Athena Award recipient from the Joliet Chamber of Commerce. The Athena Award is given to “a woman in the community that demonstrated unselfish support of business and professional women and has worked to improve her community.”

Albert, the community education coordinator at Deerbrook Care Centre, has many accomplishments in many different fields. Not only has she served 8 terms as a Joliet Township High School Districts board member, but she has also worked for the League of Women Voters in the 1970’s, during the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment.

In addition to the many educational and equal rights awards and honors she has received, Albert has also been recognized by the United Way and The Long Term Care Council for Illinois, for her development and implementation of the “Alzheimer’s Hotline” at Deerbrook Care Centre.

Arlene has been employed with Deerbrook Care Centre since 1993 and was instrumental in establishing The Village, Deerbrook’s Alzheimer’s program, at a time when specialized care for those with memory loss was limited in Joliet. Arlene also began an Early Onset Memory Loss support group and is well known for her educational seminars on Alzheimer’s disease.

As a collaborative effort, Arlene and Deerbrook Care Centre have made it a mission to educate the public on health topics. Arlene may be heard monthly on the WJOL radio show, “Deerbrook Connections” where she invites guests such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other professionals to offer the latest updates in health care. Past recordings of the radio shows may be heard by going to www.deerbrookcarecentre.com She has also worked on the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk committee and is a former member (Legislative Seat) of the Advisory Board of Alzheimer’s. When asked, Joliet Chamber president and CEO, Russ Slinkard said, “She was an easy pick for the award. She’s been very active in helping advance the cause of women in the workplace.” He went on to say “Also, we thought she merited a lot of consideration and recognition for her work in the community.” Ms. Albert said she was proud to receive the Athena Award, but admits she does not like talking about herself. “I just get out there and do the things I do.” We at Deerbrook Care Centre are grateful for the things she does.

If you would like to read more about Arlene Albert and the Athena Award, you can visit The Herald-News or the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry - Click Here.