Guthrie Cortland Honors Nurse of the Year at Nightingale Benefit Concert

Cortland Memorial Foundation launched National Nurses Week with its third annual Nightingale Benefit Concert on May 2, featuring The Fall Creek Brass Band at The Center for the Arts of Homer. The event raised more than $25,000 to support patient care initiatives at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center through Cortland Memorial Foundation.

Tammy Small, RN, Labor and Delivery and Maternity at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center, received the 2025 Nightingale Award — named for Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. Tammy earned this recognition through nominations from peers and community members.

During her more than 20 years in obstetrical care, Tammy has demonstrated unwavering dedication to nursing excellence and community service. Patients consistently praise her emotional support and attentive care throughout their birthing experience.

"Tammy truly exemplifies the essence of nursing excellence," said Kansas Underwood, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Operations at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center. "She seamlessly blends expert clinical skills with profound compassion, providing comfort and reassurance to every new family. We are incredibly proud that her exceptional dedication has been recognized with the Nightingale Award."

The quality of nursing at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center was further highlighted by fellow award nominees Amy Dames, Judy Gallow, Abigail Gay, Holly Helwig and Megan Vianos.

"The community's generous support of the Nightingale Benefit Concert will significantly enhance patient care services at Guthrie Cortland Medical Center," said Sheila Ossit, Cortland Memorial Foundation Director. "This successful event underscores the community's deep appreciation for the tireless work and dedication of our nurses."

Cortland Memorial Foundation gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors whose support made this year's Nightingale Benefit Concert successful:

• Fall Creek Brass Band Sponsor: Contentos and McNeil and Co.
• Nightingale Sponsors: Tompkins Cortland Community College and Visions Federal Credit Union (provided 25 pairs of tickets to Guthrie Cortland nurses)
• Nursing Superhero Sponsors: AmeriCU, Cortland Biomedical, Dental Arts Family Dentistry, First National Bank of Dryden, ImageFIRST, Royal Auto Group and WXHC
• Compassionate Care Sponsors: Arnold's Florist, Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, Cortland County Business Development Corporation, Cortland Eye Center, First National Bank of Groton, Homer News, Ms. Liz Jaekle and Nascentia Health
• Wine Pull Sponsors: Beak & Skiff 1911, Damiani Wine Cellars, Hazlitt Vineyards, Lamoreaux Landing, Long Point Winery, Kevin Ossit Family, Sheldrake Point Winery and Wagner Vineyards