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Connections
Volume 17 Edition 10, July 2013
Hats off to Paula!
Employees and guests gathered in the Cafeteria
Courtyard on June 20 for a retirement celebration
honoring Paula Gaddis. With a theme of “Hats off to
Paula,” staff and other guests presented decorated
hats, photos and other gifts to Paula during a special
program, with Pam Tidwell (Director of Home Health
and Hospice) acting as Mistress of Ceremonies. The
hats, along with shared stories, recounted memories of
daily work and adventures during Paula’s 35 years of
employment.
Over the years, Paula had a variety of roles, including
being one of the founding members of VHP (Visiting
Health Professionals), which was the forerunner of
CarePartners Home Health Services. and, in recent
years, Director of Staff Development in HR and
Communications. Guests enjoyed a beautiful hat cake
and decorated cupcakes made by local bakers and
other refreshments prepared by our Food Services
staff.
In recognition of Paula’s lifelong commitment to
learning and staff development, the HR Training Room
has been renamed the Paula Gaddis Staff Training
Room.
Visit the CarePartners Facebook page for more photos!
Hands On Asheville-
Back to S
Supply D
2
Quilts add
beauty
5
Tell us about
your summer
vacation
7
School Help Our Students Start the School Year Equipped to Su
Just Glad To
supplies
Be Me
needed
benefitting students served by:
11
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina
Buncombe County Schools Foundation: Fostering Connec
Buncombe County Schools Migrant Education Program
Quilts add beauty and feeling of comfort
During recent months the Asheville Quilt Guild donated
approximately 60 handmade quilts to Solace for patient rooms
and hallways, says Danny Johnson, Hospice Volunteer
Coordinator. “There were some surplus quilts, so I asked the
guild if it would be ok to share them with Hospice Home Care,
and they said certainly,” Danny explains. In June, colorful quilts
of various sizes were hung throughout the Hospice Home
Care/Administration area, adding beauty and a feeling of
comfort to the hallways, staff conference room and offices.
Another new quilt now hangs in the hallway outside Pam
Tidwell’s office in Home Health. This one was made by
Fran Gullyes, Manager/Home Health RN Intake. Fran
explains that CarePartners footed the bill for supplies and
that she donated her quilt-making skills as a labor of love.
Fran says, “The pattern came from a quilt magazine. The
design is called ‘Labyrinth Walk’ and is based on a marble
floor design in a church chapel in Naples, Italy. The floor
looks so dimensional and realistic that the designers were
afraid to step on the black spaces because they thought
they might fall through!” Fran adds that the complicated
labyrinth seems a fitting metaphor for all the intricate,
interconnected areas of CarePartners.
Fran Gullyes and ‘Labyrinth Walk’
Save the Date!
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Honey Miller stands by a beautiful handmade
quilt in the Hospice Home Care hallway.
The 2013 United Way Day of Caring is set for Thursday, September 12. This special
day is the largest annual community-wide service event in our area and is coordinated
by Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, the Volunteer Center of United Way. Day of Caring
uniquely equips and mobilizes workforce volunteers to strengthen our community by
matching these groups with service projects to benefit Asheville and Buncombe County
nonprofits, schools and public entities. Last year more than 1,000 volunteers participated
in Day of Caring. Ask your co-workers to join you in volunteering! To sign up, contact
Kate Saxe or Jane Harmon.
On Track
with Tracy
Tracy Buchanan
President & CEO
Ah, summer!
I can’t remember a busier or more interesting time at CarePartners – from the usual challenges of funding
cuts and budget development, to all the new activity around our planned affiliation with Mission Health, we
have a lot happening on all fronts. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or tangled in competing priorities, or just
plain tired.
So, I’m going to encourage everyone to find a way this summer to take some time off, catch your breath, and
renew your energy for the days ahead. Those tasks and deadlines and challenges won’t go away, but they
can be handed off temporarily, while we all find ways to take care of ourselves.
Some of us head to the beach, others to hiking and camping in these beautiful mountains we call home.
Chances are some folks have more exotic destinations or thrilling adventures in mind, while others find a
low-key stay-cation just what the doctor ordered. It’s all about giving our minds and bodies a break from the
daily routine.
Whatever your options, whatever your
relaxation of choice, I encourage you to
indulge yourself a little, whenever and
however you can this summer. A break
can also jump-start our creativity and
allow new ideas to break through. And
we can certainly all benefit from that as
we return, renewed, to the important,
vital work we do here: providing
exceptional care, every day.
Enjoy your summer!
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Exceptional Care. Every Day.
Stories happen every day at CarePartners, as our experts treat, restore, teach and comfort people of all ages, from the tiniest infants to the oldest citizens of our region.
We believe that exceptional patient care requires an exceptionally caring staff, and we’re proud to uphold that standard each day. Got a story about your work with
patients? Please share with our staff via ”My CarePartners” at the top of our intranet home page or contact Judy Tanner to be included in this section of Connections.
By going the extra mile on research, Steven Solana,
Doctor of Physical Therapy/Home Health, was able to
make a significant difference in a patient’s life.
My first meeting with the patient was
in February 2013. She was wheelchair
bound, had had some recent falls, and
Steve Solana
needed assistance transferring between her
wheelchair and toilet, bed and shower. Her mobility problems
had started five years previously but had gotten worse over
the past year, especially over the past three months. I checked
a few things and asked her what her doctor had said. He had
diagnosed her with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy which is
common in diabetes and other diseases. However, I believed it
was more of a central nervous system issue.
I was intrigued with everything she was telling me and had
time to do some research that evening. Her complaints were
pointing me to her spinal cord being involved and specifically
to the spinal tracts in the back part of her spinal cord. I pulled
out some old neuro-science notes from school and started
looking at different conditions that affect that part of the spinal
cord, which helped me to narrow down the possibilities.
I did some Google searches, looked at some medical journals
online, and looked at nutritional deficiencies, which seemed like
a simple, good place to start. I found some published research
articles and was able to rule out some more things. Then I saw
articles on copper deficiency and as I read them, I realized that
one of the causes was excessive zinc intake over a period of
time. I went over her medication review in Cerner and saw that
she was taking an over-the-counter zinc supplement for her
immune system.
I called her that same night at 8 p.m. and asked her how long
she had been taking the zinc supplement. She said she’d been
taking it every day for 15 years! The dosage was higher than
“Very quickly with treatment, her copper levels returned to
normal. Although there was damage to her central nervous
system, she is walking now.” – Steven Salona
the recommended daily amount. After I discussed my findings
with her, she requested that her doctor do a blood test for
copper, which showed that she was deficient. Her doctor
sent her to a physician at Duke for a complete work-up to rule
out MS, B12 deficiencies, etc. and he agreed it was a copper
deficiency.
Very quickly with treatment, her copper levels returned to
normal. Although there was damage to her central nervous
system, she is walking now. She is up to 50 feet with a rolling
walker and now able to transfer by herself. It will take up to a
year to see how much she will recover, and there may be some
lasting effects, but she has already seen much improvement. If
this condition is found early, the patient will have full recovery,
because it’s such a simple fix.
My patient had a deficit over a long period of time, resulting in
neurological deficits. I am still seeing her, and she is improving
all the time. It’s reassuring to now know what’s wrong, and to
know she’s on the right path. The patient hopes that sharing
her story will help others. Everyone should make sure to get
proper amounts of copper and zinc for optimum health.
ŸŸŸ
Stephen and his patient were featured on WLOS in a Health
Alert with Jay Silzer on June 25.
Here is the link to view the video:
http://wlos.com/shared/community/features/health-alert/
stories/wlos_too-much-good-thing-214.shtml
Cardiopulmonary class gets positive feedback
Submitted by Carol Coates, Staff Development/Education Coordinator
On April 13 and 14, the CarePartners
Staff Development department presented
“Treating the Cardiopulmonary Patient”
to 93 staff and four guests at Lutheridge
Conference Center in Arden. The
instructor was Ellen Hillegass, (PT, EdD,
CCS, FAACVPR, FAPTA) an APTA board
certified cardiovascular and pulmonary
clinical specialist and the author of the
number one selling text used in physical
therapy programs on Essentials in
Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy.
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The course content was based on the
premise that the cardiac and pulmonary
systems should be considered as fully
interrelated rather than separate, and
that every patient is a cardio-pulmonary
patient. Evidence-based practice
was presented to help attendees link
assessment findings to sound clinical
decision-making in order to reach the
best functional outcomes with their
patients.
Said one therapist, “Lots of new ideas to
implement - assessments and treatment
ideas, all valuable.” Another said the
course provided a great comprehensive
review, and the information would
be used in educating patients and
improving treatment effectiveness.
Another commented, “This has been a
wonderful opportunity to learn from a
prestigious speaker/presenter in her field.
Thank you, CarePartners!”
On the web
CarePartners Connections
Published Monthly for Staff, Friends
and Volunteers of CarePartners
68 Sweeten Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28803
News Team
Carol Copeland Hubbard/Foundation
Ruth Butler/Adult Day
Diana Pegg/Home Health
Tammy Ponder/Inpatient
Kirsten Kern/Internal Staffing & Private Duty
Katherine Caldwell Bauer/Hospice
Karen Vernon/HR and Communications
Nancy Lindell/Business Development
Jeanne Gillespie/Outpatient
Kate Guzy/IS
Editor
Judy Tanner
Designed & Printed by
Andy Guzy, CarePartners Print Shop
Readers are encouraged to submit
announcements, questions, articles, suggestions
& photos by contacting the Editor or any
member of the News Team. Submissions may be
sent electronically via email (preferred method)
or through interoffice mail. It is our goal to
provide equal coverage to all CarePartners
services, but content published is ultimately
dependent on material we receive from the staff
& administration from each of the service areas.
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE
July 15, 2013
Submissions received after this date may or may
not be considered for the August newsletter.
The Editor of Connections reserves the right to edit
and/or reject material submitted based on its
appropriateness for publication, space availability
or other considerations. We strive for accuracy in
our reporting and encourage readers to notify us
of errors.
Liz Kolousek, OT, is featured in a video on Virtual Job Shadow’s website,
which is dedicated to career exploration for students and helping employers
connect to students to promote jobs, arrange internships and shadow
days. You will also see some other familiar faces in the video. Another video
featuring Eli Day, PT, is scheduled to be added to the website sometime
this month. Visit http://www.virtualjobshadow.com/ and you will find the
occupational therapist link at lower left.
Tell us about your summer vacation
Have you taken a vacation this summer or are you planning to? We’d love to
hear about it! If you have a photo, feel free to submit it as well (if a print, put
your name on the back so we can return it to you).
Ideas of what to include…
•
•
•
•
•
Your destination?
Sightseeing or visiting family?
First time you’ve been there?
Traveling with ___?
Any special significance, like a birthday, anniversary, reunion or
special celebration?
Send to Judy Tanner by email or interoffice mail by July 22 to be included in
August Connections.
From our mailbox
From a Hospice Home Care/Bereavement family
member: “Every part of Hospice was a blessing to
our family. Every single person we had the privilege
of meeting treated us with such kindness. From the
first day at the hospital until this day, I am still amazed
at the whole group working and volunteering at
Hospice. How do you find such caring people? My family and I will be forever
grateful.”
From an Adult Day participant’s caregiver: “We have been able to keep my
father living at home with us instead of at a nursing facility. The care level he
receives is very comforting to me, and the companionship with his peers is
precious to him.”
From a Solace family member: “My husband was at Solace only two days
after being in the hospital for two months. I wish he could have been at
Solace sooner! You helped to make the death experience a blessing to our
whole family, as we were able to be together with our loved one in a very
special way.”
From an Outpatient/Seating Clinic staff member: “A patient asked to speak
to a manager. During our conversation he highlighted the wonderful care he
had received.”
From a Rehab Hospital patient: “I was here for nine days and would
recommend it to anyone from therapy to just meeting friends in the hall. It’s a
great place.”
Home Health family member: “Your nurse is one smart cookie. We are very
lucky to have her taking care of my mom!”
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More 2013 Graduates!
Congratulations, Ashley!
Ashley Albers, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine), graduated from the Asheville
Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program on Wednesday, June 19, during
a ceremony on the Solace patio. Attendees included Ashley’s family members as well
as a number of CarePartners and MAHEC staff. Her graduation marks completion of
the one-year comprehensive training in the fellowship program, under the direction
of John Langlois, Hospice physician.
The program is a collaboration of MAHEC, CarePartners and Four Seasons and
affiliated with the Department of Family Medicine of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of
Medicine, offering a training opportunity for qualified physicians wanting to develop,
enhance and refine their knowledge and skills in hospice and palliative medicine.
Ashley Albers and John Langlois
Ashley worked with interdisciplinary teams, providing patient consultations in
Hospice Home Care, and long-term care and inpatient facilities, including palliative care consultations at Pardee and Mission.
Following her graduation, Ashley has begun her new role as a Palliative Care Physician with Four Seasons Compassion for Life in
Hendersonville.
The members of the Hospice Fellowship Team (John Langlois, Sandy Whitlock, Honey Miller, Twila Martin and Lisa Laney) wish to
thank the following staff for their assistance in creating the delightful ambiance for the special event: Anne Wilkerson for providing
piano music; Danny Johnson, flower designer; Fran Kyles, for providing fresh flowers from her garden; Andy Guzy, flyers/
invitations; Nancy Lindell, photography; and Phillip Freeman, David Beijer, Kimberly Doyle and Lynnora Bierce, for moving tables,
chairs, etc.
Congratulations, David Crain!
Son of: Kim Crain, Nurse Liaison
Graduating from: Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Education/
Health and Physical Education
Graduate’s Future Plans: Coaching baseball and using his knowledge to improve the health
and fitness of others by working as a personal trainer.
Mom’s wish for graduate: “When it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile!
Be happy and never settle.”
Educational opportunity
Hats Off!
Sign up by July 26 for the Amputee Conference coming to MAHEC on
Friday, August 2 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to get the $175 early registration
fee. 6.5 contact hours for PTs and 7 for prosthetists.
Visit this site to register: https://www.mahec.net/calendar/detail.
aspx?eid=40160&sid=0&str=3
Objectives will include:
•
•
•
•
•
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Discuss interprofessional care of the lower extremity
amputee, from post-op through long-term care.
Review the current best practices to manage phantom limb pain.
Cite prosthetic selection criterion and candidacy levels.
Relate gait analysis outcomes and treatment options for
improved prosthetic gait.
Discuss care of the combat amputee.
Michelle Knight
Jennifer Burgin
Congratulations
to Michelle Knight,
Hospice RN, who
recently passed her
Certified Hospice and
Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
exam, and to Jennifer
Burgin, Hospice RN,
for getting recertified
recently as a CHPN.
Back to School Supply Drive
Hands On Asheville-Buncombe’s
United Way and Hands On of Asheville and Buncombe County
are sponsoring a Back to School Supply Drive now through
July 26, and CarePartners is joining the cause! Help make
going back to school a positive experience by donating a new
backpack and/or supplies. Your generosity will assist lowincome families as well as enable young students to start the
school year on a more level playing field.
Back to School
Supply Drive
Help Our Students Start the School Year Equipped to Succeed!
benefitting students served by:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina
Buncombe County Schools Foundation: Fostering Connections
Buncombe County Schools Migrant Education Program
Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County
Literacy Council of Buncombe County
Mountain Area Child and Family Center
The Salvation Army
YMCA: 21st Century Afterschool Program
Look for a box in your area or drop off your donations to Lauren DiMaio in the Hospice Bereavement department.
You may donate as an individual, or go together with co-workers to outfit a backpack.
Last year’s Back to School Supply Drive met the needs of 662 elementary and middle school students. Help us equip
even more Asheville-Buncombe students this year with the supplies
they’ll need to succeed! The School Supply Drive
Donate items from the lists below or better yet … buy and fill a new backpack with the following:
will benefit low-income elementary and middle school students served by a number of local organizations. Here’s
Elementary School Students
Middle School Students
what’s needed:
 New backpack
 New backpack
Elementary School
Students
New backpack
2 composition books
Loose-leaf notebook paper
6 spiral notebooks
Ruler
2-pocket folders
Box of #2 pencils
Pencil pouch or art box
Package of erasers
3-ring binder
Bottle of glue or glue stick
Markers (washable)
Crayons












2 composition books
Loose-leaf notebook paper
6 spiral notebooks
Ruler
2-pocket folders
Box of # 2 pencils
Pencil pouch or art box
Package of erasers
3-ring binder
Bottle of glue or glue stick
Markers (washable)
Crayons
Middle School Students










2 composition books
Loose-leaf notebook paper
6 Spiral notebooks
Ruler
2-pocket folders
Box of # 2 pencils
Pencil pouch
Package of pens (blue or black)
3-ring binder
Calculator (*scientific functions helpful /not
required)
Index cards
Markers
Colored Pencils
Pencil pouch
Package of pens (blue or
New backpack
black)
2 composition books
3-ring binder
Loose-leaf notebook paper

Calculator
(scientific functions
6 spiral notebooks


helpful
but not required)
Ruler
NEW ITEMS ONLY PLEASE. Index
Financial contributions
cards will be accepted at United Way.
Please specify “School Supply Drive” on check.
2-pocket folders
Markers
Box of #2 pencils Coordinated by: ______________________________________________
Colored pencils
Drop Off Dates:
______________________________________________
Drop
Off Location:
Remember to turn in your backpack and/or supplies by July 26, and
thanks
for______________________________________________
your generosity!
Questions? Call:
______________________________________________
Update on recycling at CarePartners
in our landfills as we want to be
a good corporate sponsor of our
environment. Happy recycling!”
Henry Barton, Director of Plant
Ops, notes, “We have just renewed
our trash service with Waste
Management this month. Waste
Management has teamed up with
Curbie Management, and our current
‘cardboard only’ containers are
being swapped out with containers
allowing us to recycle much more
than just cardboard. (Look for
signage on the new containers,
and acceptable items are also listed
below.)
Recyclable Material Accepted
“We will continue our blue recycling
container services with Curbside.
By using the new containers, we
should be able to reduce our total
costs, as well as put less material
Not accepted at this time: Black
microwavable trays, plastic bottles
with automotive fluids, styrofoam,
aluminum foil, ceramics, dishes,
cookware, drinking glasses, broken
window panes.
Metal, plastic, aluminum, glass
• Metal cans (aluminum, steel, tin,
empty aerosol cans)
• All plastic bottles, jugs and
grocery containers (lids
accepted; yogurt cups, margarine
tubs, clear deli trays)
• Aluminum pie plates and food
trays
• Glass bottles and jars (green,
clear, brown)
Paper
•
•
•
Mixed paper including office
and school paper, junk mail,
manila folders and envelopes,
window envelopes, post-it
notes, phone books/
paperback books, magazines,
catalogs, cereal/food boxes,
soda/beer cartons, brown
paper bags, paper towel rolls,
paper egg cartons,
construction paper, bagged
shredded paper
Newsletters and inserts
Corrugated cardboard
Not accepted at this time: Dog food
bags, napkins, tissue, paper towels,
wax paper, photographs, hard
covered books.
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My CarePartners
Excerpts from a letter to Solace staff:
“…My dad was transferred from Mission Hospital to Solace
in May and was so happy to be there. My mother passed
away at your center on August 8, 2011 in room 106, and
my dad was in room 108. He wanted to be where her
spirit left this life, to look and see the same things she had.
And your peaceful beautiful surroundings gave him just
that. On his third morning there, we got the phone call
from his nurse that he had passed away.
“He was a sweet, quiet, shy man and a wonderful
husband and father. I don’t think any of us knew or saw
he was going to leave us so quickly. But he left us in an
early hour of a new day with wonderful surroundings,
and loving and caring staff to care for him. For a short
time in those final days, I got to be a daughter instead of
a caregiver. Everyone at your center is so caring, devoted,
sincere and very protective of their patients…”
GEM compliment from a Rehab Hospital patient
“As an experienced, retired physician, I can honestly say
that I have never before encountered such a fine staff.
Every person has seemed sincerely concerned as to my
comfort and recovery. I really cannot say enough positive
things and do not have a single negative observation.”
From a driver’s evaluation/instruction patient:
“I’m a 72 year old paraplegic. Today I drove to the grocery
store for the first time in over 18 months and it sure felt
great! I have recently gotten my NC Drivers License,
thanks to the efforts of Jan Stephanides (OT). I want you
to know I appreciate that you have this program and
to tell you how fortunate you are to have such a terrific
employee in Jan! I found her not only to be professional
in every use of the word, but to be a real joy to work
with…”
Love for Leslie Fest
Focus On
To benefit CarePartners Hospice
Saturday, August 24, 6:30pm until 10:00pm
Hospice Thrift Store, 105 Fairview Road, Asheville
Tickets $20, 2 for $35
Featuring food and beverage from Nona Mia Italian Kitchen, Silent Auction, and
Live Music
Leslie Sipes was a longtime CarePartners Hospice volunteer, particularly devoted to
the Hospice Thrift Store. Before her death on May 5, she requested that we hold an
event at the thrift store to raise funds for CarePartners Hospice and celebrate her life
and love of volunteering.
Visit carepartnersfoundation.org or call Sally at 779-9790 for more information.
Tickets available soon.
3rd Annual CarePartners Foundation Golf Tournament
To benefit the CarePartners Hospice Music Therapy program
Thursday, August 22, High Vista Country Club, Mills River
$100 per golfer & Sponsorships available
Visit carepartnersfoundation.org or call 277-4815 for more information. Online
registration coming soon.
Bring your donations to work!
Hospice
Thrift Store
Watch for the Hospice Truck on Friday, July 12 from 8-9
and 11-1 in front of the Norvell Administration Building.
Bring your donations of used-but-good clothing, books and
household goods and get a 20 percent off coupon for the Hospice Thrift Store.
Discount! Staff and volunteers always receive a 10 percent discount at the Hospice
Thrift Store when presenting a CarePartners name badge (cannot be combined
with other discounts and coupons).
For weekly Hospice Thrift Store specials and Estate Sales reminders, sign up for
emails at carepartnersfoundation.org
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Estate Sales
July 11, 12 & 13
July 25, 26 & 27
In-Home Sale
42 Green Hill Ave.
Asheville NC 28806
July 19 & 20
9:00-5:00 each day
Hospice Thrift Store
Special sales each Thursday,
Friday and Saturday
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day
Unless noted otherwise, sales are at
105 Fairview Road
Just below the ScreenDoor
For additional information call
(828) 777-0773 or (828) 333-0558
or visit www.cpestatesales.org
HRConnections
Where’s the form?
HR keeps track of lots of staff information, and sometimes it can be confusing for staff to know how to
update or change your information. For any changes that you need to make, you will find the appropriate
form in the magazine rack in the HR lobby. Forms include:
1. Benefits Claim Forms (Health, Dental, Vision) – to submit a claim that your doctor doesn’t file for
you.
2. W-4s – Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate (Federal, State) – to change your number
of exemptions and/or additional funds for income tax.
3 CarePartners Savings and Retirement Plan - VALIC Salary Reduction Agreement – to change the
amount taken out of your salary to go into your retirement fund. This can be either as a percentage of
your gross wages or a specific dollar amount.
4. Changes in checking / savings accounts (Payroll Direct Deposit Authorization) – to make changes in
account(s) where you’d like your pay check deposited.
5. Parking Record – If you have changed your vehicle, please keep us up to date as to make, model and
tag number.
6. Family Bereavement Benefit Form – one month’s gross earning to a family member or estate if no
beneficiary is designated. (This benefit does not apply to PRN staff.)
7. Add your physician to the preferred provider list - Crescent will contact your provider about
becoming part of the Crescent network.
Have some gourmet coffee and
help the Foundation
Check out our new coffee
machine in the Rehab
Hospital Family Room!
Enjoy some French-pressed
coffee any time of day from
a special machine called
Robotic Barista™. Its custom
burr grinder produces freshly
ground lattes, cappuccino, espresso, mochaccino,
coffee and hot chocolate at the push of a button.
The cost is $2 per 10 oz. serving and 20 percent of
each sale goes to the CarePartners Foundation for
Equipment for Rehab Hospital patients. This fundraising project is coordinated by Gourmet Giving.
Tune up with yoga
CarePartners employees are welcome to join a basic yoga
class every Tuesday at 5:30, a mid-week tune up for mind,
body and spirit! Employees pay only $40.00 for a six-class
series. Join us in Seymour Auditorium for a variety of yoga
practices designed to benefit all, wherever you begin. To
learn more, call or email Katherine Caldwell, Registered
Yoga Teacher, at x8340 or 251-0126.
In gratitude
(Evelyn’s husband Earl passed away on April 22.)
I would like to thank everyone for your care and support
during this difficult time. I am truly blessed to have such
wonderful people to call my friends. Saying ‘thank you’
hardly begins to express my gratitude. I could not have
made it were it not for your love and compassion.
– Evelyn Dial and family
Welcome to CarePartners
Amy Cohen
Ansley Forest
Ashley Farmer
Becky Ogle
Cole Hyatt
Eloise Farr
Erica Robinson
Jeanne Stillson
John Gilliam
Kacie Jacobson
Kelly Jackson
Laura Williams
Margaret Sorum
Maria Haddon
Mary Buchanan
Mary Leach
Phalon Foggie
Sandra Sprinkle
Sarah Rentz
Steven Parker
Susie Sweet
Tim O’Brien
William Zemp
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GEM Recipients
Amanda Langley
Amy Hoover
Angela Taylor
Annette DeCamara
Beckie Nettles
Beth Fender
Beth Henderson
Bill Pressley
Bo Ball
Boxley Crenshaw
Brenda Jordan
Brenda Lewis
Brian Williams
Brooke Lopp
Butch Stillwell
Cheryl Maffett
Cindi Brantley
Cindy Coleman
Thanks and congratulations to the following staff who recently received a CarePartners GEM, which stands for “Going the Extra Mile.” GEMs help us give
special recognition to staff who exemplify our Standards of CARING in providing excellent customer service. If you wish to give a GEM, forms are available in
special holders at all locations or ask your supervisor.
Cory Hustad
Crista Wilson
Dale Tascier
Danny Johnson
Dayna Lewis
Debbie Frye
Denese Roseborough
Denise Pace
Emily Jones
Francine Weinhagen
Jane Harmon
Jeanne Gillespie
Jennifer Selman
Jim Archer
Joanie Burns
Joanne Maciejewski
John Martin
Judie Thompson
Justus Min
Karen Smith
Kathy Theoharis
Ken Kelly
Laura Barton
Leeane Dennis
Leslie Lowe
Lori Nawrocki
Lorie Rice
Maria Torres
Mary Denton
Mary Elrod
Mary Martin
Melanie Burress
Melanie Eggert
Melissa Bennett
Melody Greer
Michael Platz
Michelle Carter
Mike Pearson
Mindy Alexander
Moneick Moore
Nancy Bannan
Nancy Shelton
Nettie Keeter
Pat Newell
Pavel Misiyuk
Robin Adkins
Ruth Rash
Ryan Muirhead
Sharon Bigger
Sharon Raines
Sonya Brady
Stephanie Grant
Stephanie Messer
Sue Hagedorn
Susan Steele
Tammy Ponder
Tammy Shepard
Tanya McCraw
Tasha Webb
Thomas Mitchell
TJ Troughton
Tom Riley
Wanda Redmond
Warren Yeisley
Wendy Cady
Wendy Crisp
Congratulations to the GEMs of the Month
Each month, PepPartners randomly draws three individuals’ names from the previous month’s GEM recipients to be honored for “Going the Extra Mile” in providing exceptional customer service. Each
honoree receives a $25 gift certificate from Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Francine Weinhagen, Solace RN, with CarePartners for almost 14 years
According to Francine’s supervisor Joanne Ford and co-worker Lynnora Bierce, “Francine recently began working as the Solace
admissions nurse two days a week. Intake is a huge job, and it requires a special kind of nurse. Francine is that special kind of nurse.
She also works two 12-hour shifts each week providing direct care to the very patients she admitted. Everything Francine does is of
the highest quality, from providing excellent customer service to Hospice home care, discharge planners from various hospitals and
area hospices, to providing the very best of patient care and communicating directly with patient families and visitors. Francine has a
brilliant head on her shoulders with a heart to match.” A recent GEM from a co-worker said, “Francine is very passionate about what
she does here in Solace. She has a positive attitude, never says no, and always goes the extra mile for everybody. She’s more than a
GEM!”
Cindy Coleman, Hospice Home Care Chaplain, with CarePartners for 5 years
Cindy’s supervisor, Robin Creson, says,” Cindy is a wonderful example of the values CarePartners holds dear. She has a tremendous
gift. She is patient, kind and understanding with her patients and families. She not only provides support to her patients and families
in times of trial and suffering, but she also shows the same compassion to her fellow coworkers. Cindy is always willing to go above
and beyond for the needs of those she serves.” A recent GEM for all the Home Care Chaplains said, “The chaplains got up before the
sun to make many pancakes for the staff, patients and families at Solace. They wore beautiful aprons and had bright smiles on their
faces as they served up warm plates of comfort food. The pancakes were yummy, and their hard work was greatly appreciated!”
Dayna Lewis, PT and PTA Supervisor/Hendersonville Home Health, with CarePartners for 9 years
Dayna’s supervisor, Lori Ellison, says, “Dayna’s latest GEM complimented her for coordinating help from several CarePartners departments and outside
resources to provide the best possible care for a complicated patient and challenging home situation. Dayna’s proactive and well-communicated
approach made this patient’s transition smooth for him, his caregivers, and other disciplines involved in his care. Another patient said, ‘Dayna cares a lot
about me.’ A colleague who made a visit to a patient’s home said, ‘Dayna and the other staff worked together to get this patient’s level of functioning
back to where she was prior to injury. Hearing the patient talk about their remarkable work made me so proud to be a CarePartners employee.’ A
staff member at an assisted living facility said, ‘We love Dayna, and our patients love her too!’ Dayna provides her patients with excellent care, and
she does it all with a compassionate, pleasant attitude. Her knowledge and love for what she does have made her a valuable asset as a member of
some CarePartners committees. With any concerns or questions, she strives to find solutions rather than just presenting a problem. She represents and
promotes CarePartners well in the work setting and in the community, and we are so pleased to have her on our Hendersonville team!”
10
Off the Clock
Once a month, Carol Coates, Staff Development/
Education Coordinator, volunteers with her little beagle
Jenni at Hall Fletcher Elementary School so first graders
can practice their reading with a loving furry listener.
The photos were taken from an Asheville City Schools
video created to honor Norma Palmer, the founder of
the reading program. Carol says, “I have been interested
in literacy for a long time, but my other beagle would
not sit still to be read to. I was delighted when I adopted
Jenni to find that she would be a perfect reading dog.”
(Do you volunteer to help make the world a better place when you
are ”off the clock”? Contact Judy Tanner to share your story or
suggest a co-worker who is an inspiring volunteer.)
Diego Adams, age 10, is a former CarePartners Home Health patient with hemiplegic cerebral palsy whose nurse was Joanna Christoph. He is pictured at
his third piano recital. His family made a video of Diego reading his poem, ”Just Glad to Be Me” and entered it in a national contest for Father’s Day. You can
read a thank you letter from Diego’s mom about Joanna on My CarePartners on the intranet.
Just Glad to Be Me
When I first arrived with eyes wide open, all smiles and laughter.
Always hoping to make a big difference.
Just like most, I eat toast.
I like chocolate ice cream and I eat chocolate chips.
I enjoy cheese pizza and I even lick my lips.
I eat all kinds of fruits and even lots of beans.
Let’s not forget fresh nuts, meats and greens.
I play soccer and football too, and I also enjoy going to the zoo.
Sometimes I may wobble, stumble, trip and fall.
Please don’t laugh and sniggle as I walk among the halls.
Stop and say “Good morning” or “How are you?”
Just like Beethoven, I too have a disability.
He was deaf in both ears and had an awesome career.
My disability does not define who I am.
I take great pride as I play the piano.
It’s ok to be unique, different, helpful and kind.
I’m your peer in the classroom and the same kid in the lunch line.
I’m the kid at the doctor’s, the dentist and the kid that gets on line.
I’m at the bakery, the movies and even at the mall.
Don’t mock, tease or bully me please.
There’s a need for your services.
Be a good diplomat and help brighten someone’s day.
Give a smile, a hand shake and some humble words of
encouragement.
It will go a long way.
Say “hello, good morning, and have a nice day.”
I’m the kid that’s doing my best to walk straight and tall.
I’m the kid in Sunday school and the one in church.
Always remember rumors and bad words hurt.
I’m at the symphony, circus and the library.
I’m even on the track field getting ready to run the race.
As I grow and learn, look for me.
I’m the leader standing tall.
Just glad to be me.
Picks of the Month
Each month, CarePartners staff with a birthday
or anniversary in the month will be entered in a
drawing. Two lucky winners will each receive a gift
from PepPartners. Here are this month’s winners:
Happy birthday to Deb Baldwin on July 3.
Congratulations to Tammy Shepard for 14 years of service.
11
Connections Celebrations
Birthdays
July 1 – Kathryn Clark, Abigail Clarkson, Andrea Lahti, Sam Rule,
Karen Smith, Jeff Stillson
July 2 – Lisa Neill, Jennifer Pruitt, Susan Wrzalinski
July 3 – Deb Baldwin, Jan Coin, Kim Harris, Barbara Kellner,
Mimi Pownall
July 4 – Terry Buckmore, Debra Rice, Laura Rice
July 5 – Carol Benjamin, Mona Buckner, Mattie Peterson,
Hank Raymer
July 6 – Daniel Shipp
July 7– Janise Donovan, Renata Marske
July 8 – Jennifer Burrell, Brenda Davis, Phillip Freeman,
Paula Hollifield, Mary Lindsey, Erika Pollard
July 9 – Brian Ball, Shelley Schiess
July 10 – Beth Carver, Karla Johnson, Lori Kreisel
July 11 – Melissa Dean, Madeline Dillingham, Justus Min,
Diana Pegg, Lynette Sizemore, Donna Sliker, Crista Wilson
July 12 – Jennifer Behrend, Melissa Burchette, Allison Burnett,
Chat Norvell, Janet Senff
July 13 – Leslie Deaton, Keith Gillespie
July 14 – Pamela Brown, Monica Buckner, Kay Mantiply-Clark
July 15 – Nancy Bowers, Michael Hand, Jennie Liu, Lisa Mallory
July 16 – Mindy Alexander, Melanie Eggert, Destry Jones,
Erika Pinheiro
July 17 – Morris Letsinger, Nikki Petty
July 18 – Tracy Buchanan, Pat Fender, Janet Freedman Cope,
Susan Gilison, Season Jacques, Sherlene Morton,
Reva Rathbone
July 19 – Bill Burress, Brooks Harrell, Kathy Price, Denise Smailes,
Sherry Worley
July 20 – Leslee Shea
July 21 – Gail Brown, Brooke Maloy, Dee Shannon, Kelly Sharp
July 22 – Cindy Fremont Smith, Deane Giordano, Jimmy Lowery,
Jeanne Stillson
July 23 – Joe Nagle, Cindy Rash
July 24 – Susan Carlson, Merissa Hawkins, Erin Kollen,
Anne Wilkerson
July 25 – Jeanette Bruder, Ryan Conrad, Jim Darress,
Debbie Edwards, Amy Hoover, Tammy Ponder,
Carolyn Richardson, Lucy Wheeler
July 26 – Karen King, Deborah Lloyd, Marsha Mooney
July 27 – Bridget Leibold, Bonnie Wikoff
July 28 – Grace Barnwell, Caroline Brewer, Eli Day, Chris Manick
July 29 – Linda Cook, Jeania Fisher, Liz Johnson, Sandra Leyvas
July 30 – Johanna Ellsworth, Stephanie Felsinger, Rebecca Gustina
July 31 – Karl Henning, Dianne Pass
Mattie Peterson (7/5)
Lori Kreisel (7/10)
Anniversaries
33 Years – Sharon Allen-McCoy
25 Years – Laurie Erdman
23 Years – Kirsten Kern
22 Years – Judie Thompson
21 Years – Jeanne Gillespie
20 Years – Sherry Conley, Beth Gage, Jennifer McCarson
19 Years – Gary Stevens
18 Years – Hyacinth Wilson, Reva Rathbone
17 Years – Kristin Garner, Teresa Largin Booker
16 Years – Barbara Buchanan, Gail Dean, Helen Masters,
Karen Valentine
15 Years – Wilhemina Johnson
14 Years – Tammy Shepard, Dolores Warren
13 Years – Fran Gullyes, Moneick Moore
11 Years – Ivy Gee, Drake Thomas
10 Years – Lori Cox, Mike Pearson
9 Years – Julie Bickel, Beth Carver, Carol Harty, Mandy Smith,
Juana Salmeron Sanchez
8 Years – David Beijer, Heidi Kelling, Cheryl Huntsman,
James Jackson, Angela Jones, Beth Meacham,
Lois Melton
7 Years – Joe Brown, Jennifer Downing, Mary Elrod, Jeff Hinkle,
Laura Rice
6 Years – Samanthia Arnold-Gaskin, Leslie Deaton, Kim Harris,
Jennifer Higgins, Amy Hoover, Mary Jayne McGuire,
Nina Snoddy, Cathy Webster
5 Years – Noel Blanton, Cindy Coleman, Wilder LaFond
4 Years – Jennifer Burgin, Brandi Campbell, Judy Jarrett
3 Years – Angela Cartledge, Cheryl Maffett, Brian Pegg,
Emily Schepers, Beverly Switzer, Jodie Tissot,
Susan Wrzalinski
2 Years – Shannon Franklin, Joel Goffin, Beth Gray, Regina Jones,
Rachel King, Charles Miller, Justus Min, Melisa Norton
1 Year – Sonya Brady, Debbie Brown, Monica Buckner,
Beth Henderson, Adam Hensley, Autumn Jones,
David Korb, Bonnie Lawing, Alan McCracken,
Susan Murray, Denise Peters, Maggie Philyaw,
Sarah Reeves, Aditi Sethi-Brown, Jay Sethi-Brown,
Rebecca Steelman, Lara Taylor, Jenn Tetterton,
Kristin Wilson, Karen Worthington
Susan Carlson (7/24) Stephanie Felsinger (7/30) Laurie Erdman (25 yrs) Reva Rathbone (18 yrs)
Kim Harris (6 yrs)
Susan Wrzalinski (3 yrs)