Spring 2014 - The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley

Spring 2014
www.ridgewoodshenango.org
A Senior Living Residence
The Ridgewood
at Shenango Valley
Memorial Day 2014
Spring 2014
By Ron Duez, Administrator
The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley continues to do well. We are fortunate to
have such dedicated employees who care for our residents and their families. This
year I am proud to tell you that our annual survey with the Department of Public
Welfare went exceptionally well. We are deficiency free – meaning that we meet
or exceed all State guidelines and regulations. Congratulations to my staff for
upholding such high standards in your work.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our many supporters. During the
year, many individuals, organizations, and businesses support a variety of appeals
and events through monetary donations as well as in-kind gifts. This support directly
affects the lives of our residents in countless positive ways and I am grateful.
One of those annual events is our Strawberry Festival and Auction – coming up
this month on the 22nd. I hope you plan to join us and enjoy delicious strawberry
desserts as well as participate in various raffles and an auction where there’s always
a nice selection of prizes. It’s a great day to also enjoy the fellowship of family and friends.
During the past six months we have made several additions or updates to our facilities. Two new fire doors were
added – one in the 20’s Street and one in the 50’s Street; two ramps were incorporated into the sidewalks providing easier
wheelchair and walker access to the sidewalk and parking lot; and a new outside entrance was developed in the 20’s Street
along with added front walkways. Also, when visiting I hope you notice our front entrance – the landscape in the circle
flower bed has been redone. All of these improvements are designed to enhance the facility’s beauty and safety.
Last fall we added public Wi-Fi for our residents’ use as well as for visitors. I hope you find this access to be
convenient.
I invite you to JOIN US on Facebook. Frequently, you’ll see postings depicting activities and events. Our Facebook
page will keep you up to date. Also, you should visit our Website to view photos of recent events. Both give you a great
sense about life at The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley.
In closing, I’d like to thank you for your continued interest and support of our Senior Living Residence. During
my nine years I have experienced tremendous change and growth and I look forward to the future with anticipation of new
opportunity and continued success. I count it a privilege to serve our residents and their families and work alongside a
great team of staff members.
Dates to Remember
Sunday, June 22nd - 12th Annual Strawberry Festival & Auction
Sunday, August 10th - Annual Family Picnic
Sunday, December 14th - Annual Christmas Tea
Partners in Senior Care, Inc. - Board of Trustees
Mr. Jonathan Bailey
Mr. Robert Beach
Mr. Joseph J. Despoy, Jr.
Mr. Steve Gargasz
Newsletter Team
Ms. Sally Kaiser
Mrs. LuAnn King
Mr. G. Bryan Oros
Mr. Kevin Orsinger
Mr. Larry A. Redfoot
Mr. Glenn Riley
Mr. Jeffrey A. Wallace
Atty. Terry Wheeler
Rita Clemente, Director of Colony Living & Community Outreach
Ron Duez, Administrator
Diane O’Brien, Director of Development
Adam Hale, Chef
Beckie Erwin, Marketing Specialist
Mindy Mangino, Activity Director
Bonnie Benton, Development Specialist
If you’d like to receive a copy of this newsletter via email please write to Rita Clemente at [email protected]
and you will be added to our electronic mailing list. Questions or comments can also be emailed to Clemente.
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The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley is greatly appreciative for
the individuals, couples, churches and businesses who have generously
supported our residents through in-kind and monetary donations.
With gratitude, we recognize the following 2013 donors:
Ad Dimensions
Administrative Resources, Inc.
Aflac
Anderson Coach & Travel
Anonymous
Miss Betty Lou Artman
Mrs. Cathy Balzer
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Barkhammer
Ms. Joyce W. Barmak
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Becker
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Brewer
Rep. Michele Brooks
Brusters
Burich Amoco Service
Mrs. Cindy Burich
Mrs. Helen L. Cain
Carnegie Museum of Art & Natural History
Carnegie Science Center
Catale and Associates
Mr. Brian Catale
Christian Women’s Church
Mrs. Lynn Chuey
Mr. & Mrs. Don Clemente
ComDoc
Commercial Printing Co., Inc.
Ms. Janet Confer
Cottage Gardens
CTW Development Corporation
Custom Signs, Inc.
DJ’s Greenhouse
Driftwood Gallery
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Duez
Elder Sales & Service, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph E. Ellovich
Ms. Heidi Emerick
Erie County Historical Society
Erie Otters
Erie Sea Wolves
Erie Zoological Society
Mr. & Mrs. Shaun Erwin
Ms. Diane Esposito
Faraone Brothers
Farmer Brothers Coffee
Mrs. Marge Fenton
First National Bank of PA
Fisher Auto Parts
Flagship Niagara League
Frick Art & Historical Center
Mr. & Mrs. Harold Garrett
Giant Eagle
Giglio Produce Co., Inc.
Mr. Michael L. Goodrick
Mrs. Dorothy Goodrick
Gordon Food Service
Ms. Marilyn F. Gozik
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Greenville Savings Bank
Greenville Kiwanis Club K00848
Greenville Symphony Orchestra
Mr. & Mrs. David Grunenwald
Mrs. Margaret R. Headland
Hermitage Kiwanis Club
Hickory VFW Golf Course
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hoagland
Home Instead Senior Care
Mrs. Jayne Hoover
Hospice of the Valley
Ms. Patsy S. Jackson
Jacobs Investments, Inc.
Joy Cone Co.
Mrs. Sally Kaiser
King Jewelers
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald King
Mr. & Mrs. William Kirker
Ms. Mary Koller
Mr. & Mrs. John Koshan
Lakeside Jewelry
Rep. Mark Longietti
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lordo
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lordo
M. Davidson & Associates Inc.
Mahoning Valley Scrappers
Majestic Bar & Grille
Ms. Amy Marks
Mr. & Mrs. Philip Marrie, Jr.
MCAR
McGonigle Ambulance Service, Inc.
Mrs. Joan Merz
Mr. & Mrs. John B. Millen, Jr.
Mrs. Roye Ellen Miller
Ms. Faith Ann Miller
Morgan’s Foods, Inc.
Dr. Robert Morgenstern
Muscarella’s Cafe Italia
Dr. Christopher J. Nagle
Mr. Alan Nathan
Mrs. Diane K. O’Brien
Ohio Wine Producers
Olympic Fun Center
O’Neill Coffee Co.
Mr. & Mrs. G. Bryan Oros
Ms. Rhonda Paglia
Penn State Shenango
Pennstar Federal Credit Union
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew A. Pepe, Jr.
Perkins
Mrs. Lynne Petro
Philadelphia Candies
Mr. & Mrs. Duane Piccirilli
Pittsburgh Children’s Museum
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Symphony
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Dr. Leonard Pleban
Powell Enterprises
Ms. Janice M. Preston
Primary Health Network
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pymatuning Deer Park
R Builders
Ready? Sort. G.O.!
Mr. Larry A. Redfoot
Reese, Lower, Patrick & Scott
Reeves Information Technology
Ms. Helen Richardson
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Riley
Mr. & Mrs. Marc Rinella
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Robinson
Mr. & Mrs. John Rose
Sam’s Club #6327
Mr. Paul Schugar
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Schwartz
Senior Healthcare Associates
Service 1
Sharon Speedway
Shenango Valley Cinemas
Mrs. Toni Shiderly
Mr. & Mrs. Don Shrawder
Silver Shores Restaurant
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Smargiasso
Springfield Restaurant Group
St. Paul’s Continuing Care Community
St. Paul’s Without Walls
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Stankiewicz
Starbucks
Dr. Robert Stein
Stitch Art Custom Embroidery, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Stives
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Stokes
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Sweesy
Tam O’Shanter Golf Course
Mr. & Dr. Alton J. Taylor
Ms. Therese Taylor
Mr. & Mrs. William Thalman
The Right Sort. LLC
The Sharon Herald
The Winner
Thiel College
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Thompson
Ms. Janet L. Thompson
Turner Dairy Farms, Inc.
UPMC Community Health Foundation
UPMC Horizon Wellness Center
VNA Alliance Home Health Agency
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Wallace
Westminster College Celeb. Series
Wheatland Steel Processing
Atty. Terry K. Wheeler
Mr. Roy W. Wilt
Ms. Deborah A. Woods
WPIC AM-WYFM-WLLF-WWIZ
The Honorable & Mrs. Robert Yeatts
Youngstown Phantoms
Youngstown State University
Youngstown Symphony Society
The Development Office strives to provide complete and accurate listings of The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley supporters. However, if you do
find an error or omission, please notify us at 724-588-7610, Ext. 1237 or 1214, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
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Residents Look Forward to Visits from Therapy Dogs
Spending time with a dog can
turn a day around, just ask the residents
at The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley.
When the dog therapy team from
Shenango Valley K-9 Academy pay
them a visit, it’s almost as though there
isn’t a trouble in the world.
“A therapy dog’s job is to cheer people
up,” said Team Leader Jennifer Utlak.
“It’s what we’re here to do.”
Cayman is a Black Labrador
Retriever; Colby a Basset Hound; Louie
a Chinese Crested Powder Puff; Ginger
Jo a Pomeranian; Sadie a Border Collie;
and Paisley a Black Labrador Retriever
“puppy in training.” As Utlak admits,
the names of the owners don’t matter a
bit.
“We just love sharing the dogs
with the residents,” Utlak said. “They
may not always remember who we are,
but they never seem to forget the dogs.”
According to Utlak, therapy
dog visits can raise morale, lower
blood pressure, relieve depression, and increase social behavior.
During a typical visit, the
dogs demonstrate their obedience
training and some tricks. Some
even pick up and put away their
own toys into a bin, which brings
applause from the residents. Then
they get to spend time interacting
with the residents up close and
personal, which is good therapy
for the dogs, as well.
Utlak also said it is fun for the
handlers when they bring a dog, like
a Black Labrador, for instance, that a
resident used to own themselves. “They
become very attached very fast and then
particularly look forward to our visits,”
she said.
What if someone isn’t fond of
dogs? “If anyone is afraid or unsure
of any of our animals, they don’t have
to pet them,” she said. “They can just
watch the fun.”
Therapy dogs must pass
a 14-point AKC good citizen
test, which includes accepting
strangers and other dogs, walking through a crowd, supervised
separation, getting used to
equipment such as walkers and
wheelchairs, leaving dropped
items alone (like medication),
reaction to distraction, staying
in place on command, and responding when called.
“Therapy dog visits
are great for our
residents,” said
Administrator Ron Duez.
“They look forward to it and
enjoy it.”
The
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Good Samaritan
Annual Appeal
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There your heart will be also.
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- Matthew 6:21
T
he arrival of Spring brings hope for life anew as the sun shines longer, trees begin to bud,
flowers bloom and critters of all sorts begin to move about. With Spring, also comes an
opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our residents in a powerful way by contributing
to The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley’s Good Samaritan annual appeal.
The appeal raises monies to offset the cost of benevolent and unfunded care that is provided to residents
who can no longer afford the full cost of his or her care. No amount is too little, and every gift is greatly
appreciated!
It is the support from our “Good Samaritans” that helps make it possible for The Ridgewood at Shenango
Valley to fulfill its mission to provide meaning, richness of life, health care, and other support services, while
maintaining and enhancing the dignity of human life.
For more information, please contact Administrator Ron Duez at (724) 347-0998 or Director of Development
Diane O’Brien at (724) 588-9613, Ext. 1237.
To make a difference, please return the envelope inserted in this publication.
Please consider supporting the residents of The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley
with a gift to the 2014 Good Samaritan Appeal!
The official registration and financial information of St. Paul’s may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
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Chef Adam Hale marks 15 years at RWSV
Chef and Dietary Manager Adam Hale wears many hats
Indeed, residents at The Ridgewood at Shenango
at The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley – and not all of them in Valley enjoy very special experiences in dining, especially
the kitchen. He was recognized
at events like Sweethearts at
on April 22 at the annual Staff
90 in February, the annual
and Board Recognition event
Strawberry Festival in June,
for 15 years of service.
Family Picnic in August, and
He actively plans special
Christmas Tea in December.
events throughout the year,
“Adam takes good care
represents RWSV at all Expos
of us,” said resident Gertrude
in the area, determines the
Linn, age 104. “We just love
menus, creates the recipes,
him.”
and prepares meals four days
Adam’s goals for the
a week. He loves all aspects
next 15 years are to continue
of his job, but especially when
to improve. “I’m always
it involves being around the
learning,” he said. “In this
Pictured is Adam with Ron Duez, administrator, and business, you have to grow.”
residents.
“I love the residents,” he
I n M a y, A d a m
G. Bryan Oros, executive director of St. Paul’s.
said. “I enjoy cooking and I
accepted a position at St.
have a good crew helping me out.”
Paul’s Continuing Care Community as the chef of a restaurant
Adam graduated from the Pennsylvania Institute of being developed in The Keifer building for residents of
Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, now known as Le Cordon Bleu the Colony, as well as their guests. Adam’s education and
Institute.
experience will serve him well in his new endeavor. He will
He comes from a background of cooks in the family. transition into this new position over the next six months.
“I always wanted to be a chef,” he said. “I’ve just always
Adam will be greatly missed by residents, staff members
enjoyed cooking. For me, it’s not just about the food, it’s and family members at The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley.
about the experience of working with many different cuisines In his new role, Adam will continue to support the RWSV
and seeing what works best for the residents because we have family events throughout each year.
such a diverse group of residents living here.”
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2014 Sweethearts @ 90
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Hermitage Christmas Light Up Parade
Staff worked countless hours preparing The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley’s float for the Annual Hermitage Light Up
Christmas Parade. This year’s theme was Gingerbread House. Pictured on the top left are Adam Hale, Lois Simons, and
Alyssa Harris working on the gingerbread house during the days prior to the event. Top right - our very own Gingerbread Man; and bottom is staff and family who walked in the parade passing out candy along the route. This year’s float
was recognized for OVERALL THEME, DECORATION, PRESENTATION, AND CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.
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2013 Annual Christmas Tea
The Ridgewood at Shenango Valley Residents Receive a Special Visit
This past December, Key Club members from Hickory High School spread some Christmas cheer at The
Ridgewood at Shenango Valley as they visited with and passed out a special gift to each of the 40 residents
in what has become a tradition for Hermitage Kiwanis Club and Hickory Key Club.
“Hermitage Kiwanis truly enjoys helping to make this tradition possible by granting a monetary donation for
the gifts,” said Diane O’Brien, club secretary. “The best part is that we also involve the Key Club members,
who have been enthusiastic about delivering the gifts.”
The gifts of Mary Kay hand lotion were each packaged in pretty boxes complete with a Christmas
ornament embellishment.
The residents and students alike were positively influenced by the experience, which helped to make the
Christmas season extra special.
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A Visit to St. Paul’s
As a special fall outing, residents at The Ridgewood traveled north to visit St. Paul’s in Greenville, accompanied by Administrator Ron Duez and Chef Adam Hale.
A tour was provided by Marketing Specialist Beckie Erwin and lunch was served in The Bistro by Dining
Services.
While visiting, Ridgewood residents were pleased to reconnect with friends, an unexpected bonus to the
day. Jean Hoza found long-time friend and Heritage resident Harry Deter at the Anderson Fitness Center and everyone was excited to spend time with John and Gloria Blank, who had moved from RWSV to The Villas. Adam
even made a new friend in Winston, one of St. Paul’s friendly pet birds.
One Elston Way
Hermitage, PA 16148
724-347-0998
www.ridgewoodshenango.org
INSIDE THIS EDITION
Ron’s Message....................................... 2
Strawberry Festival & Auction.............. 3
Donor Appreciation................................ 4
Therapy Dogs......................................... 5
Good Samaritan Appeal......................... 6
Hale Recognized for 15 Years................ 7
Sweethearts @ 90.................................. 8
For information about The Ridgewood at
Shenango Valley or to schedule a
personal tour please call 724-347-0998.
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