the journal journal... · the journal western home communities is a charitable christian service...

The JournalWestern Home

Communities is acharitable Christianservice organization

that assertively creates fulfilling lifestyles

for those we serve,their families

and our employees.

February 2017 Volume 21, Issue 2

Inside this issue:Dementia training 3

Stopping violence 3

End-of-year giving 4

Loving others 6

Making lefse 7

Play ball! 8

Love your heart 10

Spring classes 11

Birthdays 12

Photographer award 13

Spring travel 13

Work anniversaries 14

Appreciations 15

Employee of the Month 16

IT supervisor Steve Lewis considers his parents to be salt of the earth. Roger and Marjorie grew a successful electrician business while raising four sons in Dubuque.

More than ten years ago, the family noticed changes in Marjorie. After 20 years doing the business books, she would forget to pay bills or send invoices; sometimes, she’d send in multiple tax payments. In 2007, at age

57, Marjorie received her diagnosis: early-onset dementia. Her youngest son was just 15 at the time.

Roger insisted on caring for his wife at home, even when it got to the point where he couldn’t even mow the grass without Marjorie wandering down the street to look for her parents’ house. Finally, after she suffered a frightening infection in early 2014, Steve helped convince his dad that the time was right for long-term care.

Her move to a memory support assisted living community seemed perfect. Yet ongoing paperwork wreaked havoc in Roger’s life. He got multiple calls each week asking for more

WHC employee uses personal experience to create new software for long-term care admissions

Marjorie and Roger with their newborn son Steve.(Continued on page 2)

Marjorie and Roger Lewis on their wedding day in 1969.

2 The Journal February 2017

Calling all former Boy Scouts Cub Scouts with Pack 3087 invite former scouts and scout leaders

who now live at Western Home Communities to join them for the annual Blue & Gold Celebration, a highlight of the year where the

anniversary of scouting is observed.

The banquet will be held Sunday, February 12 from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Windcove dining room.

Please contact Jamie Castle at (319) 290-3493 or [email protected] to RSVP. Jamie is an architect with AHTS,

the firm that has designed most of our residential buildings.

information, and retrieving that information required trips to banks and doctors’ offices. The hassle compounded Roger’s stress and guilt.

Finally, after a few months, all the information had been submitted. But Steve was just beginning.

“I’m not a doctor, nurse or caregiver, and I have the utmost respect for their compassion and dedication,” Steve says. “What I am is a problem solver, and when I realized the scope of this problem, I went to work to help solve it.”

Steve created a tool to consolidate roughly 200 pieces of data into one simple electronic form that can be signed remotely or in person. The cloud-based form captures all necessary information the first time, removing compliance issues and ensuring reimbursements while reducing family stress.

Called Admit+, this tool is now being used for admissions to Martin Health Center and being marketed nationally by a software firm, so other organizations – and families – can benefit.

“I’m happy that this can improve communication, reduce the workload on admissions personnel and let families relax,” Steve says. “Most importantly to me is the time that’s freed up to let both caregivers and families spend more time with residents, enhancing their quality of life.”

Steve credits his parents for teaching him to use his skills to improve others’ lives. His mom is now in nursing home care, and his dad still eats breakfast with her each morning.

New bus rolls into townA new 24-passenger bus arrived in Cedar Falls from Denver, Colorado, on January 18. The new addition will quickly be put into use transporting residents, as the other two 24-passenger buses are encountering repair issues as they accumulate more miles.

Watch for the new logo'd bus around your campus soon.

Volume 21, Issue 2 The Journal 3

Save the date! Teepa Snow will lead her one-day Positive Approach® to dementia care on Thursday, April 6, in the Cedar Valley.

You’ll want to learn Teepa’s person-centered approach, based on her decades of experience caring for people with dementia, both as a professional and family member. She uses effective and structured techniques to help caregivers and families better support those with changing abilities due to dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Details on location, time and cost will be in the March issue of The Journal. In the meantime, mark your calendars and share this with anyone who would benefit from Teepa’s training.

Dementia expert Teepa Snow to return in April

Abuse and bullying can occur no matter how young or old we may be. You may know a friend, family member or co-worker who has been hurt or deeply harmed as a result of violence or some form of bullying. When a person is abused or bullied, it negatively impacts others around them.

What can we do as active bystanders and friends to help and assist when these situations occur? What power and influence do we have to help prevent violence and bullying from happening in the first place?

The Center for Violence Prevention at the University of Northern Iowa provides gender violence and bullying prevention education. Attend the February Friends program to learn more about this important work.

Dr. Alan Heisterkamp, Director, UNI Center for Violence PreventionWednesday, February 22 10:30 a.m. at Windcove

February program: Understand and prevent abuse, bullying

Come to this sweetheart of a party!Valentines Dance

Thursday, February 96-8 p.m. Windcove Dining RoomVinyl Frontier will be performing. You know them as our Barn Bash band! Dining Services will offer delectable desserts.


In memory of: Sally Bagley Linda & Denny BowmanBob & Judy BrownEd & Penny BrownMarcia ColwellSue DeBowerLois DiemerJudy FinkelsteinLouise FrevertDonna HallJerry & Beth HarrisCathy PittsMarilyn RoseberryJudy Staff

Julie BaileyLinda & Denny BowmanJerry & Beth HarrisPhyllis Steele

Carrol BeebeLorna BlohnMarcia ColwellLouise FrevertJerry & Beth Harris

Joan DiamondLinda & Denny BowmanJerry & Beth HarrisRichard & Martha Stanford

Veloris DotsonDavid & Ann AndreasenJerry & Beth Harris

Maxine GallowayFred & Phyllis BowersJerry & Beth Harris

Betty GesellGene & Laverne PuetzJerry & Beth Harris

Norma GrandyGene & Marty HarringtonJerry & Beth Harris

Dale HassmanMarlys FolkersJerry & Beth HarrisRichard & Martha Stanford

John HaugenJerry & Beth HarrisJoe & Tristan Smeins

Patricia HuckaJerry & Beth HarrisJoe & Tristan Smeins

Gloria KellermanJerry & Beth HarrisDavid Piersol

Marjorie KeltingKathleen HahnJerry & Beth HarrisJohn Kelting

Stanley & Esther KennedyJerry & Beth HarrisPatricia Kennedy

Gladys LorenzColleen EvansonJerry & Beth Harris

Joan ReindlBernard & Rebecca FettketherJerry & Beth HarrisJeff & Jacqueline JorgensenLarry & Sharon PetersenGene & Laverne PuetzJohn & Lisa ReindlGale Wendland-SennDarlene Surface

Jerry & Jane SlykhuisLarry & Jean GregoryJerry & Beth HarrisRich & Pam HilemanJoe & Tristan SmeinsDon & Mary Jo Woody

Shawn VaillantJerry & Beth HarrisPaul R Nielsen Co.Gene & Laverne Puetz

Cleon WoodSue DeBowerJerry & Beth Harris

Annual AppealRichard & Vivian BeenerMarlene BehnDarrel & Marian BrandtEvelyn BrandtBill & Maxine BrightRon & Mary BroBob & Judy BrownGary & Donna BrownSusan CardHoward & Joyce CaughronNeil ClappDot Clausen Don & Judy ColeJim & Mary ConnellJoyce CoilEleanor CrownfieldJohn & Marlene DeeryLarry & Janet DellingerPaul & Ellen DennisJeff & Carol DickLois DiemerThomas & Ila DoedenKen & Barb DrewesLorna Ericson

Western Home Foundation and Western Home Communities appreciate being honored through estate gifts, memorials and other donations. We list donor names each month as one way of thanking donors for their generosity. This list reflects gifts received through January 16.

If you would like to make a gift or investigate estate planning and other gift opportunities, please contact Mary Taylor, director of development, at 859-9338.


Steve & Jean FirmanBev FishDarrel & Marsha FlaterLori FreetLouise FrevertMatt & Amy GarciaTim & Margene GradyAshley HaightGene & Aurelia HarringaGene & Marty HarringtonRon & Jan HethRobert & Lucille HumphreysGene & Betty HunckBerywn JohnsonJerry & JoAnn KramerWendy & Robert LamosRod LarsenJerry & Marian LarsonEd & Jean LeonardSharon LukesCarolyn MartinMonte McCunniffDonnabelle MillerJim & Kim MillerJohn MillerBill & Donna MincksGarry & Christie MooreJim & Cecilia MuddLiane NicholsStan & Linda OchsnerBob & Rhoda OlsonLarry & Sharon PetersenMargaret PhelpsJim PlattNed & Ruth RatekinJoan RozendaalKent & Juanita RubyAudrey SchoemanVerna SchofieldRon & Barb SeufferleinMargaret ShayMike & Julie SimbricMarlys SimpsonPhyllis SteeleJanice StickfortJaryl StickfortVera SullivanMary TaylorNeal & Jeane ThuesenNorma Walther

Bob & Vernette WriderYoung Plumbing & Heating

Chapel GiftsMerlin & Barbara AndersenTim & Kris Boettger Evelyn BrandtLyle & Marlene BrimBob & Judy BrownJo ChandlerJudy CogdallVern & Mary CordesLouis & Joyce CutshallSue DeBowerRhoda DurantRobert & Norma EmmertLee & Marlene EngenBev FishStan & Ginnie GarrisonJane GerardDave & Cindy GlasenerBob & Donna GrosseHelen HannanGene & Marty HarringtonRuby HockeyBertie JepsenTheresa KindigShirley KlemmensenDon KrullFlorence LambGarry & Christie MooreRuss & Wanda NielsenLeo & Joan OgdenMarty OlsenAngela RamptonDonnita ReedChristina RichLyle RefshaugeDolores SteegePhyllis SwansonBob & Dee WayDavid & Audrey Williams

Employee Appreciation FundBerdena BeachEvelyn BrandtNancy ColvinSue DeBowerDarrel & Marsha FlaterGene & Marty HarringtonFran Kuehl

Ron & Norma LeiboldJane MertesdorfDonnita ReedVerna SchofieldWendy SchmittMarcia SimpsonClare StaebellEarl & Carol Will

Good Samaritan FundTom & Milissa TierneyBill Witt

Scholarship FundJudy & Jean Cogdall

Other GiftsWendy AgerPat BeckTim BoettgerMelanie BuhrSteve & Donita DustRoger EichRoxanne FishKarla FoustRichard FrankhauserAmy FrostMatt GarciaDave & Cindy GlasenerCourtney GollGreg HankinsAngela HighnamMerlin & Erna Huebner EstateWendy LamosAmanda McCormackKelly MeierMaegen NeibertKathleen NiedertScott PierceKim SchillingBill Smith Judy StaffMartha StanfordMary TaylorKarla ThompsonLisa WagnerCarla WardSue WeberCindy WilesPaul Zimmerman


Chaplain’s Corner: What’s love got to do with it? by Rev. Tim Boettger Something struck me as I stayed up late watching

Clemson defeat Alabama in the last seconds of the National College Football Championship last month. It was the postgame interview with the Clemson head coach.

Overcome with emotion, Dabo Swinney predictably credited his team’s hard work all season and the immense talent of quarterback Deshaun Watson. But then, he said he had told his players that love would win the game, specifically the love his team members and coaches have for one another.

Love? Swinney’s comment stood out to me for two reasons:

1) You don’t often hear football players talking about love for each other. They may speak of “loving” to compete, “loving” the game or “loving” to win, but the Clemson head coach was talking about his coaches and athletes loving each other.

2) Jesus, the greatest leader who has ever lived, said His main priority for us was love. Jesus told His followers and anyone who would listen that His main commandment was that they love one another as He had loved them (John 15:12).

I found it ironic and interesting that the leader of this year’s national championship football team has the same priority for his team as the creator of the universe has for us all….love.

Here’s how the Bible describes love: Love overlooks mistakes, is patient and kind, is not easily angered, is not boastful, is not self-seeking, is always protecting, always hoping, and always trusting (I Corinthians 13:4-7). What

great characteristics to express toward each other.

We see this kind of love in the world but also a lot of hate, anger, impatience, unforgiveness, self-interest and deception as well. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23 that all of us fall short of loving in the purest way that God intends for us to, and Romans 6:23 reveals the just punishment for that failure - death. It is often when a person realizes he/she has violated God’s main law of love and fallen short of His intentions that His love for them becomes so important and even life-changing.

The good news and main message of the Bible is that God’s love for us is not fickle, as ours for each other too often is. Jesus was born, lived and died to reveal God’s love: “God demonstrates His love for us in that, while we were yet sinners (violators of God’s Laws), Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8).

When we open up our hearts and lives to the love of Christ and what He did for us on the Cross, we open ourselves up to the love of God. God does not force His love upon us, but makes it available to believe in and receive.

It is through Jesus’ death that God forgives our mistakes, is patient and kind with us, and is not easily angered. Have you opened your heart to the love of God in Christ? His love can calm our fears, give us peace, hope, joy, and set us free to love one another more fully. As love can have a huge impact on a football team it can have an enormous impact on us, our families and Western Home Communities. Let’s stay open to receiving and passing on the life-changing love of God.

Join us in worship this month as we gather together to share the great love that God has for us.

9 am SFAL; 10 am MHC 11 am WindcoveFeb 5 Don Sauser (communion) Don Sauser (communion)Feb 12 Don Sauser Tim BoettgerFeb 19 Garry Moore Garry MooreFeb 26 Tim Boettger Tim BoettgerMarch 5 Garry Moore (communion) Garry Moore (communion)


Lead resident coordinator Lisa Haugen, her parents and other family members shared their Norwegian tradition at a cooking display in January. The soft flatbread – made of potatoes, flour, sugar and milk – is most often spread with butter, cinnamon and sugar, then rolled before eating.

Some love it, others don’t – but all can agree the cooking demo was a fun time! Maybe other employees/residents will share their family traditions in the future?

Making lefse with Lisa

Massage therapist Ann Pixler joinsDon Haugen in rolling out the

dough. Yes, Don's shirt does read: "Pray for me –

I married a Czech." Residents gather round the tables to try the tasty treat.

Participant Dave Frederick adds a little more flour to the rolling pin.

Chief Operating Officer Jerry Harris mans the griddle. He acquired lefse-making skills growing up in a Norwegian-heritage household.

At right, Lisa Haugen is next to her cousin, Janet Steege, and Lisa's parents, Betty and Don. They've got griddles and sticks ready to go!

Can’t get enough of baseball? Then you know spring training starts this month.

Lucille “Mickey” Sullivan is a lifelong baseball enthusiast. Her love of the game dates back to her playing days in a popular women’s league in the early 1940s.

Mickey was 15 years old when she was recruited to play amateur softball. It was 1942, when World War II was underway, 26 countries agreed to form the United Nations and instant coffee was introduced. Mickey’s thoughts centered on playing baseball for her hometown team.

The players were called bloomer girls, a nod to their uniforms. Though bloomer girls stole bases and slid into home, there was a strict code of conduct that reflected the times. Players must wear feminine attire, could not smoke or drink in public and could not have dates except “old friends” (approved by the team chaperone). The uniforms included long knee socks, linen jerseys over long-sleeves and shorts. The bloomer girls also wore satin jerseys during night games to better reflect the light.

“They called it softball, but the ball was not soft!” Mickey said. The baselines were longer than softball standards and shorter than baseball standards, and the ball size and density was between those two standards, as well.

Mickey’s athleticism and passion for the game made her a valuable player in outfield, catcher and first base positions. At 15, she was the youngest player in the league. Though she and her teammates (most in their 20s and 30s) did not have much in common away from the ballpark, their skill and tough competitive spirit brought the team abundant success.

A share of the stadium gate admission income was divided by the winning team. Mickey recalls that $50 was the largest single-game payment she received in her career. Mickey’s mother was not an advocate for women playing sports and never saw a game in person. Her dad, however, was an enthusiastic fan and signed up for duty as the security officer at the stadium so he could attend every game played on the home field.


Play ball!

The love of baseball is evident in this hand-colored photo of teenager Lucille (Mickey) Pickett.


Mickey’s career was cut short in her second season when her mother died suddenly. Her father was a soldier overseas and had been injured when his train was sabotaged. Because he was receiving medical treatment, he could not be located so Mickey (still a minor) and her two younger brothers were split up and welcomed into relatives’ home. Mickey moved to live with relatives in her mother’s hometown, Waterloo.

Her six children never took as keen an interest in playing baseball, but Mickey never lost her loyalty to the game. She sponsored Lucille’s Dream Team, an Evansdale girls softball team, for several years and continues to follow major league baseball on television. Yes, she’s a Chicago Cubs fan, so watching her team win the 2016 World Series was a tremendous thrill.

Mickey retired from Northwestern Bell Telephone Company where she was a supervisor for services in northern Iowa. Retirement gave her more time to be involved in community advocacy and politics. She makes her home at Stanard Family Assisted Living on the downtown campus.

In 1944, her hometown team became the Forest Park Parichy Bloomer Girls, a women’s softball team affiliated with the Chicago-centered National Girls Baseball League. The women’s leagues inspired the 1992 comedy/drama film League of Their Own. There were six teams comprised of nearly 100 women. Single season attendance peaked in the late 1940s with 910,000 fans paying about 74 cents gate admission. The Bloomer Girls played at Parichy Stadium in Forest Park and two other Chicago region stadiums between 1934 and 1954.

Mickey is shown, back row second from right, with her sponsored team, Lucille's Dream Team, in 2001


Words of Wellness: Love your heart by Wellness Coordinator Amanda Lynch

February is American Heart Month. Awareness of how to combat heart disease – the

leading cause of death for Americans – is more important than ever. I want to showcase four simple habits to keep your heart in great shape.

• Get enough exercise. By exercising for 30 minutes at least five times a week you tremendously reduce your chances of cardiovascular disease. Your heart especially benefits from short spurts of exercise. That can be the walk to and from dinner, the errands you run during your day and even the cleaning you may do in your home. Another benefit of exercise is the opportunity to socialize with friends and family. Grab your friend for a walk or an exercise class to enjoy some social time as well!

• Eat a heart-healthy diet. Eating whole foods such as whole grains, fish, fruits and vegetables will keep you energized and keep your heart pumping. Limit foods that contain saturated fats, salt, and cholesterol, like fatty meats. These foods will push you in the wrong direction. Also spice up your food with different herbs. Aim for cardio-protective seasoning such as ginger, garlic, turmeric and cayenne pepper.

• Minimize stress in your life. Stress can compound many heart disease risks that older adults already face, steering you toward an unhealthy lifestyle. Find healthy outlets to relieve stress and lower heart disease risk. One I really enjoy is meditation. Even ten minutes a day can make a world of difference in relieving stress.

WELLNESS RECIPE OF THE MONTHLemon-Garlic Salmon Foil Pack with

Green Beans and New PotatoesIngredients• 1 lb. new potatoes (halved, thinly sliced)• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)• 1 lb. green beans (ends trimmed)• 2 Tbsp. canola oil• 1/4 teaspoon salt• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper• 4 (6-ounce) skinless salmon filets• 1 to 2 lemons, sliced into wheels

Directions1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare four sheets of aluminum foil. Fold the foil in half widthwise so it's extra sturdy.2. Cut each potato into half lengthwise. Thinly cut each half into slices and place into a heatproof container. Stir in the minced garlic, cover, and cook the potatoes in the microwave until halfway tender, 90 seconds to 3 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl, along with green beans, oil, salt and pepper. Mix to combine.3. Divide potato mixture into four equal portions in the center of each foil square. Top each portion with a salmon filet. Sprinkle garlic powder onto each salmon piece; top with two lemon wheels.4. Securely seal the top and sides of each foil packet. Place each foil packet onto a large baking sheet and bake. Cook until salmon is cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and place each foil packet onto a plate. Carefully open each packet to serve.

• Watch your numbers. Get regular check- ups to monitor health conditions that affect the heart, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Know your numbers on these important heart disease risk factors. If these are a problem for you, reach out to your physician. She/he will be able to help with medications that can get these risk factors under control.


Yoga Movement for Seniors Learn some yoga movement basics and get a little stronger and more flexible. Release some of life’s stress through deep breathing and guided relaxation. Gentle appropriate movements are for all abilities. Standing or chair approach is supported. This class is for the young at heart.

Instructor: Steffany Kroeger has been teaching yoga for nine years. She comes to the practice after living in chronic pain for three years. Her approach is gentle and adaptable to all ages and abilities.Dates: Thursdays, March 30, April 6, 13 and 20Time: 10 – 11 a.m.Location: Windcove Wellness RoomCost: $40

Service Dogs from Retrieving Freedom, Inc.

Retrieving Freedom, Inc., strives to train and place quality service dogs with disabled veterans and children with autism. Join us to learn about the training methods, tasks learned, reasons why dogs are needed and more.

Instructor: Keegan Birkicht, Program DirectorDates: Wednesdays, February 1, 8, 15 and 22Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn lobby, UNI campusCost: $40

Applications of Positive Psychology for Daily Well-Being

Participants will be lead through a series of activities that apply principles of positive psychology with an emphasis on improving daily well-being. Examples of principles include signature strengths, gratitude, altruism, and empathy, among others.

Instructor: Dr. Tammy GregersenDates: Mondays, February 6, 13, 20 and 27Time: 2-3 p.m.Location: Windcove Dining RoomCost: $40

Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters

Being intentional is the start of living of a life of significance and creating a lasting legacy. The course leader will help you use your talents, experience, aspirations and wisdom to make a difference for yourself and others. We all want to make a contribution and be part of something noble and purposeful. This class will keep you on track with your dreams and help you begin to achieve new ones.

Instructor: Mike Weiglein, Certified John Maxwell coach, speaker and trainerDates: Tuesdays, February 28, March 7, 14, and 28Time: 10 a.m. – noonLocation: Windcove West LoungeCost: $40

Re-Imagining American History

What if historical events had a different outcome? What if there had been no American Revolution? What if the American Revolution had failed? What if the South had won the Civil War? What if JFK had lived to fulfill his presidency? This course explores what might have been – another way of looking at American history.

Instructor: Dr. Hal WohlDates: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18 and 25Time: 10 a.m. – noonLocation: Windcove Dining RoomCost: $40

Is it Greek to you? Exercise your mind and expand your understanding of scripture by learning Greek. Chaplain Don Sauser will lead a 13-week course, Greek in the New Testament, beginning February 1, meeting Wednesdays and Fridays, 2-3 p.m., at Windridge East Lounge.

A $13 text will support your learning and will be ordered when you sign up for the series of classes. Contact Don Sauser at (319) 222-2081 to register. You may also call Don’s cell phone: (319) 269-2159.

Enhance intellectual, social wellness at Lifelong UniversityPlease register prior to the first class. Information brochures with registration forms are in the lobbies of independent living communities, or call (319) 273-5141.

Try the first class for FREE before deciding if you would like to continue with the rest of the classes.

Thelma Brinkman SFAL February 1Anna Madsen CTG February 1Olga Tidwell WHAL February 2Nan Denning WHAL February 2Floyd Fousek TS February 3Marty Herman VTH February 3Mary Lou Snyder VTH February 4Sherry Winter VTH February 4Flo Slawson WHAL February 4Janet Corbin WHAL February 5Frances Mohr MHC February 6Evelyn Lohman VTH February 8Ed Brown CTG February 9Margaret Pardoe VTH February 9Don Thompson VTH February 9Diane Muller VTH February 9Carmen Darrow WC February 9Velma Flaucher-Falck SFAL February 10Becky Bierwirth VTH February 10Maureen Oates WW February 10Harry Owczarek CTG February 11Leo Campbell VTH February 11Sonia McCunniff VTH February 11Marilyn Kunkle WR February 12Dave Zwanziger VTH February 13Mary Jane Boorom WR February 13Lyle Refshauge SFAL February 14Bobbie Darling TS February 14Bill Davis VTH February 14Donna Pohl VTH February 14Gla Meyer WC February 14

Ron Will WHAL February 14Wendell Crotty VTH February 15Charlotte Krueger WHAL February 15Mike Dargan VTH February 16Eileen Burns WR February 16Ad Murphy VTH February 17Marilyn Roseberry WR February 17Jeneane Dillavou VTH February 18Dan Eicher WR February 18LaVina Fuller WC February 19Shirley Kirkle MHC February 20Uyntha Duncan VTH February 20Peg Pape-Kohls VTH February 20Cathy Pitts WM February 20Florine Rowe WR February 20Sandra Golz VTH February 21Froso Lamb SFAL February 22Anneliese Brooks WW February 22Joyce Gault CTG February 23Bob Hamer WG February 23Pat Bruns MHC February 24David Ross MHC February 24Karen Page VTH February 24Barb Ubben VTH February 24Maurine Kemmerer MHC February 25Dorothy Clausen VTH February 27Paul Sorenson WHAL February 27Ida Anderson SFAL February 28Maxine Bright VTH February 28Sandy Glenn VTH February 28John Walker TS February 29


Happy February Birthday!

Residents are welcome to watch the February Chefs' Cookoff!Tuesday, February 28, 10-11 a.m.Windcove dining roomFeatured ingredients: wine and strawberries


We're going to St. Louis, Memphis and New Orleans in late April! Discover the historic and cultural significance of these destinations on the mighty Mississippi.

If you missed the informational meeting in January and have an interest in this exciting trip, contact Carolyn Martin for an itinerary and prices. Her phone is (319) 222-2048 and email is [email protected].

Pack your bags for adventure

Villa resident Don Lohnes is the 2017 recipient of the American Society of Professional Photographers Honorary Fellowship, the organization’s highest honor.

The award recognizes selfless, uncompromising dedication to advance the image of professional photography. One Honorary Fellowship is presented each year following two years of unanimous ASP Board approval.

A career in photography clicked with Don when he discovered a friend’s photography dark room when the two were high school students. The

subject of his first photograph was his father, sitting on the running board of his new 1936 Dodge. The photo was taken with an Eastman Kodak box camera that still works.

Don trained at the Navy Photo School and served as an aerial photographer in WWII and later founded Lohnes Color Photography in Waterloo. In 1967, he started American Professional Color Corporation, now American Color Imaging. He provided the leadership to start a professional photography program in 1967 at what is now Hawkeye Community College.

Congratulations, Don!

Resident receives top award from American Society of Photographers


Windhaven Assisted LivingAurora Eddington, Resident Assistant/CMA Julia Hetherton, Dining Services Peggy Kramer, LPN Alexis Whitaker, Resident Assistant

Martin CenterJohn Ferrell, CNA Cassandra Kalkwarf, RN Autumn McKinney, Direct Care Professional Diane Rolf, Dining Services Melissa Waskow, RNKatline Williams, CNA

The CottagesIsabella Judge, CNAMariah Zike, CNA

atHome with Western HomeRachel Arnold, Home Health AideSierra Chapman, Caregiver Melanie Klemz-Smith, Caregiver Celesta Slomka, CaregiverKatie Tapke, Caregiver

WindgraceDrake Zikuda, Wait Staff

WindermereEmma Stoker, Wait Staff

WindcoveFantasia Thomas, Wait Staff

Winding Creek Meadows, JesupKatrina Baker, Resident Assistant

AdministrationTony Hurlburt, Business Office Associate

Julie BrandtFebruary 24 5 yearsCMA, Nation Cottage

Five employees celebrate employment milestones with Western Home Communities this month. Please share your appreciation for their commitment and dedication.

Welcome new employees Employees celebrate anniversaries

Brandy JohnsonFebruary 24 5 yearsLPN, Thalman Square

Marcia McKeeFebruary 10 5 yearsLPN, Martin Center

Emillee CunninghamFebruary 16 30 yearsResident Assistant, Thalman Square

Sonya ThrallFebruary 24 5 yearsChief Innovation Officer


BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bill Witt, ChairWillard Jenkins, Vice ChairLarry Fox, TreasurerKathy Flynn, SecretaryMarlene BehnScott Bittner

Foundation Development Council Robert Beach Jan Andersen Judith Benson Ron Bro John FalkMartha Hansen

Friends of Western Home CommunitiesBev Michael, Chair Don Rasmussen, Vice Chair Helen Bosley, Secretary

Building AbbreviationsMartin Health Center MHC Stanard Family Assisted Living SFAL Windhaven Assisted Living WHAL Thalman Square Memory Support TS Willowwood WW Windgrace WG Windermere WM Windcove WC Windridge WR Windcrest Villas & Townhomes VTH The Cottages CTG

The Journal is a monthly publication of the WHC office of communications and public relations. To subscribe, ask questions, offer content suggestions or unsubscribe, please contact Linda Hudwalker Bowman, editor, at (319) 859-9337 or [email protected].

Sarah BrownJoyce CoilSteve FirmanGreg Schmitz Floyd Winter

Kathleen Hesse Bev Michael, ex-officio Sid Morris Harriet Picht Miller Roskamp

Notes of appreciationI would like to thank the Western Home for the wonderful Gallagher-Bluedorn tickets that I received from the drawing before Christmas. I was very impressed with the performance and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. What a terrific gift! Thank you again . Julie Kirkle, SFAL receptioninst

The trip to Kansas City in early December was my first bus trip with WHC and I want to tell everyone it sure will not be my last! It was just fantastic in every way. Carolyn Martin and Mary Taylor were the BEST tour guides, taking care of every detail. They, along with Humble Travel, chose venues that all enjoyed, giving us plenty of time at each one, never feeling rushed. We stayed in the Crown Center, five star hotel with a delicious buffet "leisure" breakfast every morning (a special treat!!). To top off the trip, when we pulled into Windgrace Friday evening, t here was Kim Salmon, Lisa Haugen and Cindy Wiles to welcome us home! They helped unpack the bus, loaded our luggage on the WHC bus, dropped those of us living in villa s at our doors and even unlocked our doors, s e tting our luggage inside. Wow! Nell Wilson

Thank you for your love and support. Whenever we’ve needed you, you have been there for us. The family of Sally Bagley

Thank you for the red rose vase in memory of Dale. Norma Hassman and family

Our thanks for your care of our sister, Carrol Beebe. Eloise, Delane, Betty and Jim Ohrt

Employees celebrate anniversaries

James Mackey, MHC Jan. 16Cleon Wood, WC Jan. 12Beverly Oltman, WHAL Jan. 12Joan Diamond, VTH Jan. 10John Lilly, MHC Jan. 9Julie Bailey, WHAL Jan. 8Jean Rolinger, MHC Jan. 8Arlene Anderson, CTG Jan. 5

In sympathy Iva Dean Itzen, WM Jan. 2Julia O’Brien, CTG Dec. 31Mary Heise, MHC Dec. 27Sally Bagley, WR Dec. 24Jerry & Jane Slykhuis, VTH Dec. 20John Haugen, WW Dec. 19Maxine Galloway, SFAL Dec. 17Carrol Beebe, WHAL Dec. 17Patty Hucka, WW Dec. 15

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Brittany joined WHC in March 2016 and is a certified medication aide (CMA) mentor at Martin Center. Her nominators say:

• She is a go-getter.

• She shows up at work on time with a smile on her face ready to go.

• She has a positive attitude.

• She puts the needs of our residents first.

• She works well with her co-workers.

• She is very responsible.

• She is caring and polite, and goes above and beyond to ensure residents get the best care.

• She does her duties to the absolute best of her abilities.

Congratulations, Brittany, on being named employee of the month for January 2017!

420 E. 11th StreetCedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Nonprofit OrgUS Postage Paid

Cedar Falls, IAPermit No. 217

www.WesternHomeCommunities.org

Meet Employee of the Month, Brittany Anthony

Join us for Sunday brunch!

February 12 and 22 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Windridge 5311 Hyacinth

To make reservations, call 859-9349

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