Accomplished, Creative and Generous Souls: These Are the People We Serve
by The Members of LeadingAgeCharlie Thompson
United Presbyterian Home, Washington, IA
Charlie Thompson started his woodworking hobby as a young boy, and little did he know that 70 years later he would still be putting smiles on others’ faces with his wooden creations. When Thompson was 8, he was given a little magnetic jigsaw as a present; from there he would learn through books, experimentation and trial and error to create just about anything out of wood.
United Presbyterian Home
Charlie Thompson
In the 1990’s Thompson was one of the founding members of the Washington Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate, where he served as treasurer for 12 years. During his involvement there, he helped lead groups to build 14 homes.
Thompson puts a lot of care and thought into each piece he makes. He and his wife, Betty, have lived in a cottage on the United Presbyterian Home campus for 12 years, where he has been able to continue his hobby with his fully-equipped shop connected to the cottage. He spends 30-35 hours in his shop each week, creating items for children, our employees, residents on campus, local churches and the Boy Scouts.
He has made countless pieces for the UP Home. Around campus you will notice clocks in the therapy room and fitness center, a suggestion box in the main dining room, shelving in the library, a sign-in table in the fitness center and a computer table in the library, just to name a few. For most of these pieces, Thompson saw a need and made them with much care and consideration without being asked, donating his time and energy to improve the campus.
Thompson doesn’t have a favorite piece. Rather, he enjoys each piece as he builds it, especially those he makes for his family. And at 79, nothing is slowing him down. “I will continue to woodwork as long as the good Lord allows me to,” Thompson says. “He has given me 17 years since I retired to enjoy making things and not have to make a living doing it.”
- Diana Rich, marketing/HR director, United Presbyterian Home
Donna Griggs Murphy
Allen Temple Arms, Oakland, CA
When a group of seniors couldn’t get from their apartment building to a senior center across the street because there was no stoplight to help them safely cross the highway, Donna Griggs Murphy’s passion for advocacy was sparked.
Allen Temple Arms
Donna Griggs Murphy, right, and Allen Temple Arms resident Doris Pitts work together to advocate for affordable housing.
“I thought, ‘If he could make a difference, I can,’” says Murphy. Her spark quickly flamed into an all-consuming fire, resulting in 15 years of dedication as a service coordinator at various communities.
Working for the last 3 years at Oakland’s Allen Temple Arms, Murphy’s fire earned her the 2015 Advocacy Award from the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC) in August.
Judy Chavis, executive vice president of public policy and special projects for AASC, says the executive team decided to recognize Murphy with the award because her advocacy efforts have been impressive, longstanding and increasing.
“Whenever we post an advocacy alert, Donna is one of the first people to respond that she contacted these elected officials and got her residents to do such and such,” Chavis says. “She goes over and above.”
Murphy is training fellow service coordinators on how to contact elected officials and advocate for funds for affordable senior housing and the programs that greatly impact quality of life for older adults. She expanded that training to the residents at Allen Temple Arms, managed by ABHOW’s affordable housing subsidiary, Beacon Communities. She collaborated with the Leadership Academy offered by East Bay Housing Organizations (EBHO), an affordable housing advocacy coalition serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties, to get leadership training for seniors in her community.
A core group of about 20 residents share their stories at public meetings, contact their elected representatives and even travel with Murphy to the state capitol to garner political support. Those residents are now working on setting up smaller advocacy groups.
Because it’s so important to her, Murphy serves on several advisory councils and advocacy committees, attending night meetings and weekend events on her own time to help keep funding in place.
See an expanded version of this story at the Allen Temple Arms website.
Gerald Beier
Three Pillars Senior Living Communities
Gerald Beier
Gerald Beier has been a Mason for nearly 70 of his 90 years and a resident at Three Pillars Senior Living Communities for 14. He ties many happy lifetime memories to his Masonic involvement. Inspired by his uncle, Beier became involved in Masonry immediately after he got out of the service following World War II. After serving as a master sergeant in infantry and then a member of the military police, Beier remembers feeling determined to join something that would allow him to continue to do good things and make lifelong friends. He went on to become a Knight of Pythias and a Shriner, finding joy participating in more parades than he could count.Beier and his beloved late wife had 3 children, and together they used to enjoy spending time at the downtown Milwaukee Athletic Club or participating in activities with their church family at Ascension Lutheran in Milwaukee. Beier served as president of the congregation and his wife was an active member of the choir.
Beier worked in banking for 50 years, ending his career as president and chairman of the board at Citizen’s Bank in Shawano. His background leads him to keep up with the stock market and the current events every day. “I’d feel lost if I didn’t know what was going on in the world and on Wall Street,” Beier remarks.
Beier spent many hours volunteering with the Salvation Army and took on the role of Wisconsin state treasurer for the organization. Ever the Wisconsin sports fan, Beier has never been one to miss a Brewers or Packers game, and was a Packers season ticket holder for years.
Now in his 15th year at Three Pillars, Beier reflects on his happy memories and the phenomenal people he’s met, both staff members and other residents. “There are so many wonderful people who live and work here, and I let them know that whenever I get a chance,” Beier says.
- Kelsey Pangborn, communication strategist, Three Pillars Senior Living Communities
Carol Horath
Episcopal Retirement Homes
Carol Horath, tending her garden.
Carol Horath loves to spend summer days in the gardens at Canterbury Court. Whether she’s helping weed the butterfly garden or tending to her own plot, Horath enjoys the tranquility nature provides.Horath’s life hasn’t always been a breeze. A childhood illness left her with lasting medical issues, but Horath never let them keep her down. She and her husband were blessed with Kelly, a red-haired baby girl.
Horath worked at a nursing home until she first retired at the age of 62. After a few months, she decided retirement wasn’t for her and returned to work. After her husband’s death, she moved to Colorado to be close to her family. Her health continued to be a challenge and after surviving cancer, she resided in a rehab center.
Horath later moved to Dayton with Kelly and her family and decided she wanted her independence back. That is when she moved to Canterbury Court, a HUD-sponsored affordable housing community. Despite thrice-weekly dialysis, she is still full of energy! When she’s not working in the gardens, she works on crafts (she taught herself to paint after seeing Bob Ross on TV) and helps serve meals. Horath also loves music, having played piano since age 5. She also plays clarinet and saxophone. Whenever she hears music, she “just has to dance!”
- Anthony Williams, director of resident and health services, Episcopal Retirement Homes
Bob Morris
Bethesda Meadow, Ellisville, MO
How many volunteers do you know who work at it 30-35 hours a week? Seventy-four-year-old Bob Morris does, and since he began volunteering at Bethesda Meadow, a skilled nursing community, he spends his personal time engaging with residents, listening to their stories and making their lives better.
Bethesda Health Group
Bob Morris at the 2014 Norwood Award ceremony. The Norwood Award is the highest that can be bestowed upon a Bethesda employee, board member or volunteer.
An acclaimed winner of local and statewide awards, Morris clearly exceeds the norm for senior care volunteerism. He began volunteering at Bethesda Meadow in 2006 after a neighbor encouraged him to spend his newfound free time helping others at the community.
His commitment has increased to the point that he is at Bethesda Meadow every single day, Monday-Friday, and occasionally on weekends. He enters with a smile on his face, helps himself to a cup of coffee and instantly finds a resident ready for some friendly conversation. He is their confidante, their go-to-guy, their friend.
His innate ability to befriend and engage residents accounts for just a fraction of his impact. He also finds outlets to help residents tell their stories, especially the veteran residents.
What Bob, a retired lithographer, has been able to achieve since 2006 is staggering:
- He coordinates the annual Veterans’ Day celebration, which involves veterans from throughout the community, first responders and, in 2014, a bald eagle. Attendance often exceeds 200.
- He created the “Living Avenue of Flags,” during which participants display their patriotism by waving flags to cars at the entrance to the community.
- He created a special room dedicated to recognizing veterans, including memorabilia provided by residents, family members and employees.
- He coordinates the annual Mardi Gras celebration, which includes resident floats, a 4-floor parade and annual TV coverage.
- He established the “Boys of Bethesda”—a group for male residents that holds barbecues and organizes field trips to local attractions and restaurants.
- He lobbied Missouri legislators as a trained hospice care volunteer (he expanded his “portfolio”).
A natural communicator, Bob has been able to combine his outgoing personality and his love of people into a package that has provided countless hours of enjoyment and friendship for residents, many of whom have few external visitors.
“In many cases, I find they just want someone to listen to them, and I am happy to be that someone,” Morris says humbly.
- Jeff Waldman, vice president and director of marketing, Bethesda Health Group
Pauline Heafner
Abernethy Laurels
Pauline Heafner proudly wearing the uniform made for her by employees at Abernethy Laurels.
Pauline Heafner, 89, once a cheerleader, often told staff she wanted to cheer again. The team at Abernethy Laurels put a plan in place to make her dream a reality.Heafner was a cheerleader at Belmont High School, from which she graduated in 1943. “My uniform had a big, red ‘B’ on the front, and the skirt was about knee length,” says Heafner. Staff at Abernethy Laurels often report that Heafner will share a cheer with them.
Staff reached out to Heafner’s former high school, now named South Point High School, to ask the current cheerleaders to come meet and cheer with Heafner. When asked to come to Abernethy Laurels, South Point Varsity Cheer Coach Kelly Brown quickly responded that the cheerleaders were interested.
For the next couple of weeks, staff worked to put a uniform together for Heafner, complete with a big, red “B” and “1943.” When the cheerleaders arrived, they immediately took formation and cheered for Heafner. After a few cheers, the South Point cheerleaders presented her with an official set of pom-poms and a school shirt. For the next half hour, the cheerleaders cheered, laughed and shared stories with Heafner. The former cheerleader had a ton of advice to offer the current cheerleaders: “You have to be enthusiastic because the teams work so hard practicing and doing their best. It’s our job to give them the motivation they need to win, win, win!” Heafner says.
- Shaylyn Ladd, director of public relations, United Church Homes and Services
Thair Al Rubaye
Lutheran Services Carolinas Refugee Services, Salisbury, NC
Many people know Lutheran Services Carolinas for its senior services, but LSC also provides services to many others, including refugees from around the world who have escaped persecution in their own countries to come to the United States to rebuild their lives.
Lutheran Services Carolinas
Thair Al Rubaye
Thair Al Rubaye is a refugee from Iraq who has received resettlement services from LSC. Al Rubaye fled Iraq in 2003 and lived in Syria for six years. After civil war broke out in Syria, he returned to Iraq for several years. In 2014, with the assistance of LSC, he and his family were able to come to the United States and settle in Columbia, SC.
With the help of LSC, Al Rubaye quickly found work as a cook at the University of South Carolina. Many LSC refugee clients have found similar jobs, thanks to a great relationship between LSC and Sodexo, the company that provides dining services for USC.
At the University of South Carolina’s Global Café, Al Rubaye is an immensely popular employee with both coworkers and customers, many of whom are students at USC’s Darla Moore School of Business. His friendly smile and impeccable work ethic—not to mention his cooking skills—have earned him many fans and friends.
In the relatively short time he has been at the Global Café, he has earned two “Employee of the Month” awards for his outstanding work.
Al Rubaye appreciates the educational opportunities his children have in this country, and he has big plans for his own future—which include starting his own restaurant in Columbia.
- Katie Scarvey, communications specialist, Lutheran Services Carolinas
Lita Star
ACTS
Lita Star
When Lita Star was searching for a retirement community, there was a very important factor she considered.“One of the criteria [I looked for] was that they [needed to] have a large quilting group,” Star says.
As an acclaimed quilter with awards and accolades from national quilting organizations, Star’s artistic drive has not ceased since moving into Brittany Pointe Estates last June. Through her quilts, Star has had great success and has used her artistic passion to get through tough times. She began quilting 25 years ago after years of making her own clothes.
“I loved to sew and I had 3 children, so I was pretty busy,” Star said. “With quilting, I could do five minutes or I could do five hours and accomplish something.”
At the time, she lived on Long Island, NY, and joined a quilting group with more than 300 women. However, she quickly joined a sub-group that was dedicated to non-traditional quilts, which are Star’s specialty.
“I guess I don’t like to be regulated; I’m a non-conformist,” Star says. “I’ve done some quilts that are based on traditional patterns, but I was happier doing it my own way.”
The group she was in made quilts yearly for Mancuso Show Management’s quilt tours, which features quilting exhibits throughout the country.
“[They] had exhibits all over the country, and every year we had an exhibit at the shows,” said Star. “We had a challenge each year and we made a quilt for that challenge.”
Star’s individual quilts have won many awards at prestigious shows: at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX; the AQS QuiltWeek in Paducah, KY; and the Lancaster Quilt Show in Lancaster, PA. Her work has been featured in various quilting publications. Star’s quilts can take months to finish, and she estimates she has made approximately 46 since starting 25 years ago.
Quilting has given Star solace when dealing with hardships. When her son passed away, she made a quilt in his honor and donated it to the college where he worked, where it was hung in a research lab named after him.
The community at Brittany Pointe Estates has been very welcoming to her and her talents, and she has joined its quilting group to help prepare for the large bazaar held in November at the ACTS Retirement-Life community.
“They appreciate what I love, and [the respect] is mutual,” says Star.
- Ryan Beardsley, communications manager, ACTS Retirement-Life Communities
Joe Poupard
Baptist Health
Joe Poupard
Clem Palmer, one of our dedicated activities assistants, knew that one of our residents, Joe Poupard, would really benefit from a new state-of-the-art digital television. The old one he had been watching had a small screen and the picture wasn’t coming in very well. Clem nominated Poupard to be a candidate for our “Dreams Can Come True” program.When we asked Joe what he was looking forward to watching on his new TV he enthusiastically replied, “Music programs!” In the 1960s, Joe was a trombonist with Bobby Vinton’s band. His love of music has stayed constant in his life.
Happy viewing, Joe!
- Ruth Tietz, director of marketing & development, Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Marjorie Donley
Renaissance Retirement Campus, Olmsted Township, OH
A former teacher, Marge Donley never really “retired.” She is a role model to those who want to serve, and challenges others to get involved and contribute to the community. Genuine humility prevents her from ever seeking the spotlight or recognition.
Eliza Jennings
Marjorie Donley with Eliza Jennings President and CEO Rich Boyson outside the gift shop.
Donley has collaborated with 3 other residents to perform an annual holiday concert of piano, vocals and readings for residents of assisted living and the health center. She helps manage the endowment fund for the purposes of supporting residents in financial need.
Much of what Donley achieves is behind-the-scenes and not readily noticeable. Thanks to her, the reception desk has volunteers to relieve staff for lunches and breaks, residents have parking spaces and storage areas, the gift shop provides an attractive and eclectic inventory that generates revenue, and assisted living and long-term care residents receive their mail. Independent living residents also enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor games, remain up-to-date on community news, and potential residents and visitors feel welcome and informed.
While these achievements merit recognition, perhaps even more significant is the number of individuals Donley encourages and inspires. She connects people with opportunities for service that provide purpose and a sense of belonging. She also assists individual residents. When a fellow resident suffered a stroke, Donley visited daily to assist her with range of motion exercises and ensure she was able to enjoy time outdoors as weather permitted. She has befriended a 101-year-old resident who, after caring for a spouse who passed away, is becoming frail herself. She visits all independent living residents convalescing in the health center to “keep tabs on them” and encourage them.
As one resident has stated, “She inspires others to serve. People don’t say ‘no’ when Marge asks.”
- Linda Hart, director of public relations, Eliza Jennings
Don Gill
Royal Oaks Retirement Community, Sun City, AZ
In the 10 years Don Gill has lived at Royal Oaks Retirement Community, he has devoted countless volunteer hours for the betterment of residents and also for the Sun City, AZ, community and beyond. He made a living as an engineer for Dow Chemical, and now he has made a name for himself as a caring, compassionate individual who puts others first.
Don Gill
This super-volunteer is a member of the Arizona Southern Baptist disaster relief team. These members have set up portable cooking stations to help residents in disaster areas during massive fires. Don was sent to New Orleans by his church to lend support after Katrina. He helped build a church in Honduras, participated in a mission trip to Mexico, and has been the ultimate volunteer at his church since his retirement in 1989. When his children were growing up, Don was, of course, the Boy Scout Master, the Little League Coach, and all the "Dad" positions he could fit into his busy schedule. His jaunty step and smiling face bring much happiness to all of us at Royal Oaks.
- Vicki Ullery, marketing director, Royal Oaks
Marjorie Heldridge-Swartz
The Hearthstone, Seattle, WA
Marjorie Heldridge-Swartz celebrated her 103rd birthday in December. Celebrating with her were 5 other neighbors over 100 years old.
The Hearthstone
Marjorie Heldridge-Swartz
Her first job experience was working for a dentist. “I was obliged to rent clean, white uniforms at a cost of 25 cents a day. My half-day job paid $5.00 a week. Lunches cost 15 cents a day, and street car travel was 10 cents each way. I felt rich.”
Her father was a photographer, artist and painter. “I inherited my father’s talent and enrolled in high school as an art major. The city sign painter worked in my father’s garage and worked on big sign boards as well as intricate signs on smaller objects. I watched and learned,” says Heldridge-Swartz.
Marjorie Heldridge-Swartz’ sculpture of her father.
Heldridge-Swartz has two sons, Bob and John, the joys of her life. Bob passed away prematurely after a long battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. John continues to be his mother’s support and loving advocate. He was recently selected as one of the outstanding oral surgeons of Seattle.
She ended her book with “I have always valued my belief in God. He does all things well. I love having God as my constant companion and Savior. He gave me a beautiful life with all its love and blessings!”
- Mary Lou Stuenzi, chief executive officer, The Hearthstone on Green Lake
Harry Gross
Rydal Park
Harry Gross
If asked, Harry Gross would say that his career as a financial columnist at the Philadelphia Daily News was one of pure luck.His journey started while taking a prep course for the CPA exam after graduation from Wharton Business School in 1944. It was then that Gross realized he could create a better course and opened his own business in 1947. After 32 successful years, his expertise and confidence in public speaking caught the attention of radio station executives at WCAU in Philadelphia, who offered him the opportunity to host a financial call-in show.
Since 1981, Gross has received nearly 10,000 letters, and has always felt obligated to answer every single one of them. “If someone took the time to write, I had to take the time to answer,” he says.
Gross, 90, has always been career-driven and has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “I want to wear out, not rust out,” he adds.
Gross is the host of Rydal Park’s annual Lively Fall Speaker Series, which is open to the public and brings in area reporters, analysts, and radio and TV personalities as guest speakers for a series of talks.
At Rydal Park, Gross is a key member of the Ambassadors Committee, hosting prospective residents and supporting events such as the annual speaker series. In addition to this role, Harry and his wife are active in the community and are frequent participants in comparative religion and fitness classes.
- Jennifer Wolk, LevLane Advertising