Community Matters The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
Bruce Shogren, president and CEO of PMMA, left, and Bill Taylor, chief operating officer, right, present Lily Landy, health services administrator, a certificate for reaching assisted living resident satisfaction goals in the fiscal year 2018 Emerald Awards.
Aberdeen Heights honored Aberdeen Heights received a certificate of recognition from Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica for reaching goals in fiscal year 2018, covering the months of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018. The recognition came through PMMA’s Emerald Awards Program, designed to encourage its 17 campuses and 2 hospices to achieve high levels of resident and employee satisfaction, meet financial goals, build philanthropic support for the organization’s mission and meet marketing goals. AWARD, continued on page 2
January 2019
From left, resident Dotty Mill; Lindsay and Ryan Sherring, owners of Six Mile Bridge Brewery; and residents Eleanor Long, Dottie Gray and Anna Louise Fischer.
Brewer brings story to The Glen The heavy snow fall on a November 12 did not keep local craft brewery owners Ryan and Lindsay Sherring from bringing their business to our Small Business Day program at Aberdeen Heights. This husband and wife team own and operate Six Mile Bridge Brewery and Brewhaus in Maryland Heights. Ryan, a native of England, founded 021 Brewing Company in Cape Town, South Africa. At the time, Lindsay, a St. Louis native, was the marketing director. The two fell in love and got married. In 2015, the couple moved to St. Louis and founded Six Mile Bridge Brewery, named after a small town in Ireland. The village of Six Mile Bridge is nestled exactly six miles between two major towns. Throughout history, the village has been a main thoroughfare where weary travelers and locals come together to share tales of their adventures over a pint of beer. With snow falling down in the background, residents heard about the brewery and listened to details on how the couple turned their love of beer into St. Louis’ new craft brewery. Residents sampled their three most popular beers and asked several questions, such as how beer expiration is BREWER, continued on page 8
A proud member of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America
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There are 11 areas measured for the Emerald Awards. To receive an emerald, a community has to meet its goals in all 11 areas. Certificates of recognition were given out to communities that reached their goals in one or more category. Aberdeen Heights was recognized for meeting assisted living resident satisfaction goals. “This recognition is a visible sign of Aberdeen Heights’ commitment to the mission of PMMA of providing quality senior services guided by Christian values,” said Bruce Shogren, chief executive officer for PMMA.
Emmy McClelland and Marian Cairns, who both served in the Missouri House of Representatives, were joined by friends and Webster Groves residents John Dames and Liz Watkins.
Resident in Focus: Marian Cairns Community Matters is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at: PresbyterianManors.org. James “Jamie” Kneen, executive director To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Bethany Holohan, life enrichment director, bholohan@pmma.org. Telephone: 314-909-6010 Address: 505 Couch Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122 Our mission: We provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
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Marian Cairns was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives from 1976 to 1991. Recently, she was joined by her friend and fellow State Representative, Emmy McClelland, for a wonderful question and answer session. The program opened with Emmy asking Marian questions, and the two reminiscing and storytelling about subjects such as campaigning, policies, today’s politics and more. We even got to hear how elected officials get assigned offices in Jefferson City. The answer was no surprise, “It’s all politics!”
a woman in what at that time was a male dominated profession. Bethany Holohan brought a list of top 10 questions to ask a candidate. One of those questions was, “What’s the price of milk?” This brought up a funny memory from Emmy who responded that she actually did not know the price of milk and would fail on that one. Her husband did the grocery shopping because, as Marian advised her, “Emmy, if you are going to the grocery store you can’t be wearing those running shorts!” The crowd chuckled.
Emmy brought two of Marian’s Staff and residents submitted favorite homemade treats: a questions. The Glen administrator shortbread and cherry and nut Lily Landy asked, “Is politics bread. Residents and staff enjoyed different today vs. when you were in them as they thanked the ladies for office?” Social Worker Joyce Wilton a wonderful program. Emmy and asked about the challenges of being Marian have our vote! Like us on Facebook
Lifestyles Assistant Stephanie Ameis, resident Virginia Binzel, and her dear friend Meg Krejci are all smiles at the November Family Happy Hour.
Dr. Donald Behrens and his son, Dr. Gary Behrens, enjoy some local craft beer at our November Family Happy Hour!
Our house musician, guitarist Aaron Burlbaw, and Mark Holland, Native American flutist, and Bill Branson with wife Juanita and daughter Mariann Kelly.
Our Family Happy Hour was a huge success In November, we celebrated Native American Heritage Month. We did several events in assisted living and The Glen to tie-in with this theme. The Family Happy Hour was complete with Native American flute music. The music was provided by Autumn’s Child, headed by Mark Holland and Aaron Burlbaw of Acoustik Element. The duo performed originals and some classics, and luckily for us, the two happen to be Grammy award-nominated artists performing right here at Aberdeen. Their
song, “Somewhere New,” has been nominated for the upcoming awards—and we heard it first.
were visiting. Dot Ebeling and Bob Sextro’s great-grandson Henry, who has made his third Family Happy Hour appearance, will have one for his baby room and he can put army men and LEGO figures in it for years to come.
Flutist Mark Holland was coached by Aberdeen resident John Titus, who was a football coach at Brentwood High School, and John joined us as well. Residents and Special thanks to Joan Nigh who family members feasted on wine and came to hear the music, but who spirts and had a great time. also furnished the tapestries and Earlier in the month, residents tablecloths. They provided the made woven hangings called Ojo perfect touch! de Dios or “God’s Eye,” and paper teepees, which were used for décor Please come to our next Family and to pass out to children who Happy Hour, February 10! November birthdays were celebrated at a lively party with Music by Charlie, cake and punch. The monthly birthday cake always features the month’s gemstone and flower, and for November, it featured the warm colors of Chrysanthemums and topaz.
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Veterans Richard Burr, Paul Biesterfeldt and Pat Combs enjoy the veterans luncheon.
Richard Kloecker, Amanda Knowles of housekeeping, and Don Otto enjoy the veterans luncheon. Amanda lives in Otto, Missouri, founded by Don’s grandfather.
Event honors our veterans and their stories Veterans of The Glen and assisted living were honored on Nov. 9 with a special luncheon. Before the prime rib lunch, Chaplain Julie said a blessing, and Life Enrichment Director Bethany Holohan read “A Patriotic Creed” by Edgar Guest. David Evans played
his classical piano music. Following lunch and a special cake, Christina and Friends, the popular violin and piano duo, performed sacred hymns and patriotic tunes. In October, two veterans were interviewed for the Missouri Veterans History Project. This
project, assisted by independent living resident Reece Pence, ensures that our veteran’s stories are recorded for future generations. These interviews are sent to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Thanks to Bob Sextro and Richard Burr for telling their stories.
Save the date for these upcoming events January 14, 11 a.m.—Donald Danforth Plant Science Center with “Answers to the World’s Biggest Challenges are Dawning Right Here, Right Now.” January 25—January birthday party with music by Michael Farmer. January 28—William Shearburn, owner of Shearburn Art Gallery. (Time to be determined) February 3, 2:30 —Tremble Clefs Choir: The Tremble Clefs engage the Parkinson’s
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community in voice therapy and mutual social support through singing, performing and the power of making music together. The power of this program lies in the satisfaction and selfconfidence gained through strengthening voices. February 10, Family Happy Hour, 3-4 p.m.—Meghan Kirk is coming back to our assisted living to offer a rare caberet performance. She will be joined by in-house guitarist, Aaron Burlbaw. Meghan has been studying voice for more than 25 years and earned a
bachelor’s degree of fine arts in musical theater from Stephens College. She has lived in New York City and Los Angeles, where she discovered the art of cabaret. Meghan went on to be a founding member of JB Studio in Hollywood. She has sung center court for the LA Lakers, and has produced and starred in numerous cabaret shows in and around Los Angeles. When not teaching, Meghan spends much of her time traveling the world as a corporate flight attendant. May 11—Mark your calendar for MayFest. Like us on Facebook
Head ‘em up and move ‘em out! Residents and staff enjoyed a Texasthemed cake.
Fond farewell We recently said goodbye to Jamie Kneen, executive director, and wished him well as he heads to Houston to work for another community.
Caregiver Award luncheon
Nelda assists family and supervises the Buckeye introduction to The Glen. She is joined by granddaughter Laura Richardson, great niece Lisa Kirchherr and daughter-in-law Diane Richardson.
Resident Betty Schmidt liked the recipe so much she copied it down. That is the best compliment Nelda could get. We have a feeling we will be making this recipe again soon.
Staff of The Glen recently attended the Voyce Caregiver Award luncheon held at the Renaissance Hotel. Two employees were nominated. Elvisa Zeric, CNA in assisted living, and Joyce Wilton, social services director.
Nelda’s bake shop is a hit Many of us are familiar with the friendly face of resident Nelda Richardson. Always up for a stroll, a game or a friendly chat over a cup of coffee, Nelda is a friend to all. Did you know that Nelda, who celebrated her 97th birthday in August, is also “the best cook and baker in the Like us on Facebook
Nelda with son Donald Richardson, daughter-in-law Diane, granddaughter Laura visiting with boyfriend Steve Pelech from Chicago, grandson Charlie Richardson in town from Denver, great niece Lisa Kirchherr, lifestyles assistant Allison Kelly, and resident Betty Schmidt.
world?” This is according to her son, Residents in The Glen, along with Dr. Donald Richardson. several members of Nelda’s family, made peanut butter and chocolate At Aberdeen, Nelda’s apartment was sensations known as Buckeyes. The once filled with more than 1,000 secret ingredient to these tasty cookbooks. After she downsized, the morsels? Paraffin. family kept several of her favorites and shared some of her popular Nelda hasn’t lost her touch and was recipes so other residents could able to assist and critique the making recreate these baked sensations. of her “Best Buckeyes in the World!” The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
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People traveled from near and far to hear Marjorie’s presentation. From left, Sally Weis, Barb Green, Sarah Weis, Dr. Kurt Weisenfels, Kay Dement, Tracy Weis, Suzie Clote, Abby Weis, Marjorie Green Weisenfels, and longtime friend and Glen resident, Marian Cairns.
Resident in Focus: Marjorie Green Marjorie Weisenfels Green and her interest in following three generations of women in her family, focusing on how they lived and survived during The Great Depression, were the topic of our Resident in Focus for October. The program was held on the 89th anniversary of The Stock Market Crash of 1929. Marjorie was joined by several members of her family, some whom came in from out of town to see their mother and grandmother shine in the light for this fascinating presentation. Prior to moving to Aberdeen Heights, Marjorie lived in Webster Groves. She was a librarian, and
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local and family historian. In 1993, she documented her life and three generations of her family in a filmed biography. Many of the artifacts Marjorie mentions were on display at The Hawken House in Webster Groves for years. Marjorie’s daughterin-law, Sally Weis, even baked the family cookie recipe that has been made and enjoyed by the family for four generations. Her husband Kurt passed out the cookies so all could enjoy this crisp, simple, but delicious oatmeal cookie.
Resident Barb Jordan admires photos from the presentation.
Residents and staff listened to Marjorie’s program, were shown various artifacts and asked several questions. One of these artifacts
created the idea behind The Glen’s Art is Ageless Art Project, “100 Dresses.” Read more about this artistic endeavor on page 8. Like us on Facebook
Residents enjoy Breakfast with Santa On a beautiful Saturday following Thanksgiving, The Glen at Aberdeen Heights hosted the Annual Breakfast with Santa. Families of residents and staff came together for a fun morning complete with appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Olaf the Snowman from Frozen, and Twinkle Toes the Elf. Children participated in the holiday craft station, story time with Mrs. Claus, pictures with Santa, and a Christmas pancake decorating station. The children also wrote
letters to Santa Claus and were delighted with take-home bags and balloons. But no one was more delighted than the residents who got to see all of this fun holiday spirit and the laughter of children. Special thanks to independent living resident Nancy Varley for providing holiday music, Kelly and Ryan Bradley, grandchildren of Margaret Lytle, and of course Mr. John Rorris, Santa Claus, and Rita Seiler who played Mrs. Claus. What a fun day!
Above: Mr. and Mrs. Claus, John Rorris and Rita Seiler. We’d also like to thank Joan Nigh for coming to the rescue with a blouse and apron for Mrs. Claus. As anyone from a tight-knit community would do, Joan went to her sister, who lives locally, and borrowed these garments from her. Thank you, Joan.
Left: Mrs. Claus reads “The Night Before Christmas” to a group of children with the help of Stephanie Ameis, lifestyles assistant.
Thanks to Kelly Bradley, granddaughter of resident Margaret Lytle, for working the holiday decorating pancake station. Kelly is pictured with Michelle Santel, The Glen admissions coordinator as “Twinkle Toes the Elf ” and Colin Tuley, great-grandson of assisted living resident Donald Lavin, in town from Columbus, Ohio. Like us on Facebook
The Sweeney family is gathered from near and far, including Chicago, Nashville, and Indianapolis. Floyd and Martha Sweeney were surrounded by family at Breakfast with Santa. The Glen at Aberdeen Heights
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Art is Ageless
®
Last year, The Glen had a multigenerational art project where students from a local school came over a three-month period to complete a big project. Residents read to students a story from Winnie The Pooh, and children and residents participated in an art project that was later showcased at the Art is Ageless® gala. Our Art is Ageless open house reception will be Tuesday, April 30. Our subject this year was inspired by Marjorie Weisenfels Green, a Glen resident, who, as you can read in the Resident in Focus article, presented The Glen with a wonderful program about women living through The Great Depression, showing artifacts and articles relating to that time. Life Enrichment Director Bethany Holohan was immediately drawn to a framed paper doll wall hanging, and Marjorie said it was often something girls would “gift” each other, giving each other these wall art hangings made of paper dolls and
fabric. Bethany also was inspired by a book she read in fifth grade, “100 Dresses” by Eleanor Estes. The book centers on Wanda, a poor and friendless Polish-American girl. One day, after Wanda’s classmates laugh at her funny last name and the faded blue dress she wears to school every day, Wanda claims to own one hundred dresses, all lined up in her closet at her worn-down house. This outrageous and obvious lie becomes a game, as the girls in her class corner her every day before school, demanding that she describe all of her dresses for them. She is mocked, and her father decides that she must leave that school. However, a teacher holds a drawing contest in which the girls are to draw dresses of their own design. Wanda enters and submits one hundred beautiful designs. Her classmates are in awe of her talent and realize that these were her hundred dresses. The students who teased her feel remorse and write her a kind letter and send it to her
“The girl with a Dress” was featured during a presentation about The Great Depression.
old address, hoping the post office can forward it. Unfortunately, she has already moved away and does not realize she won the contest. “Nevertheless, Wanda’s lovely nature and kind heart are revealed later when she tells the teacher to give the students the drawings,” Bethany said. Our Art is Ageless 2019 project will be “The 100 Dresses Project.” During the next four months, various organizations, students, staff and residents will work together to showcase our 100 dresses. Thanks, Marjorie, for helping to create this idea!
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calculated, how labels are created, marketing, and the realities of owning a small business. We learned that Maple Cinnamon Stout, their latest seasonal beer, has cinnamon from Indonesia and Vermont Maple Syrup. Resident Don Otto asked how big the owners wanted their brewery to get. Lindsay and Ryan want to keep it local and keep it in Missouri,
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a state they love and call home. If you’d like to visit the brewery, you can follow the activity calendar for an upcoming excursion to Six Mile Bridge Brewery. Special thanks to The Glen concierge Marjorie Stoeker for suggesting that this dynamic and friendly couple bring their small business to Aberdeen. They were generous with Six Mile Bridge Brewery features many their time and their beer. unique beers. Like us on Facebook