Congratulations to our 2024 Employee of the Year, Jan! As a dedicated concierge who has served our community for several years, Jan embodies the Renaissance Lifestyle through her unwavering commitment to excellence and genuine care for residents and staff alike. Whether offering a helping hand, solving problems with ease, or greeting everyone with warmth, Jan consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of her role. Her remarkable character and work ethic make her an invaluable member of our team.
Jan was genuinely shocked and deeply honored to receive this well-deserved recognition. She has expressed how much she loves her job and how meaningful it is to work at our community. We are fortunate to have Jan as part of our team and greatly appreciate her dedication and efforts. Congratulations once again, Jan, for this outstanding achievement!
Executive Director’s Corner
Dear
Residents, Family, and Friends:
As we bid farewell to another wonderful year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together. To our incredible residents, families, and staff—thank you for making this year so memorable. Each of you has contributed to the warmth and joy that make our community so special. Your hard work, kindness, and support are truly appreciated, and I feel so fortunate to share this time with all of you.
The new year is a time to look forward with hope and excitement. We’re ready to build on the foundation we’ve created together, continuing to grow as a community and striving to make each day even more fulfilling and meaningful for everyone. Whether through new activities, stronger relationships, or simply enjoying the moments that bring us joy, I’m confident this year will be filled with success and happiness.
From all of us at Renaissance Village Murrieta, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with health, joy, and prosperity.
Let’s make 2025 another incredible year together! Brian Taube, Senior Executive Director
Resident Spotlight: John B.
John B. was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He was the eldest child of two, with six years between him and his brother, Tom. Their father served as an army physician in the Philippines, becoming a specialist in tropical diseases. He remembers his parents as loving and kind, and his father had a bellowing laugh. His mother loved to throw fancy parties and had the funniest sense of humor.
John worked as a lifeguard at the local pool and with the power company while growing up. He ultimately followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a medical degree. He attended several colleges: Cornell of Iowa for undergraduate, the University of Nebraska for medical school, and the University of Pennsylvania, Creighton University, and the University of Omaha for various summer classes.
The medical school fraternity John belonged to had Friday night parties, which girls studying nursing and X-ray tech attended. It was at one of those parties that he met his wife, Janet. She sat down next to him, and they started chatting—the rest is history. He later lost her number and had to obtain it from the hospital’s switchboard operator where she worked.
After earning his medical degree, John completed a year-long internship at Harkness
Hospital in San Francisco, California. At the same time, he and Janet maintained a longdistance relationship before eventually getting married. In 1970, John began working as a family practice physician in Coquille, Oregon. He loved visiting with his patients, especially his many senior patients, who would often bring him gifts like beef jerky and baked goods. He was a do-it-all doctor, and he sometimes even made house calls.
John enlisted in the Air Force and served 20 years as a flight surgeon in the Air National Guard out of Portland. He had to attend special training at the Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After becoming a flight surgeon, he served one weekend a month and had to travel five hours each way to get there,
John in his officer mess dress uniform.
John in front of a T-33A plane.
Janet & John’s Wedding Day.
but he loved every minute of it. He enjoyed going up in the F16s and F18s, and the pilots sometimes made it their aim to try and make the flight surgeon sick. They only succeeded once with John. He enjoyed the camaraderie with the non-commissioned officers over the years.
super sweet. John loves their sense of humor, and they make him laugh a lot. He enjoys learning about their studies, and when they were younger, they bonded over John’s model trains.
Matthew, Drew,
John and his wife, Janet, have been married for 53 years and have two children, Matthew and Erin. When they were kids, he enjoyed taking them camping and snow skiing. They camped at Lake Siskiyou and Lake Shasta and later bought a cabin at Loon Lake. They went on trips to Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and other various places in the United States.
Layton, Chase & Erin.
Now, he enjoys shopping and kicking the tires with Erin. John is a big car guy who has collected exotic cars. He owned a Porsche Roadster, a 1964 red convertible Corvette, and a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL coop Roadster, to name a few. He also used to ride a motorcycle but ended up selling it because he saw too many accidents in his line of work. Matthew is now a pharmacist in Eugene, Oregon, and Erin is an interior designer in California. Erin has two sons, Layton and Chase, and Matthew has one daughter, Drew. They are all teenagers, and they are
John has a passion for hobbies and has explored a wide variety of activities over the years. He has a knack for communication as an extra-class ham radio operator, though computers have often tested his patience. John’s adventurous spirit has led him to windsurfing and scuba diving, while his love for food makes dining out with his family a favorite pastime—especially when it comes to sushi. A dedicated Trekkie, John even knows a few words in Klingon and deeply appreciates science fiction, both on screen and in books. He’s never afraid to try new things and enjoys new experiences.
John has been living at Renaissance Village Murrieta for over a year and truly appreciates the care and attention he receives from his caregivers. He enjoys sharing laughs with them and values that the community is wellmaintained. John often says his daughter made a great choice in finding this place for him, and they both love how kind and welcoming everyone is.
John, Janet,
John and Janet’s 50th Wedding Anniversary.
GREAT DAYS AWAIT AT
Honoring the bravery & sacrifice of our veterans—you inspire us!
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. Aboo enjoying our Caramel Dipping Social.
Margaret decorating a Halloween Cupcake.
Diane and Karyl enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner.
Keeping the balloon up in balloon volleyball is always a blast!
RENAISSANCE VILLAGE!
Raul enjoying a nice slice of pumpkin pie at our Pie Social.
Rose showcasing her beautiful autumnal floral wreath!
Residents singing hymns with Living Waters Hospice. Stanley & Owen met Lego Batman on Halloween!
Jeanie fully embracing the holiday spirit, adding festive touches to the tree with the help of our amazing caregivers, Shainy and Roberta.
Eugene, John, & Paul celebrating Oktoberfest together !
EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH
October
Minnie H., Line Cook
Minnie H. loves being a team member and preparing the meals we feed residents. Her favorite part of her job is interacting with residents and hearing their life stories. Minnie has three adult daughters: Rocky, Kacie, and Megan. When she’s not working, she enjoys making food and preparing meals for the needy. Minnie believes that Renaissance is a wonderful place with great food and caring caregivers. She also likes that we are more one on one with residents.
November
Roberta M., Med Tech Roberta began as a caregiver and grew into her role as a Med Tech, driven by her passion for helping others. She values the close bond with her coworkers & the meaningful relationships she builds with residents. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and creating special memories with her three children—Anthony, Jayde, and Maricela. Roberta believes Renaissance Village Murrieta stands out for its genuine sense of community and focus on care.
December
Eric G., Caregiver
Eric studied BSC Management in the Philippines & has been a caregiver for many years, inspired by his cousin to join the field. He values the friendly, well-organized environment the community offers & enjoys building connections with residents who share their life experiences. Eric appreciates the supportive team & positive atmosphere at Renaissance Village. Married to his wife Mylin for nine years, he’s a proud stepfather to Josh, Thianne, & Yari. In his free time, Eric loves riding his motorcycle.
Providing Relief, Rejuvenation, and Peace of Mind for Caregivers
Caregiving is one of the most demanding roles a person can take on, requiring immense emotional and physical energy. Caregivers often find themselves in a cycle of constant responsibility that can lead to burnout, overwhelming stress and health problems. Respite care provides caregivers with the essential break they need to recharge without compromising the quality of care given to their loved ones.
Respite care is a short-term care service designed to provide temporary freedom for caregivers from their usual responsibilities. It’s intended to give you the time to rest, address personal matters or recharge.
One of the main benefits of respite care is stress reduction. Constant caregiving can lead to burnout, but taking a break can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. Many caregivers experience guilt when they take time for themselves. Respite care provides a guilt-free way to ensure loved ones are cared for while caregivers take the much needed time to recharge. Taking a break can improve relationships between caregivers and their loved ones. A well-rested caregiver is more patient and better able to provide high-quality care, fostering a more positive relationship and level of care.
Caregivers often neglect their own health while taking care of others. This neglect can result in fatigue, sleep disturbances and even increase chronic illnesses. Time away from caregiving duties means time for your physical health through exercise. Whether it’s a yoga class, a walk in the park or a gym session, physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding illness.
Constant caregiving can take a toll on your mental health as well. Stepping away from caregiving responsibilities can improve mental clarity and focus. A refreshed mind is better equipped to handle the challenges of caregiving, leading to more effective
care. Respite care provides the mental space needed to relax and unwind.
Caregivers often abandon their hobbies and interests due to lack of time. Respite care allows them to reconnect with activities they love, contributing to overall happiness and quality of life. Long hours of caregiving can make it difficult to find time for friends and family. Respite care allows caregivers to reconnect with their social circles, thereby improving their support system.
While respite care may come with costs, it can also provide financial relief in the long run. Many caregivers may miss work or reduce their hours to fulfill caregiving responsibilities, leading to lost wages and increased financial strain. By utilizing respite care, caregivers can continue working or pursuing other jobs, thereby easing financial pressures. Furthermore, respite services can prevent more costly interventions, such as hospitalizations or long-term care placements, by allowing caregivers to maintain their roles for longer.
Respite care is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for the well-being of caregivers and, by extension, for those they care for. The benefits of respite care— ranging from stress relief and improved physical health to enhanced quality of care and strengthened relationships—underscore its importance in the caregiving landscape. One of the most significant benefits of respite care is its role in alleviating caregiver stress. The emotional, physical and psychological demands of caregiving can be overwhelming.
By providing regular breaks, caregivers can maintain their commitment to their loved ones without sacrificing their health and well-being. Respite care encourages a balanced lifestyle, allowing caregivers to integrate personal time, family commitments and selfcare into their routines. This balance helps to decrease burnout and ensure that caregivers can continue providing care for the long haul.
