“Living well is staying as active and engaged in community as we possibly can. The activities that we do and our active social life keep us going. It’s also feeling comfortable and safe in our home.”
– Bill & Dianne Zwack Windsor Park Residents
Legacy of Living Well.
Stonehill Communities is strengthening its commitment to supporting older adults and their families in our community through a strategic partnership with 24-Hour Care. On July 1, Stonehill reached a formal agreement with 24-Hour Care, a local business providing home health and home nursing services in the Dubuque area and northwestern Illinois.
This marks the beginning of an exciting collaborative phase between the two organizations that will expand and enhance home health services available in our communities. This partnership will enhance care coordination, expand upon the non-medical home care services provided by Stonehill At Home as well as Outpatient Therapy services, and align care teams and technology for a better patient experience.
Stonehill has received a certificate of achievement in the American Heart Association’s
Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative. The initiative seeks to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients, ultimately improving and prolonging lives. To earn the achievement, Stonehill committed to establishing a stroke-specific rehab program, providing stroke education to staff members, implementing evidence-based protocols and policies, and continuous quality improvement.
In July, we celebrated our employees for their hard work and compassion. Thirty-seven team members reached milestone years of service this year, ranging from 5 years all the way up to 40 years! This is a testament to our organizational culture, mission, and our commitment to investing in our team.
We also recognized two individuals with special awards, selected from nominations by co-workers. The Sunshine Award recognizes a Stonehill team member who has a kind and positive attitude that helps brighten the days of coworkers, residents, and visitors. They enhance our team culture with their friendliness, respect, and joyful spirit. This year’s recipient was Sarah Candee, Volunteer Coordinator.
The Spirit of St. Francis award recognizes a Stonehill team member who consistently demonstrates our Franciscan values of compassion, hospitality, stewardship, and reverence in their daily work whether it is with residents, coworkers, visitors, volunteers, or community partners. This person understands how these values form our culture and is a living example of the spirit of our ministry. Social Worker Rachel Heiderscheit-Derby received this award.
Please join us in congratulating them and all our team members for their compassionate, high quality service to residents, visitors, and our community!
It’s summertime, and Assisi Village residents are enjoying lots of activities and events, including craft projects, cards, ice cream outings, lemonade and popcorn socials on the porch, and golf cart rides throughout campus and Mount St. Francis. Some of our residents even enjoyed an afternoon blowing bubbles while sharing memories of other summer activities they enjoyed as children.
The popular Arboretum concert series relocated this summer, and residents are now enjoying Music at the Star on select Sundays. Residents love listening to great music while enjoying the beautiful scenery along the Mississippi River.
We have more music events planned at Assisi Village in the next few months, and if the weather isn’t too hot or rainy, we’ll enjoy the music from our front porch. Next month, we also have lunch on the porch at the Arboretum and tours of the gardens for the ladies, as well as our Man Cave group.
Please check our online calendar for upcoming events and feel free to join your loved one for one of our fun activities.
If you are not a resident of Assisi Village and you would like to take advantage of the many activities and amenities on the Stonehill Campus, consider joining our Living Well Together program! For a monthly fee, you can join us for social activities, utilize our Wellness Center, and enjoy five meals each month. Contact Rachel McDermott at 563.599.7674 for more information or visit www.stonehilldbq.com/ how-we-care/living-well-together.
View Assisi Village monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com
We had a wonderful summer season filled with fun, friendship, and community spirit! We celebrated Mother’s Day with a relaxing Spa Day hosted by Capri, and the ladies absolutely loved it. It was a peaceful morning of pampering and connection. Thank you to Capri for making it so special! We also had a special entertainer, Michelle, do a presentation on the life of Betty White. We shared lots of laughter while reminiscing about our favorite television shows with Betty.
In honor of Father’s Day, our volunteers fired up the grill for a men’s cookout that was a big hit. They had great food, good conversations, and a great time all around. We’re glad so many could join in! Also in June, volunteers from Midwest One Bank and our residents planted beautiful flowers in our raised gardens. A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who have helped plant and keep the backyard looking beautiful—it’s truly a community effort to be proud of.
To end our summer season, we are offering Dairy Queen bus rides and dine-out trips that bring smiles all around. A few dineout trips include going to Kelly’s Café and Breitbach’s.
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin their color journey, we’re excited to invite residents to embrace this beautiful season with heartwarming and engaging fall-themed activities.
Get ready for crisp air, warm treats, and cozy moments in September—our Fall Festival is right around the corner! Stay tuned for details and come celebrate the season with us. We will also be taking scenic outings to see the leaves change colors.
Last year’s candy donations were incredible and helped make our Trick-or-Treat event a magical day for the kids. Our residents love seeing the kids dressed up in their costumes and we are excited to announce that we are having our Trick-or-Treat event on Thursday, October 30th. Please check the October calendar for times and additional details. We would love your help again this year—candy donations will be accepted starting mid-October. Let’s keep the tradition alive and even sweeter! To end the spooky season, Friday, October 31st, we will have a Halloween themed Happy Hour and Bingo.
was feeling
spirit during bingo!
View our monthly activities at stonehilldbq.com
Scams and attempts to wrongly gain access to information are growing. Unfortunately, people around the world are taking advantage of others through various methods of scams. Artificial intelligence and crafty scammer skills are making detection of scams more difficult. We all need to be vigilant against potential scams such as:
• Phishing (fake emails)
• Vishing (fake phone calls)
• Smishing (fake text messages)
• Identity theft
• Investment scams
• Job scams
• Romance fraud
Recognizing the signs of a scam is key to staying protected. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages that demand immediate action or payment—especially if they involve threats, pressure, or secrecy. Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate and may ask for unusual payment methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, which are red flags. Watch for spelling errors, vague messages, or requests for personal or financial information, particularly if the sender claims to be from a government agency or a well-known company. When in doubt, hang up or delete the message and reach out to a trusted source to verify the claim.
If you suspect someone may be attempting to conduct a scam (or that you have been scammed):
• Contact your local police or sheriff’s office and your state attorney general
• Report consumer scams to the Federal Trade Commission
• Report scams involving the internet, to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov
More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias today. As dementia diagnoses continue to rise nationwide, we are proud to be part of the CMS GUIDE initiative to reshape the way we care for individuals living with dementia—and the families who support them.
Behind every diagnosis is a person—and often, a dedicated caregiver navigating complex medical, emotional, and logistical challenges. GUIDE was created to meet these challenges head-on, offering a coordinated, person-centered approach that puts patients and their caregivers at the heart of the care team.
· Personalized Support Through Care Navigators - Participants work with our Dementia Care Navigator—a trained professional who helps manage care, coordinate services, and guide families through the journey.
· Tailored, Holistic Care Plans - The Care Navigator will develop individualized care plans that include both medical and non-medical strategies, aligned with each person’s values, needs, and progression of illness.
· Resources for Family Caregivers - GUIDE recognizes the vital role of caregivers. Through education, training, and respite support, it helps reduce burnout and ensures caregivers aren’t navigating this journey alone.
· Flexibility in How Care Is Delivered - Whether in-person or via telehealth, the model allows care teams to reach families where they are. By focusing on early identification, ongoing care coordination, and caregiver support, GUIDE is expected to reduce avoidable hospital visits, improve quality of life, and provide peace of mind for families.
Stonehill’s GUIDE Dementia Program is completely covered by Medicare. There is no cost to participants.
To learn more or schedule an assessment to get started, call 563.690.9649.
Get expert care coordination and support— fully covered by Medicare. No cost. No stress. Just compassionate help.
The Caregiver Resource Center supports non-professional caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses throughout their caregiving journey. We can support you with resources, a listening ear, referrals, self-care opportunities, support groups, and more! Call us at 563.690.9679.
The Caregiver Resource Center will be hosting Dementia Simulation Experiences that enable participants to understand in a small, but impactful way, what it is like to live with Alzheimer’s dementia and other related dementias through simulation kits. These workshops are open to caregivers, professionals, family members, friends, and those who wish to learn more about the disease. The next workshop will be August 22 from 2-3:30pm. RSVP to 563.690.9679 or thummer@stonehilldbq.com.
Mindful Moments
Mindful Moments is a program for individuals with dementia and their caregiver. It offers an inclusive space that promotes the well-being of the person living with dementia and other memory impairments as well as the caregiver through engagement in activities and outings that encourage participants to enjoy the moment. Mindful Moments occur on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 10:30-11:30am at various locations. Visit www.stonehilldbq.com/caregiverresourcecenter/ mindfulmoments to see the full schedule and RSVP to 563.690.9679.
Caregiver Coffee Social, Massages and Yoga
On Tuesday, September 9, we will hold a caregivers-only yoga session from 11:45am-12:45pm in the Wellness Studio next to the Caregiver Resource Center. This will be a gentle, beginner-friendly yoga session including both floor and standing exercises. Yoga will be followed by a coffee social from 1-2pm. Caregivers and care recipients are welcome. Caregivers may also receive 10-15 minute hand, foot, or chair massages from 1-2:30pm. Sign-up is required for massages.
Aug 14 - Picnic at Eagle Point Park
Aug 28 - Golf Cart Tour at Dubuque Arboretum
Sept 11 - Life Stories Activity at Mt. Loretto
Sept 25 - Hayride at Mt. St. Francis
Oct 9 - Carnegie Stout Library Tour
Oct 23 - Pumpkin Craft activity and Halloween Party at Stonehill
The Annual Caregiver Wellness Retreat is an opportunity for caregivers to come together for relaxation, renewal, and connection. This year’s Retreat will be Thursday, October 16 from 10am-3:30pm at Shalom Spirituality Center. This free event features keynote speaker Dr. James Coyle, a vendor fair, lunch, and breakout sessions.
Breakout sessions will include massage, support groups, meditation, sound healing, and coping strategies. Registration is required and will be accepted September 1 through October 7 at www.stonehilldbq.com/ event/caregiver-retreat or 563.690.9679.
The Caregiver Wellness Retreat is made possible through a collaboration between Stonehill Communities, Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A), and Shalom Spirituality Center.
The demand for home care services is growing, and we are happy to grow with it to meet the needs of our community.
Our new formal agreement with 24-Hour Care, expands the types of home care services we are able to provide and offer to Stonehill residents and community members.
24-Hour Care is licensed to provide certified home health care and nursing services in both Iowa and Illinois. Through our partnership, we can now offer seamless transitions between post-acute care and home, and from home nurse support to caregiver support.
24-Hour Care provides licensed nurses that can assist with health maintenance, medication administration, wound care, catheter care, IV therapy, tube feeding, and other medical needs.
Stonehill At Home continues to provide non-medical caregiver support at home including personal care, wellness checks, assistance with household chores and errands, and respite care.
Learn more about Stonehill At Home at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/homecare or 563.690.9765. Learn more about 24-Hour Care at 24hourcarehha.com or 855.772.2424.
We’re excited to share some wonderful updates here at Windsor Park that reflect our commitment to community, and engaging activities for all.
First, don’t miss our upcoming Open House followed by Music on the Lawn on Tuesday, September 9th. The open house will run from 1-3:30 pm, followed by music from 4-6 pm on our front lawn. Enjoy live music by special guest Ron Lubbers, along with refreshing beverages and great company. This event is open to the public, so bring a chair and enjoy a relaxing evening with friends and neighbors.
Windsor Park now offers a weekly Saturday 4:00pm Mass celebrated by Father Gabriel. This mass is open to neighboring community members in addition to Windsor Park residents. Residents are very happy to once again have a regular Mass celebrated at in their community.
“Mass is a great asset here at Windsor Park. A lot of our residents are not able to drive, so it is very convenient for us,” shared Theresa Hennen.
Patricia Oppelt prefers participating in a live Mass rather than watching on TV or a live stream. “I am not part of a Mass without being in the Chapel. People consider Mass the best way to start your day to make it better,” said Patricia Oppelt.
“You get so much—Mass is the central part of our religion, and we receive many graces from God for participating. Because of my age and not being able to drive, it is so convenient for me to have Mass right here in our facility,” shared resident Gen Dement.
At Windsor Park, we believe in creating more than just a place to live—we create a true sense of home. With compassion, uplifting activities, and a strong sense of community, our facility offers comfort, connection, and peace of mind. Windsor Park is a great place to call home, where every resident is valued and every day is filled with purpose.
Learn more about the Windsor Park community at www.stonehilldbq.com/how-we-care/windsorpark or set up a tour by calling 563.582.0646.
Preparations are underway for Active Aging Week 2025! Last year we loved seeing so many people engaged in our activities for physical wellness, spiritual wellness, emotional wellness, vocational wellness, and social wellness. We are looking forward to having even more activities to choose from this year! Please mark your calendar and plan to attend events during the week of October 6-10. Events will be free and we will once again have t-shirts for the first 150 participants.
We are seeking sponsors for Active Aging Week. If a business, family, or organization you know would be interested in helping sponsor the week or an activity during the week, please contact Tracy Connolly at 563.690.9660 or donate online at www.stonehilldbq.com/eventsponsor.
Activities will include:
• Community Walks
• Cooking for 1 or 2
• Financial Planning
• Line Dancing
• Intro to Disc Golf
• Euchre Tournament
• Live Music & Social
• Meditation
• Reflexology
• Shoe Seminar
• Dementia Simulation
• Falls Prevention Workshop
• Retirement Lunch Discussion
• Zumba
• Self Defense
• Journaling
• Mass
• Library Tour
• Yoga
• Dubuque Trolley Tour
• End of Life Planning Workshop
• Pickleball Tournament
• and more!
In addition, group fitness classes during the week will be open to non-members as a free trial. A full schedule and activities details will be posted at www.stonehilldbq.com/activeagingweek. Specific activity registrations will open in September. Contact the Wellness Center with questions at 563.690.9640 or wellness@ stonehilldbq.com.
“At Stonehill, from the day I checked in to check out 22 days later, my care was outstanding. The staff—from the cook to housekeeping to therapists to nurses and aides—made my stay feel like home. I’ve been to multiple facilities over the past 3 years, and this place is 5-star!”
top-notch care every step of the way.
On July 1, we welcomed 16 therapy staff to our Stonehill team! Many are familiar faces, but we’ve added a few new ones as well. It is wonderful to have these folks under the Stonehill umbrella after many years of partnerships with 3rd party therapy providers. These team members will be providing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services for residents as well as community members through the outpatient clinic.
We are also looking forward to expanding our ability to provide in-home therapy services in partnership with 24-Hour Care certified home care. Stonehill therapists already travel to Windsor Park and Alverno Apartments to provide on-site therapy services for residents. This new partnership will expand that convenience to even more individuals living at home in the community.
For more information on Outpatient Therapy options please call the Outpatient Clinic at 563.690.9637.
Bill and Dianne are both long-time Dubuquers. They met as students at Wahlert High School and have been married 32 years. Between them, they have eight children, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
The Zwacks have been residents of Windsor Park for 9 years. Previous owners of a townhouse, they decided to move after Bill had open heart surgery and the stairs and other tasks around their house became a challenge. They loved the neighborhood and thought Windsor Park would be a great option.
“It’s just what we need. We’re happy here,” said Dianne.
Bill and Dianne live on third floor, “the best floor” according to the couple. The reason they give is the people. They enjoy getting to know their neighbors. They share a newspaper, visit at community activities, and bring over baked treats. They help each other out.
“That connection with people is an important part of life,” said Bill.
Bill was an X-Ray Technician at Finley Hospital for 50 years and is the host of “The Big Broadcast,” an old-time radio show that runs on KDTH on Sunday nights. He also volunteers at the Windsor Park Chapel, St. Pat’s, and Stonehill’s San Damiano Chapel. Dianne previously worked in banking and joins Bill in volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister and leading the rosary before Mass.
Bill and Dianne enjoy staying engaged in the community, going to plays, spending time with friends and family, visiting the library, and enjoying local restaurants.
According to Bill, living well is “staying as active as we possibly can, the older we get. The activities that we do keep us going.”
They also take comfort in knowing Stonehill is nearby if they need help due to changes in health.
“Windsor Park is home,” said Bill. They would recommend it to anybody.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 9:00AM-NOON
DUBUQUE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Free Admission
Over 30 Vendors • Door Prizes • Lunch Live Radio Broadcast
See our Facebook Event!
Organizations, services, and products to help you live well and age well!
Residents and volunteers alike have been enjoying a new activity this summer. Playful Paths is a joyful new com munity space where kids and residents come together to learn, laugh, and explore. Whether it’s reading under the trees, drawing with sidewalk chalk, or chasing bubbles in the sunshine, our goal is simple: connect generations through outdoor fun and curiosity.
It’s a place where imaginations run wild, stories come to life, and learning feels like play. Everyone is welcome. Bring your books, your smiles, and your sense of ad venture! We have everything else! Playful Paths will take place until the start of the school year.
• When: Every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 2:30 - 3:30pm
• Where 2nd Thursday: Health Center Memory Care Patio
• Where 4th Thursday: Health Center Backyard Call 563.690.9666 if you are interested in joining the fun!
On June 20th we had the Longest Day event to help Stonehill Communities raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer’s Association. On the Longest Day, volunteers stood beside us—bringing light, love, and unwavering hope to a cause that touches so many hearts. Your dedication, compassion, and tireless spirit turned this day into a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together in the fight against Alzhei mer’s. With deepest gratitude, we honor you.
Active Aging Week is October 6th-10th. We are planning daily walks at 1:00pm and 6:00pm at various sites. We are looking for volunteers to lead the walks. If you are interested, please sign up in VICNET.
Duties of leading a walk:
• Welcome everyone warmly and introduce yourself.
• Share the walk’s purpose and route overview.
• Mention safety tips and encourage hydration and pacing.
• Thank everyone for participating.
• Share next steps or upcoming Active Aging Week events.
• Invite feedback or reflections.
Watch for other upcoming opportunities! Thanks for all you do for the residents and Stonehill Communities!
See opportunities and apply online at stonehilldbq.com/volunteer or call 563.690.9666.
Please join us at one of these upcoming events for residents, family members, friends, and the community.
Thursday, August 7 5:00-9:00pm Darkbird Taphouse
7305 Thunder Valley Dr Peosta, IA 52068
Join us for a social night out and support the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation! Tips received during the event will support Stonehill programs and services. Enjoy live music with John Klostermann.
Wednesday, September 3 5:00-10:00pm Your Pie
800 Wacker Drive Dubuque, IA 52002
Dine out and support Stonehill programs and services! Serving pizza, salads, and gelato, Your Pie will donate 10% of all in-store and online sales to Stonehill Communities.
Tuesday, September 9 1:00-3:30pm 4:00-6:00pm Windsor Park
801 Davis St Dubuque, IA 52001
Stop in for an open house from 1-3:30pm to see the apartments available at Windsor Park and learn about our community amenities. Then stay for live music from 4-6pm with Ron Lubbers. Please bring your own lawn chair.
Stonehill provided an average of $820,000 in benevolent care over the last 3 years. This amount represents the difference between the cost of providing services in the Health Center and the amount reimbursed by Medicaid. This charitable care is supported by generous donations and the Stonehill Benevolent Foundation.
Thursday, September 18
9:00am-12:00pm
Dubuque County Fairgrounds Ballroom
14569 Old Hwy Rd Dubuque, IA 52002
Visit a variety of vendor booths from organizations and businesses providing support, services, and products for healthy aging and living well. There will be a free sack lunch and prize drawings throughout the event. Free admission.
October 6-10
Stonehill Campus & Community Locations 3485 Windsor Ave Dubuque, IA 52001
Celebrate active aging and participate in a variety of free activities throughout the week that address different aspects of wellness including physical, social, spiritual, financial, cognitive, and more! A schedule and details can be found at www.stonehilldbq.com/ activeagingweek.
Thursday, October 16 10:00am-3:30pm Shalom Spirituality Center 1001 Davis St Dubuque, IA 52001
Non-professional/family caregivers are invited to this day of self-care, relaxation, and renewal. Find connection with other caregivers and participate in sessions to help you stay mentally, emotionally, and physically well in your caregiver role. This is a free event, but registration is required. Registration opens September 1. Details are available at www.stonehilldbq.com/ event/caregiver-retreat/ or 563.690.9679.
We welcomed Fr. Gabriel Mensah to our team on July 8. He will be celebrating regular Mass in the Health Center, Assisi Village, and Windsor Park as well as Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, supporting the Pastoral Services team and participating in other faith-based activities.
• Health Center Mass
Sunday - Thursday at 10:30am Open to residents, family, friends and visitors.
• Assisi Village Mass
Sunday - Thursday at 9:30am Open to residents, family, friends and visitors.
• Windsor Park Mass
Saturday at 4:00pm Open to residents and community members.
We are very grateful to the Archdiocese of Dubuque for helping arrange Fr. Gabriel’s assignment on our campus. Spiritual care is an important part of our holistic healthcare and enhances quality of life for our residents.
Fr. Gabriel is also sharing his time with MercyOne.
We will be blessed to have a Mass with Archbishop Zinkula this fall. He will celebrate 10:30am Mass in the San Damiano Chapel in the Health Center on Friday, October 3. Residents, members, caregivers, employees, family and friends are welcome to join us for this special Mass.
As we close out a successful fiscal year, we are filled with gratitude for the compassion and support that made it all possible.
Our Spring Appeal has currently surpassed $80,000. These generous contributions directly support the Caregiver Resource Center—a vital program that offers education, resources, and emotional support to non-professional caregivers. As the number of individuals stepping into caregiving roles continues to grow, the need for accessible, compassionate support has never been greater. Your generosity is helping ensure that caregivers have the tools they need to care for their loved ones while also caring for themselves.
The Wellness Center received an incredible $5,000 gift to support our members’ health and fitness. Thanks to this generous donation, we will be purchasing a full set of new dumbbells along with a secure, easy-toaccess storage stand. We are so grateful for this thoughtful gift!
We’re excited to share that the Employee Scholarship Fund received a generous boost this June with a $4,900 grant from the Women’s Giving Circle. This funding will be directed specifically toward our on-campus Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training program. Thanks to this support, new Stonehill employees will have the opportunity to enroll and complete the program on-site at Stonehill at no cost to them. This not only removes financial barriers but also strengthens our caregiving team by investing in those who are passionate about serving others. We are deeply grateful to the Women’s Giving Circle for recognizing the value of developing and supporting our future caregivers.
We’re also thankful for all who donated during Great Give Day in May. We promoted two important projects, the Caregiver Resource Center and the enhancement of our Health Center backyard. Stonehill received more than $3,500 in total. Funds for the backyard have helped us replace the solid vinyl fence with a wrought iron fence. It really opens up the space and expands the natural view!
Your continued belief in our mission reminds us that we are never alone in our efforts to care for one another. Together, we’re building a community where the importance of caring for our aging population remains in the forefront of our minds.
If you have any questions about ways to contribute to Stonehill’s mission and services, please contact Tracy Connolly, Director of Community Relations and Mission Advancement at 563.690.9660 or tconnolly@ stonehilldbq.com.
3485 Windsor Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa 52001
– Pat McCarthy Stonehill
