A Most Memorable Nursing Story
May, 2011
The writer of the article below is the daughter of an employee at The Oaks. She has volunteered everywhere in the community until she was old enough to become employed at The Oaks. Lynn McKendree wrote this as a submission to the Consonus Pharmacy Nurses week May 10 celebration. The question asked was “Tell us your most memorable nursing story.” Here is what Lynn wrote:
When I started work at The Oaks there was a man living there named Darryll. Darryll was a very hush, hush kind of person who kept to himself.
Darryll had no family, but I joked with him every day when I worked. I tried to be extra kind to this man because he needed it. Darryll began to pass away and I came in EVERY DAY, even days I didn't work to visit with him. I live about twenty miles from my work. Every day Before I left his room I would say "Darryll….I love you!"
Darryll had never told any of us that he loved us, but I kept saying it every day. The night before Darryll passed, he leaned over before I left and mumbled, "I love you too!"
Don Simmons Receives 2010 Employee of the Year Award
October 2010
|
A surprised Don Simmons was the recipient of the Frontier Management Employee of the Year Award for 2010. “Don has been a highly valued member of the Team here at The Oaks at Lebanon since June of 2007. "Don was a stand-out winner among over 2400 Company-Wide employees and we are grateful to have him on our Team" said Matthew Dunham, Chief Operating Officer of Frontier Management.
"Your attitude, willingness to help, roll-up your sleeves/can-do spirit, personal drive, demeanor and team effort has been recognized" said Dunham. "Don, you are most deserving of this plaque which we are proud to present to you. We hope you know that your hard work and dedication will be a symbol and benchmark for which we all strive to demonstrate. You will be described to all of our team members throughout the United States and the personality in which we seek for all of our communities.”
Don's co-workers shared these thoughts about him:
“Don is always willing to lend a helping hand, even if it is on his own time. He is helpful to our residents, their families, employees, friends and the whole community. Don volunteered to be the cook for our Employee Bar-B-Que. He did a wonderful job. He helps residents and employees jump start their vehicles, when they leave lights on and the battery dies. He has repaired resident’s furniture when the maintenance man was out and unable. He empties the trash in the resident’s smoking area, even though he does not use that area. He almost always has a smile, greets everyone and is a wonderful fit to our community.” ~ T.M.
“Don is a wonderful employee. He comes in on his day off to volunteer and help out with things like Bar-B-Queing for parties. He waits on the residents – catering to all their needs. He is willing to do anything for anyone including moving residents who are alone and need more care. He will fix toilets, change light bulbs, or fix someone’s car. He will bring treats into people who are having a bad day. He was a “cross-dresser” for an Open House function (and was the “hit” of the party).” ~ Angie Kutsch, Executive Director of The Oaks at Lebanon
“Don volunteered to be a “cross-dresser” for our Mock Fashion Show. It is hard to see, but he wore a ladies dress, a feather boa, a beautiful wig, and the dress was decorated with “crosses” to make him an official “cross” dresser. He is the life of the party.” ~ Co-worker
In addition to a recognition plaque, Don received a weekend of fun activities for he and his wife at Newport, Oregon.
"We want for you and your wife to have a wonderful weekend on us as you give so much to everyone else. Don, thank you for all that you have done and continue to do” stated Greg Roderick, Frontier’s CEO.
“I just want to say that I love it here and will continue to spoil all of you every day. Thank you!" said Simmons.
Angie Kutsch Recognized for 20 Years of Service
October 2010
The Oaks at Lebanon Executive Director Angie Kutsch was recently recognized by Frontier Management for 20 years of service. Angie began working at The Oaks when it first opened, and continuously moved up in her capacity ultimately becoming the Executive Director.
"Commitment, dedication and hard-working are a few words that can sum up who Angie is and how she feels about The Oaks at Lebanon, and the staff and residents whom work and live here" stated Greg Roderick, Frontier Management President & CEO. "In today's world, Angie is rare. She has been at the same place of employment for 20-years."
"The Oaks is a tremendous community and was one of our original communities when we started Frontier Management 10-years ago." Roderick continued.
Roderick said that Angie was known as a conscientious, dedicated and loyal employee over the past 20 years and truly cares about the residents that she serves. "She is described as a quiet, hard working, tireless leader" said Roderick. "It is her nature to demonstrate leadership, empathy and dedication. We are so proud to have her on our team, to lead The Oaks and have the opportunity to serve with her."
In recognition of her achievement, Angie was awarded a certificate commemorating her 20 years of service and also a gift certificate for Salishan Spa & Golf Resort in Gleneden Beach, Oregon.
"Angie, let us treat you as you treat all of us. Have a wonderful time at Salishan Lodge and take a little break. Great Job and thank you for 20-years!" Roderick concluded.
"I love it here at The Oaks, I love the staff and I love the residents" said Angie.
21st Anniversary Celebrated with Western Bar-B-Que
August 12, 2010
The staff and residents at The Oaks Retirement and Assisted Living in Lebanon dressed in their western duds, boots and hats to celebrate their 21st anniversary. Over two-hundred from the community of Lebanon turned out for the "boot scootin" barbeque, entertainment and all the happenings of a western hoe down.
The Oaks lovely décor was transposed with hay bales, western saddles and horse tack, tumble weeds, real longhorn skulls. To add to the outdoor atmosphere of the day a stagecoach, that was hand built by a resident's family member, was loaned to The Oaks for the occasion.
The Oaks famous old fashioned root beer, barbequed hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans were served as well as cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn.
"The Straight Shooters", a locally well known country western band entertained the crowd during the afternoon. They were a big hit with youngsters and oldsters. Some folks were observed doing the do-si-do and toe-tapping to the western songs.
As everyone said "adios", they were already looking forward to celebrating the 22nd anniversary in 2011!
