Category Archives: Community Events
It’ll Be a Rockin’ Summer in Niles
Summer is nearly here which means that the staff at Shepherd of the Valley-Niles (1500 McKinley Ave., Niles) has planned an exciting series of three summer concerts.
The first concert is Thursday, June 21st featuring the ever popular Jim Frank Trio (7:00 – 8:00pm).
An Evening in Vegas, on July 12th, is part of Shepherd’s 40th anniversary celebrations. Featured performers are Stephen Medovich performing the music of the Rat Pack, and Ronnie Navarro who brings Elvis to life with his Elvis Tribute. The concert starts at 6:30pm.
On Wednesday, August 8th, another favorite, the Girard Community Band, will perform from 7:00 – 8:00pm.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and plan to have a toe tappin’ time. In case of inclement weather, the concerts will move indoors (due to space limitations, indoor concerts will be restricted to residents only).
For more information, call Sandy Ozanich, Assisted Living Activity Assistant, 330-544-0771, ext. 2822
A Navy Pilot’s Dream
On May 11th, 87 year old Joe Briganti, a retired United States Navy Flight Instructor, finally got his wings and back on a plane.
During WWII, Joe flew SNJ single engine planes for the Navy. He was 18 years old when he enlisted and his last flight was in 1947. “Being up in the air is very quiet and peaceful to me,” he explained, “the only thing you hear is the engine of the plane and if you didn’t hear that you knew you were in trouble. Just talking about flying again puts a smile on my face and reminds me of the good old days in the Navy.”
Joe has talked about how he loved flying and being in the Navy; teaching new pilots about the planes and how to fly in all kinds of situations and weather. Being an instructor also kept him state-side longer and out of the “shooting war”.
His son, Joe Jr., stated that while Joe still had his flight gear, goggles, and log book, he was missing his pilot wings. The Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman staff, with the help of Major Brent Davis and the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna, has worked to make Joe’s dream of getting back onto a plane come true.
At 12:00pm on May 11th, Joe’s dream was granted. He and hs son had lunch at the 910th Airlift Wing Community Activity Center and then toured a C-130 aircraft. Members of the Reserve Station presented him with a certificate of service and an honorary set of Air Force wings.
“They are our heritage. The legacy that they have handed down to us we try to honor and continue to the best of our ability and we have to get these guys out here and let the young guys see them and know where our heritage came from,” said Lt. Col. Donald Milliken, squad commander of the 773rd Airlift Squad.
Joe was accompanied by his son and staff from Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman (7148 West Blvd, Boardman)
Celebrating 40 Years of Caring
Shepherd of the Valley kicks off a Summer of Celebrations with a 40th Anniversary Open House on Sunday, May 20th, 1-4pm, at Shepherd’s flagship location in Niles (1500 McKinley Ave., Niles).
The public is invited to join in the afternoon’s festivities, which include:
- Free Barbeque Chicken Dinner (no reservations needed)
- Children’s activties (12 & under) including a coloring contest and a cookie decorating station
- A basket raffle
- A DJ (featuring the music from 1972)
- Tours of the new short-term rehab suites
For additional information, contact KristenTaylor, Shepherd of the Valley-Niles Admissions/Marketing Director, at KristenT@ShepherdoftheValley.com , or 330-544-0771, ext. 2817.
Dining With Diabetes Class Offered in June
Dining with Diabetes, a series of three cooking classes, will be held at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland (301 W. Western Reserve Rd., Poland). It is sponsored by Shepherd of the Valley and the Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County.
- Dates: June 6, 13, & 20
- Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm (each day)
- Cost: $30 for all three classes
- Registration Due: June 1st
Dining with Diabetes is a cooking school and nutrition education program designed for people with diabetes and their families or caregivers. In a series of three classes, cooking demonstrations will help you learn healthy techniques to use in your own kitchen. The program includes sampling healthy foods and discussion with a dietitian or certified diabetes educator. There is even a follow-up reunion class held at a later date. In addition, everyone will receive recipes and diabetes information.
Shepherd of the Valley-Poland and the OSU Extension office remind the public that while diabetes is a serious and costly disease, research has shown that those who learn to manage blood sugar levels, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly can lower the risk of complications and lead a more productive life.
Join the fun! Download a registration brochure (page 1, page 2) here or call the OSU Extension office at 330-533-5538.
After 62 Years, It’s Still Love
Marilyn Barnhart has made Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman her home for the past two years. During that time, she hasn’t able to make a home cooked meal for her husband, Don. Many people take home cooked meals for granted, but when getting into the kitchen isn’t as easy as it used to be, making a meal for loved ones becomes even more special.
On April 26th, the Boardman staff helped Marilyn get back into the kitchen. Marilyn’s daughter got Dad out of the house for the surprise while Marilyn cooked his favorite meal: fried chicken, baked potatoes, applesauce, green beans, and chocolate pie. Click here to see WKBN’s coverage of this very special dinner.
It All Began in 1972
If Shepherd of the Valley was a person, the recent Employee Recognition party would have sported black decorations, over-the-hill jokes, and a sign in front of the Maronite Center proclaiming “Lordy, Lordy, Shepherd’s 40!” Instead, more than 225 staff and family were gathered to celebrate the dedication Shepherd’s employees showed in 2011 and throughout its 40 years of operation.
Donald Kacmar, Executive Director, welcomed all the staff, thanking them for their service. He noted it was SOV’s 40th Anniversary and that they, and all the staff members who served before them, have made SOV a success and that the family of our staff should be very proud of the job they do in serving our residents and clients.
“I would like to recognize the contributions that everyone associated with SOV has made to create a culture that is noted for giving caring and compassionate service,” stated SOV Board President Dennis Parks, in his opening remarks. “I have served on the (SOV) Board for many years and the most constant theme that I hear from the Board members is the accolades that they give for the employees of Shepherd of the Valley.” Employees make or break a company, and before the dinner and dancing started, dozens of staff were recognized for their outstanding efforts; fourteen staff never missed a day of work last year; 52 employees were recognized for their years of service including 19 for five years, 20 for 10 years, six for 15, two each for 20 and 25, and three employees, Barbara Manzeros, Shepherd-Niles, Elaine Kamps, Shepherd-Boardman, and Joanne Leippy, Shepherd-Howland, for an amazing 30 years of service.
l-r: Joanne Leipply (Howland), Dennis Parks, SOV Board President, Elaine Kamps (Boardman). Not pictured: Barbara Meszaros (Niles)
The final presentations of the evening were for Employees of the Year for each Shepherd location:
Shepherd of the Valley-Niles: William “Bill” Craig
- William “Bill” Craig
Bill is a second generation SOV employee, starting at Shepherd in October 2002. His mother, Mary, is a long-time employee who works in assisted living. Recently promoted to Maintenance Assistant, Bill also works security.
“Bill has the best attitude towards staff and our residents,” stated Rich Mendenhall, Maintenance Director. “ He always has a positive comment for you as you walk by. Bill is a tireless worker who will work any shift on any day that we need him. It does not matter if he is mopping floors, plowing snow, painting, or changing light ballasts, Bill is happy completing any job that is needed.” Bill lives in Austintown with his family.
Shepherd of the Valley-Poland: Linda Smith
- Dennis Parks, SOV Board President, Linda Smith, Kelly Stansloski, SOV-Poland Associate Director.
Linda is a residential assistant in the Nursing department and has been with Shepherd of the Valley-Poland since 2010.
“Linda goes above and beyond the requirements of her job by generously giving her time for numerous community events,” stated Associate Director Kelly Stansloski. “She has an excellent rapport with the residents, displaying kindness and a willingness to help whenever and wherever she is needed. “
Linda and her husband John live in Columbiana.
Shepherd of the Valley-Corporate Offices/At Home With Shepherd Home Health: Kristine Siciliano, RN.
l-r: Dennis Parks, SOV Board President, Kris Siciliano, RN, VIctoria Brown, CFO/Corporate Office Assistant Director
Kris Siciliano is the Director for At Home With Shepherd, Shepherd of the Valley’s home health services and has been with Shepherd since February 2010. She was praised by staff for her outstanding managerial qualities and compassionate approach with the clients, their families, and her employees.
She lives in New Middletown with her husband and three children.
Shepherd of the Valley-Howland: Shelley Fitzpatrick. Shelley Fitzpatrick is the Dietary Supervisor for SOV-Howland. She started working for Shepherd in August of 1991 at the Niles site as a dietary aide then cook. She has been at the Howland site for 11 years. Shelley is married and resides in Niles with her husband and stepdaughter.
Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman: Robinette Dawson
Robin Dawson, STNA, and Rich Limongi, Boardman Associate Dorector
Robin is a state certified nursing assistant (STNA) who has been with the Boardman community since May 2008.
“Robin is the type of STNA who nurses request on their unit,” stated Lori Kerchofer, RN, Boardman Director of Nursing. “She is punctual, efficient, knows her job well, and is well liked by residents and co-workers alike.”
Robin resides in Youngstown with her daughter.
Step Lively!!!
Emphasizing the idea that an active lifestyle is a healthy lifestyle, Shepherd of the Valley-Poland is starting a walking group.
Beginning May 1st, the public is invited to take an unguided walk every Tuesday around SOV-Poland’s grounds. The streets in the carefree living community are quiet and offer a variety of terrains to help get that heart rate up!
Everyone starts at 10:00am at the Activity Center. If you don’t have a pedometer, one will be available as will water. Then, after walking, take a break with an assortment of healthy refreshments back at the Activity Center.
- When: Every Tuesday May 1st – September 25th
- Time: 10:00 AM
- Where: Shepherd of the Valley Activity Center
- What: Unguided walk around the beautiful, quiet, safe Shepherd grounds
To sign up or for more information, contact Shepherd of the Valley-Poland, at 330-729-7110, ext. 0, or email Elida Cowles, LPN, Admissions/Marketing Director at ECowles@ShepherdoftheValley.com.
Donation Honors Son’s Memory
Mrs. Doris Hyde loved her son, Dr. Gary Hyde, and wanted to honor his memory in a visible way; one that would reflect his dedication to his patients. This wish recently came true when the new ambulance entrance canopy at Shepherd of the Valley-Howland was dedicated.
Mrs. Hyde made a very generous gift to completely underwrite the cost of building and installing the ambulance entrance canopy for the SOV-Howland Community. Mrs. Hyde presented this gift to Shepherd’s Foundation in memory of her son, Dr. Gary Hyde, who died this past September. (Click here to view WKBN’s story on Mrs. Hyde’s generous donation.)
“This gift meets a very important need that has long been identified here to better serve our Howland SOV residents,” commented Tamara Salvino, SOV-Howland Associate Director. “The entire Shepherd Family thanks Mrs. Hyde for her generosity in making this special gift in her son’s memory.”
Mrs. Hyde feels that this gift in her son Gary’s memory is a fitting tribute to him. The Hyde Family has long been associated with SOV Howland. Dr. Hyde’s mother-in-law also resided at Shepherd.
For more information on how you can make a difference at Shepherd of teh Valley, contact Alan Bayowski, Shepherd’s Foundation Director, at 330-530-4038, ext. 2028, or ABayowski@ShepherdoftheValley.com.
The Hyde Family and friends gather for the dedication of the ambulance entrance canopy, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Gary Hyde. Pictured l-r: front row – Mike Evans, Nancy Hyde, Patrick and Michael Evans, Susan Whiting, Mrs. Doris Hyde, Nancy Gdovin and Pastor Jim Brandis. back row – Danny Gwirtz, Matthew Evans, Barbara Gwirtz, Bret Gdovin and Mary Evans.
Shepherd’s Leprechaun Takes the Cake!
Out-Patient Rehab Available at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland
Shepherd of the Valley –Poland (301 West Western Reserve Rd) recently opened an outpatient rehabilitation center in conjunction with Circle Rehab.
“Working with Circle Rehab affords us another opportunity to promote wellness” stated Patricia Ahlswede RN, Residential Care Coordinator. “This is a real convenience for the community as well as our residents.”
Shepherd of the Valley-Poland offers condominiums for carefree living as well as assisted living. “The rehabilitation center is a wonderful addition to this community, and very much needed in this area.”
Ahlswede also stressed that participants in the rehabilitation program need not be residents of Shepherd of the Valley and encourages the public to come in at any time to view the rehab area and have any questions answered.
For additional information about the new outpatient program at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland, contact Circle Rehab at 330-759-2480.
Furry Phoebe is Five!
Phoebe is not a resident at Shepherd of the Valley-Howland, but she spends lots of time there sitting with residents, licking hands, and generally making people happy.
Phoebe is a boxer and one of SOV-Howland’s furry mascots. A certified therapy dog, Phoebe spends time with the residents, many of whom miss the companionship provided by former pets. Recently, the residents helped Phoebe celebrate her 5th birthday with much petting, a birthday hat, and Slurptastic doggie ice cream from Katie’s Corners.
“The residents just light up when they see Phoebe,” said Lynn Walters, a dedicated SOV volunteer and music teacher at Howland Glenn School, who has been bringing Phoebe to visit the residents for almost a year.
And it’s not just the residents who benefit from Phoebe’s presence. Traci Luther, SOV-Howland Activity Director says the staff is equally affected. “You can see someone walking down the hall, deep in thought or worried about something. When they see Phoebe, their whole demeanor changes.”
Phoebe proves what studies have shown; that being around animals just makes a person feel better. Therapy dogs are trained to provide comfort. They offer companionship and are non-judgmental and non-threatening. There is no pressure on the person to do or say anything.
72 Years of Beautiful Music
On February 10, the Shepherd of the Valley-Niles Dream Team fulfilled another Second Wind Dream helping Assisted Living residents Bill and Molly Gales do something they have been doing for 72 years – make beautiful music on the dance floor.
Two years ago, Niles natives Bill and Molly Gales returned home from Florida. They missed family and friends, so made the move to Shepherd of the Valley-Niles. While the move was challenging, they knew as long as they had each other and music to dance to, they were home.
“I don’t know how it would have been if we didn’t have each other,” Bill said. “We’re just so glad we’re together.”
At the age of 92 and 91, Bill and Molly have a reputation for being the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. They love everything from polkas to slow dances. While they don’t go out every week-end like they did when they were younger, according to Molly, “Every night we watch the news and then Billy will sing our favorite song (“Let It Be Me” by the Everly Brothers) and we dance.”
The couple has been married since 1940…that’s 72 years, or 26,280 days, of dancing!
The SOV-Niles Dream Team celebrated the Gales love for dancing and each other by arranging a candlelight dinner in the Shepherd Assisted Living Library and an evening of dancing at Avon Oaks Ballroom. The ballroom staff helped the celebration by waiving the cover charge.
“It was obvious as we watched Bill and Molly dancing that the two of them had found the love of their lives,” shared Kim Osborn, Shepherd of the Valley-Niles Activity Director. “We should all be so lucky to find that kind of enduring love.”
The Shepherd staff embraced Second Wind Dreams (www.secondwind.org) to help our seniors realize one more dream.
David Fry Named Poland Employee of the Month
Congratulations to David Fry, February Employee of the Month for Shepherd of the Valley-Poland.
It says much about David that he has been selected for this honor, as he has joined the Shepherd of the Valley Poland staff one short year ago. David holds the important position of Night Security/Janitor. According to the staff, he “keeps this place shining” as a result of “his hard-working” work ethic.
David is always willing to go above and beyond what is required to help whoever needs him, whenever he is needed. He is known throughout the community by staff and resident alike as someone who is compassionate, helpful, and awesome!
David resides in Petersburg, Ohio.
Join the Fun at our Card Parties
May 30, 11:30am – 4pm
Card players of all kinds are invited to play on Wednesday, May 30th, at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland 44514. This month there will be a buffet lunch. Cost for lunch is $6.00.
Reservations are needed by Tuesday, May 22nd. Lunch is served at 11:30am. For those who just want to play cards, decks will be shuffled starting at 1:00pm. To make a reservation or for more information, call 330-726-7110, ext. 0.
June 27, 1pm – 4pm Card players of all kinds are invited to play on Wednesday, June 27th, at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland, 301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland 44514. Decks will be shuffled starting at 1:00pm. No reservation is needed. For more information, please call 330-726-7110, ext. 0.
Operation Santa Paws HUGE Success!
Thanks to every one who helped to make Operation Santa Paws a rousing success! On Wednesday, December 21st, Operation “Santa Paws” packed its sleigh (truck) and delivered a huge amount of donations to three animal shelters: The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, Animal Charity in Youngstown, and Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary in Salem. In its fourth year, the donations for Operation Santa Paws far exceeded anything received in past years. Nearly 50 bags of cat and dog food, over 100 treats, beds, blankets, cleaning supplies, and more toys then you can shake a stick at were received.
“Teaming up with the Southern Park Mall made a huge difference this year,” stated Lynn Miller, Shepherd of the Valley Corporate Marketing Director. “Copper Zone Tanning did a great job as our collection point there.”
“People were very generous,” Paula Blakeman, Shepherd of the Valley-Poland Activity Director and Operation Santa Paws organizer, enthused. “Pet Lodge USA in Boardman collected for us. We received a call from Roth Brothers that we were their charity of choice this year. In addition to items they collected, we also received a large cash donation, enabling us to give each organization $80 in cash. In Niles, a woman took up a collection in her neighborhood and brought a wonderful assortment of items to our Niles site.”
Operation Santa Paws is an annual Christmas drive spearheaded by Shepherd of the Valley-Poland that provides holiday cheer for our four-legged friends. In addition to pet supplies, $240 in cash was donated this year, which was split between the three groups.
All of the organizations ask that people continue to remember them. Donations are accepted and needed year round…and there is a pet waiting there to be adopted!