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

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)

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

“I am very proud of the hard work the staff puts in every day to make sure all of our residents receive the care and attention they deserve,” stated Rick Mattix, SOV-Niles Associate Director/Administrator.  “It really means a lot when the surveyors also recognize the quality of care we provide and how involved the staff is with our residents and families.”

The Division of Quality Assurance of the Ohio Department of Health conducts on-site surveys for the 964 nursing care centers in Ohio.  Each receives at least one unannounced survey during the survey cycle.  During these inspections, all aspects of care and services are evaluated based on state and federal laws and rules. Any complaints related to resident’s rights, quality of care, quality of life, staffing, abuse, dietary and environmental concerns are addressed, as is family and resident satisfaction.

For more information about Shepherd of the Valley-Niles, contact Kristen Taylor, Marketing/Admissions Director, at 330-544-0771, ext. 2817, or via email at KristenT@ShepherdoftheValley.com.

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.

Assisted living communities housing 17 or more people are licensed and surveyed annually by the Ohio Department of Health.  Ohio currently has 598 assisted living communities which must meet 324 regulations to achieve a perfect survey.  Each year, less than 50% achieve that goal.

“I am very proud of all of the staff,” exclaimed Rick Mattix, SOV-Niles Associate Director/Administrator.  “It takes a real team effort to achieve these results.  It is nice to see that the staff’s hard work and genuine love for our residents is recognized.”

Assisted living is a special combination of housing and supportive services ranging from activities of daily living and medication management or special diets to socialization.  Surveys cover everything from building codes to staffing requirements and family and resident satisfaction.

For more information about Shepherd of the Valley-Niles, contact Kristen Taylor, Marketing/Admissions Director, at 330-544-0771, ext. 2817, or via email at KristenT@ShepherdoftheValley.com.

At Home With Shepherd was recently notified that it has achieved an excellent hospital readmission rate; one that is more than two times lower than the state average!  Hospital readmission rates are one of the quality measures for healthcare providers and At Home With Shepherd’s rehospitalization rate is a low 12%.  This compares very favorably against a national average of 27% and the Ohio state-wide average of 29%.

“I am very proud of our nurses and caregivers,” stated Kris Siciliano, RN, At Home With Shepherd Director.  “These numbers point to the excellence of care and attention to detail they provide to our clients.”