Tag Archives: shepherd of the valley-howland
Drive Safer, Drive Better, Drive Longer
Shepherd of the Valley is inviting mature drivers age 60 or better to sign-up for the AAA Safe Driving for Mature Operators Course. The state-certified course, which can qualify attendees for auto insurance discounts, is being offered in three locations over the summer. Click here for a flyer.
- June 10 & 12
Shepherd of the Valley-Niles
1500 McKinley Ave., Niles
To register call Kristen Taylor
330-544-0771, ext. 2817 - July 22 & 24
Shepherd of the Valley-Howland
4100 North River Road, NE, Warren
To register call Dawn Olson
330-856-9232, ext. 2618 - August 5 & 7
Shepherd of the Valley-Poland
301 W. Western Reserve Road, Poland
To register call Elida Cowles, LPN
330-726-7110, ext. 2318
The State certified AAA instructor will share, through interactive classroom-based instruction, the most up-to-date information on mature driver’s education. Focus areas include vision, adjusting speed, road rage, drowsy driving, prescription medications, driving emergencies, and more.
The course runs from 10am – 3pm both days with an hour for lunch. Lunch is available each day for an additional cost or participants may take advantage of the numerous dining locations nearby. Lunch reservations must be made when signing up for the class.
Class size is limited to 15 participants, so registration is REQUIRED. The cost is $10 for AAA members and $15 for non-members. The course is approved for insurance discounts by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles under Ohio’s Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Course for Drivers age 60+. Participants must be at least 60 years old to qualify for an insurance discount and meet any other any other criteria required by the insurance carrier. The insurance company determines the amount of the discount, which is good for three years.
For more information or to register, call the Shepherd community offering the class in which you are interested.
May Life Enrichment Calendar for Howland’s Assisted Living
Interested in activities and outings planned for the assisted living community at Shepherd-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the May calendar.
May Life Enrichment Calandar for The Greens at Howland
Interested in activities and outings planned for the skilled nursing and rehab community at Shepherd-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the May calendar.
May Social Calendar for the Independent Homes at Howland
Interested in activities and outings planned for the independent homes at Shepherd-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the May calendar.
Sharing Memories
Spending time with seniors is probably the best gift you give them. So why not make a fun family project out of it? Here is an article from Senior List with some ideas that will allow you to spend time with the people you love and create great memories for the future.
When spending time with your loved one, showing an interest in their past can trigger magical memories you may have never known and provide you a wealth of stories to pass on to grandkids and future generations. For example, you may start by asking a senior to gather special mementos and photographs they may have saved over the years. They can get out all the little things that people save over the years that remind us of who we are and where we’ve been. You want to capture all their emotions and excitement about these keepsakes. So maybe you could have them create a scrapbook / journal. They can write about the people in the photographs or the moments surrounding a memento. You’ll be amazed at the journeys they’ve taken and all the little details they remember. This is even great for people with onset dementia or memory loss. Remembering what happened today or last week may be difficult for them but insights from decades ago can often stay with them.
Want to create an oral history of your loved one? The National Public Radio founded a nonprofit organization named StoryCorps ©. They record the personal history of people’s lives onto CD and then preserve them at the Library of Congress. This audio is saved for all future generations and is completely free for everyone. You can find out more information by visiting their website at www.storycorps.org
Where did I come from? How about creating a family tree with your loved one? You can start a genealogy project and use photos to develop a photographed family tree. This is a great way to learn about your family’s history and with all the online resources now available a project like this is easier than ever.
Why not create a digital photo album? You can take all your favorite photographs with your one and create a DVD that plays the pictures in a slide show. Just start by scanning all the photos into your computer. You can then add captions describing the moments or add music or audio to best capture your seniors’ history. This is a great way to preserve the past and tell our loved one’s story.
These are just some of the ways you can spend time with your loved and create a historical record that shares insights you may have never known previously. The most of important part of this is spending time with those you love and sharing fond memories together. These projects of course also create new memories.
Provided by Seniorlist.com.
Spring Into Carefree Living at Shepherd
Are you ready to give up the joy of shoveling snow, raking leaves, and mowing the lawn? Shepherd of the Valley Howland and Poland are offering two move-in specials. There has been such interest that the offer has been extended intoJune.
Just think, you can be in your new carefree home at Shepherd of the Valley before summer arrives. Click here for more information on how you can begin to live a carefree life at the Howland or Poland Shepherd community!
If you or a loved one is thinking of moving to a new apartment, check out The Hillcrest Apartments at Shepherd in Niles. Pets are welcome, utilities are included, there is no lease, the neighbors are great…and you can earn a month’s rent (up to $600) just for moving in by May 31st!
Contact Kristen Taylor, Marketing Director, for more information on moving to your new home in The Hillcrest Apartments at Niles.
Employees of the Year Announced
Throughout the year, employees at each Shepherd community select employees to honor for their dedication and service. In March, five employees from that group, one from each Shepherd location, were honored as an Employee of the Year. This year the following employees were recognized:
Shepherd of the Valley- Niles: Anna Lisa Fawcett, 10p-6:30a shift aide. “She is 
always positive and always has a smile on her face,” commented Rick Mattix, Niles Associate Director. “You can tell she truly loves her job and was very appreciative of her most deserved honor. “ She has worked for SOV-Niles for 2 years.
Shepherd of the Valley-Boardman: Christina Resek. Christina has been a member 
of the housekeeping staff at SOV-Boardman since 2009. “Christina is very helpful to everyone,” stated Rich Limongi, Boardman Associate Director. “She goes out of her way for the residents, is always friendly, and a hard worker.”
Shepherd of the Valley-Howland: Lisa Freeman, LPN. “Lisa started at SOV-
Howland in 2005 as a housekeeper, studied to become an STNA and is now an LPN,” stated Tamara Salvino, Howland Associate Director. “She is a dedicated employee who always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude.”
Shepherd of the Valley-Poland: Aaron Simko. Aaron has been employed in the 
SOV-Poland Dietary Department since 1996. “Aaron was chosen by his peers because he is always going out of his way to help the residents each and every morning” explained Kelly Stansloski, Poland Associate Director. “He gives them his undivided attention, warmth, and love. The entire staff at Poland is glad Aaron is on our team!”
Shepherd of the Valley-Corporate/Home Health: Melissa Tustin. Melissa joined 
the Shepherd of the Valley staff as the Accounts Receivable Supervisor in January of 2010. “Melissa was a good addition to the staff. She is very professional and leads her staff by example,” stated Victoria Brown, CFO/Corporate Office Associate Director.
April Social Calendar for The Villas at Shepherd-Howland
Interested in activities and outings planned for the carefree living Villas at Shepherd-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the April calendar.
The Greens at Howland April Life Enrichment Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for the The Greens at SOV-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the April calendar.
Howland April Assisted Living Life Enrichment Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for the assisted living community at SOV-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the April calendar.
92-Year Old Going Downhill…Fast!
For 92-year-old Ray Matwich, going downhill is a good thing. ..and the faster, the better. Ray, a resident at Shepherd of the Valley in Howland, was an avid skier, taking his last run down the slopes at the tender age of 72.
“I always liked the snow and winter sports,” said Ray. “Ice skating with my wife and kids on Duck Creek, snowmobiling – I’d hook up sleds in a line to the back so the children and neighborhood kids got to have fun also – and skiing!”
Ray’s dream of schussing down the slopes again became a reality when the SOV-Howland 2nd Wind Dream Team arranged a trip to Brandywine Ski Resort. Ray, along with pal Regis Patrick, who Ray met when he moved to Shepherd of the Valley-Howland, and three staff, Traci Luther, Activity Director, Alisha Hadden (STNA), and Kristine Wilson (STNA), set off for Brandywine one snowy evening in March.
Ray and Mark ready for a run!
While he may not have tackled a half-pipe or Black Diamond Trail, with the assistance of Mark Gietz and Jason Chonko from 3 Trackers of Ohio, Ray had a sweet ride on adapted ski equipment. With a bi-ski, the skier must be able to assist with steering and Ray was hooked up with tether ropes, Jason calling out instructions as needed on the hill.
“Mark and Jason were great,” enthused Traci Luther, SOV-Howland Activity Director. “The entire time they were getting ready, they explained everything to Ray. That was awesome.”
“I did like how they explained everything to me,” agreed Ray.
Ray’s dream was realized through the financial support of Joe Hueber from Boston Mills/ Brandywine and the expertise of Mark Gietz, President of 3 Trackers of Ohio Brandywine. Hueber covered the cost for Ray and two Shepherd staff and the Lodge store gave Ray a substantial discount.
“I watched him going down the hill,” said Traci, “and it was very impressive…a 92 year old leaning side to side and going very fast, as if he had been doing it for years. Mark looked relaxed holding onto the tethers behind him and Jason was skiing right next to them. What an awesome experience,” she continued. “I was blessed to have had the opportunity to join him on his 2nd Wind Dream, and he has inspired me to Live Life to the Fullest!”
Ray had five runs and no wipe outs.
Jason explains to Ray how the bi-ski works.
Ray and pal Regis Patrick.
Howland Active Condo Community Social Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for the carefree living condominiums at SOV-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the March calendar. Events and activities offered throughout the Howland community are included.
March Life Enrichment Calendar for The Greens
Interested in activities and outings planned for the The Greens at SOV-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the March calendar.
Howland Assisted Living March Life Enrichment Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for the assisted living community at SOV-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the March calendar.
93-Year-Old Shepherd Resident Promoted to Honorary Brigadier General
Four years ago, Fred Kubli Jr., received a rare and distinguished recognition of becoming an honorary colonel and commander of the 910th Airlift Wing. Feb. 3, 2013, Col. (Hon.) Kubli Jr., was recognized again and promoted to honorary brigadier general by Brig. Gen. Brian E. Dominguez, 910th Airlift Wing Commander.
Brig. Gen. Brian Dominguez, Commander, 910th Airlift Wing (left) and Brig. Gen. Karl McGregor, USAF Military Deputy Director of Strategic Planning, pin brigadier general rank on Fred Kubli Jr. Kubli was promoted to honorary Brig. Gen for his selfless efforts at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station and the Mahoning Valley over the past 30 years.
“I can’t believe I get the privilege and honor of promoting a true hero, Fred Kubli Jr., to honorary brigadier general,” said Dominguez.
Ninety-three-year old Kubli, a World War II U.S. Army veteran and holocaust liberator, has been a part of the Youngstown family since the early 1980s. From his continuing support of the Youngstown Air Reserve Station Wing Base-Community Council to other 910th activities such as the Pilot for a Day Program and volunteering in more than two-dozen local organizations, Kubli continues to put others first and does not seek the limelight for what he does.
“The past 30 years he hasn’t worked for a paycheck,” said Dominguez, “He gave and gave and gave and he continues to give and give and give. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you.” Dominguez recognized that Kubli was not able to accomplish all he has without the support of his wife of 69 years.
“The reason Fred has been so successful is because of you, LaVerne,” said Dominguez. “You’re his soul mate and teammate.”
Kubli expressed his thanks and appreciation for the 910th family and his joy for getting to work with the Air Force community for more than 30 years.
“I’m honored beyond any expectations,” said Kubli. “I will do my best to honor this position, so help me, Lord. It’s been a great experience and I will continue to enjoy it and will make this my number one project.”
Credits: Press release and photograph provided by Maj. Brent Davis.
Howland February Greens Life Enrichment Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for The Greens at SOV-Howland?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the February social calendar.
Howland Assisted Living February Life Enrichment Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for SOV-Howland’s assisted living community?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the February social calendar.
Howland February Active Retirement Social Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for SOV-Howland’s carefree independent living active retirement community?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the February social calendar.
Howland January Leisure Activity Calendar for The Greens
Interested in activities and outings planned for the rehab and skilled nursing residents at the SOV-Howland community?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the January leisure calendar.
Howland Assisted Living January Life Enrichment Calendar
Interested in activities and outings planned for the assisted living residents at the SOV-Howland community?
Click here or on the image below to download a larger, printable PDF of the January leisure calendar.
