Resident Spotlight - Bob Eakin

Think of your favorite hobby. Do you think that you will be participating in it when you are in your 90s? No one can tell what their future will hold, but for those who are lucky to be in good health, their twilight years can be some of the best and most proactive years of their lives. A wonderful example of a person flourishing late in life can be seen in our North Huntingdon resident, Bob Eakin. Bob is a very talented and generous man who has lived at Redstone for a little over a year. At 94, he has spent the last 15 years of his life performing the art of woodworking.

Before moving to Redstone, Bob resided in Herminie, PA with his wife and daughter. He was employed at the Kroger Meat Plant in the Maintenance Department until the time of his retirement. Although he had no experience in woodworking, he decided to pick it up as a hobby. Since then, his work has ranged from cars and trains to dollhouses and music boxes. All are very detailed as you can see in the photo above. Bob spends anywhere from 50 to over 100 hours on one piece. Spending so many hours on something this detailed can be tedious and difficult for some, but Bob enjoys every minute of the time spent in his workshop at the Redstone Highlands North Huntingdon Campus.

Although much time and effort is put into his pieces, he has never entered any of them into a contest. He used to bring them to craft shows, but decided that wasn’t for him. Woodworking is simply a hobby for Bob. So, what does he do with all of these beautiful works of art? He donates them! He has given many of them away and has put quite a few of them on display at Redstone Highlands. We are grateful for Bob’s generosity and talent!

Redstone Gives Back!

Redstone Employees accepted into the Redstone Culinary C.A.R.E. program

 learning new skills (all food was for training purposes only).

As a non-profit organization, Redstone’s responsibility to serve the larger good is one that is taken seriously.  During the past fiscal year, Redstone has provided care and service in a variety of ways. 

Redstone’s commitment to providing Benevolent Care to residents in need is central to our non-profit commitment.  When through no fault of his or her own a resident’s personal financial assets are depleted, Redstone continues to provide a home for life for that resident.  Last year, Redstone provided nearly $2.5 million in free care to residents in need. 

Benevolent Care is provided for residents in two distinct categories.  Direct Benevolent Care is provided to those residents living in Independent and Supportive levels of care on our Redstone campuses.  This assistance comes in the form of a reduced monthly service charge based on the resident’s current ability to pay.  Indirect Benevolent Care is provided to residents in the Harbor (Skilled Nursing Facility) in Greensburg.  When residents are unable to pay the private pay daily rate, the difference between the reimbursement paid by Medicaid and the full cost of care is forgiven.   

In 2013, Redstone employees and residents rose over $1,200

 for the Westmoreland County Food Bank’s

“Go Orange for Hunger” campaign. 

In addition to providing care for those in need within our Redstone communities, our residents and employees are committed to serving the needs of the larger community too.  Through the “Redstone Gives” program, residents and staff members work together to raise funds for several selected charities.  In 2013, our charities of choice included the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Westmoreland County Food Bank, and the Humane Society of Westmoreland County.  Bingos, bake sales, daffodil sales, and other activities raise money for these charities.  In addition, employees pay $1.00 to one of these charities every Friday in exchange for the privilege of wearing jeans to work.  Two food drives annually collect hundreds of items for the Westmoreland County Food Bank.  During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, over $7,600 in support (along with food items) were raised for these community charities.  Redstone has also forged a relationship with the Brother’s Brother Foundation in Pittsburgh.  As an example, Redstone recently replaced a number of old-style mechanical beds with beds with electric controls.  Brother’s Brother is happy to come to collect the old beds, and through their efforts ships them to countries where these beds are much needed.  Over the past year, Redstone has made a number of donations of furnishings and medical equipment which Brother’s Brother has used in its healthcare ministries around the world. 

Opening our doors to the community is another cornerstone of the Redstone commitment to service.  Many outside groups enjoy hosting events in Redstone facilities.  Highlights this year included an art exhibition by a local high school student, monthly retirees clubs, card clubs, art clubs, etc.  Additional clubs, programs, and fitness opportunities are open to the public and help Redstone serve the community in creative ways. 

The Norwin Art League displayed art work from

100 artists from September 4-8, 2013 at the

 Redstone Colonial Estates.

Redstone’s commitment to education is also a way in which we serve the larger community.  Each year, Redstone conducts classes that prepare participants to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA).  This often leads to a full-time career and job stability for those desiring to enter the healthcare workforce.  Many Redstone employees take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program which allows them to advance their education in ways that might not otherwise be affordable.  In cooperation with Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Redstone participates in the “Transition WORKS!” program which allows qualified high school students to work with a job coach to prepare for a transition into the workforce.  Redstone continually offers its leaders ongoing educational opportunities related to management.  CPR and First Responder classes prepare our employees to handle emergencies on our campuses and have also created community servants better equipped to assist others in emergency situations.

A commitment to volunteerism provides an additional element of Redstone’s community service.  Where would we be without the hundreds of volunteers who work in our gift shops, visit residents, lead worship, bring pets for pet therapy, assist with activities and transportation, etc.  These hours of community service impact the lives of our residents in many ways.  We are especially grateful for the community leaders who give very freely of their time and knowledge by serving as members of our Board of Directors and on a variety of committees.  In addition, nurtured in Redstone’s core values, our employees are active in the local community in a myriad of ways as scout leaders, Sunday school teachers, school volunteers, Habitat for Humanity builders, choir members, mission volunteers, etc.  The commitment of our employees to care and serve extends in broad ripples throughout the region. 

In December, the Greensburg campus held a

 wonderful Christmas Open House for friends, 

family, employees, and residents.

Last, but certainly not least, Redstone’s economic impact on the region is significant.  Approximately 90% of our employees live in Westmoreland County, adding significant dollars to the economy with their buying power and through taxes paid to local municipalities.

Through generous programs of Benevolent Care, support of external charities, utilization of facilities, commitment to a variety of educational programs, a dedicated corps of volunteers both within and outside of the Redstone walls, and a strong base of employees who live in this region, we live out our commitment to care and service.  

Recognizing the Great Things that Our Employees Do

At Redstone Highlands and Senior Independence of Southwestern Pennsylvania, we have a wonderful program in which our employees can be recognized for wonderful things that they do each and every day while serving our residents, their family members, and other friends of our organization. This DOVE Recognition Program is inspired by the Redstone Highlands logo, and its acronym stands for: Distinction Of Visible Excellence.

Nominating an individual for a DOVE Recognition is very simple. On each Redstone Highlands campus, recognition cards are available for residents, their family members, or staff to fill out and notify the DOVE committee when an employee does something good that should be recognized.  These cards can be obtained at deposit boxes located in all main lobbies and near each employee time clock. The DOVE committee will collect and review these cards on a monthly basis. Following the committee’s review, the employee and his or her supervisor will receive notification of the recognition. The employee will also receive a token of appreciation for a “job well done.” Certain notable acts will be recognized publicly at the annual DOVE Banquet.

In addition to individual recognitions, each department will be recognized during a designated week of the year. Some weeks will coincide with national recognition weeks (i.e. National Nurses Week), but in order to keep all employees involved, the DOVE committee will be recognizing every department throughout the year even if no official week applies. During each department’s recognition week, the names of each employee within that department will be recognized on Touchtown TV and on monthly activities calendars that are distributed to residents.

Lastly, Redstone employees who have reached a significant milestone in the number of years that they have served will receive a special gift for their service. The names of these individuals will also be listed on materials that are distributed and displayed at the DOVE Recognition Banquet.

Volunteer Spotlight - Nicole Bruzda

The following letter was written by a high school student that volunteered at Redstone Highlands in the activities department. She worked under Activities Supervisor Karen Stock and wrote this wonderful letter about her experience. 

Dear Karen,

Thank you so much for the opportunity at Redstone Highlands. It has been such a great experience for me that I will never forget. Through helping at Redstone I now know that nursing is what I really want to do as a career. Everyone that I have met: both residents and employees have welcomed me, and I truly feel part of the Redstone family. I have learned a lot that I will take with me into the future as I go to college and pursue nursing. It has been great working with you, and I appreciate the time you have taken out for me during my time at Redstone. Every time I see you, you have a smile on your face. I can tell that you really love your job, and I hope one day I love mine as much as you do yours. I would also like to thank you for introducing me to Anne. Although I wasn’t able to know her for too long: I loved talking to her, and seeing her smile. Going through that with Anne has better prepared me for what’s ahead. Again, thank you for the wonderful time I spent with you and the Redstone employees, and residents.

Sincerely,

Nicole Bruzda

Employee Spotlight - Karen Stock

January 1980, a young woman named Karen Stock was hired into the Activities Department at the Greensburg Home of the Redstone Presbytery.  The Steelers had just won the Super Bowl, and Karen had recently made Pennsylvania her home.  She found her purpose and mission of life when she began working at Redstone.  Karen found it to be very comfortable, fun, challenging, and gratifying to be a part of this community.

Karen has always had a special bond with the elderly. Continuing to see their beauty, being able to provide a laugh, sharing a memory, and making new ones are her favorite aspects of her career.  Whether it means holding someone’s hand or being there when their journey is ending, Karen will stay with her residents through the good times and the bad.

Karen’s coworker for many years, Brenda Sobota, had these kind words to say about her, “She is simply a gift to Redstone.  I always think about how can Karen maintain the ability to be committed and continue to care so much after so many years.  She is unflagging in her commitment of serving the people here.  She is the continuing dedication of quality that we can offer to our staff.  She is very talented and we are blessed to have such an amazing person like Karen.”

“It has been my good fortune to have met so many residents on their life’s journey.  It is a privilege to work here, where lives intertwine to benefit all in love, peace, mutual trust, and understanding.  I have truly been blessed over these past 34 years, and I take a degree of satisfaction in the sure knowledge that my presence has made a difference in so many lives,” Karen explains.

Karen, throughout your 34 years of employment with us, you have been and continue to be an amazing gift to Redstone Highlands Communities.  Thank you for your never-ending commitment and the gifts that you bring to our residents, staff, friends, and families every day.

Resident Spotlight - Terry Deglau

Terry Deglau, a current resident at Redstone Highlands Communities in Greensburg, PA, has been a notable photographer for many years. Terry had a long career with his father’s company, Kodak, and then he began his own business. Terry’s father and grandfather taught him photography at a very young age and he sold his first photograph when he was only 8 years old in Latrobe, PA. He worked at his father’s photography business for 20 years before he was hired by Eastman Kodak in 1985. During this time, Terry photographed over 1400 weddings and he would take 3000 senior photos annually.

Terry would go on to take many famous photos throughout his career like the photograph of the United Nations in 2000. The photograph was featured in the encyclopedia, which Terry said “Was a great accomplishment for him and his career.” It took him 6 months to prep for the photograph and he said “It was one of the best experiences of his life.” He had many other photographs that became fampous like one of Arnold Palmer, Mr. Rodgers, Yellowstone, and he took an amazing photo titled “Photo of the Century” in 2000 for then Governor Rendell. 

Even though Terry’s work was gaining popularity, he was a very humble person. He volunteered as often as he could and traveled around the world lecturing about photography to help others succeed. He would take photos at many organizations that could not pay him for his work, but he would do it out of the good of his heart. One particular project that he volunteered to do was at Gettysburg. He photographed the battlefield from morning to night obtaining many amazing photographs. Terry had lectured in over 45 different countries throughout his career. Helping others to learn about photography and being able to display his amazing work. 

Today, Terry Deglau can be found still lecturing at Redstone Highlands and blogging every Sunday. His blog is called A Creative Mind is a Moving Target. This blog is an outlet for Terry to show beautiful photographs and provide commentary for them.

Exercise is Medicine

The residents at Redstone Highlands are proof that EXERCISE IS MEDICINE! Over 250 residents participate in SeniorFITness, a comprehensive wellness program with a focus on fall prevention, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall wellness. The residents go through a series of assessments throughout their participation to monitor progress and for goal setting purposes. Recently, our Exercise Physiologist randomly selected 80 residents for data collection purposes to document the changes in the aforementioned areas from the start of the program to 3-6 months of active participation. The findings are incredible! In 3 to 6 months of active participation in SeniorFITness the statistics show:

•       19% improvement in Balance
•       20% improvement in Gait
•       45% improvement in Upper Body Strength
•       38% improvement in Lower Body Strength
•       36% improvement in Cardiovascular Endurance  

In as little as 3 to 6 months, these residents have greatly improved their physical health. We've also noted that SeniorFITness participants are 7 times less likely to experience a fall than those who do not exercise. With falls being the number one cause of injury and death in the aging population, these improvements speak for themselves. The bottom line is that exercise is medicine and it is never too late to start!