A publication of Bethesda Health Group, Inc. • July 2016 • Volume 54, No. 1

Fostering successful aging through compassion and innovation

Despite the challenges of the winter and early spring weather, the construction of Bethesda Hawthorne Place, Bethesda’s new Assisted Living and Memory Support Community, at the intersection of Big Bend and Berry Roads, is moving along swiftly.

Ground was broken on the 60-bed community in November 2015, and though 42 work days were lost prior to June due to inclement weather, much of the construction is expected to be under roof by the beginning of September.

“It’s a testament to our design and construction team, as well as our construction partners at Paric

Corporation, that the progress has moved along as well as it has,” says Scott Middelkamp, Bethesda’s Vice President of Business Process Improvement.

Bethesda Hawthorne Place, whose name is based on the name and essence of the Missouri State Flower, will be Bethesda’s second Assisted Living Community. An 18-bed community, Assisted Living at Charless Village, is located in South County off Telegraph Road adjacent to Bethesda Southgate.

“Our research indicated need exists in the Webster/Kirkwood area for Assisted Living apartments, and Bethesda is

www.BethesdaHealth.org

Bethesda Hawthorne Place Taking ShapeNew 60-Bed Assisted Living and Memory Support Community to Open Early 2017

committed to filling that gap and expanding the continuum of care and services we provide for the community,” says Joe Brinker, Bethesda President & CEO.

“Additionally, because many seniors are faced with the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, Bethesda has designed the community and developed programs specifically to meet the unique needs of these individuals,” Joe adds.

In addition to Paric, partners in the project include Hercules Construction Management Company, The Lawrence Group and Spellman Brady.

Progress reports and photos are available on Bethesda’s social media platforms, website (www.BethesdaHealth.org) and in subsequent issues of the Pulse.

An office will soon open on the campus of Bethesda Dilworth to provide specifics regarding availability, pricing, programming and other details. For more information about Bethesda Hawthorne Place or to arrange for an appointment, please call 314-800-1920. n

Progress on Bethesda Hawthorne Place as of mid-June 2016.

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Board of DirectorsGeorge W. Clements, Jr.*Chairman

Fred H. PeraboVice Chairman

Joseph J. BrinkerPresident and CEO

John W. Rowe*Treasurer

Gary L. MayesSecretary

Kenneth J. BowerWm. Kenneth FreemanThomas J. HarrisPhilip A. HutchisonKevin J. KlinglerKenneth J. KolkmeierSusan G. MooreRichard C. Mueller, Jr.Mark W. Reifsteck

Advisory BoardRobert S. BarrettJoseph E. Birk, Jr.*Nicholas B. CliffordThomas R. Collins*David M. Culver*Earl K. Dille*Robert C. Drews, M.D.Benjamin F. Edwards IVJ. Curtis EnglerJames H. Esther, M.D.David L. Fleisher*Franc E. FlotronEarle H. Harbison, Jr.Juanita H. Hinshaw*Patricia P. KapsarJ. Michael KellerHarry V. KennedyRuth A. KohlPeter B. KrombachSally S. LillyJohn W. McClure*J. Dale MeierJames A. MillsAlphonse D. PoelkerCatherine M. ReissJames F. Sertl, M.D.Jacqueline R. ShillingtonElizabeth G. SimsJoan S. WhitfordStephen W. Woodard

Bethesda Health Group FoundationPamela E. DempskiCorporate Vice President(314) 800-1981

Community Care Coordinator Terri Balestreri(314) 800-1911

Management Committee and Corporate AdministrationJoseph J. Brinker, President and Chief Executive OfficerRoger T. Byrne, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerAmy J. Trau, Chief Operating OfficerR. Kenneth Bass, Jr., Senior Vice President, Senior LivingLarry D. Hickman, Senior Vice President, Administrative Services and Chief Information OfficerKatherine E. Joslin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and MarketingNathan D. Darling, Corporate Vice President, Strategy and Business DevelopmentPamela E. Dempski, Corporate Vice President and Director of Fund DevelopmentKevin L. Curry, Vice President and Corporate Compliance OfficerJeffrey R. Waldman, Vice President and Director of Marketing

Skilled Nursing Care/Rehab & TherapyBethesda Dilworth9645 Big Bend BoulevardOakland, MO 63122, (314) 968-5460Muriel Van Oordt, V.P. and Senior AdministratorVictoria Schmidleutner, Admissions CounselorDana McHugh, Admissions Counselor

Bethesda Meadow322 Old State RoadEllisville, MO 63021, (636) 227-3431Candice Brown, V.P. and AdministratorSarita Weldon, Admissions Counselor

Bethesda Southgate5943 Telegraph RoadOakville, MO 63129, (314) 846-2000Christine Crouch, V.P. and Senior AdministratorLea Ann Coates, Admissions Counselor

Eunice Smith Home1251 College Ave.Alton, IL 62002, (618) 463-7330Mark Jeffries, Administrator

Village North Retirement Community 11160 Village North Dr.St. Louis, MO 63136, (314) 355-8010Becky Pennick, Administrator

Barnes-Jewish Extended Care 401 Corporate Park Dr. Clayton, MO 63105, (314) 725-7447Mike Callicott, Administrator

Assisted LivingCharless Village5943 Telegraph RoadSt. Louis, MO 63129, (314) 606-9891Christine Crouch, V.P. and Senior AdministratorLea Ann Coates, Admissions Counselor

Home and Community Based ServicesMichelle Glass, Vice President

Bethesda Hospice Care (314) 446-0623Dana Airsman, DirectorHany Salama, M.D., Medical Director

Bethesda Senior Support Solutions(Formerly Bethesda Private Duty)(314) 963-2200Toni Emery, Director

Bethesda Senior Therapy Center(314) 218-2610Michelle Glass, Vice PresidentCorey Solman, M.D., Medical Director

Adult Day Care at Bethesda Dilworth(314) 446-2103

Adult Day Care at Charless Village(314) 606-9891

Bethesda Rehab & Therapy Centers(Short Stay Medicare Rehabilitation)(314) 277-9959Thomas Miskle, Executive Director

St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health(314) 218-2600Denise O’Malley, Director

Geriatric Care Management(314) 963-2212Chandelle Martel, Manager

Meals on WheelsKirkwood/Webster (314) 968-5460 Oakville (314) 892-1124

Women’s BoardJudy BassDorothy BoenkerJean M. BouchardAntoinette C. BreihanSusan M. BrinkerJane D. BryanFran BurnsBarbara B. Clements, PresidentMarian F. DeslogeMartha V. DilleMichelle M. GlassEvelyn B. GoldbergSusan M. GoodmanMichele HachmanSuzanne S. HarbisonMarilyn L. HarringtonMary HarrisJuanita H. Hinshaw*Joan M. HowarthJane C. HughesChristy F. JamesKatherine E. JoslinPatricia P. KapsarBabs KolkmeierSusan R. KrombachSally S. LillyErle L. LionbergerSusan E. LogieLorraine A. MageeJane MahanAnn C. McCandlessLydia MeierLisa MeyerDessa MorrowNancy S. O’BrienJulie R. Poelker, TreasurerVirginia R. RoweDianne SamuelsonNorma Jean SchallertMary M. Sertl, MembershipJacqueline R. ShillingtonFrances B. StuhlAmy J. TrauJoyce UlrichSue I. VoorheesGeorgee G. WaldmanSusan E. WebsterJoan S. Whitford

PULSE staff

Executive EditorKatherine E. Joslin

EditorJeffrey R. Waldman

DesignerAmy Grzina

*Former Board Chairman

Senior Independent LivingDaVone O’Leary, Sales Director

Bethesda Barclay House230 South Brentwood BoulevardClayton, MO 63105, (314) 725-1000Nathan Torno, Senior General Manager Sarah Zimmerman, Sales Counselor

Bethesda Gardens420 South Kirkwood RoadKirkwood, MO 63122, (314) 965-8100Mitchell Beuke, General Manager Sherry Ehrler, Sales Counselor

Bethesda Orchard21 North Old Orchard AvenueWebster Groves, MO 63119(314) 963-2100Wade Hachman, General ManagerJustin Oakes, Sales Counselor

Bethesda Terrace2535 Oakmont Terrace DriveOakville, MO 63129, (314) 846-6400Andrea Snyder, Senior General ManagerMarie Bartels, Sales Counselor

The Oaks at BethesdaBig Bend & Berry RoadOakland, MO 63122, (314) 372-5839Mitchell Beuke, General Manager Sherry Ehrler, Sales Counselor

Village North Retirement Community 11160 Village North Dr.St. Louis, MO 63136, (314) 355-8010Gwen Cabe, General ManagerAmanda Joggerst, Sales Counselor

Page 3Bethesda Information Resource Line • 314-800-1911

Women’s BoardJudy BassDorothy BoenkerJean M. BouchardAntoinette C. BreihanSusan M. BrinkerJane D. BryanFran BurnsBarbara B. Clements, PresidentMarian F. DeslogeMartha V. DilleMichelle M. GlassEvelyn B. GoldbergSusan M. GoodmanMichele HachmanSuzanne S. HarbisonMarilyn L. HarringtonMary HarrisJuanita H. Hinshaw*Joan M. HowarthJane C. HughesChristy F. JamesKatherine E. JoslinPatricia P. KapsarBabs KolkmeierSusan R. KrombachSally S. LillyErle L. LionbergerSusan E. LogieLorraine A. MageeJane MahanAnn C. McCandlessLydia MeierLisa MeyerDessa MorrowNancy S. O’BrienJulie R. Poelker, TreasurerVirginia R. RoweDianne SamuelsonNorma Jean SchallertMary M. Sertl, MembershipJacqueline R. ShillingtonFrances B. StuhlAmy J. TrauJoyce UlrichSue I. VoorheesGeorgee G. WaldmanSusan E. WebsterJoan S. Whitford

PULSE staff

Executive EditorKatherine E. Joslin

EditorJeffrey R. Waldman

DesignerAmy Grzina

Bethesda honored David Culver and Maud Jeanty with the esteemed Norwood Award, an honor created by the Bethesda Board to recognize individuals who have provided extraordinary support and service to the organization.

David recently completed a tenure on the Bethesda Board of Directors that spanned nearly 20 years, including one term as Board Chairman and two terms as Board Treasurer.

David spent 18 years on the Finance committee, including two terms as Chairman. He also chaired the Technology and Human Resources committees, served on the Building & Grounds committee, and helped develop the direction for Bethesda in the 21st century by participating in the Strategic Planning process in 2005 and 2010.

In addition, David and his wife, Joan, have been a constant and supportive presence at numerous Bethesda events and activities over the years.

Speaking of a constant and supportive presence, Maud has spent the last 12 years volunteering at Bethesda Dilworth (2-3 days per week on average).

Maud has helped in both the old Clothes Closet and the new Bethesda Boutique. She often dances with residents at the annual Winter Ball, and is a member of the “Ding-a-Lings” singing group, making her the second “Ding-a-Ling” to receive this prestigious award (Marie Zucchero in 2007).

If that wasn’t enough, Maud is the Treasurer of the Bethesda Dilworth Auxiliary.

“These are two individuals who have made Bethesda part of their family, and vice versa, and as a result have made a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve,” says Joe Brinker, President & CEO. n

Culver, Jeanty Named 2016 Norwood Award Honorees

David Culver and Maud Jeanty, the two 2016 Norwood Award recipients, pose for a photo with Joe Brinker, President & CEO.

Bethesda will soon begin construction of 18 new villa homes and a new clubhouse as an extension of The Oaks at Bethesda independent retirement community.

The new villa homes are being constructed on the same campus as the current Oaks villas, which are located on the north side of Big Bend between Liggett and Berry roads.

Residents of the new homes will enjoy all of the features of the current Oaks villa homes, which include weekly housekeeping, indoor and outdoor maintenance and a calendar full of activities.

In addition, a new “Advantage Rewards” program will provide the first depositors who sign a contract with incentives regarding pricing and the ability to customize the look and feel of their new home.

Some homes will be equipped with a two-car garage—others will have a one-car garage. As always, Bethesda’s “Moving with Ease” program will be available for those interested in pursuing the innovative service.

The first homes are expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2017, and a “wait” list comprised of interested prospects already is in place.

For more information about the new Oaks at Bethesda villa homes, or to make arrangements to be placed on the wait list, please contact Sherry Ehrler, Sales Counselor for The Oaks at Bethesda, 314-686-4250, or sdehrler@bethesdahealth.org. n

Construction of New Oaks Villa Homes Set to Begin

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Good People Doing Good ThingsLarry Stephens—The Driver Who

Provides More than a RideOdds are that most residents who live in one of Bethesda’s independent retirement living communities know Larry Stephens, one of

Bethesda’s courteous drivers.

The members of the transportation team are known for their commitment to customer service and desire to do more than transport residents to and from their destinations. However, Larry is unique, in that he drives equipped with a special backpack filled with charging cords for mobile phones, snacks,

Band-Aids and a library of tunes that our seniors appreciate.

In addition, Larry is always on time, always has a smile on his face, and is a great conversationalist, often sharing even a joke or two to keep the ride lively and entertaining.

“Riding with Larry is an experience—you get more than the ride!” says LaDonna Hightower, a resident at Bethesda Orchard.

For the past few years, he has transported Bethesda residents to Washington University for Computer Comfort courses. In addition to a pleasurable ride, passengers can count on Larry sharing his knowledge of technology.

The Bethesda Health Group Foundation recognizes Larry Stephens as one of Bethesda’s “Good People Doing Good Things.” If you know of a Bethesda employee going “above and beyond,” contact the BHG Foundation at pedempski@bethesdahealth.org or call 314-800-1981. nLarry Stephens

Thanks to the generosity of the Bethesda family (residents, family members, caregivers and employees), the annual “Hearts for Our Homes” campaign has exceeded $127,000 for the first time.

At the annual Trivia Night and Silent Auction on June 10, Pam Dempski, Corporate Vice President and Director of Fund Development, made the announcement in front of the more than 200 in attendance. The event customarily serves as the end of the campaign, and this year 22 tables were vying for trivia “bragging rights.”

Staff, volunteers and residents at all Bethesda communities have been busy throughout the spring campaign, participating in

fundraising activities ranging from a trip to the country for lunch at a historic Missouri farm to a courtyard visit for petting dogs and puppies.

Not surprisingly, many of the Hearts for Our Homes events focused on food, including pancake and omelet breakfasts, gourmet dinners, barbecues, bake sales—even Gus’ pretzel dogs and Ted Drewes’ frozen custard.

For the second year in a row, the “Traveling Trophy” for raising the largest contribution per number of employees will reside at Bethesda Terrace. Their efforts resulted in a contribution exceeding $20,000.

The “Hearts for Our Homes” campaign raises money to

benefit residents with limited resources who live in our Bethesda communities or receive Bethesda services. When our seniors have exhausted their financial resources and are no longer able to pay for care or services, Bethesda’s Humanitarian Care Fund is there for them.

“Bethesda could not accomplish this without the individual donors who give so generously, contributing to the success of this yearly campaign,” Pam says.

In addition, many thanks to the staff Ambassadors, who devoted much time and effort to help achieve this record fundraising effort. n

“Hearts for Our Homes” Campaign Sets New Record

Staff representing Bethesda Terrace celebrate with the “Traveling Trophy,” which was presented during the June 10 Trivia Night and Silent Auction.

Page 5Bethesda Information Resource Line • 314-800-1911

Thanks to a generous ($5,000) grant from Omnicare, Inc., each of Bethesda’s independent retirement communities proudly boasts a “Wall of Honor” featuring all of our current Veteran residents.

Duane Johnson, a Veteran (U.S. Navy) and Bethesda Orchard resident, admires the Wall of Honor at his community.

Grant Funds “Walls of Honor” for Bethesda Veterans

“This is just one small way we can continue to honor and acknowledge our Veteran residents for their service,” says Leslie Schaeffer, LMSW, Bereavement Coordinator at Bethesda Hospice Care.

Veterans could pose for a portrait or submit photos, many of which were taken in uniform or on location during periods of conflict. The wall identifies each participant’s name, branch of military and years of service.

“This wall represents what was quite a time of our lives,” says Bethesda Orchard resident Duane Johnson, who served in the Navy during WWII. “It is very well done, and I give it high praise.”

The “Walls of Honor” are part of the “We Honor Veterans” program, which was initiated through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Led by Leslie, Bethesda is one of the few Level Four participants in the state of Missouri. (More information on the “We Honor Veterans” program can be found in the fall 2015 issue of the Pulse, accessible at BethesdaHealth.org.)

Much excitement surrounded the initial creation and hanging of photos and information comprising each “Wall” throughout Bethesda. Leslie says she is committed to making sure that each “Wall of Honor remains updated and current. n

During the late 1800s/early 1900s, James G. and Margaret L. Butler were among the most affluent members of the St. Louis community. James, a retired Union Army officer, founded a successful tobacco processing business in St. Louis in 1886, which he later sold to the American Tobacco Company.

He used those proceeds to establish the Bank of St. Louis, which grew into one of St. Louis’ larger banks during that era. The Butlers shared their treasure with many deserving area charities

and were generous benefactors to several St. Louis organizations, including Bethesda General Hospital.

Despite being established 100 years ago, the trust of Margaret Butler continues to benefit Bethesda today. A recent distribution of more than $600,000 from her will has allowed the Bethesda Health Group Foundation to create a permanent endowment in her honor.

For more information on how you can create a trust whose proceeds will benefit the efforts of the BHG Foundation and help the residents we serve, please contact Pam Dempski at pedempski@bethesdahealth.org or call 314-800-1981. n

Century-Old Butler Trust Establishes Permanent Endowment

Margaret Leggat Butler

Legacy Society Luncheon Set for Oct. 17Mark your calendars for the annual Bethesda Legacy Society Luncheon, which will take place Monday, Oct. 17, with additional details forthcoming.

The guest speaker is the Honorable Steve Stenger, St. Louis County Executive.

The Bethesda Legacy Society is comprised of donors who support the BHG Foundation with a gift of $500 or more per year. Current Legacy Society members will be receiving registration information in the mail.

If you are interested in joining the Legacy Society or for more information, please contact the BHG Foundation at 314-800-1981. n

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Bethesda is pleased to announce that Piotr Kulikowski, M.D., an internal medicine physician who specializes in treating older adults, has been selected to

Kulikowski Named New Medical Director at Bethesda Dilworth

serve as the Medical Director of Bethesda Dilworth effective June 1, 2016.

Dr. Kulikowski, founder of Clayton Medical Center, has been treating members of the St. Louis senior community for 18 years. He has a long-standing relationship with Bethesda, and has been following residents at Bethesda Dilworth and Bethesda Southgate since 2007.

Dr. Piotr Kulikowski and Melissa Kurrus, R.N., Nurse Manager, check in rehab patient Flora Tennesen during rounds.

Dr. Kulikowski joins the following physicians serving as Medical Directors at Bethesda:

• Hany Salama, M.D.—Bethesda Meadow, Bethesda Hospice Care

• Patrick McCann, M.D.—Bethesda Southgate

• Christopher Espana, M.D.—Village North Health Center

• D’andrienne Jones, M.D.—Eunice Smith Home

• Michael Bavlsik, M.D.—Barnes-Jewish Extended Care

• Corey Solman, M.D.—Bethesda Senior Therapy Center

• James Sertl, M.D.—Employee Health

“We appreciate Dr. Kulikowski’s commitment to care continuity— he still sees his own patients when they are hospitalized,” says Muriel Van Oordt, Vice President and Senior Administrator of Bethesda Dilworth. “He takes the time to provide explanations to patients and their families in terms they can understand, and he is responsive and accessible to us when needs arise.” n

The success of the recent collaborations with BJC HealthCare (Village North, Eunice Smith Home and Barnes-Jewish Extended Care) and

St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors (St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health) have provided Bethesda with a template for pursuing similar opportunities throughout the St. Louis area.

Leading this effort is Nathan Darling, Bethesda’s recently hired Corporate Vice President, Strategy and Business Development.

Nathan, who joined Bethesda in March, has nearly 20 years of experience in business development and strategic direction. He has been tasked with identifying new opportunities to help grow Bethesda’s business. He also is pursuing new and expanded opportunities with Bethesda’s current business partners and preferred providers.

“As we at Bethesda continue to engage healthcare partners throughout the St. Louis area for collaborative opportunities, it was vital to add a member to our Management Committee whose background and experience can further develop these relationships,” says Joe Brinker, President & CEO.

“Nathan has the skill set that matches our needs perfectly, and we look forward to many years of success,” Joe added.

Welcome to the team, Nathan! n

Darling Working on Identifying Strategic Partnerships

Nathan Darling

Page 7Bethesda Information Resource Line • 314-800-1911

Bethesda Orchard resident Dorothy Hassler gets ready to unleash a throw in the shot put competition at the 2016 Senior Olympics in May. Dorothy, 90, has been an “Olympian” since 1983, participating in tennis events as well as “putting the shot.”

Other Bethesda participants included Joyce Ulrich, a member of the Women’s Board, who took part in the Tap Dance Exhibition (an event sponsored by Bethesda). Great job, everyone! n

What a Throw!

What better way to help high school students understand history than to hear it from those who lived it?

That’s the theory behind Lindbergh School District’s “History Alive” program. Lee Williams, Bethesda’s Senior Outreach Coordinator, has been involved with the program since its inception four years ago. She has worked with Brad Durnell and his team at Lindbergh to involve

Bethesda Veterans Bring History to Life for Lindbergh Students

Eunice Smith Home Hosts State Rep On June 14, Illinois State Representative Dan Beiser (D-Alton) came to the community in recognition of its 50th anniversary. He was provided with a guided tour of the community by Mark Jeffries, ESH administrator, and visited with the residents and staff.

“We thank Rep. Beiser, a long-time supporter of Eunice Smith Home, for the visit, and look forward to having him and many other of our community dignitaries present for our 50th anniversary celebration in mid-October,” Mark says. n

our residents and increase the visibility of the program.

Five Veteran residents (l-r): Jack Strosnider (Bethesda Terrace); Mary Jane Thibault (volunteer, Bethesda Southgate and Hospice Care); Harry Koettker (Bethesda Terrace); Pauline Danner (Bethesda Gardens), and Duane Johnson (Bethesda Orchard),

seen here with Lee (center) and Duane’s wife Nancy (2nd from right), spoke with Lindbergh students about their experiences in World War II.

Other Bethesda residents participated in the subsequent “History Alive” sessions. n

Illinois State Representative Dan Beiser visits with Eunice Smith Home nurse Christi Partridge as ESH Administrator Mark Jeffries watches.

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Did You Know...… that more than 200 people took part in the 4th annual Bethesda Hospice Care Walk/Run on June 18? Full coverage will be available on our Facebook page and in the next edition of the Pulse.

… that many of our beloved volunteers sang and ate and had a wonderful time during our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon? Photos and a video can be seen by accessing our website—www.BethesdaHealth.org.

… that Bethesda is about to launch a new website (www.BethesdaHealth.org) with a new look and improved ways to get the information you want? n

1630 Des Peres Road, Suite 290St. Louis, Missouri 63131(314) 800-1900www.BethesdaHealth.org

Connect with us:

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Permit No. 1617

David Ake (l), Housekeeping Manager at Bethesda Dilworth, and Andrew Fish, Bethesda’s Director of Environmental Operations, display the Champions Level Award of Achievement earned by Bethesda in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

The Challenge, a joint venture between the Missouri Botanical Garden and St. Louis Regional Chamber, tasks organizations with finding innovative ways to improve sustainability. Green Business Challenge representatives are engaged in education and networking activities designed to generate ideas, inspire discussion and help share information about sustainability in business operations.

“The Champion Level puts us among the top tier of challenge participants,” Andrew says. He identified LED lighting in parking lots, better use of underutilized green space and high-efficiency laundry equipment among the sustainable advancements made by Bethesda.

Congratulations to all in the organization for their successful efforts in making and keeping our organization “Green!” n

Bethesda Named “Champion” in Green Business Challenge