Shining Starawards

WHCA/WiCAL “Shining Star” Awards Luncheon

October 22, 2015 H 11:45 am – 1:15 pm

Service Corporation

Thank You To The WHCA/WiCAL

Elite Associate Member Luncheon Sponsors

Shining Starawards

WHCA/WiCAL “Shining Star” Awards

Recipients

HONORABLE MENTION:

Debra Lara, Karmenta Center

Julie Schwennsen, Dove HealthCare – West

Jeremy Arneson, NEWCare, Inc.

Judy Briggs, Ladysmith Care Community

Steve Anderson 2015 Shining Star Individual Volunteer Award Ladysmith Care Community, Ladysmith, WI

Rusk County Circuit Court Judge Steven P. Anderson, began his volunteer service to the residents at Ladysmith Care Community in September of 2013, when he heard that activities for the men of the Community were in need.

During the regular Men’s Group he leads, Steve regales residents with stories about the courtroom and has brought in several guest speakers to talk about everything from maple syrup making and turkey hunting, to Rusk County history. Men’s Group is casual. Guys usually sit together and have a beer or soda and talk about whatever comes up. Steve does research on topics too and guys share their experiences.

“To think this highly respected man in our community would want to visit with us was thrilling,” said one of the residents who participates in Men’s Group. “When we met Steve we found out he was a delight to be with. He is kind, intelligent and treats us all with equal respect. … We talk about the railroad, farming, hunting, our military experiences during WWII and the Korean War, guns, military planes and current events.”

As a result of his involvement with the residents of Ladysmith Care Community, their needs and strengths, Steve has become an advocate for the elderly. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus and his local parish. He is also looking forward to his second year as a “chef” for Men in the Kitchen, a fundraiser for the local domestic abuse shelter. He has helped develop Rusk County’s drug treatment court program and is hoping to extend this type of treatment court to juveniles in the future. He can be seen out in the community on evenings and weekends, often in work boots and garden pants, and greets everyone with the same high level of respect and friendliness.

For his impressive dedication and the sharing of his talents and compassion with the residents of Ladysmith Care Community, WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to present the 2015 Shining Star Individual Volunteer Award to Judge Steve P. Anderson.

Wendy Phillippi Continued

Most employees work an 8-hour day, but not Wendy. You can find her going above-and-beyond to provide special treats to families in moments of distress, or for a staff pick-me-up. Wendy goes the extra mile, she’s always willing to help others and is a great team member. Co-workers find a comfort level and trust knowing Wendy will be there for guidance and support whenever they need it. Wendy is a tough cookie with a soft side, she will stand up for what is right and she will offer solutions to problems and concerns. Wendy is a great resident advocate and she promotes a positive energy to others.

Wendy’s knowledge and opinions are respected by others due to her continued citation-free survey history, which clearly demonstrates her commitment to managing a successful dietary department. Wendy is also dedicated to her family. To find someone like Wendy is rare, she demonstrates many qualities that most employers dream of. Wendy is a great employee who strives to find the best in others, while promoting excellence.

WHCA/WiCAL is proud to present Wendy Phillippi with the 2015 Support Staff Shining Star Award.

Clare King 2015 Shining Star Direct Caregiver Award Allis Care Center, West Allis, WI

Clare King has been a dedicated member of the Allis Care Center team for amazing 43 years. Clare started as a CNA and worked her way up through the ranks including serving as the Director of Nursing for the facility. While

she held the DON position for several years, she rejoined the direct care team, and now serves as PM RN Supervisor. Clare’s dedication extends even beyond her scheduled working hours, as she is always willing to come to help even when she’s not on duty.

Staff and residents look to Clare for guidance related to nursing and life. For many of the staff, Clare is a positive, parental figure that they have in their lives who can offer encouragement or tough love as needed.

“Clare is like a life coach for me,” said Stacey, a CNA at Allis Care Center. “She helps me be a better CNA and a better person.”

Clare is an unquestioned leader on our staff. Residents and staff alike seek her out with questions. Whenever members of the Allis Care Center team seek out Clare, she always seems to know the answer, or the best place to find it. Clare is a consistent, calm, professional force and her attitude has made Allis Care into the service-oriented building it is today.

WHCA/WiCAL is proud to present Clare King with the 2015 Direct Caregiver Shining Star Award.

The Greenway Volunteers 2015 Shining Star Group Volunteer Award Greenway Manor, Spring Green, WI

The Greenway Volunteers were first organized in October of 1974, and for the last 40 years

they have done countless things over that time to brighten the lives of many Greenway Manor residents.

In the early years, volunteers assisted residents with personal assistance, such as writing letters or reading to those who were unable to anymore. These days, volunteers paint ladies’ nails, host a men’s group, discussion groups in the evening, help with church services, and serve popcorn in the lounge and rooms. They have provided funding for special needs, such as our piano and therapy equipment, and have provided the prizes for many of our activities.

The Greenway Volunteers assist in many of Greenway Manor’s special events, including the facility’s ice cream social, Valentine’s Day and Octoberfest dances, as well as the Christmas festivities. Volunteers have helped organized trips to the State Capitol, the zoo, the Tommy Bartlett Thrill Show and area apple orchards. Volunteers assist residents to the local homecoming parade and some even ride in the Greenway Manor parade float.

The Greenway Volunteers are truly a special group of dedicated people who have made a significant difference in the lives of Greenway Manor residents.

WHCA/WiCAL is proud to present The Greenway Volunteers with the 2015 Group Volunteer Shining Star Award.

Wendy Phillippi 2015 Shining Star Support Staff Award Oakbrook Health & Rehabilitation, Thorp, WI

For the last 8 years, Wendy Phillippi has been an outstanding employee at Oakbrook Health & Rehabilitation as the dietary manager. Since that time, Wendy has been a creative participant in community-building activities for the residents

and staff, treating all to amazing food and fun theme games or surprise baskets, and never shying away from costumes to make things fun and festive.

Wendy constantly strives to improve the lives of residents and staff, oftentimes through their bellies. She ensures quality food is prepared in a sanitary environment and that is pleasing to the eyes and palette. She is dedicated to continuing education and does not hesitate to explain or defend rationale for decisions and requests regarding nutritional care of her residents. No activity or party is complete without the help of Wendy putting together a beautiful arrangement of delicious treats.

Helen Desotell 2015 Shining Star Skilled Nursing Facility Administrator Award Santa Maria Nursing Home and Ledge View Nursing Home Green Bay, WI

Helen Desotell began her career as Administrator of Santa Maria Nursing Home and has continued her lifelong career commitment to the elderly as Administrator of both Santa Maria and Ledge View Nursing

Center. Helen began caring for the elderly in her twenties when she found enjoyment and satisfaction helping her parents, Mary and Clem Barrett, care for people in their home.

Helen’s desire to care for the elderly and her strong faith led the family to purchase “Santa Maria Nurses’ Home,” which was closing and located in their own backyard. When Santa Maria opened their doors in 1965, it was the second nursing home within the city limits of Green Bay. The first three residents were admitted February 15, 1965. Since that time, more than 2,100 residents have been cared for at Santa Maria.

Helen received her Administrator’s License in June of 1970 and has served on the WHCA Board of Directors, including serving as President of District Eight. Helen and her husband Ron (who was Administrator of Ledge View Nursing) attended all of the WHCA Conventions. As a couple, they generously donated Green Bay Packer Tickets and other prizes to be awarded during conventions.

Helen, or “Mrs. D” as she is lovingly known by her staff, intelligently and compassionately leads both of her facilities. While Helen shows all the qualities of a born leader, she has led Santa Maria for the past 50 years in a humble manner never taking credit for herself. She consistently demonstrates her philosophy of treating all staff members with respect and, in turn, expects them to treat the residents in the same respectful manner. She has consistently supported her employees’ efforts to improve their education and training to ensure that the best possible quality care is being delivered in her facilities.

Throughout her years, when any family member or visitor complemented her on the quality of care at the nursing home, she has graciously responded by giving all the credit to her staff. Helen is extraordinary in her ability to make sure both nursing homes remain resident and quality focused. Her two facilities have four- and five-star ratings in the area of staffing, which speaks to Helen’s commitment to quality care of residents. She shares her time and talents and all staff always know they can count on her.

Helen’s commitment to the broader Green Bay community is evident through her generous donation and volunteer efforts. Helen gives frequent meal donations to the New Community Homeless Shelter; supports the YWCA Women’s Closet and Golden House woman’s shelter to help with their goals of empowering women; serves as a charter member of the Shamrock Club of Northeast Wisconsin; participates in the Irish Step Dance Company, which practices weekly and entertains at local Irish Heritage events; and is an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

For her commitment, dedication, and going above and beyond her job duties in looking out for the individuals who receive as well as provide care in Santa Maria and Ledgeview Nursing Center, WHCA/WiCAL is proud to present Helen Desotell with the 2015 Shining Star Administrator Award.