A Newsletter for Residents, Families and Friends    

Volume 48
February 2010/ March 2010 

Dear Friends,

I wish the best to you in 2010!  Mountain Meadows is definitely off and running in the New Year.  We have seen many new faces come and miss those who have left this past year.  Again, we are near capacity and enjoy meeting new friends and family. 

I want to thank those who participated in the fundraising efforts last quarter.  The response was excellent and exceeded our expectations.  From the proceeds and other donations, we were able to purchase stackable chairs for resident use and a new piano which will be appreciated by residents and visiting musicians.  In the very near future, Mountain Meadows will be asking our supporters to participate in another fundraising effort that will be tied to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with matching funds, and will benefit the operations of Mountain Meadows.

Mountain Meadows will be experiencing some changes in the near future.  The building project is well underway.  Hopefully, we will be breaking ground on the new addition soon.  We are patiently waiting for the completion of the HUD financing process.  Not only will we be breaking ground for the new addition, but the existing interior will also be given a much needed face lift.

Another huge change, that is bitter sweet, is the semi-retirement of our Director of Nursing, Nalda Bendowsky.  We are happy that she is at a point in her life that she can enjoy retirement, but will miss having her nursing knowledge and expertise.  Although Nalda is stepping down from the Director role, she will continue to work in a supportive nursing role one day a week.  An Appreciation Reception in Nalda’s honor will be held March 18 from 2:00 to 4:00pm.  We invite everyone to come and be a part of this occasion.

I am pleased to announce, we have hired Debbie Noel as our new Director of Nursing Services.  She officially starts March 1^st.  Debbie is a former Leavenworth native and now resides in East Wenatchee.  I have known Debbie since 1993 and am happy to welcome her to the Mountain Meadows Team. Debbie got her start in the nursing field as a CNA and expanded her career path to an LPN role, charge nurse, and then sub acute RN in a geriatric setting.  She also has acute care experience in med/surg and just recently held a position as Director of Nursing Services in a Wenatchee facility.  We welcome you to stop by and meet Debbie anytime.

A new year means new beginnings.  As we look forward to 2010, I want to express my love for you and appreciation for your friendship, encouragement, and kindness.  It is a continued privilege to work in such a nurturing environment.  My wonderful staff and I are dedicated to providing excellent service in the year ahead.

Sincerely,
Nate Oglesby, Executive Director

Upcoming Events:

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend these special events.  Friends and family welcome to attend!

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner:                                                          

We will be hosting our annual St. Paddy’s Day dinner on March 16 at 5:30 pm.  The menu consists of corned beef and cabbage in a bread bowl, spinach dip, key lime pie, juice and coffee.  Irish accordion music will be played for your added entertainment.  Guest plates are $10.00.  Please RSVP by March 10. 

Appreciation Reception for Nalda:

An appreciation reception will be held on March 18 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in honor of Nalda’s retirement.  Nalda will be stepping down from the Director position, but will continue to work in a support role one day a week.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Monthly Birthday Parties:

Fern has monthly birthday parties for our residents.  If your loved one has a birthday the month of the party we encourage family members to attend the party.  Please contact Fern in advance.  Remember the more the merrier!!

Speaking of birthday’s we would like to say “Happy Birthday” to the following:

February:

Nancy Garcia            2^nd 
Rosie Alaimo           19^th
Morgan Embroden     23^rd

March:

Deb Noel                 27^th
Nalda Bendowsky     30^th

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Fern Arness is Mountain Meadows Employee of the Year for 2009.  The competition this year was fierce.  It truly came down to the final votes to declare a winner.  Denise Cheever, Bonnie Phillippart, and Nancy Garcia were the other nominees based on receiving the Employee of the Quarter in 2009.  Congratulations Fern!    Many thanks for providing such a wonderful activity program and keeping the lives of our residents fulfilled.

Medicaid Scam: (information was printed in the Leavenworth Echo)

Many of you are aware that the State will be sending out new plastic medical assistance ID cards that will be issued later this year.  It has been reported that some clients are receiving calls supposedly from the State asking for personal bank information.  Medicaid and DSHS representatives stressed that no one from the State would ask for information in connection with the Services Cards.

Any calls like this should be reported to DSHS fraud investigators at 1-800-562-6906, your local police or e-mail to hottips@dshs.wa.gov.

Guest Meals:

We are delighted that so many family members and friends are eating meals with our residents. If possible, we would appreciate at least a 24 hour notice.

Guest meal prices are as follows:

Breakfast:   $5.50
Lunch:        $6.50
Dinner:       $8.50