Service Corporation

Thank You Shining Starawards

WHCA/WiCAL “Shining Star” Awards Luncheon

October 20, 2016 H 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Shining Starawards

WHCA/WiCAL “Shining Star” Awards

Recipients

To The WHCA/WiCAL Elite Business Partner Luncheon SponsorsVerna Theil

2016 Shining Star Volunteer Award Crossroads Care Center Weyauwega, WI

At 96 years of age, Verna has been volunteering at Crossroads Care Center Weyauwega for more than 15 years!

She is an active volunteer with activities, helping with large group activities one or two times each week. Verna often will arrive early to scheduled activities to visit with residents and assist them to the activity. Staff all agree that Verna’s efforts help residents reach their potential and encourage them to remain active in activities.

Verna has even brought other volunteers with her to help during activities. She has created connections with several residents and impacts their lives in such a positive way.

HONORABLE MENTION

Carrie Thorley Rennes Health & Rehab Center East – Peshtigo, WI

Joseph Simonich 2016 Shining Star Administrator Award Villa Maria Health & Rehab Hurley, WI

Joe Simonich is the Administrator of Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center

and serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for Avanti Health System. He started working for Avanti in 1980, and has dedicated the past 36 years to making a difference and changing people’s lives for the better.

At Villa Maria, Joe not only has a strong connection with the staff, but the residents, too. Most of them call him by name. They enjoy his company, and know they can always go to him with any concerns, complaints, or compliments, too. One resident waits by the nurse’s station every morning for Joe to come in, just so he can greet him. Joe shares a special bond with many residents; one calls him the “Sheriff”, and another calls him the “Doctor.” They all find humor and friendship in one another.

Joe has demonstrated his commitment to the long-term care provider community as a member of the WHCA/WiCAL Payment Council. He is an asset to his residents, his staff, and to the care provider community as a whole.

HONORABLE MENTION

Carmen Bechel Seasons Assisted Living – Plum City, WI

Paula Keller GLC Valley of Hayward – Hayward, WI

Rhonda O’Dovero GLC Valley of Hayward – Hayward, WI

Rebecca Rouse Oakwood Villa – Altoona, WI

Jeanette Garb 2016 Shining Star Direct Caregiver Award Fountain View Care Center Ripon, WI

Jeanette has been a fixture at Fountain View Care Center since its founding more than 50

years ago. Jeanette remains as committed to her job today as she was on her first day. She embodies the ideal caregiver – she always has a positive demeanor, she is organized and always helpful, and she has an unwavering commitment to caring for the residents at Fountain View.

One colleague recounts a story when Jeanette refused to miss work during a heavy snowstorm. Instead, she had the colleague pick her up so she could serve the residents at Fountain View. Jeanette is always willing to come in on her days off to help with admissions or to help medical staff with different tasks.

It’s no surprise that Jeanette has dedicated her career to caregiving. Her coworkers consider her the most caring, dependable, and thoughtful person at Fountain View. She makes work easier for her co-workers and makes life better for all the residents she cares for.

HONORABLE MENTION

Madelyn “Sam” Fleishauer Plum City Care Center – Plum City, WI

Rose Garland Colonial Manor – Wausau, WI

Gina Stoltz Golden Living Center – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Barb Struck Crossroads Care Center – Weyauwega, WI

Ruth Hartung 2016 Shining Star Support Staff Award Plum City Care Center Plum City, WI

Ruth Hartung has dedicated 41 years to cooking for the residents at Plum

City Care Center. Ruth has witnessed many changes throughout the years, but she has always worked hard to provide good, healthy meals to residents, always accommodating any special requests.

Ruth started at Plum City Care Center when she was 20 years of age on April 30, 1975 as a cook and today is just as committed to her job. To younger and newer kitchen staff, Ruth is a role model that they would love to be like due to her friendly, easy-going, and calm demeanor. Nursing staff are comfortable asking her to make something special for residents who may not like the meal or may not be too hungry. Ruth relates to the residents because she grew up in the Plum City area and has known most of them personally for years. She has a passion for being there for them and making sure that they have something that they will eat. Ruth Hartung sets high standards in the kitchen at Plum City Care Center to increase quality of life for all residents!

HONORABLE MENTION

Jenny Funk Plum City Care Center – Plum City, WI

Dan Vania Bornemann Senior Communities – Green Bay, WI