Newsletter of Saint Simeon’s Senior Living Community 3701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. | Tulsa, OK 74106 Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma DECEMBER 2020 The Life Enrichment team continues to come up with inspired ways to engage and connect with our residents, while keeping everyone safe and healthy. On Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11th, Teresa Reno celebrated our veterans with certificates and a small gift honoring them and thanking them for their service. (See more on page 2) LIFE ENRICHMENT EVENTS
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Newsletter of Saint Simeon’s Senior Living Community
3701 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. | Tulsa, OK 74106
Saint Simeon’s is a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
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The Life Enrichment team continues to come up with inspired ways to engage and connect with our residents, while keeping everyone safe and healthy. On Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11th, Teresa Reno celebrated our veterans with certificates and a small gift honoring them and thanking them for their service.
(See more on page 2)
LIFE ENRICHMENT EVENTS
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(Continued from page 1)
Memory Care had a campfire day November 12th and made s’mores and told campfire stories.
On Monday, November 16th, we celebrated National Button Day. Residents and the Life Enrichment Staff celebrated by creating button art.
Earlier in the month, Chef Alan Farnan, Mary Loveless, and Kovoor Pieris treated the residents to a teaching kitchen demonstration. They prepared a delicious “taste of autumn” treat— pumpkin dip—enjoyed with apples and gingersnaps. (All were
appropriately masked and socially-distanced, of course!)
In preparation for the Bedlam Game the Memory Center celebrated with BEDLAM Burger Sliders and orange or red sugar cookies! They also watched some highlights from past BEDLAM games and took some votes on who the winner would be this year!
Plans for December and January include a “Polar Express” Day complete with a train, hot chocolate, jingle bell toss, and other fun games and treats. Pajamas will be the dress code of the day! New Year’s Eve will be celebrated in style, with a ball drop and sparkling grape juice, and if COVID precautions allow sometime in January, there will be a Winter Formal. Even if restrictions prevent a dance, decorating, dressing up, and serving punch will still be on tap.
Window visits are ongoing. Please contact Donna at 918-794-1925 or email her at [email protected] to schedule a 30-minute visit Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 10 a.m. and continuing on the hour until 5 p.m. Tents with heaters will be provided for colder days.
Prior to your visit, you will be screened at the Security Gate. Park in the designated window visit parking and remain in your vehicle until our staff come down to guide you to the designated window visit area. When your visit is complete, we will take you back to your vehicle.
If you have been exposed to COVID-19, are not feeling well, or cannot make your appointment, please call Donna to cancel your visit. We are making every effort to keep our residents and staff safe from exposure and appreciate your cooperation.
LIFE ENRICHMENT EVENTS
Chef Alan Farnan, Mary Loveless, and Kovoor Pieris in the Teaching Kitchen
Patti Bonafazi
Jerry Smith
Rikki Rowe and Nicole Palmer
THE CHAPLAIN’S CHATFr. Bill Holly, Chaplain
Dear Residents, Families, and Friends of Saint Simeon’s,I have greeted you as above since my very first article for The Quill of the Hill in February of 2006. I began my service here December 26th, 2005. It is hard to believe I am fast approaching the completion of my 15th year as Chaplain at Saint Simeon’s. What an amazing 15 years it has been!
There have been so many changes in our facilities and services in that time. There were buildings that now no longer exist. Where once you could see no sign of Saint Simeon’s until you actually reached the entrance driveway, now there are towering structures far above the tree line that boldly proclaim our presence. Where once there were only city streets that brought you to this place, there are now two highways that cross each other north-south and east-west. Indeed, with the completion of the Gilcrease Expressway, people will quickly and easily reach our doors from all directions.
I have so many fond and wonderful memories of residents, their families, staff members, friends, volunteers, board members, peacocks, turkeys, and of course Simones 1 & 2. We have celebrated many holidays together, worshipped at many services together, laughed, cried, sang, played, prayed, and enjoyed the life we share in this place. There have been many “hellos” and many “goodbyes.” My life has not simply been touched; it has been transformed by the many souls that have been a part of this most amazing community.
Now, a new chapter in my life is unfolding. I am retiring from active ministry beginning January 1, 2021. Most of my “Chaplain’s Chat” articles have centered on spiritual life and awareness. As one who tries to pay attention to the movements and leadings of God in my heart, I have become aware that this time has come in my life. It’s time to stop hogging all the wonders this ministry offers and let someone else have the same opportunities I’ve enjoyed! It’s time for me to explore the new space God is opening in my life. That is always a joyful adventure!
Saint Simeon’s will continue to be very special to me. I look forward to future Western Days celebrations, and continued friendships with staff and residents. I will do so of course not as Chaplain, but with the title of “Family Member,” and I will join the ranks of so many of you for window visits with my mother until this awful virus is under control.
Thank you to the many readers who often have let me know you have enjoyed my articles over the years. Thank you to the Leadership Team, the Boards, and Staff of Saint Simeon’s for the great support you have given me over the years. A special thank you to George and Phyllis Dotson and The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny who, in addition to their superhuman efforts in the cause of Saint Simeon’s, also were incredibly supportive of the work and ministry of the Chaplaincy. Finally, a big time shout-out and thank you to two of the finest leaders I have ever had the privilege to serve under: former President and CEO Lindsay Fick, and current President and CEO Angela Green. It has been a tremendous blessing that these two exceptional leaders have exercised their duties as people of faith who take their faith seriously by actually living it.
God’s blessings to you, Fr. Bill Holly+
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KRIS’S CARING CHAMPIONS
Shequanta Brisker, LPN
“Shequanta has a great attitude! She is always positive, even when she gets stressed! She handles difficult situations with such grace. She has been very helpful in getting the admissions unit up and running. She has great communication skills and she is willing to take on new challenges every day!”
Angeline Reinart, RN, BSN
Juan Ferrera, Life Enrichment
Johneisha Titus, Staffing Coordinator
“I wanted to nominate Juan Ferrera. I received a phone call today from Leon Gibson. Leon is Loretta Gibson’s son. He wanted to call to compliment Juan. He said he is wonderful. He has been taking his mom to her dialysis appointments and is always so friendly and happy. He always treats his mother with respect and great care. Leon wanted to make sure that we knew what a great employee Juan is. ”
Debbie Wilkins, Life Enrichment & Wellness Director
“I would like to nominate Johneisha Titus, Staffing Coordinator. Johneisha is always excited to jump in and help, regardless of what it is. She takes on each task with such a kind and light heart. She helps on the floor when needed and keeps our staffing in top shape. She always has a smile on her face. We truly are blessed to have her on our team.”
Mariah Kimball, HR Director
DECEMBER/JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Sam Orr December 3Leonard Elliot December 4Norma Turnbo December 4Martha Bodenhamer December 12MaryAnn Kamstra December 12Vincent Joe Brown December 12Etolia Kopczynski December 20Francis Proctor December 25Renea Packer December 30Margaret Carson December 31
Joseph Jones January 1Charlie Leake January 2Doris Stanton January 2Robert Etgen January 5Robert McGuire January 6Jo Hirlinger January 7Camellia McKenzie January 11Barbara Hornbuckle January 11Cynthia Millar January 11Patty Bonifazi January 12Eleanor Smith January 15
Elsie Applegate January 17Doris Saylor January 22Paul Bartlett January 24Virginia Franklin January 25Dolores Betz January 27Sharon Thompson January 30
GETTING TO KNOW THE STAFF
NIKKI CHRISTIAN, DIRECTOR OF NURSINGPreferred name: Nikki Birthday: June 25Favorite color: I have several—teal, gold, black.Favorite movie: I am not sure I have a “favorite,” but “The Notebook” and “Pretty Woman” are movies I will watch again and again.Favorite season: FallFavorite sport, favorite team: Basketball and football! I have two kids who play sports for the Collinsville Cardinals, so they are my #1 but beyond that, OU and the OKC Thunder! Married: Yes, for almost twelve years.Children: I have three: fifteen, eleven, and four.Pets: One big puppy, Thor—he is a German Rottweiler and he is one year old. Hobbies: Kids take up most all my free time but I like to shop! I used to do a lot of vintage/flea market shopping and use stuff I would find as décor pieces in my house. We also like to target shoot when we can. Passion: I am really passionate about helping others. I am big about helping solve problems and finding good solutions. I also really like being a part of organizing or planning events.
TIFFANI HENDERSON, LPN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF NURSINGPreferred name: Tiffani Birthday: November 19Favorite color: RedFavorite movie: “Save the Last Dance”Favorite season: FallFavorite sport, favorite team: Football, Seattle Seahawks Married: YesChildren: 2Pets: 3 horsesHobbies: Reading, Sudoku, and binge-watching HGTV.Passion: I want to flip/remodel old houses.
IN MEMORIAM
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KUM YON JONESJuly 12, 1941 – November 5, 2020
In 1998, when Kum Yon Jones was selected as the Career Nurse of the Year for Tulsa, Creek, and Osage counties, she shared what motivated her to care so kindly and compassionately for seniors for so many years. Since she had not able to care for her own mother and father, who were in South Korea, she cared for other people’s parents the way she hoped someone would care for hers.
Kum Yon found her way to senior care shortly after moving to the United States with her daughter, Angela. Her husband, Jerry Lee Jones, was a Military Police Sergeant in the K9 unit stationed in South Korea. The two met and married in the US Embassy. Several years later, they planned to move to the United States, but before they could Jerry Lee was transferred to Germany. Jerry Lee he had family in Sand Springs, so Kum Yon and Angela came on to the US on their own.
Some older neighbors noticed how beautifully Kum Yon cared for her daughter and they suggested she consider taking care of seniors at a nearby nursing home. After working there, and then following the Nursing Director to another facility (at her request), a friend recommended Kum Yon to Saint Simeon’s. Kum Yun was not familiar with Saint Simeon’s, but the first time she came to visit, she felt at home in the forest-like setting and knew it was a place she wanted to be.
Thus began a career spanning almost forty years as Saint Simeon’s as a CNA, ending with her partial retirement in 2017, then full retirement in 2019. In later years, much of the work Kum Yon did was giving baths. She was so particular about caring for her residents, she bought her own soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other bathing essentials to ensure each person had the best possible bathing experience.
Her longevity at Saint Simeon’s provided generations of families a consistent, kind presence that made them feel at home here. The late Rev. Lois Gatchell recalled that when she came to tour Saint Simeon’s before moving in, she
saw Kum Yon, who had cared for her mother when she lived at Saint Simeon’s. Kum Yon told Lois, “Please come and let me take care of you.” Lois replied, “That’s the best invitation I’ve ever gotten.”
Kum Yon’s father was a baker and also owned a fruit orchard. He loved everything that grew. Kum Yon inherited that same innate love for growing things. Gardening was a passion for her. The garden at her home she shared with Angela wrapped all around the house. She would often continue working in the garden until late in the day, only going inside when it got too dark out.
When health issues limited her ability to garden, Kum Yun took up sketching and writing once again at the advice of her doctor, as a way to help keep her mind active. This resulted in over twelve filled sketch books
which Angela collected each time Kum Yun finished one.
Kum Yon was predeceased by her parents and siblings; her husband, Jerry Lee; and her son, Robert. She is survived by her daughter, Angela, and her fur grandbaby, a pit-bull mix named, Roman, whom she adored.
The service can be viewed at: https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160507083785125
