Before the discovery of penicillin or the advent of aspirin, Bethesda served the St. Louis communityby providing care to those unable to care forthemselves.

Founded in 1889, Mrs. Elizabeth Hayne startedBethesda with her husband, Roger Hayne, and theirfriend, Dr. Edward Saunders. They opened theBethesda Home for the Aged to care forabandoned infants, unwed mothers and elderlywomen suffering from the devastating ailments ofthe day. The home, located on Russell Avenue near9th Street, was funded on the $40 the founderspooled together to begin their work, serving 117people that first year.

What a difference 125 years makes!

Although the altruistic mission of helping olderadults continues to this day, the Bethesda of 1889barely resembles the Bethesda of today—a not-for-profit, non-denominational senior living, care andservices organization serving the needs ofthousands of older adults (men as well as women)and their families annually through a completecontinuum of services and living options.

“It’s very satisfying to see what we’re able to offerour senior community today after 125 years, whichnaturally is built on the vision and mission of ourfounders,” says Joe Brinker, President & CEO. “Tofully understand this achievement, however, onemust recognize the energy and commitment ofthousands upon thousands of employees andvolunteers past and present, as well as theunwavering support of our residents and theirfamilies. On behalf of Bethesda, I cannot thankthem—and you—enough.”

Bethesda’s organizational achievements arenumerous—national awards and recognition; Joint Commission accreditation for all three skillednursing communities, and our Home Health andHospice agencies; millions of dollars inhumanitarian care support to help any Bethesdaresident who has outlived his or her means andability to pay; and continuously recognized as a“Top 50 Business” and “Best Place to Work” in ourcommunity.

In the end, however, our most meaningfulachievement is our commitment to excellenceand the quality care we provide to our residentsand the St. Louis community every day.

So let the celebrations continue, at ourcommunities and throughout St. Louis, as wecommemorate 125 years of exemplary seniorservices—many of which are chronicled in thePulse and on our website.

Happy Anniversary, Bethesda, and here’s to thenext 125 years! �

Happy Anniversary to Us!Celebrating 125 Years of Caring for Our Community

www.BethesdaHealth.org

A publication of Bethesda Health Group, Inc. • Summer 2014 • Volume 53, No. 1

Fostering successfulaging through compassion and innovation

Page 2

Board of DirectorsJoseph E. Birk, Jr.Chairman

Fred H. PeraboVice Chairman

Joseph J. BrinkerPresident and CEO

David M. Culver*Treasurer

George W. Clements*Secretary

Kenneth J. BowerThomas J. HarrisPhilip A. HutchisonKevin J. KlinglerKenneth J. KolkmeierGary L. MayesSusan G. MooreRichard C. Mueller, Jr.

Advisory BoardJohn P. Baird*Robert S. BarrettThomas E. Bayer, Jr.Nicholas B. CliffordThomas R. Collins*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 KapsarHarry V. KennedyRuth A. KohlPeter B. KrombachSally S. LillyJohn W. McClure*Subodh K. Mehra, M.D.J. Dale MeierJames A. MillsJohn F. NorwoodCatherine M. ReissJohn W. Rowe*James F. Sertl, M.D.Jacqueline R. ShillingtonElizabeth G. SimsJoan S. WhitfordStephen W. Woodard

*Former Board Chairman

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

Community Care CoordinatorTerri Balestreri(314) 800-1911

Management Committee and Corporate AdministrationJoseph J. Brinker, President and Chief Executive OfficerR. Kenneth Bass, Jr., Senior Vice President, Senior LivingRoger T. Byrne, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerLarry D. Hickman, Senior Vice President, Administrative Services and Chief Information OfficerKatherine E. Joslin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and MarketingAlphonse D. Poelker, Senior Vice President, Strategic DevelopmentAmy J. Trau, Senior Vice President, Healthcare ServicesPamela E. Dempski, Corporate Vice President and Director of Fund Development

Skilled Nursing CareBethesda Dilworth9645 Big Bend BoulevardOakland, Missouri 63122(314) 968-5460Muriel Van Oordt, Vice President and Senior AdministratorVictoria Schmidleutner, Resident ServicesMichael Tooley, ChaplainJoseph Flaherty, M.D., Medical DirectorCharlene Zinkl, Auxiliary President

Bethesda Meadow322 Old State RoadEllisville, Missouri 63021(636) 227-3431Candice Brown, AdministratorDonna Saltzman, Resident ServicesReverend Howard Gleason, ChaplainHany Salama, M.D., Medical DirectorRuth Kohl, Auxiliary President

Bethesda Southgate5943 Telegraph RoadOakville, Missouri 63129(314) 846-2000Christine Crouch, Vice President and Senior AdministratorSarita Weldon, Resident ServicesRita McShea, ChaplainPatrick McCann, M.D., Medical Director

Assisted Living, Rehab & TherapyCharless Village5943 Telegraph RoadSt. Louis, Missouri 63129(314) 606-9891Christine Crouch, Vice President and Senior AdministratorSarita Weldon, Resident Services

Senior Independent LivingBethesda Barclay House230 South Brentwood BoulevardClayton, Missouri 63105(314) 725-1000Nathan Torno, General Manager and Interim Sales Counselor

Bethesda Gardens420 South Kirkwood RoadKirkwood, Missouri 63122(314) 965-8100Mitchell Beuke, General Manager DaVone O’Leary, Sales Manager

Bethesda Orchard21 North Old Orchard AvenueWebster Groves, Missouri 63119(314) 963-2100Wade Hachman, General ManagerKelly Maier, Sales Counselor

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

The Oaks at BethesdaBig Bend Boulevard (West of Berry Road)

Oakland, Missouri 63122(314) 372-5839Mitchell Beuke, General Manager DaVone O’Leary, Sales Manager

Women’s BoardCarroll A. BaechleSue C. BahleJudy BassFlorence N. BaurJoan BayerJean M. BouchardAntoinette C. BreihanSusan M. BrinkerJane D. BryanMartha Anne BullFran BurnsPatricia M. BushmanBarbara B. Clements, President

Marian F. DeslogeMartha V. DilleLorene DrewsJane B. EvansMichelle M. GlassSusan M. GoodmanSuzanne S. HarbisonMary HarrisJuanita H. Hinshaw*Jane C. HughesCarol F. JamesKatherine E. JoslinPatricia P. KapsarBabs KolkmeierSusan R. KrombachSally S. LillyErle LionbergerSusan E. LogieKatherine LupoLorraine A. MageeJane MahanKathy MarlockAnn McCandlessLisa MeyerLydia MeierDessa MorrowNancy J. O’BrienRicki O’MearaJulie Poelker, TreasurerVirginia R. RoweAnne RyanJo SchnellmanMargaret L. SchoorMary M. Sertl, MembershipJacqueline M. ShillingtonBetty SimsAudrey SmithFrances B. StuhlAmy J. TrauJoyce UlrichSue I. VoorheesGeorgee G. WaldmanJoan S. Whitford

PULSE staffExecutive EditorKatherine E. JoslinEditorJeffrey R. WaldmanDesignerAmy Grzina

Home and Community-Based ServicesBethesda Hospice Care(314) 446-0623Dana Airsman, DirectorHany Salama, M.D., Medical Director

Bethesda Senior Support Solutions(Formerly Bethesda Private Duty)(314) 963-2200Michelle Glass, Vice President

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

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

Adult Day Care at Bethesda Dilworth(314) 446-2103—Terrie Massey, Supervisor

Adult Day Care at Charless Village(314) 606-9891—Sarita Weldon, Admissions

St. Andrews & Bethesda Home Health(314) 218-2600Linda Goggio, DirectorHany Salama, M.D., Interim Medical Director

Bethesda Marketing StaffSenior Outreach CoordinatorLee WilliamsMarketing Project CoordinatorTiffany Clancy

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

Bethesda employees are still celebrating the fact that wewere chosen in March by the St. Louis Business Journal asone of the Best Places to Work in St. Louis—for the thirdyear in a row!

At the awards breakfast, representatives from theBusiness Journal announced they had received entries from more than 150 St. Louis businesses andorganizations. From those, finalists were selected in five categories.

Bethesda was one of six finalists in the large company(650-1,999 employees) category, along with Graybar, Lindenwood University, MERS/Missouri GoodwillIndustries, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, and River City Casino & Hotel.

“When you consider that only six finalists were chosen in our category (which was won by Nestle Purina), and we’ve been a finalist for three consecutive years, you can begin to understand what an

accomplishment this is,” said Kathy Joslin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources& Marketing.

“I’ll keep saying this until I’m blue in the face, but it’s the truth—the idea that ouremployees think so highly of Bethesda that we can be considered for an awardlike this is a tribute to the employees themselves,” Kathy continued. “We wouldn’thave been selected if it hadn’t been for your commitment and dedication to our

residents and their families.”

Congratulations, Bethesda, and let’s try to make it four in a row in 2015! �

The survey had gone very well,the mood in the office was one

of confidence, and theletter for which WandaHenderson and LindaGoggio wereanxiously awaitingfinally arrived dated

July 14, 2014.

St. Andrews & Bethesda HomeHealth (SABHH) had officiallybeen granted accreditation bythe Joint Commission!

“I can tell you, there were a lot ofhappy faces and celebratinggoing on,” said Linda, Director ofSABHH. “Some members of theteam began preparing for this inJuly of 2013. It was a lot of hardwork, but it sure was worth it.”

On August 27, Bethesda HospiceCare learned that it also hadofficially secured Joint Commissionaccreditation!

“The Joint Commission is anationally acknowledgedbenchmark of quality, and it takes a lot of commitment and dedication to secure thisachievement,” said Wanda, who serves as the ProcessImprovement/Staff DevelopmentCoordinator for SABHH andBethesda Hospice Care.

“However, we aren’t going towaver when it comes to providingfor our residents and their families,”she continued. “If we were goingto achieve our goals of excellingin our provision of patient care,

achieving the highest level ofpatient safety and patient care,and attracting and recruiting topquality staff, we knew that weneeded to pursue accreditation—and we did it!”

SABHH and Hospice join each ofBethesda’s three skilled nursingcommunities— Bethesda Dilworth(Oakland), Bethesda Meadow(Ellisville) and Bethesda Southgate(South County)—as JointCommission-accredited businesses.

For more information about theservices provided by SABHH orHospice Care, please call 314-800-1911 or go towww.BethesdaHealth.org. �

The Bethesda contingent celebrates at the “Best Places to Work” awards ceremony.

Home Health, Hospice Care Achieve Joint Commission Accreditation

“Best Places to Work”—Third Year in a Row!

Page 4

Bethesda Community Day— A Public Celebration for the Ages!More than 500 Bethesda employees and their families, residents and members of the public gathered June 7 at the Kirkwood Train Station to graba cupcake, have their faces painted, meet Anna and Elsa (characters fromFrozen), and celebrate our 125th anniversary! Great fun was had by all!

The BHG Foundation ispleased to announcethat Julie Darnold-Atkinshas joined the team asFund DevelopmentCoordinator.

Prior to joining Bethesda,Julie most recentlymanaged all funddevelopment and publicrelations for VOYCE, a

long-term care advocacy and assistanceorganization. She is excited to bring her passionfor senior healthcare services to Bethesda,where she will focus her efforts on the LastingHeritage (Bethesda’s entrance fee program),Community Partners and Legacy Societyprograms, along with grant writing—all insupport of our seniors.

“We are delighted to have Julie on boardhelping us tell our story and raising muchneeded funds, so that our seniors always have ahome with Bethesda,” says Pam Dempski,Corporate Vice President, BHG Foundation.

Before working as a nonprofit fundraiser, Julie had a long-time career as a marketingcommunications professional for her ownbusiness, as well as A.G. Edwards & Sons andthe Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. To contactJulie, please call 314-800-1913. �

“A job isn’t a job if you love what you are doing,” says Tommy Grice, Laundry Aide at BethesdaDilworth (Oakland). “It’s all about helping theresidents. Now that is a day worth living.”

For the last 25 years, Tommy has been coming to work (often early) with a smile onhis face and a positive attitude. He takes great pride and leadership in every taskthat he completes. He stays beyond his shift to make sure lost items are returned totheir correct location.

“There is not one thing within our department that Tommy hasn’t been able to accomplish,” says Cathy Taylor, Housekeeping Manager. “Day or night, he is willing to go the extra mile for his team and his residents. He strives for perfection in all that he does. We are proud to have Tommy Grice on our team.”

If you know of “Good People Doing Good Things,” please contact theBethesda Health Group Foundation, 314-800-1981. �

“New Face” Joins the BHG Foundation

Recognizing Good People Doing Good Things

Tommy Grice

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

9RoundAl’s Automotive and TireAmigos CantinaARAMARK Uniform ServicesArt of EntertainingAvon Store, Gravois BluffsBest Western Kirkwood InnBilly G’s, KirkwoodBlue Chip Pest ServicesBMB Management Group LLCBurger King

Josh BurchCallier’s CateringCandicci’s RestaurantCelebrating Life Cake BoutiqueCerro De Culiacan LLC DBA Que Pasa Mexican Restaurant

Checkered CottageChick-fil-A, Des PeresCombs Auto Service and Tire Center

Creve Coeur CameraChristine E. CrouchCulver’s of FentonCurves, BallwinCyrano’s Café, Webster GrovesDairy Queen, EllisvilleDierbergs, Clarkson-ClaytonDBA Domino’s Pizza Central MO. Pizza, Inc.

Pamela DempskiDewey’s PizzaDilworth Resident ServicesDynamic Personal FitnessEcolabEdible Arrangements, Des PeresKonnie EgertsonElegant Designs Day SpaErker's KirkwoodEureka Food StationEx Cop Donut Shop LLCJacqueline FehrenbachGateway Grizzlies Professional Baseball

Michelle M. GlassGrafica Fine Art & Custom Framing

Healthcare CompleteHearing Health CareHerbs & MoreHigher Focus PhotographyHighway 61 RoadhouseCarol IgleheartImo’s Pizza, Clayton

Indigo Joe’s Sports Pub & Restaurant

Jeff ComputersJilly's Cafe and SteakhouseJimmy John’s, BrentwoodChris KienstraLee’s Famous Recipe ChickenLion’s Choice, BrentwoodThe Lodge Des PeresLookAfter Hair CompanyThe Magic HouseMassa’sMassage Envy Spa, OakvilleMassage Luxe, ManchesterMassage Luxe, FentonMaureen Fox AcupunctureMcDonald’s, BrentwoodMid America Truck TopsMidamerica Hotels CorporationMoore FoodsPamela S. MooreMulligan’s GrillOlive Garden, MaplewoodJann OutmanPaisley BoutiquePapa Murphy’s Take 'N Bake Pizza

The Pasta House Co.Pennies In Your PocketPlowsharing CraftsQuizno’s, ClaytonRacanelli’s New York PizzeriaRib City St. LouisRichter’s FloristRomano’s Macaroni GrillSalon Lofts #3Sam’s Club #8182, Des PeresSheahan Eagan Family CareSix Flags St. LouisSmuckersSt. Louis Pizza and WingsStraub's Market, Webster Groves

Target, BrentwoodJoseph ThomasTrish’s Delicious Paper Confections

Two Doors Down By LindwedelJewelers

Walmart #1177, ManchesterWalmart #2213, Telegraph Rd.Lee WilliamsWomens FitnessZ Total Body Fitness

Thanks to Our In-Kind Donors for Their Support in Our Campaign!

“Hearts for Our Homes” CampaignExceeds $100,000, Sets New Record!Thanks to the amazing generosity of our ownemployees and residents and their families, theannual “Hearts for Our Homes” fundraisingcampaign exceeded $100,000 for the very firsttime! The two-week campaign included raffles,pie-throwing contests, a Trivia Night and personalpledges. All will benefit Bethesda’s HumanitarianCare Fund, which helps provides financialassistance to Bethesda residents. Thank you for your unbelievable support! �

The Norwood Award (establishedin 1998) recognizes individuals orgroups who, at the highest level,reflect the mission and values ofBethesda in their service to theorganization and our residents.

In a year when Bethesda iscelebrating its 125th anniversary,it was especially fitting that therecipient was a person who hashad a monumental impact onBethesda.

John Rowe, whose leadershippositions included serving as bothBethesda’s President & CEO andBoard Chairman, is that person.

John began his distinguishedcareer with Bethesda in 1986 as amember of its Board of Directors.In 1997, he was elected to serveas Board Chairman, and led thesearch to replace John Norwood,who was stepping down from hisposition as President & CEO.

The search committee soonrealized that the candidate with the experience, vision andleadership skills, and thereforeideally equipped to lead theorganization, was John. Heaccepted the President & CEOposition in 1998, which he helduntil his retirement in 2010.

During John’s leadership,Bethesda expanded its senior

living footprint and established itshome and community basedservices program.

In honor of John’s leadership andcommitment to our residents andtheir families, the John W. RoweHumanitarian Fund was created.

John joins an impressive list ofpast recipients, including JohnNorwood, Jeanne Bland, AlbertO’Brien, Dr. Robert Drews, GilbertNovotny, David Fleisher, CharlesSchott, Jr., Dr. Bray Hawk, ArthurWright, Jr., Earl Dille, Mary Hamm,Dr. James McKelvey, John Baird,Jackie Shillington, Doris Svoboda,Joseph Birk, Jr., Peg Grigg, MarieZucchero, Ruth Kohl, Dr. JamesSertl, Peter Krombach, Ray Routh,Ken Kolkmeier, GeorgeClements, Jr., Mary Lou Hester,Earle Harbison, Jr., RobertNeuenhahn, the CharlessFoundation, Juanita Hinshawand Bob Morris. �

Page 6

Southgate Named a “Gold Medal” HomeThey say that “good things come to those who wait.” BethesdaSouthgate (South County) added hard work and commitment tothat adage, and brought home the gold!

After a year of participating in the Primaris Missouri Show-Me QualityGames and earning certificates in the copper, bronze and silverstages, Bethesda Southgate was one of only 17 participants (out of 498) to achieve gold level status in the quality improvementprogram.

“Participation in the Show-Me Quality Games lets long-term careproviders test new quality improvement techniques in pursuit ofimproving the way we care for our residents,” said Chris Crouch,Vice President and Senior Administrator, who accepted the awardat the July 23 ceremony.

To ensure gold level status, Bethesda Southgate met five criteria—selecting an improvement project, attending educational offerings,completing the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement(QAPI) assessment tool and worksheet, and submitting theirsuccessful results.

“I couldn’t be happier for my Southgate team!” said Chris. �

Quite the birthday celebration!It was quite a 100th birthday party for VernieHoehne, as a cascade of relatives numberingclose to 100 (appropriately) from across Missouriand beyond convened at Bethesda Dilworth(Oakland) this past May to join in the celebra-tion. The group included her granddaughter,Charlotte Busch, the HR Director at BethesdaMeadow (Ellisville). Many more happy birthdays, Vernie!

Rowe Honored at 16th Annual Norwood Awards

John Rowe, the recipient of this year’s award, is joinedby current CEO Joe Brinker (left) and John Norwood,for whom the award is named.

It’s a story that is almost too goodto be true.

It began in 1946, when JosephFenier and Earl Dille entered theU.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis,Maryland, as part of the class of1950. They met each other on thefirst day (the first classmate Earlsays he recalls meeting).

They discovered that they hadbeen assigned to the samebattalion (6th) and company(35th), and had signed up for the same foreign language class(Portuguese). Naturally, theybecame friends.

Upon graduation, Earl went toflight school and Joe became an all-weather air controller. Theyboth married, had families andlost touch with one another—

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

What a difference a year made for Leslie Peasel, BereavementCoordinator, Bethesda HospiceCare, and the rest of the HospiceCare team.

While preparing for last year’sinaugural Memorial Walk/Fun Run,the team had to combat torrential

Enthusiastic Crowd Enjoys 2nd Annual Hospice Memorial Walk/Fun Run

Organizers Tiffany Webster (left) and Leslie Peasel(center back) help attendees place ribbons on the Memorial Wreath.

downpours and the threat oftornadoes until the beginning ofthe event.

This year, the team was blessedwith a beautiful Saturday morning,as more than 200 people came toQueeny Park to run, walk andcelebrate the lives of theirdeceased loved ones.

As is tradition, participants wrotetheir loved ones’ names on aribbon that was then attached to their shirts.

Once they completed their race(5K or newly added 1K), HospiceCare and Bethesda volunteershelped them attach their ribbonto a “Celebration of Life”memorial wreath, which was onthe stage as part of the closingceremony. Many commented

that this act made them feel as ifthey were running or walking fortheir loved one.

Thanks to guitarist Lisa Jones, who provided inspirational musicthroughout the event, and to all of the volunteers who set up the stage; staffed the Remembrance,Bereavement, and Veterans tables,and the children’s activities, andmade the morning so meaningful for all.

“We hope that this becomes ayearly ritual for families, friends,community members and others tounite through their commonality ofgrief, to honor and memorialize aloved one who has died,” saidLeslie. “We’re looking forward to aneven bigger turnout next June.” �

despite both living the majority of their lives in the St. Louis area.

Fast forward to 2014. Earl, theretired President of Union Electricand former Board Chairman atBethesda, was talking with BobMorris, a Bethesda volunteer, atthe 2014 Norwood Awards dinner(both men were previoushonorees).

Earl told Bob that he was agraduate of Annapolis, class of1950. When Bob told Earl that anew Bethesda Meadow resident,Joe Fenier, also graduated fromAnnapolis in 1950, Earl’s face lit up.

Bob arranged a lunch reunion forthe two men and their families atBethesda Meadow. When Earl firstarrived, Joe was sitting with hisback to the door. When Joe finallysaw Earl, a huge smile lit up his

face. They shook hands, posedfor photos and began sharingstories.

Last month, the two reunited asecond time—this time for a storythat aired on NewsChannel 5.

Thank you, Joe and Earl, forsharing your amazing reunion.And thank you, Bob, for your helpin reuniting these two men after64 years! �

Earl Dille (left) and Joe Fenier share a special moment during their reunion.

A Reunion 64 Years in the Making

Page 8

Welcome to the Roundtable!Congratulations to Lois Moore, a CertifiedMedical Technician (CMT) at Bethesda Dilworth(Oakland), and Tammie Pitchford, a CertifiedNurse Assistant (CNA) Mentor at BethesdaSouthgate (South County)—the 2014 additions to the President’s Roundtable!

The Roundtable is comprised of select Bethesdaemployees, nominated by their co-workers, whoexemplify excellence and commitment to ourresidents, their fellow employees and Bethesda.

According to the criteria, the candidatesconsistently demonstrate the values of:

• Excellence in job performance

• Outstanding service to our residents and their families

• Teamwork

• Support of co-workers

• Compassion toward others

• Willingness to learn

• Embracing change

• Initiative and creativity in the delivery of services

After the ceremony commemorating theirselection, Lois and Tammie met for about anhour with Joe Brinker, President & CEO, andsome of their fellow Roundtable members.

“The Roundtable members offer great insightand perspective into some of the issues involvingour employees,” Joe said. “We are pleased toadd Lois and Tammie to this prestigious group.” �

Woods Foundation Grant Launches New“Senior Information Consultant” Program Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Herbert A. andAdrian W. Woods Foundation, the initiative on whichCathy Reiss has been working for years—one thatprovides consultative services to families looking forguidance toward their loved one’s care—is comingcloser to reality.

Cathy, an Advisory Board member at Bethesda, hasbeen working with John Rowe, former Vice Chairman of Bethesda, and LeadingAge Missouri on a statewidetraining program to expand the number of senior careprofessionals with comprehensive knowledge and skillsin the area of aging services.

“We want to develop hundreds of certified senior care professionals who can address the needs of allMissouri seniors, including low-income and less-servedpopulations,” said Cathy. “These consultants will providefree information and help them identify federal, state orlocal resources.”

Once their training is complete, the professionals will becertified as a Missouri Senior Information Consultant™.Bethesda employees Chandelle Martel and TerriBalestreri helped write some of the course content forthe program’s training manuals. Stephanie Binz, a PR consultant, will help roll out the curriculum in thecoming months.

The $25,000 grant from the Woods Foundation isearmarked for program development, which includes a reliable and valid certification test for the trainingprogram, along with other ancillary expenses.

“We are thankful to the Woods Foundation for thisgenerous grant, just as we are thankful to Cathy and

Bethesda, ourdevelopmentpartner for thecurriculum, formaking the MissouriSenior InformationConsultant programa reality,” saidDenise Clemonds,CEO of LeadingAgeMissouri. �

Tammie Pitchford (left) and Lois Moore celebrate their appointment to the President’s Roundtable with Joe Brinker.

(left to right) Pam Dempski of the BHG Foundation, Cathy Reiss and Denise Clemonds recognize the efforts of the Woods Foundation.

Bethesda Information Resource Line • 314-800-1911 Page 9

Happy “Bethesda Day!”When it comes to celebrating a milestone like a 125th anniversary, there is nowrong way to do it! The “Bethesda Day”celebrations held at each of our

communities included tree plantings, political proclamations, brunches, dessertbuffets, champagne toasts and a picnic—and the employees, volunteers and

residents and their families have enjoyed it all!

Page 10

Anthony Named “Excellence in Nursing”FinalistAmy Trau, Senior Vice President,Healthcare Services, celebrateswith Kristen Anthony (right),Assistant Director of Nursing atBethesda Meadow (Ellisville), who was named a finalist in theSenior Services category in the2014 St. Louis Magazine’s “Excellence in Nursing” awards.Congratulations, Kristen! � Two from Bethesda Earn Veterans Service Awards

Congratulations to two Bethesda volunteers, Bob Morris and Mary JaneThibault, who were honored with 2014 Veterans Service Awards. Theyreceived their honors from Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder at aceremony at the Capitol building in Jefferson City.

Bob, a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, volunteers at BethesdaMeadow (Ellisville) and for Bethesda Hospice Care. His tirelessvolunteering includes leading the annual Veterans Day celebration and creating the Wall of Honor at Bethesda Meadow.

Mary Jane, who served during World War II in the U.S. Coast Guard,volunteers at Bethesda Dilworth (Oakland) and Bethesda Southgate(South County). She is involved with the pet therapy program atBethesda and the “History Alive” program at Lindbergh High School,where she shares her experiences with high school students.

Congratulations, Bob and Mary Jane, and thank you for your service! �

Gibbons Honored by ChamberBethesda Gardens (Kirkwood)resident Michael Gibbons beams ashe accepts an award recognizinghis long-time service to theKirkwood-Des Peres Chamber of Commerce and the Kirkwoodcommunity. Celebrating with Mike is Jim Wright, Kirkwood ChamberPresident/CEO (left), and ChrisPickel, 2014 Kirkwood ChamberChairman. Michael was theChamber’s Chairman in 1982. �

Bob Morris and MaryJane Thibault enjoying a moment at the 2014Bethesda Volunteer Luncheon, which took place at Chandler Hill Vineyards in April.

Bethesda Information Resource Line • 314-800-1911 Page 11

Bethesda Brag Bag!When we receive letters of thanks from our residents, friends or familymembers, it fills our hearts with joy—we wish we could print them all! Please enjoy this small sampling, which expresses so well what makes Bethesda special; the outstanding care and service provided by our wonderful employees!

Wade –

Thank you for al

l your help,

we really felt l

ike Royalty!

Whenever we need

ed anything,

you were there.

I believe

I have the best-

looking

apartment in Bet

hesda

Orchard (view in

cluded).

Thank you again

for being

my friend.

Ann

Tiffany K.–

When we realized we had to

move Dad (Reuben) to a skilled

nursing facility, I had a

horrible picture of what

nursing homes are like. Once

he was placed at Bethesda

Dilworth, it completely changed

the picture I had in mind. I am

very happy with the care he

receives, and happy I picked

Bethesda Dilworth.

Nina

My welcome at Barclay House has beenvery warm from staff and residents. WhenI missed breakfast due to back pain, thefront desk called to check on me, and thelady in charge in the dining room deliveredmeals to my room. Many residentsrecognized that I am new and havewelcomed me. Thank you!

Elsie

Linda –

My husband Bob, who passedaway in October, spent 10months in Home Health in thecare of Sherry, Kay, Julie andAndrea. You can be extremelyproud of them; they gave Bobwonderful loving care. They trulywent above and beyond! Theywere also an excellent supportsystem for me. Thank you andthe Home Health team for suchcompassionate caregivers, theyare the best!

Forever Grateful, Norma

Bethesda Southgate Hospice Care Workers— We couldn’t have been more pleased with theHospice Care at Southgate. We are eternallygrateful for the hospice room (exactly whatour family needed) and all the assistance andcare there. Angels on earth, the caregiversshowed so much love and respect, both toPop and all of us. THANK YOU. GOD BLESSYOU ALL.Linda

Dilworth Rehab Staff –

Thank you for all thepersonal and professionalcare that you showeredon Roger. He made suchremarkable progress andgained confidence andindependence as he“graduated” from hiswheelchair to his walker.It was a result of yourexpertise.

Blessings and Love,Muriel

Bethesda Meadow Hospice CareWorkers—Our mom, Marjorie, was a resident atBethesda Meadow for over a year, andon hospice care until she passedaway. Thanks to your staff for theloving care they provided. Many of thehospice team is truly gifted inoffering their support when mom wasdependent upon them. She grew tolove them all, and we saw them loveher in return.

PeggySenior Support Solutions—I would like to thank youfor the many hours of carethat your staff gave toWanda. Karen, whosewisdom, knowledge andexperience were vital, is agem on your staff! Wereally appreciate Javonne andJanay’s caregiving skills andattentiveness. Thanks forbeing such a huge part ofher caregiving team.

Sincerely, Diane

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Free Personal Emergency Kits Now Available!Have you received a Personal Emergency Medical Information Kityet? Ideal for anyone, but especially seniors, the kit includes a datasheet for critical medical information (physicians, medications,allergies, insurances), as well as an out-of-hospital “Do NotResuscitate” (DNR) sheet and a refrigerator magnet.

Please supplement this information with other vital items identifiedin the kit. Then, place the kit in the freezer, which is where firstresponders are trained to look for emergency information.

Bethesda created these free kits as a community service. Please go towww.BethesdaHealth.org/Safetyto sign up for kits for you and yourloved ones—and help us keepour seniors safe! �

In recognition of our 125thanniversary, Bethesda will havean entry in the 2014 Great ForestPark Balloon Race!

This is our first time participating inthe event, which attracts morethan 150,000 individuals over twodays. Our balloon will be visibleSept. 19 at the Balloon Glow andat the race itself on Sept. 20. Wemay even have “one of our own”fly in the balloon with the pilot!

So come on out to Forest Parkand cheer on the Bethesdaballoon! �

Did You Know…… that Bethesda is building an assisted living apartmentcommunity on the grounds ofBethesda Dilworth? Moreinformation, including plans anda rendering of the building, willbe available in the comingmonths on our website and in theNovember edition of the Pulse.

… that Bethesda will have ateam in the Sept. 6 “Walk to EndAlzheimer’s?” If you areinterested in being part of theteam or want to support thosewho are walking, please contactCathy Barton at 314-800-1954 orMichelle Glass at 314-963-2200.

… that Bethesda continuouslyposts on Facebook and blogs ona variety of senior related topics?You can find our blog atwww.BethesdaHealth.org/blog,and please “LIKE” us onFacebook! �

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

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We’re in the Balloon Race!