Franciscan Spirit Award

Chris Weber Honored With Franciscan Spirit Award

The logic is pretty simple to Chris Weber: People appreciate good workers. Chris, who has worked for The Village at Marymount's Environmental Services Department since March 2009, was named the Franciscan Spirit Award winner for May.

Housekeepers Irena Zielinski, Helena Waniewski, and Maria Pedrak also received nominations.

“There are plenty of other people in our department who are just as deserving of this award,” Chris said.

Bill Lemanowicz, Director of Plant Operations, said Chris “works well with everyone in other departments and he is always a good worker. He is a great choice for this award.” Chris is now a finalist for our Franciscan Spirit Award of the Year in December.

Chris is now is eligible to become the 2012 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Terri Petkac Honored With Franciscan Spirit Award

After eight years spent caring for her ailing mother, Terri Petkac, STNA, heard her life's true calling loud and clear. Terri, who had been laid off as a dining room supervisor at an assisted living facility, realized she wanted to care for others in much the same way that she nurtured her mother. She decided to become a state-tested nursing assistant. “I was inspired so much after caring for my mom,” Terri said. “After raising five children, I decided to go to school to become a STNA.”

The Garfield Heights resident was surprised, yet honored to be named the April Franciscan Spirit Award winner.

“Just the thought of treating people the way that I want to be treated is all the inspiration I need to do my job,” Terri said.

Terri has worked at The Village at Marymount for three years. She joined CCU in December 2010 after spending time at Marymount Place. In addition to Terri, others nominated for the award were Joyce Jeans; Rebecca Love; Tonia Turner; Sheron Robinson; Stephanie Christy; Katie Walsh; Jackie Williams; and Nancy Jarousek; and Evelyn Shackett.

Terri is eligible to be the 2012 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year.

Enhancing The Golden Rule

Helping Others Helps Carole Halberg Win Franciscan Spirit Award

Carole Halberg, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - Licensed in The Village at Marymount's Rehabilitation Services Department, lives by the Golden Rule. As a result, the Solon resident rules the Franciscan Spirit Award for March. Halberg was a unanimous choice to receive the award. Seventeen of her co-workers joined forces to nominate her for this prestigious monthly honor. Halberg credits her adherence to the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do to you - as her primary focus when working with residents.

“I really do enjoy working with our residents,” Halberg said. “I always try to put them and their needs before anything else.”

Halberg has worked at The Village at Marymount for about three years. She said that winning the award came as “a total surprise” and the fact that it came as a result of her co-workers voting for her made the honor even more rewarding.

In addition to Halberg, rehabilitation technicians Kathy Kiefer, Jessica Price, and Jennifer Cagney received nominations for the award.

“Carole really does a great job with our residents,” said Laura Shopp, Director of Rehabilitation Services. “She has a tremendous rapport with them.”

Halberg is now is eligible to become the 2012 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Patience With Patients

Bessie Escondo, RN, Wins February Franciscan Spirit Award

When it comes to advocating for the health care needs that suit the best interests of her residents, few nurses rival Bessie Escondo, RN. Escondo, charge nurse on the Skilled Care Unit, was honored for her dedication with The Village at Marymount’s Franciscan Spirit Award for February.

Other nominees for the award include Channille Grice, LPN; Tracey Gabor, LPN; Cucelia Rose, RN; and Kelly Spillman, LPN.

“Bessie is a very hard worker and team player,” said Janet Lincoln, LPN, Skilled Care Unit Manager. “She is a very compassionate and caring person and she goes the extra mile daily.”

The Garfield Heights resident was nominated for the prestigious award several times in the past. Several of her co-workers were among her nominators.

“Bessie is always willing to help,” said Mary Collins, LPN. “She is kind and caring to staff and residents. She performs her job in a professional manner with concern for residents and staff.”

The Franciscan Spirit Award is a part of The Village at Marymount’s Mission In Action program, Administrator Dan Storey, LNHA, said. The winner receives a $100 Giant Eagle gift card; a luncheon in their honor with The Village at Marymount’s sponsoring order, the Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis; a premiere campus parking space; and recognition on a new Franciscan Spirit Award plaque in the Villa St. Joseph lobby.

“During the luncheon, the winner’s supervisor explains to the Sisters how the winner lives our mission and demonstrates Compassion, Competence and the Celebration of Life,” Storey said. “The sisters also present the winner with a gift.”

Escondo is now is eligible to become the 2012 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Putting Residents First

Vito Simonetta Captures January Franciscan Spirit Award of the Year

As a chef in the Nutrition Services Department at The Village at Marymount, Vito Simonetta’s passion is put to the test every day – preparing meals for more than 200 residents at The Village at Marymount.

When he receives compliments about the cuisine he prepares, he will be the first to tell you that he is only doing his job and he prefers to stay away from the glare of the spotlight. Yet he found himself at the center of attention when he was named The Village at Marymount’s Franciscan Spirit Award winner for January.

“(Food preparation) is fun; I really enjoy it,” Simonetta said. “To me, it’s like doing a form of art.”

The Strongsville resident was nominated for the prestigious award several times in the past. One of his nominators this time was his supervisor, Director of Nutrition Services Andrea Ward.

“Vito thinks out of the box when he does his job,” Ward said. “He thinks like a resident and tries to give them a product that they would want. He is consistently thorough, pays attention to details, and will always do anything extra.”

In addition to Simonetta, Reginald Stewart, David Meredith, Agnes Szymanski, Michael Caputo, Carol Allen, Christine Roddy, and Ward received nominations from residents and staff members alike.

“I love to interact with the residents, but I don’t always get the chance to do it,” Simonetta said. “I get satisfaction seeing that they are comfortable and happy with their food.”

The Franciscan Spirit Award is a part of The Village at Marymount’s Mission In Action program, Administrator Dan Storey, LNHA, said. The winner receives a $100 Giant Eagle gift card; a luncheon in their honor with The Village at Marymount’s sponsoring order, the Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis; a premiere campus parking space; and recognition on a new Franciscan Spirit Award plaque in the Villa St. Joseph lobby.

“During the luncheon, the winner’s supervisor explains to the Sisters how the winner lives our mission and demonstrates Compassion, Competence and the Celebration of Life,” Storey said. “The sisters also present the winner with a gift.”

Simonetta is now is eligible to become the 2012 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.