Franciscan Spirit Award

Miles of Smiles

Pat Roberts Inspires Others With Laughter, Wins December Franciscan Spirit Award

Pat Roberts, STNA, has written a personal success story after she recently fought - and won - several battles with her health. Through this difficult time in her life, Roberts never let her illness cloud her pleasant disposition or prevent her from providing exceptional care to residents in the Memory Care Unit at The Village at Marymount.

Roberts' effervescent smile and exemplary performance helped her to win The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award for December.

"It makes me feel good to help people and help them to live a better life," Roberts said. "If I can make just one person laugh every day, then I did my job. Laughter is the best medicine."

Tracy Gabor, LPN, nominated Roberts, a Bedford Heights resident who has worked at The Village at Marymount for five years, for the Franciscan Spirit Award.

"Pat is a team player," Gabor said. "She is a true asset to the staff and the residents."

Pat Sasso, Director of Nursing, equally praised Roberts' efforts: "Pat is an inspiration not only to the staff, but to our residents as well. She does a wonderful job providing care, and she is always upbeat and positive."

In addition to Roberts, other state-tested nursing assistants and care attendants nominated for the award include Yolanda McCarthy, Tammy Griffin, Tina Harrison, and Elizabeth Burdyshaw.

Giving It Her All

Love of Residents, Profession Helps Lynn Szwejkowski, LPN, Win Franciscan Spirit Award

Lynn Szwejkowski, LPN, is the true embodiment of a nurse who displays The Village at Marymount's core mission values of competence, compassion, and the celebration of life. She also has made a profound impact on residents and her co-workers alike in a relatively short amount of time - she joined the Continuing Care Unit in January 2011.

Szwejkowski's love of the residents and the nursing profession helped her to capture the Franciscan Spirit Award for November. Highlighting Szwejkowski's win was the fact that 10 co-workers in physical therapy, five more in occupational therapy, and two transporters nominated her for the award.

"I'm overwhelmed by the number of votes I received," said Szwejkowski, a Parma resident. "The (Villa St. Joseph) residents and my co-workers are awesome. I love seeing all of them every day. I feel that every day I come here I give 100 percent all of the time."

The Parma resident's many nominators praised her for her work ethic, competence, and her ability to solve problems. She also ensures that all residents are treated in a proper manner.

"Although Lynn has been with us less than a year, she is very deserving of this award," said Pat Sasso, RN, Director of Nursing.

In addition to Szwejkowski, other LPNs and RNs considered for the award included Bessie Escondo, RN, Lori Moskalski, RN, Chris Clair, LPN, Natalie Thornton, LPN, Gloria Lowe, LPN, Kelly Spillman, LPN, Michelle Harris, LPN, Joanna Penn, LPN, and Michelle Grossman, LPN.

Szwejkowski is now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Putting Others First

Susan Belliconish Embodies Franciscan Spirit, Wins Coveted Monthly Award

Whether she is meticulously preparing resident rooms, or volunteering her gardening skills to cultivate fun among residents, one thing is certain about Susan Belliconish: she embodies the Franciscan Spirit prevalent at The Village at Marymount.

With this thought in mind, it's no surprise that Belliconish, who has worked in The Village at Marymount's Environmental Services Department for nearly seven years, captured the Franciscan Spirit Award for October.

"What a shock - I'm so surprised," Belliconish said as Villa St. Joseph Administrator Dan Storey presented her with the award. "I really enjoy the residents and my interaction with them. I also enjoy my job very much."

Bill Lemanowicz, Director of Plant Operations, said Belliconish is always willing to help residents and fellow staff members alike. "Susan is always on time for work and does an excellent job," he added.

Marymount Place Administrator Peggy Mathews, one of Belliconish's nominators, said Belliconish treats all residents like a family member, and she is kind and understanding.

"Susan is a very positive, special person," Mathews said. "She also does a great job volunteering her time to help us maintain our (courtyard) gardens."

In addition to Belliconish, Chris Weber, Calvin Lee, Halina Kramarczyk, and Irena Zielinski also were nominated for the award.

Belliconish is now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

A Model of Consistency

Long-Time STNA Barbara Samplawski Wins September Franciscan Spirit Award

One of Clare Hall's true stalwarts is Barbara Samplawski, STNA. Samplawski has served the residents of Clare Hall for 13 years and she says she thoroughly enjoys her work.

It shows. Samplawski received multiple votes and was named winner of The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award winner for September.

"Barbara has always been very kind to me and to the other residents of Clare Hall," said Sister Angeline Kubit, one of Samplawski's nominators. "She works well with staff members and she is very dedicated."

Samplawski, a resident of Parma, and her husband, Waldemar, have been married for nearly 22 years and have three children.

"People often ask me about my accent," Samplawski said. "I came to Cleveland 13 years ago from Gdansk, Poland. I was a chemist and I also worked for a transportation company producing paychecks for drivers."

When she is not assisting our Clare Hall esidents on Clare Hall, Barbara enjoys gardening and "experimenting in the kitchen."

Other STNAs and care attendants who were considered for the award include Liz Burdyshaw (Marymount Place care attendant); Sherrice Warner, STNA (Skilled Care Unit); Yolanda McCarthy, STNA (Memory Care Unit); Angela Stefanick, STNA (Clare Hall); and Norma Blachkowski (Marymount Place care attendant).

Samplawski is now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Reliable and Dependable

Work Ethic Helps Paula Kovach Capture The Village at Marymount’s August Franciscan Spirit Award

The unassuming manner in which Paula Kovach goes about her daily work in the Nutrition Services Department was well noticed by her fellow staff members, as well as several of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.

Kovach received multiple votes and was named winner of The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award winner for August.

"I started working in the Marymount Convent kitchen and then came to Villa St. Joseph when it opened in 2007," Kovach said. "I've been here about 14 years and I'm very surprised to have won (this award). I was not expecting it."

Andrea Ward, Director of Nutrition Services, praised Kovach's outstanding work ethic.

"Paula diligently does everything she is supposed to do," Ward said. "She is very reliable. When she is not working, she is always willing to say 'Call me if you need anything.'''

Other members of the Nutrition Services team who were considered for the award include Felicia Brown, Vito Simonetta, Agnes Szymanski, and Christa Taylor.

Kovach is now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Compassionate Care

Mary Collins, LPN, Honored With The Village at Marymount's July Franciscan Spirit Award

Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses stepped into The Village at Marymount spotlight in July as candidates for the coveted Franciscan Spirit Award. In the end it was Mary Collins, LPN, who shined the brightest and received the monthly honor.

Collins, who also was honored in March as a LeadingAge Ohio Star, joined The Village at Marymount in January 2007. Her presence as the Memory Care Unit charge nurse is felt by all who know her, said Executive Director Sue Nall, RN, LNHA.

"Mary's gentle and nurturing demeanor creates a calm environment for residents, family members, and staff members," Nall said. "Residents under Mary's care are always well cared for in a compassionate manner. Mary leaves no task undone and no matter how difficult a job may be, she is conscientious enough to be sure it is performed correctly."

Collins credited the help of the STNAs and care attendants for allowing her to succeed in her position. As the Memory Care Unit charge nurse, Collins oversees all aspects of resident care.

"I love what I do and I love the people I work with," Collins said. "I couldn't do it without the help of the aides and all of the staff members who work on the Memory Care Unit. It's really a team effort and I'm fortunate to work with such great people."

"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."

Other RN/LPN nominees for the award include Denise Reminder, Jen Peterson, Chris Clair, Bessie Escondo, Theresa Kucharczyk, Michelle Harris, Donna Nagel, Tamouya Morgan, Michelle Grossman, Gloria Lowe, Jennifer Mylett, Pat Sasso, Kathy Doberstyn, Kathy Zielinski, and Vana Sanaphol.

Collins is now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be awarded in December.

Mission Minded

Kathy Schlekie Wins The Village at Marymount's June Franciscan Spirit Award

To say Kathy Schlekie lives The Village at Marymount's mission is an understatement. In fact, the Broadview Heights resident far exceeds the core values of compassion, competence, and the celebration of life during her many interactions with residents.

Schlekie's commitment to her residents and co-workers alike earned her The Village at Marymount's June Franciscan Spirit Award.

"I am so shocked; I did not expect this," Schlekie said upon receiving the award from her fellow administrators. "I'm very surprised by this award."

Schlekie serves as a Team Leader in the Life Enrichment (Activities) Department. Recently she approached Villa St. Joseph Administrator Dan Storey about the possibilities of helping the social workers in an effort to better learn about residents and operations at The Village at Marymount.

Schlekie has since decided to become a social worker's assistant and she is now assisting with social work for long-term care residents in the Memory Care neighborhood and Clare Hall.

"Kathy has really stepped up to the plate and taken the initiative to want to grow professionally," Storey said. "She has been a huge asset to us during a time when we were transitioning social workers. She's definitely gone above and beyond in her role with us."

Schlekie is no stranger to residents at The Village at Marymount. She worked as a volunteer at Marymount Place, where her grandmother and great uncle were residents, and became employed at The Village at Marymount in 2006.

"As soon as I came on board here at The Village at Marymount I was struck by Kathy's vibrant caring and compassionate way of relating to our long-term care residents," said Sister Mary Alice Jarosz, Director of Mission Integration, and one of Schlekie's many nominators. "She treats each one as if they were her own grandparent."

"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."

Other nominees for the award include Donna Noble, Bonnie Scaminace, Donna Matousek, Linda Clayton, Genevieve Riley-Hunter, Nancy Lachina, Jay Brzoska, Erica Bryant, Annette Pejeau, Marie Deptowicz, Becky Manelski, Stephanie Valek, Tanya Chase-Cecil, and Carolyn Walla.

Schlekie is now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be presented in December.

May A Good Month For March

The Village at Marymount's Honors Franciscan Spirit Award Winner

For Gerri March, being able to multi-task is one key to her success as a member of The Village at Marymount's Environmental Services team. March, who has been with The Village at Marymount since 2007, handles housekeeping and laundry as her primary responsibilities in the department. Her efforts certainly were noticed by her co-workers and residents alike; the Northfield resident was selected as The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award winner for May.

"This award makes me feel better about the work that I do," March said. "There are many days when I'm working by myself washing and folding laundry, and doing housekeeping. This makes it all worth it."

"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."

Bill Lemanowicz, Director of Plant Operations at The Village at Marymount, said March's selection was made by a committee of the facility's administrators.

"Gerri was recognized for her hard work and her attitude," Lemanowicz said. "She's just an outstanding employee."

Other nominees for the award include Susan Belliconish, Russell Smith, Calvin Lee, Irena Zielinski, Halina Kramarczyk, Brittany Johnson, Chris Weber, and Maria Pedrak.

March now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be presented in December.

A Busy Bee

Sandra Hughley, STNA, Wins The Village at Marymount’s April Franciscan Spirit Award

Two years ago, Sandra Hughley, a Marymount Place care attendant and State-Tested Nursing Assistant, started the Busy Bees program for cognitively challenged residents in an effort to enhance their quality of life and to preserve their residency at Marymount Place.

Today, residents and co-workers alike are buzzing with the news that Hughley was named The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award winner for April.

"I was not expecting this," said Hughley, who was presented with balloons and a large check symbolic of a $100 Giant Eagle gift card while working with the Busy Bees. "I'm very surprised that I won this award."

Hughley is no stranger to receiving accolades for her work at The Village at Marymount. In August 2009, she was named Employee of the Month.

"Sandra is a very caring and loving person," said Peggy Mathews, Marymount Place administrator. "She reaches out to everyone - staff and residents alike - with true compassion. She extends herself with great love and joy to those residents that are challenged cognitively."

"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."

Other nominees for the award include Norma Blachkowski, Care Attendant; Liz Burdyshaw, Care Attendant; Stephanie Christy, STNA; Kellie Hrivnak, STNA; Susan Jurcak, Care Attendant; Beverly Kovach, STNA; Marianna Pietrzak, STNA; Ebony Rozell, STNA; Barbara Samplawski, STNA; Angie Stefanick, STNA; and Loretta Williams, Care Attendant.

Hughley now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be presented in December.

Therapeutic Benefits

Physical Therapist Beth Sommers Wins The Village at Marymount’s March Franciscan Spirit Award

When 18 of your coworkers sign their name to one nomination form on your behalf, the gesture speaks volumes to your value to the organization - and your department.

Physical Therapist Beth Sommers learned this fact first-hand as she was selected as The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award winner for March. Eighteen of Sommers' coworkers in the Rehabilitation Department overwhelmingly supported her winning the award.

"Beth is very thorough with all questions asked and the answers she gives," wrote fellow therapist Elaine McCann. "She is always very willing to share her vast knowledge and she completes all paperwork prior to leaving each day."

"Beth is very deserving of this award," said Suzanne Nall, RN, LNHA, executive director of The Village at Marymount. "When 18 of your coworkers sign their name to a nomination form, it goes without saying how much they enjoy working with and learning from you."

"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."

Other nominees for the award include Judy Nicholl, Carissa Bihlajama, Jennifer Cagney, Jennifer DePanfilis, Jessica Price, Elaine McCann, and Gary Frounfelker. Sommers now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be presented in December.

Top of the Charts

Nurse Kathy Zielinski is The Village at Marymount’s February Winner of the Franciscan Spirit Award

Kathy Zielinski, LPN, is an integral part of the Marymount Intergenerational Campus' fabric, having woven herself through roles at Marymount Nursing School, Marymount Convent, and The Village at Marymount. Kathy began her career on the Marymount Campus as a 15-year-old in the kitchen at Marymount Convent. She graduated from Marymount Nursing School.

Kathy's dedication to the daily care she delivers to the Clare Hall residents within Villa St. Joseph, as well as her adherence to The Village at Marymount's core values of Compassion, Competence, and the Celebration of Life, earned the Garfield Heights resident honors as the Franciscan Spirit Award winner for February.

"Kathy is extremely thorough in completing her daily work," said Suzanne Nall, RN, LNHA, executive director of The Village at Marymount. "She knows her residents very well and she can often give you information without even picking up the charts."

Among Kathy's nominators was Sister Marjorie Szydlo, who said: "Kathy exhibits a compassionate spirit in care for each resident. She gives her entire attention and time in serving the needs of the person. She always seeks to make the person comfortable and satisfied."

"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," Dan said. Kathy now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be presented in December.

The Village at Marymount Honors Its First Franciscan Spirit Award Winner

Creativity is one of the main ingredients that Jacqui Williams kneads into all of the items she bakes at The Village at Marymount. Jacqui recently reaped the sweet success of her labor when she was selected as The Village at Marymount's Franciscan Spirit Award winner for January.

"Our new Franciscan Spirit Award is presented monthly to the employee who best exemplifies the spirit of our mission, and who embodies the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis," said Suzanne Nall, RN, LNHA, executive director of The Village at Marymount. "Jacqui is a most worthy first-time winner of this prestigious employee award."

Jacqui, a resident of Newburgh Heights, started her career at The Village at Marymount in 2007 as a server and prep cook at Marymount Place. She became head baker in 2009.

"I try to put a little creativity into everything that I bake," Jacqui said. "My favorite desserts to bake include any kind of cookie."

Jacqui adheres to The Village at Marymount's mission - In the Franciscan spirit of valuing the gift of life in all its transitions, our Mission is to provide an environment of Compassion, Competence and the Celebration of Life to all entrusted to this community of care - by living by the Golden Rule.

"I've always believed in 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,"' Jacqui added. Among Jacqui's nominators was the Life Enrichment Department staff. Donna Galbraith, Director of Life Enrichment, said of Jacqui: "We interact with Jacqui a lot through our department. She is always helpful, on time, and friendly."

Andrea Ward, The Village at Marymount's Director of Nutrition Services, praised Jacqui's work ethic and her ability to challenge herself to create new and tasty treats for residents.

"Jacqui is constantly looking for new ways to improve upon the items she bakes, and to create new items that the residents will enjoy," Andrea said.

"Our Franciscan Spirit Award recipient also receives a luncheon in their honor at the Marymount Convent with their supervisor and the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis," Dan said. "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."

Jacqui now is eligible to become the 2011 Franciscan Spirit Award Winner of the Year, which will be presented in December.