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Eugeria! Radio Welcomes North Texas Senior Service Alliances, The Cohen Home and artist, Lauren Dubrinsky

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Charlene Wisdom and Patrick Shanahan compressedA “natural” in the studio, Charlene Wisdom started her career in broadcast production and public relations.  She started working in the senior care arena about five years ago driven, in part, by a strong love for her geographically distant grandparents.  As the Community Ambassador for Silverado Senior Living, she has developed a number of surrogate grandparent relationships!  Charlene can be reached at (469) 525-8868, or visit them on the web at www.silveradosenior.com.

Patrick Shanahan spent more than 26 years of his career in Information Technology.  Motivated by a desire to run his own business, as well as  a need to do something noble, Patrick opened the Senior Helpers Personal Care Agency in Irving and Lewisville.  Similar to Charlene, Patrick was also shaped by a personal experience in sharing the responsibility of remotely providing for the care of his father in his battle against cancer.  Patrick can be reached at (972) 823-1333, or visit him on the web at www.seniorhelpers.com.

Patrick and Charlene came together as a result of a desire to create an organization that was more than just a business networking organization for the senior services industry in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  Their vision was for an organization that also gave back to the community in the form of education and outreach.  To do this, they partnered first with the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce in January 2009 as the Grapevine Senior Services Alliance.  Since then, they have expanded this initiative to Irving and Lewisville, and look to add several more Chamber of Commerce relationships in the coming year.

Dubrinski, Lauren compressed

Art has always been an important part of Lauren Dubrinsky’s life.  She received Art and Art History degrees from SUNY Binghamton.  She was minding her own business doing her job as a real estate photographer at a senior community when the community mentioned that they wanted to start an art program in their community.  Having taught art to children in the past, Lauren had no idea what she was getting into when she agreed to teach art to senior adults.  Her art classes at facilities like The Cohen Home in Alpharetta are now an integral and rewarding part of her week.  She loves the work she does with these seniors, and dearly cherishes the relationships she’s developed with so many extraordinary people.  Lauren can be reached at laurendubrinsky@comcast.net, or (678) 458-3474.

Dodge, Connie compressedConnie Dodge, originally from Illinois, originally received degrees in Communications and Urban Studies in college.  She has been a professional storyteller for more than 20 years, both telling stories and teaching story-telling.  This intriguing vocation led her to interact with many senior adults that would take her story-telling classes.  As a result, Connie developed a passion for working with seniors.  Today she is the Activities Director for The Cohen Home, in Alpharetta.  The Cohen Home is a very intimate setting, with only 22 residents, and an incredible staff to resident ration of 1 to 5 (state requires at least 1 to 15)!  Call Connie at (770) 475-8787, or email her at connied@cohenhome.org to arrange for a tour of The Cohen Home, or visit their website at www.cohenhome.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversations with Lisa Egan, Deanna Gilliam and Diane Scott

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Egan, Lisa compressedLisa Egan started her career as a licensed psychotherapist.  She worked with a number of women in the middle of life transitions, and realized quickly that there were a lot of women with good ideas, but little experience in implementing them.  Being an entrepreneur, and wanting to help these women, Lisa started WiseWomen Radio.   As an outgrowth of this initiative, Lisa began to work in the financial services industry, eventually started her own firm. Today, Lisa is the President and Founder of The WiseGroup Insurance and Financial Services.  Having observed a family member struggling to cover the cost of long term care, Lisa has a passion for helping seniors as they plan for the future, and, in many cases, for living years beyond what they may have originally expected.  Lisa can be reached at (214) 272-8914, or visit her on the web at www.wisegroupinsurance.com.

Gilliam compressedStarting her career as a surgical technologist with a specialty in eye surgery, Deanna Gilliam knew early in her career that she wanted to work with older adults.   After getting her Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a specialty in Gerontology from Georgia State University, she spent the next six years with Piedmont’s Sixty Plus organization.  Wanting to transition into a business that would allow her to stay at home with her new daughter, Deanna had a brilliant idea of capturing individuals’ life stories through video and photography.  Deanna now fills her spare time (when she’s not being a mom) as the President and Founder of Time in a Bottle, a service that organizes, documents and records the stories of her clients’ lives for family and friends to treasure in the future!  Contact Deanna at (770) 363-5544, or visit her website at www.listentomytale.com.

Scott, Diane compressedDiane Scott is proud to be a native of Memphis, Tennessee.  She later spent many years in southeast Florida, getting her education in both Palm Beach County and Miami.  She became an RN in 1975, and has spent the majority of her career serving senior adults.  Earlier this year, Diane was recruited to Atlanta by a former childhood friend and high school and college classmate.  Diane is the Hospice Liaison for Compassionate Care Hospice.  Diane absolutely loves her job, and loves the opportunity to share and assist in families as they take the hospice journey.  Diane can be reached at (770) 220-2723, on her cell at (772) 486-4343, or on the web at www.cchnet.net.

Don Stockard, Patti Elrod-Hill and Faye Vantreese Talk with Eugeria Radio

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Stockard CompressedDon Stockard started his career as a teacher and a coach after receiving both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education.  It wasn’t long before Don realized that his personality and talents were well-suited to a career in sales.  Nearly 25 years ago, Don became one of the first to market and sell Long Term Care insurance in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.  Over the course of time, Don discovered that he had a real passion for our country’s service men and women, and wanted to give his own time to help them.  Approximately four years ago, Don went into semi-retirement, and began volunteering his services to assist veterans in navigating the application process for the Improved Pension Benefit, also known as Veterans Aid & Attendance.  Don’s services are free of charge to veterans and their families.  Don can be reached by phone at 1-800-500-9168 ext. 210, or at (972) 267-6735.  He can also be reached via email at d_stockard@sbcglobal.net

Patti Elrod Hill grew up and went to school in South Dakota.  She acknowledges that when people learn she’s from South Dakota, the typical response is “I’ve never met anyone from South Dakota before”!  Fortunately for Patti, her next stop was Hawaii, thanks to a Navy marriage.  After 3 years in Hawaii, she moved again, this time to St. Louis.  While in St. Louis, she discovered a passion for the law, and attended Law School at Washington University.  Upon graduation, and yet another move to the Atlanta area, Pattie took a job with the Veteran’s Administration.  At the VA she developed an interest in serving the elder and disabled population.  Today she is the owner and lead counsel for The Elrod-Hill Law Firm.  She prides herself in being personally involved with every client.  Her firm specializes inElrod Van Treese compressed elder law and veterans benefits planning.  Patti can be reached at (770) 416-0776, or on the web at www.elrod-hillfirm.com.

 Faye Vantreese (right) is a long term care specialist with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.  Prior to her career as a financial advisor, she attended Syracuse University, and graduated with a BS degree in Design.  Beyond her work with Northwestern Mutual, Faye is very involved in the local community.   She is the President of the Kiwanis Club of Decatur.  Faye is also actively involved in the Decatur Business Association, and has served on numerous boards, including Senior Connections and Life Enrichment Senior Services Board.  Faye can be reached at (404) 354-1039, or visit her on the web at www.fayevantreese.nmfn.com.

Carole Larkin and Diane Grainger Chat with Eugeria! Radio

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Larkin, Carole compressedBorn and raised in Rochester, New York, Carole Larkin has gradually worked her way south, through a number of career iterations.  She started her career with the Welfare Department for the State of Ohio.  She later became a Computer Aided Design engineer for HVAC systems in Clean Rooms.  In the early 90s, Carole went to University of North Texas to get her Masters Degree in Applied Gerontology.  Like many others, Carole ended up in the senior services arena through the experience of caring for a family member, in this case, her mother.  Today she is the owner of ThirdAge Services, a geriatric care management consulting firm in Dallas.  She specializes in helping families with Alzheimer’s and related dementias issues.  She can be reached at (214) 649-1392, or visit her on the web at www.thirdageservices.com.  She is also passionate about Puzzles to Remember, a non-profit organization that collects and distributes puzzles for seniors with dementia-related illnesses.  Check out their website at www.puzzlestoremember.com. 

 Grainger, Diane compressedA native of Alabama, Diane Grainger has been a nurse for 30 years.  She spent her early years in the operating room.  About twelve years ago, Diane became aware of a unique program started by Gwinnett Medical Center in 1994.  This program, the Congregational Nurse Program, was designed to promote health and wellness to churches and their surrounding communities.  This concept, started in the Chicago area by Dr. Granger Westberg posited that nurse involvement following a hospital stay would have a positive effect on continuing heath and wellness.  Though she continue in her role at Gwinnett Medical Center, it was an idea that was tugging at her heart.  About ten years ago, Lawrenceville First Baptist Church created a position for a congregational nurse.  Diane applied, got the job, and has been there ever since.  She loves the program, and sees her position as much more than a job – she sees it as a calling.  Diane can be reached at (770) 963-5121, via email at diane@lawrencevillefbc.org, or on the web at www.lawrencevillefbc.org.  For more information on Gwinnett Medical Center’s congregational nurse program, click here.

Eugeria! Radio Talks with Mary Lea Quinn and Jeff Young

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Mary Lea Quinn and Jeff Young compressedMary Lea Quinn’s best friend is about to turn 70!  Having a natural affinity for seniors, many of her friends over the years have been just a few years old than her.  Educated at Auburn University, and then University of Denver, Mary Lea holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Social Work.  She is currently the Director of Community Relations for SarahCare Adult Day Care Centers.  She is also the founder of the Atlanta chapter of the National Aging in Place Council (www.ageinplace.org).  Mary Lea can be reached at (770) 476-8400.  Visit SarahCare on the web at www.sarahcare.com. 

Before Jeff Young worked with senior adults, he worked with animals.  In fact, that’s how he developed his passion for seniors – by sharing a common interest in canaries with a senior.  After semi-retirement from the pet business, Jeff was approached by a friend to simply provide maintenance services at a skilled nursing community.  The next thing you know, Jeff is the Admissions Director for Briarcliff Haven, a 165 bed skilled nursing facility and subacute rehab center.  To contact Jeff, or arrange a tour, call (404) 875-6456.  Briarcliff Haven is also on the web at www.briarcliffhaven.com.

Back by Popular Demand! AIDS in the Senior Community

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We at Eugeria! Radio understand this is an extremely sensitive topic.  We want our listeners to know that we are interested in education and awareness.  To that end, we want as many people as possible to hear this podcast.  At the same time, though not explicit, please be advised that this podcast covers topics that may be uncomfortable to some listeners.  Please send us your thoughts and/or questions.  We are anxious to have an extended discussion on this subject.  Thanks!

Monroe Spencer, KyleKyle Monroe-Spencer is the Director of HIV Prevention for AIDGwinnett, a non-profit organization providing supportive services and prevention education to AIDS victims and their support network.  After receiving a BS degree in Community Health in college, Kyle moved from Ohio to San Francisco.  She then joined the Peace Corps and spent a number of years in Jamaica, initially involved in general health counseling, and then becoming very interested in HIV prevention.  In 1996, Kyle moved to Atlanta to continue her work in AIDS education and prevention.  Kyle tells us that an astonishing 28% of the new AIDS cases are in adults over age 55.  Further, she notes that “most seniors believe this is a disease for the younger generation.”   Her best advice is to become educated and take the simple measures to prevent the disease.  Kyle can be reached at 678-990-6430, or visit their website at www.AIDGwinnett.org.

Noble, AdrienneAdrienne Noble is the Information and Referral Specialist for Gwinnett County Senior Services.  Originally from New York, Adrienne has become a vital force in her community by immersing herself in opportunities to serve the area’s seniors.  From directing residents to County service locations, to assisting them in availing themselves of Gwinnett County’s senior services, to helping families think through the impact of an aging loved one that can no longer stay safe alone, Adrienne’s role is to provide answers!  One of her roles is sitting on the Senior Issues Task Force.  The topic of AIDS in the senior community is one of two key issues identified by this task force, and one in which Adrienne is particularly interestsed.   Adrienne can be reached at (678) 377-4150, or via email at adrienne.noble@gwinnettcounty.com.  Find about more about the services available to seniors through Gwinnett County at their website: www.gwinnettcounty.com.

A WWII Vet remembers D-Day; PK Beville & Second Wind Dreams; Leslie Finkley of Arbor Terrace

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Jagers, BobBob Jagers was born in Chicago in 1922.  He later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he attended Aquinas College.  After two years of school, Bob enlisted in the Navy.  He was assigned to a very large transport vessel called a Landing Ship Tank, or LST.  Bob was involved in four invasions, including the Normandy invasion at Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Bob was later decorated for his role in treating wounded soldiers during the D-Day invasion.  Bob returned home, and married his wife, Rose, in 1946.  He later received both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Chemical Engineering.  He worked for Chrysler Corporate for more than 20 years, and retired in 1979.  Since then, Mr. Jagers, at the age of 88, stays young by tutoring kids every week.  He has authored two books, “Whales of WWII” and a book for kids, “The Inedible BLT”.  To reach Mr. Jagers, or order one of his books, email him at rbjagers@hotmail.com.

Finkley, Leslie Compressed

Raised in Ohio, Leslie Finkley knew early on that she wanted to work with seniors.  After graduating from University of Virginia with her Masters in Counseling, she thought she would have a career counseling seniors.  She soon discovered that not too many seniors wanted the advice of a 24 year old!  Consequently, Leslie decided to start working with seniors to get them more involved in day to day activities.  This seemed to hit their sweet spot, and hers as well.  Today, Leslie loves her job as the Activities Director at Arbor Terrace at Crabapple, where she helps her residents stay engaged through all different types of activities.  At the same time, she now offers her counseling service to residents on a weekly basis!  Leslie can be reached at 770-649-1009, or visit the community at www.at-crabapple.com.

Beville, PK CompressedTo do justice to PK Beville’s resume’ would take many, many pages!  She holds an MS in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, is a Certified Medical Assistant and a Certified General Mediator.  She is the CEO of Geriatric Specialists, and is the Founder and President of Second Wind Dreams, a non-profit organization that is committed to both education of Caregivers, and to the fulfillment of Seniors’ dreams.  One of PK’s most important achievements is the development of a program called the Virtual Dementia Tour.  This program gives hope to those affected with Alzheimers and other dementia-related illnessses by giving family caregivers and healthcare professionals a glimpse into the world of the Dementia patient.  This is done through a visual, sensory and tactical simulation that is absolutely eye-opening to participants!  To learn more about the Virtual Dementia Tour, Second Wind Dreams or Geriatric Specialists, contact PK at (678) 624-0500, or email her at pk@secondwind.org.  Visit their website at www.secondwind.org.

A Conversation with Dr. Joe Hannan, Tomie Galbreath and Sharon McNair

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McNair, Galbreath compressedOriginally from Maine, close to the Canadian border, Sharon McNair was destined to work with seniors.  She grew up in a home where both her grandparents and her great grandparents lived in the house.  She went off to schoo, and ultimately received a Masters degree in Gerontology.  Sharon began her career as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility.  In the mid-80s, Sharon wanted her parents to be close to her, so she put them on the waiting list at Gwinnett Christian Terrace.  Not long after that, she went to work for Gwinnett Christian Terrace, and has been the Administrator ever since – nearly 25 years!

Tomie Galbreath is a world traveler!  Born in West Virginia and raised in Texas, Tomie eventually ended up back in Atlanta with her husband.  When she came to Gwinnett Christian Terrace to be the Activities Director and Service Coordinator seven years ago, she had no real experience working with seniors.  According to Tomie, she thought to herself, “Well, I’m a senior, what would I be interested in?  What would draw me out of my apartment?”  She hasn’t looked back since, and tells us that she finds her job so rewarding because she gets to see reluctant residents “blossom and come out of their shells.”  Tomie and Sharon can be reached at (770) 925-2300.  You can also visit their website at www.christianterrace.com.

Hannan compressedDr. Joe Hannan is an Internist by trade.  Raised in New Jersey, and educated at Gettysburg College, Dr. Hannan received his medical education in Europe.  He returned to the US to do his residency.  When his partner offered up three clients in a skilled nursing facility, Dr. Hannan was quick to accept.  Over the years, he has focused his practice on the senior community.  Today, Dr. Hannan is the Medical Director for two Manor Care facilities in the Atlanta area.  He also serves several other facilities and a hospice.  To reach Dr. Hannan at Manor Care, just look for the guy with the baseball hat and the crazy tie!

Eugeria! Radio Talks with Caroline Griswold and Chuck and Dara McMillan

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Caroline Griswold grew up wanting to make a difference in peoples’ lives.  A Gwinnett County resident since the age of six, Caroline received her Associates Degree in Behavioral Science from Georgia Military College, then went on to University of Georgia to get her Bachelors Degree in Social Work.  Caroline observed social workers making a huge difference when her grandmother struggled with cancer at an early age, and it made a lasting impact on her.  Today, Caroline is a Social Worker at Gwinnett Medical Center’s Center for Neurosciences.  She loves her work there because she has the opportunity and the encouragement to put patients and families first!  Caroline can be reached at (678) 312-066, or via email at cgriswold@gwinnettmedicalcenter.org. 

MacMillan compressedChuck and Dara McMillian are the owners of a unique company called My Accessable Home.  Though there are a few other companies in the Atlanta area that specialize in renovations for seniors and disabled adults, their business is unique in that they bring a wholistic approach to the process.  This is due, in large part, to Dara’s background in social work.  Dara grew up in a family of health care professionals.  She received her Masters in Social Work from Boston University, and spent more than a decade as a social worker and a geriatric care coordinator.  Dara moved to the Atlanta are in 1996.  Chuck McMillan, on the other hand, grew up in Sandy Springs.  He has spent most of his career in the remodeling business.  Blending the talents of the two McMillans has resulted in an incredible benefit to their clients as they truly understand both the physical and social needs of their clients and what will be needed to make their home safe to live in as they age.  Chuck and Dara can be reached at (770) 715-5242.  Visit them on the web at www.myaccessablehome.com.

A Chat with the Residents of Delmar Gardens – Doris Anderson, Salty and Lillian Wyatt and Olympia LaMattina

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Delmar Crew 1Jennifer Thilo will tell you that she has one of the best jobs in the world.  After listening to her residents rave about Delmar Gardens, we think you may agree.  Jennifer has been the Executive Director of Delmar Gardens of Gwinnett for nearly 15 years.  After majoring in English and Poetry, it was natural for her to gravitate toward serving the senior population (Hmmm…).  Jennifer attributes the success of her community to the incredible team that supports her on a daily basis.  We think it may have to do with the fact that there’s no job that she asks her staff to do that she wouldn’t do herself (including driving the bus!)

Delmar, Beckford compressedOne of the most important roles in Delmar Gardens’ skilled nursing community is the Director of Social Services.  Hilly Beckford accomplishes this task with enthusiasm and passion.  Even as a teenager, Hilly says that she enjoyed her mom’s friends more than the kids her own age.  She agrees with Jennifer with respect to the team of professionals that comprise the Delmar Gardens family.  Hilly notes, “Walls don’t give people care, people do”.  This philosophy seems to permeate the entire Delmar Gardens team.

Delmar, Anderson, DorisFor the first time, Eugeria! Radio had the privilege of chatting directly with a number of individuals that are on the receiving end of the senior services market.  Their stories are funny and compelling.  Doris Anderson is from Norfolk, Virginia.  She is the Resident Counci President, and is active in the Bridge Club.  She’s been a resident of Delmar Gardens for four years.  Her advice  to our listeners is to stay upbeat, have faith, and don’t worry! 

Olympia LaMattina moved to Delmar Gardens with her husband just over two years ago.  After his passing, Olympia tells us that the community at Delmar Gardens rallied around her to help her realize that she had friends there that were committed to supporting her through the grieving Delmar Wyattprocess.  Salty Wyatt was captured in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.  He spent 4 1/2 months as a prisoner of war, then went back and spent 15 years as a hurricane hunter.  After an additional 22 years with Wachovia, he finally retired.  His wife, Lillian’s claim to fame is that she put up with him for so many years.  She wishes he would go back to work!  (Just kidding!)