Get the scoop on senior living and happenings at Arete Living! The Scoop is released the first Tuesday of each month by Arete Living, proudly managing Avamere Communities, The Stafford, and Ovation.
Get this month's scoop below!
Celebrate Diversity Month
In April, people and companies around the world celebrate diversity in their teams and communities.
During this month, we'll share stories of diverse individuals within our communities, provide resources that expand your awareness on diverse perspectives, and offer ways for you to join and support this celebration.
Get to know Our Teammates
We're recognizing diverse voices and experiences in our teammates. Get to know Albert Castaneda, Anne Rosinus, and Jackson Williams.
Albert Castaneda, Chief Development Officer with Point Development Company, serves Arete Living and our communities. Albert was integral to the construction of Ovation communities and continues to assist in updating our buildings. He shares about his Cuban culture, love for his daughters, and more in this spotlight article. Click here to read!
Anne Rosinus, Lifestyle Director with Ovation Heartwood Preserve, shared of her unique upbringing traveling through her childhood. She now speaks five languages fluently from her experiences in 42 different countries. Click here to read her story!
Jackson Williams, Director of Sales and Outreach with Avamere at South Hill shared his story of being adopted at birth from India. Get to know about Jackson’s community of fellow adoptees growing up and how he discovered his passion for serving in senior living. Click here to read his story!
Read or Watch Media Honoring Diverse Voices
We've collected a list of books, podcasts, movies, and TV shows to expand your mind and celebrate diversity. Click here to get the list or download below!
Follow Us on Social Media
Follow Arete Living on social media to learn how we're celebrating all month long.
Thank you for celebrating Diversity Month with us!
Senior Living Scoop
Here’s your senior living knowledge scoop of the month!
As we age, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain our independence and care for ourselves. While many seniors may wish to continue living in their own homes, there are certain signs that may indicate it’s time to consider a move to a senior living community.
Here are five signs that it may be time to make the transition.
St. Patrick's Day at Avamere at South Hill
Avamere at South Hill in Washington was graced by a friendly leprechaun that spread joy and merriment to residents during the annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon.
Director of Sales and Outreach Jackson Williams donned the creative getup with the hope of creating a magical moment for those he encountered. Based on the ear-to-ear grin of Resident Lucretia, it appears that the mission was accomplished!
Ovation Sienna Hills Residents Enjoy 70s Disco Party
Our Ovation Sienna Hills memory care residents had a ball at their 70s disco party! They sure know how to celebrate good times. Check out the fun below!
Vote Ovation Heartwood Preserve Best Senior Living
Ovation Heartwood Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska is honored to be running for Omaha’s Choice Awards by the Omaha World-Herald! We’d love to have your vote. Click or text below!
Click here to vote best assisted living or text 745 to (402) 656-6935.
Click here to vote best memory care or text 916 to (402) 656-6935.
Thank you for voting! Our Ovation team is honored to serve residents and their families in Omaha.
Resident Spotlight: Carolyn Williams
By Beatriz Ruvalcaba, Director of Sales & Outreach, Avamere at Park Place
Carolyn Williams has been a resident at Avamere at Park Place for four years. She is heavily involved in the community and loves to contribute to the community by volunteering her time calling Bingo every Wednesday. She also works at the resident store and is the treasurer of the Resident Council – she really enjoyed serving as the President Council last year.
Before moving to Avamere at Park Place, Carolyn lived in Avamere at Newberg and worked with hospice end of life care. Through the years she was a teacher and a manager. Carolyn enjoys singing karaoke, playing bingo, and growing vegetables and flowers in our community garden.
Carolyn lives by the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated.
Life Enhanced Spotlight
We’re thrilled to feature three of our incredible teammates for April’s Life Enhanced Spotlight. Get to know them below!
Beth Jobanek, Administrative Assistant, Avamere at St. Helens
Beth has been with Avamere at St. Helens for seven years and manages the reception desk during the week.
Beth just got married to her husband Shawn last August. She has two beautiful daughters and one bonus daughter. Samantha is 25 and is pregnant with Beth's first grandbaby, a girl! Sarah is 23 and lives in Redmond, Washington and works at the Avamere Living building there, Queen Anne Healthcare in Seattle. Sarah is also going to school to be an OT. Brooke is 21 and works for a printing company in Portland.
In her spare, time Beth likes to scrapbook and spend time with her wonderful husband riding their side-by-side on the dunes. She also enjoys spending time with friends playing games.
Beth says her favorite thing about her job is having a variety of things to do. No day is ever the same. She also enjoys the residents here and working with a great team. Beth says she has learned many things over the years from working with different managers in her role. Beth notes that some of her favorite memories at work are related to activities with the residents like balloon bat. We appreciate you, Beth! Thank you from your team at Avamere at St. Helens and Arete Living!
Carol Erbe, Health Care Coordinator, Avamere at Newberg
The Avamere at Newberg team and residents would like to acknowledge one of our dedicated Health Care Coordinators, Carol Erbe. She will be celebrating her 5-year anniversary at our community.
Her dependability and consistent efforts to support residents and work collaboratively with her peers contributes to a solid standard of services here. Carol demonstrates the qualities of a leader in her reliability, collaboration, and willingness to help residents and teammates when asked or needed. We are truly fortunate to have her as a contributor to the overall successfulness of our little community.
Zachary Schmidt, Dietary Services Manager, Avamere at South Hill
Zachary Schmidt is the new Dietary Services Manager at Avamere at South Hill! We’re thrilled to have him on the team enhancing lives. Zachary offers an introduction of himself below.
I'm the new resident Dietary Services Manager, here to work together with you to bring delicious favorites together with an emphasis on locally grown whole foods.
I was born to a military family, raised across Alaska, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest. A wonderful meal fills the soul. I am a proud graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Portland. My career has included several retirement communities as well as an adolescent health facility.
I have spent my food career specializing in using what we eat as a part of one's health journey. I always loved food, especially the way it helps us both physically and emotionally and brings us all together.
My team and I are dedicated. Each day we work to bring you wonderful culinary experiences and exceptional service. In the weeks and months to come, we hope to dazzle your taste buds and bring a little happiness to your day through deliciously delightful homemade food.
Pets of Arete Living
We love our furry friends! Get to know some of our four-legged buddies below.
My name is Clover!
Pet parent: Michelle Coe, Executive Director, Avamere at Englewood Heights
Breed: Black Angus cow
I’m a lucky calf born on St. Patrick’s Day! My name Clover is a bit on the luck of the Irish.
Mom says I’m the sweetest girl around. I love berry treats and neck scratches. I’m a proud show girl and during my debut, I won in my class and Reserve Grand Champion!
Hey, I’m Precious!
Pet parent: Avamere at Englewood heights resident
I’m a social butterfly and love to dress up along with Avamere residents and employees! Last year for Halloween I dressed up as Princess Peach from Mario Bros. Residents adore watching me walk down the hallway in my costumes!
Nice to meet you! I’m Gizmo.
Pet parent: Jennifer Sloan, Life Enrichment Director, Avamere at Englewood Heights
Age: 6-year-old bearded dragon
I love running around and chasing my dog siblings (as long as there are no birds flying around)! When I’m tired, I enjoy resting on mom’s 16-year-old son. We’re the best of buds!
I love baths and eating greens, fruit, and insects. Mom says I’m quite the character!
Hi, we’re Laila and Baby Bear!
Pet parent: Lisa Coffey, Regional Director of Operations, Arete Living
Laila
Breed: Half Pom, half Yorkie
Age: 7
I’m a talker! I enjoy walks around the neighborhood and showing off my voice.
Baby Bear
Breed: Imperial Shih Tzu
I’m a cuddle bug! I love following Laila wherever she goes and when mommy returns from travels. We’re both mom’s side kicks!
Hello, I’m Beau!
Pet parent: Jackson Williams, Director of Sales and Outreach, Avamere at South Hill
My dad likes to decompress and destress in the form of some pet therapy from me, his trusty Golden Doodle puppy.
Prr! I’m Miss Kitty.
Pet parent: Eileen Harrer, resident, Avamere at South Hill
Mommy isn’t my only fan! Residents and employees like to say hi and give me love.
Hi, I’m Punky Brewster!
Pet parent: Chad Sewell, Director of Sales and Outreach, Avamere at Newberg
Breed: Mini lop and rex
I recently stopped by for a visit to Avamere at Newberg. I enjoyed meeting residents and employees – and bringing smiles to their faces!
Livia's Parent Corner: Dorothea Daniel
Livia’s Parent Corner highlights the kids of Arete Living employees and residents. This section is named after Livia Thompson, Senior Life Enrichment Director with Avamere at Bethany, who initiated this idea.
This month’s parent corner features Dorothea Daniel and her family. Dorothea is the Life Enrichment Director with Avamere at Cheyenne in Las Vegas. She is married to her husband Robert and has two daughters, Alison and Morgan.
Alison is in her junior year at Arizona State University and is studying forensic psychology. As a talented vocalist, she is looking forward to singing oldies for the residents during her summer break.
Morgan is in her freshman year at Southern Utah University studying fine art photography. Morgan has shared her skills at Avamere doing portraits of residents and employees for the holidays and more recently photographing our grand opening red carpet event for our new independent living community!
Their family photo included here was taken at Morgan's high school graduation in 2022.
What We're Celebrating in April
Here's what we're honoring this month! Follow us on social media to celebrate with us.
Celebrate Diversity Month
In April, people and companies around the world celebrate diversity in their teams and communities as part of Celebrate Diversity Month. Discover stories of our teammates and resources to celebrate diverse perspectives by following us on social media!
National Arab American Heritage Month
April is National Arab American Heritage Month, recognizing the achievements and culture of Arab Americans. Nearly 4 million Americans have roots to an Arab country, according to the Arab America Foundation. Find out more about this month and how to show support at ArabAmericaFoundation.org.
Administrative Professionals' Day, April 26
Thank you to our administrative professionals for all you do! They are often the first smiling face our residents and family members see when they walk through the doors or first person they connect with when calling. Take a moment today to thank an admin professional for their dedicated work.
More observances
World Health Day, April 7
Easter, April 9
National Scrabble Day, April 13
Earth Day, April 22
World Immunization Week, April 24-30
Arbor Day, April 28
Share Your Experience
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Find Senior Living Near You
Arete Living manages 26 senior living communities. Find a place for you or your loved one to call home!
You could be featured in The Scoop! Share your furry friends, show off your family, recognize an employee, share good news, and more! Email marketing@areteliving.com.