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The dream to bring the first continuing care retirement community to Chicago's Beverly / Morgan Park area became a reality when Smith Village opened.
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Executive Director Kevin McGee's relationship to Smith Village dates to his college days, when his grandmother moved into its predecessor, the Washington and Jane Smith Community. "Even as an active senior," he says, "she understood the central role being part of a vibrant community plays for older people. Reflecting on my visits to her leads me to believe that my grandmother's positive experience pointed me towards a career in gerontology."
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Associate Executive Director Amanda Senerchia sees Smith Village as an extended family. "I am intrigued with the residents' wisdom and life lessons." One moment she particularly treasures is when a resident quoted poet Ralph Waldo Emerson to her: "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
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Director of Sales Marge Everett has always worked in sales and real estate. But her time at Smith Village has special benefits, she says: "So many of the residents have become real friends." Everett enjoys seeing them socially as well as helping with the details of selecting an apartment and guiding them through the decision-making process.
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Sales Counselor Meagan Rohan gets enthused each time she sees seniors make a lifestyle choice on their own, securing their future by moving to Independent Living at Smith Village - often with encouragement from adult children. Once they've settled in, Meagan gets energized by new residents' senses of humor and wit.
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"The best part about my job," says Marketing Assistant Theresa Rusch, "is the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community of people, the staff and the residents." She enjoys getting to know residents and their families on a personal basis. "There is so much to learn from their experiences."
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Admissions and Social Services
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Director of Admissions Pat Coleman has enjoyed a career in the retirement industry for nearly 20 years. She is impressed by how seniors are savvy consumers today. "They ask all the right questions and I'm glad we're able to provide them satisfying answers"
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Social Services Director Tom Zarzycki is proud of Smith Village's outstanding reputation in the Beverly community. "We continue to invest all of our efforts in improving the lives of our residents. We have a close family atmosphere you won't find anywhere else."
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Executive Chef Dennis Karim tries to visit with residents in the dining room each meal. "What I like about seniors is their honesty. If they don't like something they let me know. And, when they're pleased, they heap on praise." Holidays are favorite occasions, "because we can help our residents celebrate important dates over a delicious meal."
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Dining Room Operations Manager Sarah Mcnicholas looks forward to coming to work every day because "it's like being with family, spending time with people you really get along with." She enjoys being in the Dining Room at mealtimes, "to interact with residents, get their feedback on what dishes they enjoyed and what we can do better."
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Fitness Specialist Martina Wessels says she relishes discussions on important health topics and stories everyone shares about their weekends. "Many people have shared the wisdom and experience of their years and I enjoy being able to share my knowledge of exercise and fitness to help enrich their lives."
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Resident Service Director of Assisted Living Sarah Jewett thinks Smith Village is special because of its atmosphere and focus on caring. One of her favorite memories is as the Drama Club Director when, "we did a scene from the movie 'Moonstruck.' It was fun to watch people work toward a common goal."
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Diane Morgan, Dementia Care Coordinator of Memory Support in Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Care, feels no two days are ever the same at Smith Village. While noting how appreciative the residents are for the assistance they receive, she observes, "I learn everything I need to know about life from the seniors."
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Life Enrichment Facilitator Valerie Rogers thinks Smith Village is special because everyone on the team cares about the residents, "There's a genuine love for them." She encourages residents to talk about their memories. "In fact, to help a couple celebrate their 65th anniversary, we restaged their wedding and I was a flower girl."
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Volunteer Coordinator Joanne Laureles leads a volunteer corps that sees residents are able to do what they like. "I get satisfaction when I can keep residents busy, help them stay active." Every Sunday morning she hands out coffee cake or Dunkin' Donuts and leads a discussion group. "They tell me it makes their Sundays special."
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From day one as Music Director, Rich Boban looks forward to listening to residents' stories about experiences he's not yet had. "I get a lot out of that." And their sense of humor. "I kiddingly greeted a new resident named Jane with, 'Me Tarzan.' Immediately one of the men seated nearby said, 'No, I want to be Tarzan.'"
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For Human Resources Assistant Yvonne McKinley, Smith Village is a home away from home. "Everybody is like family." Working with new hires, she sees firsthand the qualities that make the team so special. "They've all worked with residents and have a genuinely caring attitude. It's wonderful to hire committed people."
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Our Medical Director Michael Thomas, DO, played ball as a boy in Kennedy Park across from what is now Smith Village in Beverly/Morgan Park. He remembers being curious about the community where, today, he oversees medical care. "We help seniors manage their medical needs so they get most out of life at every stage."
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Director of Nursing Edward Torres feels Smith Village is a special place "because the beauty of the hearts of people who live and work here match the beauty of the residence itself. My favorite part of the day is making clinical rounds. I like to have my fingers on the pulse of our community."
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Environmental Services Director Keith Hanson has special memories of Smith Village's new campus developing before his eyes and watching the first residents move in. He welcomes each day as "an opportunity to build relationships with residents, earn their trust and confidence through providing great service."
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Housekeeping Supervisor Eileen Dabulskis looks forward each morning to greeting residents and coworkers. Even after two decades at Smith Village, she feels good when she wakes up and thinks about making someone's day better. "I like listening to their family histories. It makes me feel good to learn more about them."
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Receptionist Marlene Sheahan is the ideal person to greet residents and visitors, with a smile and cheerful welcome for all. "I enjoy the residents because they are all unique and interesting. Their stories and knowledge of things amazes me. I love their positive attitudes." It looks, Marlene, like you get what you give.
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© 2010 Smith Senior Living