Did you ever have the experience meeting a person who immediately made you feel happy?

John Paul Monaco was that person.  Even when faced with the return of terminal cancer, he always maintained a sense of peace and happiness wherever he went.

ElderHealth & Living was fortunate to have Paul on the team and in our community.  His presence here was truly wonderful.  Who would have thought computer/software discussions could be approached in such a kind and actually fun manner!

Paul always shared great insights, quotes and encouragement to everyone around him. Here are a few of our favorites:

“There is a difference in believing, and living life as if you are believing.”

“Do not rewrite your theology to go along with the tragedy you may be facing in your life at the time. Hope is faith reaching out in the darkness.”

“Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the handcuffs of anger.”

“Change your perspective you have on your life, don’t sweat the small stuff, love everyone, everyday while you can.”

Final words from Paul, “God loves you, you’re never alone.”

Paul’s presence was felt everywhere on our campus and in our hearts.  Some of our staff  has shared their thoughts:

Paul knew love and music!  He lived them, breathed them, used them to bring a smile to a face.  He understood that both are liquid emotion, that they have no boundaries, and are best when shared.  He knew that music is defined as sounds and the silences in between.  Paul sang a bold melody of life and love, and in the silence leaves a resounding wake of insight, compassion, and heartfelt advice about what is important.  May his tune play on!

Paul was really a down home guy he is missed. ~Joann Steinhauer

I just love Paul, Always joking and smiling, and I really loved seeing his old pics of his band days, he and I shared a joke or two about that! Boy I sure miss seeing him. ~ Jackie Holt

Paul was such a nice man. He had a great sense of humor and never complained or let his illness interfere with things here. He showed us some great pictures of his band days. He is going to be much missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.  ~ Barb Suchanek

Paul was so helpful in the short time he spent with us.  He had a ‘quietness’ about him, but when he spoke; you listened. He fought a hard battle, and I hope that he is at peace. Thoughts go to his family. ~ Sharon Durrant

Paul was always so helpful any time I needed help he came he will be missed ~ Amber Miller

Paul was delightful, always thinking of others and filling the world with kindness and laughter. I will really miss him. ~ Ronda Perkins

Just loved him ~ Liz von Wellsheim

Paul always found a way to make ElderHealth & Living and the world a better place to be in ~ Nancy Koll

Either with compassionate computer assistance, singing and playing music or stopping and talking to a confused resident he always left you with a smile.  He will be missed.

We are excited to announce our partnership with Organic Redneck McKenzie River Farm on becoming a drop site for their Crop Share program.

A Crop Share is a simple and affordable way to eat healthier food, by paying upfront to receive a weekly box of fresh fruits and vegetables all season long. Individuals and families can sign up for different size shares, including full shares (8-15 items) and small shares (5-8 items). All shares include a variety of farm-grown, organic fruits and vegetables.

A Crop Share helps both the farm and the member. Members enjoy produce that is harvested at its prime. They get to learn about what food is grown locally and how to cook healthier food for themselves and their families. The Crop Share model also provides farmers the financial support upfront to cover costs throughout the growing season and guarantees them a market for their produce.

Members can pick up their weekly produce box at ElderHealth & Living (EHL). They also receive a weekly newsletter with a list of what to expect in the box, recipes, and information about farm events. The cost is $450 for a full share (22.50$/week) and $300 for a small share (17.50$/week). For most families, a large share provides all of the vegetables they need to last through the week. For individuals, a small share or splitting a share with friends is substantial.

All employees, family members, and Springfield/Thurston area community members are invited to sign up for the Crop Share.

For more information contact Danielle Hummel, Food Services Coordinator at EHL 541-747-4858.

To sign up, contact the Organic Redneck McKenzie River Farm at (541) 896-3928, 44382 McKenzie Hwy, Leaburg, OR 97489, or online at www.mckenzieriverfarm.com.

How does a group of seven ordinary people who love music, go from jamming in a living room to performing at ElderHealth & Living? It takes time, dedication, and a passion for helping others.

Steve Gibson (pictured far right) is one of the members of Late for Dinner, but he has been participating in EHL sing-a-longs with the Recreation Staff and residents for a long time now. When Late for Dinner formed about a year ago, he knew he wanted to share the experiences he’s had at EHL with them, and  experience of how music can impact our residents. As Steve says, “The healing power of music astounds me!”

Other members of the group include Amber, Bob, Marty, Marilyn, Pamela and Rene. They play instruments like the guitar, the ukulele, and the mandolin, as well as more unique instruments like egg shakers, the banjo, and the tambourine. When not performing together, Late for Dinner members have a variety of jobs, from working at the Hospital or Lane Community College, as well as a few retirees. However, they all share a passion for music and performing, as well as volunteering to help others. Steve regularly plays in the Food for Lane County Dining Room, which has a motto of “Dining With Dignity”, which provides free meals to those in need four days a week.

Due to the great response at their first performance at EHL just a few weeks ago, Late for Dinner plans to perform again on May 30^th, at 1:45pm at the Diamond Peak Home. EHL residents couldn’t be more excited to have them back! The performance is open to all homes on campus, and families are welcome to come join in on the fun too!

In line with our sustainability commitment  and our mission to purchase sustainable food and support local food vendors, ElderHealth & Living recently partnered with McDonald Wholesale, a locally owned distributor based out of Eugene who serves the Pacific Northwest.

We will now be purchasing most of our frozen, canned, and dry goods from McDonald Wholesale, some of which are higher quality or more local than what we originally received through Sysco. We have also started purchasing most of our produce through Emerald Fruit & Produce, another locally owned distributor that sources many items from farms in the Northwest.

Our other local vendors include Hummingbird Wholesale, Springfield Creamery, and Spring Valley Dairy, Camas Swale Farm, Oregon Natural Meats and more! By purchasing through these local vendors rather than a bigger, national distributor, we know where our food is coming from and are supporting our local economy.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are a scarcity in our region, because most winter crops are already harvested and spring crops are not yet ripe.  For that reason, our Harvest of the Month is healthy and delicious fish. Residents have enjoyed many classic fish entrees, such as Patrale Sole Fish Tacos, Baked Salmon over Caesar Salad, and Lemon Baked Cod. Take a look at the recipes below, and let us know what you think!

We value serving our residents local, healthy, and fresh food. The health benefits of fish are enormous!  Not only do they provide essential omega-3 fatty acids, but they are also a good source of vitamins B, A, and D.

Brandywine Fisheries caught Dover Sole and Petrale Sole out of Charleston, Oregon and Newman’s Fish Company’s cod, rock fish, and Silver Salmon is caught out of Alaska.  These fish are listed as Best Choices and Good Alternatives on the Seafood Watch list, guaranteeing that they are sustainably harvested.

The men at the Diamond Peak Home loved the fish tacos, even though it was a little messy! Check out the pictures below!

Harvest of the Month Recipes:

• Baked Salmon over Ceaser Salad
• Lemon-Baked Cod with Capers
• Petrale Sole Fish Tacos

What’s better than eating a bowl of Colcannon and singing an Irish tune? Doing both at the Blarney Party! Last week, the residents at Cedar House celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day with songs, food, and games.

The recreation staff played traditional songs like “Oh Danny Boy” and “When Irish Eyes are Smiling Eyes.” The residents enjoyed singing along and Marje from Aspen even showed off her whistling skills!

The residents then learned about the traditional Irish dish, Colcannon, which is commonly made with mashed potatoes, green onions, and kale. The EHL staff prepared Colcannon for everyone and even though the residents were skeptical at first, they all enjoyed it.

The recreation department developed a special game just for the Blarney Party called Feelin’ Lucky. The residents had to guess if the stories the recreation staff told were the truth… or if they were full of blarney!

All of the residents, visitors, and staff had a great time celebrating together.

On Saint Patrick’s Day, everyone’s a little bit Irish!

ElderHealth & Living’s Community Wellness Program has begun our first 30-day challenge, Get FIT! The Challenge started February, 15, and runs for 30 days until March 17. The goal of this challenge is to encourage everyone to stay active.  The entire EHL community is encouraged to join!

Get FIT! Challenge Rules

If you meet all the challenge requirements listed below, then you will receive a Get FIT! challenge decal to put on the back of your EHL Wellness t-shirt.

1. Walk or run 30 miles in 30 days.
2. Log your activity in RunKeeper* or on a log sheet (available for pick up at the front office).
3. Count a max of 3 miles each day**. You can walk or run longer but can only count 3 miles towards the challenge. The reason for this is so you are active often. Consistent activity is important when incorporating exercise into your lifestyle and getting fit! This means you’ll need to walk/run 2.5 miles 3 times a week to meet the challenge. You can also walk/run 1 mile a day or 2 miles every other day totaling 30 miles in 30 days.
4. Email Ronda or sign-up in the main office if you want to participate in this challenge. Please e-mail your (1)name and (2)how you will be logging your distance.

Send your miles to Ronda every Friday, and we will add them to the whiteboard in the break room. Check out the list of all the Get FIT! challenge participants (see photo below).

If you need a pedometer, please let Ronda know ASAP. Good luck everyone!

*RunKeeper is a free app you can download for your smart phone.
**You cannot count your everyday steps at work, home or anywhere towards this challenge. To meet this challenge you have to add the miles to your normal activity.
***Approved activity include; walk, run, swim, treadmill and elliptical

Let’s Get FIT!
Questions? Call Ronda @ 541-747-4858

What a great turn out we had during our Sweetheart Party! EHL residents and their loved ones, along with staff, spent quality time together eating sweets, chocolate red velvet cake, and black cherry and vanilla ice cream.

Some homes participated in card-making crafts and frosting cookies. Our talented recreation staff went around campus and enlivened everyone with live music and group sing-a-longs.

The residents enjoyed getting dressed up for the occasion, and the ladies especially loved getting dolled up, having their hair curled and makeup done.

Families and Residents of the Aspen Home were delighted to have live entertainment from Anita’s husband Jim Young, who put on a show playing his accordion (see photo below).

And for an extra special treat, The Diamond Peak Home was catered by Mucho Gusto for their great efforts in the Penny Wars fundraiser back in October. They raised the most money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Good job guys!

We value mealtime here at ElderHealth & Living. We believe that coming together to share a meal creates a sense of family and community. Our sustainable food practices and Harvest of the Month program has our residents eating local, healthy, and fresh food all year long.

In support of these goals, we are committed to developing seasonal menus and lasting relationships with local farmers. One way that we show our support is by sponsoring community events like The Local Food Connection conference.

The 7th annual conference was held this year at Lane Community College. The conference provides local farmers, ranchers and fishermen the opportunity to connect with area food buyers (chefs, grocery stores, restaurants, institutions, and distributors), creating business opportunities that support and sustain our local food supply system. The day was filled with informational workshops, networking and a fantastic luncheon prepared by the Lane culinary art students.

We made great connections with potential food suppliers and learned a lot about how to increase our local food purchasing. We are excited to be a part of boosting the local food economy in Lane County, Oregon.

Interested in knowing more about the Local Food Connection organization? Visit http://www.cascadepacific.org/lfc-wp/

Our Community Wellness Program is now under way! We had over 80 employees attend the in-service and they had a blast touring Willamalane.

Thanks to Amee Aitken, we have several employees interested in putting together a Butte to Butte group. The Annual Butte to Butte run/walk will take place on the 4^th of July. There is a 10k, 5k run and 4.5 mile walk to choose from.

Ronda Perkins is working with Eclectic Edge Racing to sign up for their Corporate Wellness Challenge. We will receive a $5 discount on entry fees and the company with the greatest participation at the end of the year will receive a traveling trophy to display in their office! The discount code is COMP1 (all caps) for those who are interested in signing up.

To register for the Butte to Butte:

http://www.runnerspace.com/buttetobutte.

Please let us know if you are interested in participating in any of the events coming up! Contact Ronda at 541-747-4858.

Check out all of the Upcoming Community Events and register at www.EclecticEdgeRacing.com