– March 2008 –

Dialysis Center Progress

Montgomery County and the city of Rockville have approved the plans for Collingswood’s new dialysis center. The building permit allows the loan and construction process to go forward.

“This is a huge step forward in reaching our goal of helping those residents in need of dialysis services,” states Administrator Cyndy Martin.

Construction is to begin in late spring or early summer.  Collingswood will have the only in-house dialysis unit in this part of Montgomery County.

The dedicated unit will be housed on the lobby level of the building.  Little or no disruption is expected for the residents.

If there are any questions regarding the new center, please don’t hesistate to ask. We will do our best to keep everyone “in the loop” as steps progress.

It’s Turning Greener

We are improving our recycling rate at Collingswood! It has more than doubled to 26% this past year.

“We have installed recycling bins in offices and in employees’ areas of the building,” states Duane Powell, Director of Building Services.

In 2007, 387,880 pounds of trash, 109,116 pounds of recycled mixed paper, over 16,000 pounds of commingled materials, and more than 4 tons of scrap metal and yard waste were collected!

The staff attended the Montgomery County Recycling training in December.

Welcome Back Janie

Janie Gramling, our resident dietitian, has returned to Collingswood after her maternity leave for son Tyler’s birth. We’re glad to have her back!

Resident Spotlight…

His Smile Says It All

Everyone recognizes Mr. White by his Atlanta Braves baseball cap.  It is his smile, however, that is his real trademark.

“I love when people tease and joke.  It is why I smile,” he writes on his note paper.

Mr. A.B. White is a former proofreader and linotype operator for the Government Printing office.  He retired in 1994.

“He is an easy man to love,” say numerous activities staff!

Mr. White’s favorite part of the day is exercise and other Collingswood activites. He enjoys word puzzles and following sports on television and the newspapers.

A native of Nashville, Tennessee, Mr. White has two daughters and a son.

He said his hearing impairment has not been a problem. He communicates using note cards, hand gestures and of course, his smile to get whatever he needs. It is a true pleasure to have him with us.

Star Team Member…

Service with Two T’s

Tianni Lopez and Tim Brian, our building services star staff members can be seen everywhere.  Sometimes they are hammering, sometimes painting, always, smiling.

“Their skills are very diverse and that’s especially important to keeping the building in tip top shape,” states Duane Powell, Director of Building Services.

“I like the environment here and the residents are so sweet, it makes my job fun,” Tianni says.

Tim adds, “It is very gratifying to help the employees and residents here.  I like my boss too.”

Tianni is a California native and Tim grew up in the Philippines.  Both men are always happy to help out.

Message from the Administrator…

I am happy to report that we recently had our annual licensure and certification survey. We received very positive feedback and only received three minor deficiencies. Congratulations go to the staff.

With our building permit in hand, we are well on our way to establishing a premier dialysis center at Collingswood.

This is an important service we can offer our residents and we look forward to helping more people in the future.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Cyndy Martin

?TRIVIA?

What is a Leprechaun?

The answer is coming up in the next edition!

Last Month’s answer to: “How many Valentines are shared each year?”

The U.S. Greeting Card Association says about a billion valentines are sent each year worldwide. They also estimate that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

Collingswood Funnies

The following are excerpts from the Original Hollywood Squares television game show.  Host Peter Marshall was asking the questions.

Q. Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough they will.

Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.

Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.

Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.

Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?

Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet

Editor’s Note

Saint Patrick’s Day conjures up all kinds of images.  Shamrocks, dancing leprechauns and lots of green! To me, it boils down to my favorite “Irish thing”, the following Irish Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm your face, The rain fall on your field, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Trish Evans, Business Development Specialist

tevans@collingswoodnursing.com

301 787-8698.