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RE-CREATIVE RESOURCES INC.
STARS AWARDS

2011 Hall of STARS

December, 2011
Bryan Rife, ADC

With over sixteen years in the healthcare field, Bryan Rife started out as a Nursing Assistant and has worked his way up through the ranks as a Nationally Certified Activity Director. His contagious energy, enthusiasm and "out of the box" thinking has earned him national recognition through NCCAP's Activity Department of the Year for 2011 and 2nd Place Best Practice for 2010/2011. With Bryan's innovative and modern activity programming ideas, life in a healthcare setting is to be desired. Programming ideas such as Magic Moments, which made national headlining news, Celebrity Chef and the unforgettable Queen of Hearts Beauty Pageant are only a few "tricks" up his sleeve.

Currently, Bryan is working on his first book titled The Hands I Know. Through this publication readers will get a glimpse into the lives of thirty unique people, all which are residing in a long-term care facility. The images of their hands alone speak for themselves and combined with the stories of their lives the book will be captivating. Bryan hopes that this will change the perspective of one's thinking in regards to those living in long-term care.

Bryan's Toy Drive
Bryan's birthday is on December 22nd and if he isn't busy enough during the month of December he also does a toy drive for the local Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC, where he resides. This year will be the fourth year he has done the drive and hopes to succeed his goal of 700 toys donated last year. Bryan also has two handsome sons, Kristopher, age 12 and Noah age 10, and a wonderful husband, Shane, whom is very supportive in all his endeavors.

November, 2011
Alex Riddick, ADC, BA

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Activity Professional!  I am the Director of Activities at Gates Manor, Montclair, NJ. A native of Newark, I attended Arts High School.  Subsequently, I received my Associates Degree in Fine Arts from Essex County Community College, and a BA in Fine Arts and Art History from Montclair State University.   I began my career as an Activities Professional over twenty seven years ago, and I have never regretted my career choice.  I became a Director of Activities in 1999.  I received my professional certification as a director from the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals.  I am also a member of the New Jersey Association of Activity Professionals.  I have been attending their annual conventions for ten years.  In addition, I have participated in seminars and workshops.  My major interest has been the development of therapeutic activities for residents who are challenged by cognitive disabilities, including residents with dementia.  I began work in this area of activities long before much of the present material about activity programs for such residents became center stage.  I can safely say that I am the originator of the Rainbow Medley Program.  This program involves the use of sensory stimulation in a way that engages residents who, otherwise, are not able to inter react with others.  This has brought me a great sense of achievement.  I love to see the residents "come alive" as we communicate through the various sensory stimulation activities.  My career as an Activity Professional gives me a great sense of fulfillment and joy!

Apple Day at Gates Manor
Our annual Apple Day, held each fall, is very popular with the residents.  While our apple tree may be an artificial one, it certainly gives a touch of beauty to our Activity Room.  We feature several varieties of apples.  After a discussion about this display, including the nutritional value of eating apples, we enjoy each of them as a snack!  A trivia game allows the residents to name many kinds of apples.  Apple sauce and apple cider are on hand for tasting.  The reading of the stories, "Johnny Apple Seed" and "The Tale of William Tell,"  are always much enjoyed by the residents.  A photograph display featuring the whole "Apple World" is on hand for all to enjoy.  All this is a result of looking at a piece of fruit that we see so often in new and exciting ways!

October, 2011
Miguel Sarasa, ADC

Miguel Sarasa, ADC has been the Activity & Volunteer Services Director of the Village HealthCare Center since 2004. He has been actively involved in the Southern California Association of Activity Professionals previously serving as Vice President, Secretary, Membership Director.  Miguel has been a featured speaker at a variety of Activity Professional conferences throughout California (both local workshops and state conferences) as well as North Carolina. Miguel is a part time Instructor for Activity Director.net. Miguel is both a California Certified Activity Professional completing the 72-hour course and 40-hour course as well as a Nationally Certified Activity Professional and recently completed the MEPAP Second Edition Train the Trainer to be a Secondary Instructor.

Feel free to e mail me at my personal e mail at sarasa_miguel@yahoo.com

September, 2011
Shelley Evans MT-BC, ACC/MC/ALF/AD, CDP

Shelley is the Director of Long Term Care Therapies at the DeMay Living Center in Newark New York. She has worked ten years with the elderly in an outpatient mental health program before moving to the long term care environment, eleven years ago. She has had articles published in Current Activities, Creative Forecasting, Re-Creative Resources newsletter and The Activity Director's Quarterly. She presented at the 2009 NAAP conference in Albuquerque New Mexico and is the President of the Finger Lakes Regional Activity Association in upstate New York.

Shelley and her team were recognized by NCCAP in 2010 for Activity Department of the Year. The team is known for their inventive and creative programming. For one week every September they completely transform their nursing home for the ultimate camping experience. This includes making all meals from scratch with resident assistance and using their recipes. The recreation team arrives at 5:00 in the morning to start making pancakes, bacon and fried potatoes and the day ends with evening camp fires, singalongs and smores.  The department is known for their unique and all inclusive team theme weeks for National Nursing Home Week, Activity Professionals’ week and Therapeutic Recreation week.  

August, 2011
Brenda Deckman, ADC/MC, CDP, CVW

Over the past decade, Brenda has dedicated her life to serving the elderly.  She is a nationally certified Activities Director, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and a Certified Validation Worker.  She is currently employed at an Assisted Living Community as the Program Services Coordinator, in Wilmington Delaware.  Brenda has found that she especially loves working with the memory care residents who are living with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Her future goals are to continue her education, learning as much as possible regarding this population.  She strives to make sure that the residents have active bodies, engaged minds and fulfilled spirits.

Brenda is known for her "staycation" programs.  She takes the residents to multiple destinations by "train". Each day of the week the train stops at another station to explore. The train was even robbed by outlaws and rounded up by the sheriff.  She has also done cruises with multiple excursions and destinations.  Some of her events include:

Native American Pow Wow with traveling museum
Country Western Hoe Down and Chuck Wagon BBQ
Jamaican Me Crazy Party
Doggie Fashion Show
Circus Clown Day
Disney Lunch with the Characters
Louisiana River Boat with Tall Tales
A Day in Paris
Italian Festival of Food and Dance

Congratulations Brenda!

July, 2011
Kathleen "Mimi" Taylor

The July Re-Creative Resources Inc. STARS winner is Ms. Kathleen Taylor. Kathleen, otherwise known as Mimi, is the Activity Director at Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jaffery, New Hampshire. Last year Mimi won the New Hampshire Healthcare Association’s Star Award for her work with the elders in Seniors Aid NH.  Seniors Aide NH is a group of elders in assisted living and long term care that work to raise money for NH Food Banks and creates awareness in legislature that directly affects the elderly. She currently works with her company’s home office on a committee to change the entire view and process of care planning to reflect resident centered care and she is also on a committee to identify and enhance residents' spirituality in more than just faith-based ways. Mimi has also provided articles for the Re-Creative Resources’ Activity Swap Meet Blog and proves to organize and facilitate creative and unique programming!

June, 2011
Nancy Newman and Kelley Smith

The June, 2011 Re-Creative Resources Inc. STARS winners are the dynamic duo of  Activity Director, Nancy Newman (pictured far left) and Assistant, Kelley Smith (pictured below with a resident). These spectacular activity professionals work at the Sterling Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Media, PA. Gloria Hoffner, ADC works at the center providing music and the Science for Seniors program. Here's what Gloria has to say about Nancy and Kelley.

Every activity director wants to create engaging and entertaining programs that meet the interest levels of residents. To this end, there are musical programs, carnivals, educational, etc. The Great Ticket Turn-In brings together residents who enjoy different program events  - such as the men who gather for poker games and the ladies who knit in the hallway near the sun room - into a combined facility wide day of fun!

Throughout the year residents receive tickets when they participate in programs at Sterling. These tickets may be redeemed weekly for snacks, toiletries, etc. AND can be used for the Great Ticket Turn-In. Nancy Newman selects a date for the event and posts it on the calendar. Residents then have two weeks to turn in all their tickets to Kelley. Kelley counts the tickets and makes a master list of residents and their number of tickets - this list is a secret until the day of the Great Ticket Turn-In. On that day, Sterling's dining room becomes a Game Show Stage! Kelley - dressed in formal wear and a blond wig - is the Vanna White of Sterling. As residents "OH" and "AHH" a collection of goodies are modeled in Carol Merrill style by Kelley. The special prizes, gathered by Nancy and her staff who watch local store sales for bargains, range from purses to costume jewelry, perfume and aftershave to hats and men's wear to handmade afghans. Residents wait in anticipation as Kelley then announces the resident with the most tickets - last time the winner had 1,662 tickets! The winner is then invited to "Come on Down!" They may select ANY gift All residents in attendance are given an opportunity to choose a gift as well. The Great Ticket Turn-In has become a resident favorite. READ MORE ABOUT THE GREAT TICKET TURN-IN.

May, 2011
Cortney Cohen

The May, 2011 Re-Creative Resources Inc. STARS winner is none other than Cortney Cohen from Amber Court Assisted Living facility. Here's what Cortney's supervisor, Ginger Bonner, has to say about her:

"Cortney Cohen began her career as the receptionist at Amber Court Assisted Living in Westbury, NY where I am the Activity Director. I was eagerly seeking help! Every day, I would walk in and see Cortney answering phones and greeting residents with a big smile on her face. I was  interviewing people for the job, but I knew that the answer was behind that desk! She had no experience in the recreation field but her enthusiasm, eagerness and positive attitude made me sure that she was the girl for me! I had to wait awhile until they found another receptionist but it was so worth the wait. She started on American Indian Day (a Ginger Day) and came in dressed up in an Indian costume with twigs to show the residents how they made signs. That was in November 2009 and since then, Cortney has proved to be everything someone in recreation should be. She is compassionate, energetic, creative, loving, fun, spontaneous and dedicated. She is a good planner and problem solver  and is always willing to do whatever is necessary to make the residents happy. It is hard to be in a room with her and not smile. She is always willing do whatever it is to help me create an atmosphere of love, music, learning and laughter. I hereby nominate Cortney Cohen for the May Re-Creative Resources Inc. STARS award because of her outstanding dedication and love to the residents of Amber Court.

Sincerely,
Ginger Bonner
Writer of Ginger's Creative Costumes
February, 2011 STARS winner

April, 2011
Christine Jennings

Christine, author of Christine's Themes has contributed special activity themes for Re-Creative Resources since March 2009 and has written for Activity Director Today for six months.  Christine received her North Carolina State AD qualification through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Continuing Education Health Occupations Program in November 2007. She has done volunteer work at several living assistant facilities, as well as an adult care center. She keeps current on the changes and issues that AD’s encounter in the profession through on-line webinars, newsletters and several AD group blogs. She is currently a full time care giver for her grand-daughter, however she continues to research, create and plan activities to offer AD’s that might have a need for an activity agenda with special themes.

Christine's Acceptance Speech
I am honored to accept the Re-Creative Resources Inc. April, 2011 STARS Award. It's exciting when your creative efforts for theme activities are acknowledged in the professional world of Therapeutic Recreation and Activities. One always hopes that something they do will make a difference in aiding an Activity Director to encourage and engage residents in activities that will allow them to have fun, educate, utilize their physical and cognitive skills while living in a facility. I appreciate and thank you for the award!

Check out Christine's Themes to learn more.

March, 2011
Helen Muller

Helen Muller has brought new and innovative programming to the Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, for the past 32 years.  Residents and their grandchildren especially enjoy the slot machines, that are available for fun only!  Helen arranges for an ice cream truck to come on to the facility's grounds during the summer months, and serve a familiar treat to all.  She conducts lively discussion groups from a wide variety of topics. Helen is a CTRS and an Activities Director Certified with the NCCAP.

Helen's Acceptance Speech

"I am very proud to have been selected as the March, 2011 Re-Creative Resources Inc. STARS Award winner.  The people in the field of Therapeutic Recreation do amazing work.  We do make a difference in the lives of those we work with. Thank you." 

February, 2011
Ginger Bonner

The February STARS award is presented to Ginger Bonner. Ginger is the Activity Director of Amber Court of Westbury, located in Westbury, New York. Here's what the administrator, Raphael Weiss has to say about Ginger:

"Ginger Bonner has been part of our very special dedicated team for over eleven years now. Just by the length of her employment is a testament to her level of commitment to our seniors. She brings the same enthusiasm, joy and excitement to her job though as if it was her first day! The activity department consists of Ginger, an assistant and loads of volunteers of all ages and stages. Under her leadership and guidance she ensures that ALL staff are involved in activities in some shape or form to keep all our residents feeling loved, care for and smiling!

Her activities calendar is usually jammed packed and divided into many groups of activities happening simultaneously throughout the day. This gives the opportunity for all our residents to pick and choose what best suits them to enjoy. There is also intergenerational activities planned with our neighboring nursery. Weekly there is that very special “Ginger Holiday” where there is a specially geared full day of fun stuff, learning new things and usually some sort of eating/baking/cooking. Some recent events include Coca Cola Day, Ladybug Day, Ghost Day and Amish Day. The list can go on and on and most definitely so do the smiles, laughter, tears and joy …all with help of Ginger Bonner our MVP Activities Director!

Ginger's Acceptance Speech

I am creatively honored to receive this award. I preach "rock and roll" to my seniors. When I say that, I dont mean the music. I mean that by creating and implementing these theme days and bringing out their inner imaginative child, each resident is encouraged to have an attitude of youthfulness, love and enthusiasm for life! My philosophy is to fill each day with my main ingredients, which are love, learning, music and laughter. With those things and a little faith, spirit and hope, ANYTHING is possible! The residents who are willing to put on a stripe on bumble bee day or a pair of wings on butterfly day or a "pit" on watermelon day are the people who become truly young when they move into Amber Court. I do my best to walk in every day with a smile on my face because laughter and fun and a positive attitude are contagious and my mission is to continue to inspire elders to feel young. I thank you again for this honor. Keep rockin!

January, 2011
Stephanie Zilinski

The January STARS award is presented to Stephanie A. Zilinski, PhD., TRD. Stephanie has worked in the field of Therapeutic Recreation with the geriatric and pediatric population for over 20 years.  She is currently the Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor for the CT  Baptist Homes. Stephanie provides such creative and outstanding events such as: Flower Show, Cup Stacking Competition, Scarecrow Stampede, outstanding Men's programming, trips to the beach, and so much more! She shares many of these fantastic events on the Activity Swap Meet Blog. Congratulations Stephanie!

Stephanie's Acceptance Speech

Dear RE-CREATIVE RESOURCES,

I feel really proud and honored to receive this "STARS award" as it really makes me to think that all my efforts have been recognized. I feel very special, as I have been chosen as a “Star” in the field of Therapeutic Recreation. I always want to try different approaches with the elderly population, not always in practical methods. I  believe going beyond the limits to the impossible and looking outside the box will create wonders. Every day I realize the responsibility as a Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor and that I am playing a major part in the lives of ALL I come in contact with, my part in challenging each individual through positive motivation and determination as well as giving back to society. I would like to thank my co workers and management, without their support, this award would not have been true. I believe that Therapeutic Recreation is not just a profession, we are the people that teach learning through your abilities, not your disabilities – self healing, as most of the time residents spend their time at the nursing home they live in.   I would also like to thank my family for their love and support in making this award a special one for me. I would like to dedicate this award to my teachers, Joan Clark, CATRD; Cynthia Pellegrino Vantresca, TRS: and Dr. Cipriano at SCSU who have been my inspiration to become who I am today, my family, the wonderful recreation staff, Robin Viele and Irene Wojcik I work with and management.  Finally I feel so very proud to receive this award, this is an inspiration to all to work hard in whatever field their heart and dreams may lead them.