2009 Southmayd Employee of the Year

The Board of Directors unanimously voted Frances Schinkel, Recreation Director as our 2009 Southmayd “Employee of the Year.”

Fran has over 6 years of service with Southmayd Home and works diligently to embody the newly established Recreation and Wellness program mission statement (see link on Services page) and seeks to “nurture the creative spirit, provide for spiritual needs, ignite enthusiasm for exercise, and stimulate thinking and enlightenment in order to enhance the lives of all residents.” One often hears a lot of laughter during her activities: evidence that ‘fun’ is a key element.

Residents and family members appreciate Fran’s high energy level, although sometimes residents complain that they are very tired because of all there is to do! Her creative output is exemplary and seldom does she hesitate to give whatever extra effort is necessary to prepare for and produce spectacular programs and activities.

Exerting a positive influence not only on our residents, but also on the organizational climate, Fran has been a leader in promoting a strong team environment. She initiated a staff weight reduction program, helped to organize the joint staff and resident “Oddsbodskins Party” and as president for our newly created Health and Safety Committee has ably led our efforts to ensure a safe environment for our residents, staff and visitors.

The concept of “that’s not my job” is clearly unfamiliar to Fran. When an aide is absent, Fran helps to corral the residents to the nurse’s station to take their medication. She was extremely valuable and versatile in helping out when our residents and so many staff were sick with the stomach bug. Donning a surgical mask and gloves, she volunteered to help sanitize the house furnishings, delivered resident meal trays and spent 2 days in the laundry washing the residents’ clothes!

This past year’s achievements include:

The development of a new Recreation and Wellness program mission statement
Joint collaborations with a new watercolor art instructor resulting in the creation of the canvas quilt “Southmayd Remembers When” wall hanging and the “Art of Cooking” Cookbook and accompanying DVDs.
New Weights & Balance class taught by Fran
A new resident Brass City Mall walking club;
Contracting with a new instructor for Tai Chi classes;
Nintendo Wii Bowling added to games program;
New Intergenerational Programs with Tafts schools (Jazz band and Choral groups); Kingsbury Elementary, Children’s Community
Two new philanthropic crafts projects with Waterbury R.S.V.P: Denim goody bags and plush stuffed toy animals for foster children and Fleece nap blankets pre-school daycare center.
New “Seniors to Seniors” Program celebrating our resident “seniors” sharing life stories with high school “seniors”
New Educational Programs: 4 part Diabetes series, Osteoporosis, Vision, Train trip around the country…
Resident baking activities and subsequent Pumpkin Festival with resident-baked pumpkin breads, cookies, pies, cheesecake bars (~$800 profit).