Aberdeen Heights
APRIL 2022
New administrator excited to take the reins at The Glen Though incoming health care administrator Anthony “Tony” Altobella is new to his role at The Glen, he’s very familiar with Aberdeen Heights.
Sylvia Suba surrounded by the Rivertown Sound Quartet.
“[Aberdeen Heights has] been a long time competitor of mine, so I’m happy to be on this team,” Tony said. “I’m very fortunate that I get to work for Christie Wolff, the executive director of Aberdeen Heights.” Since joining the team on Feb. 10, Tony said he’s come to appreciate the staff, residents and culture of the community even more than before.
Singing the season of love
Anthony “Tony” Altobella
“The campus is warm and inviting,” he said. “The physical layout is impressive. The residents are outstanding. They come by and want to talk with you and they want to know more about you. It’s more welcoming than other environments I’ve encountered, and the staff have been very helpful.”
Memory care resident Sylvia Suba’s family sent her the wonderful surprise of a “singing Valentine gram” on Feb. 14. The Rivertown Sound Quartet showed up at Aberdeen Heights around noon to sing Sylvia some love songs. They also gave her a rose and a box of chocolates. u
In his role as administrator at The Glen, Tony will help oversee the assisted living and skilled nursing areas. Because the Aberdeen Heights campus includes an entire continuum of care, residents can age in place, and he’ll be able to help make sure residents have what they need. Tony began his career as a speech pathologist. He worked in that field from 1992 through 1999, before taking on his first administration role. “I thought managing would be pretty easy,” he joked. “Just shake hands, keep people happy and thank them. But I’ve learned there’s a lot more to it, and it’s now my passion.” Tony grew up in a southern suburb of Chicago. After a sixth-grade project he completed in an adult care community, Tony envisioned one of two futures for himself: playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs or working with seniors.
Altobella – continued on page 2
All of the residents enjoyed the music as well.
Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at AberdeenSeniorLiving.com/covid-19.
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Retired administrator struck by thoughtfulness, appreciation After serving for five years managing and caring for residents of The Glen, Lily Landy decided it was time to dedicate her skills to the very important work of caring for her family including her new grandchild. “I have two sons that live in Texas, and we’ve been going there a lot for my grandson,” Lily said. “When I’m there, I worry about my job, worry about staffing and what’s going on there. When I’m at work, I feel guilty that I’m not helping, and not with my family. I needed to find a balance in my life.” When she explained the decision to others, including Aberdeen Heights residents, almost everyone agreed Lily was making the right decision. But they also didn’t want to let her leave without a show of appreciation. On her last day of work, residents and staff decided to throw a retirement reception to illustrate how much Lily, and her work, had meant to everyone. “That’s a humbling and embarrassing moment,” Lily said of the day. “It kind of made me uncomfortable. I feel like the person who takes care of others. Listening to people, I had no idea they thought that way about me. You never know what people think of you until a situation like that. It was very warming.” The day’s events even included a surprise visit from her entire family,
who surprised her with an “urgent” call to the assisted living campus. “Someone called to say there was a problem, and I walk up and there’s my whole family,” Lily said. “I was sidelined by that. I asked ‘Why are you here?’ I didn’t get it at first.” Originally, the post-retirement plan included purchasing a home near Austin, Texas. But since housing prices have increased recently - particularly in places like Austin - Lily said she’ll spend some time commuting back and forth. “There’s no place to move,” she said. “Unless you want to pay $1 million for a 1,200 square foot house.” Looking back on her time as administrator, Lily said she’s happy to know she played a role in ensuring the care of residents and helping to address their needs. But she never thought or expected that many felt so strongly about the work she did each day. “The thought of people going out of their way to write a card and plan a
The Glen threw former administrator Lily Landy, here with her husband, a party for her retirement February 8.
party for me, I was blown away by that,” Lily said. “How thoughtful are the people who live here? That just blows me away. I just went to work every day and did what I was supposed to do. I like doing things for other people, so I don’t need a party - but when they did that, I didn’t know how to react. That was what I was hired to do. But it was very kind, thoughtful, and generous.”u
Altobella – continued from page 1 His therapy background brought him to St. Louis, where he met his wife. Together they’ve raised five children, ranging in age from 14 to 22. They also care for two dogs, a boxer and a shitzu. “I coach youth baseball, and I’ve
been doing that for over 20 years,” Tony said. “I’ve been blessed because I got to coach all my kids.” We’re happy to have Tony join our team at The Glen. Be sure to stop and give him a warm welcome the next time you see him! u
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Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: jwhackbarth@pmma.org Christie Wolff, executive director Tony Altobella, health care administrator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Aberdeen Heights Art is Ageless® exhibit and reception features senior artists Local senior artists will be celebrated April 28 at Aberdeen Heights, 575 Couch Ave., as the community hosts its annual Art is Ageless® exhibit and continues to celebrate the Art is Ageless® program. Art is Ageless is a trademarked program of Aberdeen Heights’ parent company, PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of MidAmerica®). The program offers senior artists the opportunity to share and display their artwork and reaffirms the agelessness of human creativity. “It’s inspiring to see the beautiful pieces these seniors have created,” said Christie Wolff, executive director at Aberdeen Heights. “The
joy it brings to them and others is wonderful, and that’s something we want to celebrate and share with the entire Kirkwood community.” The first Art is Ageless calendar was published in 1981, featuring art from Presbyterian Manor community residents. Since then, the program has expanded to include a juried art competition open to all seniors age 65 and older. The Art is Ageless exhibit will be open to residents from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. April 28 by reservation and feature works from local artists. Works of art include acrylics, oils, photography and various other mediums, ranging from amateur to professional levels.
Winning pieces at the community level move on to a masterpiece level judging to determine which pieces are featured in the annual Art is Ageless calendar and note cards. In addition to the exhibit, Aberdeen Heights also will hold a reception to announce the winners for their residents from 4 – 6:30 p.m. April 28. Please RSVP to Susan Press at 314-9096083. For more information about Art is Ageless, visit ArtIsAgeless.org. For more about Aberdeen Heights, visit AberdeenSeniorLiving.com or contact Beatriz Quinn at bquinn@pmma.org or 314-909-6066. u
PMMA celebrates history with Founder’s Day PMMA (Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America®) employees will observe the founding of the senior living system this month as the company celebrates its 73-year history of serving seniors in Kansas and Missouri. PMMA’s roots go back to 1947. Alice Kalb, a widow from central Kansas, appealed to a Presbyterian Church organization to establish a home for seniors. Her vision laid the foundation for the first Presbyterian Manor community in Newton, Kan., and inspired others to do even more. Through the many decades, PMMA® remained true to the spirit of Alice’s vision, providing quality senior services guided by Christian values. Each Founder’s Day, staff members
re-commit to live our mission by signing the “WE PROMISE” board that lists the pillars of the mission: respecting that seniors retain their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; assisting residents with specific needs; providing compassionate service; serving as a trusted resource; and advocating for seniors. “Our nearly 2,000 employees view what they do as a calling,” said Bruce Shogren, president and CEO. “Our dedicated employees make it possible for us to sustain PMMA’s mission, as well as its heritage. I believe Alice would very proud.” Alice Kalb’s dream has turned into a network of 15 senior living communities and two hospices across Kansas and Missouri. A new senior
Alice Kalb participated in the groundbreaking for the first Presbyterian Manor.
living community is under development in Colorado Springs. PMMA remains true to its core and mission: to provide quality senior services guided by Christian values. For more information about Aberdeen Heights, contact Bea Quinn, marketing director, at 314909-6000 or bquinn@pmma.org. u
Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Valentine’s Tea Party fills hearts, heads, stomachs Aberdeen Heights hosted its annual Valentine’s Tea Party in the assisted living and health center/memory care neighborhoods. It was a heavenly sight. We had delicious cream-filled donuts, chocolate-covered strawberries, and assorted hot and cold teas. Local musician Stacy McClenahan performed live music in the health center, while John Scott provided musical entertainment in assisted living. The annual tea is a fun event we look forward to each year and a great way to celebrate the love we have for all our residents at Aberdeen Heights. u Residents listen to Stacy McClenahan perform.
Assisted living residents enjoyed the tea party. Health Center resident Doris Thomas and Laney Liefer, activity director.
505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | April 2022