Aberdeen Heights
NOVEMBER 2021
It’s a big ‘Dill’ to turn 100 With Naomi Dill’s 100th birthday approaching in mid-September, everyone knew we had to pull out all the stops to celebrate. Patricia Bowman, head housekeeper, likes to give residents 5 minutes of undivided attention when she cleans their residences. “I try to give them my full attention because I care about their concerns,” she says.
Local veterans’ groups, including the American Legion, mobilized to organize a parade, and the Kirkwood Fire Department rolled out their trucks for this big event. The Rose Hill Elementary students also got involved by making signs. “She was blown away,” said Naomi’s daughter, Jessie Krafcik. “It was a complete surprise. It was lovely. She was very impressed and very grateful to all the people who participated.”
Honoring our housekeepers Naomi Dill turned 100 in mid-September.
Lead Housekeeper Patricia Bowman works tirelessly to ensure that residents enjoy a clean, safe and warm environment — but that’s not all her work includes.
During World War II, Naomi served in a mobile Army hospital on the European front. She left New York City in December 1943 on the converted cruise ship the Queen Mary and traveled to France, where she helped treat wounded soldiers after the Allied invasion of Germany.
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International Housekeepers and Environmental Services Week is observed in mid-September. Here at Aberdeen Heights, we have much to celebrate.
“We talk,” Patricia said of the residents. “Most of them tell me about their families, about their children and grandchildren. I usually take about five minutes to give them all my attention, especially if they seem upset. I try to A local veteran salutes Naomi during the parade. Vehicles were decorated in red, white and blue in honor of her service during World War II.
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Get the latest on visitation and COVID-19 at our campus at AberdeenSeniorLiving.com/covid-19.
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give them my full attention because I care about their concerns.”
We’re always grateful for the hard work our environmental services team puts in so our residents can enjoy a clean, safe and warm environment. Zena Hall is a conscientious part of our staff.
Throughout the week, Patricia cleans approximately 30 rooms. During the time she spends in each room, she has the chance to build lasting relationships. “I get to know them well,” she said. “I’ve been over in assisted living for about nine months, and some of my former residents from before are over here. When I have a few who are ill or feeling down, I’ll bring them flowers to perk them up.” Taking time to recognize the work of the environmental services team is important and appreciated, Patricia said. “Everybody needs uplifting spirits and good words,” she said. “It shows that people appreciate what we do, and it means a lot to be appreciated. A thank-you goes a long way.” When she’s not working, Patricia enjoys being outside in nature. She enjoys hiking, fishing and camping. “I’m a very outdoors person,” Patricia said. We’re thankful for our entire environmental services staff, and we hope you’ll join us in showing our appreciation for their hard work and friendship. u
Dill – continued from page 1 Eventually, her service moved her through Germany before returning to France. Before her deployment to the front, Naomi was stationed in England at a permanent military hospital. That’s where she met her husband, a medical corpsman. After the war, the couple moved to Pennsylvania and later to St. Louis. They worked in the Veterans Affairs hospital and raised their family. Naomi moved into the independent living community at Aberdeen Heights at the age of 90. For the past two years, she’s lived in the skilled nursing neighborhood. Jessie said the birthday celebration was fantastic and really made her mom’s birthday special. The family is grateful for everyone who worked to organize the celebration of Naomi’s 100th birthday. u Like us on Facebook to stay updated on news and events.
Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2021
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: lliefer@pmma.org Christie Wolff, executive director Lily Landy, health care administrator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Residents celebrate Aberdeen Heights’ 10-year anniversary
No fall celebration can be complete without an Oktoberfest party!
Aberdeen Heights residents celebrated our community’s 10th anniversary with Champagne, cake and a variety of hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Eric and the kitchen staff.
We recognized the changing of the seasons with food, fun and time outside in the nice weather. The Fox Creek band came to perform on the patio, and everyone had a great time bringing in another autumn season. u
Oktoberfest fun abounds at Aberdeen Heights
We even enjoyed an ice sculpture to commemorate the special day. Thanks to all our residents and staff for 10 wonderful years of service, community and family at Aberdeen Heights. u
On Sept. 22, The Fox Creek Band performed for residents in the assisted living neighborhood.
Both residents and staff enjoyed celebrating Oktoberfest. From left: Joyce Duke, Megan Trtan, memory care life enrichment coordinator, and Catherine Joyce.
Assisted living residents sitting around the table are front right, Carol McSweeney, Barb Hollenbeck, and Naomi Dill and Margaret Lytle. Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | November 2021