Story and Photos by 9th Grade Student Yamini Naidu, of Valley Catholic School and Member of Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board

The Annual Maryville Senior Prom was held Tuesday, Feb. 16. The Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board (MYAB) hosted the event to give the Maryville residents an enjoyable night of fun and merriment.

The common room of the nursing home was decorated in Valentine adornment. Cookies shaped like hearts and strawberry punch were served. Residents enjoyed hearing the Valley Catholic Jazz Band. At first, they were shy about dancing. Then MYAB members started taking the hands of residents, even ones in wheelchairs, and everyone started to loosen up. Some even got out of the wheelchairs and started dancing until their nurses asked them to sit back down.

A resident named Lucy said, “I want the Maryville dining hall turned into a dance floor!” Another resident Jessie said, “This is fun. It is exciting, and Maryville is exciting.”
Thank you to the Valley Catholic Jazz Band, the Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, and to Hilee Jackson, Maryville’s Activities Coordinator.

According to the City of Beaverton Web site, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board (MYAB) was established in 2000 to provide a voice for youth in the community. This ad–hoc committee consists of 30 members from Beaverton area high schools. Students are selected by the Mayor to serve on the Board for a two-year term through an open application process.

MYAB reports to the Mayor and City Council on issues of concern to youth. MYAB’s mission is to serve the common good of the community and provide a voice for youth in decisions and policies of the City. MYAB focuses on community service projects, promoting youth activism and youth involvement.

On Tuesday, March 23, Maryville Nursing Home will be home to artists of all types, including Maryville residents.

The event will take place in the main lounge of Maryville, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Maryville encourages all to bring in artwork to share with residents, employees and family alike!

View the flyer here.

Maria Gulmatico came to Oregon from the Philippines by way of Hawaii.
She is happily married and has a teen-aged daughter. She has been with
Maryville since 1996.

Maria is an asset to the HKC unit, and is a very good team player. She has a calming effect on our very special residents. Hers, are the extra pair of hands on the Evening shift. She has the knowledge and experience, accumulated through the years, so that she is an excellent resource person for the Evening shift.
She is willing to go out of the unit when requested, to lend her expertise to
solve problems.

Maria is much deserving of the Employee of the Month award, she is such a
joy to work with….. just ask her staff!

The employee of the Month for February is Christina Allison from West Annex.She was born and raised in India where she got her nursing diploma and Bachelor of Arts degree.She came to the US in 1993 to Illinois to work for a nursing home that sponsored her to come to the states. She worked there until 2001. In July of 2001 she made her way to Oregon after she met her future husband. They have an adorable daughter they adopted in 2007.

Christina came to work at Maryville on July 16, 2001. On her first day she knew this was a good fit for her. Christina says that it is her passion to work with the elderly and provide the best and most comfortable care possible, which is reflected in the quality of the care she provides to her residents and their families. Christina has worked on several units since being here at Maryville but her home unit is now on West Annex. She is very dedicated to her work and is always willing to come in or stay over if needed. She is willing to help her staff in any way she can and is always answering call lights and assisting her residents when she has the time.

We are so glad that Christina came to work for Maryville and we are proud to have her on our team. Thank you Christina for you dedication and loyalty!!

February is full of Valentines Day Events at Maryville.  Thursday, Feb. 11  through Saturday Feb. 13 from 10am-4pm, will be our annual Valentines Sale.  Maryville’s lobby will be filled with flowers, cookies, cards, jewelry, gift bags and much more.  Come by and see all that is available to purchase.

Friday, Feb. 12th at 1:30pm will be the Valentine Party.  There will be entertainment in our main lounge.  Saturday, Feb. 13th at 1:30pm we will have the 5 Boys of Piano join us in our main lounge.  All are welcome to attend.

To wrap things up, we will have our Valentine Dance, also referred to as our “Senior Prom”, on Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 6pm.  Beaverton Mayor’s Youth Group will join us in the main lounge.  We will have a live jazz band and refreshments.  Everyone is welcome to attend and remember to dress up in your Valentine best!

Mission out-reach project:

Maryville will be sending the collections from the next two Sundays Masses to the Catholic Relief Services who had 300 staff members in Haiti at the time of the earthquake.  In addition, we will have a “donation for Haiti jar” at the front desk.  If you wish to send a donation directly, their address is: Catholic Relief Services  P.O. Box 17090  Baltimore, MD 21203-7090 or donate online at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Josephine Pelster at (503) 718-5356 or email at srjosephinep@ssmoministries.org

January 26th, 2010 Update: Maryville was able to raise $293.00 in the last 2 weeks towards the donation to Catholic Charities in assisting the people of Haiti.  Thanks to everyone who participated in this effort!

Merly Bautista was born and raised in the Philippines.  She and her husband and 4 children came to the United States in 1999, and Merly began working in the Laundry department that same year.  Merly is a reliable and dedicated employee.  When needed, Merly steps right up and takes charge of washing all the laundry.  She is always willing to do whatever is asked of her without hesitation or complaint.  She has a great sense of humor and enjoys laughing and joking with her co-workers.  She is well liked by everyone who knows her. 

Merly is very deserving of the recognition and honor of being selected Employee of the Month and Maryville is fortunate to have her as an employee.  Congratulations Merly!!

Congratulations to Diana Krause for being chosen December Employee of the Month.   Diana is a CNA on the West Unit and has worked at Maryville for almost 7 years.                                                                         

Diana is extremely helpful to staff, residents and family members.  She does what is asked of her in a timely manner and is very punctual.  Diana is good at her job and takes pride in what she does.  She is responsible to do the initial training for all new CNA’s, and she does an excellent job.  She is known to greet everyone with a smile and a kind word.  Diana’s residents are well cared for and loved.

Diana is a great helper with off-site activities as well.  She accompanies the residents to make sure they have a fun and safe time on their trip.  In 2007, Diana was selected for the OHCA’s “Champion of the Month”.  Nominations for this award come in from around the state.  We are very proud of her and her accomplishments.

Maryville is in need of volunteers who would be willing to be trained to assist residents at meal times.  For more information, please contact Cathy Edwards at (503)718-5315 or cedwards@ssmoministries.org

Maryville is in need of several volunteers who are willing to drive our truck for resident outings and help in moving equipment.  Join us for trips to the zoo, pumpkin patch, beach, casino and more.  Commitment would be once or twice per month and a good driving record is necessary.  Please contact Kathleen Parry at (503) 718-5314 or email at kparry@ssmoministries.org