Chrisman IL 61924

Happy Bubble Gum day!

Our Activity Staff is dressed the part in pink today and ready to pass out bubble gum to all of our staff and residents in honor of Bubble Gum day.

Resident Spotlight for February 2023 Mary Starnes

    

Mary was born to Archie and Jane Wilson Starnes in Memphis TN. She has one brother named Joe Starnes.

Mary grew up in Memphis most of her life until per parents had inherited some land in Coldwater, Mississippi and moved there after her high school graduation.

Mary’s first job was working as a Social Studies grades 7-12 teacher at Hillcrest Academy in Coldwater. She stated that she loved the job because she had all of the holidays off but did not care for this job as she had a hard time disciplining the children. She states I just could not do it.

Mary went

to college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi University for Women, a Master’s degree of Science from the University of Memphis and a Master’s degree of Science from the University of Tennessee.

After graduating college Mary accepted a position at the Danville Library and was the head of the Over Outreach program. This department distributed books to those that were unable to attain them such as elderly, prisoners in prison or in jails. Mary worked in this position for over 12 years.

When asked what was the biggest challenge that you have ever faced, Mary stated that adjusting to retirement and having to sell her home has been the hardest for her.

When Mary was asked the difference between the way that kids are growing up now verses the way that you grew up as a child, Mary stated, that the kids now have so much more technology than she ever did. Mary was also asked what advice would you give the younger generation today and she stated to find your dream and follow it.

Mary now enjoys spending her days working on word search books, jigsaw puzzles, watching tv and visiting with her room mate, family and friends that she has made at Pleasant Meadows.

Employee Spotlight February 2023 Restorative Nursing Assistant Paula Stierwalt

Paula Stierwalt grew up in Chrisman IL. She is married to Chris Stierwalt and was married on 8-8-88. She has one son Ian who just turned 30 this year.

Paula now resides in Danville and enjoys watching sports in her free time. She is an avid Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Illini fan.

Paula has worked for Pleasant Meadows for 45 and half years. She started working as a C.N.A. in 1977 and has since moved on to work as a Restorative Nursing Assistant. She states that she loves to get to know the residents and watching them improve and smile is her reward. Paula states that one of her favorite moments working at Pleasant Meadows is being taught and encouraged by a resident to braid hair.

Her advice to current and future employees of Pleasant Meadows would be: to be kind and really listen to the residents you might just learn something and also to encourage each resident to do as much as possible for themselves for their own well being! We all know the saying if you don’t use it you lose it!

Thank you Paula for all of your years of service to Pleasant Meadows! We are blessed to have you!