Nursing Assistant of the Year
Virginia Vargas
Meridian Manor, Meridian

Administrator of the Year
Doyle Antle
Buckner Villas, Austin

Doyle Antle has worked at Buckner Villas for 11 years. Many positive impacts on resident care have taken place during those years. During his tenure as Director of Nursing, he watched, listened, analyzed and formulated strategies unique to the particular needs and preferences of residents and their families. Moving into the position of Administrator in 2002, Doyle graciously accepted the responsibility of educator, mediator, comforter, and mentor, never losing the personal touch he acquired as Director of Nursing. He has also taken an innovative lead as the long-term care field heads toward Culture Change. In Doyle's presence one is unaware of the multitude of concerns and issues that have crossed his desk. He gives his undivided attention as he receives your information and formulates solutions, ideas or just lends an ear. Unraveling the myriad of questions, proposals and suggestions while funneling them into a form that makes sense and still focusing on the mission and vision of the company is one of his many talents.

Philanthropist of the Year

Pat Lawson

Christian Care Center, Inc., Mesquite

Pat Lawson has an incredible passion for helping others. She has felt that the success of her husband's business was a blessing from God that came with a responsibility to give back.  Pat serves on the Christian Care Centers Board of Trustees as well as other Foundation Boards and charitable organizations. Pat and her husband are involved with a private Christian university, where they diligently work to recruit students. After a company reception for the President of Rwanda, Pat traveled to Rwanda to see how they could help in the aftermath of the worst genocide in recent history. Learning of the dramatic need for teachers and schools, she became a founding member of The ROC Foundation and quickly established a new school in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.  The belief in Christian Care Centers Wellness Philosophy -- "Wellness is an evolving and changing process that includes spiritual, emotional, physical, vocational, social, and intellectual well being" -- led Pat and her husband to give the lead gift for the new state-of-the-art Wellness Center. Their generous gift also underwrote the operational costs of the Wellness Center to the extent that over 600 residents were not assessed any additional monthly fee.  Pat's humble spirit is evident in numerous venues. She allocates her time to charitable events, fundraising activities, and church activities, and thoroughly enjoys being a grandmother in her spare time. Christian Care Centers are extremely blessed by her monetary contributions, but also know it is her generosity of heart and soul that makes her so invaluable to their mission.

Mentor of the Year

Tina Ricciardi

Highland Springs, Dallas

The task of directing the workforce at any organization can be challenging for any leader. Mentoring individuals almost seems like just another part of the job. While the two tasks seem closely aligned, they are vastly different. Tina Ricciardi, Human Resources Director, attacks those challenges every day, as she fulfills both her roles as a leader and a mentor with grace and aptitude. As she mentors a few individuals professionally, in tandem, she counsels and nurtures all employees within Highland Springs with her can-do spirit and contagious laughter.  Her leadership and mentor capabilities impact the culture at Highland Springs, helping maintain the values that the residents come to expect and enjoy.  In 2008 Tina implemented a Career Pathing initiative for all employees. This initiative is a working game plan that is realistic and attainable for all employees to reach their career goals. Tina is unconditionally supportive to help employees because of her philosophy, "Your success is my success, and my success is your success."

Customer Service Award
Carmen Ramirez
Morningiside Ministries at the Meadows, San Antonio

Carmen Ramirez has been a beautician and resident activities assistant at Morningside Ministries at The Meadows for 11 years. Morningside Ministries at The Meadows offers residents and staff members the opportunity to fill out a "Merit Gram" in recognition of an employee who makes the extra effort, shows compassion for our residents, or simply helps to brighten someone's day. Each year a special gift is presented to the employee who has received the most Merit Grams. Carmen has won the recognition for the last four years in a row. The residents' love for Carmen is evident by their comments in the Merit Grams. It is the accumulation of the many small things Carmen does, the many things that matter, which have such a profound effect on the residents' lives. Carmen truly cares about the well being of the residents; she opens up her home as well as her heart to them and is an example of outstanding service to older persons.

Ombudsman of the Year
Cathy Wasserman
Buckner Retirement Village, Dallas

Cathy Wasserman has been Buckner Retirement Village's Ombudsman for over four years, and she has become part of the family with not only a familiar face but with a positive, can do attitude. During her visits, she talks with residents and their family members and directs any of their concerns to the appropriate management staff. Her diplomacy and tact make handling the difficult issues look easy.  Cathy is an excellent source of information for the residents, their families and staff. She has provided Buckner Retirement Village with exceptionally good interactive staff in-services on topics like Resident's Rights, Abuse and Neglect, and Confidentiality. Her unique teaching methods not only hold the staff's attention, but they always learn something new.

Housing Professional of the Year
Rhoda Byers
Plano Community Homes, Plano

Rhoda Byers has been with Plano Community Homes for 13 years. She has grown in this position over the years and is well respected at both TAHSA and AAHSA. She has served on the TAHSA Senior Living Improvement Committee for many years. She continues to bring an energy and vision that inspires both residents and staff. Rhoda is responsible for three buildings which she filled in a matter of days and has maintained 100 percent occupancy for all 13 years. Rhoda successfully established a very active Resident Council, regularly writes grants for building improvements and resident programs, and developed an Ambassador Program to teach residents how to understand and accept those from other cultures. She helps develop staff meetings and the Annual Staff Retreat and is part of the Board Strategic Planning Committee. On top of all of this she assisted the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in acquiring two troubled properties. Rhoda continues to take on responsibilities well above her required job duties. Plano Community Homes are very lucky to have such a dedicated professional as part of the organization.

Environmental Services Award
Clifton Cook
Craig Methodist Retirement Community, Amarillo

Clifton Cook has been employed at Craig Methodist Retirement Community for 5 years. Upon his arrival at the community, the grounds were in need of care. Clifton took an aggressive plan to reintroduce trees and shrubbery to the grounds that could survive the harsh temperatures and winds of the panhandle. He planned and constructed decorative flower gardens and even implemented a seeding plan to establish turf on the complete property. This year Clifton helped organize a program entitled "Carnival of Colors" which included residents' participation in flower, tree and shrubbery purchasing and planting. The residents were delighted with the program and actively participated. Through his efforts, leadership and supervision, the grounds are now in beautiful condition, making a difference in the quality of life of all the residents at Craig Methodist Retirement Community.

Dietary Service Award

Bettie Ford

Crestview Retirement Community, Bryan

Bettie Ford brings comfort and reassurance to the many residents that she comes into contact with on a daily basis through her smile and laugh. Bettie is thoroughly committed to enhancing the lives of the residents. She actually takes the time to get to know the residents - their likes, their dislikes and even their comfort foods! Her viewpoint is that this is the resident's home and she wants to make sure they feel right at home. In her 31 years of service she treats each resident as she would her own mother -- with respect, dignity and, above all, love. Her commitment to Crestview Retirement Community is also evident by her dependability. Bettie's last 14 of her 31 years have been with perfect attendance! Bettie is a team leader amongst her coworkers, she takes pride in a job well done and strives to ensure quality of food presentation at all times. She feels that the needs of the residents should always come first.

Life Enrichment Award

Gwen Simmons

Eden Home, Inc., New Braunfels

Gwen Simmons has worked at Eden Home for more than 28 years. She began her nursing home career as a CNA and is now the Activity Director for the Alzheimer's Care Unit.  Gwen dedicates herself, her heart, and her soul to enriching the lives of dementia residents and their families. She has said many times that she judges the success of her day by the number of hugs she gets and the number of smiles she receives.  Gwen is responsible for many activities, all involving the talents of staff members and volunteers who are personally recruited by her. Guests always return and volunteers say the Alzheimer's Care Unit is the best, most rewarding to serve on. It would not be that way without Gwen.  Gwen is truly faithful and her compassion knows no bounds. She delights in encouraging others to become involved with those whom so many have forgotten.  Residents and staff agree, "She is a ray of sunshine in our world and her smile lights up the room whenever she enters."

Distinguished Service Award
The Erickson Foundation
Highland Springs, Dallas

Dedicated to lifelong learning, The Erickson Foundation's mission is to enhance the present quality of life and the futures of all citizens across the lifespan. The Foundation's Research and Development program is focused primarily on projects designed to contribute to current best practices in active aging and aging with choices. To fulfill their mission, the Foundation is dedicated toward improving wellness programs and health care for older adults everywhere. After investing millions of dollars in research to improve the lives of people around the world, active aging research is one area that receives strong support. Strategic priorities of this foundation include: "Understanding the strengths, capacities and preferences of adults who seek an active lifestyle; encouraging healthy choice-making by older adults and their families; preserving the wellness of mature adults; delaying onset of disease and disability among older adults. The Erickson Foundation is well-rounded in helping all people regardless of their age. In the spirit of growth and learning, this foundation works to promote active, healthy, and socially engaged seniors.

Board Leadership Award

Marilyn Ackerman

Plano Community Homes, Plano

Marilyn Ackerman has been a member of the Plano Community Homes Board for over 10 years. She has been their biggest champion when it comes to fundraising and is always the first to volunteer for any committee or event on any campus. Marilyn's leadership at board meetings is probably her strongest quality. She is a serious advocate for resident's rights, cultural diversity, Fair Housing and treating all people with the dignity and respect that all seniors deserve. Plano Community Homes' staff saw this almost every day as she came to take care of her mother-in-law and when she had passed away, Marilyn focused her energy on the rest of the residents. She has been through new construction, refinancing and renovation, the acquisition of two distressed properties, eight separate budgets. The staff sees her as their board leader and advocate as she drives their mission every day.

Community Service Award
Carolyn Cave
Fowler Christian Apartments, Dallas

Fowler Christian Apartments II is a low income HUD subsidized campus and within this community is Carolyn Cave, a resident that serves others day in and day out. Carolyn wakes up everyday and is driven to get the job done, no matter what that entails. For about four years now, she goes to a local grocery store to pickup the day old bread that they are willing to give. She brings it back to campus so that others may have the bread that they are not able to afford. Carolyn is a trusted neighbor to everyone living on campus. If someone is ill and taken to the hospital, she will help by taking care of a pet left at home, picking up mail, and taking needed items to the resident in the hospital. She often visits residents admitted into the hospital to let them know they are cared about and missed. Carolyn offers the kind of care that is pure and dowsed with sincerity. Carolyn cares for so many that are not able to do for themselves. She never complains and feels blessed as well. She teaches us each day by sharing energy and the excitement for life with everyone and in everything.

Innovative Program of the Year
Heart and Soul
Eden Home, Inc., New Braunfels

Eden Home's Heart and Soul program began as a need for immediate "one on one" interaction with new residents to help facilitate communication and orientation. Something so simple as going to speak with a new resident for the first five days of their stay, asking questions and ensuring orientation to the unit, special needs, and likes and dislikes became a heart warming project that involves all of the facility managers alike.  Getting to know a resident personally and listening to some of their stories is rewarding; each day that visit becomes an event in which they too get to share.  The program helps nursing staff adapt to the needs of the resident. They are able to make resident care more personalized, add to that an opportunity to address problems in a quick manner so that their stay transitions easily with minimal complaints. The program also requires daily communication with family members. This essential contact can help us answer a lot of questions on both ends.  The visits make for an empowering day and when you've completed your assignment, you know you've impacted someone's life in a positive way. In the long run it saves a lot of time and promotes the positive image of health care that we are so proud of.

Volunteer Achievement Award:

Group Outside of an Organization

Christ United Methodist Church of College Station

Nominated by:
Edgewater Retirement Community, Galveston

When the Mayor of Galveston ordered a mandatory hurricane evacuation of the city on September 11, 2008, Edgewater Retirement Community staff plus Methodist Retirement Communities corporate staff joined together along with community and board to evacuate almost 120 residents and 40 accompanying staff in record time.  In drafting an evacuation plan a couple years prior, Edgewater was blessed by Reverend Jerry House, Jr. and his willingness to provide a temporary home at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station; so when Edgewater called that morning to say they were following the plan and on the way, the response was positive and immediate, and the church was ready, willing and able to receive the group.  Thanks to the leadership of Reverend Jerry House, Jr. and his church team who coordinated literally hundreds of volunteers, this "home away from home" was everything and more than anyone could ever ask for. The members of the congregation assisted in feeding residents with special needs, provided entertainment, went shopping for residents and staff, and provided spiritual care.  Christ United Methodist Church in College Station provided an incredible level of support that continued consistently day after day for an entire month. They are truly most worthy candidates.

Volunteer Achievement Award:
Group Within an Organization

White Elephant

Air Force Village I, San Antonio

White Elephant is a group of 16 volunteers who operate a not-for-profit thrift store at Air Force Village I. Operating from a converted cottage apartment, they open every Friday morning. Each week, customers are waiting outside for the store to open.  Every item is donated for resale and every dime that is generated is placed in a holding fund and then donated to the community to better the lives of the residents, especially those who live in the health care center. How their roughly 75,000 dollar yearly earnings are spent is up to a committee of volunteers.  Examples of how these donations make a difference include funding for a third Lift `N Weigh with all the slings for the Health Care Center, creating a safer environment for residents and employees. Many people enjoy the computer room, but now those with impaired vision can better enjoy it thanks to the six large screen monitors donated by the thrift store. Other funds have been used to purchase laptops and other computer equipment.  At Thanksgiving the group sponsored family activities because "when families feel welcome, they come more often," said the lead volunteer. They also assist the Air Force Villages program for employees' families in need and the Employee Appreciation Fund.  For these reasons and so much more, White Elephant has been named the Volunteer Achievement Award Winner for a Group within an Organization.

Volunteer Achievement Award:
Individual Outside an Organization

Ken Shotts, Grandview Baptist Church

Nominated by:

Buckner Retirement Village, Dallas

Imagine getting up every Sunday morning for the past 36 years and driving to a retirement campus to welcome residents and lead the singing for their Sunday morning worship service. That kind of dedication and love is exactly what Ken Shotts has done!  At age 82, Ken writes everything down in his hymnal to help him remember. This is the same hymnal he has been using at Buckner Retirement Village since 1972, and it holds many precious memories for him. Ken's note-filled pages also tell the stories of so many lives touched by his presence. Between these pages are the names of hundreds of residents served by his ministry as well as scattered obituaries he has kept of beloved friends he has made during his volunteer service. As the years have passed, he has found that when working in a place where life is so fragile, he must rely on God to help him cope with his losses.  Ken is one of Buckner Retirement Villages most faithful and valuable volunteers. "The love that I have for this group of people, it's a way of serving the Lord." he said.

Volunteer Achievement Award:
Individual Within an Organization
Thelma Swindell
Trinity Terrace, Fort Worth

Thelma Swindell is a resident of Trinity Terrace continuing care retirement community. Her volunteer achievements have been an integral part of her life even before she became a resident in 1992. Thelma's experience as a Certified Benefits Counselor and her love of helping seniors through volunteering have continued at Trinity Terrace where she is always willing to help the residents.  One of her greatest achievements has been the implementation and maintenance of a volunteer group of approximately 50 independent living residents. These volunteers visit the residents at the health care center twice a day. The volunteers visit each resident and offer them a beverage and spend a few minutes interacting. It has proven to be a win-win program for both the residents and the volunteers. The residents stay connected with friends and the volunteers see first hand the care the residents receive at the health care center.  This helps to ease volunteer apprehensions if they have to use the services in the future. Often hear the volunteers express how much they benefit from this particular program but the greatest satisfaction they gain is when we share with them the physical accomplishments they have given to the residents.  All of this we owe to Thelma who is a wonderful example to others. She is an older American living a vital and independent life who continues to give back to her community.

Newsletter of the Year
"Lifetime Living"

Morningside Ministries, San Antonio

Web Site of the Year
www.tccc.com
Texhoma Christian Care Center, Wichita Falls