Newsletter
Spring 2009
"Alone with God"There are times in our lives where the only place we want to be is "alone".  The Bible says in Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."  Even Jesus needed that alone time!
As beautiful as Oregon is and creates beautiful gardens and sunrises we many times need a place from the elements to meditate life's questions.  Imagine a place designed to bring our thoughts and minds to meditate and contemplate what God has for us.  In our joy or sorrow we want to be alone with God.  The joy of a new grandchild or the grief of loosing a close friend is times we want a few minutes or maybe hours "Alone with God".
"Communing with God"The design of the new Chapel will invite our souls to commune with God.  Facing the east the sunrises will be spectacular.  Windows and roof design will point heavenward.  A rainbow in late afternoon, a snowstorm in winter, or autumn colors in the fall air, the Chapel design will draw our hearts upward.
"Your Support is Needed"Presently the design is being completed by engineers.  It will seat over 100 people at one time.  A grant proposal is near completion.  This proposal when awarded will give you an opportunity to match monies from the grant.  For more information on the Chapel feel free to come see us and I would love to share more.  We will keep you informed for when your gift will be most beneficial to this exciting addition to our community.  Thank you for your needed support for the "Chapel of Prayer"
Summer 2009



From the Desk of Delvin Zook, CEO

Change Can Be Good

I remember as a young boy going to nursing homes and other care centers.  It was either with the little Church in the Wildwood out on Highway 22 or as a family singing to residents in the centers.  I remember going in to those homes as a boy and the smell was though someone or two or three had accidents and really needed a bath.  The residents looked as though they were unhappy and at times uncared for and neglected.  Residents slumped over in an uncomfortable wheelchair drooling with nobody paying attention even though there was obvious pain  The equipment, beds, night stands, and the like, were made of steel, as though they would last forever, but nothing about it seemed like home.  All this was due to a greater philosophical problem of caring for those we should hold dear and still on occasion  I find centers that show some of these symptoms.

Maybe it was because of what I saw at a young age or just knowing individuals deserved better, but through the years we have strived at Rock of Ages to make life enjoyable for residents.  We train the staff that all residents should be given a choice, treated with dignity, and when a person moves in to our home they should have the least disruptions in their lives as possible.  Why have a resident sit in an uncomfortable wheel chair when modern technology has given us reclining chairs and other comforts.  If they like sleeping til 10 am then why not.  If a resident likes a bath rather than a shower then that's what they get.  If they would like a cup of tea before heading to bed then put the teapot on the burner and pull up a chair.  Nothing warms my heart more than hearing a resident say "I really love living here".

The buzz words now are "culture change".  There are seminars to attend on the subject, concepts to adopt, change in equipment, provide a "home-like" setting, businesses are being formed around changing culture.  All of these are important.  But, it truly comes down to one thing and yet because of other driving factors, money, time and "I don't need to change" attitude, organizations still struggle with change!  That one thing?  It's about a heart that cares!!  "Doing unto others as you would have them do to you".  Last month I was invited to attend a round table meeting in Washington DC made up of about 20 organizations.  Our goal was to develop guidelines and references for "Person-centered" care.  I also Chair an exam committee with the National Association of Boards for Long Term Care.  We develop national exams that administrators take to become certified.  Our recent focus has turned to test on ones knowledge of "person-centered" care.  An organization must change the minds and hearts of staff at all levels including administrators, owners and Boards for there to truly be a culture change.

I really believe Rock of Ages, the MAIDS and the great staff that serves with a servant attitude are ahead of the learning curve on what today is being called "culture change".  It was taught more than 2000 years ago from the greatest teacher who walked on earth.  It is our mission to be the hands of Jesus as we live and serve with those we care for.  For years in training our staff we asked, WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).  It truly does cause change!!


THE CHAPEL IS NAMED

"Shiloh Way Chapel"   A place of peace and tranquility!

Shiloh Way Chapel is the name.  But where is this chapel?  This is your opportunity to share and make life here at the center even a little brighter and help serve the spiritual needs.  For those of you who are asking for a way to help financially with this beautiful Chapel now is the time.  I ask you first tithe to your church and then consider the Chapel as a place to give.  We are kicking off our capital campaign to raise the money to construct this chapel that will face east towards the valley.  We have submitted a proposal to Murdock Trust for their financial assistance.  Our request to them is for every dollar donated it would be matched up to $65,000.  If granted that would produce $130,000 for construction.  Engineered plans are to be completed by the end of June.  Now is the time to give to reach our goal and complete this new Chapel.  What a great addition this will be for our already great community.  Thank you so much for your ongoing support!!!
Fall 2009
From the Desk of Delvin Zook, CEO

I sit at my desk today with mixed thoughts.  It is a beautiful fall day with cool air, falling leaves and even signs that Christmas is just around the corner.

On one hand I look to the future with expectations where program growth and development continues to make Rock of Ages/Valley View/MAIDS a beautiful place to live and where individuals in need of our services feel secure.  On the other hand I see challenges that together we will need to face.

"Security" is something everyone is looking for in life and even in death.  We want to make sure we have financial security, and when needed, money is there.  We like the security of "Home" where at the end of the day we can find rest.  There is tremendous value in the security of family.  A couple months ago Twila and I spent a few days with our four children and our grand children on an outing to Klamath Falls and Crater Lake area.  With my grandchildren sitting next to me and each one present I got a little teary eyed as I expressed to them what it meant to me spending time together.  Each one of my children is a big part of my sense of security.  The security of knowing my parents after years of faithful service are in a better place and that each one of us can have that same hope of rest after this life.

Another security we appreciate is close friends that we know will be there, in tough times and times of accomplishment.  For many of us the Rock of Ages community is that blanket of security we each appreciate, a community of friends and family.  I know, for some, financial security is being stretched, the sense that maybe others who once were there are no longer there, and the question as to what tomorrow will hold?  All of these things can place strain on our sense of security.

It is our purpose and mission to be a secure organization where individuals feel family, friends and protection withon our programs.  I am confident with the position we find this organization.  We have taken deliberate steps to be debt free and financially sound.  We have a "family" of caregivers and each one who enters these doors feel the security within the walls.  As a community that cares for each other we can face the future with confidence.

We are truly blessed this Thanksgiving Season as we place our security in God who is in control even of the seasons.  I look out and see the leaves continue to fall.







Delvin Zook, Rock of Ages/ Valley View Director was installed as a Board member to American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) on Saturday, November 7, 2009.  This year’s annual meeting was held in Chicago.  The instillation will take place at AAHSA annual meeting of the House of Delegates.  In the past Delvin has served 6 years on AAHSA House of Delegates.

AAHSA is an association that serves over 7000 not-for profit members and represents over 80,000 residents and families that are served in centers and home care settings nation-wide.  It is recognized as a leader promoting initiatives that will provide quality care for industry, creating a culture change in long-term care settings.  Rock of Ages/ Valley View has been a member of AAHSA since the 1980s.

Delvin has been active on various Board of Directors both locally, State, and Nationally including The National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators where he serves as a committee Chair that constructs exams for administrators nationally to take and become licensed administrators.  Delvin also is serving on the Oregon Alliance of Senior and Health Services (OAHSA) as a Board member where in the past was Board President. OAHSA is a state affiliate of AAHSA.  Locally, Delvin  just completed 6 years serving with the McMinnville Chamber Board where he received the Director of the Year award, and presently serves on the McMinnville Senior Center Advisory Board and Western Mennonite School Board.

Delvin says, “Being involved and accountable to those we serve, both our residents, families, and the community is so important as a not-for profit organization.  Helping organizations do a better job serving the community is why I become involve.  It is very rewarding and keeps the organization I work for Rock of Ages/ Valley View/ MAIDS accountable and represent us as leaders in this community.”
Rock of Ages Director Appointed AAHSA National Board of Directors

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