Team Leisure and Fun: Neighbors are the Best!

Definition of a neighbor: a fellow being or a kindred human spirit.

Team St. Leonard Veterans' Service Organization: Vocational Wellness

from our Marketing Department

Bill Greger was drafted twice. The first time, during the late stages of World War II, he was placed on limited service until the war ended, when he was shipped to Manila, Philippines, to help with the rebuilding effort.

More than 60 years later, in January 2005, Bill found himself conscripted for active duty once again. That's when a group of his fellow St. Leonard residents and former service members "volunteered" Bill to lead their new veterans organization.

As he had so long ago, Bill accepted his post without grumbling and endeavored to do his best as president pro tem of the group. Bill earned the loftier title of Commander, but his work has remained essentially the same. The group formed on the recommendation of Wellness Director Deb Stewart, who thought a regular gathering of St. Leonard's veterans might promote fellowship. Inspired to do more than simply enjoy one another's company, the 127 veterans initiated a project to create a memorial to deceased former residents who had served their country. This project eventually evolved into a large display with brass nameplates listing veterans among St. Leonard's current residents, as well as those who have passed on.

While this multi-year effort progressed, the group undertook a series of service projects to support local soldiers deployed overseas. Over the years, the veterans have raised funds to purchase and distribute phone cards, commissary cards, and desert cooling/hydration towels to members of the National Guard unit based in Kettering and a Dayton Marine military police (MP) company. Representatives of the veterans group also regularly participate in special activities such as the annual Veterans Day celebration at St. Leonard, dedication ceremonies to accompany ongoing construction of new facilities and amenities, and volunteer projects on campus and throughout the region. Members have also helped to organize group trips through the Honor Flight Network, a program based in Springfield that flies veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the WWII Memorial. In July 2007, the veterans began a project to capture and share some of the historic experiences of their members. St. Leonard had an active memoir group for residents, and Lou Liebold and Bob Lamb decided to encourage their fellow veterans to get involved.

Nearly two and a half years later, Liebold expects a collection of more than 30 stories by the veterans, ranging from brief remembrances to lengthy memoirs, to be published in 2010. He and Lamb found the work of soliciting and editing all of these tales more challenging than expected, but well worth the effort. They were also surprised by the content of those stories. While he doesn't consider his own service in Europe, which involved only a few months of combat, particularly exciting by comparison, Liebold contributed his own tale, which includes a firsthand account of liberating a concentration camp. Lamb, who was involved in the memoir group before helping to launch the veterans' version, published his own book-length memoir, War Stories and Memories, in 2008. Lamb's book is available, as the forthcoming compilation will be, through the St. Leonard store.

After 10 and 14 years at St. Leonard, respectively, Greger and Liebold are still thrilled to be part of this community and contribute to it whenever the opportunity arises. "It just gets to be like one big family," Greger said.

Spiritual Wellness

from Marcy Morgan

Spiritual Care

People often seem to shy away from the topic of “Spiritual Wellness”. Perhaps they are thinking someone is out to convert them, or they don’t see how it has relevance to their lives. Spiritual Wellness, though, has everything to do with our lives! Our spirituality, in many ways, is the “essence” of who we are. Are we comfortable with our relationship with God? With our relationships with other people? Whatever your religion or faith tradition, a wonderful guide for one’s Spiritual Wellness is to look at how closely the way you live lines up with what you believe. When we are healthy spiritually, our beliefs are reflected in our actions, in how we live. Otherwise, we have conflict – within ourselves! That creates a lot of stress – much more stress than is healthy for a person.

It would be rare if our actions always reflected our beliefs – after all, we are all human. For many people, their religion helps them form their beliefs, and helps them live out these beliefs. Our faith life is a support to our whole life, not an add-on to the other parts of our lives. People tend to be the happiest when their spirituality blends seamlessly with the rest of their lives!

Team Leisure and Fun: Shopping with Friends!

St. Leonard's Off the Cuff Fashion Boutique offers the thrill of the hunt, and it is a gathering place for bargain hunters and friends.

Environmental Wellness: Team Noah's Ark Green Initiative!

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Getting to Know Sous Chef Adam Rita

from your Marketing Department

Growing up in a “big Italian family” inspired Adam Rita with a passion for delicious food — and the joy that comes from sharing it with others. A native of Columbus, Adam moved to Kettering while in high school, graduated a few years later, and enrolled in the highly competitive culinary arts program at Sinclair Community College.

After completing an internship at the Oakwood Club, Adam became an intern in the St. Leonard community’s bustling kitchen. When he graduated from Sinclair in 2009, Adam eagerly accepted an offer to become the second-in-command, or Sous Chef, at the St. Leonard campus. Midway through his first year in the role, Adam is still surprised and gratified by the quality and variety of their daily fare.

Maintaining a high level of quality and variety for upwards of 1,000 diners each day can be challenging, especially given the need to accommodate dietary restrictions, serve guests in two different dining halls, and prepare room service meals for many residents. Adam embraces this challenge, though, often drawing inspiration from his colleagues.

“I think everyone who works in the kitchen is very talented, and they all have a lot to bring to the table,” he said. They truly take pride in their work and never skimp on quality. They really care, and I think that definitely makes a difference.”

Not all Carbohydrates are Created Equal!

from Ann

The other day I overheard someone say, “Oh, I am not eating any carbohydrates, I need to lose weight.” My first reaction to that statement is so; you are not eating any fruits, vegetables or grain. When carbohydrates come to mind the first thought is bread & starch. But the carbohydrate group embraces a wide variety of foods.

Carbohydrates include sugar, starch & fiber. The most important function of carbohydrates is to provide fuel for our bodies and our brains!! So, if you fail to eat carbohydrates you may feel a little tired & perhaps not thinking very clearly.

There are two types of carbohydrates:

SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES-These have one or two sugars and can be found in the following foods. Fruits, milk & milk products and vegetables represent the simple carbohydrate group. These foods contain vitamins and minerals. Some of the culprits of weight gain live here. They would be non-diet soft drinks, candy, syrup & table sugar.

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES- This group has three or more sugars and is sometimes referred to as the starchy group. It includes legumes, starchy vegetables like peas, carrots & potatoes. Whole grain breads and cereals are considered complex carbohydrates.

So, keep this thought in mind: No one single food group causes us to experience weight gain, excess caloric intake is the culprit responsible when that occurs. Too many calories in and not enough calories out will cause our waistlines to expand.