A Tribute to Liesl

The following photos and text were sent by Marilyn and Darrell (Bear) Hummer, who have coordinated the Fidos for Freedom monthly volunteer visits to Brooke Grove Retirement Village for many years.  This is the sad story of Liesl's passing but a great story of her life and work as a volunteer pet therapy dog. Our residents will miss Liesl and we are thankful that she touched many lives while at Brooke Grove.

Our thoughts are with Marilyn and Darrell at this sad time.

It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that Marilyn and I inform you that one of our wonderful therapy dogs has succumbed to cancer. “Gunnery Sergeant” Liesl was diagnosed with Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) on March 8, and passed away quietly on Friday, May 21. She fought like a good Marine through eight treatments with this insidious killer while, with the vet’s encouragement, still making her therapy visits on time and without complaint.

Liesl, with her twin sister Grete, served the community as therapy dogs for 12.5 years, almost 11 of which were in the Fidos For Freedom Therapy Dog Program. During that time, Liesl earned many awards and touched innumerable lives. She spent well over 1,000 hours visiting patients at hospitals and residents at nursing homes, mentoring children participating in the Dogs Educating and Assisting Readers (DEAR) program at local libraries, and attending numerous pet therapy information booths and education events. Her “crowning achievement” may well have been participation in the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) Therapy Dog Program, where she worked with countless Wounded Warriors and their families. The Marines “promoted” Liesl, along with Grete, to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps … a position at which she excelled. Modifying a Ronald Reagan quote: “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference”…  Liesl did not have that problem. Her legacy is vastly greater than that of many people who occupy this earth.

Liesl now has a new duty assignment. She is stationed at the Gates of Heaven to assist all of the Marines who guard them. Grete will carry on hopefully for years to come.

Semper Fi, Liesl … you were a magnificent therapy team partner who gave all of us much more than we could ever return!      Bear

Hats Off to You! Appreciation Banquet

A crowd of 103 volunteers, their guests and Brooke Grove staff members enjoyed the Hats Off to You! Volunteer Appreciation Banquet at Montgomery Country Club on Sunday, April 25.  View photos here.

Heidi's Day

Hi Nancy, it's Heidi. Here is my blog entry for today:

Great day at Brooke Grove. Today I saw lots of residents working hard in Rehab. Brooke Grove's Rehab department is first rate. All the therapists put so much effort into each and every resident. They are kind and work very hard.  I witness the improvements in residents' lives thanks to the hands of our Therapists. I enjoy working with each and every one of them.  

Nancy's note:  Heidi started to volunteer at Brooke Grove with her son, who needed SSL hours for graduation.  He has since graduated, joined the Coast Guard and is serving in Detroit.  Heidi loves Brooke Grove and says she'll never leave!  She volunteers every Wednesday morning transporting residents to Rehab, and she also visits one-on-one with some special friends.

May You Receive More Than You Give

This phrase came to mind recently as I listened to Chamini, a regular volunteer, share details of her unscheduled visit that afternoon.  For those who know Chamini, you know that she's exuberant and loves to laugh!

Chamini leads exercise classes in Assisted Living on Wednesdays, and afterwards she visits with several residents in the nursing home.  This particular week she changed her schedule to Thursday because of a work obligation, but on Wednesday afternoon, she found herself at Brooke Grove.  It had been a tough day at work, and even though she wasn't supposed to be on campus, she decided to stay anyway.

The residents were surprised to see her when she went to her usual building in The Meadows.  She happened to have brought a tape from the library where she works - a tape of World War II songs - which she played, and the residents loved singing along!  She also led some exercises, which the residents thoroughly enjoyed.  She spent an hour chatting with several residents, sharing stories and laughter with them.  One resident spoke for all when she said to Chamini, "It's nice to see someone so happy and joyous.  You make us feel good!"

Chamini always speaks with me in the office as she signs out, and I could tell she was extra bubbly.  After admitting her mix-up, she told me about her visits.  Referring to one resident who was particularly cheered to see her, Chamini said, "It made me feel better to make her feel better."

She continued, "I'm glad I came in today.  It was great to be appreciated like that and I couldn't have come at a better time.  That was the best experience!"

She went home all smiles, cheered by those whose lives she had touched.

The Brooke Grove Retirement Village family deeply mourns the sudden death of Tom Koteles on Tuesday, February 23, 2010.   Tom was a long-time member of the Plant Operations crew who was looking forward to retiring on Friday, February 26.

At his memorial service at Brooke Grove on Monday, March 1, Tom was lovingly remembered by colleagues for his quick wit, his ready smile for everyone he met, and his quiet strength.

Tom was always helpful to Volunteer Services by putting up and taking down our Inova blood drive banners at the entrance to Brooke Grove.  He also helped at the summer Block Parties and other outdoor events.  Tom will be greatly missed.

Tom Koteles (far left) and volunteer Jess Rodas (far right)

planting flowers on campus.

Congratulations, Brenda!

Congratulations to LIFE Enrichment Director Brenda Norris and her husband, Mike, on the February 1 birth of their son, Kenneth Benson Norris.  Kenny measured 21 inches and weighed in at 8 lbs. 10 oz. - a big boy - and everyone is doing great!

Welcome to the world, Kenny!

Joyce Lynch, Volunteer Services assistant, is filling in at Assisted Living until Brenda returns in April.

Blizzard of 2010

The campus was beautiful during the blizzard!  The blanket of snow made it a peaceful wonderland outside, but inside it was bustling with activity.

In order to provide continuous care for the residents, President Keith Gibb and senior administrators obtained four-wheel drive vehicles and transported staff on various shifts to and from Brooke Grove.  Many staff members chose to stay overnight for several consecutive nights. The kitchen staffs fed everyone, and the plant operations crew worked long hours to keep the roads and parking lots cleared of snow.  The Brooke Grove staff is so dedicated!

 

  

 

 

  

Photos courtesy of Evan Nudd, Director of Plant Operations and
Nancy Ochsenreiter, Director of Volunteer Services.