Seattle Fun!

Recently, staff members attended an all day retreat in the Seattle area.  They boarded the Weatherly Inn bus at 8 a.m. sharp and headed up north where teambuilding and brianstorming were the focus of the morning.  After lunch, they headed to downtown Seatlle where they boarded the Duck Boat and enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon.  An added bonus was the entertainment that Connie provided as she was coaxed into dancing to a special birthday song.  A great time was had by all!

 

20th Anniversary Celebration

September was a busy month at The Weatherly Inn as we celebrated our 20th Anniversary in grand style.  Owners Dr. Larry and Nancy Bunn, along with Alice Schultz, enjoyed the musical stylings of Joe Baque and Dave Scott while dining on a fabulous brunch.  Our commitment to quality was truly present that day! 

 

Do The Puyallup!

Residents soaked in the sun, munched on scones, visited the animal barn and enjoyed one another’s company at the Puyallup Fair recently.  Our staff escorts also enjoyed the hobby hall and craft exhibits.  The comedy juggling act was a big hit as well.   We always look forward to “Doing The Puyallup!” each September.

 

A special ‘Thank You’ to our long time employees!

“Our seccess is, in large part, due to the type of employees we have,” says Dr. Larry Bunn. “They play a key role in representing us, as owners, and provide exceptional care and support to our residents and their families.”

Twenty Year Weatherly Inn Employees

Mary Collins, bookkeeper

Nellie Downing, director of enviromental services

Betty Vlahavich, beautician

Paulette Walls, cook

 

Overnight Excursion at Ocean Shores

 

Residents and staff members enjoyed their water view suites at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino recently.  Fine dining, gambling, shopping and a bus trip on the sandy beach were just a few of the many group activities enjoyed by all!  We look forward to another fun travel opportunity in the future!   

 

 

 

Game On

Staff members enjoyed the sunshine at a friendly baseball game recently at Jane Clark field in North Tacoma.   Cheered on by residents and family members the game was filled with excitement and energy.

 

Senior Celebration Day

Residents and community members enjoyed an afternoon dedicated solely to the senior community at our “Senior Celebration Day”.  Local seniors were treated to free massages, hearing screens, eyeglass adjustments,  ice cream and espresso, veterans benefit seminars and entertainment. Several community resource exhibits were also here distributing valuable information.  One lucky winner will enjoy a trip to the Little Creek Casino for Salmon Days on August 15th compliments of The Weatherly Inn.

 

Ruston Way Walk

Ruston Way and the waterfront provided a beautiful backdrop for a summer walk recently.  Ressidents and staff enjoyed the sunshine and the breathtaking view of Mount Rainier.  

 

After Hours Party

Pierce County Healthcare Professionals enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine and networking in the courtyard at The Weatherly Inn recently.  A raffle was held for a pair of corporate baseball tickets and over $80 was raised to provide much needed goods to seniors at Christmas time.  We enjoyed having the group and look forward to doing it again next year.

 

Blood Drive

Over 20 staff members lined up recently to donate blood in the Assembly Room.  Professionals from Cascade Regional Blood Services set up and prepared to help as employees donated generously.  Local families in need of blood will benefit from the generous donations received that day. 

 

Anniversary Brunch

Our 19th Anniversary Celebration held here on Sunday, September 21st was a very special occasion. The Bunn family enjoyed the musical stylings of Joe Bacque, classical pianist, along with a buffet fit for a king. Resident and family members alike came out in record numbers to enjoy the festivities.

 

Fish Survive Local Power Outage!

A neighborhood electrical outage September 29^th took out our main source of power affecting many aspects of our community, including The Weatherly’s two beautiful salt-water fish tanks. After six hours, concerned employees utilized an extension cord to restore power from an emergency outlet to one tank and made use of a spare oxygen canister to renew the water in the second—saving many tropical fish.

 

The Weatherly Inn staff pitched in to provide continuous quality care and food to our residents with limited power from our generator. Important functions powered by our generator include phones, intercom communication, emergency lighting, cooking and food storage, all fire alarm functions, magnetic locks and door alarms. Because the elevators were offline, we serviced 5 dining areas with hot food and linens so that residents could stay on their floors without using the stairs. Extra staff volunteered to wash dishes by hand, haul food and tables up and down stairs and boost our staffing through this ordeal.

 

Our unique access to flat sidewalks and driveways from all floors allowed us to move residents back to their first and third floor apartments when the outage proceeded into the night. The Weatherly utilized over 50 battery powered portable L.E.D. lanterns and lights along with many emergency flashlights to illuminate areas not powered by our emergency generator.

 

We are happy to report that our residents, staff and the fish made it through the ordeal unscathed. Our special thanks goes out to everyone who helped us during this emergency. Our preparations for disasters and power outages were sharpened by this experience.      

 

“It’s Greek To Me?”

Residents and staff members enjoyed the Tacoma Greek Festival on Friday, October 3rd at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The festival is held every year and enjoyed by many return visitors. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local charity. We were proud to support this cause and enjoy some great Greek cuisine in the company of friends. As always, our residents enjoy the many outings planned throughout the year.

 

Tour of Italy

The monthly ladies out to lunch at the Olive Garden was enjoyed by all. The endless salad bowl and bread sticks were a hit. Lunch time entertainment included a friendly bread stick sword fight provided by two of our residents. There’s never a dull moment when our residents are out in the community. Great food, good friends and fun times! Cheers!

 

Dietary Staff Honored

Recently, The Weatherly Inn’s dietary staff was honored for their hard work and dedication with a pizza luncheon in the Assembly Room.  They continue to exceed our expectations in the compassion, commitment and dedication they show our residents.  We appreciate them! 

 

Nineteen years of memories!

Paulette Walls, lead cook, speaks out about her eighteen year history working at The Weatherly Inn.  When Paulette joined the Weatherly Inn in 1989, she was one of only a handful of staff members sharing all of the duties that our 130 employees now perform.  She cleaned, cooked and washed windows in anticipation of the arrival of new resident.  Choices were limited to one entrée and she cooked solely for our first couple for about a month.  Paulette has experienced many changes to our dining services.  When residents were given 2 choices for lunch, she couldn’t imagine how that transition would run smoothly. Today, with the addition of Sean P. McGuire, Sr, executive chef, we offer 5 choices for lunch and dinner with a daily special.  Our menu changes weekly as well as seasonally.  Residents are served restaurant style, hot off the grill entrees’.  Paulette reflects, “Working with Sean is a great experience.  He’s serious about good food, but he’s fun to work with. He’s very supportive and just a cool guy!   I’ve learned how to cook to order with different sauces and techniques.  Some things never change,” adds Paulette,   “We’ve had pancakes on the menu every Saturday since our doors opened to our first residents!  I have made over 100,000 pancakes since 1989.”  Paulette will celebrate 19 years of outstanding service and good cooking at The Weatherly Inn in June.  Thank you, Paulette, for your hard work and dedication.

 

Wii, Wii, Wii all the way home!

Residents are now enjoying a game of golf no matter what the weather is outside.  The Wii is a popular Video game that uses the player’s motion to control the action on the screen.  It can be used for fun and therapy.  Residents are learning how to cyber-bowl, play baseball and tennis as well as a variety of other games.

 

Octoberfest 2008

The Weatherly Inn staff was presented with a grand Octoberfest feast recently in recognition of their outstanding service and dedication.  The spread included brats, German potato salad, wiener schnitzel, spaetzle, braised red cabbage and apple raisin strudel.  Chef Sean once again delighted everyone with his magnificent culinary skills.   

 

Aloha!!

Diane Schwartz, Memory Care Activity Supervisor, held a new resident family dinner in the Assembly Room recently.  Residents and family members enjoyed festive Hawaiian music, wore lei’s and enjoyed a grand Hawaiian feast prepared by Chef Sean. 

 

Halloween Festivities

Residents and staff members celebrated Halloween in grand fashion.  The festivities started with an employee pumpkin carving contest.  Each department was given a pumpkin and had one hour to complete their masterpieces.  Our residents judged the final creations and awarded our dietary department with first prize.  A party in the dining room, complete with refreshments, music and entertainment was enjoyed by all in the early afternoon.  The chicken dance was performed by staff members.  Raffle prizes were given away to several lucky winners.  A costume contest was held as well.  Residents Delores Lauzon (Minnie Mouse) and Ruth Holmes (Hershey Kiss) took first and second place.  Office manager Gaby Eaton (office nerd) took third place.  The evening festivities continued with trick or treating from 6-8p.m.

 

Christmas Gala Enjoyed By All!!

 

On Thursday, December 11^th, the Weatherly Inn held it’s first ever Christmas Gala.  A fabulous music program was performed by Mark & Diane Redal and Debbie McCuen.  Residents and family members enjoyed music, hot cider and Christmas cookies.  The  horse drawn carriage rides were a big hit with both residents, family and friends.  In addition, donations were taken for Toys For Tots and will be distributed to children this holiday season.

 

Dickens Carolers

December was filled with Christmas cheer at The Weatherly Inn.  The Dickens Carolers returned again this year to entertain both residents and family members in our dining room.  What a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends.

 

New Years Celebration

Residents rang in the new year complete with champagne, party hats and blowers at our annual New Years Eve dinner.  They enjoyed Prime Rib and Halibut, topped off with a decadent cheesecake.   Here’s to a happy and healthy 2009 to our residents, staff and their family members!

 

Happy 99th Birthday Estelle Scott!

 

On Tuesday, January 13^th, Estelle Scott celebrated her 99^th birthday with family and friends in the Assembly Room.  She moved to The Weatherly Inn in 2008.  When asked for her secret to longevity, she laughed and replied, “I was just careful.  I don’t think there’s any magic in it.  I was just careful.”   

 

Chili Cook Off

Our first ever chili cook off  was held in conjunction with our residents happy hour in activities on Friday, February 13th.  As the residents enjoyed their favorite cocktails, staff and residents alike judged the chili recipes.  Gaby Eaton, office manager, took first place, Felicia Johnson, cook, came in second place and Barb Gunter, waitstaff, came in third.  It was a fun event and we look forward to doing it again.

 

Chihuly Glass Exhibit

Residents boarded the bus and headed out to the Wright Park Conservatory on Wednesday, February 18th.  The flowers were blooming and the glass was glowing as they admired the work by Dale Chihuly that was displayed throughout the Conservatory.

 

Pool Tournament Fun!

Staff members enjoyed participating in our first ever pool tournament held in the Den in February.  The single elimination tournament was enjoyed by many as they watched and cheered for their favorites.  After four days of play, Joe Floyd (left), was the overall winner.  Congratulations Joe!

 

Day trip to Snoqualmie Falls

Residents boarded our activity bus on Tuesday, March 24th and headed to Snoqualmie Falls.  After viewing the falls, they enjoyed lunch at the Salish Lodge.    

 

Annual Easter Brunch

  

The Weatherly Inn hosted another fabulous Easter Brunch as guests listened to the musical stylings of Joe Bacque, classical pianist.  The buffet included an omelet bar and a fabulous seclection of gourmet desserts.  The children enjoyed hunting for eggs in the Garden Room where two lucky winners found the golden eggs.

 

Volunteers Help Seniors

Local girl scouts volunteered their time in our Memory Care Community On Saturday.  They were working towards earning one of many merit badges.  They joined our residents with their Saturday sing-a-long, helped with the ice-cream social and enjoyed one on one visits.  We look forward to having them return again. 

 

 

Happy Birthday To You!

Residents, staff and family members enjoyed another great time at the monthly birthday party in Bristol Court. They sang, danced and socialized with one another as they enjoyed cake, ice cream and refreshments.

 

“And They’re Off!”

Residents of Bristol Court and Magnolia Place enjoyed an exciting day at the races recently in the Activity Room.   Staff and residents alike were cheering and clapping as they rooted for their favorite!  They look forwad to another day at the races.

 

Lakewold Gardens Trip

Residents enjoyed the sunshine, flowers and great company as they toured Lakewold Gardens in Lakewood.  They strolled through the beautiful rhododendron display, were visited by a grazing deer and viewed the Wagner House on the grounds.

 

Employees Enjoy Casual Friday and Food

 

Employees enjoyed a casual Friday with hamburgers, hot dogs and all the barbecue trimmings on Friday.  Music, games, good food, great company and a raffle drawing were all part of the celebration in appreciation of their dedication and commitment to our residents.

 

A Day at Northwest Trek

 

Residents enjoyed a day excursion to Northwest Trek where they got up close and personal with serveral different species of animals.  They enjoyed lunch in the company of friends while soaking in the sun.

 

Celebrating Caregivers Appreciation Week!

The Weatherly Inn honored our caregivers in June during Caregiver Appreciation Week.  They were treated to chair massages, a barbecue, a free beverage in the Cove Cafe’ and a pizza party.   They are the heart of our business and we appreciate their loyalty, dedication and commitment to our residents.

 

Fathers Day Celebration

Families from as far away as South Carolina visited our dads on Father’s Day to enjoy fresh pies and reminisce about the good old days in our memory care community.  A grand barbecue was enjoyed by all of our residents for lunch and special Father’s Day gifts were given.

 

Luau Fun!

Residents of Bristol Court and Magnolia Place were treated to a Hawaiian Luau complete with mocktails and sunshine.  The music was festive, the smiles were plenty and a good time was had by all!

 

Monthly Birthday Party

Residents and staff members of Bristol Court enjoyed their monthly birthday party complete with cake, music and dancing.  They look forward each month to celebrating with friends and family.

 

In House Barbecue

 

Residents enjoyed another fantastic steak barbecue complete with the trimmings in our activity room recently.  The sun was shining and the smiles were endless! 

 

Farmers Market

Starting on July 1st, we will have an in-house farmers market for residents and staff members to enjoy.  Fresh berries and fruit will be available for purchase every Wednesday in our Activity Room.

 

Take Me Out To The Ballgame!

Weatherly Inn staff members were treated to a baseball game on the Party Deck at Cheney Stadium recently as a thank you for their hard work and dedication. 

 

Owens Beach Trip

Residents enjoyed a picnic lunch at Owens Beach recently.   A walk on the waterfront was enjoyed as they watched several boaters and the Vashon Ferry commuting to and from the island.  The weather was pleasant and the sun was shining as they enjoyed their day.