St. Joe's honors 'Values in Action'
By Jesse Phelps

Ojai's St. Joseph's Health and retirement Center hosted a celebration Saturday, in which a feast was served, birthdays were honored and award nominations were handed out to five staff members.

The annual Values in Action awards are given to those staffers who exemplify one aspect of what St. Joseph's terms "the spirit of hospitality." The five aspects are Loving, Welcoming, Transforming, Together and Healing. Bishop Thomas Curry, regional bishop for Santa Barbara, was on hand to present the nomination certificates.

Food service worker Maribel Alverez was honored in the category of Loving. "Maribel exemplifies the value of loving by being very friendly and attentive to each resident," said the bishop. "She is a responsible and hard worker who is all heart."

L.V.N. and staff developer Nilda Pickerell received her nomination for Welcoming. "She always smiles and greets others and makes them feel special by paying attention to their needs," said Bishop Curry. "She is generous to a fault. By sharing her best, Nilda creates a warm welcoming to all."

The nomination for Transforming went to Maria Luevano de Perez in housekeeping. "Maria brings out the best in people and situations by always being available to assist both residents and staff," Bishop Curry said. "She goes out of her way to provide assistance and thus shows the value to transform a situation from good to better."

Father Carroll Laubaucher received his nomination in the category of Healing. Bishop Curry said, "Father Laubaucher has a healing touch due to his calmness and caring attitude with others. He is not judgmental thus allowing another person freedom to heal from within. He is readily available day or night without hesitation."

The final nomination went to Jose Sanchez, Certified Nursing Assistant, for the principle of Together. ""Jose is a person who lives the values of hospitality in an extraordinary way," the Bishop said. "Even when working double shifts, Jose still retains an infectious sense of humor He makes his presence known by a ready smile, laugh and willingness to assist."

St. Joseph's five nominations will be entered into a three-facility nomination pool with those from St. John of God Health Care services in Victorville and St. John of God Retirement and Care Center in Los Angeles. One finalist will be selected from the total of 15 nominees to receive the Celebration of Hospitality Award.

The winner will be honored at a dinner in Los Angeles on Mar. 29 and will receive an all-expenses paid weekend at a Southern California resort.
Also being honored at the banquet were two residents
celebrating palindrome birthdays.

Grace Callahan turned 88 and Joe Tousignant turned 99. Residents, staffers and guests sang happy birthday after the nominations had been handed out, then everyone sat to enjoy a delicious feast of chicken, salads, and desserts prepared by the kitchen staff.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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