Prepping for Hundreds of Thanksgiving Guests
How many people are normally at your Thanksgiving gatherings? A close handful of loved ones? A larger group of extended family and friends? Well what if you were having close to 500 people over for Thanksgiving? That is a mind boggling thought for most of us. However, for the Still Hopes Culinary staff, that is exactly what they plan to do here at our Retirement Community West Columbia, SC on Thanksgiving Day. We talked to Andy Marchant, Still Hopes' Director of Culinary Services, to see exactly what goes into preparing for such a busy day. How many people are we expecting for Thanksgiving here at Still Hopes? We are expecting to have 350 residents and their guests dine with us on Thanksgiving Day. We will also have 75 staff on hand and we will prepare 100 meals for our healthcare neighborhoods. How do you conceptualize the Thanksgiving meal? Do you stick with tried and true favorites or throw some new things in the mix? We do a little bit of both. We have the traditional favorites and some not so traditional favorites, like cranberry pecan salad and shrimp and grits. How far in advance do you plan the Thanksgiving meal? We start planning for Thanksgiving about mid-October and our Chef finalizes the menu around November 1st. We also start taking Thanksgiving reservations for the Palmetto Dining Room on November 1st, which is our main dining room. How do you know how much food you will need? It is simple math. We estimate how many ounces of each item we think the guests and residents will enjoy. Let's look at sweet potato souffle, for example. We estimate each guest will eat about 3 ounces of sweet potato soufflé. So we take our total number of guests, which is 525, multiply that by 3 ounces and then divide by 16 (ounces in a pound) to find out how many pounds of food to prepare. In addition, we have a history of how much food we have prepared in the past. Chef Greg here at Still Hopes has been doing this for so long, it is almost surreal how close he gets to the right amount to prepare! He also knows that we will need more stuffing and gravy than Brussels sprouts! It is an art form to be sure! What is your favorite part about preparing a meal for so many people? This might sound corny, but for me it is like a concert at the symphony. You see every player doing their part – the front of the house staff taking reservations and spending time on the seating chart, to making sure that we do not have too many guests at a certain time and scheduling staffing with just the right amount of workers. Then, you see the Chef go over the menu, checking each detail so that nothing is missed. Next, the food and supplies start rolling in and the food prep begins! Like the orchestra musicians, each culinary staff has a vital part to play to make sure that the show goes off without a hitch. Then on the special day, it is “show” time! And when all of the preparation and practice is complete and all the players are in place and everything is ready for our guests…that is when I know that it’s going to be a great “show” and our guests will be happy with what we have prepared for them. When each player is contributing and on the same page, to me, it is like beautiful music! That is my favorite part. What tends to be the most popular item/couple of items? Hands down, the traditional Thanksgiving favorites are dressing and gravy, roasted turkey with cranberry sauce, and macaroni and cheese. Some things you just do not need to mess with. Thank you for taking the time to peek into what goes on at Still Hopes during the holidays. We hope you and your loved ones have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Onboarding is the Name, Efficiency is the Game
Nearly half of companies admit that paperwork redundancies and technology roadblocks interfere with efficient onboarding. Leigh Anna Compton, Director of Human Resources, made it a priority to streamline hiring processes for better outcomes. As a member of the South Carolina Human Resources Management Coalition group, Leigh Anna has received invaluable insights and feedback on the significance of utilizing advanced HR systems to overcome paperwork-related hurdles. By embracing innovative solutions like UKG, Still Hopes emerges as a trailblazer in the industry, setting a new standard for streamlined employment processes and compliance. Efficiency at the Core of Human Resources Efficiency is at the heart of the Human Resources mission, with a clear vision to streamline operations by 2024. The introduction of UKG has significantly propelled us toward this objective. This advanced system seamlessly integrates data from the initial job application stage throughout the entire onboarding process. By eliminating redundant data entry and empowering our managers and directors with a unified dashboard, UKG has elevated our ability to oversee the hiring process, performance reviews, PTO requests, etc. with unprecedented efficiency. Greater efficiency means filling open positions quicker with less headache. A Paperwork Revolution The implementation of UKG has ushered in a new era of streamlined processes and efficiency by revolutionizing our paperwork management. By automating tasks and centralizing information, UKG has not only saved valuable time for both our managers and prospective employees, but also ensures that we consistently meet regulatory standards, even in the face of hiring shortages that demand rapid onboarding. Less time with tedious paperwork means more time to focus on the human element of onboarding new employees, making them two and a half times as likely to say they are "extremely satisfied" with their new job. Still Hopes as an "Employer of Choice" At Still Hopes, we envision creating an exceptional employee experience that goes hand in hand with our commitment to exemplify a new expectation of senior living. The implementation of UKG at Still Hopes signifies our unwavering dedication to enhancing the onboarding and employment processes for our prospective and current employees. By simplifying administrative tasks, reducing paperwork, and providing a cohesive platform for our managers and employees, UKG not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to creating a positive and appealing employee experience. As Still Hopes continues to evolve as an industry leader, the adoption of cutting-edge solutions like UKG underlines our commitment to fostering a dynamic and progressive work environment.
An Octoberfest Celebration
Our annual Octoberfest was this past Tuesday, October 25th at our Assisted Living West Columbia, SC. The authentic German Band, Die Lustigen Musikanten, paved the way for much merriment as they played plenty of polkas and wonderful waltzes. The Still Hopes Line Dancers outdid themselves performing the Chicken Dance as the crowd cheered and clapped. The band cranked up the Pennsylvania Polka and we jumped to our feet to start a “train” around the room. As we neared the stage one couple broke into a polka, and everyone else followed suit. We didn’t know we had it in us, but with that music, you just can’t help yourself. Culinary Services delighted us all with the German cuisine served. The bar stayed busy, too, offering an array of German beer for this night. For me, the apple strudel was the best! Sherry French, B.A., ACC Director of Activity Services Home is an integral aspect to life. At Still Hopes, our private apartments and spacious cottages are customized to your lifestyle and personality. What results is peace, relaxation, and absolute enjoyment. With open floor plans and lush outdoor areas, our apartments are central to our senior adult activities and events. Beautiful cottages with two-car garages and colorful landscaping line our community’s cozy neighborhood streets. Our Continuing Care Retirement Community CCRC West Columbia, SC allows you to have an optimal health plan right at home. Let us take care of the chores, landscaping, and home maintenance, and flourish in the resort-style senior living free of stress and worry. Still Hopes isn’t like home—it is home, but better.
A Night To Remember
"We have all heard the data quoted." The experts tell us that over the next 40 years the population of our country that is over 65 years old will double, from 40 million people to more than 80 million. Those sorts of numbers are staggering. The leadership team at Still Hopes Assisted Living West Columbia, SC works diligently to understand trends relating to older adults so there can be a clear vision of what the future holds. Having this clear vision is actually what led us down the road to our current expansion project. In 2020 we will welcome new residents to the 80 apartments in our fabulous new WellPointe building. With 90% of the apartments already reserved, there is still an opportunity to join the community. Since we are two years out from welcoming these new residents, we are working to create a community and to build friendships among our depositors. On June 11th we hosted a five course wine dinner for our current WellPointe depositors. Our 85 future residents gathered to enjoy incredible food, delicious wine, and even better fellowship. We had assigned seating to encourage new friendships. By the laughter and the conversations that filled the room, we knew that a good time was being had by all. We will continue to gather our WellPointe depositors together over the next two years to foster the development of our community. We have even begun a WellPointe resident directory to facilitate the building of relationships, and we are creating groups centered around common interests. Stay tuned as we continue to fulfill our vision of “exemplifying a new expectation for senior living." - Stewart Rawson, Still Hopes Director of Marketing
Meet the staff: Holly Crawford - Still Hopes Move-In Specialist
Holly Crawford has been familiar with the Still Hopes Retirement Home West Columbia SC campus since she was a teenager. That’s one of many reasons Stewart Rawson, Director of Sales and Marketing, knew she would be the perfect fit to help incoming residents get settled into the new HopeWell Independent Living apartment building, which has been called “WellPointe” during its construction phase. “She was already incredibly well-liked within the community,” said Rawson. Crawford just started in her new position less than two weeks ago, but her history at Still Hopes goes back to her teen years. Crawford grew up in Springdale and her earliest memory at Still Hopes was singing at Christmas for Still Hopes residents through her Airport High School chorale. Her choral director arranged the event through the Still Hopes activities department, which foreshadows the career path that Crawford would eventually follow. Upon graduation, she enrolled at the University of South Carolina, earning a degree in Sports Entertainment Management. After gaining some experience through the Charleston County Parks and Recreation working in special events, Crawford had her first child, Liam. That’s when she and her husband, Clay, decided to move back to West Columbia to be closer to family. Settling into their new home in Lexington, her life came full circle when she accepted a position in the Still Hopes Life Engagement Department. Crawford and her husband, a middle school English teacher, had another baby a couple of years later - this time, their daughter Collins - and that’s when she decided to stay at home. As Crawford spent the next several years focusing on her family, Still Hopes continued to expand. Plans were underway for HopeWell, the newest community addition for independent living residents. With her children now aged five and three, It seemed like the perfect time for Crawford to come back to her second home, at Still Hopes, this time as the Move-In Specialist. Crawford says this new role gives her a chance to really get to know the new residents and their needs. “I am so excited for the opportunity to help them on this journey of being the founding residents of our new HopeWell apartment building,” she said. Rawson already knew that Crawford had a “positive vibe and was able to relate to residents” based on her previous work with Still Hopes, but in the new role she has continued to shine, and exceed his expectations. “She listens well and anticipates their needs. And we didn’t know this from before, but she has proven to be extremely well-organized with a lot of details and a lot of moving parts,” he added. These are important skill sets for someone who is helping new residents move in every day. HopeWell is expected to be at full capacity in a matter of months, with 120 new residents. “I am currently working on a move-in schedule and logistics, and shoring up any last-minute details or questions the new residents might have before their move. On move-in day, I will be the direct point of contact. I will be on-site to direct movers where they need to be and help the residents get settled into their new home. Beyond move-in day, I look forward to assisting the new residents to get acclimated to their new apartment building and campus and provide them with the resources they need to enjoy their new home and everything the Still Hopes retirement community has to offer.” And Crawford gets to work in beautiful, unique spaces, something else she gets to look forward to every day as residents get settled into their new homes. “It’s just beautiful. All the apartments have an open floor plan, featuring contemporary designs and details. The common areas are modern and spacious and the courtyard is my favorite and features several pergolas, lots of green space and a fire pit. They are going to love it.” Take a virtual tour of a few of the new HopeWell independent living apartment floor plans here: https://www.stillhopes.org/expansion-apartments.
A New Place To Call Home
If you appreciate innovation and quality, this update is for you. Driving down 9th Street in West Columbia recently, you may have caught a peek of our HealthPointe neighborhoods, situated behind the Lexington County School District Two Education Center. Assisted Living West Columbia, SC. HealthPointe is reaching completion at a rapid pace and we are so excited to open its doors this fall. As you can see from these photos, HealthPointe is pretty well “sealed up” with insulation and the siding is quickly being put into place. Inside, drywall is being hung and elevators are being installed this week. In case you have not heard about our HealthPointe neighborhoods, here are some quick facts: Total Square Footage: 122,763 48 Skilled Nursing Units 22 Assisted Living Apartments We can’t wait for this construction to be finished so we can welcome our new residents and have this place to call “home”. If you are interested in learning more about the HealthPointe neighborhoods, please contact Jessica Boyle at (803) 739-5040 for assisted living West Columbia, SC. As the only Episcopal-sponsored, non-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community in the greater Columbia area, Still Hopes is there for you during every step of your retirement. Located two minutes from downtown Columbia, our life plan community is comprised of beautiful apartments and free-standing cottages nestled on 44 wooded acres creating a relaxing environment for engaged and independent senior living. Take the extra step in your retirement planning and discover the added peace of mind of our many levels of healthcare. If you ever were to need extra services, our compassionate and knowledgeable nursing staff offer individualized care on campus. Still Hopes is a mission-based organization focused on providing the greater Columbia area a hub for health and daily assistance with programs like Solutions for Living at Home, open amenities like our Wellness Center, and rehabilitative services available designed for speedy recoveries.
A Marvelous May Kick-off
Well, May has had quite the eventful start for us here at Still Hopes assisted living in West Columbia, SC. From embarking on a new journey to celebrating a beloved tradition, May is already off to a great beginning. On Friday, May 3, we officially broke ground on our new WellPointe apartment complex. Though it had been viciously storming all day, the sun came out just in time for our Board members and special guests to turn that ceremonial shovel of dirt. Our WellPointe apartment complex is slated to open in 2020 and we can’t wait for this new addition to our campus. If you would like more information on the WellPointe project, you can contact Stewart Rawson, Still Hopes’ Director of Marketing, at (803) 739-5010. Then the following Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and May 5, Still Hopes held our annual Family Day weekend. Both days were full of sunshine, Shealy’s barbecue, face painting, and train rides. Saturday was the day for our Greenway residents to host their friends and family, while Sunday was the day for our apartment and cottage residents to welcome their loved ones. It is wonderful to see our residents have a day solely dedicated to having their loved ones on campus and enjoy a beautiful afternoon of quality time. The staff loves it too because we can finally put some faces to names we have heard so much about from our residents! We hope you are all having a great start to your month as well, and we thank you for spending a little time with us today.
Mark Your Calendars!
Come and celebrate our state of the art facility! The Grand Opening of Greenway will be held on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m. Our Greenway building houses our Assisted Living West Columbia, SC and Skilled Nursing neighborhoods. The Prayer of Dedication and ribbon cutting will take place at 2:00 p.m. with a reception and tours afterward. We can't wait for everyone to see this beautiful new building that is serving as such a wonderful home for some of our residents. If you have questions, please call Stephanie Parker at (803)739-5002.
A Look Inside: The Highly Anticipated HopeWell Apartments at Still Hopes
The HopeWell Independent Living Apartments may be brand new, but the excitement started growing about five years ago. That’s when Still Hopes Independent Living West Columbia, SC hosted focus groups and marketing gatherings to find out what residents said they wanted out of living spaces. Shortly after — and with only floor plans, renderings, and a whole lot of faith — prospective residents soon began placing deposits to reserve their very own HopeWell apartment. But Still Hopes needed to complete another, more pressing, construction project — the Jane Bruce Guignard Skilled Nursing building. While that was happening, the anticipation grew, and so did the HopeWell wait list. Through architectural revisions, then construction, and finally, a Certificate of Occupancy, on February 15, 2021, the first family’s moving van arrived. “The staff here were so helpful and ready to do anything. They even greeted us with a nice tray of charcuterie,” said Kate Swanson. “so... not bad!” Kate and her husband, Hayes Mizell, were the first family to be moved in on the incoming resident list. Still Hopes staff plans to move in one family every day, six days a week, until the building is full. This meticulous process was planned so that each resident can receive full onboarding and support, to ensure they feel truly at home. There are 80 apartments to fill, and 70 apartments spoken for, so the process will continue well into May. Interested prospective residents of the HopeWell apartments can take a virtual walkthrough of each of the available floor plans, including the Trenholm, Gervais, and Devereaux apartments. “We have received the most rewarding comments coming from folks upon seeing their home for the first time, many of whom are saying this is better than they expected,” said Stewart Rawson, Director of Sales and Marketing. The new Hopewell Apartments, called the “WellPointe Project” during construction, lives up to its very name in design and implementation. “The last line of the Still Hopes mission statement proclaims that we ‘promote health and wellness for everyone’,” said Rawson. “I believe the HopeWell building embodies what we have been teaching and advocating for many years.” Among the features are: Close proximity to the state-of-the-art Marshall Shearouse Center for Wellness. A wellness studio for group classes, yoga, tai chi and aerobics on HopeWell’s first floor. Open floor plan apartments, with full floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the maximum amount of natural light to wash through each apartment. A café on site featuring healthy, delicious and local cuisine. Common outdoor spaces including a central courtyard with a fire pit, a fountain and a pergola to encourage outdoor gatherings. Under building parking, convenient for residents year-round, but especially during Columbia’s hot summer months. The building itself has 10-foot ceilings in both the apartments and indoor common areas, with wide hallways and apartments recessed and spaced out to give it a more dimensional feel. “Even the HVAC system is state of the art, providing the highest efficiency and highest level possible of clean, filtered air,” said Rawson. “The Leadership Team and Board of Trustees literally have thought of everything.” Kate and Hayes love their new HopeWell apartment and say it already feels like home. They were quick to point out all of their favorite features of their new apartment including a spacious kitchen, their “just the right size” living room, the floor-to-ceiling windows and the beautiful finishes. But the best “amenities” at Still Hopes are the staff and the other residents. Kate and Hayes have had an opportunity to meet other HopeWell incoming residents over the last couple years, through social events and informational meetings. But the current Still Hopes residents and staff have also been extremely welcoming. “People have been very gracious about introducing themselves,” said Hayes. When asked what he is most looking forward to, Hayes, who has been the primary cook of the two, says he’s eager to pass off his apron to Still Hopes’ talented culinary staff. “It’s delightful. I don’t have to make decisions about what to buy for a meal, or worry about preparing it,” he said. And since all residents, including incoming HopeWell residents, have already been offered a Covid vaccine at one of the onsite clinics, Kate and Hayes say they are also excited to take advantage of all of the amenities and social opportunities that are starting back up at Still Hopes. “I think Hayes and I are looking forward to becoming a part of this community,” said Kate. “The offerings are very interesting and intriguing.” For more information on the HopeWell building or to reserve one of the last apartments available, contact Rawson and the Still Hopes marketing team at 803-739-5040 or submit our contact form.
Looking Ahead To The Christmas Season
Well happy almost December! Goodness, this year sure has flown by. We at Still Hopes hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones and are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season at our assisted living West Columbia, SC. To kick off what many call the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” on an inspirational note, we are including a letter from our Executive Director, Danny Sanford, in today’s blog post. Danny wrote this letter for the December issue of Still Hopes’ newsletter, also known as “Connections”. We hope you enjoy Danny’s words below and we hope the coming weeks bring you much joy! Earlier this year I adopted a new slogan with the Still Hopes Department Directors. That slogan is: BE A 100-WATT BULB IN A 40-WATT WORLD! I heard this phrase at our Leading Age Fall Educational Conference and I liked very much its implications. In fact it resonated with me, and it seemed to resonate with several of the Still Hopes Directors when I shared it with them. As the Christmas season approaches once again, the phrase is taking on yet another meaning for me, and a larger one. My family instilled in me a strong conviction that Christ is indeed the light of the world. A 100-watt bulb in a 40-watt world if ever there was one. This premise, Christ as the light of the world, has never been viewed by me as a question, as far back as I can remember, and from all the indications shared with me by my parents, it was never a question for them either. It was, and remains, a pure, simple, all important fact. There are of course folk who do have questions about this premise. Those who, in fact, do not even believe it. Christmas for some is best known as “The Holiday Season.” Granted, many of those folk still will fervently strive to be 100-watt bulbs in their 40-watt world, and I applaud that fact and their dedication to it. But… I believe it is much easier to be a 100-watt bulb when we have the light of Christ shining through us. This way we can focus on being the best reflectors of His light, rather than having to generate the light ourselves. I’m thankful to have his light available for my use and I hope that you find his light shining brightly in two special ways, first shining through you out to the world, and second that you clearly see the light shining TOWARD you, through many others who surround you during this holy season of the year. Join with me then this Christmas Season and let’s all strive to be a 100-watt bulb in a 40-watt world and enjoy the “enlightenment” that it brings! Christmas Blessings to you all, Danny
Living Out A New Year's Resolution
Do you know one of the top New Year’s resolutions made for 2017? It was to live life to the fullest. Our residents here at our assisted living West Columbia, SC, Still Hopes are a wonderful example of how to live out this resolution every day. Whether it is constantly traveling to a new destination or taking in an exhibit at the museum, our residents are always squeezing every drop out of life. So it should come as no surprise that our residents wanted to kick off a new and exciting year with a party! The Heart ‘n Soul Band played music for this year’s New Year’s Dance Celebration and a wonderful time was had by all! We sincerely wish you all a fantastic 2017 and we look forward to sharing more Still Hopes highlights right here on the blog! At Still Hopes Retirement Community West Columbia, SC our focus is to give you the time and opportunity to enjoy your retirement how you like. Instead of spending Saturday mornings cleaning, enjoy brunch with a group of friends or start a new project that has sparked your interest. We’ll take care of the housekeeping and yard work so your home is always exactly as you expect it to be so you can take your time living the life you love. Residents of Still Hopes live a life of total freedom and peace of mind with numerous services available from home maintenance to medical care.
Lifelong Learning : Information We Can All Use!
"We had the privilege of having Dr. Anil Yallapragada with us for our monthly Healthy Dynamics educational program on September 29th at our Retirement Home West Columbia, SC. Dr. Yallapragada is a neurologist with Palmetto Health-USC Medical Group, and provided an excellent program entitled Stroke Management: Timing is Everything! He educated residents about why our area of the country is known as the "stroke belt;" different types of stroke; what actually happens in the body when a stroke occurs; symptoms that a stroke may be occurring; and how important it is to call 911 immediately when any of those symptoms occur. He updated residents on the medical advances being made that make recovery from a stroke more possible than ever, and the medical expertise available right here at our Retirement Home West Columbia, SC. Dr. Yallapragada noted he was very impressed with our residents' input and discerning questions about the issue of stroke. We at Still Hopes were impressed with Dr. Yallapragada's enthusiasm and passion for his patients and his work; his impressive resume of training and knowledge on stroke treatment and recovery; and his style of delivering this very important information. Residents noted that he was both an excellent speaker and teacher, and that they felt a real connection with him. We so appreciate Dr. Yallapragada for taking this time to be with us to help keep us all healthy and living the best lives possible!" Tacey Gohean, LMSW Director of Community Services