WEATHERING THE STORM PG 7 - WINTER 2021 - Blue Skies of Texas
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WEATHERING
THE STORM
PG 7
W I N T E R 2 0 2 1
As seen in The Wall Street Journal
– November 21, 2020
SENIOR LIVING IN THE TRADITION OF AIR FORCE VILLAGE
Executive Report
Remember the feeling you had during a long car trip when you
got close to home? It came when you started recognizing the
surroundings – the trees, the landmarks, the familiar scents of
your home state. You knew you still had a way to go, but you were
getting close. That is where we are with coronavirus. Unfortunately,
sometimes, right before you get home you have a flat tire. Our flat
tire was the unprecedented snow, freezing temps, power outage,
and water shortage events of 14 – 19 Feb 2021 at Blue Skies and all
across Texas!
Before the deep freeze hit, 97 percent of Blue Skies’ 1,000 residents
had received their vaccination against COVID-19. This doesn’t
represent the end of the coronavirus threat, but it does provide
another arrow in our quiver to battle COVID-19. As Barbara
Whorton said, “I am so very thankful I live at Blue Skies, but
particularly this entire last 306 days as we have all faced the
Darrell D. Jones coronavirus together. Our management team has done an incredible
Lieutenant General, USAF (Ret) job to get our vaccines set up and a reality. And now we can see
President & CEO daylight in our future!”
We believe 2021 will be the year we begin to talk about COVID-19
in the past tense. There are still many challenges and we’re not
letting our guard down, but we are seeing progress with the vaccine.
Inside
this issue On top of coronavirus challenges, the week of epic cold weather
plagued the entire state. Once again, our staff performed Herculean
efforts to keep our residents safe, secure, and warm! One staff
Irresistible Choices 3 director said it was the hardest week in her 20 years at Blue Skies.
We pulled this edition of the Courier off the presses to include an
Communal Pets 4 update (page 7).
Safe In Pandemic 5 It’s clear in this edition of the Courier that our residents have not
been sitting around. They are taking advantage of innovative
Still Volunteering 6 exercise options, challenging their minds and learning new ways
to support each other during stressful times. Our newest residents,
Winter Storm 7 arriving during the pandemic, wonder at the endless array of
opportunities. Many came to Blue Skies because they felt safer
Play for Freedom 7 here, only to discover new friends and deepening bonds as added
benefits. Opportunities rival a cruise ship and the niche experiences
Contacts 8 like our therapy pets add a level of home they recognize.
Mission / Vision 8 If you want to live life to the fullest and do so in a safe and secure
environment with friends, we have your new home waiting for you.
After all, it’s much easier to fix a flat tire together. Come join us at
On The Cover: John MacIntyre, aka Geezer
Jock, was featured in The Wall Street Journal
Blue Skies of Texas.
for completing his 100th half marathon.
Here, he and a few of the Seasoned Soles are Be safe,
on the move. See related story on page 3.
Cover photos courtesy of Josh Huskin. Da rrell
2
So Many
Irresistible
Choices!
In the best of times, Blue Skies residents face a
daily dilemma: Which of the abundant activities
shall I engage in today? So many choices! Most
of 2020, going into 2021, has not been the best of
times, but residents don’t let a pandemic stop them
PRIZES!
from activities for boosting wellness, fitness,
intellect and fun.
EXERCISE!
Walking Quest is a form of scavenger hunt that
invites players, at their own leisure, to walk around
the campus and common areas in search of
Our resident inspiration for pre-planted humorous or encouraging sayings
exercise, 83-year-old John (Enjoy Life, Breathe!). They record and return their
MacIntyre, was featured in findings to compete for prizes.
The Wall Street Journal after
CREATIVITY & FRIENDSHIP!
completing his 100th half
marathon in August. As coach
of the Seasoned Soles, a Blue Wreath-making and jewelry classes bring out the
Skies run-walk group, he takes creativity in everyone. A group of jewelry makers
pride in motivating the residents fashioned bracelets with beautiful beads and tiny
he calls “The Off the Couch crosses, and quietly clipped them onto neighbors’
Club.” During the pandemic, his group welcomed doors affixed with a bit of Scripture.
CULTURE!
eight new members who named themselves One
Step Behind because they move a bit more slowly.
FITNESS!
Movie nights are a huge success. When residents
arrived to see Breakfast at Tiffany’s, many were
Hope Santos, Wellness & Life Enrichment Manager, gloved and adorned in pearls like Audrey Hepburn.
inspires residents of all levels with a host of Watching Young Frankenstein, they munched on
enthusiastic offerings that include popular Tai Chi spooky foods. Wine tastings bring small groups of
classes. Initially, the pandemic forced classes to folks together who remain socially distanced.
CELEBRATIONS!
go on Zoom, but good weather has attracted more
athletes to size-limited outdoor classes.
INTELLECT!
For Halloween, residents got goody bags. On Día
de los Muertos, they learned about world customs,
Carol Estala, Activities Coordinator, finds creative decorated community altars with photos and
ways to stimulate brain activity. One group of flowers, and sampled pan de muerto.
residents painted pictures of a tree – using their For Thanksgiving, residents had fun dancing a
non-dominant hand. The impressive results are on lively turkey trot. A Christmas parade and an ugly
display. At Trivia and Tea events, they actively Christmas sweater contest joyfully bolstered
engage their brains while enjoying the socialization. everyone’s morale. Birthdays and anniversary
Brain games may sharpen thinking skills such as celebrations are monthly happenings.
processing, planning, reaction time, decision-
making and short-term memory.
3
Communal Pets Spread
their Healing joy
Ginger the Chihuahua rules the roost at Freedom
House, along with Lori the Cat. The friendly pair
spark group activities, give residents a sense of
calm and conjure memories of pets they once knew
and loved.
Marsha Lloyd, Manager, Liberty House, is a dog and
cat lover who believes in the power of pets to heal
and calm. She rescued Cole, a lab/boxer mix, as a
puppy eight years ago to bring his empathetic powers
Abigail to residents. Cole senses when anyone is sad or
stressed, and he will snuggle up and impart his
Vista Birds special brand of tranquility. He’ll lay on the bed of
someone feeling ill or blue. Liberty House also has
Petting a purring two cats. Gabby, 13, lives in the conference room
kitty or cozying where she holds court with her gorgeous black-
up with a sweet spotted grey fur and emerald eyes. She sleeps under
dog can relax a a blanket and awakens mid-afternoon, demanding
Bob person, lower ice water, catnip and treats. Fans seek her out to
blood pressure caress her soft fur. Smokey the Cat arrived with
and reduce residents who have since passed. He now spreads
anxiety. And you his loyalty around, but his favorite is a 99-year-old
can’t put a price resident whose lap offers him a contented sanctuary
on the uncondi- for napping.
tional love.
At Blue Skies, the pet-friendly environment At The Vista, skilled nursing residents
includes personal pets as well as communal enjoy the aviary filled with colorful
animals that give their allegiance to anyone finches, and the aquarium where
who needs a little love, comfort and joy. fish swim lazily through their
watery home with its castles
Bob the Dog officially belongs to Lori and treasure chests. Mary
DeWitt, Resident Services Director, Bradley, Administrator, says
and accompanies her to work every the birds and fish offer a
day, much to the delight of staff and peaceful presence. The Vista
residents who drop by to lap up some also has a sweet, docile
slobbery love. The Clumber Spaniel has Maltese mix named Abigail,
been a cheerful presence at Blue Skies for who became part of the family
11 years. Residents like to give him a treat after her owner passed.
and pat his fluffy head. He recognizes voices
and knows he has a fan club. Lori says he’s Communal pets are one of the
naturally lethargic and hobbles with a torn many perks that distinguish
ACL. “We joke that he’s aging in place along Blue Skies. Lori DeWitt
with the rest of us.” She says his job is to says, “CARF accreditors tell
give folks the pleasure of having a pet us they’ve never seen a
without the responsibilities. community that allows so
many employees to bring
At The Mission, a resident-owned cat in pets to create a homey
named Hardy wanders the hallways to lift environment.”
the spirits of skilled nursing residents.
He enjoys looking out the window,
greeting folks at the front desk, and Cole
sitting in on meetings.
4
Born in a
Blizzard,
Safe in a
Pandemic
Yvonne Schott, just five years shy of a At age 95 and living in a retirement community, Yvonne
century, has spent a quarter of her life at Schott was in the early tier of COVID vaccinations along
Blue Skies. She is healthy, happy, safe with fellow residents. Her children are thrilled that she is
and loved, and she wouldn’t have it any living at Blue Skies, safe in the pandemic, and surrounded
by attentive, caring friends and staff.
other way.
She and her late husband, Hugo Schott, a retired USAF lieutenant colonel, moved here after
he suffered a stroke and partial paralysis. “We came to get help with his care,” she said. But
even after his death in 2012, she stayed, because she had found community, security and
meaningful friendships.
Yvonne’s life began with her birth, weighing just 2.5 lbs., near the Red River in northeast Texas, on
the side of the road during a blizzard, delivered by her grandmother. “Daddy had to walk to find a
doctor,” she said, recalling a favorite albeit terrifying family story. Despite the fears of her parents
and the concerns of the physician who later attended to the tiny preemie, she survived, and
developed resilience that has carried her through a life of travel, adventure, joy and sorrow.
She was twice-widowed, birthed two daughters, and enjoyed an exciting career with the US Civil
Service, retiring as a GS-12 after 27 years. During her civilian service career, she lived in Frankfurt
for five years and Munich for over a year, and she traveled to every European country. A Texan by
birthright, she has lived in towns scattered throughout the Lone Star State, from Pampa to
Corpus Christi.
Today, she is in good health and pain-free. She has learned to use technology to stay connected
to friends and family during the pandemic. Although she has gone many months without seeing
her daughters, two granddaughters and two great-granddaughters, this matriarch of strong
women uses her computer and iPad to keep in touch with family and friends. “My sister and
brother and I all talk face-to-face, thanks to Alexa,” she says. She and her 85-year-old sister, who
lives in Rockport, TX, enjoy a virtual coffee chat together every morning – a sweet start to their
day that helps keep quarantine loneliness at bay.
“My daughters and their families are the light of my life,” she says. “They keep a close watch
over their mama. They are so grateful I am here, safe, with meals and prescriptions delivered
and all my needs taken care of. I thank my lucky stars every day that we moved here, and that I’m
here now.”
As Blue Skies rolled out the vaccines, residents praised the ease and professionalism of the
process. The Walgreen’s technicians administering the vaccinations requested to be reassigned to
Blue Skies for the second round of shots. Several noted that they had encountered chaos at other
vaccination sites and applauded the efficiency of the Blue Skies roll-out. Dr. Janaina Moreira,
PharmD, told us, “I love coming here – it’s so organized!”
A total of 2,650 shots were administered to Blue Skies’ residents and staff, who were among the
first in the city to be vaccinated.
5
Steilelring
Volunnttheir
i
90s
Buzz and Ellen Parkhill didn’t become stellar volunteers
overnight. They’ve been perfecting their mastery of
voluntarism over nine decades. Both were influenced by
the charitable works of their mothers, and 29 years in
the U.S. Air Force further shaped their hearts for service.
In their 90s now, they admit they’ve slowed down some
and given up a few of their longtime volunteer projects,
including 18 years of reading short stories to residents
in health care. “We’d put ‘em right to sleep,” they joke.
Buzz also used to play taxi driver, taking residents on
“Buzz sees something that needs to be done and he steps airport runs, to doctor appointments and other necessary
up,” Ellen says. outings.
One of the many ways they quietly serve others began They’re Texans through and through. They met in
when a Blue Skies neighbor could no longer get out to Lubbock, retired in Fort Worth, and had known since
buy groceries. Buzz, who worked in a grocery store as a 1972 that they would eventually move to Blue Skies.
teen, has an affinity for grocery shopping and volun- Ellen was a delegate representing Wurtsmith AFB
teered to help out. That was fortunate, since Ellen had in Michigan, among the original supporters of the Air
handed off grocery shopping duties to her husband of 68 Force Village mission, and that visit impressed them.
years. “I always wanted items on the top shelf and I’m Their decision was cemented.
only 4’10”. I’m wearing off at the bottom,” she laughs.
A retired Air Force colonel, Buzz says, “We volunteer for
For the past 19 years, he has shopped and she has helped anything that comes along.” A plaque on their door
deliver commissary items for a dozen people. He stopped honoring their service supports that statement. Ellen
driving a while back, but that didn’t end his missions of says the staff and residents are Blue Skies’ greatest
mercy. Now he takes the Blue Skies bus to the commis- assets. “The staff totally spoils us.” The only complaint
sary, where he knows the lay of the land and efficiently she has is “people who complain.” They’ve made many
fills his customers’ lists. friends, enjoyed an active social life, and are still
volunteering, even in their 90s.
For the widows he serves at Liberty House Assisted
Living, he carefully selects fresh produce and other Their daughter, Peggy, also a retired Air Force officer,
items. Although most of their meals are prepared by moved here after witnessing the wonderful benefits to
Blue Skies, they appreciate having a stash of favorite her parents.
foods and snacks on hand, and Buzz makes that possible.
6
Blue Skies Residents Remained Safe
During Devastating Texas Winter Storm
Like all of Texas, Blue Skies residents experienced vaccines!). Our dining teams prepared a continuous
the savage winter snowstorms that held the state stream of warm, nourishing food. Staff heated meals
captive for six freezing February days. But unlike for residents using the microwave at the front
many other places, Blue Skies residents were desk. Residents were invited to come aboard Blue
protected from the worst of the storm – even when Skies buses for a warm respite. Apartments that
power was knocked out for up to 41 hours at one lost heat even after heat was restored were given
campus, as it was for 4.5 million Texas homes. personal heaters.
Staff kicked into action at our licensed healthcare A citywide water boiling mandate, another repercus-
facilities, staying overnight past their shifts to sion of the power outage, was briefly an issue at the
ensure uninterrupted care for residents. Generators East campus, but the front desk stepped up to offer
provided critical back-up power – especially impor- everyone clean drinking water. West has its own
tant to residents requiring oxygen, dialysis and other purified well and was not affected.
specialty care dependent on power.
When some pipes burst, our maintenance team
Our wellness team worked overtime to ensure worked tirelessly to mitigate and resolve the issues.
residents received medications, blankets and other Residents affected by loss of water were relocated
necessities, and checked on vulnerable residents to guest rooms or helped by friends.
in independent living. Staff provided cell phone
charging stations so residents could stay connected. Neighbors checked on neighbors. Staff offered
comfort and creative ideas to build warmth and
Throughout the weather siege, residents were kept morale. Though the storms did a lot of damage in
warm through hot coffee, oatmeal, cider and soup, the state of Texas, they did not damage the resilience
along with the comfort of seeing friendly faces and camaraderie of the Blue Skies family! We are so
in common areas (97% have received their COVID grateful to everyone for their amazing response.
NEW AD
TO COME?
7
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SAN ANTONIO, TX
5100 John D. Ryan Blvd.
San Antonio, Texas 78245-3502
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