Jeanie Heller and Sharon Stevens are the new members of Hamlet's activities staff. Heanie is Lifestyle Enrichment Director, and Sharon is Lifestyle Enrichment Assistant. Each brings a unique perspective to the Activity Program. Sharon's art workshop made collages from magazine clippings. Resident Ed Sarkisian's collage included a clipping that said, "Don't rescue me, please." Ed explained that he enjoyed himself so much at Hamlet and didn't want or need a rescue! Neither do Sharon and Jeanie. They both absolutely love their jobs and love working together.
Jeanie began working at Hamlet last February. She is a social worker, case manager, and vocation counselor. She worked for ten years at the Cleveland Sight Center. Two years ago she traveled with the daughters of Hillside resident, Clyde Thomas, his granddaughter, a youth minister and a representative from the Diocese to an orphanage in Tanzania and worked there for a month teaching English and computer skills to neighboring teens and young adults. Both Sharon and Jeanie live nearby. Sharon started working at Hamlet in November and has broad work experience teaching art in private schools and recreational therapy in retirement communities in the Cleveland area. Sharon and her husband were missionary ministers for several years in the British Isles, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Jeanie lives in South Russell with her two daughters, a "mature" dog, and a "naughty puppy." Sharon lives in Russell with her husband and they have three grown children and four grandchildren.
Jeanie says, "The residents at Hamlet are fabulous. It's the nicest bunch of people you every hope to meet. They help me do my job, and the staff is also very helpful. We work well together. Everyone has a nice healthy work ethic; everyone does their part."
Jeanie and Sharon compliment each other. Jeanie has a theater background and Sharon has art and wellness experience. Sharon leads exercise classes and art classes. Jeanie is the program guru. She plans cultural and educational programs and trips for residents. "Can you believe that we need two vehicles to get residents to the Cleveland Orchestra? Isn't that a great problem to have? Too many people?"
Jeanie meets with residents to see what kinds of programs they want. Popular places they have gone for dinner include Restaurant Europa, Peppermint cafe, and Seven Roses on Fleet Avenue. They recently toured the Kent Museum of Fashion and had lunch at Pufferbellies Train Depot. "They even turned up the heat for us in the restaurant!" said Sharon. They have plans to take a culinary shopping trip to West Side Market, Gallucci's at Euclid and 65th, and the Chinese Market on Payne Avenue in Cleveland.
"Socialization is very, very big here. Many residents have come from out of state and have given up their friends to be near their children. Lots of effort goes into developing and reinforcing friendships at Hamlet. "This is really important to us," said Jeanie. Jeanie and Sharon plan birthday parties, anniversary parties, holiday parties, theme parties, garden parties, and happy hours to maintain a high level of socialization among residents. They are both proud of the Snowflake Ball they produced for the residents on New Year's Eve, at which they gently dropped a three-foot wide glittery snowflake from the ceiling of the Atrium at midnight. "It was actually at 7 pm, but it's midnight in Ireland!" laughs Jeanie.
"Wellness programs are also very important to us. We have a variety of ways to stay fit here. I use music and singing with my exercise classes. We exercise our voices and bodies all at once. I encourage residents to move. The more they move, the better they feel. We don't let them sit."
Jeanie manages the many bridge groups at Hamlet. She prepares weekly and monthly calendars. "It is a beastly calendar. There are so many activities that I can't keep it all straight!"
The best part of the job is the way people come together. Jeanie was amazed at the quality of Hamlet residents and asked Executive Director, John Eberle, if this is the way people are in all communities. John has been director of several communities before coming to Hamlet four years ago. "Absolutely not!" he said. "Hamlet people are more gracious than anywhere I have seen."
Both Jeanie and Sharon say they are happy, happy, happy working here. "We also love the friendships that are formed here. We have seen people get a whole new life. Amazing new friendships have been formed."
"We have a great time and the day is over before we know it. We are the party girls. We are always ready for party. It's a fabulous community!"
