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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows."
St. Francis of Assisi
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A Grateful Look Back
• • • Celebrating 39 Years • • •
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June is Aurora’s “Employee (Owners) Appreciation month”. This past April we celebrated our 39th year of business.
That is quite a milestone of which we can all be very proud. Our business is special, we are not open 8 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week. We provide many of our services 24 hours a day 365 days per year. We have had our ups and our downs but the one thing that has made this achievement possible is the fact that we have the best staff anywhere. The dedication, loyalty and commitment that our staff demonstrate on a daily basis is what has made our 39-year longevity possible.
It never ceases to astound and impress me that we have such a great team that makes our “round the clock” business function. Long ago, on Aurora’s
10th anniversary, one of the local newspapers interviewed Jim and I about Aurora. I remember when the reporter asked the question about our 10 years of success - I quickly explained to her that Jim and I had been fortunate to start the company in 1986, but all of our growth, development and success was attributed 100% to our staff.
You are the ones who made us what we were then and what we are
today . . . three decades later. You are also the ones who continue our success and will ensure a bright future going forward.
Let’s celebrate as we enter our 40th year and be proud of our 4 decades of excellent services all because of you.
I personally want to thank each and every one of you. Please know that you are deeply appreciated!
Dave Barnard
CEO of Aurora
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401K Open Enrollment is here!
If you are currently eligible and would like to participate, act fast! Open enrollment ends June 30th. Contributing a little now can make a big difference later!
Contact Jessica Checkalski at 715-235-1839 or jcheckalski@auroraservices.com for your enrollment forms.
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Peas, Love, & Farmer's Markets
• • • June is Fresh Produce Month! • • •
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Have you been to your local farmers’ market yet? The winter options in Wisconsin grocery stores grow a bit tiresome so seeing the return of our local growers and the tasty, colorful, great smelling food options is pretty exciting! At REALiving’s Be Your Best Conference this year, Inga Orth (from Wisconsin Public TV’s “Around the Farm Table”) provided tips for using what we have in season to build nutritious and fresh meals.
Some of the benefits of eating fresh produce:
1. Rich in Essential Nutrients:
Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh produce is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals vital for various bodily functions, including immune system support (Vitamin C, A), bone health (Vitamin K, Calcium), and energy production (B vitamins).
Dietary Fiber: Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
2. Disease Prevention:
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Diets rich in fruits and vegetables are linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Antioxidant Power: Many fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from free radicals, reducing the risk of cell damage and disease.
3. Gut Health:
Promotes a Healthy Gut Microbiome: Fiber in fresh produce acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut, which are crucial for overall health and well-being.
Improved Digestion: Fiber aids in digestion and prevents constipation, contributing to a healthy digestive system.
4. Weight Management:
Low in Calories and High in Fiber: Fruits and vegetables are generally low in calories but high in fiber and water content, making them filling and satisfying, which can help with weight management.
5. Enhanced Overall Well-being:
Boosts Immunity: The vitamins and minerals in fresh produce contribute to a strong immune system, helping the body fight off infections.
Supports Brain Health: Certain fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that are beneficial for cognitive function and may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
| | And, for those who grow their own produce, a host of physical activity benefits are icing on the cake! For the rest of us, we happily support our gardening neighbors and our farmers markets! Build your menu around what’s in season and taste the benefits! | | Good Times On the Horizon | | |
You're Invited to Our 2025 Summer Picnics!
Get ready for good food, great company, and sunny memories! Join us at one of our regional picnic events:
Central/Northwest Area
Pine Pavilion at Carson Park – Eau Claire, WI
Friday, June 27 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
La Crosse Area
Black River Beach Neighborhood Center – La Crosse, WI
Thursday, June 19 | 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
East Area Picnic
Pfiffner Building/Pfiffner Pioneer Park – St. Point, WI
Wednesday, June 25 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wausau Day Center
451 Grand Ave – Schofield, WI
Thursday, June 26 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Bring your appetite, your energy, and let’s make it a summer to remember!
Want a dose of nostalgia?
Check out last year’s picnic highlights too and see how far we’ve come!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of May are Sherry Hagen from Direct Support and Nicole Vande Kolk from management!
Each winning employee will receive $150! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees from April 21st – May 20th:
Audra Bohman • Bethany Cerutti • Noah Faught • Narda Gordillo • Sherry Hagen • Cara Hagen • Scott Jakel • Melissa Koncel • Emily Lambert • Teresa Lien • Julie Lifto • Erica Mortensen • Joe Orler • Gordon "Finn" Prell • Nikki Quillman • Hannah Sarauer • Deb Seibel • Sarah Sheb • Jayda Turchen • Nicole Vande Kolk •
Shelby Walbeck
| | Recognize someone for being their best! | | |
Names were drawn from the pool of nominees who spoke with us about their employment experience at Aurora. Thanks to each of our nominees for the above and beyond work you do to support our consumers and clients! You are the BEST!
Remember to send your nominations to BESTEmployees@AuroraServices.com.
Once nominated, employees will remain eligible for the bonus drawing throughout the year.
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Tips for "Orange Barrel Season"
As road construction ramps up, remember: safety comes first. Speeding or stressing won’t get you there faster but staying alert will help everyone get home safely.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
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Stay focused: Avoid eating, using your phone, or any distractions while driving.
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Slow down: Speed limits often drop in work zones, and speeding increases the risk of accidents.
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Keep your distance: Rear-end collisions are the most common in work zones. Don’t tailgate.
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Brake safely: Leave at least four seconds of space between you and the car ahead.
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Watch for signs: Orange diamond signs give early warnings of lane changes and workers.
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Be patient: Workers may be present even if you don’t see them right away.
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Plan ahead: Know your route and check 511wi.gov for real-time road conditions.
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Follow the law: Reduce speed and move over for flashing lights.
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Expect delays: Stay calm and plan extra time.
Remember, it’s illegal to use a handheld phone in a work zone so give the road your full attention!
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We have Safety Winners for the month of May!
Congratulations to Sandi Acquissa -303 (Parker), and Robin O'Connor - 085 (Eau Claire)!
These team members have demonstrated their commitment to safety and have won a $100 bonus for having done so.
Keep working safely to be entered in next month’s drawing!
S.A.F.E. = Stop And Focus Entirely!!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Sage Barnard
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Colorado
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with people and I also want to go into Physical Therapy, so I enjoy assisting consumers with their exercises.
What I will bring to the job: A smile and a positive attitude that anyone can confide in.
My background: I am a new graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Health and Exercise Science. I want to eventually get my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Family: I have 4 younger sisters, 2 cats and a dog.
Hobbies/interests: I play tennis, especially mixed doubles. I also like to rock climb or go camping/hiking, anything outside!!
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Ranea Nohava
Aurora Vocational Services
Employment Specialist, Dunn, Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls Counties
Why I applied for the job: I have worked at Aurora as a job coach before. I found this job very rewarding, as it feels great to help another to have a good day, succeed in the job they are doing and as a person.
What I will bring to the job: I am a upbeat, positive person. I will always do my best and take pride in the job I do so I give my 100%.
My background: I have always worked with people of all ages. I worked as a pediatric nurse, preschool teacher, adults in a group home setting, and Assisted Living Homes.
Family: I am a mom of 3. My 1st is my Angel in Heaven, followed by my son who is now married living on a farm about 1 hr away. My daughter is married and had my granddaughter last Dec. I'm a Grandma to my family, and I love being a Grandma to a 9 mo baby girl and a 5 yr boy.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, craft such as making red + flowers, woodworking. I love the outdoors in all weather.
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Rebeca Flawd
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: Cause I love the concept of helping others and being with a company I can grow with.
What I will bring to the job: Excitement, joy, willingness to help, complete understanding.
My background: Working on cars.
Family: Fiancé and daughter.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, singing, going for walks, playing with my little one.
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Chris Netz
Aurora Community Services
Administrative Assistant, Spooner
Why I applied for the job: I want to work with people that have challenges in life. If I can in any way make someone smile or make their day better, it makes me smile.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring compassion, empathy, structure, organization, and a high level of care.
My background: I have worked in an admin capacity for hotel management and for a 55+ independent living community.
Family: I have my mom who I’m close to, a brother I’m close to, and my nephew who is like a son to me.
Hobbies/interests: I love movies, trivia, documentaries, and am a huge fan of the Packers.
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Charmain Wiggers
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Comstock
Why I applied for the job: I needed work and it’s close by. Plus I am in college to get certified to be a Mental Health Coach and what better way to work in that field than to help people like this.
What I will bring to the job: I am bring compassion and empathy.
My background: I am an addict in recovery. Clean off of meth for 3.5 years. I know from the 12 Steps that helping others recover strengthens your own recovery.
Family: 2 daughters, 1 son-in-law & 1 grandson
Hobbies/interests: Hiking in nature, recovery, cooking, paint by numbers, and learning.
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Habeeba Haq
Aurora Community Services
Administrative Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy caring for people and wanted to reincorporate that in my life while at school. I love meeting and getting to know/create connections with new people!
What I will bring to the job: Enthusiasm, compassion, and flexibility.
My background: My interests include advocacy, community building, and mental health. I’m an intern for the Multicultural Student Services Office at UWEC and President/founder of a student org.
Hobbies/interests: I enjoy reading, cooking, and going on walks.
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Katlynn Fain
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: I wanted to do some kind of healthcare work.
My background: I've only worked fast food.
Hobbies/interests: One of my interests are baby kittens.
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Ophelia Burks
Aurora Community Services
Administrative Assistant, Onalaska
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy working with others.
What I will bring to the job: Being able to bring meaning to others' life.
My background: I have been working as CNA, BMA, and DSP for 25 years.
Family: My spouse and I have 8 children aged 35 to 24.
Hobbies/interests: Shopping, reading, and church.
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Sara Shaw
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Onalaska
What I will bring to the job: Positivity, joy, & hard work.
My background: I enjoy true crime, I worked as a legal assistant/paralegal.
Family: I have 2 awesome kids.
Hobbies/interests: I like to eat good food and nap.
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Larissa Fossum
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Counselor Intern, Chippewa Falls
Why I applied for the job: I applied for this job to learn and continue to develop my skills as a counselor but most of all help others.
What I will bring to the job: I will bring my willingness to try new things and doing whatever is needed.
My background: I am currently finishing my master's program at University of Wisconsin–Superior.
Family: I currently live with my parents and younger brother.
Hobbies/interests: Being active, coaching volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.
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Raymond Ortiz
Aurora Community Services
Maintenance, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: I like fixing things.
What I will bring to the job: 100%.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing and working.
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Emma Potter
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: I enjoy helping others and wanted to prepare myself for the field of social work by learning service skills and gain some perspective.
What I will bring to the job: A good attitude and a friend! (As well as a working contributor).
My background: Background consists of odd jobs/seasonal work. Housekeeping, serving, manual labor, etc...
Family: I am the third child of four and have lived in Wausau for my entire upbringing.
Hobbies/interests: I love most any outdoor recreation, hikes, picnics, camping. I also enjoy getting together with friends and coming up with fun activities or getting food.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of June, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Linda Aton – 33 years
Cyndi Johnson – 24 years
Andrea Olson – 21 years
Justin Boiteau – 19 years
Angela Mandera – 18 years
Amanda Rageth – 16 years
Orlando Simon – 15 years
Melaine Lepak – 12 years
April Solberg – 9 years
James Showalter – 7 years
Hannah Sarauer – 3 years
Destiny Richardson – 2 years
Nathan Carlsen – 1 year
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Linda Liebzeit – 25 years
Jacqueline Kufahl – 21 years
Caleb Brison – 12 years
Vincent Gisacho – 9 years
Sherry Lew – 6 years
Dianna Raspiller – 5 years
Amy Beatty – 3 years
Jayden Thiel – 1 year
Jesse Kistner – 1 year
Dylan Worzella – 1 year
Madison Vale – 1 year
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 85 YEARS! 85 years = 44,200 weeks of showing up, making a difference, and being there for others.
Thank you for sharing your time, talents and wisdom with us!
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In appreciation for our 39 years in business and Employee Owner Appreciation month, use the coupon code for $10 off AND free shipping on any of our online clothing items!
Just use the GANDR10 code!
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