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Aurora Value Words
• Resilient • Integrity • Courageous
• Compassion • Loyal • Passionate • Responsive
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Be in the know NOW about what's to come! | |
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"Your present circumstances don't determine where you will go. They merely determine where you start."
~ T.S. Eliot
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Happy New Year, everyone! This is the time of year when many of us start anew – you know, health and fitness goals, relationship goals, career or education goals… Some of us do well, some of us are about the fits and starts, and others just ignore this resolution or new starts thing altogether! Whatever you are (or are not) doing, just start where you are! Best wishes! | |
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Owners Corner
— by Jenny Thomas —
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The featured owner of Aurora for this issue of The Loop is Julie Lifto, Director of Accounting!
When Julie was a college student, her then-boss recommended her to Aurora. He was an acquaintance of Cindy Smith's, and she had asked him if he knew anyone who might be a good fit for the open accounting position at the time (27 years ago). I got my start in Aurora because of who I knew, and it was meant to be!
Julie started out as Accounts Payable, moved to Accounts Receivable, and eventually became the Director of Accounting! "At the very beginning I also ordered office supplies and even provided computer tech support for a period of time," Julie says. "That was when I learned that restarting your computer does quite often fix the issue and was my go-to solution. Aurora also figured out that I was far from an IT person, and a loud sigh of relief was heard across the company when the IT Department was developed—without me in it!"
Julie says that one thing she enjoys about her hob is the 360 degree support and talent. "If you know me, you know how much of a people person I am. Relationships and connections are very important to me, and my cup runs over with those that I work with. The kindness, respect, and pure genuineness of those I work with is incredible. Not to mention, they are all down right talented, hard-working individuals!"
Julie says she has great pride in working for a company that provides such a valuable service. She loves that we help people. She has also found that being a supervisor was not originally something she was seeking, but it has been a pleasure to be one for an incredible group of staff. "Having three employees retire from the Aurora Accounting Department means we are doing something right. The Accounting Department is like my family, and I am so very lucky to have each and every member!"
"I have two boys, ages 17 and 19. My oldest is a freshman at UW-Stout as a construction major, while my youngest will be graduating from high school this year and attending UW-La Crosse in the fall as a marketing major. I will soon be an empty nester and am not quite sure I am ready for that. I have one cat named Cali, so I guess I won't quite be an empty nester. I also enjoy doing puzzles and have a huge collection that I need to part with as it is taking over my garage. I like to host friends for gatherings or venture on a day trip to secondhand stores."
Thanks for sharing a little part of your Aurora world with us, Julie!
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Stay Healthy, Improve Well-Being | |
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Regardless of any New Year's resolutions you’ve established for yourself, here are some tips for staying healthy and improving your well-being:
Start your day with a glass of water.
Your body goes quite a few hours without hydration as you sleep. Drinking a full glass of water in the morning can aid digestion, flush out toxins, enhance skin health, and give you an energy boost.
Begin with something positive.
Wake up and do something that inspires you, like journaling, walking in nature, or other hobbies. Whether it’s productive or relaxing, beginning your morning on the right foot can cultivate a positive mindset and set the tone for the entire day.
Get plenty of sleep.
Sleep is just as important as eating healthy and exercising. From improving your productivity and concentration to helping support your overall health, getting the recommended hours of sleep per night can have a major impact on your well-being.
Get some fresh air.
Whether you get outside for some exercise or to read a book in the sunshine, you should take at least 30 minutes a day to get some
vitamin D.
Get moving throughout the day.
Try the stairs instead of the elevator, take short walks around your office, or ride a bike instead of driving. Vigorous exercise is essential, but moving throughout the day will keep you energized as well as benefit your mind and body.
Track your steps.
Tracking your steps will help you see how much you’ve actually moved throughout the day and may even encourage you to challenge yourself to reach a certain amount of steps every day.
Give your eyes a rest.
Eyes become easily strained when you’re constantly focused on your computer screen. Reduce the risk of tired eyes by looking away from your computer for at least 20 seconds in 20-minute intervals.
Eat real food.
Real food is whole, single-ingredient foods that are unprocessed and free of additives. Incorporating these foods into your day can help improve your health, manage your weight, and give you energy.
Snack smart. 7082
It’s easy to mindlessly snack throughout the day, so make sure your snack choices aren’t weighing you down. Mixed nuts, veggies, Greek yogurt, or even a piece of dark chocolate are all great options that will keep you feeling satisfied.
Take your vitamins.
Multivitamins contain vitamins and minerals that are essential to your health. No matter how healthy you eat or what diet you follow, it can be difficult for your body to get all of the nutrients it needs from food. Research your options and find a multivitamin that fits your needs and supports your health.
Get some alone time.
Spending time alone can be extremely beneficial for your mental health. Get to know yourself, figure out what you want, and start living your most purposeful life.
Try something new.
Join a book club, sign up for a class, start cooking. Try something new at least once a month. Making a point to keep learning throughout your life can keep your mind lively and engaged.
Schedule your appointments.
Visit your dentist twice a year, make sure you’re getting those annual checkups at the doctor, and schedule the recommended screenings for your age group. Make your health a number one priority.
Make time for your friends and family.
Spending time with your friends and family may not seem like a top wellness tip, but it is vital. Humans are social beings and rely on other humans to maintain their mental, emotional, and physical health. Setting time aside to spend with your loved ones can help relieve stress, increase self-esteem, and lead you to make more positive choices.
Take care of your skin.
Building a daily skin care routine can help you maintain overall skin health or improve concerns like acne, scarring, or dark spots. Find a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen and give your skin the love it deserves.
Limit blue light before bed.
The blue light emitted by your tech devices may be the cause of those restless nights. Put your phone or laptop away at least an hour before bed to set yourself up for a good night of sleep.
Manage your money.
Money worries are oftentimes a big source of stress for some people. Saving for the future, home mortgages, and paying off loans—it all adds up. Create a priority list for yourself and determine a realistic budget to provide yourself some relief.
Practice gratitude.
Oftentimes, we tend to focus on what we’re lacking in life instead of focusing on the things that we do have. Start measuring your worth by your successes rather than your deficits by keeping track of the things that go well in your life.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
These wellness tips are small steps you can take to make big changes in your life.
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Aurora’s leadership teams met last week for an annual review and update on the state of Aurora. We also love to recognize our BEST staff with Value Awards and to recognize the many years of service provided in that team!
Value Award winners were:
Resilience – Angie Mandera, Program Director
Integrity – Narda Gordillo, Administrative Specialist
Courageous – Jana Hansen, Call Center Director
Compassion – Beth Alexander, Behavior Specialist
Loyal – Brett Mesner, QA Specialist
Passionate – Steve Lauer, RN
Responsiveness – Amanda Rageth, Staffing Administrator
The Chuck Barnard Memorial Award – Nancy Campbell-Kelz, AODA Counselor
Star Man – Linda Aton, Director of Administrative Services
Being Your Best – Jennifer Faught and Annie Lupo-Gondwe
The following team members reached milestone anniversaries in 2023:
35 years – Avis Wolske-Baker
30 years – Deb Seibel
25 years – Terri Bollinger, Sadie Bygd, and Sue Hertz
20 years – Gina Krueger and Kristen Shaw
15 years – Jacqueline Perro
10 years – Chad Barnard, Jessica Checkalski, Melaine Lepak, and Lindsay Pittman
5 years – Ted East, Steve Lauer, Jennifer Scherff, and Jim Showalter
The Senior Administration Team also met to further develop some exciting new business opportunities—stay tuned for those! During that meeting, we determined that leadership team includes 538 total years of experience and knowledge! That’s a lot of expertise, and they’re using it wisely for the future!
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Our BEST Employees for the month of December, and winning $150, are... Carter Baures from direct support and Jessica Checkalski from management! Congratulations and thanks for bringing your BEST!
Nominees for the month of DECEMBER were:
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Linda Aton
Carter Baures
Ashley Lyons
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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We added one Employee Number somewhere in the Loop. Is it yours?
Find it and email April at asolberg@auroraservices.com to claim your prize!
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Congratulations to Sharon Moss from 115 in Eau Claire and Olga Reinke from 037 in New Richmond!
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.
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February is American Heart Month
What is heart disease?
The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
Sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and not diagnosed until a person experiences signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or an arrhythmia. When these events happen, symptoms may include:
- Heart attack: Chest pain or discomfort, upper back or neck pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea or vomiting, extreme fatigue, upper body discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Arrhythmia: Fluttering feelings in the chest (palpitations).
- Heart failure: Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, abdomen, or neck veins.
Learn the facts about heart disease
About 695,000 people in the United States died from heart disease in 2021—that’s 1 in every 5 deaths.
What are the risk factors for heart disease?
High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease. About half of people in the United States (47%) have at least one of these three risk factors.
Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:
- Diabetes
- Overweight and obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
- Poor mental health
Those we serve need you around! Consider making one change to improve your heart health!
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Welcome Aboard!
Please give our new hires a warm welcome!
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Grace Zimmer
Aurora Vocational Services
CSP Case Manager, Ladysmith
Why I applied for the job: I am local to Rusk County and just graduated from UW-Stout. I wanted to be a supporter for those in my area that need it!
What I will bring to the job: Passion, smiles, and kind conversation.
My background: I have and still work as a CNA in the Care & Rehab - Ladysmith Nursing Home. I have worked at Westlake Enterprises in Ladysmith for over a year and loved working with people who have disabilities and/or mental health challenges.
Family: I live in Bruce. I have a younger brother who goes to UW-Stevens Point. I have three dogs!
Hobbies/interests: I love the outdoors, and I am obsessed with plants!
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Jane Davis
Aurora Community Services
HR Coordinator, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: This job fit my skill set, and I felt I could help make a difference.
What I will bring to the job: Honesty, integrity.
My background: My background has been in HR. I also owned my own businesses—Cranberry Cottage (retail) and Caring Transition.
Family: I have 1 daughter, a son-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. I also have a German shepherd dog.
Hobbies/interests: Water activities, sports, gardening, and hanging out with my grandchildren.
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Carolyn Cristallo
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: Know of Aurora and has outstanding reputation.
What I will bring to the job: Stability, caring, and understanding.
Family: Son, Jeremy, 27; daughter, Amanda, 30.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, sewing, crafts.
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Francis Okonmah
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I love working with Aurora consumers. Take pride in assisting others in the improvement of life.
What I will bring to the job: Quality companionship, honest work, content consumers.
My background: Eau Claire native.
Hobbies/interests: Enjoys the outdoors, sports, and anything art related.
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Isabella Wilson
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I am currently a junior at UW-Stout, majoring in rehabilitation studies with a concentration in psychiatric rehabilitation. I have always known that I wasnt to work in the helping/caregiving field, and find so much joy in helping others. This job seemed like the perfect fit with my values and skillset.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion and empathy.
My background: I started out working in a senior living, memory care unit as kitchen/dining support. I went on from that job and moved into the service industry, bouncing around a couple restaurants and fast food places. Throughout this time, I was a dance outside of school & work, and that was my main hobby for about 13 years.
Family: Mother, father, 1 older brother (+2 years), 2 half-sisters (+6 years and +10 years).
Hobbies/interests: School, spending time with friends and family.
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Patrick McClure
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Eau Claire
Why I applied for the job: I am a recovering addict, and I want to help people.
What I will bring to the job: A hardworking and caring person that always wants to do my best.
Family: 3 brothers, 3 daughters, 2 grandsons, and a granddaughter on the way, and stepfather.
Hobbies/interests: I'm a big part of the NA community, 4-wheeling, fishing, hiking, camping.
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Paula Scheffler-Burkard
Aurora Community Counseling
Mental Health Therapist, Eau Claire, Menomonie
Why I applied for the job: I had been part of the Aurora team years ago and the opportunity became available, so I reached out.
What I will bring to the job: Compassion, dedication, and calmness.
My background: I have worked in the field of mental health for many years. Looking forward to continuing to provide therapy.
Family: Married with 3 sons, 3 adorable granddaughters, and a grandson due to arrive this month!
Hobbies/interests: Yoga, hiking/nature walks, travel.
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Séiche (say-shh) Chin
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, River Falls
Why I applied for the job: I'm generally challenged by the idea of Midwest social customs, and it feels good to know I'm still doing my own thing to help being here.
What I will bring to the job: A really energetic, creative, patient person. Only one person, but I can also possess the spirit of a former loud public schooler. I'm FUN!
My background: I went to college and didn't do well because, respectfully, college art was High School Art 2.0, but I LOVED chemistry. And then I went to work with canine behavior. People tend to stick, though.
Family: I don't have one, but I have my boyfriend!
Hobbies/interests: I LOVE making comics. Seriously, I will talk for days (and draw too).
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Delta Harper
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wisconsin Rapids
Why I applied for the job: Caregiving doesn't feel like work or a job to me. I believe it is what I'm meant to do. Caregiving is my purpose in life. I truly enjoy it and benefit from providing care as much as the ones being cared for.
What I will bring to the job: A warm smile, a great attitude, a sense of humor, willingness and readiness to jump in and help wherever needed. I'm eager to get started and excited to do so.
My background: I've cared for my family members since I was a young girl. My grandmother, who had broken her back, needed lots of assistance. That was my job and took up all of my time outside of school. My older brother was never given a diagnosis as to exactly what or why he struggled to meet developmental milestones for his age. He didn't do things other children his age were doing til I was born. After that as he got older, I was his teacher. I would speak for him. Anything I did, he had to do.
Hobbies/interests: Music, reading, houseplants, gardening, fishing, riding bikes.
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Scott Jakel
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Day Services Assistant, Wausau
Why I applied for the job: Similar to a job I had before and NCHCC Adult Day Services.
What I will bring to the job: Teamwork, engaging, care, reliability.
My background: NCHCC, CNA 24 years, 10 adult day services.
Family: Wife Sarah; 2 sons, Isaac (32) and Ethan (30).
Hobbies/interests: A little of everything.
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Devin Nickens
Aurora Residential Alternatives
Community Living Assistant, Wisconsin Rapids
Why I applied for the job: Extra cash, new experience.
What I will bring to the job: My best every day.
My background: Produce processors.
Hobbies/interests: Fishing, hunting, dogs.
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We Have the BEST Staff
During the month of JANUARY, we are celebrating these anniversaries!
Aurora Management
Avis Wolske-Baker (36 years), Marni Waznik (30 years), Susan Wheeler (2 years), Jora Leahy (3 years), Chad Barnard (11 years), Sadie Bygd (26 years), Carly Nelson (2 years), Lori Burns (2 years), Brittany Sonnenberg (1 year), Bill Duerkop (4 years), Linda Dalland (20 years), Kimberly Jensen (13 years), Jana Pickers (12 years), and Brianna Wyant (12 years).
Aurora Direct Care Staff
Chelsi Julson (3 years), Christi Edin (1 year), Laura Alley (14 years), Tiffany Kuklinski (4 years), Rodney McNamara (8 years), Sharon Moss (27 years), Katherine Mozer (18 years), Jerome Taylor (4 years), Emily Lambert (4 years), and Kristen Dusek (13 years).
When we combine all of these years of service,
we get 270 YEARS of experience at Aurora!
Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us!
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