Fourth Monday -- Just so I don't lose this week
It has been a very strange week ...
On First Monday, I started with the local section of our "newspaper of record" in this state coming to interview the chair of our volunteer organization. Phil had won our state's Salute to Senior Service award, and much fuss is being made. As the director of mar/comm I am, of course, delighted. As a cynical New Yorker, I am mentally on the sidelines, smirking. Yes, yes, wonderful that he won. But, knowing how this is all done, in my mind I am not congratulating Phil, deserving though he actually is, but Beth and myself, who made the win happen through marketing. Beth is our volunteer coordinator, and quite possibly the best hire I ever made. She sent emails every day to every single employee and volunteer and board member, with the link, reminding them to vote for Phil. I wrote the email. I wrote the nomination, with her input, and put her name on it. We chose him together, from a slew of deserving volunteers. There were 16 other candidates in Wisconsin. He won "overwhelmingly" we were told. As a result, Phil won $500 to donate to his chosen nonprofit -- yes, us -- and now competes on the national level. I don't believe we have a chance.
So, Monday started with the interview. Well no... Monday I came in to work two hours early... before 7 a.m.... because the person who usually does our employee newsletter for me is in AOD training so I had to do it myself. In one sitting. So I did that, finished it, and went right into a conference call with two other people in my office. The reporter showed up early, so I left them in my office on the phone and off to the interview. We held it in the private dining room, so I had coffee brought in, since I hadn't had breakfast, so it was quite an elegant setting. The owner of our Home Instead franchise, the company the runs the competition, was there, along with me and Phil. We impressed her; it was one of the nicest interviews and resulting stories we've had. She even corrected an error before the print edition came out. Win.
After the interview, I had time to get a few things done before our afternoon meeting... I ran off signs for the wedding happening that evening, got some lunch from our cafe, posted something or other on our FB page and then ran into the meeting. I was able to be there for all of 15 minutes before I got called out to deal with wedding setup. And the wedding took up the rest of my day, into night. Between the residents (the music is too loud; the music is so nice!) the caterer (our cook quit, can we use yours?) our hospitality staff (I know you told us to set up the tables and chairs facing that way and you gave us a chart, but we are stupid and did it this way, do we really have to change it) the weather (it's pouring rain, there's a double rainbow, the bride and groom are outside taking photos under an umbrella and our chairs are getting soaked) and my father-in-law (a wedding? here? am I invited?) It was a very hectic first Monday!
On Second Monday, I had to be at work early for two reasons: We had a program starting at 8 a.m. that no one showed up to until after 9. Rude. It was a breakfast meeting. I also had to be there because CBS 58 was coming to interview Phil. So. Once again. Up early, at my desk early to get work done before meeting the press... Except the press was also late. So sorry, she said. I left your phone number back at the office, was on the other side of town, blah blah blah. Whatever. She was very nice. Loved us to death. I had everything set up for her, right down to the live flowers for the interview (thanks for that suggestion, Randy and for the flowers from your garden, Gary). This time we had Beth on camera, Phil, and Herb, the franchise owner, and Carole -- also from Home Instead -- and I were there too. Phil was determined that I not be left out, so when she wanted him to walk down the hall with someone, he grabbed me. He also, yesterday, sent me a lovely email, cc'd to my bosses and the board, about how appreciated I am. It helped turn Third Monday into a Wednesday for a moment.
So TV lady finished the interview part and -- for this 90 second segment -- wanted some tape of Phil interacting with residents. Beth had some residents readied upstairs and we went up to the floor so Phil could visit with three of the most fun ladies in the Home. We couldn't have paid for a better group. The kicker was when Helen said Phil was the best because "sometimes you pick me up when I fall. Remember when I fell? Because I was drinking... don't tell anyone that. I have a bottle in my walker." We were splitting our sides. They were wonderful.
The upside of all this is that TV lady loved us so much is that she is going to put in a volunteer app. She used to volunteer at a nursing home in Illinois and she misses it and she was -- of course -- very impressed with the JHCC. Well, no surprise there. Everyone always is. Whenever I tour one of our competitors, I come back impressed.
I left something out. While we were waiting for her to show up, the other program started. Our administrator, Elaine, was in the program, schmoozing with social workers and whoever. Everything was going smoothly there, and then the front desk called me over. They handed me two cards: they both had the dreaded word "state" on them. "These two ladies are looking for Elaine" they said. But they knew she was in a meeting and weren't sure where or if they could disturb here. "If someone from the state comes, you can pull Elaine out of the bathroom" I said. I went to get her. Her face was priceless. As far as I know, they are still there. Stay tuned. Hold on to that 5-star rating with both hands.
As we were wrapping up with TV lady, I was called to the front desk for a phone call. A film company wants to use the JHCC for a scene, actually two, in a movie. The producer has connections to us, not surprisingly. Not our usual connection; this one is an indie film, with some impressive credits. We'll probably do it. I just need to decide what I want us to get out of it. It sure won't be money. So after our Leadership meeting in the afternoon I met with Mike (CEO) and Elaine to get their input and make sure they were onboard, and they are.
Third Monday was a little calmer. Mostly because I came to work a little later and left a whole lot earlier. Although it started with Beth calling me to say she had to call 911 for a woman who announced she was having a medical emergency, when in fact she was someone who should just not be allowed out on her own. No idea who she is, where she came from, what she was doing there... Anyway, I worked a half day. No one called to tell me there were any problems with last night's event. I made sure the room was set up before I left. The family holding the memorial service was in touch with IT before I left. I had lunch with two of my very favorite coworkers. We bitched our way through a Chinese lunch on Brady St. They are the dining services manager for JHCC and hospitality director for CP, and have been my friends and allies since my very first special event at work. I trust them more than anyone there. Strong work ethics, deep caring for the residents, always put the residents and the reputation of the organization before everything else. I love working with them and I always know they have my back and they know I have theirs. We go out together now and then to blow off steam safely. While we were out I got a call from Beth telling me that they just found out that CP is listed as a homeless shelter, with Dawn's phone number, our address and our name (Prospect Congregate Housing) on a homeless shelter website. She had been getting phone calls and messages since she started working here... a few months.... and never told me. I had her send me the link, and took care of it when I got back.
By the time I left the building, I felt good. I accomplished things. My desk was clean. Invoices were paid. Phone calls returned. Emails done. I decided to take Friday as a write-at-home day. I left for my hair appointment and, while my color set, Susie decided to touch up my nails so we could talk. I got home an hour -- an HOUR! -- earlier than expected. Had a glass of chardonnay (thank you Jeff and Becka) with dinner. Only did a little bit of work last night... social networking.
And now... Fourth Monday begins. And it almost feels like a Thursday instead.
On First Monday, I started with the local section of our "newspaper of record" in this state coming to interview the chair of our volunteer organization. Phil had won our state's Salute to Senior Service award, and much fuss is being made. As the director of mar/comm I am, of course, delighted. As a cynical New Yorker, I am mentally on the sidelines, smirking. Yes, yes, wonderful that he won. But, knowing how this is all done, in my mind I am not congratulating Phil, deserving though he actually is, but Beth and myself, who made the win happen through marketing. Beth is our volunteer coordinator, and quite possibly the best hire I ever made. She sent emails every day to every single employee and volunteer and board member, with the link, reminding them to vote for Phil. I wrote the email. I wrote the nomination, with her input, and put her name on it. We chose him together, from a slew of deserving volunteers. There were 16 other candidates in Wisconsin. He won "overwhelmingly" we were told. As a result, Phil won $500 to donate to his chosen nonprofit -- yes, us -- and now competes on the national level. I don't believe we have a chance.
So, Monday started with the interview. Well no... Monday I came in to work two hours early... before 7 a.m.... because the person who usually does our employee newsletter for me is in AOD training so I had to do it myself. In one sitting. So I did that, finished it, and went right into a conference call with two other people in my office. The reporter showed up early, so I left them in my office on the phone and off to the interview. We held it in the private dining room, so I had coffee brought in, since I hadn't had breakfast, so it was quite an elegant setting. The owner of our Home Instead franchise, the company the runs the competition, was there, along with me and Phil. We impressed her; it was one of the nicest interviews and resulting stories we've had. She even corrected an error before the print edition came out. Win.
After the interview, I had time to get a few things done before our afternoon meeting... I ran off signs for the wedding happening that evening, got some lunch from our cafe, posted something or other on our FB page and then ran into the meeting. I was able to be there for all of 15 minutes before I got called out to deal with wedding setup. And the wedding took up the rest of my day, into night. Between the residents (the music is too loud; the music is so nice!) the caterer (our cook quit, can we use yours?) our hospitality staff (I know you told us to set up the tables and chairs facing that way and you gave us a chart, but we are stupid and did it this way, do we really have to change it) the weather (it's pouring rain, there's a double rainbow, the bride and groom are outside taking photos under an umbrella and our chairs are getting soaked) and my father-in-law (a wedding? here? am I invited?) It was a very hectic first Monday!
On Second Monday, I had to be at work early for two reasons: We had a program starting at 8 a.m. that no one showed up to until after 9. Rude. It was a breakfast meeting. I also had to be there because CBS 58 was coming to interview Phil. So. Once again. Up early, at my desk early to get work done before meeting the press... Except the press was also late. So sorry, she said. I left your phone number back at the office, was on the other side of town, blah blah blah. Whatever. She was very nice. Loved us to death. I had everything set up for her, right down to the live flowers for the interview (thanks for that suggestion, Randy and for the flowers from your garden, Gary). This time we had Beth on camera, Phil, and Herb, the franchise owner, and Carole -- also from Home Instead -- and I were there too. Phil was determined that I not be left out, so when she wanted him to walk down the hall with someone, he grabbed me. He also, yesterday, sent me a lovely email, cc'd to my bosses and the board, about how appreciated I am. It helped turn Third Monday into a Wednesday for a moment.
So TV lady finished the interview part and -- for this 90 second segment -- wanted some tape of Phil interacting with residents. Beth had some residents readied upstairs and we went up to the floor so Phil could visit with three of the most fun ladies in the Home. We couldn't have paid for a better group. The kicker was when Helen said Phil was the best because "sometimes you pick me up when I fall. Remember when I fell? Because I was drinking... don't tell anyone that. I have a bottle in my walker." We were splitting our sides. They were wonderful.
The upside of all this is that TV lady loved us so much is that she is going to put in a volunteer app. She used to volunteer at a nursing home in Illinois and she misses it and she was -- of course -- very impressed with the JHCC. Well, no surprise there. Everyone always is. Whenever I tour one of our competitors, I come back impressed.
I left something out. While we were waiting for her to show up, the other program started. Our administrator, Elaine, was in the program, schmoozing with social workers and whoever. Everything was going smoothly there, and then the front desk called me over. They handed me two cards: they both had the dreaded word "state" on them. "These two ladies are looking for Elaine" they said. But they knew she was in a meeting and weren't sure where or if they could disturb here. "If someone from the state comes, you can pull Elaine out of the bathroom" I said. I went to get her. Her face was priceless. As far as I know, they are still there. Stay tuned. Hold on to that 5-star rating with both hands.
As we were wrapping up with TV lady, I was called to the front desk for a phone call. A film company wants to use the JHCC for a scene, actually two, in a movie. The producer has connections to us, not surprisingly. Not our usual connection; this one is an indie film, with some impressive credits. We'll probably do it. I just need to decide what I want us to get out of it. It sure won't be money. So after our Leadership meeting in the afternoon I met with Mike (CEO) and Elaine to get their input and make sure they were onboard, and they are.
Third Monday was a little calmer. Mostly because I came to work a little later and left a whole lot earlier. Although it started with Beth calling me to say she had to call 911 for a woman who announced she was having a medical emergency, when in fact she was someone who should just not be allowed out on her own. No idea who she is, where she came from, what she was doing there... Anyway, I worked a half day. No one called to tell me there were any problems with last night's event. I made sure the room was set up before I left. The family holding the memorial service was in touch with IT before I left. I had lunch with two of my very favorite coworkers. We bitched our way through a Chinese lunch on Brady St. They are the dining services manager for JHCC and hospitality director for CP, and have been my friends and allies since my very first special event at work. I trust them more than anyone there. Strong work ethics, deep caring for the residents, always put the residents and the reputation of the organization before everything else. I love working with them and I always know they have my back and they know I have theirs. We go out together now and then to blow off steam safely. While we were out I got a call from Beth telling me that they just found out that CP is listed as a homeless shelter, with Dawn's phone number, our address and our name (Prospect Congregate Housing) on a homeless shelter website. She had been getting phone calls and messages since she started working here... a few months.... and never told me. I had her send me the link, and took care of it when I got back.
By the time I left the building, I felt good. I accomplished things. My desk was clean. Invoices were paid. Phone calls returned. Emails done. I decided to take Friday as a write-at-home day. I left for my hair appointment and, while my color set, Susie decided to touch up my nails so we could talk. I got home an hour -- an HOUR! -- earlier than expected. Had a glass of chardonnay (thank you Jeff and Becka) with dinner. Only did a little bit of work last night... social networking.
And now... Fourth Monday begins. And it almost feels like a Thursday instead.