November 5, 2024

Bonaventure Senior Living Pays Tribute to Arthur Winston

Bonaventure Senior Living is all about embracing life one day at a time. That is exactly what 1996 “Employee of the Century” Arthur Winston did. Winston, a dedicated Los Angeles Metro worker for more than 70 years, lived past his 100th birthday and still serves as a reminder that age is only a number, not a barrier. Here, Bonaventure Senior Living speaks to Interviewing Experts about this American icon.

Interviewing Experts: Where was Arthur Winston born?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He was born in Oklahoma Territory more than a year and a half before the state was accepted into the union.

Interviewing Experts: What was his first job?

Bonaventure Senior Living: After he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1922, he accepted a job at the Los Angeles Railway. He quit after four years because racial barriers barred him from driving a bus.

Interviewing Experts: But he returned?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, he was not going to let racism stop him from being a part of the community. He worked at Los Angeles Railway in various departments until his 100th birthday.

Interviewing Experts: He spent a great deal of time at the Metropolitan Coach Line (MCL), correct?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He was with MCL for 25 years. In 1997 he was transferred, on the day before his 91st birthday, to Division 5, which was later named after him.

Interviewing Experts: Bill Clinton gave him a special commendation. Can you explain?

Bonaventure Senior Living: In 2006, Winston was awarded “Employee of the Century” for having only one unscheduled absence his entire career.

Interviewing Experts: And what was that?

Bonaventure Senior Living: The day his wife Frances passed away in 1988.

Interviewing Experts: How long was he married?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Mr. and Mrs. Winston were married for more than 63 years. They had four children and five grandchildren.

Interviewing Experts: Where did Mr. Winston get such amazing work ethic?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He always said that his father taught him early on that there is value in hard work and dedication.

Interviewing Experts: Arthur was known as an inspiration throughout the Metro Transit Authority, wasn’t he?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, and in the months before his passing, he made a point to visit every department and speak to the younger generation of LA Transit employees. This definitely made an impact on many.

Interviewing Experts: Winston was loved by many. We understand his 100th birthday party was quite the celebration.

Bonaventure Senior Living: It was a grand affair, indeed. More than 150 people—friends, family and coworkers—came out for the barbecue lunch in Chesterfield Square.

Interviewing Experts: And he had some extra-special visitors, right?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, the Laker Girls. He was a big basketball fan and these ladies were absolutely his favorite part of the game. The cheerleaders brought in a massive birthday cake and sat with Arthur as he blew out the candles.

Interviewing Experts: How did Mr. Winston contribute to his longevity?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He didn’t smoke or drink. He always said that stress was a killer and made sure to avoid credit cards. Of course, having an active social life within a large network of family and friends helped.

Interviewing Experts: What did Arthur do in his spare time?

Bonaventure Senior Living: He was passionate about staying active, and on his 100th birthday—when he retired—he said he would spend his days working in the yard and tending the garden.

Interviewing Experts: And he liked to travel?

Bonaventure Senior Living: Yes, he often visited friends around Los Angeles. He had family in Oklahoma and a brother in Tennessee who he liked to go and see. He was not one to sit still.

Arthur Winston passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness in 2006. He was surrounded by loved ones, including his 4-year-old great-grandson—his pride and joy.

 

For more than a decade, Bonaventure Senior Living has been helping seniors take life by the horns and ride out their golden years on their own terms. Bonaventure Senior Living offers services ranging from independent retirement living to Alzheimer’s and memory care. With communities in six states, seniors across the Midwest and West Coast can count on Bonaventure Senior Living to provide superior accommodations, exceptional service, and unparalleled amenities.

For more information on Bonaventure Senior Living, visit RetirementPerfected.com.

Rick Dover, Knoxville Businessman, Builds Structures to Meet Needs of Today’s Seniors

Rick-Dover-SeniorsRick Dover, Knoxville general manager of Family Pride Corporation, is proud to be recognized as a preservationist in East Tennessee. For nearly two decades, Rick Dover and Knoxville-based Family Pride Corporation have worked to preserve the history of Knoxville and its surrounding areas through repurposing some of the area’s best-known structures.

As Rick Dover of Knoxville tells us, Family Pride Corporation was inspired by his need to find the perfect place to care for his own grandfather, Richard Emerson. During his search, Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, realized the heavy demand for a charming, compassionate place in which seniors can live comfortably while having their needs sufficiently met. On this idea, Family Pride Corporation was founded, says Rick Dover. Knoxville has seen the handiwork of Dover and his team, who seek to provide the best possible environment for seniors.

Personalized care is the goal of Rick Dover and Knoxville-based Family Pride Corporation. As Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, explains, the goal is to create a positive atmosphere for each member of a Family Pride Corporation community. After learning personally that the family of each senior has unique requests, Rick Dover and Knoxville staff work hard to address those needs individually.

Dignity and compassion are the hallmarks of each community, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville residents know that what sets Family Pride Corporation apart from others in the industry is its attention to giving seniors extra perks that make their stay even better than home. Talented chefs provide meals each day, Rick Dover of Knoxville points out, and Family Pride Corporation staff encourage interaction between community members, finding that this makes a big difference.

Realizing that many families have budget concerns, Family Pride Corporation works hard to keep costs affordable while still providing high-quality care, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville families especially appreciate that Family Pride Corporation requires no buy-in fees or deposits, Rick Dover of Knoxville says.

As Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, describes, Family Pride Corporation specializes in finding historic buildings for use in meeting the growing demands for senior care. Studies have shown that seniors desire familiarity and comfort, and Rick Dover and Knoxville team members work hard to ensure each community has a home-like feel. Family Pride Corporation offers a variety of communities to meet the varying needs of seniors, from independent living facilities to memory care communities and more, says Rick Dover. Knoxville communities include revitalizing the Oakwood Elementary School, located on the north side of town. Additionally, Family Pride Corporation has restored several buildings in Oak Ridge and Loudon, according to Rick Dover of Knoxville.

Rick Dover, a Knoxville businessman, has a long history in real estate, having once worked for the company that became CBRE. He logged an impressive history at that firm, winning multiple awards for his excellent salesmanship, according to Rick Dover. Knoxville is now Dover’s home, where he has won multiple awards for his preservationist work. Rick Dover of Knoxville is currently working on communities throughout East Tennessee. In addition to providing affordable care to seniors, Rick Dover, Knoxville, is committed to preserving the planet for future generations to enjoy.

Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure Says Assisted Living Gives Seniors Independence

Kelley Hamilton BonaventureParents spend their whole lives caring for their children, and many of those children now are caring for their parents. According to Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure Senior Living, some adult children visit their parents in their homes and help out. For others, caretaking can mean blending households. But many people are also choosing an assisted living community, says Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO, as such places are gaining the reputation of being a positive place to end one’s days. As the chief executive officer for a company that builds and manages many senior living communities, Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure knows these facilities are active communities where seniors can actually live life.

In this interview with the staff of Interviewing Experts, Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure talks about the independence seniors gain by choosing an assisted living community. Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure also gives seniors and their adult children advice on how to make the transition as easy as possible.

Interviewing Experts: Thanks for joining us.

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Thank you for having me.

Interviewing Experts: Many people associate assisted living with giving up independence. Is this really the case?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: No, they really don’t give up independence; they actually gain independence through the move.

Interviewing Experts: But many children with elderly parents feel guilty dropping them off at an assisted living community.

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: This is the biggest educational piece that we do when we talk with families and residents. It is definitely not something to feel guilty about. These children are really giving their parents their independence back.

Interviewing Experts: But wouldn’t seniors enjoy more independence in their own homes?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: That’s what many people think. One thing I began to observe was that many seniors who sat at home were often overcome by depression.

Interviewing Experts: How sad! Why does that happen?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: For seniors who no longer can do things they used to be able to do in their home, sitting in the same familiar environment can become depressive.

Interviewing Experts: Can this lead to medical issues?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Absolutely. A lot of times, depression becomes masked by other physical symptoms, where seniors start not feeling great or having memory issues.

Interviewing Experts: What about seniors living with their children?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: That’s a good point, but a recent survey stated that only a quarter of seniors said they would want to live with their children.

Interviewing Experts: What’s the best way to prepare for this process?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: First, seniors and their families need to explore various housing and care options. Every assisted living community is different, but children should remember that their parents should live life on their own terms.

Interviewing Experts: Is the process confusing?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: It can be a confusing and overwhelming process. There is a lot to deal with. But with the right information and a commitment to doing your homework, it can also be a joyful process that results in a wonderful new home.

Interviewing Experts: What key issues should be addressed?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: Where they will live, of course, is a big issue. The state of their health is an important part in this decision. How much care will they need? What activities will they enjoy? And of course their finances need to be in order.

Interviewing Experts: What if parents refuse to have this conversation?

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO: It’s important to respect their feelings when they make it clear they want to avoid the subject. However, consider pushing the issue if the parents’ health or safety is at risk.

 

Kelley Hamilton, Bonaventure CEO, also points out that seniors tend to stay very active while living in an assisted living community. Kelley Hamilton and Bonaventure staff schedule regular social activities for their residents. Kelley Hamilton of Bonaventure currently resides in Oregon.

Pam Gray on Bonaventure Senior Living Communities

PamGrayBonavnenture_BonaventurePam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, proudly hails her organization as a premier senior living company that is unparalleled in the United States. By offering a wide range of amenities, Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, believes seniors and their loved ones will be satisfied with their time in the community.

Interviewing Experts: What is Bonaventure Senior Living?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Bonaventure is the top senior living company in the West. Our resident services have gained approval across the board, resulting in a 96 percent approval rating from residents.

Interviewing Experts: How does Bonaventure most benefit seniors?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: There are more options than ever for seniors who are transitioning into retirement. Seniors have to balance health and financial issues, as well as their living arrangements. Bonaventure helps ease them through this challenging process.

Interviewing Experts: What makes Bonaventure stand out from the crowd?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Staff members are constantly evaluating the community to determine if changes are necessary in terms of resident services, employee satisfaction and community activities.

Interviewing Experts: What different living arrangements are there?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: We offer studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, and even cottages, are available.

Interviewing Experts: What arts and entertainment activities are available?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Each community includes a movie theater and an expansive library to stimulate residents’ imaginations. A lounge area with big-screen TV’s encourages residents to congregate and meet new people.

Interviewing Experts: Are there partnerships with city venues?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: A number of local museums and gardens offer discounts to our residents.

Interviewing Experts: Do residents cook for themselves?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Seniors Living COO: Many residents choose to do their own cooking, but an on-site kitchen staff offers three meals a day, along with an array of decadent desserts. A beautiful dining room is available for private events.

Interviewing Experts: What about cleaning?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: The custodial staff of Bonaventure schedules regular cleaning for all apartment complexes in the community. Professional landscaping services ensure that the grounds remain in tip-top shape throughout the year.

Interviewing Experts: Do residents have ample opportunities to go outside the community?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Seniors still want to maintain active lifestyles in retirement, so we offer transportation services to get them where they need to go.

Interviewing Experts: Are there restrictions?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: Generally, no. Transportation is available for many activities including hair and medical appointments, as well as errands like grocery shopping.

Interviewing Experts: Will residents feel safe at Bonaventure?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: We employ building security and emergency call systems designed to offer the safest environment possible.

Interviewing Experts: What about those who require advanced medical services?

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO: As the resident population expands, Bonaventure has created a series of continuing care campuses that assist with a variety of medical needs.

 

Pam Gray, Bonaventure Senior Living COO, was promoted to her position in 2007 after more than two decades in the retirement community field.

 

 

 

 

YORHealth Testimonial: Maika Trigos and Raul Zuniga, Distrito Federal, DF Mexico

 

YORHealth

YORHealth

YORHealth is a California-based company with a focus on health and wholeness. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in premium-quality meal replacement shakes and nutritional supplements to help customers lead healthier, happier lives. The company’s mission and products appeal to a wide variety of health-conscious people across the globe.

YORHealth products are uniquely formulated to help improve the absorption of nutrients to maximize the benefits of what we eat. This advanced solution is exclusive to YORHealth and is the ideal balance between nature and science. Each product is tested for Quality Control before being introduced to the public.

In addition to nutrition, the company also stresses the importance of fitness and believes that health is about living a well-balanced life. YORHealth has empowered hundreds of customers across the globe to achieve better health, more energy and self-awareness.

YORHealth helped Maika Trigos and Raul Zuniga realize their dreams. Here, they share their story.

We have so much to thank YORHealth for! We met during a YORHealth business presentation. At that moment, both of us were going through difficult times. Maika had been struggling for a long time trying to build a home and give Nathalia, Pablo, Constanza and Patch, the best principles, values and options, paying a high price in absences and guilt. I used to say I was a free soul, did not own anything that did not fit in my car, but seeking for a better road in life.

Since we decided to align our life purposes through YORHealth, it has been a challenging and happy journey. I fell deeply in love with Maika and the family and what this new YORHealth lifestyle represented, so one day I decided to sell all my belongings and move to Mexico, leave my old habits and follow the same philosophy and path in YORHealth. Maika was not used to relying on anyone to take care of her, or the kids and the future. It took me a long time to show her she was on safe ground.

It has already been a year since we made this decision to join the YORHealth team, and we have seen changes in all aspects. At home, things are easier, we share responsibility and it is amazing how all of us started a new life and belong together. We are full-time parents, partners and soul mates. It just seems that we both found our place.

Building our YORHealth team, we are able to embody the Power of Two. We are adding value to each other, by enhancing our strengths and abilities together. Our YORHealth business grew faster this year than ever before and a lot comes from feeling that we have each other’s back. We have been able to unlock our potential through YORHealth and find a way to help others who are following us. Bills are more than paid, following the YORHealth principles about truth and happiness. Finally, we can feel balance in our relationship, we had great help from Michael Mo at YORHealth, the best human being we know, who showed us with his kind ways, how to communicate and respect each other. We are certain that we want to spend our lives together, setting an example for our two girls and two boys so they can live the best life parents can offer.

We can say that running for Blue Diamond last year, was the best decision. This allowed us to build a team and more relationships with extraordinary YORHealth friends (thank you Soraya and Agustin) and to spend quality time with YORHealth Co-Founder, Dennis Wong, our personal friend and mentor, growing our friendship and learning from the most refined group of people we have ever known.

For more information about YORHealth, go online to yorhealth.com.

JustFab.com Hot Denim Trends

JustFab.com

JustFab.com

Here at JustFab.com, denim is one of our wardrobe VIPs. We all have our favorite pair of JustFab.com jeans that go with just about everything from a worn-in, slouchy sweatshirt to a sexy statement pair of JustFab.com heels. Our online boutique features an array of denim options including classic styles and the latest trends. Whether you’re in the market for a pleasing fit or a pop of bright color, the fashion experts at JustFab.com have curated the best in jeans to help you find your ultimate pair.

For an easy summer jean, look no further than JustFab.com’s Cool Crop. Available in dazzling colors – Carribean and Fire Coral – it features sumptuous stretchy fabric and a sleek, slimming look. This style showcases  a shorter inseam, it sits at the natural waistline and accentuates your curves. This JustFab.com style is cropped above ankle length and just right for slipping on with a sexy JustFab.com summer sandal or a skyscraper heel.

The Signature Skinny Brights is a springtime staple. This JustFab.com jean is made from a luxe, soft fabric and is incredibly flattering for all body-types.  Available in three bold colors, Brite Pink, Lime Punch and Diva Blue, it’s a warm weather layering piece that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Sleek and slimming, JustFab.com created a well-made denim staple that will brighten your look and your attitude.

JustFab.com’s Killer Cutoffs are the perfect fit for a multitude of summer looks. Throw on over your bikini for a quick cover-up or wear with a button down for a day of running around – the possibilities are endless. Made of ultra-soft and luxurious premium denim, they not only feel great but highlight your assets with strategically positioned back pockets that lift and shape the rear. JustFab.com offers classic color choices like White and Blue Lagoon and on-trend hues including Iris and Green Envy.

The Signature Skinny Printed is JustFab.com’s take on the red-hot print pants trend. With an amazing array of options ranging from pretty romantic fresh florals to retro blue and white polka dots, there truly is a JustFab.com print for every look. Wear with a chambray shirt or weathered white tee to focus the attention on these pleasing prints, and pair with some JustFab.com killer heels or open-toe wedges to take this casual look to the next level.

All denim on JustFab.com is available for $39.95 or less with free shipping and exchanges.  Add a pair of denim to a regular order of $39.95 and get a pair for only $29.95.