Fred Lindahl Celebrates 20 Years of Service at Mountain Shadows
A 20 th Anniversary celebra- tion was held at Hacienda De Vega restaurant in Escondido on March 24 th , 2006 to honor Fred Lindahl’s (QMRP of Jacaranda, Palm and Willow) dedication to our Mountain Shadows family. The event was planned by the Mountain Shadows Morale Com- mittee. “We really wanted to do something special for Fred,” says Committee Chair, Michelle Garcia Studer. “We knew he would want something small and intimate, so we decided on a formal affair with a few of Fred’s closest friends and colleagues. The Hacienda De Vega had the perfect ambience. We dressed up the tables with white linens and beautiful calla lily cen- terpieces. A live mariachi band played throughout the evening.
“Several very special gifts were given to Fred to show our appre- ciation for all that he has given to Mountain Shadows over the past 20 years. Fred loves to travel, so we used that as a theme. We pre- sented him with a monogrammed L. L. Bean travel bag, a travel jour- nal, a travel voucher for a vacation to a destination of his choice and $250 in spending money. He was also awarded a commemorative plaque in tribute to his years of outstanding achievement at Mountain Shadows.
“Honorary Committee Member, Jen Pardo, really helped out by creating a scrapbook highlighting memories of Fred’s years at Mountain Shadows,” continued Michelle. “The scrapbook was really a big hit! Stacy Miller, RN, made a gag Chart Order, which is normally used to chart resident information such as medical and historical records, treatment plans, etc., for Fred. It was hilarious!” The scrapbook also included many heartfelt messages to Fred from current and former friends, colleagues and co-workers. Here are just a few of the messages:
“Fred, your love, care and dedication to the clients here at MSCH is impossible to miss. You tirelessly give of yourself to them everyday.You have touched many people through your years at MSCH… Keep up the great work.” Sharon
“Mountain Shadows wouldn’t be where it is today had you not cried, bled and sweat as much as you have over all these years. You wear such a rough and tough exterior (at least you try), but we all know you’re nothing but a big old softy inside. I’ve never in my life witnessed such heart, dedication and loyalty towards a company, co-workers, colleagues, staff, and of course, the residents.” Jen
“Fred you are such a wonderful man with such a gentle spirit. I don’t let that strong, tough exterior layer fool me.You are so generous and caring … so self-sacrificing. The residents of Mountain Shadows have been so blessed to have you in their lives. The staff are better for having known and worked with you. I love that you are so dedicated and committed to your work. It is inspiring to see your growth at MSCH. I commend you Fred … for all that you have done, all that you do, and for all that you will do in the future. Thank you for being you!” Michelle\
“Wow! 20 years of dedication to enriching the lives of Mountain Shadows residents and staff. Hopefully all of your caring and generosity will come back to you ten-fold. It has been great working with you and watching you work. You are truly inspirational.” Becky
“I think the highlight of the night was that for the first time in his life, Fred didn’t know what to say!” says Michelle. “He is normal- ly an eloquent speaker and often is chosen as a spokesperson for Mountain Shadows—but on this night, I think he was so emotional that he was at a loss for words. I think he really appreciated our acknowledgement and thanks for all he has done.
“It was a wonderful evening with good conversation shared in the company of good friends. In many ways, it felt like an intimate family celebration.”
“It was a very nice event,” says Fred. “Several old friends attended the dinner—Lynne Pratt (Board Member and former Human Resources Director), Laura Iavelli Fred Lindahl Celebrates 20 Years of Service at Mountain Shadows former QMRP) and Doug and Linda Cook. That was a very nice surprise.
“I’m lucky to work with such great folks. The evening was exactly what I wanted. I’m very grateful. The Morale Committee did a phenomenal job!
“Coming to work for Mountain Shadows in 1986 was a defining moment in my life. When I began working with our residents, I realized I had to go beyond myself. I couldn’t be selfish. I had to look at the needs of the residents and the community. How could we enhance the resident’s quality of life and what did we need to do to make it happen? That’s part of what’s so special about Mountain Shadows. We will do anything to change or adapt in order to pro- vide the highest possible quality of life for every resident.”
“Fred has really been instru- mental in making Mountain Shad- ows what it is today,” says Stacy Kendall, MSCH Director of Resi- dential Services. “When it comes to caring for our residents and their well-being, Fred is very emo- tional. He has seen many of our residents grow up over the years and takes his responsibility toward them very seriously.”
“Working with the residents at Mountain Shadows allows me to appreciate and enjoy the smaller, simpler things in life,” says Fred. “They help me realize that living a good life isn’t about what Hol- lywood or popular culture pres- ents to us. It’s not about acquiring money and possessions. The sim- ple things are the most important. A smile, a look, a laugh, watching the joy on a resident’s face when they learn a new skill or try some- thing for the first time. These are the things that have kept me at Mountain Shadows for all these years.” And it is our sincere hope that he will stay for many, many years to come.