You Can Help Us Build Our Own Small Piece of Shangri-La
James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon describes an imaginary paradise on earth, a secluded hideaway of great beauty and peacefulness. Now, thanks to a generous contribution by clinical psychologist, Dr. Mark Schindler, Mountain Shadows is well on its way to creating its own small piece of Shangri-La for its hard-working staff.
We all know our Mountain Shadows employees are very special. They work long hours, performing unglamorous, physically and mentally demanding tasks to ensure our residents receive only the highest level of care. The decisions they make often affect quality of life issues, sometimes life and death issues. For the most part, they receive little recognition for all they do. Often, to be honest, they could choose other less challenging, less stressful, and higher paying careers. Yet, they choose Mountain Shadows. Why? Time and again, our staff tells us it is because of their commitment to, and love for, our residents.
As a non-profit organization, our funding is limited, so it is often difficult to find the resources to recognize our staff for their dedication. This is where Dr. Schindler enters the picture. Mark has been a consulting psychologist at Mountain Shadows for more than 12 years. He and his dog, Thumper, are well-known members of the extended Mountain Shadows family. “I enjoy working with the residents and staff,” says Mark. “Working with the residents is very rewarding. Many of them are not able to communicate their needs verbally. In a way, I get to act as Sherlock Holmes. We have to figure out, through the client’s behavior, what they are asking for. All behavior is meaningful.” Also meaningful to clients and staff is Thumper, who has been joining Mark on his rounds at Mountain Shadows for the past nine years. “Thumper is a joy for the clients,” adds Mark.
Mark shared a passion for Mountain Shadows with his friend and colleague, Ken Herzog. Ken was also a long-time consulting psychologist for our residents and staff. “Ken was a very important part of Mountain Shadows,” says Mark. “Everybody liked him.”
When Ken died of lung cancer, Mark wanted to honor his memory. He offered to match up to $3,000 in contributions to create a special memorial for Ken that would also honor the Community that had come to mean so much to him. The concept of building an employee break area was brain-stormed.
“Dr. Schindler’s idea is to create a place where employees can go and relax during a stressful day,” says Arlene Galvan, QMRP of Willow, Spruce and Pine Houses. “He sees it as a calm and peaceful retreat where staff can go to eat lunch or just unwind. It will be located in a beautiful, grassy area by Pine House. There are plans for a water fountain, possibly a gazebo area with a bridge leading to it, and tables shaded by large umbrellas.” Ahhhhhhhhh … a working person’s Shangri-La! And, also in memory of Ken’s fight with lung cancer, the area will be completely smoke-free.
“We are in the fundraising phase right now,” adds Arlene. “Dr. Schindler will match all contributions up to $3,000. We recently held a successful fundraiser at Rubio’s and plans for another fundraiser at Soup Plantation are in the works.”
“We are also currently selling some really cool travel mugs with the Mountain Shadows logo,” adds Jen Wilson, QMRP of Plum, Apple and Oak Houses. “They cost only $10 each! Drop by the main office or give us a call to buy one—or more!”
Arlene continues, “We will be holding a Community- wide rummage sale, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd, starting at 7:00 a.m. Please drop off your tax deductible donations at the main office between March 4th and March 14th, or call me at (760) 743-3714, ext. 361, to make arrangements. We need clothing, household items, books, CDs, etc. All donations should be in good, working condition.”
“It is important to us to honor Ken’s memory,” says Jen. “He was a huge part of the Mountain Shadows family for a long time. He was very involved in the resident’s lives. He was such an amazing resource! He helped residents and staff members so much. He was an invaluable member of our team. The proposed employee break area will reflect his personality, which, even during times of crisis, was calming. All staff will be welcome. It will be a place to go and revitalize, to get in a good mind-set in order to be able to better serve our residents. I truly believe Ken would have wanted this.”
“Those people who worked with Ken were very lucky,” adds Mark. “I always believed Ken had forgotten more than I would ever know. I admired him for his patience in working with clients and for his natural curiosity.”
Haven’t you ever dreamed of a place where there was peace, where living was not a struggle, but a lasting delight? Of course you have. So has every man since time began. Sometimes he calls it Utopia, sometimes merely “that little chicken farm.” Here we call it Shangri-La. Here’s my hope that we will all find our Shangri-La. Lost Horizon by James Hilton
To help us build our very own small piece of Shangri-La for our dedicated staff, please contact the main office at (760) 743-3714, or Arlene, at ext. 361.