Year: 2023

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If you want to know what and where to eat, ask Andrea “Andy” Staggs. The executive chef and director of culinary services at Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living has been in the food and restaurant business for 36 years, so she’s always ready for such questions. “My favorite foods at Rose Schnitzer Manor are the salmon burger, brisket, and mushroom schnitzel,” shares Andy. “I’m always happy when those items are on the menu. “If we’re going out, my favorite food truck is Sunita’s on SW 91^st Avenue behind the Shell gas station across from Jesuit High School. If I want Thai, that’s where I go. My favorite restaurant is Acorn and Oak in Camas. They’re absolutely amazing. Besides the fact that they’re located right on the lake with a gorgeous view, I love their concept where you can eat and also buy flower arrangements, or have them delivered to your table. The food is farm to table, organic, with a small menu and seasonal.” Andy, nicknamed after her grandfather, grew up in Texas, where her father was in the military stationed at various points in San Antonio, Holland, and Austin. When Andy was 22, she moved to Las Vegas, and spent the next 26 years there as a compliance officer for a gaming company, while studying for her bachelor of science in food science, and associate’s degree in hospitality, at Le Cordon Bleu. Having worked at McDonald’s since she was 16—all the way from drive-thru to grill to store area representative—Andy learned the importance of food consistency and efficiency. She next took those skills to a high-end Vietnamese French restaurant with meals starting at $200 a person for entrees alone, as a line cook, executive chef, and then director of operations. Later, she led a Hawaiian-Japanese restaurant, and then a Mexican restaurant that won Taco Wars on the Food Channel and other local competitions. While at the Mexican restaurant, Adolfo “Duke” Valenzuela applied as a server. Andy said the two had a great interview, and Duke was hired, but there weren’t any additional sparks for years until both were out of relationships. “We’ve been together 10 years now,” said Andy. “I never thought I would work outside of restaurants, but there is something so much more fulfilling about having the ‘same customers’ all day, every day, versus your regulars that come in a couple of times a week. In 2018, Andy and Duke moved to Sanger, California, Duke’s hometown outside of Fresno, to open their own fusion café. A year later, when the building their cafe was in sold, Andy began looking for work elsewhere. “I came up to Cedar Sinai Park and interviewed twice,” she said. “I was offered the position of dining room manager, we moved here January 6, and I started the job on January 7. And then the pandemic began March 11.” When the executive chef position opened a year later, Andy was selected for the role. “I love it, even with all the chaos of Covid and staffing crises,” she said. “I never thought I would work outside of restaurants, but there is something so much more fulfilling about having the ‘same customers’ all day, every day, versus your regulars that come in a couple of times a week. “Getting to know people on a different level makes all the difference.” The residents here offer a lot of input on food, and Andy joins the Food Committee bi-weekly to listen, and try to implement changes. “If I were running my own place, it would be my menu, the way I envision it, and if you want to come eat and pay for the food, that’s up to you. But here, it’s the atmosphere of making sure that we’re offering items that the residents truly love, not just feeding my ego, or the cook’s ego, or whatever we want on the menu. “There’s a little less flexibility, but I like the approach because it gives us a broader area to work with in terms of menu choices, and we try to stay current with the seasons in whatever we’re offering. I think our food is good quality and, obviously, certified kosher. What’s the most popular resident meal? “Meatloaf,” said Andy. “And we actually do a five-week rotation, meaning it’s on the menu three times in five weeks because the residents love it that much. “Outside of comfort foods, fish tacos are always popular, as well as our salads, especially the strawberry spinach goat cheese salad for lunch, and then the Chinese chicken salad at dinner about which the residents rave.” Andy noted that portion sizes are considered to reduce waste. “We try to make a point of recycling whatever we can, too. So, when we have leftover rice at the end of the meal, it goes straight into the freezer for veggie burgers; we have a whole system to avoid waste. “Our staff takes seriously the quality of product for the residents, and their relationships with the residents, even from the back of the house. We have residents that come and visit staff to make sure that they are remembered, and to put a face to their orders, so it’s a good relationship between all of them.” A typical day has Andy running to and from meetings, catching up with residents, checking in with staff, and researching recipes. But she can also be found in the kitchen cooking, or serving residents in the dining room. “I was awakened at 6:30 on a recent Sunday because there was no cook for breakfast,” said Andy. “I brushed my teeth and threw on some clothes, and came flying in here, with the wrong shoes. I got here a few minutes before seven, and my baker had set up the line for me to save the day. And we were able to open the dining room on time at 7 a.m. “It was actually a lot of fun, even though it was exhausting and not planned.” Andy said her favorite part of being executive chef is working with the staff, and on menu development. “I love creating the menus, whether it’s the weekly menus, or for our special events. I love creating something everyone can enjoy and remember in a positive way.” Positive is an important word for Andy, who says she learned optimism from her mother, and she tries to keep the atmosphere light and upbeat, empathizing with staff when needed, and remaining understanding. Sixteen-month-old chihuahua Lucy comes to work with Andy every morning, and is a support animal for her team. When Andy is not working on the weekends, she said Sundays are for chores and food prep at home, and then she and Duke and Lucy take a drive and find a nice restaurant to enjoy. “I love it here at Cedar Sinai Park,” said Andy. “Being able to provide really great service is the job I’ve been after all along.”    

By Sydney Clevenger, with research by Rose Schnitzer Manor Active Assisted Living Resident Arlene Layton When searching for senior living, it’s important to consider potential costs beyond what’s quoted up front for rent. Many communities charge extra for health care, amenities like parking and package delivery, and even administrative services that seniors are used to receiving at no cost. “Since every community handles amenities differently, we recommend that seniors touring independent and assisted living keep a check list of services that are critical to their day-to-day lifestyle so they know what to expect with cost before they put down a deposit,” said Cedar Sinai Park's Rose Schnitzer Manor Active Assisted Living Building Services Director Tammy Heard. “So often we hear from residents about previous living experiences where they were shocked at all of the other costs added to the base monthly fee.” That was the experience of Ann, who moved to a facility for its close-in parking, access to a full kitchen, and in-room washer and dryer unit. “Parking close to the front door was important to me, so I was happy to pay extra for parking,” said Ann. “I was excited to have my own washer and dryer in my unit, but when they needed repair, I had to pay for the maintenance, which I didn’t know ahead of time.” As for the kitchen, Ann said she ended up needing room service more often than not, and was unaware that such a service would be extra. Ann said she wished she’d asked about additional costs, like package delivery, which turned out to be $5 at minimum per package, and the availability of amenities like added storage, which was touted, but turned out to be unavailable due to a long wait list. There were also fees for administrative services like faxes and copying. “If I was going to move again, I’d find out what incidental costs would be, and ask more questions,” she said. Pete lived at a new facility in Seattle, with his wife, Jan, and was also struck by the hidden costs. “The cost at our new place was 15 to 20 percent higher than other communities,” he said. “It was very expensive to rent monthly because it was new. “And then after two years, it was obvious my wife needed more health assistance, and we had to go to an outside agency to find help on our own because there were no nurses on staff, which we didn’t know about ahead of time. They were also having trouble with staffing minimum wage jobs, and staff wasn’t always handy to help with even small tasks. “The extra fees to pay for health care added up,” added Pete, who said those inquiring about senior living should think carefully about future needs, and what they might cost, as well as current ones. He added that senior living homes often have a buy-in, which is another financial piece about which to inquire. “When we decided to move to Portland, we looked at several places, but chose one with many amenities included,” said Pete. “I feel very strongly it is the best choice we could have made.”  

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vc_rowvc_column width=1/6vc_single_image image=16185 style=vc_box_circle_2/vc_columnvc_column width=5/6vc_column_textHearing receptionist Leanna Anderson speak fondly of her parents, one knows immediately what draws her to Rose Schnitzer Manor Assisted Living. “I like meeting people,” she said, while on a “break” from the front desk, thanks to daughter, Deanna McCracken, who’s covering reception duties. “I’m constantly greeting people, and getting up to help, and listening to people’s stories. “I love the different personalities, and family connections, and different backgrounds. Knowing the history that our residents have in terms of the war and Holocaust is interesting, and everyone who lives here is unique. “I want people to know that I care about them.”/vc_column_text/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_column width=1/2vc_column_text css=.vc_custom_1696893319385{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}Leanna spent the first five years of her childhood in Wichita, Kansas, where her father was an electrician for Boeing. The family then lived in Texas for a year, and went on to Louisiana for another seven years, until her father selected Washington state for his next transfer. “We moved to the Seattle area in 1966,” said Leanna. “I was 12.” Leanna said she had a “great childhood and wouldn’t change a thing.” She was close to both parents, spending time with her outdoorsman dad fishing at lily-padded lakes for crappie, and riding the bus with her mom for dinner and shopping in the city while her dad worked the swing shift. “I like talking about my folks,” said Leanna. “They were great parents. We were all so close, and we had so much fun, especially with the other Boeing families, camping and celebrating holidays together.”/vc_column_text/vc_columnvc_column width=1/2vc_single_image image=16176 img_size=full/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text css=.vc_custom_1696893388751{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}Leanna lived at home until she married at age 23. Deanna arrived first, with son, Darren following two years later. Leanna worked in administrative positions for Boeing, and for several attorneys, and in 1999, she began working at Intel in Lacey, Wash. After her father died in 2001, and it looked like the Lacey office might close permanently, Leanna transferred to the Hillsboro office in 2004, with Deanna and her mother, Glenna Mae, in tow. Sadly, Glenna Mae died shortly after the family’s move to Portland. Deanna lives with Leanna, and Darren lives in North Dakota with his wife, and daughter./vc_column_text/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_column css=.vc_custom_1645040101400{margin-top: 25px !important;}vc_separator style=double el_class=seprator-lines-spacevc_column_text css=.vc_custom_1696893708159{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 75px !important;padding-bottom: 75px !important;} el_class=custom-quote“I like talking about my folks. They were great parents. We were all so close, and we had so much fun, especially with the other Boeing families, camping and celebrating holidays together.”/vc_column_textvc_separator style=double el_class=seprator-lines-space/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text css=.vc_custom_1696893613419{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}Leanna retired from Intel in 2016 after 17 years, and was looking for a position “less stressful” than working in administration for a large company. She laughingly describes Rose Schnitzer Manor as a “different kind of stress.” “It is not quiet or slow here!” she said. Deanna joined Leanna on campus about four years ago and is able to back up her mom on the desk, unless she is out driving or delivering packages. Not only does Leanna know the names of residents and family members, but she has many of the residents’ room numbers memorized, too. “I never really had a job where I had to learn so many names and phone numbers and apartments and everything at once,” she said. “But I think the variety of work I’ve done has helped. “And I’ve always had a good memory, and been a good speller.”/vc_column_text/vc_column/vc_rowvc_rowvc_columnvc_column_text css=.vc_custom_1696893584205{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}Leanna describes herself as caring, punctual, and organized. “I’d rather get some place and sit 30 minutes and wait ‘til the time than to be a minute late. And, I have to have my desk so I know where things are located and they’re not all over the place.” Leanna arrives about 7:30 in the morning, and boots up all the machines, and begins answering the phones at 8, all while greeting residents and visitors and answering questions, giving directions, and helping to make copies, log medications, and coordinate package delivery. She coordinates a resident phone book monthly, and updates resident photos on the community bulletin board. “We also help health services with record keeping when we can,” she said. “It’s just a big variety.” Leanna has a very full schedule from Monday through Friday, and recently has worked some Saturday shifts, too. But when she’s not working, she enjoys being outside vacationing near water, gardening, or trying new restaurants with Deanna. Despite some eye rolling over the tidiness of their shared house—Leanna appreciates her daughter always having her back. “She does an awful lot for me,” said Leanna. “When I’ve been sick, she’s always right there. She does the shopping on Saturdays, and I do the cooking on Sundays. “I’m grateful for her. This is home.”/vc_column_text/vc_column/vc_row

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They're back! Yes, after 2.5 years in Florida, the two Cedar Sinai Park Torahs out for repair are back on campus and ready to ring in 5784. The Torahs have had a wonderful vacation in Miami, and now they're back! said Eddy Shuldman, board trustee and spiritual life committee chairperson. We are the people of the book. Our story as a people, and the guidelines for how we should live our lives, is contained within those scrolls. It's hard to describe the emotions we feel welcoming our Torahs home again. Cedar Sinai Park's three Torahs were inspected by a sofer for the first time in 2019, thanks to the generosity of Marcy Tonkin. Suffering from cracks and smudges, two of the Torahs were taken by plane for repair by Rabbi Menachem Bialo, who checked one Torah (without its staves), and packed the other Torah in his carry on bag. Plans for Rabbi Bialo or another sofer to bring the repaired Torahs back to Oregon kept getting waylaid, primarily due to Covid, and so it was decided that the Torahs should be mailed back instead. We are grateful to Rabbi Michael and Cantor Ida Rae Cahana, and Aki and Devora Fleshler, who generously provided the postage to help us get our Torahs safely across the country! One of the Torahs just repaired is a vuv, a 21-inch heavyweight Torah scroll written in a Good Bet Yoseph Sephard script approximately 50 to 60 years ago in Israel. The other Torah repaired is our 16.25 lightweight Torah scroll written in a Good Bet Yoseph script approximately 120 years ago in Germany. The Torahs needed repairs to fix cracking and faded letters, as well as airing out in a climate-controlled space, said Eddy. The Nudelman family generously donated one of the Torahs in 1997 in memory of Alysmae Nudelman, and the fact that there are Nudelmans living with us now, makes the Torahs coming home even more special, said Eddy. The latter Torah, the smaller one, had to be reassembled upon arrival, since its staves were removed for the flight to Florida, and were still off for the trip home. Staff and residents used sinew and instructions provided by Rabbi Bialo to re-attach the parchment to the stave through three small holes. My dad was a tailor, said Eddy. I should have been paying attention! Then, the group carefully rolled the Torah through the five books of the Old Testament to re-attach the stave similarly on the other end. What an experience! said resident Jeanine. This is an honor. Agreed resident Ruth: Isn't this something? This is so moving. Noted resident Eve: I have read from Torahs that aren't nearly as legible. I'm impressed with the writing. This is so readable. Finally, the group put the Torahs in their beautiful covers, and placed them back in the ark in Cogan Chapel. There's something lovely about this gathering because it integrates the holiness of sacred work with having fun, said Spiritual Life Director Cathy Zheutlin. This experience is priceless. All are welcome to attend a special celebration/re-dedication of the two repaired Torahs, at a Saturday, October 7, Simchat Torah observance in Zidell Hall that begins at 7 p.m. We still have one Torah on campus that needs repair! There is now a dedicated Torah/Judaica Fund to which people can contribute for the religious and spiritual upkeep of the Torahs and prayer books, through the Cedar Sinai Park Foundation. ###