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GET THE SCOOP ON YOUR DINING STAFF TEAM

As we celebrate National Nutrition Month in March, get to know some of your dining staff team members who are dedicated to serving up delicious and nutritious meals to you each day.

Patrick Ludwig, dining services director
For nearly 19 years, Patrick has been the dining services director on campus, planning menus, predicting trends for new and upcoming items and staying educated on nutritional guidelines. The parts of his job he enjoys the most are the residents, people he works with and the creativity and freedom that come with the job. Some of the resident’s favorite dishes his team serves up are the beer cheese chowder, fried chicken and BBQ. What’s his secret to dishing out great meals?

“The many dedicated staff who make me look good. I couldn’t do it without them,” said Patrick.

Sandy Brooks, dietary aide
For the past nine years, Sandy has been making the salad bars on all floors along with some of the salads. The residents are what she enjoys most about her job, and they seem to enjoy her, too.

“Some of the residents say, ‘You’re the best salad maker in the whole world!’ I like what I do, and the residents are really good people,” said Sandy.

As you might expect from the salad expert, Sandy’s tip for good nutrition is to “Just eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.”

Sharon Goger, dietary aide
Sharon has spent the past decade serving up breakfast and dinner to independent living residents. She’s the only associate who works a split shift – four hours in the morning and four hours in the evening – so she can be there for the residents for each meal.

“It’s very fulfilling. I’m almost 70 years old and was raised by my grandparents, so I can relate to older folks. After 10 years, I really consider my independent residents my second family,” said Sharon.

When it comes to having good nutrition, Sharon advises that we have to respect what our bodies are telling us and go with the flow. Also, “keep active, be healthy and have a positive attitude.”

Cindy Browning, dietary aide/aka “Napkin Folding Lady”
For the last six years, Cindy has been folding napkins for residents in very creative ways. A florist for 30 years, Cindy taught herself creative napkin folds when she started working here with the help of a book and YouTube.

Her assisted living residents have experienced her creativity with napkins folded in 40 different ways, including roses, an elf boot, stocking and star. Residents can look forward to napkins folded as a bunny, carrot and basket for Easter.

“I find it very relaxing. It’s kind of my therapy,” said Cindy. In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Cindy would like to remind everyone to, “eat your vegetables.”

PHOTO: Sharon Goger, Cynthia Browning, Sandy Brooks are long-time members of the Lawrence Presbyterian Manor dining services team.

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