Alvin Savage, a hero in aging
We’re proud to announce that Alvin Savage, maintenance supervisor at Newton Presbyterian Manor, has been nominated by the leadership team for a Heroes in Aging award from LeadingAge Kansas. This is a new monthly award that highlights individuals who work in aging services and Alvin is very worthy of the recognition.
“We all admire how he manages to do so much, and we know it’s because he wants the residents to have the very best,” said Noelle Dickinson, director of marketing/senior living counselor for Newton Presbyterian Manor.
Alvin has worked as the maintenance supervisor for our community since he joined the staff a little over 26 years ago, handling diverse projects and keeping an older building up to date mechanically and physically.
“My job is very hard at times,” said Alvin. “I try to listen to what the resident needs. With the help of a very knowledgeable team, we strive to be a bright, safe, clean, comfortable and friendly environment. We want our residents to have no worries but to just enjoy life.”
Alvin’s upbringing could be one of the reasons why he has so much compassion for helping the residents on our campus.
“Over the years, I have been blessed by God to have an opportunity to have grandparents in my life. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time traveling, working, talking and eating with my grandparents. I loved listening to the stories of the dirty 30s and the war stories in the 40s, and how God was so good to them during those days,” said Alvin.
Alvin not only works hard for all of us at the Presbyterian Manor, he also shares his time and talents with friends and family.
“I love spending time with family and friends. I find mowing yards with the push mower helps me relax in the summer months. I enjoy working on small projects around the house or helping family or friends with their small projects. I love making homemade ice cream for family members’ birthdays – any flavor goes,” said Alvin.
Big projects or small, Alvin is good at them all.
“I try every day to make a difference in an elder’s life. One that comes to mind is the time when a Presbyterian Manor resident brought me her black single-handled purse that she loved. It was coming apart on the handle, and she asked me to fix it with electrical tape, so I did. I told my wife about it that evening, and my loving wife went out and got a similar single-handled black purse for this resident. I took the purse in and she replied that she would keep it as her Sunday purse. She did just that. She never parted with the purse held together with black electrical tap,” said Alvin.
Our “hero in aging” has some sage advice for others considering a career in aging services.
“In giving advice for one going into the field of working with the aging, I would have to say to take time to listen to them. They have a lot of knowledge and interesting stories to tell. My advice would be to treat others as you would want to be treated. Aging happens to all of us, not just this generation,” said Alvin.
Thank you, Alvin, for everything you do for our us and our community. You are our hero!
