Weekly Update September 4, 2026
September 4, 2026
To: Solheim Employees, Residents, Family Members and Stakeholders
From: Sam Oden, CEO of Solheim Senior Community
As we head into Labor Day weekend, we have an opportunity to enjoy the unofficial close of summer while remembering the meaning behind the holiday. Labor Day recognizes the contributions of American workers, and here at Solheim, that feels especially meaningful. Every day, it takes many people working together to make our community what it is—from providing care and preparing meals to maintaining our campus, planning activities, supporting families and doing the countless things, large and small, that contribute to life at Solheim.
Building a strong community, however, is not only the work of our employees. Our residents play an important role in shaping life at Solheim, and this week provides two opportunities to do just that. Resident Council meets Tuesday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel, followed by our Resident Town Hall on Thursday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. We encourage residents to participate, ask questions, share ideas and hear what is happening around campus. Your involvement helps us continue to learn, improve and make Solheim an even better place to live.
There is plenty more happening this week, including Baking Club, the Paul Stein Duo classical concert, and therapeutic gardening Wednesday at 3:00 p.m., when we’ll start our fall garden in Halvorson with fresh LA Compost and plant carrots, lettuce, beets, radishes and fall foliage. We’ll also celebrate our September Residential Birthday Lunch and Friday Happy Hour with Karl Marsh’s Jazz Band. Check the September calendar and join in!
We are also just two weeks away from our Eagle Rock Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 19 from 5:00–9:00 p.m. There is still time to get involved through sponsorship, inviting friends and family, or simply helping us spread the word. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to welcome our neighbors to Solheim while supporting our mission. Visit www.solheimsenior.org/oktoberfest for more information.
Another opportunity to support our greater community is coming soon. Solheim will host a Blood Drive with Huntington Health on Wednesday, September 23, with donation hours from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and 12:30–3:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments may also be scheduled using the QR code on the Blood Drive flyer. We hope you will consider participating or sharing this lifesaving opportunity with family and friends.
Finally, we want to share that Andrea Megel, our Director of Dining Services, has resigned from her position and will be leaving Solheim on September 11 to pursue the next steps in her career. Andrea has been a valued member of our team for the past two years, and we are grateful for her dedication to our residents, staff and dining program. Please join us in thanking Andrea for her service and wishing her continued success in this next chapter. Questions regarding Dining Services may be directed to Chef Brooke.
As we celebrate Labor Day, we are especially grateful for the employees, residents, families, volunteers and supporters who each contribute to the life of our community. It is through all of these contributions that we continue to create the “Solheim Feeling” and fulfill our mission of abundant living.
Masks for all visitors to our campus will be available upon request. Questions may be directed to Tina Antypas at 323-257-7518 extension 225 or at tantypas@solheimsenior.org.