Oz
T HE O SMOSIS STAFF NEWSLE T T E R
WINTER 2014/15
What’s Inside Note from Michael Winter Staff Party! New Faces in Oz Employees of the Month Vitality Insider Points Naturopathica Spa Spotlight Trinette + Chris Photography Go Local / Redwood C.U. 5 Star Gratitude Closure - Tuesday, January 13
To the
Osmosis Staff, Osmosis was created with the intention of building a place for genuine healing along the banks of Salmon Creek. The idea was to create a comfortable connection with nature for our guests in this intrinsically beautiful setting. Japanese influenced garden and architectural design encourage tranquility and the meditative spirit. Over the decades many dedicated members of our staff have worked together to transform these intentions into the reality of the Osmosis we have today. The cornerstones of our work together are shared vision, meaningful work and right livelihood. We are proud to have built a dedicated, gifted team, many of whom have devoted many years to Osmosis and its guests. We strive for a workplace that fosters camaraderie, communication and enjoyment. The healing spirit of Osmosis is intended for all of us who work here as well as for our guests. Our goal is to be a more human, empathetic place to work, encouraging independence, creativity, and collaboration. Osmosis devotes significant time and resources to your continued education and growth, health and safety, and long-term well-being. Our devotion to you and to our community is what sets us apart as a workplace. One of the joys of being in business for 30 years has been getting to know so many talented, multi-faceted individuals. The goal is for Osmosis to be an atmosphere that encourages us to bring our best selves to light. Michael
Oz is our quarterly magazine devoted to the greater Osmosis family and staff. Have contributions, announcements, comments or suggestions? Please email them to jordan@osmosis.com.
Winter Party! Thursday, January 15
Don’t miss this one... wine, dancing, and Kristopher’s awesome cooking. SEBASTOPOL GRANGE RSVP required! 4:30PM - 9:30PM
New Faces in Oz Gabriele Gatdula Spa Coordinator
I was born in Germany and have lived in Guam for 12 and in CA for 13 years. I have two grown boys and 4 grandchildren. I practiced Yoga for 20 years and taught for 12 here in Sonoma County before I moved back to Germany for three years to care for my father. Hiking in the trees and sharing a home cooked meal with friends are my favorite things to do.
Gianna Rankart Spa Coordinator
After 5 years of living in Brooklyn teaching yoga and photo assisting, I moved to France to teach english. What started as house-sitting in the Bay between contracts turned into moving to West County, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Stephanie Reece Massage Therapist
Stephanie has been a practitioner of the healing arts for eight years and specializes in Traditional Thai Massage and Reiki. Her experience ranges from working with chiropractors, yoga teachers, midwives and doulas, and facilitators of the spa world. In her free time, Stephanie loves to hike, snowboard, and garden.
Bryan Miller
Massage Therapist I became a licensed massage therapist (LMT) in Ithaca, New York, in 2000. In the past 13 years of my career as an LMT, I’ve continued my studies in Shiatsu, Swedish, Connective Tissue, Hydrotherapy, Japanese seated massage, and Thai massage. Becoming a yoga teacher in 2010 deepened my studies of anatomy and self-healing.
Camina Gillotti Spa Coordinator
I was born and raised in Sebastopol and moved back last year after having been away 10 years. I love spending time in the backcountry - hiking, backpacking, and skiing and am passionate about health, Ayurveda, and dance.
Employee of the Month As we quickly approach the New Year, our focus turns to growth and improvement. Part of this is realizing the importance of consistently recognizing employees that stand out, rise above and impact our Osmosis community with their stellar performance. We will recognize the Employee of the Month by posting a photo in the caboose and rewarding a $25 Gift Certificate to our local Pacific Market. Each quarterly Staff Newsletter will list the Employees of the Month for that quarter. To kick off this program, we are excited to announce our choices for the last quarter of 2014:
October
Brie Pfaffinger November
Julianna Page December
Danielle Garcia The Guest Services Department has gone through a major shift since September and these three have stepped up and taken ownership and responsibility of this very important part of Osmosis as Sr. Spa Coordinators. Their bond and dedication creates an unwavering foundation and their ability to successfully take on and solve the most difficult moments with a
Gift Cards generate return business and help our guests share their love for us.
Remind your friends and family to give the gift of Osmosis. During the month of December, a $150 Gift Card comes with a $20 retail voucher for use towards any product in our boutique.
smile is invaluable. Please join in congratulating these wonderful ladies that support all of us on a daily bases to be sure everyone, staff and guests alike, have a seamless experience at Osmosis. This is also the perfect opportunity to mention our newest addition to the Guest Services Department, our Spa Attendants. This position will assist every department in the seamless flow of the spa. Their responsibilities range from hosting our guest’s experience, making sure that everyone has what they need throughout the spa and keeping our environment picture perfect. We appreciate every member of our Osmosis community and hope that these new additions and affirmations help all of us continue to flourish and support each other in our work environment.
Heather Ashdown has been at Osmosis for 7 years and has contiributed significantly to our Oz community as well as the success of our facial department. We are pleased to announce that Heather has accepted the role of Lead Aesthetician. Join our amazing staff of Aestheticians in congratulating Heather in her new role.
VITALITY INSIDER POINTS
A new program rewards everyone. Our long-awaited loyalty program is here. Vitality Insider Points (VIP) & Rewards will automatically reward our guests for referring a friend (20,000 points). Plus, they’ll receive 100 points for every $1.00 they spend in our boutique. These points are automatically recorded by our spa software, Millennium, and guests can redeem them at any time. 1,000 points equals $1.00, so guests could receive $20 off their next appointment every time they refer a friend.
It’s a generous package, and it’s one of the best ways to keep our clients coming back again and again. We’ll be able to use this program in the future to give bonus points and encourage guests to enjoy our promotions, try a new massage modality or facial, and so on. It’s a really generous offering to our guests that benefits everyone - and best of all, there’s no sign-up necessary. All we have to do is turn the switch.
We are so proud to have been chosen by Naturopathica to be their Spa Spotlight for the month of October. They announced us on their Facebook page, introducing us to their followers as a premiere destination where clients can experience Naturopathica’s range of products. We have expanded our Naturopathica offerings here at Osmosis over the past year and our clients have responded making Osmosis one of Naturopathica’s largest spa partners in this region. We are grateful for the support and dedication of all of you who helped us rise to this occasion.
If you haven’t seen the short film resort photographers Trinette + Chris created for Osmosis, drop everything and watch it at Osmosis.com! It’s such a beautiful, reflective meditation on the Osmosis experience. The photographers also provided us with a ton of fresh new photography, which you’ll be seeing in our promotions and in our upcoming new website. A special thanks to Aidan, Rebecca, Kirana, Michele, Eden and Allison for working with them on the shoot!
Safety Preparedness General Safety Rules These are basic safety rules and without going into specific details for each task, to be followed in all departments: • All injuries must be reported to your manager or supervisor immediately • Immediately report all unsafe or unhealthful conditions in the workplace, including defective tools or other equipment, to your manager. • All employees must follow established safe job procedures. • Changes in regular job procedures require the approval of your immediate supervisor or manager. • If unsure how to operate a machine or perform any assigned task, ask your manager or supervisor before proceeding. • Personal protective equipment must be worn or used with any task where it is required. • Use only the proper tool for the job. Do not use defective tools or equipment. If the proper tool is not available, get help from your manager or supervisor before doing the job. Get help in lifting any item that is so bulky, awkward, or heavy that you feel you cannot lift safely. • If a repetitive task causes you discomfort, or you feel it is unsafe or unhealthful, report it to your manager or supervisor immediately. • Alcohol or drugs are prohibited in the workplace. • Horseplay is prohibited in the workplace. :-( First Aid Kit Locations First aid kits are maintained and are stored at all times for use in the event of minor injuries. They are located: Tea Kitchen 1 HQ (on the shelf behind Raizelah's work station) MT and Aesti Computer Stations (upstairs) Warehouse Pagodas 1 - 4 (in baskets under massage tables) Staff kitchen (caboose)
Guest Accident Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4.
Comfort the guest and direct them to a private place, if possible. Respond to the guest’s needs. Get assistance from management. Any witnessing staff member can fill out an accident report form. Locate and fill out an “Incident Report Form” with the guest as soon as possible, while taking care of the guest. 5. Get statements from witnesses. 6. Give to your manager to sign. 7. After care has been given to the guest, and forms have been completed, follow up with the guest will be made by the manager to check on guest’s recovery, whether they are still in house or at home. Employee Accident Procedure 1. Report all accidents to manager, no matter how minor. 2. Provide aid and comfort. 3. Fill out “Accident Report” form. For minor accidents, such as cuts and bruises, fill out the Osmosis Accident Report Form. For more severe injuries, that MAY require medical attention, fill out the Avitus Accident Report Form. 4. Contact manager. 5. Give completed form to manager for approval. 6. Manager to ask, “Do you want to be seen by a doctor?” 7. Determine severity of injury and method of transportation home or to medical treatment if necessary. 8. If employee needs medical treatment, contact HR immediately at X204 or in her absence, contact GM at X206. 9. Route forms to HR and/or GM. Staff Procedures in Fire Emergency 1. Once manager declares an emergency, evacuate quickly-without running-to the nearest exit specified in safety training or in the posted facility diagram. Use an alternate route if the nearest one is blocked. 2. Assist/direct guest that is with you. 3. Proceed to the assembly area (in the parking lot) and stay there until accounted for and authorized to leave the premise. 4. Until authorized, do not return to the workplace. 5. GS to shut off gas and electricity. Staff Procedure in Earthquake or Civil Disturbance 1. Remain calm. Do not attempt to evacuate. 2. Find shelter under a desk or sturdy table. A doorway may provide some shelter if a piece of furniture is not immediately available. 3. Avoid places where objects may fall from overhead storage or near outside walls and windows. 4. Follow instructions from responsible persons. 5. If manager declares evacuation need, once building stops shaking, follow evacuation routes quickly. 6. Assist/direct guest that is with you. 7. Once outside, stay away from buildings, trees, and electrical lines. 8. GS to shut off gas and electricity.
Protect Against Lyme Disease Outdoors Posted by Nicole Dorsey-Straff • March 20, 2014
When she moved to Barrington, Rhode Island, Andrea Caesar was an active, vivacious 10-year-old who loved playing kickball and hanging from the monkey bars. A year later, Caesar had trouble catching her breath, plagued by migraines and battled constant muscle aches. Although she didn’t know it at the time, Caesar had contracted Borrelia burgdorferi, better known as Lyme disease. Characterized by fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans (EM), the Lyme infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. After a series of brutal illnesses, Caesar was finally diagnosed 25 years later with chronic Lyme disease. “Chronic Lyme disease is real. From physical and chronic pain to neurological symptoms including paranoia, hallucinations, sleeplessness and seizures, Lyme masks itself with symptoms from 600 other diseases,” Caesar says. “In fact, Lyme disease is an epidemic, and it’s important that people understand the long-term risks.” Lyme disease patients suffer through uncomfortable treatments very similar to chemotherapy,” Caesar adds. “Health insurance does not cover much of the treatment.” Many people have lost their homes and their savings trying to discover what’s wrong with a loved one who becomes so chronically ill. As you hike and bike outside this season, be on the lookout for the tell-tale Lyme rash or, even better, protect tick bites entirely by covering up with lightweight, sweat-wicking clothes. Check your furry pets when they come in from outside, and use anti-flea and tick medications. Watch for these symptoms of Lyme disease: • A rash that looks like a target practice mark, erythema migrans • Facial or Bell’s palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face) • Severe headaches and neck stiffness (inflammation of the spinal cord) • Pain and swelling in the large joints of the knees, hips and/or elbows • Shooting pains that may interfere with sleep • Heart palpitations and dizziness due to changes in heartbeat • Swollen lymph nodes at the neck and groin On the other hand, many symptoms may resolve over a period of weeks to months, often with antibiotics. If you or your loved one suffers excessive fatigue, chills and joint aches, call your doctor.
Osmosis is a founding member of the GO LOCAL Cooperative, an innovative partnership to keep our local economies thriving in the age of Amazon and big box retail. We offer a 5% GoLocal Bucks rebate to any guest who uses their GO LOCAL Rewards card and special gifts. Sonoma County GO LOCAL Cooperative is a community alliance of businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. We provide economic development marketing for locally owned independent businesses. Business members work together using a shared brand, promotion and a Rewards Card to increase sales, which in turns strengthens our local economy.
GO LOCAL’s mission is to reclaim our local economic power by . . . * Educating the community on the benefits of supporting a resilient, thriving local economy * Engaging all community stakeholders by promoting solutions * Formalizing and strengthening community relationships * Sustaining well-being through community reinvestment and entrepreneurship We’re committed to creating a resilient, thriving local economy in Sonoma County that supports people and the planet through economic localization.
We’re now part of the Select Employee Program (SEG) at Redwood Credit Union, a full-service local credit union. All Osmosis staff receive special discounts and benefits at R.C.U., including: • No Membership Fee ($10 Savings) • $25 CASH for a new Checking Account with Direct Deposit • .25% Rate Reduction on Consumer Loans (Auto, Personal, etc) excluding Visa and Mortgage Loans • FREE Box of Checks with New Checking Account • FREE Redwood Rewards Plus Program for 1 year-Members Earn Points Towards Travel & Merchandise + 2500 Free Redwood Rewards Plus Bonus Points • FREE Online Mortgage Applications (1st Mortgage Loans Only) • FREE RCU Insurance Quotes for Auto, Home, and More! • FREE Investment Portfolio Review and Review and Retirement Forecaster • FREE Credit, Budgeting or Debt Management Consultation through Balance Financial Fitness Program Just use SEG #284 when signing up for a new account! Questions? Call Donna Zapata at 576-5222 / dzapata@redwoodcu.org
5-Star Gratitude from our Guests. I love Osmosis and I have for years. I went the week before Thanksgiving and started with a facial by Roberta. She was fabulous and my skin glowed. It still is, I will call and schedule regular facials with her now. My skin loved it!
Osmosis was far and away my best spa experience, from beginning to end. The grounds and gardens are beautiful, the staff were wonderfully attentive and caring, and my massage with Jerris was outstanding. I would highly recommend both the cedar enzyme bath and the hammocks- such unique experiences and well, well worth it.
Michael was absolutely fantastic. He is really great, sensitive hands & strong. One of the best massages I've had.
Brie and Mel were AWESOME. The experience was life changing. I will return wth friends to share in the spiritual n holistic ambiance. Thank you Osmosis n staff for saving my life at a most crucial time in my healing process.
It was lovely as always and absolutely the best shiatsu massage I have had in years. Thank you, Kumi. Everyone was amazing! Cannot wait to return. Lymphatic massage was a really good way to kick off the day. Followed by the enzyme "bath" that is so relaxing and the facial was top notch. Thank you so much Osmosis.
Very, very relaxing. The massage with Elias was fantastic, and the window open with the light breeze and fountain outside was perfection. I haven't been that relaxed in a very long time and would recommend you to others in a second.
I greatly appreciated the Lunch and Hammock upgrades...the Meditation Koi Pond area was more lovely than I recall..with the recent rain, the air, trees, bushes all so fresh. My deep tissue massage was thorough; Susan was most attentive, compassionate and very helpful showing me some exercises I could do. The overall quality of service and care was superb...
Our Demand Force customer satisfaction score:
92.5
%
Our average Yelp rating:
4.5
stars
Both scores exceed worldwide industry standards.
Keep up with how we’re doing by visiting our Demand Force page at demandforce.com/b/ osmosisdayspasanctuary
We’re closed!
Tuesday, January 13 for training & maintenance.