A spokesperson for The Kenney (WSB sponsor) says it’s seeking a “sponsor” to take over its operations, and has four prospects. Here’s the announcement we just received:

The Kenney Retirement Community, located at 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, is in the process of seeking a new sponsor to assume operations of the retirement community.

The Kenney board of directors has been interviewing non-profit, faith-based organizations who share a similar mission of serving seniors. Covenant Retirement Communities, Mennonite Services Northwest, Wesley Homes, and a fourth (yet to be named) have indicated interest in the potential of a transaction to become sponsors, and each is evaluating the feasibility to assume operations of The Kenney later this year.

In today’s changing health care environment, affiliation with other sponsors has proven to benefit senior living providers and the residents they serve. Benefits include group purchasing programs, efficiencies in staffing and systems, and the ability to provide a broader network of services.

Last summer, an interim CEO and Ontrac Management Services were engaged by The Kenney to assist during this transition. Ed Mawe, Interim CEO, and The Kenney board of directors have been communicating with residents, families of residents and staff frequently about the sponsorship search. Communication about the sponsorship search process has been transparent with all parties, sharing discussions about the preference to find a sponsor who shares similar values with the heritage of The Kenney.

The Kenney continues to provide quality continuing care with residential apartments, assisted living, memory care and support, skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Potential sponsors have expressed their intention to continue the services and the fine tradition of care.

The Kenney marked its centennial four years ago. From 2008 through 2011, it pursued a redevelopment plan that eventually was downsized to some standalone changes including the addition of a memory-care unit, opened last year. Meantime, as for today’s announcement, we’re asking a few followup questions and will add to this story when they’re answered.

4:36 PM UPDATE: Ontrac’s Moraine Byrne has replied to our questions: No, The Kenney is “not in danger of closing. All financial obligations are being met (and it’s) operating well within budget.” She says its occupancy is also “strong.”

(Photos by Nick Adams for WSB)
A whole lotta love flowed at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) this afternoon, during a Valentine’s Day celebration with treats and tunes. Above, Margit Killenger, Helen Gilman, and Norma Lewis were busy reading Valentines. Kermit Franks wore his – a photo of his sweetheart Faye, who died last year:

Months before Mrs. Franks’ death, the couple celebrated their 70th-anniversary .

The Kenney’s residents are loved by the staff, too – activity director Denise O’Toole had a smile for Kenney resident May Commeree:

Love-ly music filled The Kenney’s commujnity room, courtesy of Sid Law:

He had a rapt audience:

The Kenney itself was created from an act of loving kindness – as told in its history here.

Though today’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is wrapping up along Lake Union right about now, it had West Seattle representation – this group headed out this morning from The Kenney (WSB sponsor). Participants included residents and staffers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the walk’s beneficiary, 35 million people are affected by Alzheimer’s worldwide, and this is National Alzheimer’s Month – find out more here.

Residents and staff at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) have been getting to know new CEO Ed Mawe over the past few weeks, but tonight was the first big public event at which he appeared – the continuing-care retirement center’s annual barbecue.

Mawe joined The Kenney last month, not long after the departure of previous CEO Kevin McFeely. That’s according to information provided tonight by Moraine Byrne, president of Ontrac Management Services, part of Covenant Retirement Services, an Illinois-based firm also recently hired by The Kenney, to help with management and positioning. Byrne tells WSB that Mawe has “many years of serving senior adults in the Tacoma and Portland areas.” Online research shows Mawe’s past leadership roles include tenures at Franke Tobey Jones in Tacoma and Mary’s Woods in Portland.

Back to the barbecue – The Kenney’s park-like northwest lawn provided shade, both trees and tents, and a chance for residents, relatives, and neighbors to enjoy each other’s company.

The barbecue is an annual August tradition.

And another 4th of July story emerges … this one likely to make you smile. Another parade – one we didn’t hear about till The Kenney (WSB sponsor) sent photos today, along with this report:

We’re all a “Kid at Heart” on the Fourth of July!

The Kenney Retirement Home in West Seattle celebrates their very first “Fourth of July Parade”! Residents decorated their own “wheelchair floats” complete with balloons, streamers, stars, sparkle flags and fun flair – balloon fashioned hats, drums, and more. The Kenney residents received honks and waves from passing cars and local West Seattle residents as they made their way down Fauntleroy.

The festivities began with a flag ceremony from a local Boy Scout Troop, Pack 282, led by troop leader Eric Linxweiler, followed by a carnival celebration in our Community Rooms; which included fishing games, bean bag toss, horseshoes, and face painting. It was a great day to be had by all seniors living at The Kenney!

Amy Seebeck, Director of Activities, and all the Activities Staff

So with the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade (WSB coverage here) and the 32nd SW Bike Parade (noted here, thanks to info/photos from neighbors), that makes at least three parades yesterday – anybody else?

Students, teachers, and school staffers aren’t the only ones marking farewells as this week comes to an end. Thursday afternoon at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), a reception honored departing CEO Kevin McFeely, who’s leaving after 9 years to run The Hearthstone in Green Lake (as reported here a month ago). Among those offering tributes at the celebration, marketing director Karmen Hudson:

His replacement has not yet been named. The Kenney is north of Lincoln Park, with history going back more than a century.

The Kenney is announcing today that its CEO, Kevin McFeely, is leaving for a new job, leading The Hearthstone in North Seattle.

He has led the continuing-care community north of Lincoln Park for almost a decade, and told us, in an interview at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) this morning, that he has “mixed feelings” about leaving his “extended family” there – both the 200 residents and the staff, including his dozen-plus-member leadership team, but the move feels like “the next logistical step” for him.

One thing they’re doing at Hearthstone that is not happening right now at The Kenney: Expanding.

McFeely says his new employer is building a new campus with new apartments blocks away from its current one, while The Kenney’s redevelopment plan is on hold, after a challenging 3-year process.

The Kenney’s plan isn’t dead, McFeely stresses, just on the shelf till the economy improves – and remember, that’s a scaled-down plan, not the bigger proposal that first came to light in summer 2008.

What began as the Samuel and Jessie Kenney Presbyterian Retirement Home has advanced in other ways during McFeely’s tenure, even though the redevelopment plan was halted. We asked him about the accomplishments of which he’s most proud, and he ticked off, in no particular order, a list starting with the recently opened Memory Care Unit – “I’m very proud of that.”

On the other end of the “continuum of care,” he says, “We’re allowing people to age in place and age in place well” – no longer are there so few options that you might wind up in a “nursing home” when you have a lot of vitality left. Also to that point, he is proud of activity programming that has grown in scope and frequency, with residents sometimes even “complain(ing) there’s so much to choose from.”

The Kenney, he says, also has options for those whose finances are more limited, to live in a less-expensive part of the complex, while “receiving the same services.” And he says they have flexibility in choosing services – “you don’t have to go to every meal; some people are out all day and just want to make a cup of soup (in their apartment) at night, and be happy.”

There’ve been upgrades to apartments, he notes, to the point where you might enter a building that’s more than half a century old and never know that by what you see in the apartment.

And he’s proud to have integrated The Kenney into the community more than it had been before, including participation in the West Seattle Art Walk.

But overall, again, he says, “I am very proud of the team … they understand seniors. I’m very happy with them and sad to leave them.”

We asked him about any reflections on the process that ultimately led to the shelving of the redevelopment proposal. “It was hard,” he acknowledges. “I can appreciate all the community concern about the size and scope of it – but the comments were good; that helped us come back and put together a better project, better for us and for the community as well. We want to be a good neighbor; we want everybody to be happy. I’m sorry we didn’t get to bring it to reality, but it’s not dead … I think we can make it work (eventually) in a scaled-back version.”

McFeely and his family, including his 12-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, had just moved to West Seattle from Bellevue a year ago. But he says they’re not leaving, even though his career is moving north. When he started telling people last week about his new job, he says, his son’s Pony Baseball coach was worried the family might be moving out of the area.

Not only does his son play – McFeely umpires. (And he has a bit of a black eye to show for it, after getting hit during a Thursday night game!)

He has other community obligations, too, with local service organizations and boards.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said, other than changing jobs – “I’ll still be around. … I just want to thank the community; it’s been supportive of the organization, and of me.”

His final day at The Kenney is scheduled to be July 3rd, and then, after the Independence Day holiday, he starts at Hearthstone on July 5th.

It was an intergenerational event at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) during Saturday’s annual Kenney Foundation Champagne Brunch/Auction, raising money for the Life Care Fund, helping residents stay on if they outlive their financial resources. Above, you see The Ellis Brothers trio, whose members played jazz, while, for adult guests, the promised champagne awaited:

With late-morning sun spilling through the windows, a tropical mood was enhanced by the leis toted by Dave Salove of Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor), who chairs the foundation’s board:

This was the sixth annual Champagne Brunch, also featuring a silent auction and keynote speaker Nick Del Calzo, whose most recent claim to fame is his his “Medal of Honor” photography. Miss the brunch? You can donate online.

A new unit at The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is now open, and was shown off at an open house tonight. The Memory Care Community was once part of a major redevelopment plan; though much of the plan was shelved, The Kenney saw a need to offer this as part of its “continuum of care” philosophy, and continued with the project.

There are 16 beds in the Memory Care Community – with residents about to start moving in – and they’re part of either private or shared apartments, as well as a dining/activity room:

Residents will have use of a courtyard, too.

As noted in The Kenney’s announcement, the design and decor were chosen for a sense of serenity. It’s not just the facility, though; The Kenney is staffing it around the clock with what they describe as “certified nursing assistants with specialized dementia training,” and special programming and activities are planned.

For the past few months, The Kenney campus has been bustling with activity from construction workers and architects engineering the new Memory Care Community. With excitement and anticipation, this latest addition will be welcoming its first resident on January 20, 2012.

“We are very pleased with how the area is coming together,” says Karlene Colletti, Director of Memory Care. “From the warmth of the paint colors, to the textures of the décor, to the accessibility of the rooms and community spaces – it is going to be an amazing addition to The Kenney campus.”

The Memory Care Community will offer 16 beds in both private and shared apartments, an outdoor garden, a large dining and activity room, a private shower room and a family room. Every detail of the area was completed keeping in mind the ability of residents with dementia who will use this space day in and day out.

“Every effort has been made to enhance the community with natural colors and lighting to encourage a sense of serenity” says Karlene. “The wide hallways make it safe and easy for ambulation, and the garden area will allow for safe strolls, gardening and general enjoyment of the outdoors.”

One of the most important aspects of memory care is programming, and The Kenney is proud to use a collaborative approach to maximize the quality of life for each resident. The innovative programming allows the caregivers to provide uniquely designed care for each resident. Small group activities, nutritious meals and special reminiscing programs will activate the senses and encourage normalcy.

“We will work with residents and their families to obtain a portrait of the resident; past present and future,” says Karlene. “A main approach in this is using validation therapy, working with the individuals needs here and now. As the care requirements of an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia can change day to day, our program will be established to meet those needs in the best way possible.”

The Memory Care Community will be staffed 24-hours a day by certified nursing assistants with specialized dementia training, hand picked for their ability to understand and work with people with memory issues. The staff will provide an atmosphere of acceptance and a “never say no” attitude.

The public will have a chance to view the new Memory Care Community at an Open House held on January 26th from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. The Open House will include tours of the new area, refreshments and live music. Please call 206-937-2800 to RSVP.

The Kenney is West Seattle’s only continuing care retirement community. In 1909 The Kenney opened its doors for senior housing and now offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care on campus. Visit www.thekenney.org or call 206-937-2800 for more information.

Today we welcome a new sponsor, The Kenney, West Seattle’s original senior-living community. If you or a loved one is looking for a place where you can get a little help with such things as managing your medications, bathing and dressing, meal or activity reminders, The Kenney would like you to know that they have been providing that kind of care for a little over a century.

Here’s what else they would like you to know: At The Kenney, we provide life how it’s supposed to be lived. Here, we’re all about community – staying active, making new friends, loving life – while also serving each resident’s unique and individual needs. You’ll live each day to the fullest at The Kenney, secure in the knowledge that you’ll be cared for, in good health or poor health, for the rest of your life. Whether you join our community in independent living, assisted living, or our nursing and rehab center, you’ll be able to access all lifestyles at The Kenney if and when you need them. As a not-for-profit community, our only priorities are our residents’ comfort, security and care. Our revenue is used to enrich the lives of the people who live here, not to pay investors. And, we have a better staff-to-resident ratio than most for-profit retirement communities. That’s the not-for-profit difference. As resident Gisela Schultz says, “The Kenney feels like a tight-knit family, and best of all, I don’t have to worry about home repairs and yard work. I wish I had moved here ten years ago!”

The Kenney‘s staff belong to the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the West Seattle Champions BNI Group, and Aging Services of Washington. On the Web, you’ll find The Kenney at thekenney.org; on Facebook, they’re here. They’re at 7125 Fauntleroy Way, 206-937-2800.

We thank The Kenney for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

(2009 photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB; during the now-ended process, the cupola-topped Seaview Building became an official city landmark)
It’s been three years since the historic West Seattle retirement complex known as The Kenney first went public with an ambitious – and controversial – plan to redevelop much of its Fauntleroy Way campus and dramatically expand its capacity. (WSB broke the story in August 2008 – here’s our first report.) The plan has undergone a variety of changes along the way – with myriad community meetings, both part of the official process, and part of the organization seeking feedback. Last summer, The Kenney had told us the plan was in “retooling mode”; but now, most of the plan is being shelved, at least for a few years, according to this announcement just in from The Kenney management:

(Today) The Kenney will remove the four Notice of Proposed Land Use Action signs that line the perimeter of their campus.

“There are a couple of issues,” says Kevin McFeely, President and CEO of The Kenney. “For one, there’s a new economic reality we’re facing that people are having a much harder time selling their home; something that’s concurrent with moving into a retirement community. Second, it’s much tougher to find lenders for new building projects. As we looked at this project we realized the need to scale down the redevelopment plan to continue to reach the needs of our current residents, our future residents and our neighbors.”

The focus for The Kenney will be on how to improve their current campus and programs. “The people that are inquiring into The Kenney are of a different mindset than those we’ve seen in the past,” says McFeely. “They want choices of programs and amenities, smaller but more efficient use of space apartments and options for various lifestyles. We’ve decided to concentrate on upgrading the infrastructure of our 100 year old campus, expanding our programs and services, and focusing on how we can reach the needs and wants of the seniors of the future.”

Redevelopment is not out of sight, however. The Kenney has begun the plans for a Memory Care Unit to be open fall/winter of 2011. There’s also more building on the horizon, but it may be a few years away. “We do need to have more people on campus in order to survive as a community,” says McFeely. “Not the original 400 we had once planned, but maybe 275-300. This new project will most likely start in the next two to five years.”

When the original $150 million redevelopment plan was announced in 2008, there was some community unrest. “I’d like to thank the community for hanging in there with us,” says McFeely. “We’ve gone through a lot of changes in the plan and I know it’s been tough not knowing. Scaling back will really meet the needs of our community.”

Our archive of coverage of that process is here, newest to oldest.

(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
From the annual spring champagne brunch/auction fundraiser at The Kenney today: Former Mayor Greg Nickels keynoted, and posed with (from left) State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, Kenney CEO Kevin McFeely, and City Councilmember Sally Clark. More after the jump:

WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen reports that more than 160 people were on hand, 30 of them current Kenney residents. Brunch was served in the community rooms downstairs, with champagne and silent-auction browsing in the lobby. Powering the event, in addition to a long list of sponsors: Staff and volunteers – we got Kenney Foundation director Amy Lee Derenthal to pause a moment for a photo with volunteer Sam Zeinu:

Proceeds go to the Life Care Fund, which helps Kenney residents stay on at the retirement complex (which is just north of Lincoln Park) even if they outlive their financial resources. Helping fill the coffers today, a raffle, live auction, and silent auction, including wine baskets:

Today’s premier sponsor was Dignity Memorial/Forest Lawn (which is also a WSB sponsor), whose David Salove chairs the Kenney Foundation’s board.

Three weeks ago, Katie Krause at The Kenney shared a photo of a nesting hummingbird on their grounds near Lincoln Park. Tonight, two more photos – with a hint of the results.

(Singing Marcello the painter: Jason Fowler; entering, as Rodolfo the poet: Gino Lucchetti)
On the lower level of The Kenney, the strains of “La Bohéme” have been resounding for months – as Lyric Opera Northwest prepares to perform Puccini‘s “crowd-pleaser” opera at The Moore downtown next Sunday afternoon. With the company’s founders based in West Seattle, Kim Cooney explains, The Kenney became its “secret rehearsal site” … she adds, “Sometimes at night you can hear a soprano soloist singing in the dark on the way to her car.” The rehearsing’s almost about to make way for showtime. Lyric Opera NW co-founder Pamela Casella is directing the production; co-founder Craig Heath Nim sings the role of Colline.

One of the reasons they chose “La Bohéme” for their next production: The cast includes more than a few children (as you’ll see in the background in our video clip); they have a children’s workshop on Queen Anne and this enables some of their proteges to return to the stage (some of them were in an earlier LONW production of “Oliver“). We dropped in on their rehearsal Friday night; they practiced at The Kenney again tonight, and now move to The Moore for dress rehearsals and a preview, before the Sunday 4 pm show (March 27 – ticket info here, including an online-purchase option).