POWERED BY THE BRANDYWINE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
NEWS & NOTES ALL AROUND BRANDYWINE
From the desk of... Brenda Bacon
ISSUE 42 | FALL 2019
Ever walk into a strange room, knowing no one, feeling that all eyes are on you…or maybe no eyes are on you?
neighborhood (and goes to the same deli!). Attends the same church. Vacations at the same Jersey beach. Often this connection happens by chance when you’re standing in line at the grocery store, at church, or at one of your kid’s events.
Maybe first grade was like that, or the first day of that new high school.
This is different. We can’t wait for it to happen naturally because these natural places of connection have changed for our new resident/customer who may have grown up in Chicago and she is only here with us because her adult daughter lives nearby. Or she has spent her entire life, raising her kids, and knew every person in her section of Queens or in South Philadelphia. That’s no longer relevant.
You wonder if people will like you, whether you will like them, afterall, it feels like everyone else knows someone doesn’t it? Author C.S. Lewis once said, “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’” For the 1,000 new residents who walk through our doors at Brandywine Living each year, they sometimes feel as if they have walked into a foreign land. This is a huge step. It’s a scary step when you’re 85. It’s a scary step because you need assistance. It’s a scary step because you not longer have your own kitchen or your own car. It’s a scary step because you don’t know any of these people who are now your neighbors and those who are now supposed to help you in your most vulnerable moments.
So, we have to intentionally connect our new resident and her family to the neighborhood. We’re going to do some matchmaking. Friendships make a new living environment easier. Friendships help individuals live their best life. Friendships promote health and happiness in their new home at Brandywine. Maybe we can connect them to someone who fought in the same war, or plays championship bridge, or is a die-hard Giants fan, or who worked in the fashion industry, or who simply loves the same Clint Eastwood movies or novels by David Baldacci. In the upcoming weeks, you will hear more about the BCE Linking Project. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to hear a new resident say...”What! You too? I thought I was the only one!”
Connection. Connection happens when a person finds that they have something in common with another human being. Someone of similar interests. Someone who lives in the same
WELCOME!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Barbara Cassidy Wellness Director at Longwood
Desiree Miller Wellness Director at Voorhees
Kim Connell Community Operations Manager at Voorhees
Stacy Rubina Assistant Wellness Director at Middlebrook Crossing
Courtney Melendez Director of Community Relations at Alexandria
Hanh Truong Wellness Director at Colts Neck
Melissa Plumber Wellness Director at The Gables
Stephen Mak Reflections Coordinator at Litchfield
David Kinsey Director of Dining Services at Dresher Estates
Jaime Pelayo Dining Services Director at Alexandria
Shane Magee Director of Dining Services at Haverford Estates
Wendy Papuchis Director of Community Relations at Fenwick Island
Stephanie Marino promoted from Escapades Expert/Chauffeur to Escapades Producer at Toms River
BRANDYStar SPOTLIGHT Meet James Wilson, Housekeeper, and one of the most dedicated team members at Dresher Estates. He’s been in his role at Brandywine since 2013 and has beautiful relationships with everyone. He loves talking sports with our residents. What earned James the BrandySTAR title, was a moment that he created for a resident. One night while in the Reflections neighborhood, one of the residents was crying. James asked, “Are you available to help me?” She stopped crying, looked up and said,
JAMES WILSON
“Okay!” He took her on his rounds, out of her environment, and made her forget why she was sad. James noted, “My enjoyment comes from cherishing the moments when a resident can turn their frown into a smile, or into a dancing frenzy. This resident likes dancing.” In addition to being a part time team member at Brandywine, he has a second job as a Housekeeping Supervisor. He has one child whom he loves dearly and is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. Congrats, James, on your award!
Congrats, James!
HOUSEKEEPER
DRESHER ESTATES
3RD QUARTER BRANDYSTARS ALEXANDRIA Abebe Abebe, Wellness Nurse BRANDALL ESTATES Kelly Oliver, Concierge COLTS NECK Kimberly Ambrose, Dining Server DRESHER ESTATES James Wilson, Housekeeping Assistant FENWICK ISLAND Tammy Kelley, Dining Server THE GABLES Tammy Jones, Wellness Nurse GOVERNOR’S CROSSING Joey Hrunka, Housekeeping Supervisor HADDONFIELD Maria Rysz, Concierge
HAVERFORD ESTATES Tieka Dawkins, Care Manager
PRINCETON Isaac Appiah, Wellness Nurse
HOWELL Kendra Reed, Wellness Nurse
REFLECTIONS Carly Naekel, Wellness Nurse
HUNTINGTON TERRACE Daphne Edwards, Wellness Nurse
THE SAVOY Hilary Harris, Wellness Nurse
LITCHFIELD Jeremy Jacques, Asst. Environmental Services Director
SEASIDE POINTE Jillian Shea, Wellness Nurse
LIVINGSTON Arlene Gordon Ivy, Dining Server
SENIOR SUITES Emma Grant, Care Manager
LONGWOOD Talia LeCompte, Wellness Nurse
THE SYCAMORE Alberte Etienne, Housekeeping
MAHWAH Maria Rodriguez, Dining Assistant
TOMS RIVER Erin Vasilakis, Reflections Coordinator
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING Maureen Bennett-Hanson, Care Manager
UPPER PROVIDENCE Jessica Ott, INVEST Coordinator
MOORESTOWN ESTATES Anthony Natale, Asst. Environmental Services Director
VOORHEES Douglas Simmons, Chef
MOUNTAIN RIDGE Beatrice Hammond, Care Manager
WALL Katina Ruiz, Care Manager
PENNINGTON Margaret Thacker, Concierge
Leadership Excellence JO REED
CLINICAL OPERATIONS MANAGER
LEADERSHIP SERIES Hi, Jo! So, you’re a Clinical Operations Manager for Brandywine. Did you always want to be a nurse? Jo: I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. It was either that or become a professional theatrical makeup artist, but I couldn’t draw! LOL, that’s funny! Tell us more about the medical path you took and how you ended up in senior living. Jo: After I passed my boards in England, I did nine months of acute care geriatrics at the hospital before doing my midwifery certification. I moved to the US (Utah) and while working as a prenatal educator for an Early Headstart Program, I saw an ad in the paper for an Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) and I applied. They hired for the position internally so I became a floor nurse at Wasatch Care Center in Ogden, Utah. Six months later, I became the ADON. Wow, the position was meant for you! So, what brought you to Brandywine? Jo: I had been a Director of Nursing for several years and was working for a competitor when I heard about an opening at Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe. I applied and got the job. Best move ever, and this is the longest I have stayed anywhere in my nursing career! Well, we’re happy to have you. And, I’m sure your nurses are, too. What inspires you most about them? Jo: I meet a lot of people from all walks of life, but the dedication that the nursing team has to our residents and to their careers is amazing. It definitely takes a special kind of person to work with the senior population, and I see this every day that I set foot in a Brandywine community. Yes, a special person, indeed! What about at home, how do you unwind? Jo: My partner, James, and I have season tickets to the National Opera at the Kennedy Center, so from September to May we attend one performance per month. We are also foodies, so most weekends we dine out. I am an avid reader. I just finished reading the new Millenium series book featuring Lisbeth Salander “The Girl Who Lived Twice.” I enjoy going to the movies and can’t wait for the new Star Wars movie to come out in December.
Training & WHAT HAPPENED AT BRANDYWINE UNIVERSITY Dining Innovation: Menus, Recipes And Presentation Have you ever had Chicken and Seafood Paella? Well, if you were at the Dining Innovation meeting on September 19th, you would have tasted something special! Chef Miguel from Middlebrook Crossing (Director of Dining Services) submitted and won the BCE Recipe Innovation award. His award winning recipe will be shared and highlighted in the Fall/Winter 2019/2020 menu. Miguel whipped up his dish (like a food network show) and everyone got a taste. Yes... many came back for seconds. It was a hit. Congratulations, Miguel!
Dining Team discussing the new Fall/Winter menus.
Dining leadership came together for a review of menus, presentation, and recipes for Fall/Winter (2019/2020). The team reviewed standards and programs to support service and dining team members to deliver the best “restaurant style” meals for our residents and guests. Something is always cooking at the BCE!
Certified Director Of Assisted Living Prep Course On October 9, a group of Brandywine Executive Directors came together for a BU prep course for the CDAL (Certified Director of Assisted Living). The interactive study group facilitated through the BCE focused on getting our leaders prepared to take the CDAL examination this year. So...what is CDAL? In 2015, the Argentum Board of Directors formed the Senior Living Certification Commission (SLCC), a nonprofit corporation dedicated to professional development initiatives for senior living executives and staff members. Kathi Cianfrani (Upper Providence)
The SLCC’s Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) credential demonstrates attainment of consistent, relevant, measurable and industry-recognized standards of practice in the assisted living executive director role. To become certified, eligible assisted living executive directors must pass a written examination based on knowledge domains and job tasks related to knowledge and duties performed by assisted living executive directors. Half of our Executive Directors will be taking the exam this year for the first time and the other half are in the process of renewing their certification. Our goal...100% of our EDs will have their CDAL credential. Why? At Brandywine, we invest in our leadership! The CDAL credential is another demonstration (and formal recognition) of their skills and their commitment as a community leader at Brandywine and the senior living industry. We have the best leaders in the industry and we are so proud of their accomplishments!
Kensington Johnson(Moorestown Estates) & Keith Harper (Wall)
Engagement
Employee Engagement Survey 2019 It’s employee survey time! The time to survey our team members around the Kingdom about your experience at Brandywine. This year will be different. Simple. Direct. Actionable. And...Only Two Questions. The survey will be distributed on December 5 (and collected through December 9). The survey is anonymous and reviewed through the BCE at Mount Laurel. Keep an eye out for the promotion posters on details for your community.
NATIONAL ASSISTED We had a blast! 276 events. 29 Grandparents Day Events (FAMILY). 39 Judgeable
Princeton
Wall
Alexandria
Huntington Terrace The Savoy
Dresher Estates
Senior Suites
Middlebrook Crossing
Reflections
Seaside Pointe
Mahwah
The Gables
Litchfield
Longwood
D LIVING WEEK 2019 Events (FRIENDS). 32 Community Events (NEIGHBORS). Brandywine rocked it....again!
Livingston
Fenwick Island
Governor’s Crossing
Mountain Ridge
Howell
Pennington Upper Providence
The Sycamore
Haddonfield
Haverford Estates
Brandall Estates Moorestown Estates
Toms River
Colts Neck
Voorhees
Letters From Family To: Eileen Bennett, It’s August, 2019 and I’m once again feeling thankful that I’m here at Brandywine, Fenwick Island, DE. Three years ago, at Thanksgiving time, a few months into my stay here, I wrote a “thankful” letter to you, expressing my appreciation for the wonderful people who make things work here and provide a special way of life for those of us fortunate enough to live here! Today, my dear friend and fellow resident “Max,” saw me sitting in the lobby waiting for a ride to an appointment, and showed me that September 2017 letter I’d written. (It was in a book of memorabilia that she’d found in the lobby.) Max expressed her appreciation, too. So, now, three years into my stay here, I still marvel at how well things work… the facility in which we live, and the staff that is only a phone call (or neck piece “button” push) away and the can-do attitude that makes things work here are all together and top notch. So, here’s to all the good people who feed us, take care of our health, listen to us when we have a special need or concern, clean up after us, and somehow, master our many names. They also smile and communicate with us as good “family” members should. A “love letter,” that’s what this is. I thank God everyday for the opportunity to live at Brandywine. I’ve made friends here and I’m forever grateful. Godspeed, Brandywine!
Love, Betty (Fleming)
Hi Aly and Keith, I just wanted to give kudos to everyone that I’ve had contact with at Brandywine this last year. My mom, Marge Silver, has been a resident at Brandywine for a year now and I can truly say I am so glad that I have my Mom living at Brandywine because of the staff and their genuine care of the residents. I remember meeting Aly and having to make a very quick and very important decision. I also remember Keith saying, “You’ve made the right decision.” You both were instrumental in my decision process and I truly believe that it really worked out the right way. Jessica, the Activities Director, is another shining star at Brandywine. She took time out of her day to send a video of my mom dancing at happy hour with another gentleman. I often show it to friends and customers to let them know what a great person Jessica is to take time out of her day, get my number and send me that video. That is a video I will always cherish and save. She is AWESOME! I am in retail and deal with customers everyday, mostly happy ones. I know many people complain about a lot of things, but I want both of you to know that I know my mom is SAFE, CLEAN and COMFORTABLE. And I really appreciate that! People are very eager to complain, I hope this email makes your day a little bit better Thanks again for all that you do....it REALLY is appreciated!!
Chris Bell Marge Silver & Jessica Easton
YOU CAN TEACH SKILL, BUT YOU CAN’T TEACH
HEART!
9
Have you ever had your makeup done by a makeup artist… who’s also a resident? Jolanta Modzelewska is a care manager at Colts Neck where she takes care of residents, during her weekend shifts. She’s kind, patient and knows how to help others feel better about themselves. Today was no different. Toby Valente was a cosmetician and manicurist before she retired and worked in the beauty industry for a number of years. In fact, she owned TNT Cosmetics in Brooklyn, NY for 30 years. During that time, she opened a second location, Cosmetics Gifts, in New York City. She loved what she did for her clients and even shared stories with other residents about her past work and passion for makeup. She loved giving her clients makeovers. Toby says, “I absolutely love giving people, especially my friends, makeovers or even to help fix their eye makeup. My clients and friends felt beautiful after their makeovers which made me feel happy. Applying makeup is therapeutic and relaxing.”
Jolanta Modzelewska(R) & Toby Valente(L)
Our Mission
Brandywine Living will provide our residents with the highest quality care in the most appropriate setting based on an individual’s needs while respecting their individuality, independence and dignity.
Our Core Values •
We believe that every resident has the right to be treated with dignity
and respect and has the right of selfdetermination. •
We believe in delivering the best quality service possible to those who have put their trust in us.
•
We believe that honesty, integrity, caring and thoughtfulness are as important as the health care we provide.
•
We believe that our residents are active, joyful and fascinating individuals who will continue to learn and grow each day and will contribute to our learning and growing as well.
•
We believe that great care is a team effort where ideas, collaboration, and mutual respect for each team member’s efforts and contributions are essential to the result.
When Jolanta heard this, she asked Toby to do her makeup. It was a success and Jolanta looked beautiful. Jolanta says, “I was so happy that Toby had that happy memory when she was a makeup artist. At that moment I was one of her models, like the time never passed and I felt so happy that I made her day and she made mine as well. She even gave me some makeup advice and expressed herself by showing us her talent and what she loved.”
Poem About Brandywine
When Mary Joan came here, she was sad and blue Not ready to change to something new Living alone was no fun, especially after losing her only son But I knew there was hope in sight After visiting Brandywine, all would be right! New friends and activities - so much to do But where can we fit all her clothes and shoes! Happy hours are certainly a hit Drinks, snacks, and friendship, barely a place to sit Her lush apartment has been the talk of the place Making it just right brought a smile to her face The amazing staff are second to none We knew after 2 weeks, Brandywine had won So now I can relax, knowing she’s safe and secure With her new home and friends, we couldn’t ask for more
Love your daughter, Mary Beth Poem by Mary Beth, daughter of Mary Joan a resident at Voorhees
10
WHAT’S GOING ON AR
Welcome Tess Ryan Friel! Jackie Friel (Executive Director at Haddonfield) and her husband, Matt, welcomed their baby girl, Tess, on September 4th. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
Care Manager at Savoy, Dionne Miller-Gardner, gave birth to her son, Caron Patrick, on August 7th.
Nicole Luciano (Director of Community Relations) gave birth to her baby boy, Joseph James Luciano, on October 5th. He weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces. Congrats, Nicole!
Jamie Eckenrode (Wellness Nurse at Middlebrook Crossing) gave birth to her baby boy, Connor Joseph, on October 21st. He was 7 pounds, 10 ounces. Congrats, Jamie.
Joyce Sloan (Concierge at Middlebrook Crossing) became first time grandmother to twins, Ella and Eddy, who were born on September 12th. Congrats, Joyce!
Ingrid Montenegro Jimenez (Dining Server at Mountain Ridge) welcomed her second baby, Sebastian, a beautiful boy! He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. Congrats, Ingrid!
Congratulations to Cesi Acosta (Care Manager at Longwood) who welcomed her son, John Timothy Goodwin, Jr. on October 27th. He was 7 pounds, 6 ounces.
Congratulations to Longwood’s Wellness Nurse, Michelle Perez, on the birth of her son, Michael Ace Perez. He was born on October 3rd weighing 9 pounds, 6 ounces.
Congratulations to Susan Lally (Administrative Assistant at Longwood) who won the National Assisted Living Week 2019 Raffle!
Martha Wagner (Escapades Expert) and Chris Cunningham (Asst. Environmental Services Director) both won the GTD baskets from NALW 2019 at Dresher Estates!
ROUND THE KINGDOM Fenwick Island offered a Taste of Tuscany to their fantastic dining services team to show appreciation for their hard work in the dining room and for community events.
Saving Lives Congratulations to our Environmental Service Director, Ron Doctor, (The Savoy) who married his sweetheart, Denise, on October 21st.
Congrats to Jimmy Laphan (Dining Server at Haddonfield) on being sworn into the US Navy on September 3rd! His mom, Lisa Laphan (Butler at Moorestown Estates), is so proud!
Jade Reid (Dining Server at The Savoy) has been honored by the Lynbrook Fire Department at their annual Captain’s Dinner, for two prestigious awards: Member of the Year and Top 5 (she responded to the most emergency calls). That’s awesome, Jade, congratulations!
Thank you, Adrienne!
Best wishes to Adrienne Sarro (Senior Human Resources Director) on her retirement! Adrienne has provided employee relations and management support for Brandywine for over twenty years! Working at The Gables and Reflections, Adrienne also supported other New Jersey communities. She has provided guidance and advice to hundreds of employees (and managers) during her time working at Brandywine. Adrienne, thank you for all you did for Brandywine! We hope you have a wonderful retirement! “Adrienne has been many things to me. A peer, friend, confidant, counselor, advisor, a shoulder to lean on, the smile that turns a rough day into a good one, the one who texts to make sure I got home safely, the wink that says it’s all going to be ok, the voice that says you did a great job today. I am a better person for knowing her, and having her as part of my professional and personal life. Her kindness, compassion and support will be missed by all of her Gables family. She’s been a guiding light for many who know her, and words could never describe the heartfelt thanks for what she’s given all of us.” - Marilyn Goldstein, Executive Director at The Gables
Celebrating Milestones at Brandywine…
Celebrating her 25th Year Milestone! BRANDALL ESTATES STEPHANIE ROBERTS WELLNESS NURSE
SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER!
AN OFFICIAL “THANK YOU” FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE!
20 YEAR MILESTONE
BRANDALL ESTATES CHARITA BINGHOY CHEF
BRANDALL ESTATES LIBORIA ARDENTI WELLNESS NURSE
15 YEAR MILESTONE BRANDALL ESTATES SANTOS, JORGE HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING FACEY, CORROL DINING SERVER
THE GABLES GARONE, PATRICIA HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
DRESHER ESTATES HAUGUEL, SUE CONCIERGE
MOUNTAIN RIDGE DI PAOLO, ANGELA WELLNESS NURSE
THE SAVOY SWEENEY, ANTONINA BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER
HOWELL KORECK, CHRISTOPHER DINING SERVICES DIRECTOR
PENNINGTON TAYLOR, ALEXIS DINING SERVER
THE SAVOY GREGORY, KWASI DINING ASSISTANT
HUNGTINGTON TERRACE TOZZI, DANA ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRINCETON ZEWDE, ASNAKU CARE MANAGER
HUNTINGTON TERRACE EDWARDS, DAPHNE WELLNESS NURSE
PRINCETON CEKIC, BETSY DINING SERVER
LITCHFIELD STRONKOWSKY, ELIZABETH CARE MANAGER
REFLECTIONS COPES, NATASHA CONCIERGE
5 YEAR MILESTONE
10 YEAR MILESTONE BRANDALL ESTATES CRIMI, KENNY MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT
LITCHFIELD CHOUINARD, MICHELE BUTLER
COLTS NECK ALLISON, MARY JANE BUSINESS OFFICE MANAGER
LONGWOOD MURPHY, JOHN CHAUFFER
COLTS NECK DOCE, MERLITA DINING SERVER
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING SKVAROVA, VALENTINA CARE MANAGER
FENWICK ISLAND TEEGARDEN, SHEILA CARE MANAGER
MOORESTOWN ESTATES LAPHAN, LISA BUTLER
FENWICK ISLAND WHIGHAM, SUSAN WELLNESS NURSE
REFLECTIONS MICHEL, YOLENE WELLNESS DIRECTOR
GOVERNOR’S CROSSING GILCHRIST, KATHY CONCIERGE
UPPER PROVIDENCE CIANFRANI, KATHLEEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HUNTINGTON TERRACE MORENO, BERNARDA HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
WALL CASSIDY, JULIE REFLECTIONS COORDINATOR
DRESHER ESTATES BOWMAN, CHERICE HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT
MOORESTOWN ESTATES GRANT, LAMONTEZ CARE MANAGER
TOMS RIVER CAULKER, MARIAN CARE MANAGER
FENWICK ISLAND ROBBINS, ASHLEY CARE MANAGER
MOUNTAIN RIDGE MULLINGS, DOLORES ESCAPADES EXPERT
TOMS RIVER FALLUCCA, TERESA ESCAPADES EXPERT
GOVERNOR’S CROSSING SAFO, VICTORIA CARE MANAGER
PENNINGTON RUNZER, KELLY MOVE-IN COORDINATOR
TOMS RIVER MARINO, STEPHANIE ESCAPADES PRODUCER
HOWELL CAJA, JANINA CARE MANAGER
PRINCETON RAMOS, SANTOS CHAUFFER
TOMS RIVER SHEPETOFSKY, SHARON WELLNESS NURSE
HOWELL COTTRELL, PATRICIA CONCIERGE
PRINCETON LAPCHUK, ARGYRA CONCIERGE
VOORHEES ALFORD, IZORA CARE MANAGER
HOWELL VEGA-PARHAM, MARISOL WELLNESS NURSE
PRINCETON AMPUDIA, ANTONIO DINING ASSISTANT
VOORHEES HENRY, KELLY CONCIERGE
LITCHFIELD CRUZ, JEAN DINING ROOM SUPERVISOR
SEASIDE POINTE FORD, WENDY CARE MANAGER
VOORHEES SCHANNE, MATTHEW DINING ASSISTANT
LITCHFIELD ACEVEDO, ELIZABETH HOUSEKEEPING
SEASIDE POINTE STARK, DOROTHY CARE MANAGER
VOORHEES BOTTALICO, ROBERT DINING SERVER
LITCHFIELD BERGIN, NANETTE MOVE IN COORDINATOR
SENIOR SUITES WARD, VERONICA CARE MANAGER
VOORHEES OREN, PAIGE BUTLER
LONGWOOD REESE, SELENA CARE MANAGER
THE SYCAMORE FONTROSE, MURLANDE CARE MANAGER
VOORHEES REDFERN, FELICIA WELLNESS NURSE
LONGWOOD FARMER, DON CHAUFFER
THE SYCAMORE HOLT, KAREEN CARE MANAGER
WALL SERIO, MELISSA WELLNESS NURSE
MIDDLEBROOK CROSSING ZOTOS, CAROL WELLNESS NURSE
THE SYCAMORE DOWNING, ANGELINA WELLNESS NURSE
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS LATEST EDITION OF THE TRIBUTE! If you have a special story or accomplishment to share, please send to thetribute@brandycare.com.