A Phoebe Ministries Newsletter Summer 2010 Volume 91 • No. 2
Encouraging intergenerational listening is an extension of Phoebe Ministries’ long-held philosophy that aging is a spiritual journey, a time of new opportunities and a time to “harvest the wisdom of the ages.” This fall, the Phoebe Institute on Aging will focus on capturing life stories as a way to help our elders leave a legacy of memories to loved ones and the community.
Mark Your Calendar for November 4 & 5! Don’t miss out this fall, when Phoebe welcomes Dave Isay, the founder of StoryCorps and author/editor of the New York Times bestseller, Listening Is an Act of Love.
PHOEBE INSTITUTE ON AGING BENEFIT & CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 4 and 5 Open to the Public Guest Speaker: Dave Isay Watch your mail for further information about both events and how to register.
MUHLENBERG STUDENTS TAP PHOEBE RESIDENTS’ STORIES
F
or thousands of years, people from diverse cultures around the world have passed on their traditions, beliefs and advice through storytelling. In addition to the sharing of wisdom, reminiscence and life review are proven ways for older adults to gain self worth, learn more about themselves and give the gift of their stories to the next generation. Phoebe Home continues to work with Muhlenberg College in order for residents to experience the power in sharing their life stories. Last semester, two groups of students visited weekly to listen and record the experiences of the remarkable men and women who live in Phoebe Home resident Naomi Griesemer (l) and Phoebe Home. Muhlenberg College student Heather Kaufman For over two years Cara share stories at a recent coffee hour. Scheetz, MS, Director of Geriatrics at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Center for Healthy Aging, has been working with Rev. Corrine Dautrich, Phoebe Home Chaplain, to guide pre-med students through the life review process. “We both want to bridge that gap and allow younger folks to continue to connect,” says Scheetz. Three students were part of the Life Review Internship in the spring semester. Students prepare for the program through a four-hour orientation at Lehigh Valley Health Network. They also receive a training manual about how to approach and talk to residents, and meet with Dr. Fran Salerno, Director of the Center for Healthy Aging at LVHN and part of Phoebe’s Institute on Aging. “The students are still figuring out what they want to do after college. We want to introduce them to gerontology,” says Scheetz. “I fell in love with the field as a student myself.” Lizzy Vessio, a neuroscience major at Muhlenberg, decided to take the class because, “All of my grandparents have passed, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to connect with someone.” Some days it seemed like their worlds were miles apart. “She told me she was married at 19. When she found out I was 19, she asked me if I was married. It seems like such a crazy question today, but in her time it was commonplace.” Kelly Poirier, a neuroscience and studio art major who was paired with centenarian Hilda Clark, felt the best part of her experience was Continued, p.2
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Students Tap Residents’ Stories (Continued from p. 1)
“Trying to learn from someone like Hilda, who has lived for more than 100 years.” Dautrich says, “When we grade the life reviews, we are looking for creativity. We ask, ‘did the student hear their story?’ The review is a gift to the resident and their families, so we want it to be a good product.” Elyse Zwanger, a biology and clinical science major at Muhlenberg, was glad she enrolled in the program. “I was close to my grandparents and intrigued when I heard about this program. Our elders have lessons they’ve learned during their lives and so much wisdom to share.” Student Sarah Rutstein (l) and resident Hazel Pinto Linda Bips, compare their life experiences as part of a spring psychology Psychology of Women class. professor, offers a Psychology of Women class at Muhlenberg. For several years, she has paired her students with Phoebe residents as part of the program. Students spend an hour a week with a resident for 10 weeks. In 2005, Christa Carlstrand Kachline was paired with Phoebe Terrace resident Betty Radman, who died last year. The two women developed a great friendship that outlasted the project. “Who could have known that a school project could bring people together that way?” Kachline says. “Betty came to my graduation and my wedding. She was an important part of my life.” Passion This semester, Dahlia Walton, I a senior psychology major from Muhlenberg who enjoys reading poetry, Pass on was matched with Marion Steigerwalt, a By Marian published poet. At the first coffee hour Steigerwalt, they sat together without knowing they published in “Modern were partners. “Almost like we knew,” Haiku Journal” says Marian. Walton enjoys her meetings with Marian. “I get a picture of what it was like to be a woman at a different time. We have a lot of similarities, even though things are very different now.” Ironically, Walton broke both feet last fall and could easily relate to the fact that Marian needs assistance to get around. “That made us empathetic toward each other,” she says. Their mutual love of poetry is the source of endless conversation. “I read a lot of poetry and I really like hearing it from someone who is a great writer,” says Walton. In the end, it is the relationships that develop as a result of this class that really matter. “I found a friend. I am 22 years old and Marian is 88 – that’s a big difference. But I look forward to seeing her every week. She brightens my day even if I’m stressed out. She’s a breath of fresh air.” 2 • The Messenger • www.phoebe.org
CEO Message: Marketing, Branding, Repositioning and Expansion Tied to Faith in Action In recent issues of the Messenger, I have shared with you Phoebe’s efforts in elaborating new mission, vision and values statements. These tasks were completed by our Faith in Action team and approved by our Board of Trustees, but this work has only just begun. The team has developed a communication plan which includes education for everyone in the Phoebe community, most especially our staff. We have developed a powerful video which captures our employees’ sense of purpose and spirituality at work. In showing this across the organization, we hope to share the values we hold dear. We’ve engaged The Merz Group to assist us Scott Stevenson, in integrating our Faith President & CEO in Action philosophy with our marketing and branding. Significant work has already been completed, including interviews with about 30 members of the Phoebe family. Both our Faith in Action and this marketing and branding initiative share the common goal of articulating the Phoebe essence. All of Phoebe’s programs and services are woven with a common thread. We want to tie all of our marketing and communications together with that same fiber. Also building on its visioning for the organization, our executive team and board are working on development of a new strategic plan. We will be evaluating further repositioning and expansion and making determinations on priorities and the availability of funds to accomplish our goals. At the same time, we expect significant challenges in the year ahead. A full 73% of our organization’s revenue still comes from skilled nursing care, and more than 50% of our nursing home residents are without personal means. This places a significant burden on the organization for charity and uncompensated care, which we anticipate will reach an unprecedented $8.5 million in fiscal 2010. Our faith beliefs inform our actions and our priorities as we work together to insure Phoebe’s future. My thanks go out to all of the Phoebe people who give their time, talent and treasure to make Phoebe a place where life continues to be lived to the fullest!
Spiritual Care Phoebe Wyncote Pastor Gives Residents ‘Bread for the Journey’ in Multi-Sensory Worship The aroma of baking bread wafted through The newly the halls and rooms of Phoebe Wyncote, renovated chapel also bringing back memories and piquing the interest added to the experience, of residents and staff alike. Rev. Jo Ellen Mauger since the seating is now was encouraged by the results of the new Lenten movable. Residents were able to sit in a circle service series she brought to the community this and see each other’s faces, rather than the backs year. “Bread for the Journey” of each other’s heads. It made is a multi-sensory worship the services more personal, experience that involves the especially when they shared baking of bread representing the bread as part of the scripture passages. sacrament. “The bread is baked that “I’m a very hands-on kind day in the hours preceding the of person, and for me the joy service so residents are already is in the experience itself,” smelling that wonderful said Mauger. She selected aroma and anticipating the the “Bread for the Journey” sharing of the bread that we materials by Rolf Svanoe do in the midst of the service,” because “We need to step out explains Mauger. The bread of routine worship and allow As part of Communion, Rev. Mauger serves element enhanced the worship residents to make meaning bread baked just hours earlier. Multi-sensory experience and was reminiscent services are becoming part of her ministry. out of the service.” Because of home and family. of its success, Mauger will “The residents have responded very positively. be incorporating more multi-sensory services They would ask what kind of bread we were into her ministry at Phoebe Wyncote in coming baking each week.” months. “Honey wheat was my favorite,” said a “It gave a full experience because it involved smiling Tillie Provence. “It was a very interesting so many of their senses. The residents weren’t program. I made sure I got to every one.” witnessing it but participating in the service.” For more about Phoebe’s pastoral care program, go to www.phoebe.org/spirituallife.
Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Manager Helps Seniors Stay Involved Dorothy Kintzel’s first stay at Phoebe Home in 2005 took her back to her childhood. Her parents’ home overlooked Phoebe and Allentown’s undeveloped West End. Since Phoebe’s dormitory was one of the largest buildings in the area, to Kintzel it was “a castle in fairy land.” Two years later, Kintzel returned to Phoebe for short-term rehab. “My mother is fiercely independent,” says her son, Dr. James Kintzel. Knowing she would rather return to her own home than to a personal care community, he enlisted the help of Phoebe’s certified Geriatric Care Manager, Marian Worthington. By arranging for home health aides to provide round-the-clock care at first, Kintzel received the support she needed to live safely at home for 15 months.
Now that she has moved to a personal care community so she can take part in interactive programming and stimulation, Kintzel still receives care through Phoebe’s GCM program. “I make regular visits to check on Dorothy, and I stay in contact with her care team to see that her needs are met,” says Worthington. “An important service she receives now is coordination of and transportation to medical appointments,” adds Dr. Kintzel. His mother also receives home health care each morning to help her with bathing and dressing. The Geriatric Care Management program has arranged for a health aide to accompany Kintzel on family drives and outings. “With the help of Phoebe, my mom has been able to remain involved,” says Dr.
Geriatric Care Mgr. Marian Worthington drops in to see that Dorothy’s needs are being met.
Kintzel. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday. “Dorothy is a true inspiration to us all,” states Worthington. For Phoebe’s Geriatric Care program, go to www.phoebe.org/caremanager.
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FAITH IN ACTION
Small Things Mean Everything The caregivers at all Phoebe communities provide exceptional care and look for small ways to make our residents comfortable. Marjorie Traister, who resided at Phoebe Richland before passing away in January of this year, was no exception. Traister, who was a Bucks County resident, lived at Phoebe Richland for a little over a year. During that time “everyone loved to take care of her,” said Linda Ficzko, CNA on the Springhouse Neighborhood. Francisca Leistra, RN, Nursing Supervisor, remembers that Ficzko would take the time to make sure Marjorie had her hair done and accessories on. She did this because she knew Marjorie always wanted to look her best for her husband, Freeman.
“Life has a way of going in circles,” says Rev. Dorothy Shelly (r). Seen with her are her daughter, Donna (l), and nurse Miriam Sampayo.
UNEXPECTED MEETING IS CAUSE FOR REJOICING IN RICHLAND REHAB
The family still remembers how comforted they felt when Marjorie passed away, Traister shared. Marjorie was surrounded by her loved ones and a group of Richland employees. Before the family arrivied to say their final goodbyes, Marjorie was covered in a prayer blanket, which is now on display in the family’s home. Traister says it was “a beautiful transition.”
Reconnect while you rehabilitate? That’s what Phoebe Richland resident Miriam Sampayo had a chance to do earlier this year with Rev. Dorothy Shelly, the Center’s Chaplain. Sampayo, a retired nurse from Grand View Hospital, worked with Shelly more than 30 years ago, and Shelly remembers her friend as “the epitome of what a good nurse should be.” Early in her career and before beginning a family, Sampayo worked with the U.S. Navy Corps, mostly at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. After spending time in Puerto Rico, she came back to Grand View, where she had been a student nurse. While she worked and raised a family, Sampayo earned a master’s degree at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in maternal and childhood medicine. Sampayo filled many roles at Grand View before leaving to teach at the former Grand View Hospital School of Nursing. She later became the first patient educator in the hospital’s history. In addition to working in health care, Sampayo volunteered. She is proud to say she was the first female elected to the Upper Perkiomen School Board, a position she held for 28 years. She also volunteered as a bilingual tutor, worked with domestic violence groups, the Women’s Business Council and other organizations. Sampayo and Shelly reconnected this spring, when Sampayo entered Phoebe Richland for rehab after a fall. The reunion was “grace-filled,” Shelly says, because Sampayo helped facilitate the adoption of Shelly’s daughter, Donna, in 1977. The moment the women saw each other, they gleefully embraced. The next day Shelly brought in photos of her daughter, and the friends reminisced about the day Sampayo placed baby Donna in her new mother’s arms.
To find out more about Faith In Action at Phoebe, go to www.phoebe.org/faithinaction.
To find out more about Phoebe Richland, go to www.phoebe.org/richland.
These employees, along with Jessica Marquez, LPN, who cared for Marjorie during the the evening shift, are examples of Phoebe staff who are putting their Faith in Action. Leistra believes it means “doing your work with love and compassion.” The Traister family feels that this was done for Marjorie every day. Her daughter-in-law Patty recalls how the staff often treated Marjorie as if she were their only patient.
Linda Ficzko, CNA, and Phoebe Richland resident Evelyn Delong take a moment to enjoy one another’s company.
Marjorie especially enjoyed working on crafts, and when she wasn’t able to leave her room, the staff would bring her projects to work on, said Patty Traister. “It was very meaningful to us that Lauren Ritter, Community Life Cordinator, would email updates on the activities she worked on.”
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Pamela Fenstermacher, MD, Medical Director of Phoebe Wyncote, will soon be a published author. “A Pocket Guide to Long-Term Care,” geared to nurse practioners and others in the medical field, will be published by Springer Science and Business Media this summer. “It’s a soup to nuts guide to caring for seniors in skilled nursing, assisted living and in-home care settings,” says Fenstermacher. “Dr. Fenstemacher is a key contributor on the Phoebe Ministries Physican’s Advisory Council, sharing issues in the forefront of long term care and industry trends,” said Lisa Fichera, Executive Vice President of Administration
Phoebe Wyncote Medical Director’s ‘Pocket Guide to Long-Term Care’ to Debut
Fenstermacher recognizes the changes and advancements underway at Phoebe Wyncote. “I can see Phoebe is interested in helping Wyncote become a phenomenal community. They have really been making strides and I’m looking forward to helping it move in that direction.”
Author Pamela Fenstermacher, MD, Medical Director of Phoebe Wyncote
and Health Care Services. Fenstermacher was asked to become Phoebe Wyncote’s Medical Director last year. She is currently Director of Geriatrics for Abington Family Medicine, associated with
Abington Hospital. “My interest has always been in long-term care,” she said. Fichera commented, “Phoebe Wyncote has a wonderful relationship with Abington Family Medicine.
Phoebe Rehab A ‘True Therapy Success Story’ at Phoebe Wyncote Falls can stop the most active seniors in their tracks. Phoebe Wyncote’s Therapy staff helps older adults regain their mobility and return to their favorite pursuits. Certified by Medicare in 2008, Wyncote offers short-term therapy to area residents and to its own residents who have experienced injury or surgery. Elizabeth Church experienced the skilled support of Phoebe Wyncote’s therapists following a fall, and has made great strides in her recovery. “They were very good and I was encouraged all the way along,” she says. “They never made me do more than I could.” “Working with her was an absolute pleasure. Not only was she highly motivated and cooperative, she inspired and encouraged other therapy residents as well,” commented Erica Ebaugh, DPT. Originally from Pittsburgh where she did substitute teaching, Church moved to Montgomery County to live with her daughter. Eventually she decided to move to Phoebe Wyncote’s independent studio apartments, across the street from the Presbyterian church she attends. Her daughter is still close enough to provide weekly outings to church, local shopping centers and restaurants. Church had to rely on a wheelchair until she could use a walker, then a cane. Now she is back in her own apartment. “She is a true therapy success story in that she has completed her course of treatment and returned to her prior level of functioning,” says Ebaugh. At 83, Church is still organizing afternoon card games with other residents. “It keeps us active!” she says. For more on short-term rehab at Phoebe Wyncote, go to www.phoebe.org/rehab.
We are fortunate to have oncampus physician coverage for our residents three days a week.”
Elizabeth Church exercises at Phoebe Wyncote under the direction of physical therapist Erica Ebaugh.
“Dr. Fenstemacher has been a welcome addition,” said Marian Oglesby, Phoebe Wyncote’s Director of Nursing. “She has presented in-service training to the nursing staff covering pain management, vaccines and other topics. She loves to teach and makes great suggestions to improve care for our residents.” A graduate of New York University School of Medicine, Fenstermacher completed a fellowship in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She served as an active medical director of long-term care facilities after becoming a Certified Medical Director in 1998. In 2005, she became a member of the Pennsylvania Medical Directors Association Board of Directors and is now president Despite recent physical changes to Phoebe Wyncote, “The long-term staff is still there and they have always been the essence of Wyncote’s care,” Fenstermacher said. “They go above and beyond for the residents because it’s not just a job; they want to do it.” Moving forward, it is her hope to lead the community’s caregivers in continuing to provide resident-centered care. “I believe medical care in a nursing home is a team sport,” she said. “Teamwork will continue to enhance Phoebe Wyncote and how the staff cares for its residents.”
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Phoebe Berks Resident Worked In Eisenhower-Era White House In 1944, the government was recruiting people to work in Washington, DC. Fresh out of business school, Helen Marshall and a friend decided to take the Civil Service exam and apply for positions in the capitol. Used to life in Bernville, Berks County, “I was impressed and overwhelmed by the big city,” recalls Marshall of her early days there. In the 1950s, Marshall joined the office of the Presidential Advisor on Personnel Management in the building adjoining The White House. It was the magnificent post-war era and Eisenhower was president. “We were invited to the White House Christmas reception each year,” Marshall remembers. Ike and Mamie Eisenhower hosted the event and gave employees copies of Ike’s paintings. Today two of them hang in Marshall’s Phoebe Berks apartment. Seeing notable people was fairly common for her, especially when she worked down the hall from Nelson Rockefeller. One day Queen Elizabeth II of England arrived for a state visit. “When a foreign visitor came the staff would be asked to come out and give a big reception,” she says. “I was there on the
lawn when she arrived.” Marshall spent three years at the White House working for the Civil Service chairman before transferring to the Civil Service Commission when Eisenhower left office. She retired from Civil Service after 33 years in Washington, and returned to Bernville with her husband, Donald. When he died, she moved to Phoebe Berks. “I decided to move so I could enjoy an apartment and be independent,” says Marshall. She also liked the activities and opportunities to volunteer. Of her White House days, Marshall is very matterof fact. “It was a job,” she says. When it ended, family, friends and beautiful Berks County won her back.
Phoebe Berks Village…where the lifestyle is as engaging as the residents. Phoebe Berks Village is a popular choice for active, yet comfortable retirement living. Call us at 610-927-8567 today!
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Independent Living | Personal Care | Skilled Nursing Short Term Rehabilitation | Adult Day Center 1 Reading Drive, Wernersville, PA • 610.927.8567 • phoebeberks.org
Couple’s Estate Gift Reflects Love of One Another and of Giving Back Alban and Kathryn “Kitty” Eckhard, longtime Allentown residents, were beloved members of the Phoebe Family. In their commitment to Phoebe, they expressed their love of each other and their love of giving back to the community. For 33 years, Kitty volunteered at Phoebe Home, leading an activities group known as Rockel Awareness. Kathy Bohnenberger, Director of Community Life at Phoebe Home, shared that “Kitty always felt it was important to exercise the mind.” She held discussions on current events, headline news and wide-ranging trivia, and never failed to bring along a joke of the day.
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Long-time friends Tom and Janice Stephens recall how Kitty always scheduled her trips and outings so she would be home in time to volunteer at Phoebe. More recently, Alban resided at Phoebe Home for several weeks and Kitty moved into the Miller Building. According to fellow resident Charlotte Watters, Kitty enjoyed Phoebe Home’s activities whether she was a volunteer, a family member or a resident. The Eckhards expressed their love of Phoebe Home in a lasting way by leaving part of their estate to Phoebe. In doing so, they made the lives of Phoebe residents more enjoyable now and in the future.
Alban and Kathryn “Kitty” Eckhard
Phoebe depends on bequests and estate gifts like this to make a difference in residents’ lives. For more on how to include Phoebe in your will or other estate plan, please call 610-794-5132 or visit www.phoebe.org/giving.
Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Makes a Comeback at Phoebe Communities Pennsylvania German language and culture is experiencing a resurgence in the local community. “Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch Schuls,” evening classes in local libraries, are filling up with younger people eager to learn the language of their grandparents. One teacher of the language and noted speaker on the culture is Phoebe Home volunteer Paul Kunkle. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University, helped edit a Pennsylvania Dutch dictionary and spoke to university students in Germany about the language. “What we have inherited Fortunately for Phoebe, he also leads a from our forefathers we must discussion group in “the earn again for ourselves.” dialect” for residents Goethe, German Poet of the David A. Miller Personal Care Community. No English is permitted. If someone doesn’t understand what he is saying, he phrases it another way. “It’s the only way to keep the dialect alive,” says Kunkle. Many whose parents or grandparents spoke Pennsylvania German were not taught the language and were highly discouraged from learning it. At the time, outsiders considered those who spoke the language to be “Dumb Dutchmen.” As part of the homegrown “School of Skills,” a program organized and taught by Phoebe Berks independent living residents, seniors are also able to learn some of the dialect in the heart of Berks County. Pennsylvania German Conversation, a four-week class taught by residents Rev. Herman Lutz and Robert Glass, was very popular this year. Lutz, a native speaker who often preached in Pennsylvania German, “was just amazed at the interest.” The class had 23 students, most of whom had never spoken the language. The two taught common vocabulary words – utensils, tools, parts of the body, food – which students used in sentences. Says Glass, “I think they had fun with it. They learned some words and greetings. Student Shirley Bleile commented, “After class, we would go to the café and talk. We had so much fun going over the words, because many people had never heard them before.” Kunkle is passionate about keeping the language alive. He’s convinced that “Unless you learn to speak it and pronounce the words properly, you lose it.” Luckily, he and other native speakers like Lutz and Glass are willing to lead the way.
More spacious dining rooms give Phoebe Berks’ short-term rehab residents a chance for family to join them for meals.
Country kitchens create a home-style atmosphere and allow more flexibility.
CULTURE CHANGE Part 2:
Phoebe Berks Adds Dose of Culture Change to Dining Let’s face it; food is at the heart of senior living communities. But for today’s older adults, dining is more than just another meal. Food service at Phoebe Berks Health Care Center is now “decentralized” into free-standing country kitchens. Instead of tray-line systems, which limit what healthcare residents can order, residents now receive a variety of fresh food that is plated and prepared-to-order when they are ready to eat. This new form of service resembles home-style kitchens and allows for a main and alternate entrée to be prepared in the main kitchen and delivered to the country kitchen just prior to serving residents. In addition to the entrées, soups and sandwiches –– as well as quick-serve items –– such as hot dogs and grilled cheese, are easily prepared to order. Jean Luckenbill, a Village Commons Personal Care resident, enjoys the new style of dining at Phoebe Berks. “Not having assigned seats allows people to get to know others they haven’t talked to before,” she says. She also appreciates the fact that residents are no longer required to decide what they want to eat the day before their meal. According to Rob Khanuja, Executive Director, Operations, “Residents love the flexibility. We don’t wake anyone up for breakfast. They come when they are ready.” The dining staff are now able to get to know the residents and establish relationships with them. Khanuja says, “Before this, they never came face to face with the customers they served. They take pride in the food they prepare and are able to share that with the residents,” he says. For more information about Phoebe Berks, visit www.phoebeberks.org.
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RESIDENTS PAINT MEMORY MURAL FOR BRAIN GYM While seniors were improving their memory skills in Phoebe Terrace’s Brain Fitness Center over the winter, a group of Terrace residents created a painting titled Memories of Our Youth for a nearby hallway. The 5 ft. x 3 ft. “mural” in acrylics celebrates being young in the 1940s. Based on photos and recollections offered by Terrace residents, and dozens of internet images, the painting depicts a group of friends on bicycles, teens enjoying Coke and ice cream at the local soda fountain, twenty-somethings swing dancing in saddle shoes and white bucks, and families taking a Sunday drive and gathering around the radio for their favorite shows. “Being part of this project brought back memories of my teenage years and our family’s table radio,” said Bob Ott. “We used to listen to news man Floyd Gibbons and comedians Amos and Andy.” “I have absolutely no artistic ability,” added Lorraine Weida, “but I worked as a soda jerk at a local drug store. Watching the sketch of the soda fountain come to life with color was really fascinating.” Other painters, guided by Mary Venditta of Institutional Advancement, were residents Sara Heintzelman, Mary Jane Lentz, Louise Prather, Yvonne Romig, Arlene Sell, Naomi Schleicher and Margaret Teitsworth. Volunteer Katy Molinaro also assisted. “It took many painting sessions,” said Venditta. “In addition to filling in the underpainting, the residents decided what colors to make the car and the clothes, and helped get the details right.” Venditta added the final shading and finishing touches. On July 19, the group met to sign the painting and celebrate its hanging.
Left top: Bob Ott gives a male dancer bucks or white shoes. Left bottom: Close-up of family listening to an early radio program. Above: The signed painting, “Memories of Our Youth.”
Pet Volunteers Bring Laughs, Love to Residents in Rehab Even if Phoebe Home’s Volunteer Dept. ran a classified ad that said: “Wanted: Enthusiastic, Cute-As-aButton Canine Escort with Radiant Smile,” the chances of finding another Angel would be slim. The pet of volunteer Scott Reppert of Allentown, Angel is a white, Miniature American Eskimo, born to be a cheerleader. It may be a grey day outside, but when Angel comes to “her” residents’ rooms, faces etched by time light up like the sun. With head held high and tail bobbing like a plume, Angel lets residents know it’s “Rehab day.” When Reppert volunteered two years ago to transport residents in wheelchairs to their appointments, he wanted to make his brief time with them special. “Some residents miss their pets so much,” he said, “I asked if Angel could come, too. She loves it.” Still at it after two years, Angel treats her elderly friends with respect, keeping all four feet on the floor unless asked, and licking only when hands are offered. “Some people like to rub her tummy or hold her like a baby, and she loves them right back,” Reppert says.
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Above: As resident Florence Flaim awaits rehab, she holds Angel, her volunteer “canine escort.”
“When older people who have been hospitalized come to us for rehab, pets help them relax and feel more at home,” says Jennifer Howanitz, Therapy Services Director. “We use them as part of our therapy, inviting residents to reach out and pat the dog, roll a ball or offer a treat. It’s fun and it helps improve range of motion and increase stimulation.” Five members of the Therapy Services staff also bring in their own dogs on occasion. “The Therapy staff here is very caring,” says Reppert.
Phoebe Housing
Wellness Center Opens at Weidner Manor
Residents of Weidner Manor, a Phoebe affordable housing community in Douglassville, and their neighbors at Amity Manor, can now benefit from a shared wellness center. The center began operation in March and a grand opening was held in May. ARAMARK Senior Services donated box lunches to those in attendance. Desserts and raffle drawings followed at Weidner Manor. Special music and displays by area wellness groups helped to add a festive atmosphere. A grant from the United Way has enabled the Office of Aging, partnered with the Berks VNA and Berks Counseling Center, to provide this free wellness center at Weidner Manor and Amity Manor. “The center provides free health screenings, educational and wellness programs, crafts and other activities,” said Jim Beebe, Housing Manager for Phoebe Ministries. Dan McGuire, the Project Manager for Comprehensive Community Care Initiative is coordinating the program. “He has already had success in a pilot program offering this service to a multi-family housing community in Reading,” continued Beebe. For more information about Phoebe’s Senior Housing visit www.phoebe.org/communities.
On June 12 a team of at least 60 Phoebe employees, families and volunteers joined the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in Bethlehem, raising more than $5,000.
Because Highmark underwrites 100 percent of the event’s costs, all the money Phoebe raised will support two resident-focused initiatives — a new beauty shop at Phoebe Home and a courtyard at Phoebe Richland. Special thanks go to L.R. Webber Assocs. for its support as Phoebe’s T-shirt sponsor.
PHOEBE HOME RESIDENT RELIVES COLLEGE DAYS WITH STAFF MEMBER’S HELP A 1941 graduate of Cedar Crest College, Catherine Kmetz enjoyed paging through her senior yearbook recalling good times she spent with fellow graduates. When her yearbook was misplaced before moving to Phoebe Home, Catherine missed the opportunity to reminisce about the days of which she was so proud. Social worker Karen Leaver was concerned about how stressed it made Catherine to imagine her memento lost somewhere, and made it a Catherine Kmetz is all smiles priority to find as she shows her graduation a replacement. photo (left page,upper right) She recognized in her new copy of Cedar its importance to Crest’s 1941 yearbook. Catherine since “not many women were able to go to college at that time and have a career. She was very rightly proud of her accomplishments.” Fortune brought Sherry Hartman, a social work intern from Cedar Crest, to Phoebe last fall, and Leaver asked if she had any connections with the Alumnae Association. “Sherry was instrumental in getting a copy of the yearbook from the college. They just happened to have one extra from 1941.” Sherry already shared a special bond with Catherine as a future alumna of her alma mater. “They compare notes on the differences in college life then and now,” laughs Leaver. The two were even comparing their college rings one day. When the two women presented the book to Catherine, “She was ecstatic; she was really thrilled!” says Leaver. It was like connecting with old friends again as she looked at the photos of all the women she had kept in touch with through the years. As a social worker, easing the emotional stress of our residents is part of what Leaver does each day. “It brought me such satisfaction to see her relive those days again. It was a piece of Catherine’s life that meant so much.” www.phoebe.org • The Messenger • 9
Phoebe Special Recognition PHOEBE MINISTRIES
BERKS n In May, residents, staff and friends gathered for an end-ofconstruction celebration featuring refreshments, a band concert and horse-drawn carriage rides. Everyone was thanked for their patience during Phoebe Berks’ recent renovations and expansion.
n Phoebe Berks Auxiliary held a Victorian Tea this spring, featuring guest speakers Paula Trimpey and Doreen Burdalski, Fashion Design professors at Albright College. Attendees enjoyed their talk on Victorian fashions and many arrived in clothes of that era. Pictured at right are Ronnie Backenstoe (l) and Dolores Harter (r).
n The Wyomissing Area Garden Club presented a standard flower show at Phoebe Berks Village in June, based on the theme “Wedding Bells Are Ringing.” Winners in the resident category were Anna Mae Huber (l) and Amelia Davies, with Jackie Davies (r), club president.
n Mosaic artist Christine Fleming (r) chats with an attendee of the annual Spring Art Exhibit and Meet the Artist reception at Phoebe Berks in June. This is the first year a mosaic artist was featured at the biannual Village event.
n Phoebe Berks’ homegrown School of Skills celebrated its fourth year of resident-taught classes this spring. In addition to being fun, learning new skills is linked to reducing the risk of dementia-related disorders. Members of the Chinese language class include (l-r) Mary Kontaxes, instructor Sid Symons, Katherine Savadelis and Dolores Harter.
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n Corrine Dautrich, Chaplain, Phoebe Home, was installed as conference Moderator at the spring meeting of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ. Her twoyear term will include a search and call for the next conference minister. The Rev. Dr. F. Russell Mitman completes his term Dec. 31 after 18 years. n Phoebe Ministries’ Faith in Action video won a national Videographer Award of Excellence in the religious/ documentary category of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals’ 2010 competition. The Association’s highest award, the Award of Excellence was presented to approximately 14 percent of this year’s 1,800 entries, primarily from the United States. According to the judges, those projects were deemed to be “written, produced, shot and edited in an exceptional manner.” Phoebe’s video was created by The Media People of Alburtis.
RICHLAND
n More than 150 visitors and 32 vendors – the biggest crowd to date – attended the 5th Annual Upper Bucks Forum on Aging. Phoebe Richland and local organizations provided useful information to seniors, whose written feedback was overwhelmingly positive. n Jen Ruggiero, Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics, hosted a free Pampering Makeover in April for Phoebe Richland’s female residents and their daughters.
WYNCOTE
ALLENTOWN
n Cynthia Bonney, NHA, was promoted to the position of Administrator for Phoebe Wyncote. She most recently served as Assistant Administrator for Phoebe Home.
n Residents of Phoebe Terrace Retirement Community were Chefs for the Day recently, as they worked with executive chefs from CURA Hospitality, Inc. to prepare pizzas, calzones and focaccia breads from scratch. The event was Phoebe Terrace’s first Italian cooking demonstration.
Cynthia began her employment with Phoebe Ministries in 1999 when she was named Director of Admissions and Marketing for Phoebe Home. Her responsibilities were expanded to include being Manager of Personal Care Services for the David A. Miller Personal Care Building and a leader in managing the Geriatric Care Management program.
GERIATRIC CARE MANAGEMENT and PHARMACY SERVICES n This spring, Phoebe Pharmacy teamed with Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management Program to hold a Medication Review at Phoebe Terrace.
Phoebe Terrace resident Lucia Riggins, above, took advantage of the event to have her current medicines checked by Tammy Hill, Pharmacist.
n Cindy Sechler was appointed Director of Admissions for Phoebe Home. She previously was employed in the Admissions office at Phoebe Home and helped with the Geriatric Care Management program.
n Resident Esther Casteline (seated, right) of
the David A. Miller Personal Care Community celebrated her 108th birthday in March, joined by friends in the community’s dining room. Esther lived in her own home until she was 100. n Wendy Hildenbrandt (below, with award), Nurse Manager on Phoebe Home’s Bridgeways neighborhood, recently accepted the Outstanding Program of the Year Award from Peggy Mullan, President, and Bryan Sickbert, CEO, of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Services (CHHSM). n As part of Phoebe Home’s Employee Appreciation week in May, Rev. Alan Miller of the Penn NE Conference of the United Church of Christ, and Rev. Dr. Geneva Butz, Associate Conference Minister, Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, blessed the hands of direct caregivers and support staff. At right, Miller blesses John Weisel of the Laundry Dept. n The Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs (l), discusses her book, A Clergy Guide to End of Life Issues, during the June 10 Phoebe Institute on Aging conference held at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Inez Hannah, above, drove from Bethlehem to have her medications evaluated for possible duplications and drug interactions. She met with Karen Austin, Pharmacy Technician.
n As part of National Nurses Week, Institutional Advancement’s Molly Kranzley Driscoll (r) drops in at a Phoebe Home tea party, dressed as Florence Nightingale. In addition to honoring Phoebe’s Allentown Campus nursing staff, the party recognized residents who are retired nurses. Here, “Florence” and Phoebe Home resident Aileen Wapner chat about Aileen’s days as a nurse.
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The Messenger Phoebe Ministries Institutional Advancement 1925 Turner St. Allentown, PA 18104
Calendar of Events
For more events visit www.phoebe.org/newsandevents or www.phoebeberks.org/events
AUGUST 11 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Phoebe Auxiliary Peach Festival Moyer Hall For info, call 610-794-5365.
OCTOBER 1 11th Annual Phoebe Home Basket Social Moyer Hall For info, call 610-794-5365.
7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Allentown Band Concert Front Lawn, Phoebe Home For info, call 610-794-5365.
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3:30 p.m. Phoebe Berks Dine & Discover Picnic Village Auditorium & Dining Room For info/RSVP, call 610-927-8567.
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Phoebe Berks Village Summer Band Concert Wyomissing Band Village Green For info, call 610-927-8513 or email dberstler@phoebe.org.
SEPTEMBER 22 11:30 a.m. Phoebe Berks Lunch & Learn Village Dining Room For info/RSVP, call 610-927-8567. 30
11th Annual Phoebe Home Basket Social Moyer Hall For info, call 610-794-5365.
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11:30 a.m. Phoebe Berks Lunch & Learn Village Dining Room For info/RSVP, call 610-927-8567.
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2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Phoebe Berks Meet the Artist Reception Village Auditorium Artist: Mary Button For info, call 610-927-8513.
NOVEMBER 4 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Phoebe Institute on Aging Benefit Lehigh Country Club, Allentown With special guest David Isay, founder and president of StoryCorps, an independent non-profit project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening. StoryCorps interviews are broadcast Friday on NPR’s Morning Edition. Isay is author of Listening Is an Act of Love and Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps. For info, call 610-794-5135 or email hhaas@ phoebe.org.
The Messenger is published three times a year by: Phoebe Ministries, 1925 Turner Street, Allentown, PA 18104, 610-794-5130, 800-453-8814, Fax: 610-794-5421 Scott Stevenson, President and CEO Alan McFall, Esq., Chairman, Phoebe Ministries Governing Board Marcella Moyer Schick, Vice President, Institutional Advancement Trina Johnson-Brady, Project Manager Mary Venditta, Layout Contributors this issue: Tracy Kleppinger Bozik, Trina Johnson-Brady, William Davies, Charles Fehr, Danielle Gower, Helen Haas, Molly Kranzley Driscoll, Grace Hoyer, Marcella Moyer Schick, Mary Venditta www.phoebe.org
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8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Phoebe Institute on Aging Community Program Location: Northampton Community College Keynote speaker: David Isay. For info, call 610-794-5135 or email hhaas@ phoebe.org.
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11:30 a.m. Phoebe Berks Lunch & Learn Village Dining Room For info/RSVP, call 610-927-8567.
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10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Holiday Craft Bazaar Moyer Hall For info, call 610-794-5365.
DECEMBER 6 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Holiday Open House Phoebe Berks Village For info, call 610-927-8567.
7:00 p.m. Celebration of Lights Ceremony Phoebe Richland Health Care Center For info, call 267-371-4504 or email ssabo@ phoebe.org.
Phoebe-Devitt Homes is the official name of the 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation known as Phoebe Ministries. Founded in 1903 and incorporated as such in 1984, Phoebe-Devitt Homes is responsible for the supervision of facilities, long-range planning, development and fundraising for 16 communities. Together, these affiliates provide long-term care, housing and support services to more than 2,300 individuals. Member of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, PANPHA, and Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ. The official registration and financial information of Phoebe-Devitt Homes, the foundation of Phoebe Ministries, may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania at 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Mission Statement of Phoebe Ministries: A community of faith, called by God, to serve the needs and to enhance the lives of our elders, their families and the broader community.