Messenger Winter 2012

The Phoebe

Messenger

Volume 92, Issue 3 | News from Phoebe Ministries

NEW LOOK, SAME PLEDGE:

Phoebe’s New Coordinated Branding Initiative Phoebe Ministries recently unveiled a new branding initiative with an updated logo that bears the new Phoebe tagline, “A tradition of excellence. A passion for caring,” and the time-honored Phoebe connecting hearts.

Brynn Buskirk, Director of Marketing and Community Relations says, “Phoebe’s new tagline was chosen because it speaks to both Phoebe’s history as a leader in quality senior care and our emphasis on compassion.”

Over the years, Phoebe has used different taglines to communicate important messages. Perhaps most memorable was a more recent tagline, “A Legacy of Care,” featured during the time Phoebe Ministries celebrated its Centennial in 2003.

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1-800-453-8814 www.phoebe.org

Phoebe’s New Cyber Look Updated Info 24/7 at phoebe.org Phoebe Ministries is announcing the launch of a totally re-designed and expanded website, www.phoebe.org, which will serve as the primary place to go for complete information on all our communities and services. The new site offers dedicated navigation and new content for each of the Phoebe Communities.

The information can now be easily accessed by both location and level of care.

Additional features include: • The ability to inquire about care online and apply for services and/or residency • Information on charitable giving and the option to make your donation online • Up to date employment listings and the ability to apply online

• Messages of Cheer—send a resident a birthday or seasonal wish • Brand new slideshows and videos of all our communities • Online sign-ups to receive our communications via email • The latest news and events, and the ability to register online

“As the importance of the internet and the online marketplace continues to evolve and grow, people expect a certain level of polish and interaction from a website,” says Gregory Pasquale Ciminera, Vice President of Marketing and Institutional Advancement at Phoebe Ministries, “and we’re working hard to deliver that.”

Phoebe’s ever-expanding network of communities and services currently serve six counties in Eastern PA. Many family members look online for information on caring for their loved ones and live outside the broad area Phoebe services. Our website is a critical tool in presenting the levels of care our organization provides and the quality of services people have come to know and expect from Phoebe. continued on page 3

Turn to page 12 to read about best-selling author, Gail Sheehy’s appearance at Phoebe institute on Aging’s Fall 2011 fundraising dinner & educational conference

Phoebe’s New Coordinated Branding Initiative (continued) Additionally, Phoebe’s friends, families, and employees will see the new branding emphasize Phoebe’s communities and the coordinated network of which they are a part. The most drastic change being the terminology associated with the Allentown facilities, in particular, which will now be referred to using the overarching name, “Phoebe Allentown.”

To align the buildings with the terminology used on Phoebe’s other campuses, Phoebe Home is now known as The Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center.

“The Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center offers great care in a home-like environment where each day is directed by the individual,” says Michell Staska-Pier, Vice President of Operations at Phoebe Allentown. “We offer services for individuals needing short-term rehabilitation, memory support, and personal care services. Our community has an individual directed approach to activities and enrichment. The facility has grown so much over the last century that its new name is more fitting.”

Over the course of the next year, signage around Phoebe Allentown will be updated to communicate these changes. “It’s important for our community to realize that although our logo and signage are changing, our pledge to the individuals we care for has stayed the same,” says Buskirk.

“Serving the needs of our aging population means providing the highest quality of care and creating the best possible quality of life for those we serve.”

From the President: Exciting New Developments at Phoebe Greetings to you, friends of our ministry. I pray that God blessed you and your family with a joyous holiday season. As Phoebe moves into 2012, our 109th year, we are truly excited by what the future holds and we remain true to our mission and legacy of service.

As a ministry focused on honoring God with our efforts, we are committed to serving our residents, Scott R. Stevenson, patients, and clients with quality, cutting edge President and CEO services and programs. Initiatives such as short-term rehabilitation, the new personal care service line available at Phoebe Wyncote, telemedicine and our high-tech pharmacy operations are just a few examples. Additionally, the favorable restructuring of components of the organization’s capital structure this past year has given Phoebe yet another reason to be optimistic.

The Allentown campus repositioning is well underway, with The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown undergoing a significant renovation that will enhance its socialization areas, and a more inviting reception area on the first floor. The Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center is also in the process of a major renovation project that includes interior room renovations and updating the exterior façade to create a more modern ‘townhouse’ feel.

As we enter our 109th year of service we are excited about the opportunities open to our ministry through which we may continue to honor God.

Additionally, 2012 sees the City of Allentown mark its founding with a 250th year-long anniversary celebration. Phoebe, as an integral part of the history of Allentown, will be helping to celebrate this milestone. We will be looking for ways to highlight the stories of our Phoebe Allentown residents and celebrate their local history throughout this special anniversary year.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Gregory P. Ciminera as Phoebe’s new Vice President of Marketing and Institutional Advancement.

Greg’s extensive experience and skills, coupled with his energy, make him a great addition to our executive management team.

Phoebe continues to embrace its spiritual richness and its culture centered on Faith in Action. As an organization, we are committed to creating an energetic and collaborative environment for our staff and residents. Our newly expanded website, www.phoebe.org and the enhancements to our other communication vehicles are additional examples of our commitment to effectively communicate to all of our stakeholders and community partners.

As we are called to follow God’s example to be of real service to our fellow man, Phoebe’s $8.2 million dollars of Charitable and Uncompensated Care last fiscal year is a strong testament to us heeding that call. That dollar amount is the highest level of charity and benevolence provided in our 109-year history.

Since our founding, it is our belief that we are here to serve. Our actions and open, honest communications are rooted firmly in our Faith in Action philosophy. God has certainly blessed our ministry and we pray that God may continue to bless you and Phoebe Ministries in the coming year.

Phoebe Services Pharmacy Utilizes State-of-the-Art Packaging for Precise Dispensing Phoebe Services Pharmacy, located in Allentown, delivers traditional customer service utilizing innovative technology while providing clients with the highest quality of care. The Pharmacy, which services all of the Phoebe communities, as well as other continuing care retirement communities in eastern Pennsylvania, has incorporated the state-of-the-art Talyst Packaging System for safe and accurate dispensing of routine oral solid medications.

“Our Talyst Packaging System for our medications is essentially a computerized machine that dispenses and labels oral solids into seven day supplies of packages organized by nursing station and then by room number. The medications within the packages are sorted and barcoded to allow for more accurate and efficient administration,” says Cindy Richart, Director of Operations for Phoebe Services Pharmacy.

Talyst’s Oral Solid Packaging System, AutoPack®, utilized

by Phoebe Services Pharmacy.

Medications dispensed by the Talyst Packaging System are checked by a registered pharmacist prior to leaving the pharmacy, and then checked again at the bedside against the electronic medication administration record to ensure timely and safe delivery to residents. Details such as administration date and time, quantity of the medication, medication name, strength, and description are easily accessible to the person administering the medication. This is a level of efficiency and quality that very few senior service facilities can claim, distinguishing Phoebe as a leader.

Richart says the Pharmacy has been utilizing the packaging system for three years and has seen cost savings for both the pharmacy and end user, as well as time savings for both pharmacists and nursing staff.

“We’re always looking for ways to partner with our facilities to reduce the cost of pharmaceuticals, improve resident safety, and improve staff productivity and satisfaction,’ Richart says. Our packaging system is a distinguishing advantage and differential for Phoebe services.

Phoebe’s Network DEVITT HOUSE Indep. Living; Senior Apartments

PHOEBE ALLENTOWN HEALTH CARE CENTER Nursing Care, Short-Term Rehab, Geriatric Care Management, Memory Support DAVID A. MILLER PERSONAL CARE COMMUNITY Personal Care

Lewisburg

Union County

Wind Gap

Northampton County Lehigh County

FRANKLIN & NOBLE MANOR Indep. Living; Senior Apartments Shoemakersville

Robesonia

WIND GAP MANOR Indep. Living; Senior Apartments

THE TERRACE AT PHOEBE ALLENTOWN Indep. Living; Retirement Community

PHOEBE APARTMENTS Indep. Living; Senior Apartments

FURNACE CREEK MANOR Indep. Living; Senior Apts.

Phoebe’s New Cyber Look (continued)

PHOEBE RICHLAND Nursing Care, Short-Term Rehab, Independent Living Allentown

JOHN F. LUTZ APARTMENTS Indep. Living; Senior Apartments

Berks County

Richlandtown

WEIDNER MANOR Indep. Living; Senior Apartments PHOEBE BERKS VILLAGE COMMONS, VILLAGE GARDENS, TRANQUILITY PLACE Personal Care, Memory Support, Adult Day

Reading Wernersville

PHOEBE SERVICES PHARMACY

Bucks County

Douglassville

Montgomery County

PHOEBE BERKS VILLAGE Indep. Living; Retirement Community, Geriatric Care Management

Wyncote

PHOEBE BERKS HEALTH CARE CENTER Nursing Care, Short-Term Rehab SENIOR APTS AT THE WYOMISSING CLUB Indep. Living; Senior Apartments

PHOEBE WYNCOTE Indep. Living; Residential Rooms; Nursing Care, Short-Term Rehab, Personal Care

“Our new website offers a better layout and collection of information for families when they are making the difficult decision of who they should trust in caring for an aging family member,” Ciminera explains.

“We truly respect that challenge and want to accurately and clearly reflect why Phoebe is, hands down, the right choice in Eastern PA.” Phoebe’s long tradition of care is showcased on the site, as is the newer trend of providing aging in place services to families. The new Phoebe Ministries website is truly a great resource for all the communities we serve. It will continue to be an invaluable tool for individuals making educated decisions about care for their loved ones. www.phoebe.org

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Springhouse Park Dedication Brings New Meaning to the Outdoors at Phoebe Richland In September, residents, volunteers, family, and staff gathered in the new Springhouse Park at Phoebe Richland to celebrate its completion with a dedication ceremony. The wheelchair accessible patio and garden were finished after several months of construction.

The park was largely supported by donations raised at the community, including the sale of special bricks.

A highlight of the program was a flag-raising led by members of the John Rivers Memorial VFW Post #11322, Quakertown. Mary Kay McMahon, Administrator (shown top left), felt it was important to have an illuminated flag pole in a central location to honor residents and community members who served our country. Veterans in attendance were recognized with corsages and American flags as their names were read aloud to the audience.

The park was designed to be a multi-sensory, visually stimulating environment for residents to experience the beauty of nature. Features in the park include a fire pit, a handicap accessible gazebo, and a working toy train and track that stretches across the garden. The covered pavilion can be reserved by family members to hold special events.

Since the park’s opening, Doris Fosbenner, a resident who uses a wheelchair, completes laps in the garden every day and proudly reports her progress to the staff. She enjoys, “being around the trees, flowers, and butterflies.” The design of the park is special because it allows residents like Fosbenner to access the space without assistance.

In October, Phoebe Richland staff gathered in the park to rededicate themselves to the Faith in Action values with a blessing of the hands ceremony and a tulip bulb planting. The Community Life department has organized evening sing-alongs complete with marshmallows and smores for dark winter nights, thanks to the warmth offered by the fire pit.

Phoebe Richland residents are greatly benefitting from your gifts toward the multi-seasonal park. If you would like to contribute to similar life-enhancing projects in any of our communities, please contact the Marketing and Institutional Advancement Department by calling 610-794-5153 or e-mailing our Director of Institutional Advancement, Charles Fehr at cfehr@phoebe.org.

Phoebe Berks Flower Show Wins National Award The 2010 Phoebe Berks Flower Show, held by the Wyomissing Area Garden Club won a national award from National Garden Clubs, Inc. The show’s wedding theme impressed the judges at The Garden Club Federation of PA, where the Wyomissing Club received their first award.

Wyomissing Area Garden Club for 30 years.

“We divided it into two categories so we could give away more ribbons to participants.”

The Wyomissing Area Garden Club was asked to compile a book of evidence about the show in order to be entered in the competition on a national level. Scoring 95 out of 100, they received a standard flower show achievement award for the beautiful show they organized at Phoebe Berks.

The Wyomissing Area Garden Club is well-known at Phoebe Berks.

Members of the club offer residents flower arranging classes several times a year. Most recently, 16 personal care residents created mixed green arrangements with the garden club to decorate their holiday dining tables.

Some of Phoebe’s Personal Care and Independent Living residents participated in the show by submitting their own arrangements. “I was amazed by what they created,” said Jackie Davies, current Parliamentarian and a member of the

“The residents who participate in the design classes enjoy the activities and are eager and creative students,” says current president, Carol Ann Goodhart. “Working with the staff and residents of Phoebe is always a pleasure.”

Richland Dream Makers Help Resident Get “Back on the Road!”

While seniors and tractor trailers may not seem like a natural fit, for Helen Walters, a resident of Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, they are a memorable part of her history. The Dream Makers Committee at Phoebe Richland wanted to honor Walters’ family history and bring back some personal memories.

Walters was widowed and running a highway restaurant and service station in Illinois when she met her second husband, a truck driver. At that time Walters had five grown children and began traveling the country with her new husband, Jobie. She immediately fell in love with being on the road in a truck. She recalls the first time she took a turn behind the wheel, saying “my knees were shaking.”

Walters kept many scrapbooks of her traveling days and loves to share them with the staff at Phoebe Richland. This inspired the Dream Makers Committee to get her back in a truck. The group began working with her daughter, Georgie Delacey-Pabst, a volunteer, to make her dream come true. Delacey-Pabst mentioned how much her mom loved Southern food and plans were underway to take her to Cracker Barrel for a catfish meal in the truck.

Walters’ ride for the day was courtesy of Richland Feed, a family-owned company in Richlandtown. Brian Same, who drove the truck wanted to make time for Helen when he heard about her story. The ride in the truck cab was a surprise for Walters. When she saw it parked outside her eyes became teary and she quietly said, “I used to drive one of those.”

Walters’ experience is one of many examples of how Phoebe employees aim to create meaningful experiences for our residents. The Dream Makers Committee continues to look for and fulfill the dreams of Richland’s residents.

Phoebe Richland resident, Helen Walters with her husband Jobie Walters during the wonderful days they spent driving tractor trailers across the country.

Truck driver Brian Same from Richlandtown Feed was happy to take Helen Walters for a ride in his tractor trailer to bring back memories of her past. Seen with Helen are her daughter Georgiana Delaney-Pabst and son-in-law, Bob Pabst.

Larry & Rita Pelland gather with Rev. Barry Galley, Vice President, Operations, Phoebe Berks at the end of their vacation at the community.

Passport to Travel Encourages Seniors to Discover the Beauty of Phoebe Berks Last spring, residents from three retirement communities vacationed at Phoebe Berks as part of CHHSM’s (The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries) pilot of the new Passport to Travel Program.

Larry Pelland, who lives with his wife at Havenword-Heritage Heights in Concord, N.H., wrote about the experience in CHHSM’s newsletter in August. “It was an incredible reception by both managerial staff and fellow residents,” says Pelland of his arrival at Phoebe Berks. “The memories and friendships made are priceless.”

Passport to Travel provides a system in which residents of eight CHHSM organizations, including residents of Phoebe Berks, are welcome to visit and stay for a period of up to two weeks at each of the other partner organizations located all over the United States. This travel exchange arrangement encourages residents of retirement communities to discover and experience the lifestyles at other communities across the country in a senior-friendly and supportive environment.

“Havenwood-Heritage Heights Retirement Community and Phoebe Berks joined hands in a common bond of fellowship and community,” Pelland adds. He encourages others to participate in the program by saying, “It will be a life-changing experience for you.”

For more information on Passport to Travel, visit www.chhsm.org/passport. www.phoebe.org

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Rehab Client Enjoys Independent Living at Phoebe Wyncote After a brief hospital stay this summer, Margaret Hudson’s physician recommended she receive rehabilitation to strengthen her legs. Her daughter referred her to Phoebe Wyncote since she was familiar with the quality care Phoebe provides on its Allentown Campus.

“She was greatly impressed with what she saw when she did her third year field work in ministry,” says Hudson of her daughter’s Clinical Pastoral Education experience in Phoebe Allentown’s skilled nursing center.

While Hudson credits her daughter for referring her to Phoebe, it was the gracious welcome and care that made her want to stay. “The attention and nursing care you receive when you come into the building is what sold me on Phoebe,” Hudson says.

After she finished her Phoebe Wyncote rehab experience, she realized, “there was no need to go back to my apartment.” Now Hudson, who will be 100 in April, lives independently in a studio apartment at Phoebe Wyncote. “None of the other places I looked at were like Phoebe Wyncote.

The atmosphere and dedication of the staff is more than anyone could want.”

Phoebe’s Clinical Pastoral Education Allows Students to Grow Phoebe’s Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Program has been educating students planning to work in the field of pastoral care for over 10 years. The program is under the direction of The Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope, Director of Pastoral Care Services at Phoebe Ministries.

Phoebe’s CPE program provides quality, hands-on experience for pastoral care students. This summer Ange Kouadio attended CPE sessions on Phoebe Allentown’s campus and served as a pastoral care assistant at Phoebe Wyncote, near his home.

Ange Kouadio led Morning Devotions at Phoebe Allentown as part of his Pastoral Care training in Phoebe’s CPE program.

One of his projects at Phoebe Wyncote was to start an activities group for male residents. The group included a special meal, activities like horse shoes and basketball and general camaraderie. “I never saw the residents so active and smiling,” he says.

“It was truly a blessing.”

“Ange had tremendous rapport with the residents,” says Susan Astheimer, Director of Community Life, Phoebe Wyncote. “His natural empathy allowed him to quickly “tune-in” to the needs of the residents who all responded to him with openness and trust.”

Kouadio is finishing his Master of Divinity at Andrews University in Michigan and attended Mercy College for his undergraduate degree.

He moved to the Philadelphia region from the Ivory Coast in Africa 15 years ago.

He chose Phoebe as the site of his CPE internship over an organization willing to give him a full scholarship. “After the interview, I felt I didn’t have to go anywhere else. I felt God was leading me to Phoebe.”

“What I really learned from my time at Phoebe is how to be in a relationship and learning to care for people on a deeper level,” says Kouadio. “It has really made me a better person in how I relate to others.”

For more information about Phoebe’s CPE Program, contact Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope, Director of Pastoral Care Services, Phoebe Ministries at 610-794-5119 or scope@phoebe.org or go to phoebe.org/CPE.

Like what we’re doing here?

Margaret Hudson, 99, (left) enjoys a special moment with good friend, Millie Keyes, at Phoebe Wyncote’s Annual Holiday party.

Please go to Phoebe.org/giving for ways to support Phoebe.

New Director of Pastoral Care Builds on Strong Connections with Phoebe The Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope was appointed Director of Pastoral Care Services for Phoebe Ministries in September. He is responsible for directing Phoebe’s pastoral care program and Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE).

“Phoebe is a place I have known all my life. My home church, where I spent much of my childhood and youth was Dubbs Memorial UCC in Allentown. I was ordained there in 1987. Coming to be the Director of Pastoral Care at Phoebe in many ways feels like coming back home,” says Brooks-Cope.

Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope

For the last sixteen years, Rev. Dr. Brooks-Cope served as the Senior Chaplain and Clinical Pastoral Education Supervisor at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.

Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope with Phoebe’s full-time Pastoral care staff.

Brooks-Cope’s grandmother, Hattie Hunsicker, lived at Phoebe Allentown when he was a child. He remembers visiting her often and even playing ball on the front lawn with a friend. “I have long been acquainted with the excellent and personalized level of care that is given here at Phoebe.”

His first few months of service have been busy with guiding the first semester of CPE students, participating in services, ceremonies, committee meetings and getting to know residents and staff members. “I feel so blessed to be here and build on the excellent program of pastoral care and education that my friend, the Rev. Dr. Allan Kramer-Moyer, has built over his tenure,” he says.

“I told our church relations committee that I envision my role as being pastor to the Phoebe Community. My first year is all about building relationships throughout the Phoebe network and the communities of faith that support its ministry,” says Brooks-Cope.

Phoebe Communities Participate in UCC’s Mission: 1 Collection Mission: 1 is an initiative of the United Church of Christ that aims to collect more than 1 million items of healthy food and other household items for local food banks and outreach services. As a shared mission with UCC churches and affiliates, several Phoebe communities participated for 11 powerful days to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice.

The Rev. Dr. Christine L. Nelson, Executive Director, Lehigh County Conference of Churches (shown at left with Rev. Corrine Dautrich, Rev. Martin Duffy and Rev. Albert Martin) accepted over $1,000 and many canned goods donated to the conference through Phoebe’s participation in the UCC’s Mission:1 efforts this year.

“We were honored that she was here in person to talk about the mission of the conference,” said Rev. Corrine Dautrich, Phoebe Allentown Chaplain.

“Close to two hundred letters were also written from Phoebe staff and residents to the U.S. Congress regarding concern over hunger in America.

It was a great demonstration of Phoebe’s sense of our wider mission and purpose as part of this community.”

Canned goods were dedicated to Mission: 1 during Phoebe Wyncote’s Community Worship Service on November 13th (lower photo).

Please visit www.ucc.org/mission1/ for more information about the program.

www.phoebe.org

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Phoebe At Home Services Helps Seniors Rehab to Home Phoebe at Home Services Geriatric Care Management team is a caring group of professionals who are eager to help seniors reach their goals and allow them to age in place. Phoebe at Home Services has helped many local seniors to return home after stays in skilled care and rehabilitation centers.

Carolyn Steininger is a perfect example of a successful outcome through Phoebe at Home Services. Carolyn came to Phoebe Allentown’s skilled nursing center for therapy after a hospital stay in April. Carolyn’s daughter, Jane Kriz, resides in Connecticut and was concerned about her mother’s well-being. She was not able to stay in Allentown for long periods of time and enlisted Kelly Zeppenfelt, Phoebe Allentown’s Geriatric Care Manager, for support, guidance, and assistance.

Jane wanted her mother to have extra support and care while receiving nursing and rehabilitation services. Kelly was able to coordinate services so Carolyn had one-on-one personal and companion care throughout the day. Zeppenfelt kept in contact with Steininger’s friends and business associates and called her daughter with weekly updates.

Kriz commented “I was very pleased with Kelly as she responded promptly to my mom’s needs. Since I am not local, she’s done a great job of keeping me well-informed of her progress.” Kelly also handled scheduling obstacles, and day to day issues without a ripple in the continuity of care.

After spending the next steps of her rehabilitation at Phoebe’s David A. Miller Personal Care Community, Steininger was able to return home. She is one among many who have benefited from the continuum of care that Phoebe provides.

If you are interested in learning more about Phoebe At Home Services, call 610-794-5344 or visit phoebe.org/athome.

Phoebe Residents Compete in Iron Chef Style Competition Residents from Phoebe Allentown, Richland, Berks and Wyncote campuses all donned their chef coats to compete in an Iron Chef inspired competition at the Phoebe Allentown Campus in October.

Organized by Phoebe’s strategic partner and food service provider, Cura Hospitality, the Chef’s Challenge featured two teams—Team Spice and Team Flambé—going head-to-head on a timed cook-off for judges.

The Chef’s Challenge proved to be a huge hit for Phoebe residents, staff, and families. Residents selected to compete typically had a fondness for cooking. As they were slicing and dicing, commentators were interviewing them about their cooking skills and experience. The event received extensive media coverage from all around the Lehigh Valley, and was featured in the Morning Call, on Channel 69 News, and on the front page of the Eastern PA Business Journal.

Phoebe Richland; Betty Lehr, 84, Phoebe Berks Village resident; Helen Walters, 86, Phoebe Richland resident; and Helen Ortiz, 85, Phoebe Wyncote resident.

Team Flambé was selected as the winner of the Chef’s Challenge. Their winning menu, featuring secret ingredient acorn squash, included: • Appetizer: Pan seared sea scallops with acorn squash puree • Entree: Oven roasted swai fish with a roasted mushroom acorn squash over cous cous • Dessert: Acorn squash turnover topped with orange and squash puree with candied glazed cranberries on the side

Team Flambé consisted of: Prince Micah, a Cura cook at Phoebe Allentown; Anne Anderson, a Cura prep cook at Phoebe Allentown; Andrew Eggert, executive chef at Phoebe Allentown; Darius Murden, a Cura sous chef at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown; Bud Kuhns, 84, The Terrace resident; Sara Heintzelman, 83, The Terrace resident; and Leah Everett, 74, a Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center resident.

Team Spice consisted of Ed Keglovits, Cura’s executive chef at Phoebe Berks; Nate Phillips, production manager at Phoebe Berks; Matt Eppler, a cook at Phoebe Wyncote; Sally Strick, a baker and cook at

Team Flambé, winner of the Phoebe Ministries and Cura Hospitality Chef ’s Challenge.

Phoebe Services Celebrates History of Oldest Building Phoebe Services employees worked together this fall to plan a celebration in honor of Phoebe’s oldest existing structure, The Paul P. Haas Administration Building on the grounds of the Phoebe Allentown Campus.

Phoebe Allentown Resident is Connected to Original Phoebe Landowner

Allentown HCC resident, Norma Gruber, holds her ‘Princess Court’ with Revena (Bena) Rossi, Vice President of Finance, during the celebration.

Now housing administrative offices for several departments, the building was home to Phoebe residents until the late 1980’s. In 1911, it was the first dormitory built on the farmland purchased from the David Greisemer estate (see story at right).

To reflect the era in which the building was erected, the Haas Celebration Committee planned an event with an old fashioned carnival theme and patriotic decorations. Each department worked a game booth or served refreshments donated by Cura Hospitality.

“It was such a successful day!” says Jessica Miller, Human Resources Coordinator and Chair of the planning committee. “The residents loved seeing all the ‘old-time’ games and food, and the Services staff members had a great time hosting the event.”

One of the most popular events at the celebration was a “Big Hat” contest, inspired by the large hats that were in fashion during the Edwardian era.

The Business Office won the contest by majority vote with an oldfashioned hat modeled by Donna Whittemore, Allentown Campus Financial Counselor.

Services staff and resident cooking groups donated baked goods to be used as prizes for the ever-popular cake walk. Phoebe staff members and volunteers participated in transporting residents from various neighborhoods so they could enjoy the games, food, and live music.

“Our team really worked together to pull it off,” Miller adds. “Our core team was amazing, but everyone was there on the day when it really mattered.

Seeing the interactions between the residents and staff was priceless.”

DSC00045 Missing

Phoebe Services staff members compete in a big hat competition while a deaconess from Phoebe’s history interacts with residents (above).

While planning the Haas Anniversary Celebration, committee members realized a very special resident currently lives on the Allentown Campus.

Francis Cunningham, whose mother was married to David Griesemer, the original owner of the land where Phoebe was founded, enlightened Chaplain Albert Martin about her connections to Phoebe’s early history.

When Greisemer died in the early 1900’s, a group of ministers from the German Reformed Church, now known as the United Church of Christ, purchased three acres of land from his estate.

They had been looking for land to start a deaconess training school and “old folks home.”

A 13-room farmhouse stood on the property, large enough to house 6 residents and several deaconess trainees. It was into this farmhouse that Cunningham’s mother moved after marrying Griesemer. Cunningham never lived in the house but grew up nearby.

After Griesemer’s death, Cunningham’s mother, Rosa, and her grandparents moved into two row homes built by Griesemer for workers in Greenview Cemetery. Cunningham lived in this house all her life, only steps away from Phoebe’s Allentown Campus. She has distinct memories of her mother referring to the farmhouse when they would visit a family friend, Mrs. Derr, who was a resident in the new dormitory, built in 1911.

The farmhouse stood until 1933 when the Administration Building was erected.

Cunningham was never able to go inside the farmhouse but recently saw photos taken during the deaconess era and was able to get a sense of what it must have looked like when her mother lived there.

She often stops at the large framed photo of the farmhouse that hangs on the first floor of Phoebe Allentown, remembering the stories her mother told. www.phoebe.org

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Phoebe Ministries 2011 Golf Tournament Raises the Bar for this Year’s Event Record-Breaking $114,000 Donated for Charitable Care

Co-chairs of the Phoebe Ministries Golf Tournament Committee Ron Bashore (L) and Bill Hughes (R), assist S cott Stevenson, Phoebe Ministries President/CEO in presenting prizes at the 2011 event.

The 2011 Phoebe Ministries Golf Tournament broke new records and raised over $114,000 for charitable care for use at our Phoebe communities. The tournament was held on August 8th at the Berkshire Country Club in Reading. The Principal Tournament Sponsors were Cura Hospitality, Dolan Construction, Hollenbach Construction, and Stevens & Lee. Tournament prizes were awarded to the top men’s and mixed foursomes,longest drive, straightest drive, and closest to the pin.

To celebrate the success of the event, William Davies, Director of Business Development and Strategic Support, and his wife Jackie arranged for an estate gift to establish a new permanent endowment for charitable care. The gift will serve as a lasting tribute to Bill’s parents, William T. and Amelia G. Davies.

Save the Date!

Monday, August 6, 2012 Berkshire Country Club Reading, PA

Learn more about participation and sponsorship opportunities at www.phoebe.org/events

Phoebe Ministries Golf Tournament

Your Support...More Important Than Ever for Phoebe Ministries and the Elders we Serve You have heard it on the news and read it in newspapers and magazines – the economy is presenting many challenges for all of us here in the United States and around the world.

Charles L. Fehr, CFRE Director of Institutional Advancement

For healthcare related institutions like Phoebe, the reality of reduced government reimbursements for care contributes additional challenges. Phoebe Ministries is anticipating a drop in annual reimbursement levels of $3 million due to the changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs, effective October 1, 2011.

Couple that with the trend of the increasing need of Charitable Care, (with Phoebe providing over $8.2 Million last year alone) and you can begin to appreciate the growing monetary obstacles we face. Phoebe remains totally committed to our residents, even those who have exhausted their own financial resources. In this day and age, it is truly extraordinary and a clear demonstration of Phoebe’s unique legacy of care and compassion, so your support remains critical.

Charitable giving continues to be an essential part of the formula that keeps Phoebe on course and true to its mission. Our organization continues to be at the forefront of technology, innovation and quality in the senior services sector. Phoebe’s Institute on the Aging is yet another example of this remarkable pursuit of excellence and continued quality improvement.

You, our donors, are key partners in our mission and ministry.

Last fiscal year, you contributed over $2,500,000. Gifts came from individuals, businesses, churches, foundations, community organizations, trusts and estates. We can’t thank you enough for sharing your treasure with us.

Unfortunately, this support still falls short of our current resident needs.

As such, we will be looking for ways to further expand our community outreach and establish new and expanded relationships with more friends and partners. We will also be more fully integrating the Stewardship Model of Support; Time – Talent – Treasure, and seeking additional ways in which our partners can help our communities meet these challenges moving into the new year.

If it were not for God’s grace and your continued support and open hearts, we would be facing some overwhelming challenges. We are confident that together, we will weather the storm, navigate the currents, and stay true to the course that was set by our founders over 109 years ago.

Want to help support something great?

Please go to www.phoebe.org/giving for ways to support Phoebe’s seniors and programming.

A Guide to Making Your Will Direct Your Assets to the People and Causes You Care About Most 60 percent of U.S. adults living in households with children have not created a will. Perhaps the whole thing seems too time-consuming, difficult, or even scary. To overcome these obstacles, review this helpful summary that gives clear answers to the questions you may have. The complete guide and other valuable information regarding estate planning can be found on our gift planning website, www.phoebe.org/giftplanning.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?

If you die without a will, your estate will be divided according to laws in the state where you live. While certain family members will likely receive part of your estate, close friends or charities that you may have wanted to remember will not be included.

What Can You Put in Your Will?

Important factors to discuss with your attorney include how you want to distribute your estate, whom you want to be executor and what charities you wish to support.

Also ask your attorney about a living will and a durable power of attorney in case you become incapacitated.

Why Leave Charitable Gifts in Your Will?

Some individuals plan on leaving gifts to their favorite charities, and then never get around to properly establishing such gifts in their wills. If you make this mistake, your estate will not realize the benefits of the unlimited charitable estate tax deduction and the causes you wished to support.

Copyright: The Stelter Company, All rights reserved. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice.

For legal or tax advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes apply to federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.

www.phoebe.org

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Record Attendance at Phoebe Institute on Aging Fundraising Dinner & Educational Conference Over $76,000 was raised at the annual benefit of The Phoebe Institute on Aging in November, allowing the Institute to provide a full-day conference at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) for local students, professionals and family caregivers. Both events centered on keynote speaker, Gail Sheehy and her latest book, Passages in Caregiving.

Sheehy presented a program that included stories from families, detailing the challenges they experienced and solutions they found while caring for loved ones. She also shared her own 17-year journey as caregiver for her husband. Sheehy’s message to caregivers was clear; there is a way to find optimism within stress and chaos can indeed transform into confidence.

Over 300 people attended the conference, which included a dramatic presentation on caregiving, directed by William George, Co-founder of Bethlehem’s Touchstone Theatre. A panel of experts in the field of aging and care addressed issues that arose in the play and offered recommendations for home caregivers and professionals.

“The Phoebe Institute on Aging and Phoebe Ministries are committed to serving the needs and enhancing the lives of our elders, their families, and the broader community,” says Deborah Sieger, Kutztown University Professor Emeritus and member of Phoebe’s Governing Board. “The annual community conference serves that purpose by presenting topics to educate, challenge, and inform caregivers and providers of geriatric services.”

In the afternoon, attendees had a choice of eight break-out sessions to help further their knowledge on topics such as caregiver self-care, legal issues, living wills and what role family dynamics play in caregiving. Human Services students from LCCC played an integral role introducing speakers and helping the day run smoothly.

“The students gained valuable experiences by participating,” says Winona Schappell, M.Ed. HS-BCP, Professor Social Sciences-Human Services, Lehigh Carbon Community College.

“They actively learned leadership skills and professionalism.”

Look for more exciting Phoebe Institute on Aging events in the coming year by checking www.phoebe.org/pia.

“Let Wellness Work for You” Expo Educates Staff about Healthy Living Phoebe Allentown held its 7th Annual Wellness Expo in Moyer Hall in September.

Dedicated to promoting healthy living, Phoebe invited many vendors who provided information and screenings to employees, volunteers and community members.

Chair massages, hand reflexology, brain games and mini-manicures were available for attendees to enjoy. Vision, hearing, blood pressure and blood glucose checks were a few of the helpful screenings offered by local health care organizations.

“The purpose of the expo is to help employees focus on their own wellness and provide ideas for making positive changes in their lives,” says Karen Rozak, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator, Phoebe Ministries.

Phoebe Wyncote Now Offering Personal Care Phoebe Wyncote is receiving its Personal Care Certification this spring and is offering nineteen personal care occupancy openings in its continuum of care for residents.

Phoebe Wyncote Personal Care offers various levels of assistance to residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and taking medications, while also allowing residents to maintain a certain level of independence.

“Receiving our Personal Care license is very important because we’re also licensed in our independent living studio area. This means that residents may move to independent apartments, but if they need personal care services, they may remain in their studio apartments and age in place,” says Phoebe Wyncote Administrator Cindy Bonney.

Meals are provided for Phoebe Wyncote residents in the spacious dining area overlooking a lovely, residential landscape. All personal care rooms are private. Phoebe Wyncote residents enjoy access to medical and rehabilitative services and a variety of recreational and social activities.

Drive Sharp Helps Phoebe Apartments Residents Stay Safe on the Road Residents of Phoebe Apartments are taking advantage of an opportunity to help them stay indepdent and behind the wheel longer. Earlier this year residents were introduced to Drive Sharp, a computer-based program designed to work areas of the brain used during motor vehicle operation. The program is offered through the Phoebe Ministries’ Brain Fitness Program in partnership with AAA East Penn.

Phoebe’s Brain Gym helps seniors improve their memory.

This summer’s Phoebe Apartments Drive Sharp Graduates included; clockwise from bottom left Kathy Bryan, Catherine Fenstermacher, Joyce Mccandless and Gladys Ott

Theresa Podguski, AAA East Penn, says the program is important because, “It sharpens the most important safety equipment of all: the mind of the driver.” Drive Sharp has been clinically proven to help cut a driver’s crash risk by up to 50% as well as increase their useful field of vision and speed-up reaction time. Podguski adds, “The program helps drivers to be more confident in their driving skills.”

Phoebe Apartments resident, Kathy Bryan, started the Drive Sharp program for fun, not realizing it could be a learning experience. She had never used a computer before but found it to be easy. “I was thrilled to graduate. It made me proud,” she says.

PHOEBE Preferred

for our short-term rehab.

Short-term rehabilitation at Phoebe offers you more than the expected - from our modern facilities to our rehab-centered activity program. But what really sets us apart is our highly skilled therapists and dedicated staff, whose focus is on your recovery. Phoebe is the right environment for the results you want!

Wernersville 610-927-8505

Allentown 610-794-5300

Richlandtown 267-371-4512

Wyncote 215-461-2102

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE. A PASSION FOR CARING.

In addition to the Drive Sharp program, AAA also partners with Phoebe to run other workshops on educating seniors about how to stay safe behind the wheel and remain independent. “AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving for as long as is safely possible,” says Podguski.

If you are interested in bringing the Drive Sharp program to your organization or participating in a Brain Fitness Program at Phoebe, call 610-794-MIND or visit www.phoebe.org/brainfitness. Spring classes will begin March 19. www.phoebe.org

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Phoebe Special Recognition Phoebe Allentown The Blessing of the Hands ceremony began several years ago at Phoebe Allentown as a way to celebrate the work of nurses during National Nursing Week. It has been expanded as a way to bless staff and residents on various campuses. On the Allentown Campus hands were blessed by Penn Northeast Conference Minister and Governing Board Trustee, Rev. Alan C. Miller, (shown) and Catholic Deacon, William Hassler.

David Scarantino was appointed the General Manager of Dining Services for Phoebe Allentown. He is a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. Previously, he was General Manager/Director of Dining Services for SODEXO. The 12th Annual Phoebe Allentown Basket Social, under the direction of Renee Jarrell, Senior Analyst, Information Technology, and other Phoebe Allentown staff members, raised $6,786. Proceeds benefit the Circle of Life, which promotes intergenerational activities, gardening, interaction with resident pets and special activities. Over 100 baskets, donated by Phoebe departments, friends, and local businesses, were raffled this year.

Residents from Bridgeways and Phoebe Allentown’s newest dementia care neighborhood, Legacy Place, visited nearby Klein’s Farm in October. In addition to close-up experiences with the animals, they enjoyed samples of premise-made cheese, yogurt and baked goods. “The family who owns the farm made the trip special for our residents, bringing back memories of their time on a farm,” says Pam Kleckner, Community Life Coordinator.

Thomas Renaldo, DO of Lehigh Valley Physicians Group, LVHN Elder Care, and Medical Director of Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center was recently appointed Chief Medical Officer of Phoebe Ministries.

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Renaldo will work closely with Phoebe’s staff to enhance medical services at each of Phoebe’s four health care communities, expanding the use of Telemedicine technology, and facilitating relationships with hospitals and medical staff providers. He will be responsible for overseeing medical services at Phoebe Allentown and work closely with the medical directors at Phoebe Berks, Phoebe Richland and Phoebe Wyncote skilled care and short-term rehabilitation facilities.

Phoebe Berks On June 30, 2012, The Rev. Barry R. Galley, NHA, Vice President, Operations, Phoebe Berks Campus, will retire from Phoebe Ministries following over thirty-five years of service to the organization.

Rev. Galley was first called to serve as the Chaplain and Director of Resident Services of Phoebe-Devitt Home in 1976.

He was called to serve as the Administrator for the new Phoebe In October, Phoebe Berks celebrated Berks location in 1990 and appointed Rev. Galley’s 35th Anniversary Executive Director in 1993. Since that serving Phoebe Ministries with an open house event for residents time, Rev. Galley has continued to support the needs of a new generation of the continuing care retirement community. Shown with him are of older adults through a Phoebe Berks residents and sisters, repositioning of the Berks Campus Kathy Savadelis and Helen Arones. completed in 2009.

Under Rev. Galley’s leadership, residents and individuals in the community now enjoy the benefits of Adult Day Care, Memory Support Personal Care, Geriatric Care Management services, in addition to expanded personal care, rehab facilities, independent living apartments, cottages, and new recreational amenities.

Look for a complete story about Rev. Galley and his tenure at Phoebe in the next issue of The Messenger.

Phoebe Richland

Phoebe Housing

Phoebe Richland’s Blessing of the Hands ceremony was held outside in the new Springhouse Park garden area, followed by the planting of tulip bulbs. Residents and staff had their hands blessed

by Rev. Dorothy Shelly, Chaplain; Rev. Dr. Scott Brooks-Cope, Director of Pastoral Care (shown); and by Rev. Steve Hamilton, Pastor of St. Peter’s Tohickon UCC.

Wind Gap Manor, Phoebe’s affordable housing community in Northampton County, received a Superior rating in the 2011 Excellence in Property Management Awards from The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. The community was recognized for its achievement at the PennDelAHMA Management Conference in Delaware.

Rev. Dorothy Shelly, Chaplain, Phoebe Richland, recently published her second book of poetry, titled, don’t wait too long: Poetic Reflections. The poems draw from her experiences as a chaplain and include sacred stories heard and seen in a skilled nursing center, her own personal memories and glimpses into her Sabbath time. The book is available at Amazon.com or in the Phoebe Allentown gift shop (with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Phoebe).

Phoebe Wyncote Susan Schlener, RN, BSN was appointed Director of Nursing, Phoebe Wyncote. She is responsible for managing and organizing the nursing department; and ensuring departmental compliance with various operating policies and procedures. Employed by Phoebe since 1993, Schlener was previously unit manager in the short-term rehab neighborhood and Interim Assistant Director of Nursing, both on the Phoebe Allentown campus.

Residents of Phoebe Wyncote are true fans of the Philadelphia Phillies and are happy to show their team pride year round. In November, they participated in a “Phillies Phan” event to jumpstart the next season. The Philly Phanatic made the day fun for everyone who attended.

The “This n’ That Group” at Phoebe Apartments created four quilt squares for a state-wide quilt project.

162 squares from 43 different organizations were transformed into 3 beautiful quilts. These quilts were handmade and donated by seniors, people with disabilities and families who reside in affordable multifamily rental housing statewide. The quilts were unveiled at this year’s Housing Services Conference in State College in June.

Phoebe Allentown Sponsors Little League Baseball Team This year, Phoebe Allentown sponsored the Alton Park Blue Baseball Team, coached by Eli Reyes, a staff member who has worked as a CNA for more than three years.

The team finished in first place in their league and Reyes was asked to coach the leagues’ all-star game with four Alton Park players on the team.

Vice President of Operations for Phoebe Allentown, Michell Staska-Pier, attended one of the games with her family. “The team was very respectful of Eli and his coaching staff. They were kind to one another and had great skills,” she says. “I know he must be a person of exceptional character if parents want their children to continue with Eli as a coach.”

Phoebe Allentown has agreed to sponsor the team again next year as they move to the midget baseball league, providing uniforms, bats, equipment and snacks. “The support and help we have received from Phoebe has been wonderful,” comments Reyes.

For more about events at Phoebe, go to phoebe.org/events. www.phoebe.org

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Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 12 Kutztown, PA

Marketing and Institutional Advancement Division 1925 Turner Street Allentown, PA 18104

1 800-453-8814 www.phoebe.org

GO GREEN! If you would like to receive electronic versions of our communications moving forward, please email your name, address, and preferred email address to gogreen@phoebe.org.

calendar of events february . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27 Phoebe Berks Realtor/Broker Open House, by invitation.

MARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19 Time TBD The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown Brain Fitness/InSight Classes, Every weekday until May 11, Call 610-794-MIND to sign up or for more information.

20 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Phoebe Allentown Spring Craft Bazaar, Moyer Hall, Call 610-794-5365.

24 11:00 a.m.-noon Phoebe at Home Services Coping with Alzheimer’s Disease, Location TBD, Call 610-794-6555 or email caremanager@phoebe.org for information.

The Messenger is currently published three times a year by: Phoebe Ministries, 1925 Turner Street, Allentown, PA 18104, 610-794-5130, 800-453-8814, Fax: 610-794-5421, www.phoebe.org Scott R. Stevenson, President and CEO, Martha C. Dodge, Chair, Phoebe Ministries Governing Board, Gregory P. Ciminera, VP, Marketing and Institutional Advancement Trina Johnson-Brady, Project Manager Contributors to this issue: Greg Ciminera, Brynn Buskirk, Charles Fehr, Trina Johnson-Brady, Molly Kranzley Driscoll, Kelly Zeppenfelt

April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14 2-4 p.m. Phoebe Berks Spring Open House, Call 610-927-8567 to RSVP. May. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 8 p.m. Phoebe Richland Auxiliary Fundraiser: Anything Goes, DeSales University, Call 267-371-4508 or email kkiehstaller@phoebe.org.

Mission Statement: 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.

June. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phoebe-Devitt Homes is the official name of the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation doing business 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 in 6 counties. Together, these affiliates provide long-term care, housing and various support services to more than 6,000 individuals annually.

2 7:45 a.m. Highmark Walk, Steel Stacks, Bethlehem Call 610-794-5132 or visit phoebe.org for more information.

July. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Phoebe Ministries is a member of the Leading Age, Leading Age PA, and Council for Health and Human Services Ministries of the United Church of Christ.

15 7:05 p.m. Phoebe Spirit Night at the Iron Pigs Coca-Cola Park, Allentown Jamie Moyer Bobblehead Giveaway Call 610-794-5132 for tickets or more information.

TBD Phoebe Berks Boardwalk Dedication

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7:05 p.m. Phoebe Spirit Night at the Iron Pigs Coca-Cola Park, Allentown Fireworks Night Call 610-794-5132 for tickets or more information.

Go to phoebe.org/events for more events and all the latest updates.

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.