A Phoebe Ministries Newsletter
Phoebe Continues Tradition of Training the Future Workforce
P Fall 2009 Volume 90 • No. 3 1-800-453-8814
www.phoebe.org Serving the needs of our aging population
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Go Paperless! If you would like to receive The Messenger electronically, please contact Helen Haas at 610-794-5135 or hhaas@phoebe.org
Become a member of the Silver Pigs Club for the 2010 Lehigh Valley IronPigs season presented by Phoebe Ministries. Visit www. ironpigsbaseball.com or call 610-841-PIGS for details.
hoebe was founded as a deaconess training school, preparing young women to work in a field in which they ministered to their elders, providing care and compassion at Phoebe Home and in other communities. Phoebe’s dedication to this mission continues even today in the many partnerships the organization shares with local schools. The relationship with area colleges is mutually beneficial, giving students the needed background to prepare for their future career while helping staff at Phoebe’s communities with projects that require additional attention. At Phoebe Richland, Ellen Lansberry, Admissions Marketing liaison who also attends the Wescoe School at Muhlenberg College, decided to help the facility while completing her group graduation project. With two of her classmates, she devised a post-discharge telephone survey. The information collected after clients returned home from Richland’s short-term rehab neighborhood, can now be easily quantified. “They formatted an Excel spreadsheet in which we can enter the client’s
answers right away and it scores them automatically,” says Mary Kay McMahon, Administrator. “I think it’s going to be helpful going forward to give us information on how to improve our services.” In addition, Phoebe Richland is now a clinical training site for DeSales University’s nursing students, a distinction shared by Phoebe Home
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(From left to right) Ellen Lansberry, Phoebe Richland marketing liaison, and Catherine Lugo and Mellissa Mason, both from Lehigh Valley Hospital, created a tool for Phoebe Richland to measure the satisfaction of their short-term rehab clients for a graduation project from the Wescoe School at Muhlenberg College.
These June 2009 graduates of the Penn State LPN training program completed their long term care clinical practice at Phoebe Home. Phoebe employees, Dana Houser (back row, far left), Natasha Kurtz (back row, 4th from left), and Necola Blake (missing from photo), benefited from a scholarship fund created by Mildred Muller. “I am so glad to be part of this,” says Mrs. Muller, who first learned of Phoebe as a child in Sunday School at Zion’s Reformed Church in Ashland. For more information about college partnerships and internships, visit www.phoebe.org/education.
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Training the Future (continued from page 1)
and Phoebe Berks with Penn State University. Phoebe Berks is also a training site for RN’s and LPN’s from Reading Area Community College. Most of Phoebe’s long term care communities are host to interns from a variety of specialties including social work, clinical nutrition, administration, pastoral care, physical, occupational and speech therapy. At Wyncote Church Home, Rev. Jo Ellen Mauger has worked with pastoral care interns from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia for the last two years. The students receive clinical days at Wyncote and travel to Allentown’s campus for classroom time with Rev. Dr. Allan Kramer Moyer, VP of Pastoral Care. For Mauger, it was the first time she had the opportunity to mentor anyone in a CPE program. “To get the most out of the program, I encourage them to get involved in the life of Wyncote Church Home as much as they can,” she says. Phoebe Home and Phoebe Berks have been fortunate to host administration interns who have assisted with some major projects through the last year. At Berks, Andrea Gerloff, a health policy administration major, was instrumental in supporting the staff during the opening of the new adult day center and memory support neighborhood. “She helped with the administrative work that had to be done, which freed up the staff to do other tasks involved in opening two new facilities,” says Rob Khanuja, Executive Director, Operations, Berks. At Phoebe Home, Michell StaskaPier, Administrator, was grateful to have Andrea’s assistance with the electronic pharmacy conversion (see related story, page 3) she helped lead. Two more administrative interns will be working from her office in the coming year, along with an administrator in training from Penn State. “Historically, education and training have been profound in terms of our mission at Phoebe,” she said. “The whole idea is that when they come out of our program, they are positioned for a career,” continues Staska-Pier. “We don’t turn away anyone who is seeking to learn.” 2 • The Messenger • www.phoebe.org
CEO Message New Look of Messenger Reflects Phoebe’s Vibrancy “I will tell you, my dear reader, all I know about our Phoebe Deaconess and Old Folks Home at Allentown, Pa. I will tell you what we do there, what we would like to do, and of the things that we may need from time to time… The Phoebe Home Messenger Volume 1, Issue 1 October 1915
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urely you’ve noticed that the Messenger has undergone a face lift! Changes in printing technology now make it possible for us to bring you a full-color newsletter for little added cost. With a more user-friendly design, linking topics to Phoebe’s website where more in-depth information is available, the Messenger is ready to keep up with the growth and changes of Phoebe’s programs and Scott Stevenson, services. It is primed to respond to your needs President & CEO for information and guidance on concerns facing older adults. Today’s Messenger is published three times a year in order to tell you about our Faith in Action and to illustrate how your gifts are put to work to benefit those in our care. Its content reflects the achievements of our organization and the vibrancy of our residents. We hope to encourage you to volunteer, support our ministry with your gifts, move to our communities and attend our events! Phoebe is changing. With each new year, we are growing and expanding our programs and services to reach greater numbers of older adults and families across our region. We are reaching out to build our network of partners and stakeholders. The time is right to bring you a publication reflecting the modern, vibrant organization we have become. I will welcome your feedback and any ideas you may have for future issues of our beloved Messenger. Enjoy! 94 years ago, Phoebe Home’s superintendent, Rev. Robert Kerns, began The Phoebe Home Messenger, “as an instrument to carry the news of Phoebe into the living room of church supporters.”
Electronic Medication Records Eliminate Error and Create Better Workflow
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Rev. Dorothy Shelly keeps prayer blankets in Phoebe Richland’s chapel so other staff members can easily find them to give to residents in their final stages of life.
Spiritual Care Phoebe Chaplain Shares Prayer Blanket Ministry with Richland Staff Lap robes, small blankets that residents have traditionally used to keep warm while sitting in wheelchairs, have taken on a completely different purpose at Phoebe Richland. Through an ongoing donation from a group of volunteers from St. John’s UCC, Reigelsville, the health care center has been giving the beautiful handmade blankets to residents who are in the final stages of life. Now called Prayer Blankets, Rev. Dorothy Shelly, Chaplain, has educated the staff to pick out an appropriate blanket and present it to family members or lay across the resident’s bed. “It is a way that our staff can take part in pastoral care through this small effort,” says Shelly. Each blanket has a note attached, telling family members that it has been blessed with prayers for the sick and dying. “The practice has really taken hold,” she continues. The families even keep the blankets with their loved ones through the funeral and then take them home as a way to remember the one who passed.
hoebe has recently taken steps to create more quality time for nursing staff to attend to residents. A team of employees streamlined the formerly cumbersome process of transcribing handwritten orders by implementing an electronic version of medication records. The program is currently being piloted by staff in Phoebe Home’s Allen Way neighborhood and with the Villa at Morlatton in Douglassville, an outside pharmacy client. “It is well documented that this process solves many of the opportunities for error,” states Michell Staska-Pier, Administrator, Phoebe Home and Vice President, Operations, Allentown Campus. This type of electronic medication system is a new concept in long-term care, largely because of the traditional relationship facilities have with contracted pharmacies. Phoebe has a unique advantage to successfully deploy such a system because Phoebe Services Pharmacy is a division of our organization, rather than a contracted partner. “Our electronic medical records system vendors, Wescom Solutions, Inc. and Soft Writers, Inc., approached Phoebe about testing their first pharmacy initiated medication system in the country,” commented Amy Killian, Director, Information Technology. This interface and workflow reduces chance of errors in the pharmacy since pharmacists enter drug orders in the system instead of nurses. Pharmacy employees are more familiar with medication names and dosages. New residents who are entered into the system in the health care centers are automatically entered into the pharmacy’s system, eliminating the need for a second entry. Since the system is bidirectional, it also works in reverse, transmitting medications and administration schedules, transforming the workflow of the nursing staff and allowing for more meaningful interactions with residents. “We have really put Phoebe on the map with this project,” says Cindy Richart, Director, Pharmacy Services. “I have had countless phone calls from other companies who are looking to do the same thing and want feedback on how well it works.” The system will be put in place across all of Phoebe’s communities once the rigorous pilot programs have been thoroughly tested.
Anyone who has visited a resident in a skilled nursing community is familiar with the sight of medication carts holding giant binders filled with resident medication records. In the past, all nursing homes used this system to administer physician medication instructions to residents. Phoebe’s new system eliminates the binders and allows easier access to information through computer software. To learn more about Phoebe Services Pharmacy, visit www.phoebe.org/pharmacy.
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Wyncote Renovations Add New Functionality With a Home-like Feel
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Residents work on standing balance as they play dominos in the new therapy gym. Pictured with physical therapist Erica Ebaugh, DPT are residents (left to right) Doloryse Dunnigan, Ruth Getty, and Elfriede Scherf.
Residents Joseph Clement and Helen Ortiz discuss a video they plan to watch in the newly renovated living room of Cassel Hall. The area has been brightened with new lighting, hardwood style flooring, fresh paint, curtains, and new furnishings. “It makes a big difference,” commented Joe. “It seems like we’re living in a different place!”
nyone who has had renovations done to their home or business knows that the temporary inconvenience is outweighed by a wonderful end result. Staff, residents and volunteers at Wyncote Church Home have used ingenuity and considerable patience while dealing with the recent construction and renovations. The new short-term rehab area was the first part of the building to be renovated and completed. Included are the new rehab gym and ten beautiful rooms for short-term rehab residents. Maria Santangelo, owner of Blue Bell Rehab, noted “The space allows us to treat more effectively, increasing the quality of care.” In the new dining area, residents particularly enjoy the ice cream cooler where everyone’s favorite dessert is readily available. Another addition is a steam table from which food is served right onto residents’ plates. “Residents love the renovations because they can see the food coming straight from the steam table rather than from carts plated up in the kitchen,” added Rondell Benton, Administrative Assistant. Chapel renovations are currently underway, creating additional space for activities in addition to worship services. Room has been made for wheel chair residents to participate in services and to allow for multi-purpose use of the space. Resident Helen Ortiz noted, “There are a lot of people who use wheelchairs. It makes it easier for them.” Bill Brehant in the maintenance department noted that the reward for all the construction work is in how the community looks when the job is finished. “The residents are very happy when they move back into their rooms. It takes teamwork.” Visit www.phoebe.org/wyncote and click on the slideshow to see more photos.
volunteer SPOTLIGHT
Retired Wyncote RN Finds Joy in Volunteering
Marty Mannes won first prize in last year’s employee Halloween costume contest. She has been an essential addition as a volunteer in the Community Life Department (formerly known as activities) since her retirement in March.
Some places are hard to leave. After thirty-one years as a second shift RN at Wyncote Church Home, Marty Mannes retired. However, she couldn’t stay away for long and has offered her skills, time and knowledge to the residents as a treasured volunteer for the last few months. “She has been a life saver, a real team player,” says Community Life Coordinator, Meriem Moumen. “She is always willing to come in when she is needed and continues to amaze us with her talents.” Mannes is glad to have more time to dedicate to interacting with residents now that she is retired. “I just so much enjoy the time to sit and chat with them. Without the nursing deadlines it is so much more relaxed.” In addition to accompanying residents
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on recent trips and participating in special events such as a pie tasting contest, Mannes began a program in which she reads to residents before dinner. The expression in her voice brings to life stories the residents would have read to their own children. “The reading program really touched my heart,” smiled Moumen. “The residents seem so content with her voice.” Another reason Mannes is eager to help as a volunteer can be explained by her longevity as an employee. “Wyncote Church Home has been a wonderful employer for many years. They have always been good to me.” Now she feels ready to give back! If you are ready to give back to the seniors in your community, visit www.phoebe.org/ volunteers to find out ways you can help.
Phoebe Fundraising Phoebe Ministries Golf Tournament Raises Over $42,000 Following a 5 year hiatus, the Phoebe Ministries Golf Tournament received a warm welcome from golfers and sponsors at the Berkshire Country Club, Reading. All proceeds from the tournament supported charitable care at Phoebe Berks’ memory support personal care community, Village Gardens and adult day center, Tranquility Place. The event cart sponsors were Arbor Insurance Group, Highmark Blue Shield, and Toshiba Business Solutions. Lunch sponsors for the day were ARAMARK, Beard Miller Company, and Cura Hospitality. Jane Stone, a golfer from Highmark Blue Shield, who also won the woman’s longest drive, said, “Our entire foursome had a great time.” She also added, “Highmark is proud to support Phoebe Ministries because of a shared commitment to helping people live longer and healthier lives.” Carl Bloss displays 42 binders, documenting his genealogy research, in his apartment at Phoebe Berks.
Berks Resident Guides Others in Tracing Their Family Lines
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aised at Bethany Childrens’ Home in nearby Womelsdorf, Carl Bloss knew little about his immediate family. This history buff credits his profession as a school librarian with honing his research skills. About 12 years ago, he put these skills to the test, eventually tracing his own family to 1716 Germany. His findings are contained in 42 binders, documenting “genealogy cousins” from across the country. When he and his wife Norma moved to Phoebe Berks six months ago, they were impressed with the myriad of activities offered on campus. Carl was inspired to share his passion for genealogy, volunteering to teach a class for other residents. Because of the interest generated by the class, he formed a genealogy club, which held its first meeting in June. The group meets monthly in a third-floor lounge adjacent to a computer lab with work stations and printers. The agenda for each meeting usually focuses on a particular topic like The Federal Census, or How to Organize Your Records. Carl also publishes a monthly newsletter. Carl believes that through genealogy you can learn about cultures and bridge the gap of generations. His best advice on getting started? “Ask questions. Start talking with family members while they are still around.” For more information or help getting started on your family tree, contact carl.h.bloss@gmail.com. For more events at Phoebe Berks, visit www.phoebeberks.org/events.
Co-chairs for the tournament, Ronald Bashore and James Hughes, both agreed, “We were honored to be asked to serve as co-chairs for the outing because Phoebe provides a critically important level of elder care. The tremendous response from the community was very gratifying for both of us.” For more information on Phoebe’s Adult Day Center, Tranquility Place visit www.phoebeberks.org/adultday.
The Highmark Blue Shield foursome was happy to support a worthwhile cause while enjoying a round of golf.
SAVE THE DATE
The 2010 golf tournament will return to Berkshire Country Club on Monday, August 9!
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Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management Now Connects Clients with In-Home Spa Service
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hoebe’s Geriatric Care Management Program can now connect Phoebe residents and seniors living in their own home with personal salon and spa services. Through eSPA, a licensed spa technician will travel to your location to provide hair styling, manicures, massages and many other services. Residents of Phoebe Terrace were introduced to eSPA at an event in July. Chair massages, mini-facials and moisturizing hand massages were offered in the lobby. Naomi Schleicher, who lives independently in her Terrace apartment, was enthusiastic about her massage experience, “I loved it! It made my shoulders and my neck feel so good. I didn’t want to get out of the chair.” Recently, a Bridgeways resident at Phoebe Home began receiving monthly massage services from eSPA. Marion Glasser’s Power of Attorney, Doris Branson, knows how important it is for older people to be touched and hugged. When she heard about the service, Branson said, “I thought it would be beneficial, that the power of touch would be good for her.” Glasser has been a resident of Phoebe Home since
107 year-old Phoebe Terrace resident, Kathryn Fogel, shares her own tips for healthy living while being pampered by eSPA technicians.
2001. “I always hug her when I visit,” Branson shares. The massages are a way she can reach out and give her the personal connection when she can’t be there physically.
To schedule an in-home spa service or purchase a gift certificate for a loved one to receive in-home treatments, contact Marian Worthington at 610-794-5344 or visit www.phoebe.org/caremanager.
Keeping Our Residents “Connected” Virtual Visits Connect Families Across the Miles
The computer and virtual visit technology that Phillis Janette uses to speak to her son in Florida every Sunday is located in the quiet and comfortable chapel. If you would like to arrange for a Virtual Visit with a Phoebe Home resident, please contact Maureen Stauffer at 610-794-5365 or e-mail mstauffer@phoebe.org.
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Like many others in today’s job market, Robert Janette was forced to seek work out of state. It was a difficult decision because he didn’t want to uproot his mother from the comfort and familiarity of her life at Phoebe Home. A few years ago, that would have meant the only form of contact was a phone call, but now, with Virtual Visits, families can speak face to face in the privacy of Phoebe Home’s chapel. Janette and his mother Phillis enjoy a casual visit of up to an hour each week at no cost to them. Created by Family Virtual Visits, the computer software provides live video visits for residents in senior living communities. “It’s as close as you can get to first person contact when you are 1500 miles away,” said an enthusiastic Janette. The only items a family needs to connect are a computer, web cam and instructions on installing the software. “It was very easy to set up and took ten minutes at the most.” Phillis’ primary care aide takes her to the chapel every Sunday for the visit. For those who wonder if their parents would be able to use the technology, Janette says, “My mother doesn’t have to do a thing. It’s really nice.” Phillis agrees, “It is certainly unbelievable that you can talk to your own son face to face with all the distance between you. It’s almost like being with him.” Although Janette makes his calls from Florida, he encourages others to use this free service even if they live close by. “It would be great to use during inclement weather or if you lived an hour or so away.” Frequent visits with family are not always feasible and could be supplemented by the addition of these video visits.
World Traveler Makes His Home at Phoebe Apartments A self-proclaimed sports nut, Phoebe Apartments resident Robert Duddy attended events at 13 Olympic Games in 10 countries from 1956 to 2004. Born and raised in Reading, he caught the travel bug while working as an athletic coach for the U.S. Army in Germany. A colleague at the time told him about the wonderful games at the Helsinki Olympics and he was determined not to miss the next event. At 92, he is surrounded by memorabilia from his travels around the world, including a map peppered with push pins showing the countries he visited. “I went around the world 4 times,” he said proudly, “2 times each way.” After a high school career in track and field, Duddy joined the Berks County Track and Field Club and was an official for 75 years. His favorite competition in the Olympics remains the long distance runs. He even met Jesse Owens at the Olympic trials in Princeton, NJ. In 1980, despite the U.S. boycott of the games in Moscow, Duddy traveled to the USSR. During the closing ceremonies he held up his American Flag – something that was not allowed in the communist climate at the time. As he was leaving, a tall Soviet man ran down the bleachers and kissed Duddy on both cheeks. The interpreter told him that the man was happy to see him and what the flag represented to the world. It was times like these that made traveling extra special. “One thing about the Olympics is you meet a lot of different people from all around the world,” recalls Duddy. After years of globetrotting, Duddy is now happy to make his home in a comfortable, secure community close to his family and friends. If you would like more information about affordable retirement living at Phoebe Apartments, visit www.phoebe.org/apartments or call 610-794-6265.
Phoebe Apartments resident, Robert Duddy, displays memorabilia from the 13 Olympic Games he attended around the world.
Chef Bill Richman answers residents’ questions about the culinary techniques that went into preparing their Caribbean luncheon.
Traveling Chefs Drop By Phoebe Terrace
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raveling Chefs, a new program by Cura Hospitality, made it possible for Phoebe Terrace residents to sample foods of the Caribbean without leaving home this summer. Beginning with a seasonal tiki bar, the event featured seared tuna steak with ginger teriyaki glacé, grilled jerk chicken and mango chutney, roasted pork ala Rodriguez orange sauce and key lime pie. Drawing on 48 years of experience creating successful menus for hotels, restaurants and healthcare, Chefs Bill Richman, General Manager of Peter Becker Community, Lansdale, and Tony Salvatore, Executive Chef at Phoebe Berks, visited each table to explain how foods were prepared and what gave each its unique flavor. Many dishes that were new to residents now appear on the Terrace menu. “We take pride in bringing seniors the freshest and finest in world cuisine,” said Richman, noting that artful presentation plays an important role. Chef Phillip Dickinson, Terrace chef, is being trained to join Chef Salvatore as a Traveling Chef. For more information on dining and other amenities at Phoebe’s luxury retirement community in Allentown, please visit www.phoebe.org/terrace.
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Economic Stabilization Act Extends Chance to Give From Your IRA The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extended qualified charitable distributions from IRAs for calendar year 2009. You may want to take advantage of giving IRA assets to Phoebe through a qualified charitable distribution. You must be 70 ½ or older when the distribution is made, and your total qualified charitable distributions for 2009 cannot exceed $100,000 ($200,000 for married people filing jointly). The advantages are clear for those meeting the age and process requirements: • Qualified charitable distributions from a traditional or Roth IRA are tax-free • Donors who are not able to itemize tax deductions can give directly from an IRA and achieve the same benefits as if their gift was fully deductible Please Note -- Transfer of funds must be made directly to the charitable organization by the IRA trustee. This means that the donor must never receive the check or have funds electronically transferred into a bank account.
Act Now — Contact your tax advisors and IRA administrator to see if this strategy makes sense for you.
Marcella Moyer Schick, ACFRE, Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Charles L. Fehr, CFRE, Director, Leadership Gifts & Phoebe Berks Advancement
To find out more about this and other ways you can give to Phoebe, visit www.phoebe.org/giving or call 610-794-5132 with any questions you may have.
Memories in the Making Encourages Residents with Dementia to Use Creativity
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new painting program was recently introduced to the residents of Phoebe Richland’s Cottage Neighborhood. Created by the Alzheimer’s Association, “Memories in the Making” encourages communication while increasing self-esteem as participants create something of value. Through the medium of watercolor painting, residents can connect to their emotions. What they paint can often convey to family members and caregivers the things that are important to
them. While providing sensory stimulation, the activity creates an emotionally safe environment and gives positive messages. At the first painting session in August, “The residents were really engaged,” said Kristin Kiehstaller, Director of Community Life. “One woman continued to paint as staff started setting up the room for the noon meal. She did not want to stop!” As an undergraduate, Kiehstaller majored in studio art and enjoys sharing her love of visual art with the residents in her care. Earlier
this year, the people living in the Cottage neighborhood, “were very active in the tile making process for an outdoor mosaic. I hope the same group will be moved by the work with watercolors,” Kiehstaller commented. In the future, some of the paintings may be submitted to the Alzheimer’s Association to be auctioned at one of their fundraisers. The art will be displayed in the Richland community to help further people’s awareness of the disease and to help caregivers and family learn more about the artists.
Phoebe Richland Cottage residents, Jane Loux (left) and Martha Kocsis (right), enjoy painting in the first session of the new Memories in the Making program created by the Alzheimer’s Association.
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For more information on this program, visit the website of the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.
Resident’s Concert Dream Comes True at Phoebe Richland
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he Dream Maker Program at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center is continuing to fulfill dreams and make memories. Started last summer, the program reminds seniors, “you are never too old to dream.” The Dream Maker Committee is comprised of Greg Chomitsky, Rev. Dorothy Shelly, Connie Quier, Suzanne Sabo, Cheyenne Bennett and Michelle Schery-Simpson. Their goal is to enhance the lives of the long-term care residents Phoebe Richland serves. Recently, Richland resident Florence Young and six of her family members attended a concert by country music singer Alan Jackson at the Sovereign Center in Reading. The group was able to enjoy the show from the comfort of a private suite. Prior to the concert Young and her family enjoyed a catered meal, allowing them to fully enjoy their special night together before the excitement of the concert. Young first learned of the Dream Maker Program when Rev. Dorothy Shelly, Phoebe Richland Chaplain, asked if she had any special wishes during a prayer group. Young quickly answered that she would love to
see Alan Jackson live. Connie Quier, Community Life Coordinator, said “the most memorable part of the evening was watching Florence tapping her toes and clapping her hands the whole time.” To help prolong the memories of the evening, Young’s family has filled the walls of her room with photos from their big night out.
Program support is generously provided by QNB, the Phoebe Richland Auxiliary, and the Quakertown Wal-Mart. If you would like to help make a dream come true for a resident, please contact Molly Kranzley Driscoll at 610-794-5163.
Phoebe Rehab Cowboy Action Shooter is Back in the Saddle After Rehab at Phoebe Larry Scheetz wasn’t sure how long it would take to rehabilitate from a fall last winter that left him with two broken knees, a broken ankle and a fractured shinbone. He wasn’t sure when he would be able to return to most of his normal activities. But his main concern was being able to walk without assistance so he could resume his hobby of Cowboy Action Shooting. Cowboy Action Shooting is a sport in which contestants compete with firearms typical of those used in the taming of the Old West. The shooting competition is staged in a unique, “Old West” style, complete with costumes. Scheetz attends the weekly matches in small towns around the region. The closest competitions are held at the Guthsville Rod and Gun Club in Orefield from April to October. The hobby inspired the weekend cowboy to work hard while in rehab at Phoebe. “Anything they wanted me to do, I did. I worked on my own because I wanted to get up and start moving.” Scheetz’ Occupational Therapist at Phoebe, Jen McNabb, commented that he was non-weight-bearing in both legs when he began rehab. It was difficult for him at first, “but after he started seeing he was getting stronger he was a lot more motivated,” she said. The care he received at Phoebe was essential to helping him resume the activities he loved. “The care was very good. They got me walking again.” If you would like more information on short-term rehab at Phoebe, visit www.phoebe.org/rehab.
Jen McNabb, Phoebe Home Occupational Therapist, worked with Larry Scheetz while in rehabilitative care at Phoebe. Here, she assists Betty Kemmerer in the ring toss game at a recent rehab carnival.
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Phoebe Special Recognition Phoebe Berks Village n Residents of the Cottages at Phoebe Berks Village held their annual picnic at the home of Ronnie and Warren Backenstoe this summer. In its seventh year, the picnic expanded to include residents from new cottages. Shown facing the camera are Suzanne Romig, Betty Cattermole, June Schwartz and Nick Jacobs.
The New Dawn Singers entertained residents of Phoebe Berks Village in June. The professional group of young people converted Phoebe’s auditorium into a Broadway-style environment with stage lighting, curtains and an elaborate sound system. At left Ethel Wolfinger and Mary Ann Kimberling shared how much they enjoyed themselves with two of the performers.
Rev. Robert Calvert (left) and his wife Mabel, reminisce with Rev. Dr. Albert Teske at Wyncote Church Home’s 80th Anniversary celebration in October. Teske hired Calvert as Wyncote’s first full-time chaplain during his 18 year tenure as chairman of the board.
Phoebe Berks Village Commons Personal Care Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and the hard work of a Village Commons resident, sitting on the patio at Phoebe Berks’ Health Care Center can be warm and comfortable even in the Fall. Helen Keller (shown), of Phoebe’s personal care community at Berks, created 60 blankets from donated bolts of fleece. Keller, a seamstress and knitting instructor, said of her work, “It was something to do that someone would appreciate.”
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n Residents of Phoebe Berks Village and the surrounding faith community, gather each year for prayers of peace in different languages in honor of The International Day of Peace. Shown speaking is Nelson Simonson, member of the Berks Spiritual Life Committee which organizes the event.
Phoebe Berks Adult Day CentER A new adult day center opened in June at Phoebe Berks, providing programs that meet the individual needs of participants. Tranquility Place offers safe and secure day accommodations, allowing caregivers a well-earned respite. Specialized programs for individuals living with dementia-related diseases are aimed to maximize the functional independence of each person. Benefits of Tranquility Place include home-cooked meals in a country-style kitchen, spa services, nutritional counseling, spiritual support, family education, exercise programs and much more.
To obtain an application, or for additional information, please contact Selena Lehman 610-927-8940 or e-mail at slehman@phoebe.org.
Phoebe Home – David A. Miller Personal Care
Phoebe Home n Children and grandchildren of residents, staff and volunteers, enjoyed another week of day camp this summer at Phoebe Home’s Camp Phoebe. With a theme of “Everyday Heroes,” the kids were treated to visits by the National Guard and the Allentown Police Department. Field trips were take to a local Fire Station and the Allentown Recycling Center (shown). In addition, children went to different Phoebe neighborhoods for activities and games with residents each day.
Ben Santee, son of CNA Louise Santee, stands in front of one of the raised garden beds he built as part of his Eagle Scout project. The beds allow seniors in wheel chairs or those who can’t bend down, an area where they can plant seeds, tend to vegetables and pick flowers. “Ben is very popular with the residents and is always doing something for them,” says Audrey Graver, Community Life Coordinator for The David A. Miller Personal Care Community at Phoebe Home. Santee was able to work with two local businesses who donated $700 worth of wood and the topsoil for the project.
Phoebe Richland n The John Rivers Veterans Association of Quakertown joined residents at Phoebe Richland for a lunch honoring the community’s veterans in June. Shown are Phoebe resident Thomas Trauger and his wife, Myrtle. Members of the association visit with residents each month and are invited to the picnic every year as a way to thank them for their service and support to the residents.
Residents and staff from Phoebe Home’s dementia care neighborhood, Bridgeways, walked to fight Alzheimer’s disease in honor of World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21. In preparation for the walk, students from Cedar Crest College assisted in making 72 purple hats which were worn that day and returned to participate in the walk. Staff and volunteers of Phoebe Home were asked to wear purple clothing since the purple ribbon symbolizes the efforts to “Break Through” and “Find a Cure.”
Housing Devitt House Apartments, Lewisburg, hosted a ‘50’s party in July. Each summer the community hosts a party for its residents, set to the theme of a different decade. The event featured ‘50’s music and rides in a ’57 Chevy owned by Dave Sheetz. Pictured from left are Sandy Sheetz, Dave Sheetz, event entertainer Dave Cook and Devitt House residents Joy Koskey, Marion Perry and Mary E. Stover.
n Ed Hecker, Phoebe Richland’s Maintenance Supervisor, gets in on the fun while setting up for The Family Day and Art Walk in September.
www.phoebe.org • The Messenger • 11
Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 12 Kutztown, PA
The Messenger Phoebe Ministries Institutional Advancement 1925 Turner St. Allentown, PA 18104
Giving to Phoebe Charitable Gift Annuities Benefit Donors and Phoebe Sara Jean Ortt remembers seeing the steel beams of what would become Phoebe Terrace being put into place as she, her late husband, Jacob, and his father watched from a balcony at Phoebe Home. Ortt remembers the visits well but at the time didn’t realize that she was witnessing the beginning stages of her future home at Phoebe Terrace. A long-time supporter of Phoebe, Ortt continues this tradition with Charitable Gift Annuities. In return, she receives a charitable deduction for the current tax year, favorable treatment on capital gains taxes and payments that are partially tax free for a period of years. For more information on this and other ways to give to Phoebe, “I take advantage of the higher annuity rates visit www.phoebe.org/giving or call 610-794-5132. because of my age and enjoy having the extra income.”
Calendar of Events November 13 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Phoebe Institute on Aging Community Program Featured Speaker: Lisa Genova, Ph.D., Author of New York Times bestseller Still Alice Cedar Crest College, Alumnae Hall 17 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Holiday Craft Bazaar Phoebe Home, Moyer Hall 17
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. National Memory Screening Day Phoebe Terrace Retirement Community Call 610-794-6555 to reserve your place.
For more events visit www.phoebe.org/newsandevents or www.phoebeberks.org/events
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9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Phoebe Berks AARP Driver Safety Course Call Diana Berstler at 610-927-8513 to register.
December 6 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Christmas Open House Tour Furnace Creek Manor will be part of a Christmas House Tour. Tickets may be purchased the day of or prior to the tour. Call 610-683-6182 for more information. 7
2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Holiday Open House Phoebe Berks RSVP 610-927-8567
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 Nancy Biltcliff, Designer Contributors this issue: Tracy Kleppinger Bozik, Trina Johnson-Brady, Charles Fehr, Danielle Gower, Helen Haas, Molly Kranzley Driscoll, Marcella Moyer Schick
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Illumination Night for the Celebration of Life Tree Hosted by the Phoebe Richland Auxiliary Call 267-371-4504 for details
May 7 7:00 p.m. Guys & Dolls DeSales University, Labuda Center for Performing Arts. For ticket inquires call 267-371-4508 or email: kkiehstaller@phoebe.org Proceeds benefit the residents of Phoebe Richland if purchased from the Richland Auxiliary.
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. Serving the needs of our aging population www.phoebe.org