Newsletter
March 2009
Volume Three - Issue Three
Remembering our Friend
February 19th was a day of celebration at the Home with the Employee Recognition Program. Little did we know that our friend, Don Jones, who celebrated 30 years of service as Director of Dietary last year was leaving this earthly life on the same day. Don had retired in January 2008 to enjoy time with his family. Many of us who knew Don were aware of the love he had for the Church of God Home, it’s residents and staff. Sue Bower remembers Don as quick witted and funny and says he could be heard many times in the wee hours of the morning banging around in the kitchen as he did his cooking and baking for the residents. We will be remembering Don’s wife Pat, their children and grand-children in the days to come. So long…friend!
Chaplain’s Corner
The Christian season of Lent began on Wednesday, February 25. Lent is a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) when we focus on the life, ministry and crucifixion of Jesus. It ends with Easter and the glorious celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. This season also gives us the opportunity to look inward and to prepare for Holy Week, the final week of Jesus’ life upon this earth.
Luke 9:51 says, “Jesus resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem.” this verse reminds us that Jesus made a conscious decision to go to Jerusalem, which meant His arrest, trial, beating, death (and resurrection). It was not a last minute decision to have Jesus suffer and die on the cross for you and me. It was all part of God’s plan as we are told in John 3:16-”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,…” Jesus also spoke to His disciples several times about the closing events of His life. He died for our sins. He conquered death through His resurrection, And now we have the victory and the hope of eternal life. This Lenten season let us give thanks to the Lord for gaining the victory over sin and death once for all. Let us also worship and serve Him faithfully and share the good news- “The crucified Saviour is not here, but He has risen!”
By: Chaplain Brad Moore
Congratulations on 30 Yrs.
At the recent 2009 Employee Recognition event, four from our staff were honored for completing 30 year of service. Jan Hoover, Alice Vonscyoc, and Ginny Naugle are pictured here. Joan Wonders was not able to make it. Thank you to these dedicated employees.
Carefree Living-Apartment Style
In March 2004, our Creekside Apartments, lower level of the Home, were licensed for Person Care Services. The five Studio/Efficiency and 10 one bedroom monthly rental apartments come fully furnished or you may bring your own things. These apartments are equipped with a full kitchen, including a dishwasher, washer and dryer. Additional amenities provided include three-meal restaurant style dining, daily medication assistance, weekly housekeeping, maintenance services, reserved parking, and active social and spiritual programs. To learn more about these accommodations, contact Ginny Naugle, (717) 249-5322, ext 3020. Spring is coming and so is yard work. Why not enjoy your private patio overlooking the LeTort Creek with the many ducks, gardens and covered gazebos providing a pleasant view for you?
By: Ginny Naugle, Director Of Admissions
Small Changes Lead to Health
With long hours and busy schedules we are all challenged to eat healthy meals. Here are some tips that will help you:
- Add 1 more low-fat dairy product every day
- Add 2 servings of fruits or vegetables to meals.
- Choose 3 whole grain products each day.
Adding activity each day will help you sleep better, feel better and do a better job at work. Some tips to help you get more exercise in your day are:
- Walking during breaks
- Play games, dance, walk the dog
- Take yoga, pilates or aerobic exercise
- Plan 10 minute walk breaks with a friend
- Park further away from the door and walk
Eating out is something we all do a lot of. These tips can help you make better choices:
- Choose fruit or veggies instead of fries
- Ask for reduced calorie dressing
- Drink water or diet soda
- Ask for grilled or roasted chicken for sandwiches.
By Vaheedha Prabakher, Dietician
Resident’s Request Honored by War College
You may remember seeing a picture a few months ago of our President, Carson Ritchie, and some of the maintenance staff in the LeTort Creek cleaning out debris. This was a request from some of the residents of LeTort Manor. One LeTort resident, Ken Shaffer, took it upon himself to address a letter to the Major General at the Army War College stating that “their side” of the LeTort Creek property needed some attention also. Ken received a very nice return letter from the Garrison Commander stating that they had assessed the property and agreed there was a need for shrubbery and debris removal. It was not more than three days later that workmen could be seen with chain saws cutting down scrub trees along the creek side. The War College has promised to take care of the debris in the water when the weather is more temperate. Thank you to Ken for getting the ball rolling. Thank you to the Army Was College for their part in making things look better for both sides of the creek.
Activities
March Calendar
to share with friends and family by Amy Findon, Director of Activities
Special Award Winners…Congratulations!
Easter Flowers and Gifts
Would you like to do something special for your Grandperson(s) for Easter? Here are a few suggestions: a card shower, a gift of his/her favorite snack food or small flower arrangement. Please remember that the resident rooms are not suitable for large or very fragrant flowers. Due to the room size, medical conditions or allergies of residents and staff, these could pose a problem. Please contact Linda to inquire if your Grandperson may have a small arrangement or if a gift would be more appropriate.
By: Linda Waggoner, Director Of Volunteers
Monday March 3rd 7:15pm
Camp Hill Volunteers Men’s Group Dining Rm.
Tuesday March 10th 2:00pm
The Only Purpose Chapel
Wednesday March 11th 7:15pm
Mt. View Mennonite, Worship Chapel
Friday March 13th 2:00 pm
Organ Music w/Phil Shuman Chapel
Tuesday March 17th 7:15pm
Hoe Down w/Square Dancers Dining Rm.
Wednesday March 18th 7:15pm
Gospel Music w/Dave Garner Chapel
Thursday March 19th 7:15pm
Pat and Dick Thornton Sing Dining Rm.
Friday March 20th 7:15pm
Eberly’s Mill COG-Birthday Party Dining Rm.
Tuesday March 24th 2:00pm
Jerry Pavlovski, Music Dining Rm.
Tuesday March 24th 7:15pm
St. Steven’s Church-Game Night Activity Rm.
Thursday March 26th 7:15pm
John/ Rebecca Mallonee, Music Chapel
Friday March 27th 7:00pm
Living Faith Mennonites, Hymns Dining Rm.
Welcome New Director of Dining Services
Welcome to Brad Weiser as our new Director of Dining Services. Brad comes to the Church of God Home with a varied background in food service. Brad says he has been involved with food his whole life. From growing it on the family farm, to restaurant work and now into a health care setting. Brad holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Dynamics-he translates that as business administration. He was formerly the Assistant Director of Food Service at Chester County Hospital before moving to Carlisle where he lives with his wife and several pets. Brad was previously at another retirement community before joining us and says his favorite part of being in the retirement community setting is being able to interact with the residents. He is looking forward to working with our staff to introduce some new ideas to dining services and getting to know the residents and what they like. Brad is impressed by our fresh food approach to meals and says the Church of God Home is the only community around here who does what we do. Just another testimonial to the quality of our food. Keep your eyes open for Easter eggs “for sale” at the end of the month. Again, welcome Brad, we are happy to have you here!
A New Face on Campus
If you see a friendly, smiling face of a gentleman walking the halls of the Home or working with various staff people, you will learn this is John Bair. John is involved with an AIT (Administrator in Training) program to meet the requirements to sit for his Nursing Home Administrator license. John must complete 1000 hours in this program. His first 40 hours of “on the job training”, he is working with the Maintenance Department learning regulations about building codes, fire safety codes, life safety requirements, preventative maintenance schedules and a list of other things. John will also be spending time with Housekeeping/Laundry to learn about chemicals for laundry, MSDS information, and regulations involved with this department. Sue will be guiding his schedule and says John hopes to have his hours completed by early fall.
John is Vice-President of Revenue Enhancement for The Lancaster Group, LLC, which offers a variety of services to long-term care facilities. He has been employed there since 2004. He plans to use his newly acquired skills by assisting his many nursing home clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Give John a warm greeting if you see him and a helping hand if he needs it. Welcome John!
Update on the “Losers”
The total pounds lost to date-58.25!!! That is excellent. People have been exercising and taking this seriously. “Zumba” (exercise combined with dance) class will be starting in March, after work in the downstairs break room. Keep up the good work!
Kathy Deitch-Katie Whitaker Award with Jessica Winkler, Terry Everhard
Jodi Fenicle-Fruit of the Spirit Award with Former Chaplin Groff
National Social Services Month
March is when we observe National Professional Social Work month. The Church of God Home is blessed to have two full time social workers: Erin Naylor and Ellen Myers.
Erin recently celebrated five years of service at the Home. She is a busy person as she goes about her tasks of developing relationships with residents and their families and helping them make the adjustment to life at the Home. Erin will graduate in May with her Masters of Social Work. All this while maintaining her family in Biglerville and giving attention to her daughter.
Ellen Myers has been working for the Church of God Home for the past eight years. She started out in the LeTort Dining Room and for the last three years has been working as a Social Worker. She hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Ellen says she loves her work and enjoys hearing the resident’s stories. She is involved in helping them accomplish their goals and return home.
The Church of God Home is thankful for such compassionate people as Erin and Ellen to help us carry our ministry “Committed to Caring.”
Mark the Date
Our annual Volunteer Recognition Program will be held Wednesday, April 22nd at 1PM in the LeTort Dining Room. We will salute and thank all our faithful volunteers who give of their time and their talents to enhance life here at the Home.
Families feel secure, they’re happy they’re here, and the resident has a new outlook on life; they’ve got new interests and friends.
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