The Homes Charts a Course for the FutureContents

h, if only the future easily took care of itself. And although it will certainly arrive, whether or not your organization will be prepared for it is another story.

With an eye toward times yet to come, a full-day strategic positioning summit was held at the United Methodist Homes Corporate Office on May 26. This meeting laid the groundwork for an ongoing conversation designed to ensure that the Homes is prepared to offer the facilities and services needed in the future. All Board members and key staff members were invited to attend the event, which was an outgrowth of the Board’s Strategic Positioning Subcommittee.

President and CEO Keith Chadwick opened the day with comments about making smart business decisions now that position the organization for the future. Each campus administrator made a presentation about his or her campus’ physical plant and services, and what renovations or programming changes might be most appropriate, marketable and desired by prospective residents and families. Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer Brian Picchini gave a financial overview, and representatives from United Methodist Homes’ accounting firm ParenteBeard were on hand all day to offer their input about fiscal considerations and the approaches other long-term care organizations have used to address issues about service delivery, mission relevance and physical plant upgrades.

The day included good questions from and conversations with Board members and staff. Here’s a backstage sneak peek at some of the key items the Homes will consider going forward.

How are United Methodist Homes’ campuses currently configured?

Most of the core buildings on United Methodist Homes’ campuses were built in the 1970s or early 1980s. As many long-term care organizations throughout the country are also learning, the living setups and care models that were popular and progressive then are somewhat dated now. Organizations are making hard choices about renovating or demolishing and rebuilding.

What needs to be remodeled or upgraded?

More than ever, residents at all levels of care prefer private accommodations. Incoming residents also want more space than in the past, including storage space: These days, prospective residents are living in their own homes longer and have more material goods that they are less willing to part with than their counterparts even a decade ago. United Methodist Homes is actively considering how the skeletons of its existing buildings can be altered to provide accommodations and care in settings more in keeping with modern practices, such as the “small house” model.

What services are we good at?

United Methodist Homes’ advertising highlights real staff members because the organization’s direct-care staff are at the heart of the Homes’ best skill set: providing individualized care with love and compassion. The key will be to translate this skill into services residents of the future will want. This may mean that the Homes begins to offer senior day care

AEditorial ....................2Keith D. Chadwick, President & CEO

Around the Block .....2A series featuring our amazing residents

Letters of Appreciation.............7Notes of thanks

Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton, NY(607) 722-3463Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Hilltop Campus, Johnson City, NY(607) 798-7818Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Tunkhannock Campus, Tunkhannock, PA(570) 836-2983Personal care Wesley Village Campus, Pittston, PA(570) 655-2891Independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation

A newsletter for stAff, residents & friends of United Methodist hoMes

June 2011

United Methodist hoMes

Continued on page 4

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I don’t worry about the future.

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Fern Sherwood (right) dressed for her role as Madame Schwertlein in the Tri-Cities Opera production of Faust, circa 1965.

As many people are aware, and as we announce formally for the first time in this issue of Seasons, I will be retiring from United Methodist

Homes on December 31, 2012.

I’ve spent my entire professional career with this organization: I began as the Hilltop Campus administrator on January 1, 1976, and became CEO in May 1980 at the age of 28. Looking back from this vantage point, I wonder where the time went and at the same time feel incredibly blessed for all the Homes has brought into my life.

The three decades I’ve worked in the long-term care field have been ones of

change. Care is no longer provided in the same way as it was in the 1970s – today we use a much more holistic model that focuses on the unique needs of each individual. The Homes has grown and changed during my tenure. We have closed facilities and opened new ones. We have added new and specialized services, and learned more about what residents and their families need and want. We have built and maintained a long-serving and dedicated staff on each campus – people who truly have the best interests of our residents at heart. Our excellent senior leadership team is focusing on positioning the organization for the future, with direction from our volunteer Board of Directors. I am proud of what we have collectively accomplished.

As I move on to the next phase of my life, I am truly looking forward to spending more time with my family. My wife Gail and I have three surviving parents between us, as well as three children and four grandchildren we’d like to do more for and with.

As the Board conducts a search for my successor, I have faith that God will lead the right person here. The Homes is a strong organization, and as someone new takes the helm, I know that the Homes will continue to fulfill its mission of caring for people. Thank you all for your dedication and support of our organization. It has been a marvelous ride for me, and I am looking forward to my last year and a half with the Homes.

AroundBlock

Fern Sherwood James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Facility, HilltopFern Sherwood grew up in the Syracuse area. After taking business courses by correspondence and classroom instruction as a stenotypist, she was hired by IBM Endicott in 1944 and moved to Binghamton in early 1945.

On the side, she’d always had an interest in singing. At work, she was a member of the men’s and women’s combined IBM chorus, which gave in-house performances and concerts at the IBM Country Club. On the weekends, she sang with the choir at Main Street Baptist Church in Binghamton, under fledgling conductor Peyton Hibbitt. In 1949, Hibbitt and fellow Philadelphia Music Academy student Carmen Savoca founded the Tri-Cities Opera as musical and artistic directors, respectively, with generous amounts of assistance from music

students, musicians and community members, Sherwood among them. Sherwood recalls, “Group members helped with everything – serving on the board, doing carpentry, making scenery, performing in shows. I also served as secretary and treasurer for awhile.”

Sherwood, a mezzo-soprano, performed in half a dozen Tri-Cities Opera performances over the years. She calls Madame Schwertlein in Faust her favorite role to perform, and Il Trovatore, in which she sang her biggest role as Azucena, her favorite opera overall. When she wasn’t singing, Sherwood was creating beautiful cross-stitched samplers and wall-hangings, several of which are on display in her room. Her favorite is “the Little Church in the Wildwood.”

Sherwood retired from IBM in 1983. That she has lived for four years in a building named for IBM industrial engineering executive James G. Johnston is not lost on her – Sherwood remembers taking notes when Johnston spoke at dinner meetings while visiting from IBM’s Greenock, Scotland, location. In addition, Sherwood’s ground floor room looks out onto the entrance of Hilltop’s Raymond and Miriam Jarvis Wellness Center. She also knew Raymond Jarvis, who worked in IBM’s education department when

TheA series featuring our amazing residents

EdiToriAL Keith d. Chadwick, President & CEo

Our “Around the Block” series profiles United Methodist Homes residents who explain what their lives have been like, what their big adventures have been, how they’ve made a difference, and how they want to be remembered.

Sherwood did. She recalls that she and other staff enjoyed conversations with him.

To learn more about the Tri-Cities Opera, visit www.tricitiesopera.com.

To make a suggestion for the Around the Block series, contact Sarah Soden, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at (607) 775-6400, ext. 288. Residents are welcome to suggest themselves!

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U

Chadwick retirement Set for End of 2012 nited Methodist Homes President and CEO Keith Chadwick, who has been with the Homes since 1976 and in his current position since 1980, will retire on December 31, 2012. He has spent his entire career with the Homes, and at the time of his retirement will have given 36 years of service.

The Homes remains a financially strong organization; Chadwick’s decision to retire is centered around a desire to spend more time with his parents (who live at Wesley Village), his wife, children and grandchildren. He will also broaden his community service by offering expertise in leadership, finance and other aspects to a charity, not-for-profit or foundation on an advisory basis.

The United Methodist Homes Board of Directors has formed an executive search committee to locate Chadwick’s successor. The goal is to have a new CEO on board several months before Chadwick’s departure to allow for a training and transition period.

Said Chadwick, “I am immensely proud of our organization and believe that together we have built a legacy of caring that will last into the future. I firmly believe that with the backing of our senior leadership team and Board of Directors, my successor will lead the Homes where it needs to go in a changing long-term care world.”

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thank you, nurses!

Elizabeth Church Manor celebrated National Nurses’ Day on May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday) with a luncheon for all CNAs and nurses to recognize them for the hard work they do throughout the year. Said Director of Nursing Donna Bendzel, RN, BSN,RAC-CT, “This was an opportunity for us to show how much we appreciate everything they do.” Shown serving lunch to Rebecca Hensley, LPN (far right) are (from left) Bendzel and Assistant Director of Nursing Denise Johnson, RN.

New York Campuses Welcome New Dietary StaffUnited Methodist Homes’ New York campuses welcomed new dietary management staff in early June. Seasons is pleased to introduce the new secret ingredients in the food service recipe!

Elizabeth Church CampusName: Chris BlackTitle: Director of Dietary ServicesJoins the Homes From: Vestal Nursing Center, Vestal, NYOf Note: Black has spent most of his professional career in long-term care food and nutrition.

Name: Joyce KahrlTitle: Food Service ManagerJoins the Homes From: Kahrl has been with the Homes since 2000, most recently as dining services supervisor on the Elizabeth Church Campus.Of Note: Kahrl has experience with the wide variety of dining-specific computer programs, as well as scheduling, food safety protocols and more.

Name: Anna-Marie Batz, RDTitle: Registered DietitianJoins the Homes From: Ideal Senior Living Center, Endicott, NYOf Note: Batz holds a bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the State University College at Oneonta.

Hilltop CampusName: Chris WatersTitle: Director of Dietary ServicesJoins the Homes From: Ideal Senior Living Center, Endicott, NYOf Note: Waters holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida.

Name: Kristen AveryTitle: Food Service ManagerJoins the Homes From: Avery been with the Homes since 2001, most recently as a cook/supervisor at the James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home.Of Note: Avery earned her associate’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Broome Community College.

Name: Bonnie BenderTitle: Food Service ManagerJoins the Homes From: Bender has worked for the Homes intermittently since 1976, most recently as dining services director at the recently-sold Norwich campus.Of Note: Bender has been in food service management since 2005.

Name: Warren RincavageTitle: Food Service ManagerJoins the Homes From: TGI Friday’s, Elmira, NYOf Note: With 25 years of restaurant-based experience, Rincavage will be well-positioned to advise the transition to restaurant-style dining in the main dining room at Hilltop.

Anna-Marie Batz, RD; Chris Black and Joyce Kahrl are the new dietary leaders at the Elizabeth Church Campus.

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services or offers services in the home rather than in a skilled nursing setting.

What will the seniors of the future need and want?

The Homes didn’t include a crystal ball in this year’s capital budget, and the organization’s counterparts in the long-term care field didn’t, either. However, national surveys show an upward swing in older people’s preference for staying at home, even if their physical or mental conditions deteriorate. New technological advances – including telemedicine and home monitoring devices – may make this option not only possible but safe.

What does the reimbursement landscape of the future look like?

Future reimbursement is difficult to predict. Most long-term care organizations are carefully diversifying their offerings to ensure that no one service is the primary driver of their bottom lines.

The Homes Charts a Course for the Future Continued from page 1

Introduction Video CreatedUnited Methodist Homes recently created an “Introducing United Methodist Homes” video. Said President and CEO Keith Chadwick, “The video was initially created for use at the United Methodist Church’s Upper New York Conference’s annual meeting, but it will have broader applications for the Homes.” The video will find a place on United Methodist Homes’ website and YouTube page. The Homes once again worked with producer Howey Mitsakos of Novel Studios in Vestal, New York, to create the video.

The video includes location shots from all four campuses as well as creative use of photos old and new to give viewers a sense of the Homes’ history. Interviews from existing videos were cut together with new interviews and B-roll (video without its own sound that runs behind voiceover) shot at the Highlands, Hilltop and Manor House on April 13.

Marketing and Public Relations Director Sarah Soden highlighted the helpfulness of Hilltop staff and residents: “We spent more than six hours shooting video on campus. Staff went above and beyond in anticipating our needs and adapting on the fly, in some cases helping us stage the shots we needed. Residents and staff were curious about what we were doing and supportive of the project, and helped us capture just what we needed!”

Special thanks to the residents who spoke on camera about choosing and living at the Homes, including Reverend Art and Marilyn Doersam (the Highlands), Reverend Leon and Dorothy Frank (Manor House), Peg Prentice (Hilltop) and short-term rehabilitation resident Irene Krivyanik, who appeared in the rehabilitation segment. Thanks also to staff including Chaplain Lea Harding (who was interviewed about the value of the chaplaincy program) and those who arranged and/or appeared in B-roll segments, including Activity Leader Adriane Bateman, Wait Staff Member Carol Mileti, Activity Leader Tara Scales, Activity Leader Jessica Scott and her daughter Teka, CNA Chuck Shay, Rehabilitation Manager Lindsey Stanton, STAR Unit Manager Rosalind Wright, RN; Hostess Theresa Tompkins, Driver Dave Wagstaff and Tatyana Yevsin, PTA.

Highlands residents Marilyn and Art Doersam, shown relaxing after the camera was off, were interviewed for the video about how they selected United Methodist Homes and why they like living at the Highlands.

Bringing History to Life for Eighth GradersNothing brings a certain point in history to life like hearing about it from someone who was there. Mike Terboss’ eighth-grade history students at Jennie F. Snapp Middle School in Endicott were recently treated to a presentation by Hilltop resident Gladys Fassold, who visited their class to tell her family’s Depression-era story.

This spring, as the class began its study of the Great Depression that gripped the United States throughout the 1930s, Terboss asked if anyone had relatives who lived through the Depression and would be willing to talk to the class. Amy Fassold, Gladys Fassold’s granddaughter, was the only class member with a living family member who remembered that time period.

With a few leading questions from the teacher, Gladys told her family’s story: Born in the small town of Fordyce, Arkansas, she was just nine when the stock market crashed. Her father lost his job as an attorney for a local law firm, so he moved south to Little Rock and opened a law office. His wife and daughter stayed behind and rented out half of their house to make ends meet. They lived separately for five years, until Gladys’ father got a job in Fort Worth, Texas, and the family moved there together.

This was the first time Gladys had ever spoken to a student group about her Depression-era experiences, but said it was easy because the teacher and students were very nice. She added, “The teacher said that what I talked about was exactly what he wanted the students to hear – a personal story.” Said Amy, “I’d never heard her whole story before – only bits and pieces. Listening to a first-person explanation really added to what we were reading about.”

Amy Fassold with her grandmother Gladys Fassold in the Hilltop lobby.

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Shorts

Congratulations to Sue Morrow of the United Methodist Homes Corporate Office, who has accepted the position of Network Manager for Homes’ Information Technology Department. She has been with the Homes for more than six years.

Congratulations to James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home Registered Nursing Assessment Coordinator Laura Kostyshak, RN, who recently earned her registered nurse assessment coordinator certification.

Congratulations to James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home Director of Nursing Tammy Patak, RN, who

recently earned her resident assessment coordinator certification.

On May 27, 50 Wesley Village staff members attended the Pennsylvania Restraint Reduction Initiative presentation at Brooks Estates’ Irene Raeder Community Center. Topics included fall management and dementia-related behaviors.

United Methodist Homes extends its grateful thanks to Neil Andre and Art Gordon, Board members who are leaving active service. Andre joined the Board in 1998, Gordon in 1992.

President and CEO Keith Chadwick presented to the Nimmonsburg, New York, Rotary Club on June 10 on the subject of long-term care.

President and CEO Keith Chadwick attended the New York State Association of Homes and Services for the Aging’s Spring Institute in Saratoga Springs June 20-22.

On June 13, Development Director Bonnie Slocum visited United Methodist Homes of New Jersey in Neptune to learn about fundraising strategies with their director of institutional advancement.

Wesley Village Celebrates “Senior” Prom

On May 20, junior and senior year members of the student council at Pittston Area High School visited Wesley Village for the annual “senior” prom. Dressed in formalwear, the students danced the afternoon away with residents. Pictured with (seated) prom king and Anderson Personal Care resident Tad Cheshelski and prom queen and Myers Manor resident Mary Doran are (center row, left to right) Gabrielle Vaxmonsky, Mallory Yozwiak, Amanda Tracy, Kaylene Sutkowski, Danielle Dorosky, Jessica Oliveri, Emily Zielinski, (back row, left to right) Carly Bellas, Brandon Hampton, Sarah Kosik, James LaMarca, Brittany Czerniakowski, John Lombardo and Shelby Smith. (Absent from photo: students Andrea Krevey and Anthony Passarella.)

Griffin Receives Preceptor of Year Award

Patti Griffin, RHIT, HIC, received a 2011 Preceptor of the Year Award from the New York Health Information Management Association (NYHIMA) at the organization’s annual convention in Rye, New York, in early June. NYHIMA presented just eight preceptor recognition awards state-wide this year.

Griffin has served as a preceptor for Broome Community College health information management students for four years. She was nominated for the honor by Broome Community College Associate Professor Jane Hlopko, RHIA Chairperson of the Department of Health Information Technology.

Griffin approaches her precepting duties from a holistic perspective. She explained, “It’s not all about medical records and health information. I like for the students to see how the departments work with each other, all with a goal of offering residents the best of the services they need. I love working in long-term care medical records, and I truly appreciate that United Methodist Homes is so interested in helping to educate the next generation of practitioners.”

Clean out the attic!The Hilltop Campus is taking donations for its annual rummage sale on July 20.

Proceeds from the event benefit the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Furniture and household items accepted at the pole barn or the Highlands Community Center, no books or clothing, please.

Brushes at the ready!In preparation for National Nursing Home Week, residents of the James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home on the Hilltop Campus donned their finest plastic sheeting to head outside and splatter paint a banner for the event! Shown hard at work are (from left) Lena Miller, Clara Sarday, Alice Murphy being assisted by Activity Leader Christa McEwan, and Ellena Carey.

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“Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection…”James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home residents and staff celebrated Nursing Home Week 2011 with the theme “Color My World.” Each day was matched with a color, with coordinating meals and activities planned, and everyone was encouraged to wear the color of the day. Green day included a visit from a Cornell Cooperative Extension representative, who discussed the importance of recycling and how the process works. Red day featured a pizza-making demonstration by New York Pizzeria, purple day had wine-tasting and a berry pie social. Yellow day the residents welcomed the Southern Tier Beekeepers, and the week wrapped up with rainbow day and an ice cream social. Resident Doris Barron is shown with her multicolored Froot Loops necklace that residents made with children from Grand Care.

Don’t Worry, Bee HappyOn April 18, Tunkhannock Campus residents enjoyed a presentation on honeybees by Frances Slocum State Park Environmental Education Coordinator Kathy Kelchner. She explained how the role of each type of bee affects the whole hive, how honey is made and why the honeybee is in danger. Resident Marion Manning had the opportunity to try on a honey-collecting suit during the event.

Enchantment Under the Sea

On May 26, Tunkhannock Campus residents enjoyed the campus’ first-ever “senior” prom with the help of more than a dozen junior and senior Tiger Buddies, students in Tunkhannock High School’s gifted and talented program. In keeping with the selected “Enchantment Under the Sea” theme, residents created fish and sea creature art to hang from the ceiling. Activity Director Terri Tyler and Beautician Terry White rounded out the setting with a disco ball, fishing nets, dark blue tablecloths and bowls of live goldfish surrounded by seashells. The students – all decked out in formal gowns and suits – danced with the residents to slow numbers, waltzes and even the chicken dance! Everyone enjoyed punch, munchies and cake. Shown cutting a rug are resident Lillian Davis and student Larry Huffman. Special thanks to Tunkhannock Area teacher Deb Cechak and to Taylor Rental of Tunkhannock for providing a 16x16 wooden dance floor for the event. The Wyoming County Press Examiner featured the event in its June 1 issue.

Celebrating Pennsylvania During Nursing Home WeekWesley Village’s Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility residents and staff celebrated Nursing Home Week 2011 with the theme “Pennsylvania Pride.” Each day focused on a town and an ethnic group or food, including Dupont/Polish, Pittston/tomatoes, Scranton/Irish, Old Forge/pizza and Pennsylvania Dutch country. Each day featured a special lunch and/or treat for residents, staff and family members. Events and entertainment included an ice cream social, polka music, shamrock shakes, German music and more. Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility resident Gloria Giles (right) and her husband Bill enjoyed the snacks at the Old Forge Pizza Day celebration on Friday.

“down by the seaside, sifting sand…”

In late May, St. Louise Manor residents were treated to the song stylings of Binghamton’s First Ward Senior Center Chorus. The group performed lots of great old standards, including “Lulu’s Back in Town,” “Marianne” and others. Performing the title role in “Marianne” is chorus member Marge Bennett, shown putting the squeeze on resident Harold Rayburn.

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Letters of Appreciation

To the Elizabeth Church CampusMy father recently passed away after a six-week stay at Elizabeth Church Manor. After previous personal experiences with other institutionalized medical settings, I was pleased to observe the outstanding, compassionate care. The power of kindness is profound, and it can transform the unbearable to the bearable, for both resident and family. I experienced this kindness over and over at Elizabeth Church Manor, especially from aide Dawn, night nurse Kathy, activity leader Martha and geriatrician Dr. Husmann. Dawn was good with and for Dad, radiating competence and caring. Dad commented that “Dawn treats me like I’m at a five-star hotel.” Dad felt her genuine kindness and concern, which made him feel secure and cared for. Dawn responded to requests willingly and cheerfully. She gave compassionate care that money can’t buy. Kathy attended Dad during the last days of his life, going the extra mile for Dad and our family. Her kindness and genuine concern were like an embrace. Martha visited regularly and brainstormed with me about activities Dad might enjoy. She went out of her way to be sure I was aware of events that would appeal to Dad. She demonstrated such concern and generosity. Dr. Husmann extended a level of concern that I have rarely experienced from a physician. Thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart.

From St. Louise Manor resident Helen PechmannMany thanks to the people at St. Louise Manor who made my birthday so special this year. I received 48 birthday cards and dietary decorated a cake for me. I was also surprised that the secretary from Holy Trinity Church joined me for lunch on my birthday. God bless you all.

To the Hilltop CampusMy mother moved to Hilltop two and a half years ago. As her only child, it was my job to be certain that her last years were comfortable and happy. The Hilltop Campus family made her welcome and showed her every possible kindness. Mom always referred to Hilltop as home. I can’t describe how much she appreciated the friendliness of all staff members. She loved people, so she enjoyed that employees would chat and share with her. While Mom was hospitalized and after she passed away, many, many Hilltop staff members offered my wife and me their support and good wishes, and we were grateful for the sympathy card signed by so many. Mom had a great experience at Hilltop. My job was to be certain that her last years were comfortable and happy, and the staff’s kindness and caring made that possible. Please share my gratitude with everyone at the Hilltop Campus.

To the Wesley Village CampusMy mother has lived at Wesley Village for several years. We have always been happy with Wesley and the care Mom has received there. This spring, she fractured her hip. Following surgery, she went to Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility to complete her recovery with a goal of returning to her apartment in Myers Manor. I wanted to let you know about the excellent care and kindness Mom has received throughout this experience. This means so much to our family, and my siblings and I are so grateful to every member of the staff, from housekeeping to administration. Mom’s nursing care is also excellent, and the staff are in touch with me regularly with updates. I am so impressed with the continuous patience the staff have with our mother, and with all the residents. The staff’s endless kindness, patience and professionalism amazes me. Mom’s increasing confusion have made things difficult, but the staff at Myers have seemingly endless patience. Janie Schneider in particular has been gracious and a constant source of support for me, and Darlene, Deb, Donna, Barb, Joanna, Ivy, Ellen, Nancy, Georgiana, Elaine and other staff have also been wonderful. Everyone surrounds Mom with their kindness and support. We admire the staff who have made such a difference in Mom’s life, and in ours. We don’t know how to fully express our gratitude to the Wesley Village staff. Not all adult children whose parent is in a care facility feels their parent is safe and well cared for. We do. For this, we thank you.

To the Elizabeth Church CampusI would like to commend Activity Director Diana Husnay for the wonderful Easter egg hunt the campus hosted. My grandchildren were fortunate enough to attend and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Easter Bunny was wonderful with the children and the number of eggs filled and hidden to ensure enough for every child to find was incredible.

To the Tunkhannock CampusSpecial thanks to Administrator Joe Corey for driving Dad out to our family farm for a morning. This was an amazing feat for you to take on, and you were incredibly successful. It is making a big difference for Dad, and gives him something to look forward to. And, now that you have been to the place he is talking about and you have done “the male bonding thing” over the farm, that shared experience deepens your relationship with Dad in a truly profound way. Many thanks again for this very special effort.

Put Your Best Hand ForwardMore than 50 Hilltop residents received “Mother’s Day

manicures” offered by nine Broome-Tioga BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) cosmetology students. The

event was a fundraiser, with proceeds benefitting the 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s. BOCES student Asima Galesic (left front)

works on James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home resident Dorothy Coon’s nails, while Shanice Oliver (left rear) takes care

of Coon’s daughter Patricia Meriano.

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 197Binghamton, NY

is published monthly for the staff, residents, family members, friends and campus neighbors of United Methodist Homes. Please direct all inquiries about Seasons to Sarah Soden, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 10 Acre Place, Binghamton, NY 13904. If you no longer wish to receive this publication, please call Sarah at (607) 775-6400, ext. 288. If you are receiving duplicate copies of the newsletter, please let usknow so we can amend the mailing list.

Visit our website at www.unitedmethodisthomes.org to view contact information for each campus, as well as monthly activity calendars, news releases, or to view back issues of the newsletter electronically.

Visit our Facebook Page for updates, event info and photos. Go to www.facebook.com and search for United Methodist Homes.

Corporate Office10 Acre PlaceBinghamton, NY 13904

United Methodist hoMes

is for Alphabet, is for Books, is for CooperationAs one of their community service projects, Tunkhannock Area High School students in the gifted and talented program and other student volunteers spend time each Thursday with residents at the Tunkhannock Campus, making crafts, playing games and chatting. As a cooperative project, the students (known as “Tiger Buddies” in honor of the school’s mascot) and residents created several “ABC123” books that were donated to the four elementary school libraries in the district. Said Tunkhannock Campus Activity Director Terri Tyler, “The elementary school librarians were excited to receive the books and have already requested more to help support their reading programs.”

Shown with the finished books are (standing left to right) Tyler, Guidance Counselor Mary Clare Thomas, Librarian Josh Pratt, Tiger Buddies Larry Huffman and Natasha Canfield, Librarian Susan Elias, Principal Sue Bugno, resident Lillian Davis, Tiger Buddies coordinator Deb Cechak and (seated) residents Georgette Piper and Angelique Harding.

Elizabeth Church Manor Volunteers HonoredSt. Louise Manor resident and volunteer Helen Pechmann presents Elizabeth Church Manor resident Nancy Copp with a rosary. Pechmann organizes and directs a group of volunteers for Catholic Mass twice a month at Elizabeth Church Manor. In addition, she leads the Rosary on the first Saturday of the month for ECM residents. She supplies rosary beads to anyone who needs them. (goes with ECM vols)

On May 19, Elizabeth Church Manor volunteers were honored for their service with a reception on the theme of “Volunteers -- Touching Lives, Lifting Spirits.”

The facility’s 18 volunteers gave a total of 1,360 hours in 2010, offering help with bingo, transporting residents to and from activities, bringing therapy dog in for visits, arranging flowers, assisting with Catholic Mass and rosary, gardening and more.

Refreshments were served, and volunteers chose from a variety of volunteer-related gifts as a thank you for their loyal service.

Wesley Village Presents Certified Nursing Assistant Award 2011 Wilbur A. Myers Certified Nursing Assistant Award winner Marya Halat, CNA (center), received her recognition from Administrator John Lopatka (left) and Director of Nursing Patt Vitale, RN. (goes with WV nursing award.jpg)

At the May 12WesleyVillage nursing dinner at the Woodlands in Wilkes-Barre, CAN Marya Halat was named the recipient of the 2011 Wilbur A. Myers Certified Nursing Assistant Award. The award winner is selected by a vote of peers. Halat joined United Methodist Homes in 2009. Said Director of Nursing Patt Vitale, RN, “Marya has raised the bar as to what defines an exceptional nurse aide. She stands out because of her sheer determination, energy, compassion and ability to work with others. The affection she feels for her residents and families can be seen with a gentle touch, kind words and a listening ear. Her sense of humor and smile can lighten up the toughest of situations.”Halat received a medal commemorating the award, and her name will be inscribed on a perpetual plaque on display in the Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility Lobby.

The Wilbur A. Myers Certified Nursing Assistant Award was instituted in 1993 by a trust established by Myers for the benefit of Wesley Village’s skilled nursing employees. Myers was a prominent Wilkes-Barre area businessman whose wife was a Wesley Village resident. Myers believed his wife received exceptional care at Wesley, and he wished to offer recognition and advancement opportunities for staff by creating a trust that funds the award.

Donating to the HomesIf you would like to make a donation or consider a planned gift to United Methodist Homes,please call Bonnie Slocum, Director of Planned Giving, at (607) 775-6400, ext. 281.Checks may also be mailed to 10 Acre Place, Binghamton, NY13904.

THIS IS FIRST TO GO FOR SPACE – NOT MY FINEST HOUR BEHIND A CAMERA. IT WAS INCREDIBLY WINDY AND I HAD TO KEEP PUTTING THE CAMERA DOWN TO CHASE PLATES, CUPS AND NAPKINS. THEY DID FEED ME, THOUGH. A Windy Picnic By the RiverIt’s hard to nail down the perfect day for a picnic in upstate New York – there’s always the chance for rain, high temperatures and humidity, or in this case, high winds! Hilltop Campus residents enjoyed a picnic at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton on June 3, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, watermelon, brownies, lemonade and other picnic favorites. Despite chasing paper plates and napkins in the occasional wind gust, it was a lovely sunny day to be outside. Residents Doris Bennett (left, posing with her burger at the ready) and Alice Crittenden are shown tucking into their lunches, prepared by grillmaster and Activity Leader Adriane Bateman. Activity Director Faye Clark kept everyone served and comfortable. (goes with HT picnic)

Get ready to walk!Staff, residents, family members and friends of the organization are invited to join United Methodist Homes’ 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer’s team!The walk is Sunday, September 18 at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton.Sign up online at www.alzcny.org