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A P U B L I C A T I O N O F C H R I S T I A N H E A L T H C A R E C E N T E R

Mental Health:THE BASICS

Mental-health care has made tremendous strides since Christian Health Care Center was founded

98 years ago as the Christian Sanatorium. Increased knowledge and ongoing research have resulted in more precise diagnosis

and effective treatment. That’s encouraging news for the nearly 58million Americans who suffer from amental illness.

At the Center, a broad spectrum of mental-health services, from an inpatient hospital to outpatient counseling, is available.

Throughout all of these services, the value of connecting faith with healing and wellness provides those we serve with

opportunities unmatched in our area.

During the past several months, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of individuals seekingmental-health

services at the Center. Much of the demand has been precipitated by the economy. No one is exempt from this recession, and

each is affected differently. Concern about jobs, finances, and the future in general has resulted in increased anxiety, anger,

depression, and frustration. Our psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, nurses, chaplains, and other professionals endeavor to

help individuals deal with the stress affecting their lives. Unfortunately, many do not have themeans to pay for care. Throughout

its history, the Center has not turned away anyone seeking ourmental-health care

because of the inability to pay. Our Good Samaritan Fund is used to defray the

cost of counseling for those who cannot afford it.

Today, the Center is visibly and programmatically quite different from the

early days, yet still grounded in the Christian principles that guided our founders.

The Center is proud to offer effective, efficient, and compassionatemental-health

care while remaining faithful to its mission.We have a responsibility to use the

talents, abilities, and resources that God has given us to care for our community.

In so doing, we heed the Lord’s commandment, “for inasmuch as ye have done it

unto one of the least of thesemy brethren, ye have done it untome.”

DOUGLAS A. STRUYK, CPA, LNHA

President and CEO

SANDRA DE YOUNG, EdD

Chair, Board of Trustees

“Iwill always remember and bask in the memories of the love you showeredme with and the love you lit in my soul. I know that I was literally ‘loved to

life.’ Always remember that many times it is the small, everyday kindnesses that

make the most difference and have the biggest effect. You each bring some-

thing different, unique, and special to Christian Health Care Adult Day Services

of Wayne. Remember – love works miracles. I know – you were there for me.”

Barbara Bromley, former client at Christian Health Care Adult Day Services of Wayne

ACCOLADESAND ANNOTATIONSis published by theMarketing Department ofChristian Health Care Center.

DOUGLAS A. STRUYKPresident and CEO

CARLA DEWITTVice President, Marketing

KAREN P. HOCKSTEINEditor

Director, Publications

MELANIE E. ANTHONYDirector, Marketing

TO THE COMMUNITYMESSAGE

TreatmentMissionR O O T E D I N T H E

“Pastoral care is a complex and vital component ofa mental-health treatment plan,” says Rev. JamesKnol, LCSW, who serves as Director of Pastoral Careand Chaplain of the Center’s Ramapo RidgePsychiatric Hospital. “With a patient’s involvementin his or her treatment planning, we consider theinfluence of religious and spiritual well-being onphysical and mental health. Religion is differentfrom spirituality.

While religion is a formalized expression of faith,spirituality is the substance of our personal con-nection with God. As we plan for treatment, we tryto determine how an individual’s religious andspiritual well-being affects his or her physical andmental health.”

Addressing a person’s religious and spiritual needsrequires what the Pastoral Care team calls a “spiritualdiagnosis.” The process begins upon admissionthrough asking basic questions: What is your religiousbackground? Do you belong to a church? PastoralCare reviews the responses and then meets with theindividual to gather more personal information.

“We can discover a great deal by asking aboutattendance at religious services. A patient may say,‘I was going but I haven’t wanted to go since Ibecame depressed,” Rev. Knol says. “This type ofresponse opens the door to questions about spiritu-ality: What is your relationship with God? How doyou interact with God?”

Once the spiritual diagnosis is complete, an indi-vidual counseling plan can be developed.

“A significant percentage of inpatients requestChristian counseling,” says Stephen Rapsas, LCSW,Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital Mental HealthCounselor. “For a person who may feel that Godhas abandoned him or her, this counseling mayinclude encouragement to attend Bible study, whichis offered five days a week.”

Reduced length-of-stay and increased severity ofillness over the past few years has shaped theChristian counseling component of care.

“These two factors have changed Pastoral Care’sperspective. It is more a ministry of presence andnurturing than a ministry of input,” Rev. Knol says. “Alot of patients, upon admission, may say that religionand spirituality isn’t a priority to them, and thatmakes sense. During a crisis, there really isn’t thatmuch time to reflect on spiritual health. By the timeof discharge, they may recognize that their spiritualhealth needs attention. We can give them direction.”

“Some patients express an interest in going back tochurch on a regular basis after they’re discharged,”adds Mr. Rapsas. “Such stability, especially in timeslikes these, can really help.”

At the core of Pastoral Care’s mission is the desire tohelp people get in touch with their sense of religiousand spiritual health so that it can be a part of healing.

“The Center is devoted to serving others,” addsSameh Ragheb, MD, a psychiatrist at Christian HealthCare Counseling Center, the outpatient service ofRamapo Ridge Psychiatric Hospital. “This devotionprovides inspiration to the staff to fulfill the Center’smission to be the hands of Christ. For me personally,the Center challenges me to practice my professionin a manner that is true to my Christian faith.”

Christian Health Care Center’s mission is rooted

in the belief that a person’s faith should be

utilized, strengthened, and nourished as an

aid in care. This unique aspect of mental-health services

at the Center is an important part of a multidisciplinary

model of total quality care.

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“By examining the realities ofmentalillness, themyths can be eliminated and,consequently, the stigma reduced,” sayspsychiatristHowardGilman,MD,MedicalExecutive atChristianHealthCareCenter,which includesRamapoRidge PsychiatricHospital and its outpatientmental-healthservice,ChristianHealthCareCounselingCenter; RamapoRidge Partial Program;andPathways, a partial-hospitalization pro-gram to treat adultswho experience both adevelopmental disability and a co-existingmental-health illness.

One of themost prevalentmyths isthatmental illness is a sign ofweakness.In reality,mental illness is a biologicallybased brain disorderwhich cannot be over-come through “will power” or by simply“snapping out of it.” It is not the result ofpersonalweakness, lack of character, orpoor upbringing.

“Mental illness is the result of adysfunction of an organ. In this case,the organ is the brain,”Dr.Gilman says.“Just like someone canhave cardiac prob-lems or kidney problems, the same is truein relation to the brain.Whether you call it

a chemical imbalance or a braindisorder,mental illness is a result of aproblem in the organ of the brain. Thereasonwhywedon’t have any definitiveexplanations right now is because thebrain is an immensely complicated organ–themost complicated organ in the body.Clearly, though,mental illnesses are notdisorders of bad behavior or being obstinateor refusing toworkhard.”

Anothermythwarns that peoplewithmental illnesses are dangerous. Suchan individual, however, is nomore danger-ous than a person suffering fromany otherdisease or disorder.

“Much researchhas been focusedondanger as it relates tomental illness,”Dr.Gilman says. “While there is anextremely smallminority of patientswho,as a result of their illness,may act danger-ously at times, it is a rare event.With propertreatment,most individualswithmentalillnesses lead productive, active lives.”

Yet anothermythproclaims that a per-son can recover fromamental illness simplyby thinking positively.While a positive atti-tude can be beneficialwith any illness,

recovery fromamental illness hinges uponproper diagnosis and treatment. Treatmentcan involvemedication, education, cogni-tive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy,interpersonal therapy, focused prayer andspiritual counseling, and/or peer supportgroups. Statistics show that between70and90percent of individuals involved ineffective treatment plans report a signifi-cant reduction of symptoms, improvedquality of life, and satisfyingmeasures ofachievement and independence.

“It’s important to remember thatrecovery is possiblewith proper treatmentand support,”Dr.Gilman says. “For someindividuals, support also includes focusingon spirituality and religion,which can beperpetual sources of strength.”

Mythvs.Reality

M E N T A L I L L N E S S :

Since 1911, Christian Health Care Center has worked diligently to

dispel the stigma surrounding mental illness. Education has proven to

be one of the most effective tools to work toward accomplishing this goal.

Dorothea Dix has been described as themost effective advocate of humanitar-ian reform in American mental-healthinstitutions during the 19th Century. Shevigorously lobbied state legislatures andthe United States Congress to createthe first generation of mental-healthinstitutions in America.

America’s fragile economy continues to affect the entire population, fromcompany presidents to gas-station mechanics to retirees. Anxiety, anger,depression, stress, and frustration have prompted unprecedented numbersof people to seek mental-health counseling from organizations such asChristian Health Care Counseling Center (CHCCC). Last year when theeconomy started its downward spiral, new client volume at CHCCCincreased 51 percent, primarily due to the day-to-day stress related to livingin such difficult, unsettled times.

Psychiatrist Alice Plummer, MD, CHCCC Medical Director, and KathyColetti, DSW, LCSW, CHCCC therapist, recently discussed the economy’seffect on mental health.

Dr. Plummer: People are seeking mental-health counseling much morequickly due to the economy. Because it’s such an immediate and universalproblem, there’s a curative factor in that everyone is going through this.

Mrs. Coletti: We have no template for this. People are afraid to go to theirmailbox because bills are coming in. They don’t answer the phone becausethey fear that it will be a creditor. No one is exempt. Compounding the situa-tion is the fact that if a person has an underlying mental-health illness to beginwith, it can be exacerbated by the stress caused by the economic crisis.

Dr. Plummer: No other event, not even 9/11, has ever prompted so manypeople to seek mental-health counseling. This is unprecedented because thisis more pervasive. That’s not to say that people weren’t affected by 9/11.That’s far from the case. But considering what happened, there was a returnto normalcy in a relatively short amount of time.

Mrs. Coletti: With the current economic climate so many people’s worldshave been shattered. It’s hard not be affected by it.

Dr. Plummer: One study found that half of all Americans identify housingcosts, such as rent or mortgage payments, as significant sources of stress.Losing your home to foreclose or bankruptcy is more than losing a building.Your house is a projection of yourself. Taking it away is like taking away apart of yourself.

Mrs. Coletti: Inevitably financial anxiety and stress affects children. Onewoman described a change in her 11-year-old son. He’s a very bright boywhose grades started to slip. She wasn’t sure what was causing it exceptto note that she and her husband were filing for bankruptcy and arguingmore often than not.

Dr. Plummer: Talking to your children is very important. One woman toldher children that their current financial situation isn’t something that is beingcaused by them and that everyone in the country is affected by theeconomic crisis.

Mrs. Coletti: At CHCCC, we help clients think outside the environmental box,so to speak, and instill some hope regarding the new administration.Hopefully, with support from Washington, DC, the economy will turn around.

Dr. Plummer: We try to get clients to take it one day at a time. We try togive them hope, help them find support through family and friends, and lookfor resources locally and on the Internet. We may not be able to solve theirfinancial problems, but we can certainly help ease their mental-health issues.

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Mental Health

For more information about Christian Health Care Counseling Center, call (201) 848-5800 or visit www.chccnj.org.

Of Economics and

L AY O F F S . C O R P O R AT E C U T B A C K S . A T U M B L I N G S T O C K M A R K E T.F O R E C L O S U R E S . T H E C R E D I T C R U N C H .

Advocating forMentalHealth through

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“I’vebecome an advocate formentalhealth. I tell everyone about theexcellent care I received at Ramapo

Ridge PsychiatricHospital. I’m so thankfulthat the staff was able to helpme get better.Now, Iwant to usemy experiences to helpothers suffering frommental illness,” saysthe former RamapoRidge patient andOcean,NJ, resident.

RamapoRidge, a full-service 58-bedhospital for adult and geriatric inpatientsat ChristianHealthCareCenter (CHCC),receives referrals from throughoutNewJersey, aswell as parts ofNewYork. Thefacility continues a traditionwhich started98 years ago of providing compassionatecare formental illness. CHCCwas foundedas theChristian Sanatoriumby a group ofdeacons from churches of the Reformedtradition. Their goal was to build the firstprivate psychiatric hospital inNew Jerseythatwould provide physical,mental, and

WordsandArt

Artist. Philanthropist. Volunteer. Mental-health advocate.

Laura Brunetti is one person with several roles. Every day she

strives toweave them togetherwith a single goal inmind: helping

others. Her paintings, philanthropy, and volunteer work enable

her to candidly discuss her experience withmental illness.

Advocating forMentalHealth through

spiritual care for thementally ill baseduponChristian principles. Today, RamapoRidge integrates these same principlesintomodernmental-health care, whichincludesmore effective, numerous, andinnovativemedications, treatments,and resources.

More than 200 forms ofmental ill-ness have been identified. These disordersimpact theway a person thinks, behaves,feels, and interactswith others. Some formsaremild; others require hospitalization.Genetics, biochemical imbalances, theenvironment, traumatic events, and physi-cal illnesses and injuries can contribute tothe development ofmental illness.

WhenMrs. Brunetti was admittedtoRamapoRidge, shewas diagnosedwithdepression and paranoia. Years before, shehad been diagnosedwith bipolar disorder.Themultidisciplinary team at RamapoRidge created an individualized care planto treatMrs. Brunetti’s illnesses.

“The team includes psychiatrists,nurses, rehabilitation therapists, socialworkers, discharge planners, activity thera-pists, admissions staff, nutritionists, andchaplains,” says psychiatristMohamedElrafei,MD,RamapoRidgeMedicalDirector. “Teammembers conductevaluations so thatwe have a full idea of apatient’s psychological, physical, social, andspiritual status.Within the first 72 hoursafter admission, the teammeets to developa treatment plan from all approaches.”

ThroughoutMrs. Brunetti’stwo-week stay at RamapoRidge, shewasinvolved in several forms of treatment,includingmedication and group therapy.

“When I first came toRamapoRidgeI didn’t want anyone to know that I was apainter.Whenwe had a painting project Iwouldn’t paint inmy typical style. Thatwaspart ofmy illness,” saysMrs. Brunetti,founder and owner of L’Estrella Studio inColtsNeck,NJ. “Thenmy sister came tovisit and told everyone that I was an artistand painted beautiful watercolors. Afterthat I painted a bitmore likemyself. I was‘closed’ at the time but I could expressmyself during art andmusic therapy.

The spiritual aspect ofmy treatment alsoproved essential tomyhealing process.

“My last day included awonderfulChristmas luncheon. I received thoughtfulgifts butmore importantly, I realized thatI was ready to take the next step, to takeskills I acquired and utilize themonmy journey.”

Following inpatient treatment,Mrs.Brunetti attended theRamapoRidgePartial Program, a voluntary, short-termoutpatient program, for twoweeks.

“Little by little I started to get better,trust again, and jumpback intomy life,”saysMrs. Brunetti, whowill probably be onmedication therapy for the rest of her life.“Youdon’t think about howmuch youhavein your lifewhile you’re in the program.When you get better you recognize all thegood things. I learned a lot andwas ableto becomemuchmore of a goodperson.I believe inmyself nowandhave taken thetime to strengthenmy spiritual side.”

To showher appreciation for thecare she received,Mrs. Brunetti donateda painting to RamapoRidge.

“I picked a painting entitled ‘Joy to theWorld.’ It features two angels surroundedbypoinsettias. I hope people can look at it and

think of happier times in their lives,”Mrs. Brunetti says. “Therewas no questionabout supportingChristianHealthCareCenter. It’s such a great, genuinely caringorganization. The year after I donated thepainting,myhusband and I donated fundsfor a patient room in the newadultwing.The following yearwedonated funds for arenovated room inHeritageManorNursingHome. I also just donatedmore paintingsfor theCenter’s Post-acuteCareUnit.”

Her philanthropic efforts throughart, funding, and volunteering also extendto programs aimed at at-risk youth andAlzheimer’s disease patients.

“I volunteer in nursing homes tohelp engageAlzheimer’s disease patients invarious art forms as a result of beingwithsuch individuals when Iwas at RamapoRidge. I was ‘blocked’ so I can understand,to a certain extent, where they are comingfrom. I realize how important it is toexpress yourself even if you can’t thinkclearly,”Mrs. Brunetti says. “I reallywantto help people. Gratitude is attitude.”

Formore information about RamapoRidgePsychiatricHospital, call (201) 848-5500.

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Laura Brunetti in L’EstrellaStudio in Colts Neck

“…I learned a lot and was able to becomemuchmoreof a good person. I believe in myself now and havetaken the time to strengthenmy spiritual side.”

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Medication and psychotherapy help

keep Melissa’s mental illness in

check, but when symptoms flare

up, she turns to the Ramapo Ridge Partial

Program (RRPP), a voluntary, short-term

program of Ramapo Ridge Psychiatric

Hospital. Both are mental-health services

at Christian Health Care Center.

“The RRPP is designed to help indi-

viduals before the need for inpatient hospi-

talization becomes necessary, or serves as

a step in the continuum of care following

inpatient treatment,” says Joanne Peranio,

MD, RRPP Medical Director. “In other

words, it bridges the gap between out-

patient and inpatient care.”

The RRPP treats individuals who

exhibit severe, disabling conditions related

to an acute psychiatric or psychological

condition, or an exacerbation of a severe

and persistent mental-health condition.

The program’s goals are to alleviate the

impairment that resulted in admission to

the program, decrease symptoms, and

develop coping skills needed for daily

functioning and community living.

Consumers are referred to the

RRPP by their primary mental-health care

provider, hospitals, or insurance compa-

nies, which is how Melissa learned about

the RRPP.

“I live in New York State and learned

about the program frommy insurance

company,” she says.

Regardless of the referral method,

the Admissions staff is available 24 hours

a day. A staff member gathers information,

generally via telephone, from the individ-

ual, known by the RRPP as a consumer.

With this detailed information a psychia-

trist, nurse, and social worker can then

conduct a comprehensive assessment

to determine whether the individual is

appropriate for the partial program. Once

approved for admission, a consumer gen-

erally begins the next day, at which time

he/she meets with other members of the

interdisciplinary team: an activity therapist,

nutritionist, and chaplain. The team deter-

mines the consumer’s needs, treatment

goals, and discharge plans.

Several years ago, Melissa* was diagnosed with bipolar II, a milder

form of bipolar disorder involving mood swings from depression to

hypomania. The latter, literally meaning below mania, is characterized

by persistent and pervasive elevated or irritable moods, accompa-

nied by thoughts and behaviors consistent with such moods. Bipolar

II is distinguished from bipolar I, or manic depression, by the absence

of psychotic symptoms and by its lesser impact on daily functioning.

BridgingtheGap

Ramapo Ridge Partial Program:

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Consumers are recommended for

either full- or half-day sessions Monday

to Friday. The full-day program runs from

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the half-day from

8:30 a.m. to noon.

“The exact schedule and length-of-

stay depends upon how the consumer is

functioning and his/her specific needs,

work schedule, etc.,” Dr. Peranio says.

Both the full-day and half-day pro-

grams revolve around groups. Collectively,

the groups help consumers develop

healthy relationships, improve concentra-

tion, identify and express feelings, and

develop appropriate coping skills for

daily functioning.

“There’s a lot of education,” Dr.

Peranio says. “We educate consumers

on diagnoses, medication, and side

effects of medication.”

“I appreciate how the RRPP incorpo-

rates spiritual, physical, and mental care,”

Melissa says.

When a consumer is ready to be

discharged, follow-up care is in place.

Options include appointments at an out-

patient program, such as Christian Health

Care Counseling Center, or with the men-

tal-health care provider who referred the

individual to the RRPP.

Many consumers participate in

the RRPP more than once. Some call to

say that they need a “refresher course,”

Dr. Peranio says. Melissa, for instance, has

been in the RRPP three times over the

past few years.

“I’m absolutely satisfied with the pro-

gram. I’ve been to other partial programs

and feel that this one is the best. The staff

is very supportive and offers a high quality

of care,” Melissa says. “My advice to others

who may be suffering frommental illness

is to recognize your symptoms and get

help. You don’t have to sacrifice your

quality of life.”

For more information about theRamapo Ridge Partial Program, call(201) 848-4435.

* While Melissa is a former RRPP patient,her real name is being kept confidential.

Pathways was New Jersey’s first partial-hospitalization program designedspecifically to treat adults 20 and older who experience both a developmen-tal disability and a mental-health illness. The developmental disability musthave been identified prior to age 18, result in cognitive limitations, andinclude mental retardation, pervasive developmental disorder, autism spec-trum disorders, or another neurological impairment. The current mental ill-ness must be acute, requiring intensive mental-health treatment and resultin the individual having difficulty participating in any vocational program orwork setting.

Pathways provides a supportive environment within the community inwhich psychological, social, and habilitative growth may occur. The primarygoal is to teach coping skills, which can lead to a more satisfying lifestyle.The program objectives focus on helping consumers communicate moreeffectively, enriching their personal relationships, increasing their problem-solving and coping skills, and elevating their sense of competence and self-worth to help them realize their potential. Due to the cognitive and commu-nication limitations experienced by Pathways consumers, expressivetherapies and habilitative and social-skills training are emphasized.

Services include psychiatric diagnostic evaluation; medication manage-ment; individual psychotherapy; case management; crisis intervention; trans-portation; family therapy; interpersonal skills; group therapy; art therapy;life skills; music; pre-vocation group; health, education, and wellness;medication education and counseling; and money skills.

Individuals may be referred by any public or private social-serviceprovider, health-care facility or practitioner, school system, family, or self.To make a referral, call (201) 848-7549 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday.

Jennifer Puskas, LCSW, Pathways Director, left, and Sue Senglaub, RN,Pathways Nurse, discuss nutrition during a health, education, and wellness session.

Pathways

REAL is a Good FoundationBy Rev. William Faulkner, DMin, Chaplain, Heritage Manor Nursing Home

BETWEEN SUNDAYS:PASTORAL REFLECTIONS

T here was once a Velveteen Rabbit. He wasnaturally shy, and being only made of velveteenfelt himself very insignificant and commonplace,

and the only person who was kind to him at all wasthe Skin Horse.

The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nurserythan any of the others. He was so old that his browncoat was bald in patches and showed the seamsunderneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had beenpulled out to string bead necklaces.

“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day.“REAL isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin

Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child

loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with,but REALLY loves you, then you become REAL.”

Margery William’s Velveteen Rabbit becameREAL only after REALLY being loved-unconditionally.REALLY being loved creates the fertile holdingenvironment from which REAL is made possible.REAL is a deep inner-organizing peace and is seenin our ability “to love our neighbor as much as wedo ourselves.” Being REAL is the essence of goodmental health.

I wonder if Margery Williams came to thistruth through the Christian message of good news.Our faith tells us that God loves us, REALLY loves us –

unconditionally. Within this experience of God’s contin-uous redeeming love, the foundation for good mentalhealth is laid and nurtured.

Christian Health Care Center seeks to fostera climate in which REAL is a central experience. Quitesimply, we all have intrinsic value and worth as chil-dren of God. We seek to look beyond what the eyesmay see and the ears may hear – to love others aswe would like/need to be loved. And to the extentthat we have internalized this good news and becomeREAL ourselves, we seek to pass on what is funda-mental to good mental health – the ongoing experi-ence of God’s unconditional love.

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A Storybook Romance

At the end of World War II,Kathleen Navazio, a client atChristian Health Care AdultDay Services of Wyckoff,moved from England to theUnited States after marryingLouis Navazio, a sergeant inthe U.S. Army Air Corp.

IN STEPWITH

Manchester, England, 1945. Sgt. Louis Navazio of the Army AirCorp, the predecessor to the U.S. Army Air Forces, will be endinghis tour of duty soon and returning to Staten Island, NY. Just two

weeks shy of his scheduled return, Sgt. Navazio and some of his fellowsoldiers decide to attend a dance. Across the dance hall he sees KatherineWise. Katherine recently moved to Manchester when the British governmentrelocated her family after their home was destroyed by Germans during anair raid. Sgt. Navazio introduces himself and asks her to dance. At the end ofthe evening, he suggests that they meet again. She agrees. He realizes laterthat he doesn’t have her address or phone number.

“He wrote a letter simply addressed to Katherine Wise, Manchester,England. Manchester was not a small town. Somehow, she got the letter.He asked her to meet him at the train station at a specific time and dayand then they would go to a movie,” says their daughter Kathy Coletti, DSW,LCSW, Christian Health Care Counseling Center therapist. “She askeda friend to go with her. They were late and got to the station just as hewas about to step onto the train. It was such a chance happening.If anything could be called fate, their meeting was.”

Louis and Kathleen dated for two weeks before he returned toAmerica. Their courtship continued through correspondence for a year.

“Finally, his father said, ‘If you really love her, go back to Englandand ask her to marry you,” Mrs. Coletti says. “After spending moretime together, he proposed and she accepted. They were married inEngland in 1947.”

After the wedding, the couple settled in Staten Island. Eventuallythey moved to Waldwick to be closer to Mrs. Coletti. They weremarried for 53 years when Louis passed away in 2000.

“My parents had one of the most wonderful marriages,”Mrs. Coletti says. “My father adored my mother till the day he died.He was always saying, ‘Isn’t your mother beautiful?’ ”

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High tech combines with high touch at The Longview AssistedLiving Residence through It’s Never 2 Late, a new computersystem designed specifically for seniors with the belief that

it’s never too late to join the digital revolution.

From using e-mail to connect with family and friends, to enjoyingmind-stimulating activities, to improving hand-eye coordination, seniorswith a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities, most of whomhave never used a computer, are now enjoying technology using asystem adapted especially for them. It’s Never 2 Late’s picture-based,touch-screen platform enables almost anyone to use a computer.

“The system is designed to encourage seniors to interact withfamily, friends, the Internet, computerized programs, and each other,”says Cheryl Wolf, Longview Activities Coordinator. “Each resident canhave a unique and versatile user profile that can be modified as theresident’s abilities, interests, or computer skills change.”

Funds for two systems – one for Longview and another forThe Courtyard, Longview’s specialized residence for individuals in theearly stages of memory impairment – came from donations and grants.Seniors in both residences can use It’s Never 2 Late to “ride” a bicycleor “drive” through Europe. They can view documentaries, listen to music,or Google the day’s top news stories.

“One of the best features of It’s Never 2 Late is that the companyupdates the system with new games, information, and/or features everyother month,” Ms. Wolf says. “The company continually researches thelatest adaptive technologies and software, partnering with cutting-edgetechnology leaders to develop creative applications that enable seniorsto stay physically and mentally active. The program has greatly enhancedthe quality of life for our residents.”

ASSISTED-LIVING SENIORS

Go High-tech

ELDER-CAREBRIEFS

Heather Howard, Commissioner of the New JerseyDepartment of Health and Senior Services, recently

visited Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) for a tour ofcampus and to learn about the facility’s programs. DouglasA. Struyk, CHCC President and CEO, took the opportunityto highlight the needs of some of the Center’s programsimpacted by the state budget for the next fiscal year.

An attorney, Commissioner Howard came to the postwith 15 years of policy experience at the state and federallevels. She has expertise in the areas of child and familyissues, women’s health, hospital and physician regulation,health programs for vulnerable populations, and efforts toexpand health-insurance coverage.

The mission of the New Jersey Department ofHealth and Senior Services is to foster accessible andhigh-quality health and senior services to help all stateresidents achieve optimal health, dignity, and independ-ence. It works to prevent disease, promote andprotect well-being at all life stages, and encourageinformed choices that enrich the quality of life forindividuals and communities.

NJ Health Commissioner Visits

Cheryl Wolf, left, Activities Coordinator at The Longview AssistedLiving Residence, looks on while resident Bertha Warnet “takes adrive” using It’s Never 2 Late.

Heather Howard, NJ Commissioner of Health,left, with Douglas A. Struyk

In memory of

Pearl AbmaElisabeth Mowerson

William AbmaJack and Shirley Faber

Lorraine AnthonyTom and Melanie Anthony

Elba ArencibiaMr. and Mrs. Ellsworth P.

Whiteman ##

William G. AtkinsonThe Massey family

Katherine BauerJeanne K. Schmitz

Anna Marie BerenbroickFrederick J. and Evelyn M.

Berenbroick ##

Sarah BreenJeanne K. Schmitz

William H. Bristow, MDMr. and Mrs. Robert Wollenberg

Nicholas M. BruiningFirst Presbyterian Church

VIP Men’s GroupWillard E. Marcley ##

Benjamin BruinoogeCornelius Breen

Caroline BuchtaMr. and Mrs. William Buchta

and family #Betty and Pete Johnson #Nancy Weinmann #

Rita CarterEdna Fica

Irene V. CaseyJames C. Dallas ~

Hilda De RooTom and Melanie AnthonyMr. and Mrs. J. BosloperRena J. BruinsBill and Marilyn BushmanJohn and Linda BruinsBernice BushovenMichael D. Carroll, Esq.Faculty and staff of

Crofton Middle SchoolCorene De GraafNeil and Rigoula De HaanAl and Trina De RooEthel De SeeFlorence De RooJohn and Connie De YoungRobert J. DindofferMichael and Christine GibsonKerr, Russell and Weber, PLCWilma KohereGordon and Shirley KuipersMarie E. MeenanBarb O’RourkeAda Marie PontierWilliam and Mary SankbeilClaudia and Edward

SchoonmakerHenry and Lois SchuurmanMr. and Mrs. Mark StasaMr. and Mrs. Stuart StruckDouglas and Vicky StruykEllen TerpstraBeth TipperBetty TolsmaDorothy UdesJessie Van Oss

Herman de Waal MalefytJane de Waal Malefyt

John and Gertrude DePrekerJohn and Gladys DePreker

John DriesseDouglas and Vicky Struyk

Nellie DykAmy Slufik ##

Geraldine EgedyRobert and Florence Chandler

Rosemary ErdmannJane and Hank Johnson ++

Marjorie FoleyMr. and Mrs. Steven HerderThe Monaco family

Andrew and AliceGemeinhardtJohn and Gladys DePreker

Salvatore J. GiarratanoRamon and Eugenia CasaprimaCarla and Stephen DaweMichael and Carole DenoveMr. and Mrs. Andy Wu

Elsie M. GideonHenry J. Gideon

Robert B. Goocey Sr.Margit L. Goocey

Erna GoossBarbara and Henry Gooss

Glenn D. GowerAudrey AstionEunice M. BroersmaBrian and Karen CannonWilliam and Doris ConoverDennis and Agnes CreanChester and Sherry CrerieDonald and Elaine DappLeonard De BlockNeil and Rigoula De HaanJohn and Ruth De VriesMr. and Mrs. James DolginKen and Susan DyerThomas and Linda DykhouseLenore DykstraDaniel and Elizabeth DykstraAlice and Henry FaasseFair Lawn Women’s Health GroupChristine FleischmannIke and Shirley FolkertsmaBryan and Mindy GarciaNancy and Rene GarciaShawn and Ashley GarciaRandal and Karen Hagedoorn

and familyMarcia HartwigAllan and Kathy JeltemaMark and Karen KnorrJim and Jan La BadiaJames and Patricia LangEd and Laura LotzPat Mc Gowan

Arlene MeringerJohn and Beth MilkampPackard IndustriesMark and Pamela ReitsmaPenny and Bud RobinsonSt. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital

Radiology DepartmentJoanne SerraMr. and Mrs. William SlumpKevin and Debbie SmithPhyllis C. SweetmanIvan and Alice TanisKeith and Faith TanisBetty TolsmaDr. and Mrs. Anthony

Van Grouw Jr.John and Linda Van LentenKatherine VeenstraRog and Linda VogelBetty and Jim YoungsmanMarcia and Bob ZappaVirginia and Mike Zimmer

Adriana GuisTom and Melanie Anthony

Nellie HartogReynold and Muriel AmelsWilliam R. HartogRichard and Ellen JefferDon and Edie RitsmanWilma SikkemaChris and Barbara Vander Gaag

Mary HollarGladys BodnarMr. and Mrs. Peter Manetakis Jr.Carl and Dolores MerrellLawrence Pugliese and Mara

Sophia HookRobert and Nan Crain #John and Susan Dale #Robert and Mary Ann Gacek #The Harnett, Carabellese,

Lawson, and Bantro families #Stephanie Luczka #Betty and Art Schmidt #John Simonelli #Helen Stead #Betty Tolsma #Joy, Adam, and Hope Urdang #Tunis and Lois Verblaauw #

Nancy HylandLeo and Ginny Donohue ^

Gertrude IrwinGeorge Irwin Jr.

Hilda JansenJoseph G. and Theresa C. Fett

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Honors, Memorials, and Church Gifts

The Christian Health Care Center Foundation receivedthe following contributions between October 1, 2008, andMarch 31, 2009.

Key

~~ Adult Day Services * De Roo House++ Adult Day Services of Wayne # Employee Fund~ Adult Day Services of Wyckoff ** Membership## Annual Fund + Pastoral Care^ Dementia Unit

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Jennifer JansenJoseph G. and Theresa C. Fett

Lenore JonkmanMarvin and Harriet AbmaHerbert H. Prins

Edward and Dorothy KingmaDorothy Allison

Peg KlinkenbergHelen Chapin

Clarence A. KnyfdRuth Knyfd ##John and Meg Vande Guchte

Edward J. KohereSam and Agnes Teitsma

Nellie KunisBetty Gower

Helen KypersJeanne K. Schmitz

William C. LaauweJessie Laauwe

Kenneth H. LappeDavid and Kim Lappe ##

Frank C. LawtonJoseph G. Hovan

Anthony and Helen LockerTom and Sandy Van Benschoten

Loved OnesCornelia Hagedorn

Albert MaasDennis and Agnes Crean #Henry and Alice Faasse #Fogeline Maas #

Frank MayerMayers Karate and Fitness ^

Barney and FlorenceMemmelaarBernard and Marion Memmelaar

John S. MeuerShirley S. Meuer +

William MeyneJohanna Meyne

Enola MillerRobert and Barbara Hazekamp **

Mary MolnarThe Lawrences #Margaret E. Wassel #

June A. MontgomeryClaire A. Baten

John NakashianGladys Bodnar +Edward and Barbara Boghosian +Kurt and Anne Bolin +Marjorie Bowers +Diran and Frances Chilian +Henry and Armine Chilian +Mr. and Mrs. Ted Choma +Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Dabagian +Margaret DeMaria +Fair Lawn Sunrise Rotary +Gladys Haboob ~~Peter J. Lombardo +Jo Ann Magarelli +Elaine, Leon, and Heidi Raff +Carol and Raymond Sukovich +

Harry and Johanna PlunkettShirley Beekman

Dennis PriestnerDebra AckermanDoug and Marianne BushovenXiaoyu and Doris ChenDorothy DansenKeith and Betty DavisLeonard De BlockMarc and Rachel De BlockNeil and Rigoula De HaanEthel De SeeGarry and Tetsy Decker

Debbie and Skip DonkerslootGenevieve DoumaJohn and Kay DrukkerFred and Ruth EverettJack and Shirley FaberLaurie and Wayne FieldhouseFriends of Debbie PriestnerGlen Rock Stair Corp.Michael and Tracy GrassiJennifer HavenJim and Leah HavenPeter and Susan HookJohn P. Fischer Tiles Inc.Gordon and Lois KlineH. Gerhardt KuglerDwayne and Sue LeegwaterMary LockhartLong Hill Liquors Inc.Ray and Donna LuyendykRalph and Barbara MarchioneMr. and Mrs. Raymond MartinMr. and Mrs. James McCombsBern and Marion MemmelaarDolores and Pete MosesLeslie PaparoneJohn and Dot PriestnerEdward and Jean PriestnerMae PruimJoe and Jo Ann RadiganDenise RatcliffeSally and Ron RobertsJames and Patricia SackHenry and Lois SchuurmanKen and Laura Steenstra

and familyDouglas and Vicky StruykJames R. Suessmann, CPA,

and Lorraine SuessmannBrenda and Scott Vander WallPaul and Karen Van OstenbridgeNick and Lynn VeenstraKatherine VeenstraMichael and Randi VenemaKen and Denise WiegersMr. and Mrs. Charles WisotskyDoris and Henry Zeeuw

Bertha ReinerMargit L. Goocey

Elizabeth RohrsIda Rohrs

Elsie RohrsIda Rohrs

Ann SaltwickMr. and Mrs. Michael AitaNancy BaydallaMaverick Mangement Group Inc.

A GIFTFROM THE HEARTThis past December, the Woetzel family celebrated

Christmas with a gift from the heart. Rather than exchangegifts, the extended Woetzel family in Franklin Lakes,Mahwah, Pompton Plains, Wyckoff, and Stamford, CT,decided to make a $2,000 donation to Christian HealthCare Center (CHCC).

The idea blossomed when Kurt H. Woetzel of PomptonPlains asked his family not to buy him anything forChristmas but rather make a donation to CHCC, where hiswife Odette resides in Heritage Manor Nursing Home.

“Everyone else followed suit,” says Tina Woetzel ofStamford. “We all felt that it was a nice and meaningfulgesture, as well as a good lesson for the children, who rangein age from 8 to 17.”

Seated, from left, are Kasey Woetzel, Keith Woetzel, JohnGoldschrafe, and Tori Woetzel. Standing, from left, are Alexaand Chelsea Goldschrafe. The Woetzels live in Wyckoff, andthe Goldschrafes live in Franklin Lakes.

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Robert and Linda MonacoKathleen PryorDavid and Sue SaltwickThe Sluzas familyAnita SmithWilma and Vic SpatzChristopher and Susan StavrakosEileen Thornton

Abe SchwierHarriet and Marvin AbmaGrace Roukema De Boer

Joseph ShadiackCarol BrodaRobert B. Evans and Marie Hall

Charlotte ShotmeyerJohn and Marion Schlenker

Ingeborg SiemsenBarbara and Cliff Winters

Jake and Agnes SoodsmaThomas Soodsma

Ken SpringerSam and Agnes Teitsma

Josephine H. StandaertWilliam and Eleanor Standaert #

Henriette G. StruykBea Card Kettlewood

William and Nellie SweetmanPhyllis Sweetman ##

Jean TeitsmaSam and Agnes Teitsma

James Ten KatePatricia Goodell and Harold PahlekEdward and Harriet HollemaHarold and Jessie HollemaGordon and Lois KlineRaymond and Julia Martin

Anna TurcicJohn Bakaarich #Peter and Kathy Bakarich #Marie and Mel Christie #

Betty De Palma #Russell Halchak Jr. #Stacey and Bill Smart #Kip and Mary Ann Travis #Albert and Claire Verenazi #Theresa Young #

Hildegard UnczowskyGordon and Ingrid Blood ##

Anthony Van Grouw Sr.Dr. and Mrs. Anthony

Van Grouw Jr.

Helen Van GrouwDr. and Mrs. Anthony

Van Grouw Jr.

Richard Van HarkenMarilyn BartholmeKeith and Betty DavisDonald and Joan De BruinGayle and Roy FaganLaura and Ed FarbBarry and Linda FosterBarry and Gertrude FosterKeith and Cindy FunschDonald and Martina HagedornCarla and George KennedyRuth KnyfdRosa LupoPeter, Anthony, and

Barbara familiesDiane MolWalter MutzenbackRobert W. PlavierDenise RatcliffeFred and Jan RoederDouglas and Vicky StruykMr. and Mrs. Harold Sweetman ##Richard and Wilma TuitDr. and Mrs. Anthony

Van Grouw Jr.Michael and Sandra Westra

Mr. and Mrs.Bert Van KluterenJoseph G. and Theresa C. Fett

Martina Van RyRobert N. Van Ry

Bernard Van RyRobert N. Van Ry

Marie Vander HaveDr. and Mrs. Anthony

Van Grouw Jr.

Nicholas Vander HaveDr. and Mrs. Anthony

Van Grouw Jr.

Bill Vander PloegHelen Chapin

Tunis and Nellie Vander WendeBernard and Marion Memmelaar

Gladys VeitengruberGeorge Veitengruber

Louise VenengaRev. Dr. and Mrs. William Faulkner

Johanna VermuelenCarolina E. Hartog

Anthony WoudenbergMichael and Joanne Kukol

Ruth WuenschMr. and Mrs. Sweetman

Joseph YostJoAnn and Dennis Looney

In honor of

Henry and Dottie Abma50th wedding anniversaryHenry and Margaret Balkema

Art and Carol Anne Boonstra50th wedding anniversaryJasper and Mary Koster

Helen L. Chapin90th birthdayLori and Steve Chapin

Meredith FowlerFrom a dear friend ##

Alice FredericksIn her honor for ChristmasShirley E. Croucher

Robert B. Goocey Jr.60th birthdayMargit L. Goocey

Gladys HazekampRobert and Barbara Hazekamp

Herbert Holzberger60th wedding anniversaryJoanne and Bruce Pleune

Richard R. Kuiken85th birthdayPhyllis Sweetman

Virginia LeeFor her efforts planning ourChinese New Year celebrationEvergreen Court Residents #

Trudy Lier70th birthdayMartin and Thea LeegwaterMr. and Mrs. William J. Martin

Doris NelsonNancy Currey #

Maria SinningIn her honor for ChristmasNick and Carol Krassy

Bertha StronachFrom a dear friend ##

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Struyk50th wedding anniversaryAurie and Wilma Tamboer

Henry and Judy Van Heemst50th wedding anniversaryHans and Joanne De BruynWilma Kohere

Gladys M. Van Ryin her honor for ChristmasRobert N. Van Ry #

Barbara Vander GaagIn honor of her birthdayMr. and Mrs. G. Carl Tott

Florence Matchett VenturoDavid and Jeanne Conerly

Elizabeth WeberJohn and Kathy Barry ##

Dorothy WynbeekBuzz and Linda Wynbeek *

CHURCHGIFTSAbundant Life Reformed ChurchBethany Reformed ChurchChristian Reformed Church of Midland ParkClinton Avenue Reformed ChurchFirst Reformed Church of Pompton PlainsFirst Reformed Church of Saddle BrookFree Reformed Church

Grace United Methodist ChurchNetherlands Reformed CongregationPequannock Reformed ChurchPreakness Reformed ChurchRichfield Christian Reformed ChurchWyckoff Reformed Church

My hometown: Fair Lawn

My work experience prior to CHCC: I worked in the Security Departmentfor the former Meyer Brothers department store in Wayne.

Why I work at CHCC: Because I care about people. ChristianHealth Care Center provides a nurturing environment for everyone.

My inspirations: The people that I serve and work with ona daily basis

My philosophy: Strive to provide quality service

My proudest achievement: Being father to my sonSteven Henry

Most memorable experience: The birth of myson has been a joy and a blessing.

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Steven Van HeemstCentral Supply Mail Clerk, Materials Management

CENTERPOINT

Steve was selected as a Legend QuarterlyAll Star at Christian Health Care Center. On thenomination form, Barbara Geraci, Southgate UnitClerk, wrote the following: “Steve always goes theextra mile for everyone. Every day he comes to workfull of energy and ready to go. He never gives lessthan 110 percent. To Steve, all mail is priority mail.

“Steve is always thinking of the well-being of ourresidents and is often heard saying, “It’s all about theresidents – anything I can do to make them happy.’”He always makes sure that he provides the best serv-ice that he can. He used to stop at the store everymorning to buy a newspaper that was not available tous through the companies we use. Steve would makethis ‘special delivery’ for residents on a daily basis.

“Steve’s character speaks for itself. He always doeseverything with a smile and always has time to sharea story and ask about your family. Steve is positive,loving, friendly, courteous, reliable, and a team player.He is a valued employee of Christian Health CareCenter. As a workplace, the Center is a perfect fit forSteve, and Steve is a perfect choice for a Legend.”

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 5East Hanover, NJ

Christian Health Care Center (CHCC) purchasesmailing lists in an effort to communicate withcommunity members who may benefit fromreceiving our publications. We recognize thefact that some residents prefer not to receiveour materials. However, CHCC does not controlthe deletion of names from a purchased list.To reduce unsolicited third-class mail, go tothe Direct Marketing Association website atwww.dmachoice.org.

S A V E T H E D A T E

HarvestfestThursday, October 15, 2009McBride Field, Franklin Lakes Road,Franklin Lakes

This fund-raising event will be co-hosted byChristian Health Care Center and Eastern ChristianSchool Association and will benefit each accordingly.

For more information, call Darcy Bickert,Christian Health Care Center Foundation Assistant Director,at (201) 848-5796 or e-mail events@chccnj.org.