City of Refuge- “Who refreshes will be refreshed”-Proverbs 11:25 Butler Homeless Initiative.
United Methodist Homes Contents Refreshes Advertising T
8
United Methodist Homes Refreshes Advertising Contents he most important thing when filming a commercial outdoors – the weather – is not something the director, the crew or the talent can control. Fortunately for everyone, Mother Nature cooperated on June 7, filming day for United Methodist Homes’ new television commercial. Twelve hours of filming resulted in the 30-second television commercial that began airing in September. Once again, the Homes elected to feature real staff and real residents in its marketing materials. (See this month’s editorial on page 2 for details on that choice.) The television commercial opens with shots of several staff members – Hilltop Activity Leader Christa McEwan, Hilltop Maintenance Director Paul Pado and Hilltop Wellness Director Vinni Wingell – performing typical daily tasks, with a voiceover that explains, “Here are a few of the people who work at United Methodist Homes, doing what they do every day.” The commercial ends with close-up shots of several residents – St. Louise Manor resident Ralph Efthimiou and Hilltop residents Doris Bennett and Peg Prentice – and voiceover that says, “and here are some of the reasons they do them.” Other residents featured in the commercial include St. Louise Manor resident Art Dewing and Highlands residents Jeanne Mellander and Joan Powell, who appear on-screen with Wingell performing a qi gong (an exercise form similar to tai chi) routine, and Hilltop resident Dorothy Niggli, who rides on the duet bike with McEwan. Said Prentice, “Everyone on the crew was so friendly and easy to work with, and I had a wonderful time participating in filming. It was incredible to see all that goes on behind the scenes to get a 30-second commercial!” The commercial concept was created by Crowley Webb and Associates of Buffalo, New York, United Methodist Homes’ advertising agency, and directed and filmed by Eric Frick of Eric Frick Photography, also in Buffalo.Trish Phelan, of Buffalo-based Trish Phelan Productions, managed production concerns such as wardrobe, backgrounds, staging, hair and makeup, and more. United Methodist Homes’ Marketing and Public Relations Director Sarah Soden managed casting, scheduling, props and other items on the Homes’ end of the project. Look for the television commercials on WBNG TV-12 and WIVT NewsChannel 34 in New York and WBRE and WNEP- 16 in Pennsylvania. Online advertising is part of the campaign in both states. In New York, three radio commercials – each featuring voice talent portraying McEwan, Pado and Wingell and assorted T Editorial. ....................2 Sarah Soden Director of Marketing and Public Relations Around.the.Block. .....2 A series featuring our amazing residents Letters.of. Appreciation.............7 Notes of thanks Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton, NY (607) 722-3463 Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Hilltop Campus, Johnson City, NY (607) 798-7818 Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Tunkhannock Campus, Tunkhannock, PA (570) 836-2983 Personal care Wesley Village Campus, Pittston, PA (570) 655-2891 Independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation A NEWSLETTER FOR STAFF, RESIDENTS & FRIENDS OF UNITED METHODIST HOMES September 2011 UNITED METHODIST HOMES Continued on page 4 Interact with us on Hilltop Campus resident Doris Bennett graces the billboards that will be used in Pennsylvania. Activity Leader Christa McEwan and Hilltop resident Dorothy Niggli relax between takes.
Transcript of United Methodist Homes Contents Refreshes Advertising T
United Methodist Homes Refreshes AdvertisingContents
hemostimportantthingwhenfilming acommercialoutdoors–theweather–isnotsomethingthedirector,thecreworthetalentcancontrol.Fortunatelyforeveryone,MotherNaturecooperatedonJune7,filmingdayforUnitedMethodistHomes’newtelevisioncommercial.Twelvehoursoffilmingresultedinthe30-secondtelevisioncommercialthatbeganairinginSeptember.
Onceagain,theHomeselectedtofeaturerealstaffandrealresidentsinitsmarketingmaterials.(See this month’s editorial on page 2 for details on that choice.)Thetelevisioncommercialopenswithshotsofseveralstaffmembers–HilltopActivityLeaderChristaMcEwan,HilltopMaintenanceDirectorPaulPadoandHilltopWellnessDirectorVinniWingell–performingtypicaldailytasks,witha
voiceoverthatexplains,“HereareafewofthepeoplewhoworkatUnitedMethodistHomes,doingwhattheydoeveryday.”Thecommercialendswithclose-upshotsofseveral
residents–St.LouiseManorresidentRalphEfthimiouandHilltopresidentsDorisBennettandPegPrentice–andvoiceoverthatsays,“andherearesomeofthereasonstheydothem.”
OtherresidentsfeaturedinthecommercialincludeSt.LouiseManorresidentArtDewingandHighlandsresidentsJeanneMellanderandJoanPowell,whoappearon-screenwithWingellperformingaqi gong(anexerciseformsimilartotaichi)routine,andHilltopresidentDorothyNiggli,whoridesontheduetbike
withMcEwan.SaidPrentice,“Everyoneonthecrewwassofriendlyandeasytoworkwith,andIhadawonderfultimeparticipatinginfilming.Itwasincredibletoseeallthatgoesonbehindthescenestogeta30-secondcommercial!”
ThecommercialconceptwascreatedbyCrowleyWebbandAssociatesofBuffalo,NewYork,UnitedMethodistHomes’advertisingagency,anddirectedandfilmedbyEricFrickofEricFrickPhotography,alsoinBuffalo.TrishPhelan,ofBuffalo-basedTrishPhelanProductions,managedproductionconcernssuchaswardrobe,backgrounds,staging,hairandmakeup,andmore.UnitedMethodistHomes’MarketingandPublicRelationsDirectorSarahSodenmanagedcasting,scheduling,propsandotheritemsontheHomes’endoftheproject.
LookforthetelevisioncommercialsonWBNGTV-12andWIVTNewsChannel34inNewYorkandWBREandWNEP-16inPennsylvania.Onlineadvertisingispartofthecampaigninbothstates.InNewYork,threeradiocommercials–eachfeaturingvoicetalentportrayingMcEwan,PadoandWingellandassorted
TEditorial.....................2SarahSodenDirectorofMarketingandPublicRelations
Around.the.Block......2Aseriesfeaturingouramazingresidents
Letters.of.Appreciation.............7Notesofthanks
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
September 2011
UNITED METHODIST HOMES
Continued on page 4
Interact with us on
Hilltop Campus resident Doris Bennett graces the billboards that will be used in Pennsylvania.
Activity Leader Christa McEwan and Hilltop resident Dorothy Niggli relax between takes.
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
PAGE 2
Forthelastfewyears,UnitedMethodistHomeshasfeaturedrealstaffandrealresidentsinitsadvertising.Itcanbeariskyproposition–
manymarketersoradvertisingagencieswon’tconsideritforavarietyofreasons–butforus,itworks.Here’swhy.
Everyday,UnitedMethodistHomeslivesuptoits“Peoplecaringforpeople”tagline,inallkindsofways.Maybeit’stheclassicdirect-carescenarioinoneofourskillednursingfacilities,whereastaffmemberprovideshands-onassistancetoaresident.Butitcanalsobethemaintenancestafferwhounderstandsthatwhileablownlightbulbmightnotbethebiggestdealinhisday,itmaybetheonlythingtheresidentwithoutabathroomlightthinksaboutuntilitgetsfixed.There’salsotheresident
financialservicesstaffmemberwhotakesthetimetoexplainbillingchargestoafamilymember,thereceptionistwhohasafriendlydailychatwitharesidentcollectinghisorhermail,ortheactivityleaderwhorememberstoaskaresidentaboutafavoritegreat-grandchild.“Peoplecaringforpeople”isallthethingsourstaffmembersdotohelpourresidentsfeellovedandathome,andabsolutelymakesourrealemployeesworthfeaturinginouradvertising.Theyaretherealfaceofourorganization–whynotmakethemsointhemediaaswell?
TheHomesisequallyfortunatetohaveresidentswho–evenintheireighthandninthdecadesoflife–areupfortryingsomethingnew.SomedaysthismeansWiibowlingormodelinginafashionshow,andotherdaysitmeansconsentingtobefeaturedinacommercialandtrottingachunkofyourwardrobeintoaparkinglotsothedirectorcanchoose
theoutfithelikesbest.It’sbeenexcitingformetoseeourresidents–peoplewhohavebeensuccessfulinprofessionssuchasengineering,education,medicine,agricultureandmore–haveanunexpectedlyexcitingexperienceatthisstageofthegame.
I’msomeonewhooperatesbehindthescenestomanagelocationscouting,scheduling,wardrobe,remindercallsandothernitty-grittybefore,duringandafterfilmingday.Duringthedayof“theshoot,”it’samazingformetostepbackandwatchourrealstaffandrealresidentsdosowelloncamera,withnocoachingorpreviousexperience.Ithinkit’satestamenttothecaliberofstaffweselectandthewonderfulpeoplewhohavechosentocallUnitedMethodistHomestheirhome.Thatreal,genuinecaringisafeelingthateventhebeststockartintheworldcan’tcomeclosetocapturing.
Around
Block
Doreen Barber Almy Lee St. Louise Manor, Elizabeth Church CampusDoreenBarberAlmyLeehasfondmemoriesofherchildhoodintheLondonsuburbofTooting.ButtheBlitz,whichbeganinSeptember1940,changedeverything.Astheironlychild,Lee’sparentsweredesperatetogetheroutofharm’sway,enrollingherinanevacuationprogramthateventuallyremovednearlytwomillionchildrenandadolescentsfromthecitytothecountryside.ShewassenttoChichester,65milestothesouthwest,andplacedwithachildlesscouple.“Theywereverygoodtome,”sheremembers,
“butnoteveryonewassolucky.Familiesinthecountryweretoldhowmanycitychildrentheyhadtoaccept–theprogramwasn’tvoluntaryontheirend.”Afterafewmonths,16-yearoldLeewasstilldesperatelyhomesick.ShetelephonedhermotherinTooting,whosaidshecouldcomebackaslongassheunderstoodthatLondonwasstillbeingbombed.“ItoldherI’dratherbewithourfamilynomatterwhathappened,”shesays.
AlthoughLeehadstoppedgoingtoschoolwhentheBlitzbegan,sheenrolledinashorthandcourseandgotajobinLondon’sbusinessdistrict.ShecommuteddailyontheundergroundfromTootingtocentralLondon,alinewhichranundertheThamesRiver.Ifbombingbegan,trainswerepreventedfrompassingundertheriverforsafety,soLeecarriedaknittingprojectwithherincaseshewasdelayed.“IspentsolongintubestationsduringthewarthatIknittedmyselfawholedress!”sherecalls.
Towardwar’send,Leeandafriendwentoutforanightofdancing.Whilestandingwithagroupofyoungwomen,LeenoticedanAmericanGIlookingatallthewomen’sfeet.“Ifinallyhadtoaskwhathewasdoing–hesaidhewanted
The
A series featuring our amazing residents
EDITORIAL Sarah.Soden.Director.of.Marketing.and.Public.Relations
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.
todance,butinhisheavybootshewaslookingforsomeonewearingclose-toedshoes.Iwastheonlyonenotwearingsandals,soheaskedmetodance.”Attheendoftheevening,thesoldieraskedforherphonenumber.Althoughshefiguredshe’dneverhearfromhimagain,hecalledthenextday–andLee’sfatherpromptlyhunguponhim.Persistent,thesoldier–namedBobAlmy–foundheraddressandvisitedLeeathome.HerfatherremainedopposedtoherseeinganAmericansoldier
Continued on page 4
Bob and Doreen Lee on a recent afternoon.
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
PAGE 3
Donna.Bendzel,.RN,.BSN,.RAC-CT,.CNEDonnaBendzel,RN,BSN,RAC-CT,CNE,DirectorofNursingatUnitedMethodistHomes’ElizabethChurchManor,recentlybecameacertifiednurseexecutivethroughtheAmericanAssociationofNurseAssessmentCoordinators(AANAC).
Toqualifyforthiscredential,Bendzelcompletedanonlinecurriculumincluding10coursesinsubjectssuchasleadership,humanresources,riskmanagement,thequalityindicatorsurveyandmore.
BendzelearnedhernursingdiplomafromtheBinghamtonGeneralHospitalSchoolofNursingandherbachelor’sofsciencedegreeinnursingfromBinghamtonUniversity.ShehasbeenwiththeHomessince2009.
Staff.Announcements Campus Redesign Process Moves Forward ostofthecorebuildingsonUnitedMethodistHomes’ campuseswerebuiltinthe1970sorearly1980s;theHomes’lastmajorconstructionprojectwasBrooksEstates,whichopenedin2001.AccordingtoPresidentandCEOKeithChadwick,“Proactivemaintenance,mechanicalretrofitsandcosmeticenhancementshavekeptfacilitiescurrentandappealing,butthetimehascomefortheorganizationtotakealongerviewofhowourcampusesandservicesmustadaptforthefuture.”
Foraboutthreeyears,theStrategicPositioningsubcommitteeoftheBoardhasbeenformulatingalong-rangeplanforUnitedMethodistHomes’servicesandphysicalfacilities.InMay,theorganizationhostedafull-daystrategicpositioningsummittolaythegroundworkforchanges.
Basedontheconsensusfromthesummit,severalactionitemswillbeginthisfall,includingamarketanalysis,asurveyamongBoardmembersandmanagement,andfocusgroupsandindividualinterviewswithresidentsandfamilymembers,prospectiveresidentsandotherstakeholdergroups.Resultsofthesestudieswillprovideafirmdirectionforchangesandenablebaselinefinancialmodeling.
MembersoftheprojectdevelopmentteamincludePresidentandCEOKeithChadwick,SeniorVice-PresidentandCFOBrianPicchini,CampusAdministratorsJoeCorey,JerryHalbert,JohnLopatkaandVickyMorabito,Vice-PresidentofBuildingManagementChetLowrie,andfourBoardmembers.OutsideconsultantstotheprocessincludeRLPSArchitects,long-termcaredesignexpertsfromLancaster,PA;KenOgdenofLecesseConstruction,long-termcarebuildingandretrofitexperts,Rochester,NY;JenniferSchwalm,ParenteBeardSeniorLivingServicesGroup,Scranton,PA;andSteveJeffries,ZieglerInvestmentBank,Harrisburg,PA.
WatchformoredetailsinupcomingissuesofSeasons!
M
Wesley.Village.Honors.VolunteersInAugust,theWesleyVillageCampushonoredits87volunteersfortheirdedicatedservicewitharecognitionluncheon.The71volunteersinattendancewereaddressedbyPresidentandCEOKeithChadwick,WesleyVillageAdministratorJohnLopatkaandActivitiesandVolunteersDirectorTamiChesniak,whoeachspokeaboutvolunteerism.
Volunteersprovideawidevarietyofassistancetoresidentsandthecampus,rangingfromtransportingresidentstoon-campusactivities,helpingduringworshipservices,providingone-on-onevisits,assistingatspecialeventsandmore.SaidChesniak,“Theseindividualsprovidedmorethan6,600hoursofservicetousfromAugust2010throughmid-July2011.Icannotadequatelyexpresshowmuchweappreciatetheirpresenceandenthusiasm.Volunteersaretrulyamazingpeople!”
Thank you to volunteers (seated, left to right) Laura Rokita and Ted Androkavitz, 5 years; Rhonda Lambert and Ruth Hoffman, 1 year, and Jean Zekas, 5 years, and (standing, left to right) Assistant Activity Director Shelli Ratchford, volunteers Carol Noonan, 1 year; Harry Giacometti, 10 years; Charles Hoffman, 1 year; Ed Furman, 1 year, and Activities and Volunteers Director Tami Chesniak. Absent from photo: John Coleman, Jacqueline Kepler, Mary McGinty, Catherine Price, Doris Rosencrans, and Theresa Skechus, all with one year of volunteer service.
kkk
Way to go! Throughoutthesummer,TunkhannockCampusstaff,residents,familymembersandfriendsparticipatedinthe“12WeeksofGivingCampaign,”afooddrivethatbenefittedtheSevenLoavesSoupKitcheninTunkhannock.Thecampusfamilycollected175poundsoffoodand$25incash.
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
residents–dovetailwiththetelevisionconcept;listenforthespotsonWCDW,WHWK,WMXWandWNBF.InPennsylvania,thecampaignwillhaveanoutdoorcomponent,withbillboardsfeaturingaphotoofBennettpostedontheCrossValleyExpresswayinPittstonandRoute6inTunkhannock.
Specialthankstotheresidentsandstaffwhotookonthechallengeofbeinginfrontofthecamera,andtotheresidentsandstaffoftheHilltopCampusforwelcomingthecastandcrewforanentireday,especiallythestaffofUnitOneattheJamesG.JohnstonMemorialNursingHome,ReceptionistTerriFeulner,ExecutiveAssistantSueVromanandthemaintenancedepartment.
PAGE 4
United Methodist Homes Refreshes Advertising .Continued from page 1
Around the Block .Continued from page 2
Highlands residents Joan
Powell (left) and Jeanne
Mellander and production
manager Trish Phelan (right) show clothing options to the
director.
untilhefoundoutthatAlmyhadapasstotheArmypostexchangeandwasabletoobtainfood.“Atthispoint,Englishcivilianswereessentiallystarving,”Leeexplains.“I’llneverforgetseeingBobcomeupourstairswithabagoffood,includingafreshly-slaughteredchicken.Myfatheryelled,‘Lovelygrubbies!’andfromthenonBobwaswelcome.”
Thecouplemarriedin1946;soonafter,AlmyreturnedtotheStateswhileLeeremainedinLondonwaitingforherentrypaperworktoclear.Severalmonthslater,Leeandashipfulofwarbrides(andbabies)steamedintoNewYorkHarbor–adayearly,andwithouttheirAmericanhusbandsreceivingnotification.SoanArmyescortbroughtLeeandanotherbridetoBinghamtononthetrain.“Somehowthepresswasnotifiedofourarrival,andweweremetatthestationbyallthesephotographers.Theheadlinethenextdaywas‘BewilderedBritishBride’withmyphotounderneathit!”shelaughs.
Almyworkedforhisfamily’scompany,AlmyBrothersCandyandTobaccoDistributorsinBinghamton,andLeebecameasecretaryatGeneralAniline&Film(laterAnitec).ThecouplepurchasedahouseonJeffersonAvenueinBinghamton,whichfeltlikeapalacetothegirlwhogrewupinaLondonflat.Thecouplehadtwochildren,Christopher(whodiedtragicallyatagethreeinafallfromatruck)andBarbara,asuccessfuleducatorandauthorwholivesinNantucket,Massachusetts.
Almydiedin1998,andLeecontinuedtoliveintheirJeffersonAvenuehome.Severalyearslater,shebegankeepingcompanywithRobert(Bob)Lee,afellowGAFemployeesheandAlmyhadbothknown.Thecouplemarriedinthefallof2009andlivehappilytogetheratSt.LouiseManor.Editor’s note: Watch for Bob Lee’s story in an upcoming Around the Block feature!
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!
SUN Unit Openings at HilltopIfyouhavealovedonewhoisphysicallywellbutintheearlytomid-stagesofdementiaorAlzheimer’s,considertheSUNUnitontheHilltopCampus,whichhascurrentopenings.
SUN,anacronymforsensitivity,understandingandnurturing,isasecureunitdesignedtostimulateresidentswithinasafeenvironment.Itisstaffed24hoursadayandtheemployeescatertotheuniqueneedsofthispopulation.Residentsreceivehelpwithmedicationmanagement,activitiesofdailylivingandmore.Activitystaffwhospecializeinworkingwithresidentswithcognitiveimpairmentsplanrecreationalandsocialactivitiesonandofftheunit.
FormoreinformationortotourtheSUNUnitatHilltop,callAdmissionsat(607)729-2305.
On August 31, SUN Unit residents and family members enjoyed a picnic in the Hilltop Auditorium. New resident Lillian Darling (left) welcomed her son and daughter-in-law Ken and Sandy Darling to the event.
Wesley Village Car ShowDuetofloodingintheregion,thecarshowhasbeenrescheduledforSunday, October 2.
Churchserviceat10AM,carshownoonto3PM.Viewantiqueandclassiccars,trucksandmotorcycles–theshowaverages160vehicles!Craftandfoodvendors,includingicecream,potatopancakes,hotdogs,burgersandmore!
Rescheduled
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
PAGE 5
Long-Serving Staff Honored
Long-time New York campus employees (from left) Linda Shoemaker, Joyce Clegg and Denise Salvato posed together after being introduced to the Board.
Record.Floods.Impact.UMH.Service.Area iketherestofthesoutherntierofNewYorkandthe northerntierofPennsylvania,UnitedMethodistHomes’entireserviceareawasimpactedbytherainandsubsequentfloodingthatoccurredduringLaborDayweek.Therecord10-inchrainfallswelledtributariesandrivers,impactingroads,bridges,utilities,businesses,schoolsandhealthcarefacilities.InNewYork,theeventexceededthedamagecausedbythefloodof2006,andinPennsylvaniathefloodingwasequivalenttothedevastationcausedbyHurricaneAgnesin1972.
Thankfully,allfouroftheHomes’campusesremaineddry,andresidentsreceivedcontinuouscarefromstaffwhostayedoncampusesormadetheirwayindespitetraveldifficulties.UnitedMethodistHomes’BroomeCountyskillednursingfacilitieseachacceptedresidentsevacuatedfromlow-lyingVestalParkRehabilitationandNursingCenterinVestal.
UnitedMethodistHomesPresidentandCEOKeithChadwickandVice-PresidentofBuildingManagementChetLowriespentmuchoftheweathereventonstaffatBroomeCounty’semergencyoperationcenteronFrontStreetinBinghamton,coordinatingthelong-termcareaspectofthedisaster.SaidChadwick,“Weareincrediblygratefultostaffmemberswhostayedonourcampusestoworkbecauseotherstaffwereunabletoreport,andtothosewhocameindespitelosingtheirhomesandpossessions.Wearegratefulthatourcampusesandresidentsremaineddryandsafe.TheUnitedMethodistHomesfamilyisunitedinthoughtandprayerwitheveryoneaffectedbythefloodinginourservicearea.”
Throughouttheevent,theHomesprovidedupdatestoout-of-townresidentfamilymembersviaitsFacebookPage,andofferedlinkstoregionalmediawherelovedonescouldviewevacuationinformation,shelters,photos,videoandmore.(Ifyouhavenot“liked”theUnitedMethodistHomes’FacebookPage,pleasedosoatwww.facebook.com/UnitedMHtoreceiveupdateslikethesegoingforward.)
Thefloodupendedmanyplannedevents,includingtheweddingofHilltopCampusExecutiveAssistantSueStanleyandherfiancéJakeVroman,whowereanticipatingtheirSeptember10,2011,nuptialsatCutlerGardens.Evacuatedfromtheirhomeandwiththeirweddingvenueunderwater,theybegantheirmarriedlifeonapositivenotebyturninglemonsintolemonade:Theyrelocatedtheirceremonyandpunch-and-cakereceptiontothe
Newlyweds Jake Vroman and Hilltop Campus Executive Assistant Sue Stanley Vroman cut their wedding cake after their ceremony at the Hilltop Pavilion. The couple’s wedding plans were rerouted – but not derailed – by the flood.
Continued on page 6
ttheAugust24BoardofDirectorsmeeting,United MethodistHomesPresidentandCEOKeithChadwickandmembersoftheBoardhonoredthesixlongest-servingstaffmembersfromtheHomes’NewYorkcampuses.SaidChadwick,“Thelong-termcarefieldtypicallyexperienceshighemployeeturnover,sowefeelincrediblyfortunatetohavesomanylong-servingemployeeswithinourranks.”Thehonoreesandaguestwereinvitedtolunchpriortothemeeting,andwerethenintroduced.Eachhadtheopportunitytosayafewwords.Congratulationsto:
Elizabeth Church Campus Nurse Linda Shoemaker, LPN, 40 years
ShoemakerrecallsthattherewasnoHumanResourcesDepartmentwhensheapplied:“Isatdownonabenchwiththeheadnurse,andshesaid,‘Canyoustarttomorrow?’”ShoemakercomplimentstheHomesonitsgrowthandforrecognizingolderemployees,andthefactthatformeremployeesarestartingtobecomeresidents:“IthinkthatspeaksvolumesabouttheHomes.”
Corporate Office Business Applications Director Joyce Clegg, 33 years
Cleggbeganasassistanttothecontrollerandhasheldavarietyofpositionsuntilrecentlytakingonhercurrentrole.ShethankedthemembersoftheBoardforvolunteeringtheirtimetoservetomaketheorganizationwhatitis.
Hilltop Campus Dietary Cook Assistant Denise Salvato, 33 years
It’safamilyaffairforSalvato–hermotherandsister(bothnowdeceased)alsoworkedfortheHomes.ShecallshertimewiththeHomes“awonderfulgrowingexperience.Peoplethinkthegrassisalwaysgreenersomewhereelse,butit’snot.Thisissuchagreatplacetowork.”
CongratulationsalsogoouttoElizabethChurchCampusDietaryAssistantClaudiaBrown(45years),HilltopCampusCertifiedHomeHealthAideIreneSaunders(33years)andCorporateOfficeDevelopmentDirectorBonnieSlocum(31years),whowereunabletoattendtheevent.
Eachhonoreereceivedagiftcardtoalocalrestaurant.
Editor’s Note: The longest-serving staff from the Pennsylvania campuses will be recognized at the November Board meeting at Brooks Estates. Look for the story in the December issue of Seasons.
A
L
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
PAGE 6
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
MaryBennettAgapePavilionontheHilltopCampus,invitingthecampuscommunityaswitnesses.ElizabethChurchCampusChaplainJanetAbelmarriedthecouple,whowereattendedbygroomsmanRobVallese,HilltopCampusLicensedAgencyStaffingCoordinatorJackieLindsleyandHilltopCampusVolunteerCoordinatorVickyBenarick.Mazeltov!
Editor’s Note: Due to the flood, the Wesley Village Car Show has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 2.
Record.Floods.Impact.UMH.Service.Area..Continued from page 5
Moon Rock Makes Appearance at St. Louise
Trip.to.the.DrumzzoneOn August 15, nine St. Louise Manor residents enjoyed a trip to the Drumzzone store on Washington Avenue in Endicott, New York. Drumzzone staff have been visiting the Elizabeth Church Campus regularly for the last four years, bringing drumming opportunities to residents at all levels of care regardless of musical experience. Store staff make djembe drums for sale, and demonstrated the assembly process for the tour group. Karen Mayer (standing) shows resident Joan Bomboy (seated) how to strike a tongue drum. Said Mayer, “Not everyone
in the group had played during on-campus drum circles in the past, but the shop tour sparked interest – we had two new people come to play at the drum circle a couple days later!” Thanks to Chaplain Janet Abel, Mayer, Social Worker Angela Nunez and Driver Rolland Stout for accompanying the residents on the trip! For more information about the Drumzzone, visit www.notbongos.com.
Furry and Feathered Friends WeekElizabeth Church Manor residents learned about lions, tigers, bears and much more during Furry and Feathered Friends Week in August. Each day featured special programs exploring the animal world locally and around the globe. Residents were treated to a visit from the Ross Park Zoomobile – zoo staff brought a barn owl, a python, a chinchilla (his soft fur and big eyes made him the hands-down favorite!) and more for everyone to see and handle. On another day, staff from the Feathered Kisses Aviary brought in Amazon parrots, cockatiels, lovebirds and other exotic birds. The rest of the week included programs on animal trivia, folklore and wives’ tales about animals. Residents and staff shared stories about unusual pets and crossing paths with wild animals. Resident Bill Hodnick (left) makes a nice perch for a parrot while resident Dorothy Wooster (rear) looks on.
Tunkhannock.Campus.Employee.Appreciation.Picnic.
On August 18, Tunkhannock Campus employees enjoyed their annual employee appreciation picnic. The menu included hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, corn on cob, garden salad, red potatoes, shrimp, coleslaw, fresh fruit and cake. Each employee received an insulated lunch bag and water bottle, both featuring the UMH logo. Shown receiving their gifts from Administrator Joe Corey (standing) are (from left) beautician Sharon Lynn and PCA Joyce Cottrell.
On September 2, St. Louise Manor residents welcomed Dr. Nicholas
M. Guydosh, Science Educator and Technology Coordinator at
Kopernik Observatory and Science Center in Vestal. Guydosh brought
along a moon rock (in the glass pyramid on the table in the photo)
on loan from NASA, as well as a sample of the five-inch square
tiles used to construct the heat shield on the underside of the space
shuttle. Resident Mary Raychel (left) talks with Guydosh after his
presentation.
Spooktacular!Prepare to be scared at the annual
HILLTOP CAMPUS HAUNTED HOUSE! This handicapped-accessible fright fest will be open from
10 AM to 8 PM on October 27 and 10 AM to 2 PM on October 28.
Proceeds from the sale of “mummy dogs” will benefit the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
SEASONS ~ SEPTEMBER 2011
PAGE 7
ALetters.of.Appreciation
To.the.Tunkhannock.CampusMysonsandIwouldliketoexpressourappreciationtotheentirestafffortheexcellentcareourlovedonereceivedduringherstayatyourfacility,andthecompassionatenatureofallwhowereentrustedwithhercare.
To.the.Elizabeth.Church.CampusIwouldliketothankthefrontdeskstaff.ItwasalwaysapleasuretoenterElizabethChurchManorandbegreetedbyfriendly,helpfulindividuals.Peopleatthefrontdeskmakeadifferenceinthedailylivesoffamiliesandfriendsvisitingalovedonewhoisinadifficultsituationandfacingdecisionsandchallenges.Thankyouforyourpresence.
To.the.Hilltop.CampusOurfamilywouldliketothankeachandeveryoneofthededicatedstaffattheSTARUnitintheJamesG.JohnstonMemorialNursingHomefortheloveandcompassiontheyshowedourmom.Theytouchedourheartswiththeircareandconcernforourmother.SpecialthankstoourguardianangelChristine,whowewereblessedtohavewithusonMom’slastday.Therearesomanywhomakeadifferencetotheresidentsandgivesupporttotheirfamilies.Thenursingstaffandaidesdoanexcellentjobcaringforourlovedones.Theactivitiesgroupworkssohardtobrighteneveryone’sday,andpastoralcarestaffshowsuchconcernfortheresidents.Clericalstaffandsocialworkerstreateveryonewithsuchrespect,themaintenanceworkersalwayshadasmileandmassagetherapistMichellealwayshadakindwordasshepassedby.Everyonegivesoutstandingservicetotheresidentswithpatienceandkindness.Youhaveputtogetherawonderfulstaffandyoushouldbeproudoftheexceptionaljobtheydo.Wefeelprivilegedtohavemetandmadefriendswithsomany,andwewilltreasureandkeeptheminourthoughtsandprayersastheycontinuetheirwork.Theyareanamazingteamandwewillbeforevergratefultoallofthem.
To.the.Elizabeth.Church.CampusWesomuchappreciatetheloveandcaringandpatienceshowntoourmombythestaffatSt.LouiseManor.Wealwaysfeltthe“homeandfamily”atmosphereatSt.Louise.Everyonewascheerful,friendlyandhelpful.Andthefacilitiesweretop-notch,soprettyandinviting.Yourthoughtfulnesswillalwaysberemembered.Wewillmissyouall.MomhassettledinatHilltopandloveshersunny,brightroom.Sheseemshappy–whatmorecouldweask?
To.the.Hilltop.CampusThankyoutoReverendLeaHardingforbeingthereformeandmymom.Ican’tevenbegintotellyouwhatitmeant.Iamsothankfulforalltheone-on-onevisitsyoumadetomymother,whichIwasunawareofuntilafterherdeath.IknewshehadthebestclinicalcareinallthelevelsofcareshelivedinatHilltop,butIneverrealizedtheextentofthislovingcare.Ioweyousomuch.Thishasbeenahardjourneytotravel,beingsofarawayinNebraska,butIfeelsoblessedthatyouandotherswerepartofmymother’slife.
Silver Anniversary CelebrationCurrent and former Grand Care children and families are invited to join us for our 25th anniversary celebration, 4:30-6:30 PM, Friday, October 21 in the Hilltop Auditorium, 286 Deyo Hill Road, Johnson City.
Change in Board Leadership titsAugust24meetingattheHighlandsCommunityCenter, theBoardofDirectorselectedthefollowingmemberstooffice:ChairpersonSharon(Calli)Berg,Vice-ChairpersonJohnCrounse,SecretaryJamesCorselius,AssistantSecretaryJamesProof,TreasurerNeilAndreandAssistantTreasurerEdRogers.TheBoardthankedoutgoingChairWarrenWatkins,whosetermbeganin2008.
Meet.Calli.Berg
AnIdahonative,BerghasbeenamemberoftheUnitedMethodistHomesBoardsince1996andhasbeenaBrooksEstatesresidentsince2003.ShepursuedstudiesattheUniversityofPennsylvania’sWhartonSchool.Priortoherretirementin1996,BergservedtheUniversityofPennsylvaniainPhiladelphiainrolessuchasPoliticalScienceDepartmentBusinessAdministratorandManageroftheStudentFinancialServicesCenter.From1994to2000,BergandherhusbandIvarweretheMastersofGoldbergHouseontheUniversityofPennsylvaniacampus,providingsupervisionandprogrammingfor350freshmenannually.Bergcurrentlyassistsherhusbandwithtasksrelatedtohislecturingandwriting–heiscurrentlyatworkonhisnineteenthbook.Berg,whospendstimewithseveralHomesresidentswhohavenonearbyrelatives,ispassionateaboutseniorcareandlooksforwardtoherenhancedleadershiproleasawaytomakeadifferenceinthecommunity:“ForanumberofyearsIdeliveredMealsonWheels,anexperiencethatexposedmetotherealitiesoftheisolatedlivesledbymanyseniors.Communityinteractionisincrediblyvaluable,andtheHomesmeetsthatneedinmanyways.”
President and CEO Keith Chadwick (left) and incoming Board Chair Calli Berg (right) presented outgoing chair Warren Watkins (center) with a leather folio.
NonprofitOrganizationU.S.Postage
PAIDPermitNo.197Binghamton,NY
ispublishedmonthlyforthestaff,residents,familymembers,friendsandcampusneighborsofUnitedMethodistHomes.PleasedirectallinquiriesaboutSeasonstoSarahSoden,DirectorofMarketingandPublicRelations,at10AcrePlace,Binghamton,NY13904.Ifyounolongerwishtoreceivethispublication,pleasecallSarahat(607)775-6400,ext.288.Ifyouarereceivingduplicatecopiesofthenewsletter,pleaseletusknowsowecanamendthemailinglist.
Visitourwebsiteatwww.unitedmethodisthomes.orgtoviewcontactinformationforeachcampus,aswellasmonthlyactivitycalendars,newsreleases,ortoviewbackissuesofthenewsletterelectronically.
VisitourFacebookPageforupdates,eventinfoandphotos.Gotowww.facebook.com/UnitedMH.
Corporate Office10 Acre PlaceBinghamton, NY 13904
UNITED METHODIST HOMES
Interact with us on
End of
Ice Cream Social at HilltopJames G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home residents and their family members enjoyed a farewell to summer ice cream social on September 2. More than 50 ice cream sundaes were served up! Special thanks to the dietary management and nursing staff who assisted. Resident Julia Major (seated) and her daughter Jean Hrehor attended the event.
Luau at Wesley Village
Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility residents marked the end of summer with their annual Hawaiian luau. A few days before, residents made their own festive leis during a craft activity, and wore them to the event. While listening to Windfall play Hawaiian-themed music, attendees dined on ham and pineapple skewers and mock piña coladas. Shown with the spread are (seated, left to right) Partridge-Tippett residents Elizabeth Carriero, and Helen Lojewski and (standing, left to right) Activity Director Tami Chesniak, Assistant Activity Director Shelli Ratchford, Activity Aides Rita Dructor and Mary Ann Battista, Partridge-Tippett resident Loretta Budzelek, Activity Aides Michaline Gubitoso and Suzie Mizzer and junior volunteer Allysa Giamusso.
