winter 2010 messenger

News from Phoebe Ministries

1-800-453-8814 | www.phoebe.org

WINTER 2010

MESSENGER

Preferredfor our sense of community

On July 11, the Tenth Anniversary of Phoebe Richland Health Care Center was

celebrated with the Richlandtown community. Formerly Zohlman Nursing

Home, Phoebe purchased the facility a decade ago in an effort to expand services

to a larger geographical area.

The day began with a worship service at St. John’s UCC, Richlandtown. One

highlight was hymns performed by the 40 member volunteer choir. Larry Benner,

church organist and a member of Phoebe’s Bucks County Strategic Advisory

Council, led the choir. The group was comprised of Phoebe Richland staff, volun-

teers, family, and congregation members from St. John’s. MaryKay McMahon,

Administrator, wanted to form the choir to “engage employees in the celebration.”

The choir’s youngest member was Haley Murphy, 10, daughter of Dawn Murphy,

Nursing Scheduler. “I enjoyed participating in the choir because when I was up on

the stage with others, all of the smiling people made me happy!”

During the service, McMahon recognized St. John’s UCC and St. John’s Lutheran for

their ongoing support of the facility. Scott Stevenson, President and CEO, added,

“An area of success for Richland has been the ability of the team to get the commu-

nity involved in our ministry and support the work being done there. That relation-

ship made it only natural to include the community in a celebration of our 10 year

anniversary.”

To help the residents feel involved, Sue Hashagan, LPN, created three sketches that

residents and employees fi lled in with their fi ngerprints. McMahon called it a

“dynamic collaboration.” The artwork was on display for attendees to view

during a reception held at the facility after the worship service. The pieces are

now permanently displayed in each of the neighborhoods where they were made.

To fi nd out more about Phoebe Richland, go to www.phoebe.org/richland.

Phoebe Richland Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The

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During the anniversary festivities, guests gathered in the courtyard to celebrate the completion of a 13’ wide tile mosaic made by residents and community members. The mosaic is a new permanent art feature in the outdoor area. The project, which spanned nearly two years to allow for proper weather conditions, was funded by the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

Mary “Mosaic Mama” Pierce, a local artisan, guided the residents and student volunteers in making the components of the mosaic. “The project gave residents an opportunity to feel that they are valued members of the community and that they have the power to make an impact,” said Kristin Kiehstaller, Community Life Director.

Titled “Growing Better Together: The Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Mosaic,” the last phase of the project was completed by local contractor John Jankowitsch. He provided two days of his time grouting the mosaic and adding other fi nishing touches.

In September, the Pennsylvania Activity Professional Association named the mosaic as top “unique project” at their 2010 Creative Arts Festival. The project category was developed specifi cally for the mosaic to recognize its excellence, despite not fi tting into any existing categories.

Phoebe Richland Unveils Community Mosaic Project

RICHLAND CALENDAR CELEBRATES MISSION OF

PHOEBE RICHLAND

MaryKay McMahon and Scott Stevenson view the intergenerational mosaic during the anniversary open house at Phoebe Richland.

To continue the celebration of Phoebe Richland’s anniversary into the coming year, staff at the community created a 16-month commemorative calendar. The idea to develop a calendar had been discussed for a few years. As the anniversary neared it was immediately recognized that it was the perfect time to develop the piece.

The project was organized by the Community Life department. The group selected a theme for each month and organized photos from the past ten years to go with each theme. Kristin Kiehstaller, Community Life Director, said the “most challenging part was showing a range of people and services at Richland.” The themes in the calendar include: therapy, pastoral care, auxiliary, and nursing.

The fi nal phase of the project was completed by volunteers Lori Histand and Megan A. Ritter, who created the design of the calendar. Kiehstaller said “the calendar was better than imagined and the volunteers put their heart and soul into the project.”

All proceeds from calendar sales will benefi t the Springhouse Neighborhood Park project. If you would like to purchase a calendar, please contact, Kristin Kiehstaller at 267-371-4508 or [email protected]. The cost of the calender is $18.00.

Tanner, Victoria and Tyler Vogel pose with former short-term rehab resident,Betty Hessler in front of the mosaic they helped create.

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Faith in Action: Inter-departmental Effort Results in Raised Planters for Phoebe Wyncote Residents

From the President: Faith in Action Update

Phoebe Wyncote now has two long, beautiful raised planters, thanks to the inter-departmen-tal efforts of a number of staff members. When Pastor Jo Ellen Mauger showed plans she found for raised planters to maintenance worker Bill Brehant, he came up with the idea to reuse some old picnic tables that were destined for the trash.

Using his Sam’s Club membership, Bill purchased raised planter assembly kits to connect the salvaged wood from the picnic tables. Bills’ two sons and Steve Radyshewsky, Director of Maintenance, donated their time on a Saturday to assemble the planters.

“The residents greatly appreciated being able to work in the garden from wheel chairs, seated in a chair or standing,” said Rev. Mauger.

Director of Dietary Service Maria Berrardo, Director of Community Life Sue Astheimer, and Pastor Jo Ellen Mauger, helped the residents start seedlings to eventually transplant outside.

“It was a beautiful day in June for planting and residents really enjoyed it,” Astheimer added. The fl owers planted in the raised beds were harvested throughout the summer and used as centerpieces in the dining room.

Our FiA Initiative continues to have a deeper impact on the way we work together within Phoebe to achieve results and the way we meet our residents’ needs. This initiative is the foundation upon which we at Phoebe continually strive to “be better” and “do better.” I am determined that we will not only continue to achieve meaningful clinical outcomes, provide quality care and achieve

our operational and fi nancial targets, but that we will do that in a value-driven manner which will further reinforce Phoebe’s “tradition of excellence…and passion for caring”.

During the initial year of our Faith in Action initiative, we have worked together to revise our mission, and set forth a new vision for Phoebe’s future. We have claimed for ourselves the values we want to guide our interactions as staff and colleagues as well as the way we serve our residents, clients and their families. We have revised our strategic planning process and are now fi ltering all of our strategic and operational initiatives through the lens of our Mission, Vision and Values. We have developed and adopted Board Governance Policies to clarify the Board’s strategic and operational roles and responsibilities. I want to share with you the plan of work we have developed for our Faith in Action Initiative during 2011:

• We will provide frequent all-staff “faith in action” communications to keep our Mission, Vision and Values in the forefront and to

continue to respond to Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ’s] about this initiative.

• We are implementing revisions to our performance management process which integrate our value-driven behaviors and reinforce that the way we accomplish our work is as important as the results we achieve.

• We will train our leadership team to evaluate their own behaviors against our values and to improve their skills at both giving and receiving feedback on the way they and their staff model our values.

• We will implement a “caught in action” program to give all staff the opportunity to thank co-workers in real-time for behaving in ways that refl ect our Values.

• We will establish local campus/facility FiA teams to provide a grass-roots opportunity for staff to share experiences and plan Faith in Action improvements for each campus.

• We will discuss Faith in Action in our Operational Improvement Meetings and share “best practices” across all our campuses and facilities.

• We will bring new members onto the Faith in Action Team on an annual basis.

I want to thank each of you and our many friends for your awareness of and support of our Faith in Action Initiative.

Residents and staff members enjoyed transplanting seedlings to Phoebe Wyncote’s new, outside, raised planting beds.

To fi nd out more about Faith in Action at Phoebe, go to www.phoebe.org/faithinaction.


Berks Seniors Are Now Able to Remain at Home Longer

Phoebe Wyncote Celebrates New Era of Ministry with Completion of Renovations

Berks County seniors who need assistance in order to remain independent can now contact Phoebe Connecting Hearts, a Geriatric Care Management program which coordinates community services to assist seniors. Started in the Allentown area in 2007, the program is now accepting clients in Berks County.

Howard and Dolores Snover, who reside in an independent living apartment at Phoebe Berks, feel that the program was started just in time for their recent needs. Howard was scheduled for surgery which required him to avoid doing any heavy lifting for two months. As primary caregiver for Dolores who has mobility issues and uses a walker, Howard was concerned that the scenario would pose a problem for the couple.

Marian Worthington, Program Coordinator and Certifi ed Geriatric Care Manager, suggested Dolores remain in her own apartment instead of considering two months of skilled care.

24 hour live-in assistance through a local home care provider actually ended up saving the couple money. The fantastic staff member who tended to Dolores’ needs “became like family,” according to Howard.

With another upcoming medical treatment, Howard has contacted Connecting Hearts for additional assistance. “That speaks highly of their personnel because I didn’t go looking for another service.”

“I can only speak highly of Phoebe for taking this step to care for its residents.”

For more information about Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management Program, contact Marian Worthington for a free telephone consult at 610-927-8558 or email [email protected].

To learn more, go to phoebe.org/caremanager.

In October 1929, Rev. Maurice Samson, the fi rst president of the Board of Managers, emphasized the importance of the ministry that was about to begin when he commented: “there is no more sacred task laid upon us than that of lightening the

burden of God’s aging people whose physical

strength is on the wane, and whose infi rmities increase with the passing years.” By an act of faith, a new ministry began.

Many years later, Rev. Samson’s words again ring true. With interior and exterior renovations complete, Phoebe Wyncote is poised at the beginning of a whole new era of ministry.

On October 10, a Service of Rededication and Open House event

was held on the Phoebe Wyncote campus. The beautiful sunny day, tented seating area, jazz trio and sumptuous food buffet contributed an atmosphere of celebration and conviviality. Of the event, Administrator Cindy Bonney, NHA, stated, “It was such a pleasure to see the residents, staff, vendors, volunteers, and families celebrating the day together. Phoebe Wyncote has such a wonderful history. Our Rededication Service and Open House was a memorable and historic event.”

In her meditation, Rev. JoEllen Mauger, Phoebe Wyncote chaplain, said, “Today, we give thanks to those who expressed vision and courage, and above all, acted in faith in the founding of this ministry. The years have brought many changes – changes in the way we care for older adults through medical and technological advances; changes that place the residents’ needs and desires above the need to adhere to rigid schedules; changes that uphold the dignity of the individual as paramount. Through all of these changes, our commitment to providing quality care is as important today as it was 81 years ago.”

For more about Phoebe Wyncote, go to www.phoebe.org/wyncote.

changes, our commitment to providing quality care is changes, our commitment to providing quality care care is is

Phoebe Wyncote volunteer Gil Cox chats with residents Tillie Provence and Marie Di Lullo


As recent construction at Phoebe Berks spread to land being used as a resident gardening area, plans were made to create new gardens near North Church Road and the west campus entrance. Last spring 15 residents planted a total of 24 new 4 ft. x 8 ft. raised plots, yielding a harvest of vegetables and fl owers bountiful enough to share with their neighbors.

Some had gardened most of their lives as a way to reduce food expenses. Others considered it a hobby. All were anxious to work the soil in the new garden area.

John DeLong gave the area a green thumbs up, expressing appreciation for many features that made working the soil easier for seniors.

A smooth macadam path extends from the parking lot to a cleared rectangle of plots and a modern storage shed, all enclosed by a rail fence reinforced with smaller fencing close to the ground to ward off rabbits.

An avid gardener, Trine-Liv Weyman has been exercising her green thumb at Phoebe Berks for 12 years. This summer, she had four plots in the new garden area. Some of her crops included potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, beans and red beets.

She had plenty of produce to share with friends and neighbors at Phoebe Berks. She frequently encountered people on the walk back to her apartment who were eager to receive her fresh vegetables. She didn’t mind sharing. Trine-Liv gardens because she loves to be outside and enjoys the feeling of accomplishment.

Gardening provides aerobic, isotonic and isometric exercise, the combination of which benefi ts the muscles and bones, as well as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Strength, endurance and fl exibility are all improved by gardening, making it one of the best exercises, helping to prevent heart disease, obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.

For more about Phoebe Berks Village, go to www.phoebeberks.org/village.

New Phoebe Berks Garden Area Receives a Green “Thumbs Up”

$60,000 was raised at the 2010 Phoebe Ministries golf tournament held at the Berkshire Country Club, Reading in August. Participants, including Principal Sponsor Stevens & Lee, came together to raise funds to support charitable care at Phoebe communities.

Other lead sponsors for the event were Hollenbach Construction/Hollenbach Elliot Development Group, LLC and L.R. Webber & Associates, Inc.

Golf committee member Jim Bingham of Toshiba Business Solutions said he and his team “enjoyed the golf and supporting a good cause benefi tting Phoebe.”

Prizes were awarded to the top men’s and mixed foursomes. The fi rst place men’s foursome was Bingham’s team from Toshiba and the top fi nishing mixed team was represented by Highmark Blue Shield and Georgia Pacifi c Professional.

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2011Monday, August 8, 2011

PHOEBE’S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES FUNDS FOR

CHARITABLE CARE

Michell Staska-Pier, Phoebe Home Administrator, lines up a putt as her teammates and colleagues look on.

Michell Staska-Pier, Phoebe Home Michell Staska-Pier, Phoebe Home Michell Staska-Pier, Phoebe Home

Above: Dean Walker shows off a home-grown summer squash. Below: John and Grace DeLong are ready to pick their fi rst tomato of the season.


Residents, staff, volunteers and family members of Bridgeways residents gathered this summer for an unveiling of a quilt created to honor those with dementia.

The Bridgeways Quilt was created as part of The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s “Quilt to Remember” program and represents the many aspects of the neighborhood. The panels were handmade by staff and family of the Bridgeways’ residents.

Jane and Sam Cox, who both had parents living in the Bridgeways neighborhood at one time, were an integral part of the project. They donated so much of their time because of the relationship built over the years with Phoebe staff members. “We have visited twice a week for 8 years,” explained Sam Cox. “You get to know the nurses and the aides; they become like family.”

The couple worked together at their home in Florida during the winter. They volunteered to do the quilting so the fi nished product would look professional. “Sam did all the fabric cutting and marking,” said Jane. “He was a big help.” They actually laid the fabric out on an 8-foot picnic table outside their Florida home to do the cutting.

The quilt was donated to The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and will travel the country with other quilts made by 106 families and 31 facilities. It will also appear on www.facebook.com/QuilttoRemember.

The AFA “Quilt to Remember” initiative pays tribute to all those who have passed or are living with dementia, and their families, so that others can recognize the reality and enormity of this disease, and acknowledge that we stand united for optimal care and an eventual cure.

For more information, go to www.phoebe.org/bridgeways.

The Cottage at Phoebe Richland Health Care Center, Richlandtown, earned the status of The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Excellence in Care Program of Distinction. Phoebe Richland is one of only 28 dementia care facilities in the country, and one of three in Pennsylvania, to receive such recognition. Phoebe Home’s Bridgeways program was the fi rst community in Pennsylvania to receive this distinction in November 2008.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) developed Excellence in Care to partner with care settings in the establishment of a nationwide standard of excellence in care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. AFA’s new program assists facilities in reaching the highest standards of care for people with dementia and serves as a resource to caregivers searching for the best facility for their loved ones.

“We are challenging professionals in this fi eld to look at their settings to the nth degree and reach even higher – for what we believe is the gold standard of care,” states Eric J. Hall, founding chief executive offi cer of AFA, who feels passionately about introducing this type of program.

MaryKay McMahon, Administrator, Phoebe Richland, submitted The Cottage program for evaluation. “We felt that our dementia program maintained very high standards for the care and treatment of individuals with advanced stages of dementia. We wanted to validate this through an evaluation from an organization that is highly regarded and trusted for its dementia expertise and consumer advocacy such as The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.”

To fi nd out more about Phoebe Richland, go to www.phoebe.org/richland.

THE COTTAGE AT PHOEBE RICHLAND RECEIVES EXCELLENCE

IN CARE DISTINCTION

Phoebe Home Unveils “Bridgeways Quilt to Remember”

Families of residents and Phoebe staff who contributed efforts to the quiltproject attended its unveiling in June.


Terrace Gardener Passes the Torch to New Volunteer

Dementia Education at Home: A New Service Provided by Phoebe’s Care Manager

For almost a decade, Phoebe Terrace resident Naomi Schleicher could be found outside most summer mornings, watering annuals, re-planting perennials and pulling weeds in the gardens around the Allentown retirement community.

“To be outdoors continuing something I have always enjoyed really enhanced my life,” she says of her time working the soil. As an elementary school teacher, Schleicher spent her free summers tending a large vegetable garden and fl ower beds at her home in Easton.

When she moved to Phoebe, a married couple who resided at the Terrace spent much of their free time caring for the property as a hobby. Slowly, they began accepting Naomi’s offers to help.

Eventually, Schleicher and Terrace resident Arlene Sell volunteered to care for the gardens. “Arlene is more artistic than I am and she helped with arranging plantings and selecting colors for new fl owers,” Schleicher adds.

Each spring the Terrace’s Resident Council would provide funds for the two to purchase annuals, fertilizer and other supplies. “The work we did was greatly appreciated by the apartment residents. They saw them every day,” she comments.

The beauty these two women worked into the landscape inspired other members of the community to contribute seed packets, spring bulbs and chrysanthemums. “We planted anything we were given.”

Ted Schlack, a new resident, will be tending the gardens this season. Schleicher felt it was time for a change. She is confi dent the Terrace tradition of volunteer gardeners will continue. “I support him and wish him the best!”

For more information about Phoebe Terrace, visit www.phoebe.org/terrace.

Phoebe’s Connecting Hearts Geriatric Care Management Program is premiering a new service featuring at-home personalized coaching to make dementia-related caregiving more manageable.

“We can individualize the interventions and approaches necessary for effective caregiving by seeing the environment in which they live, suggesting ways to create a safe living space and providing

the caregiver with information and support on how to manage stress and frustration associated with caregiving,” says Sandy Massetti, VP Operations and Support Services.

The 12 components involve hands-on work such as showing a family the ways they can make a kitchen safer for their loved ones with dementia. “We feel this program will allow people with dementia to remain at home longer and continue to remain connected with their loved ones and world,” comments Marian Worthington, Certifi ed Geriatric Care Manager.

The program fi lls a need for caregivers who cannot leave their loved ones at home to attend dementia education offerings in the community. “While the caregivers are being coached, we can provide a trained volunteer to spend time with the care recipient, allowing the caregiver to learn, uninterrupted,” Massetti explains.

Founded in 2007, Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management program began to serve a need in the community. Many people return home from Phoebe or a hospital and need additional support. The initial care management program was put in place to help seniors stay as independent as long as possible in their own community. The dementia education series is geared more toward easing the strain on caregivers.

Call our Geriatric Care Manager at 610-794-5344 or toll free at 1-800-931-7061 to discuss your personalized needs.

To fi nd out more about our Geriatric Care Management Program, go to www.phoebe.org/caremanager.

“ To be outdoors continuing something I have always enjoyed really enhanced my life.”


Martha Jones, a Phoebe Apartments resident, has a simple philosophy. Her goal is “to make one person smile every day.” And she usually succeeds.

An active member of St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, she organizes a summer program for area children and works with the Allentown police to keep drug dealers out of the church’s neighborhood. She is also a Sunday School Teacher, a Eucharistic visitor, and serves as a communion assistant.

“She is such a giving person, not only in the community, but she goes above and beyond for her neighbors here in the building,” says Rebecca Shook, Phoebe Apartments Service Coordinator. Before she walks to the local farmer’s market, “she goes door to door, asking others if they need anything and takes their lists,” Shook adds.

Martha has received a certifi cate of appreciation from the Apartments’ staff for serving as a fl oor monitor. She makes sure doors and windows are closed and the lights are off every evening.

A legal aid secretary in New York City, Martha found the rents in the city to be too expensive after retirement. A friend from Allentown encouraged her to move to the area and she was happy she made the choice. One of the things she likes about Phoebe Apartments is the close proximity to shopping and public transportation that is readily accessible.

Martha learned about giving to others from her mother, who is still “always doing something for somebody.” Her mother’s example has helped her to enjoy life by sharing. “It makes me feel good when I can do something for someone else,” she says with a smile.

To learn more, go to www.phoebe.org/seniorapartments.

Four years ago, the residents of Devitt House, Lewisburg, voiced their desire for an expanded community room and walking trail. On September 26, both spaces were formally dedicated and celebrated by a group of over 50 residents and community members.

The project was truly a collaborative effort, with nearly $10,000 raised from local churches and friends of Devitt House. One resident participated in the fundraising by donating a handmade quilt for a raffl e to raise additional funds.

The expansion was important to the residents because the previous space became crowded during events. Rev. Dr. Gary Hackenberg, Devitt House Board of Trustees Chairman, said, “The themed events each month help the residents develop a sense of community and get to know one another.”

The development of the walking trail was guided by the Leadership Susquehanna Valley Class of 2010. Board Treasurer Julie Rockey, who is also a member of the leadership group, made the connection. The volunteers from the program helped with trail design, checked regulations, and even worked hands-on with fi nishing touches.

The handicap accessible walking trail is a great addition because it reminds the residents that exercise is important. The proximity to the apartment building was intentional for the walkers to feel safe.

Hackenberg commented that he was “delighted that it has all turned out beautifully with much thanks to everyone who participated.”

To learn more, go to www.phoebe.org/seniorapartments.

From left to right, Bonnie Beck, Marie Schiebel, Julie Rockey, and Rev. Dr. Gary Hackenberg conduct the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Phoebe Apartments Resident Gives Others Reason to Smile

Expanded Community Room and Walking Trail Dedicated at Devitt House

From left to right, Bonnie Beck, Marie Schiebel, Julie Rockey, and Rev. Dr. Gary From left to right, Bonnie Beck, Marie Schiebel, Julie Rockey, and Rev. Dr. Gary


Chaplain Intern Recounts Stories of Residents Who Touched her HeartEach year, approximately 12 chaplain interns study the art of pastoral care and counseling through Phoebe’s CPE Program, which is fully accredited through the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.

During the past summer, Rev. Martha M. Smith, Ph.D., served as chaplain intern on our Phoebe Berks campus. A member of Immanuel UCC in Shillington, “Marti” is an ordained UCC pastor, holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Duke University, and has had a distinguished career as an educator. She enrolled in Phoebe’s CPE program to develop her skills in pastoral care and counseling in preparation for a new ministry in institu-tional chaplaincy. Following are some of her refl ections on her experience at Phoebe Berks:

Dealing with illness and physical limitations with courage and faith is a chal-lenge faced daily by those at Phoebe Berks Health Care Center. Getting up the energy to confront new obstacles isn’t easy, but I have seen so many examples of residents supporting and caring for one another.

During one of the fi rst weeks of the program, I was reviewing charts outside the nurses’ station when one of the residents rolled his wheel chair along side another resident who was beginning to use a walker. He gestured praise each time she took another step. When she slowed, he would cheer with his good hand and smile. I later learned that this “cheerleader” had been one of the fi rst physicians to serve at the health care center. He continues to be a presence as he spends much of his time greeting and encouraging others.

While visiting another resident in the Health Center, I found out that she was a military nurse during World War II. She told me some exciting stories about her service to others. Speaking with her, I experienced her determination to seek a quality of life even during this time when she needs to receive care from others. Meeting this nurse, who reaches out to others even during this stressful time for herself, has been a witness to faith in action by one of our own residents.

What has touched my heart and changed me during this intensive summer program are the examples of abundant life shown in the lives of our residents and the staff caring for them. The loving compassion that radiates from Phoebe shines far beyond the campus.

To learn more, visit www.phoebeberks.org/hcc.

Community Life Wish ListHolidays are made special at Phoebe with the help of hundreds of generous friends and members of Phoebe’s extended community. Each year, our staff collects and distributes hun-dreds of holiday gifts, so that every resident can enjoy the spirit of the season. If you would like to participate in the joy of giving directly to a Phoebe resident, here are some ideas for you!

If you wrap your gift, please attach a sticky note indicating what is inside, and we will give it to someone who will be able to use and appreciate your kind gesture. Please be sure to leave your name and address with your gift(s) so that we may properly thank you. Our letter along with receipts from your purchases may qualify for a gift in kind deduction on your income taxes. Please check with your tax advisor.

Thank you for your generous spirit this holiday season!


Monday evening visitors at the David A. Miller Personal Care Community may notice a feeling of serenity when they enter the building. Once a week, volunteer Neerha Lal comes to the community to perform Reiki on residents.

Reiki is a Japanese term that literally means “universal life force energy.” It is performed by a practitioner gently placing his or her hands on the client’s body. The practice of Reiki is primarily used for stress reduction and relaxation. It also promotes healing.

Lal was familiar with Phoebe, and thought it would be the ideal place for him to offer this valuable service. He shared that he thought Reiki would be benefi cial to seniors because “it promotes deep relaxation and pain management.”

Lal visited with residents to explain the benefi ts of Reiki before asking people to participate. He was happy that more people signed up than fi rst expected. “Residents were open-minded and wanted to either learn about it or try it,” he found.

Every Monday, Lal works one-on-one with personal care residents. Loretta Delabar signed up for help with ongoing back trouble. She said that she “doesn’t know how it works, but it’s great!” She would also recommend it to others. “It is certainly worth a try,” she adds.

For more information, go towww.phoebe.org/personalcare.

PERSONAL CARE RESIDENTS ENJOY

BENEFITS OF REIKI

Neerha Lal performs healing work on Loretta Delabar during their weekly Reiki session.

Phoebe Apartments residents, Janet DePuy and Arlan Strubeck, Sr., were married on the Apartment’s deck in September. Following the ceremony, Apartment residents were welcomed to the party to offer well wishes to their neighbors, who fi rst met at the senior living community.

Phoebe Richland residents paired with Cadette Girl Scout Troop 71162 to host a baby shower for their local crisis pregnancy center. Donations of baby items were wrapped prior to the event and the seniors and young women had the fun of unwrapping them before all the donations were delivered.

Phoebe Happenings


Community Care Teams are making a difference at Phoebe. Developed by Dr. Kelly Carney, a consultant from Community Services Group, Community Care Teams were instrumental in the transformation of the Bridgeways neighborhood of Phoebe Home. The concept helps to meet Phoebe’s needs with behavior management and culture change.

This approach gives staff the tools they need to do their jobs well and involves the family in the care of their loved ones. It is particularly effective in addressing the behavioral health needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Failure to address these psychological needs can lead to impaired functioning, cognitive decline, and an increase in challenging behaviors. Meeting the needs of elders with dementia requires the help of their direct caregivers.

Community Care Teams are made up of all levels of care staff, including nurse aides, housekeepers, social workers, community life coordinators and nurses. They develop resident-centered care plans and gain knowledge of their residents as individuals through reading their life histories. Direct care workers are empowered through interdisciplinary teams to create a more home-like environment with spontaneous, meaningful activity. Staff learn to work effectively together toward common goals as they work on community-building special events.

Cindy Bonney, Phoebe Wyncote Administrator, has witnessed positive effects through this model of care. “I fi nd that collecting a detailed social history of the resident has really helped us to care for the residents, to see them as the individuals they are.”

The Community Care Team model is being used at Phoebe Home, Phoebe Wyncote and Phoebe Richland, where more than 70% of residents have some form of dementia.

“This model is based on the premise that behavioral health needs are best met through a ‘wrap around’ approach to care, which involves a resident-centered, interdisciplinary team approach,” says Sandy Massetti, VP Operations and Support Services. “Through education, training, an assessment of the environment and a focus on the individual and their needs, behavioral health issues can be signifi cantly reduced.”

In addition to anecdotal evidence, quantitative outcomes suggest that the Community Care Team model works to improve quality of life for our residents at Phoebe. Phoebe and Community Services Group are hoping to document the effi cacy of the Community Care Teams Model with the help of academic researchers, thus establishing this as an evidence-based best practice which can be replicated in other elder-care settings.

To fi nd out more, go to www.phoebe.org/communities.

Community Care Teams Make a Difference in Care at Phoebe

For nearly 30 years, Mary Schueck of Bally has joined other members of New Goshenhoppen UCC church in volunteering at Phoebe Wyncote. “At least two of us go together once a month now,” she says.

In the spring and fall each year, Schueck also invites residents from Phoebe Wyncote to her home to enjoy an old-fashioned, farm-style noon meal. “This past June there were 15 people altogether, ” said Schueck. Church members brought side dishes and desserts to complement the ham she prepared.

Although she volunteered most of her time at Phoebe Wyncote, she was also familiar with Phoebe Home. Her women’s fellowship group from New Goshenhoppen hosts the September resident birthday party in the activity room and Schueck provides the cake each year.

In 2009, Schueck had surgery to replace one of her hips. When asked where she wanted to spend her time in rehab, she says, “I just felt that Phoebe Home would be a good place to go.”

The good care and easy-to-use rehab equipment made an impression on her. “Everyone was cheerful and happy at Phoebe,” she says. “I never heard a cross word from anyone.”

This summer, she was tending to her vegetable garden with the help of some family mebers. She was also back to leading art projects at Phoebe Wyncote and hosting her usual resident luncheons. After so many years of contributing to the fullness of the lives of residents at Phoebe Wyncote, Schueck was happy to receive the same exceptional care she witnessed in her service as a volunteer.

To learn more about our rehabilitation programs, go to www.phoebe.org/rehab.

Phoebe Wyncote Volunteer Rehabs at Phoebe Home


Marie A. Burtner was a refi ned, pleasant and caring individual who lived in the Reading area most of her life. She worked for a telegraph company as a clerk and later in the trust department of a local bank.

Widowed and without children, Marie became a caregiver for a few extended family members. She developed a keen understanding of the challenges older adults and their families deal with along life’s journey. An uncle was a resident of Phoebe Berks Village Commons personal care community.

No doubt her empathy and her experiences in a bank trust department motivated this philanthropic individual to plan her legacy to benefi t a few of her favorite charities. Fortu-nately, Phoebe was included among them.

A supporter of Phoebe through charitable gifts for much of her life, Marie decided to arrange a Charitable Gift Annuity (a life-income gift arrangement) with Phoebe in 2003. In the same year she informed Rev. Barry “Chuck” Galley that Phoebe was included in her will. She was recognized as a member of Phoebe’s Legacy Circle – a society that supports Phoebe through deferred gifts like Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA) and Estate Gift arrangements.

Marie’s sister-in-law had lived at Phoebe Berks Village as an independent living resident for several years and encouraged her to move into an apartment. Marie was very pleased with her move and was enjoying her new life at Phoebe Berks for nearly a year when she learned she had a terminal illness. When her health required skilled care, she moved from her apartment to Phoebe Berks Health Care Center. Marie passed away in November 2008.

Phoebe has received over $470,000 for the Phoebe Berks Health Care Center through Marie Burtner’s bequest and additional funds through the residue of her gift annuity.

Her story exemplifi es how estate and gift planning can help an individual achieve their philanthropic objectives and have a signifi cant impact on countless lives through the mission of worthwhile charities.

No doubt her empathy and her experiences in a bank trust department motivated this philanthropic individual to plan her legacy to benefi t a few of her favorite charities. Fortunately, Phoebe was included among them.

Phoebe depends on bequests and other estate gifts like the one Marie provided in order to continue to make a difference in the lives of our residents. If you would like more information on how to include Phoebe in your will or other estate plan, please call 610-794-5132 or visit www.phoebe.org/givingandvolunteers.

Leaving a Legacy

Left: Charles Fehr, Director of Leadership, Gifts and Phoebe Berks Advancement.Right: Marcella Moyer Schick, Vice President Institutional Advancement.


Started in 1999, Phoebe Home’s intergenerational Camp Phoebe program was created by Kathy Bohnenberger, Director of Community Life. The day camp brings children ages 5 to 12 and residents together for a week each summer.

Children and grandchildren of residents, volunteers and staff are invited to attend for a nominal fee to cover the cost of the experience. During the week, staff members are able to eat lunch with their children, a rare treat for working families.

“Camp Phoebe was a whole lot of fun,” said Cameron, age 7. “I really liked pushing residents in their wheelchairs.”

With a theme of bugs and butterflies this year, both residents and campers enjoyed visits from a butterfly expert, animals from a local nature center, and bug-themed balloon animals from Tootsee the Clown. A day was spent wading through a creek while catching and identifying bugs on a field trip to Wildlands Conservancy.

In addition, the children went to different Phoebe neighborhoods for activities and games with residents each day. Bingo, crafts, baking, Wii games, an outdoor picnic, movies and a pizza party all added to the fun atmosphere of camp.

Liam, a 9-year old camper, said the activity he liked the most was making crafts with the residents. “I looked over at the butterfly the lady next to me was making and told her how nice it was,” he said with a smile.

“When you live with people all your own age, you lose something,” says Bohnenberger. “Through the camp and our other intergenerational opportunities, residents can relive earlier days and different roles in their lives.”

Junior volunteers are recruited each summer to help the camp activities run smoothly. Lindsay, 13, spent her first week as a camp assistant. “I really enjoyed getting to meet kids my own age, and working with the younger kids was great.”

By exposing the children and teens to differences and special needs, such as vision and hearing impairments and limited mobility, Phoebe hopes they will develop patience and an understanding that will stay with them as they grow older.

Perhaps one of the most immediate benefits of the camp for Phoebe’s residents is what Community Life Coordinator Eileen Mihochko calls hug therapy. She says, “Nothing improves your mood more than a smiling face running to greet you with a hug.”

To learn more about Camp Phoebe, visit www.phoebe.org/home.

Phoebe Home’s Intergenerational Day Camp Brings Summer Fun to Skilled Nursing Care

“When you live with people all your own age, you lose something,” says Bohnenberger. “ Through the camp and our other intergenerational opportunities, residents can relive earlier days and different roles in their lives.”

Leaving a Legacy


Phoebe Home

Tulip bulbs were planted at Phoebe Home to signify Phoebe’s commitment to create both a new direction in advanced clinical care for Parkinson’s and a sense of community awareness of its impact. The Dr. James Parkinson tulip has been embraced as a symbol of hope for those affl icted with Parkinson’s disease.

The community life department at Phoebe Home celebrated the 90th birthday of a much loved volunteer in July. Dick Schmoyer, a resident of Phoebe Aparments, volunteers approxi-mately 1,700 hours each year, transport-ing residents to appointments, leading activities and cleaning wheelchairs.

The Rev. Alan Miller and the Rev. William Ragan presided over the ordination service for Steven C. Hummel at Phoebe Home. This was the fi rst time an individual was ever ordained in a Phoebe community. Steven completed his CPE training and served as a Licensed Minister at Phoebe Home prior to completing seminary and being ordained as a UCC pastor.

Three of Phoebe’s communities celebrated the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging’s Homecoming week in June by hosting events that focused on the future of aging services. At Phoebe Home, students from nearby

William Allen High School visited with residents to discuss the kind of care available now and when the students will need assistance in the future.

Phoebe Home residents enjoyed an afternoon of wine tastings, grape stomping and learning about the health benefi ts and spiritual aspects of wine at an event sponsored by Cura Hospitality.

Almost every resident of Phoebe Home’s dementia care neighborhood, Bridgeways, took part in a walk to bring awareness to the cause on World Alzheimer’s Day. The group wore purple to signify their hope for a cure.

When Kathryn Fogel was born in 1902, the maximum speed limit was 10 miles an hour. Kathryn turned 108 in May and is now Phoebe’s oldest resident. She celebrated at Phoebe Home with a Dean Martin-style roast attended by children of a local daycare.

Housing and Services

Residents of Phoebe Terrace recently took part in a shrimp peeling contest in a “Gone Fishing” event hosted by Cura Hospitality. Leah Verri (second from left) took the title of fastest peeler and was rewarded with more shrimp to enjoy at the event!

Wind Gap Manor earned the PHFA 2010 Excellence in Housing Management Award for the third consecutive year. This award is given in recognition of an overall excellent performance as a provider of affordable housing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A new van was blessed at Phoebe Terrace by Rev. Albert Martin, Allentown campus chaplain, this summer. The van will be used to transport residents on shopping and entertainment trips.

Three of Phoebe’s communities celebrated

Residents of took part in a shrimp peeling contest in a “Gone Fishing” event hosted by Cura Hospitality. Leah Verri (second from left) took the title of fastest peeler and was rewarded with more shrimp to enjoy at the event!

Wind Gap Manor

William Allen High School visited with residents to discuss the kind of care available now and when the students will need assistance in the future.

Phoebe Homeof wine tastings, grape stomping and learning about the health benefi ts and spiritual aspects of wine at an event sponsored by Cura Hospitality.

Almost every resident of

Phoebe Special Recognition

Please Note: In the last issue of The Messenger, Paul Kunkel’s name was spelled incorrectly in the article on the Pennsylvania German language.


Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management Program hosted an Aging in Place Expo at Phoebe Terrace. Massages were offered to attendees along with fruit smoothies and information on services that allow seniors to remain in their own home longer.

Berks

Residents and food service workers enjoyed an impromptu conga line at the Phoebe Berks “Under the Harvest Moon Dance.” Live music, a special meal and entertainment from a mime, all added to the memorable event.

The Reverend Russell Mitman, PSEC Conference Minister, presided over the 6th annual Peace Day ceremonies at Phoebe Berks on September 21, known as International Peace Day.

Richland

The Cottage at Phoebe Richland hosted a Memory Walk in which residents, families, and staff participated in a beautiful outdoor walk around the Richland campus. Kellie Butsac, a representative from The Alzheimer’s Association attended the event and accepted a donation of funds raised from the walk.

Phoebe Richland celebrated the good work of two Junior volunteers this sum-mer as they prepared to go off to college. Nate Fosbenner (l) and Tyler Munson (r) have both volunteered regularly for the last 5 years. The Cottage residents held a going away party for them.

Shown with the students are (r-l), volunteers Maria Nicol and Barb Slifer, and resident Evelyn DeLong. Friends outside of their volunteer work, the two assist with Twilight bingo and special events. “Tyler brought his Trombone in and played patriotic music for some residents and they stood up and saluted!” says Suzy Sabo, Volunteer Coordinator.

Wyncote

Pam Sillah, a Phoebe Wyncote employee and Anthem Business School student, recently visited Senator Arlen Specter at his offi ce in Washington, D.C. as part of the “My Education. My Job. My Choice.” initiative. Shown here in the red shirt, Sillah’s school asked her to be a representative in order to discuss upcoming legislation affecting local business schools.

Phoebe Wyncote employees celebrating milestone anniversaries attended a luncheon with Wyncote’s Administrator, Cindy Bonney, Lisa Fichera, Executive Vice President, Administration and Health Care Services and Sandy Massetti, Regional Vice-President of Operations and Support Services. Each employee in attendance received a token of appreciation and a certifi cate thanking them for their years of service. A reception followed for all employees to attend and share in the festivities.

Phoebe’s Geriatric Care Management Program hosted an Aging in Place Expo at were offered to attendees along with

saluted!” says Suzy Sabo, Volunteer Coordinator.

For more about events at Phoebe, go to phoebe.org/events.


The Messenger is published three times a year by: Phoebe Ministries, 1925 Turner Street, Allentown, PA 18104610-794-5130, 800-453-8814, Fax: 610-794-5421www.phoebe.org

Scott Stevenson, President and CEOAlan McFall, Esq., Chairman, Phoebe Ministries Governing BoardMarcella Moyer Schick, Vice President, Institutional AdvancementTrina Johnson-Brady, Project Manager

Contributors to this issue: Tracy Kleppinger Bozik, Trina Johnson-Brady, Charles Fehr, Helen Haas, Molly Kranzley Driscoll, Marcella Moyer Schick, Rev. Martha M. Smith

Phoebe-Devitt Homes is the offi cial name of the 501(c)3 not-for-profi t corporation known as Phoebe Ministries. Founded in 1903 and incorporated as such in 1984, Phoebe Devitt Homes is responsible for the supervision of facilities, long-range planning, development and fundraising for 16 communities. Together, these affi liates provide long-term care, housing and support services to more than 2,300 individuals.

Member of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging. PANPHA, and Council for Health and Human Services Ministries of the United Church of Christ.

The offi cial registration and fi nancial information of Phoebe-Devitt Homes, the foundation of Phoebe Ministries, may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania at 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Mission Statement of Phoebe Ministries: A community of faith, called by God, to serve the needs and to enhance the lives of our elders, their families and the broader community.

THE MESSENGERPhoebe MinistriesInstitutional Advancement1925 Turner StreetAllentown, PA 18104

PHOEBE TERRACE

BRAIN FITNESS PROGRAM NEW CLASSES FORMING

March 21 to May 20, 20111 hour per day (Monday through Friday) for 8 weeks. $40 and open to the public but openings are limited.

The Brain Fitness Program and the InSight Program are available to Residents,

Brain Fitness graduates, and the Community.

Call 610-794-MIND to register.

For more information on our Brain Fitness Program, visit www.phoebe.org/brainfi tness.


winter 2010 messenger

Documents

neusch mosaic

community members

richlandtown community

phoebe richland staff

wide tile mosaic

johns ucc

phoebe ministries

unique project