February Families & Friends

Families Friends

A Newsletter for St. John's Skilled Services February 2020

Jack’s life is built on determination John (Jack) Murphy has lived several lives and is still embracing life at age 92. Jack has the gift of an incredible memory, still recalling back to age three, when he hopped into an ice wagon.

“I simply wanted some of the ice,” Jack says, but his mother soon caught him and that adventure ended in a scolding.

After high school, Jack’s next path led him to the Naval Aviation program in the United States Navy.

Jack soon found himself traveling from Rochester to New York City for several entrance evaluations.

When his time in the service came to an end, he made a switch into semi-pro football. “At the time, all of the towns in Rochester had football teams that competed against each other,” explains Jack. He played for several different teams around Monroe County until he took the exam for the Rochester fire department.

Before he knew it, he joined what was called in his words, “the arson squad.” “At the time, departments were divided between the police, FBI, and the fire department. There was not regular communication so we would we all be investigating the same crimes.” Jack explained

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Jack with one of his aides, Kyvon, enjoying a summer picnic. that he tried to build the camaraderie between departments and open the lines of communication.

“I knew a lot of the higher ups in different departments. Making friends with officials opened a lot of doors for me,” says Jack. He attended several colleges including: Rutgers, Monroe Community College, and the University of Connecticut. After earning a degree in fire science, he became a fire investigator and eventually went on to be the Monroe County Fire Coordinator.

After enjoying years of retirement and traveling, moving to St. John’s Home was another life transition that Jack faced with determination and strength. “I was active my whole life, and after my wife passed many things changed for me.” It was not an easy transition to St. John’s at first, but after a year and a half of being a resident on Reservoir 6, Jack has created special bonds with his aides.

Continue reading Jack’s story by visiting stjohnsliving.org/story.

Continuing our tradition for centenarians St. John’s celebrated our annual Centenarian Luncheon this month, which honored 10 residents with ages ranging from 100 to 103. St. John’s President and CEO Charlie Runyon commented on how the Centenarian Luncheon is one of his favorite celebrations each year. “In the years we have done this event, I’ve asked people what their secret to reaching this milestone has been,” said Runyon. “Your generation is a very hardworking one. You relied on your faith and when things got tough you relied on that faith. The other thing is that you all are humble. I see the humility when I have conversations with residents throughout the home and we talk about the accomplishments they have had. The last, and maybe the most important commonality, is the incredible love and support you had for and from your families.” Runyon continued on about the importance of the example these 10 individuals have set for others.

Our therapeutic recreation department dazzled residents, families, and friends with a wonderful event. The multi-course menu was enjoyed by all as was the backdrop set by soft piano serenades. St. John’s has hosted this celebration for residents who have eclipsed the century mark for several years now. You can see WROCTV’s coverage of the 2020 Centenarian Luncheon here: https://bit.ly/38GaPz0 https://bit.ly/38GaPz0..

Volunteer spotlight: Karen Phelps “It has been such an amazing learning experience,” says Karen. At first she did not know how to interact with the higher acuity level of skilled nursing residents, but realized the simplest of gestures can go a long way. “Everyone is worthy of kindness and a conversation,” adds Karen. Her volunteer work began with friendly visits and soon she started helping transport residents to activities. “When I started I was still able to catch a few of the courtyard concert series and noticed there was a need for transporters.” Karen recognized the need, but also cherishes the friendly visits with residents due to the connections and interesting conversations she is able to have.

There are two residents that Karen sees on a weekly basis. “I feel like St. John’s is a place where I can truly be myself. I love talking to people, being silly, and enjoying connections.” Our community is truly grateful to have volunteers like Karen and we know our residents enjoy her company and attention. Volunteering can look different depending on the person, but it is universal that the simplest of interactions can make any resident’s day better.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit st.johnsliving.org/about/volunteer st.johnsliving.org/about/volunteer..

Follow us on social media and visit our photo galleries at http://bit.ly/2R6tH1c to keep up with our busy residents!

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Families Friends from Nate

Holidays and Events

There was an announcement this past December that no one could have expected. A neighboring nursing home had experienced a terrible flooding issue and residents would have to be evacuated immediately.

Illumination of Love

Due to our partnership with the Greater Rochester Mutual Aid Plan over the years, we were prepared, but had always hoped we would never have to run anything but a drill.

The St. John’s vans left our independent living community on that cold, windy morning and began transporting residents. In response to the disaster, the staff members of St. John’s swept into action and exemplified incredible team work.

Game Day

With compassion leading their hearts, St. John’s staff members ensured we were set to welcome and embrace two dozen residents whose lives had been turned upside down.

Each department went out of their way to make comfortable accommodations for our new guests. It is what all of us would want for our own residents in the event of an emergency.

The generosity did not stop after the new residents’ initial welcome. Many residents lost needed items during the flood. An Angel Tree wish list was constructed and immediately all the items listed were grabbed and fulfilled by staff, families, and friends.

St. John’s is a very special place. Thank you for helping to make St. John’s a place that welcomes everyone.

Annual Date Night

Take a Tour

Special

Mention this ad when you tour and receive an Amazon gift card for spending time with us. This is for new tours and admissions at St. John’s Home.

Next phase of renovation begins St. John’s Home began the next phase of renovations at the end of January.

The Hastings entrance is now closed and the South building has become the main entrance for all visitors and staff. The concierge desk has been temporarily relocated at the South entrance. Visitors are able to access Day Break, the Rotunda, the Hastings elevators, and the Community Center from the South Building. The Welcome Center has moved into updated offices located in its former site near the Hastings fireplace.

The old Briggs conference room near the Hastings entrance is being renovated to become a Welcome Lounge. Detour signs are posted to assist you in finding your way. This phase will take several weeks to complete; however, we are very excited for the outcome. As always, we appreciate your cooperation and understanding while we enhance St. John’s Home.

Families Friends

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Also follow us on: Editor/Marketing Coordinator Meghan Little mlittle@stjohnsliving.org

Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Lesinski jlesinski@stjohnsliving.org

Marketing Communications Manager Tom Harner tharner@stjohnsliving.org

President and CEO Charlie Runyon

Vice President of Skilled Services Nate Sweeney

St. John’s earns distinguished award St. John’s Home was recently recognized as a “High Performing” provider of long-term care by U.S. News and World Report for 2019-2020. The designation places St. John’s among the top 19% of skilled nursing facilities in the United States to earn this highest possible rating. Read the entire story on this high honor here: https://bit.ly/2G5Jvhm.