St. John's Living- Spring, 2018

Livin

Spring 2018

Programs That Help Connect Us page 4

Brickstone Resident Hosts Book Launch page 2

Upgrades to Employee Fitness Center page 7

Pen Pals Meet Face-to-Face page 10

So Many Homelands: After Career in Publishing, Brickstone Resident Finally Tells Her Own Story Vision St. John’s will lead and inspire a shift in society’s views of elderhood by embracing and celebrating life’s experiences.

Mission St. John’s embraces life with vibrant, caring, and life-affirming relationships.

We embrace living by being...

Friendly Respectful Responsive Compassionate Innovative Fun

Editor Tom Harner tharner@stjohnsliving.org

Contributor Keaghlan Morrissey kmorrissey@stjohnsliving.org

Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Lesinski jlesinski@stjohnsliving.org

Chief Executive Officer Charlie Runyon

Executive Director of Foundation Anne McKenna

stjohnsliving.org

“This isn’t your typical memoir. These stories are snapshots of my life and

they don’t always flow from one to the next. But the whole thing gives you a picture of who I am.”

It makes sense that a book on Berdjouhi Esmerian’s life would be far from typical. After all, Berdjouhi (pronounced Bur’joo’ee) is fluent in five languages and understands at least three others. She has called Rochester home for decades but came of age in a region consumed by political and social conflict.

So Many Homelands: Memories of a Daughter of the Armenian Diaspora gives readers a glimpse into places most people will never visit. It is a book several decades in the making. “It just happened now. I had planned to do this a long time ago, but life happened,” Berdjouhi explained on January 29, the day a book launch at Brickstone by St. John’s drew well over 100 people.

“I came to the United States and it has been my homeland ever since.” Less than a year after immigrating to the states through a family connection in New Jersey, Berdjouhi followed her brother Ohannes to Rochester. Here, she took an entry level position as a proofreader with the Lawyer’s Co-operative Publishing Company on Broad Street. She would remain with the company until her retirement 30 years later.

Berdjouhi progressed through the organization and eventually was named supervisor of the copy editing department. She steadily advanced, working on numerous projects throughout multiple departments.

“This made me happy. I was contributing and people were listening to me and appreciating me for my brain.”

Though she was intimately involved in many aspects of the publishing business for three decades, it was not until after retirement that Berdjouhi began crafting her own work. As she took on writing she eventually aspired to pen a full-length memoir of her own, which was a goal that was achieved when she completed So Many Homelands.

“Each homeland is a different phase of my life.”

Her first and only trip to her ancestral home of Armenia in 2003 sets the stage for the final homeland featured in the book. Ultimately, Berdjouhi hopes So Many Homelands serves as a proper tribute for her father, the person most responsible for her becoming a lifelong learner. “He used to say ‘I don’t care if you are a girl or a boy. If you have a brain in your head and I have money in my pocket, you are going to fill up that head with education.’”

“Egypt was my homeland until I was 30 years old.”

She was a teenager in 1952 when revolution struck Egypt, bringing a drastic change in day-to-day life. By the early 1960s, new leadership in Egypt began nationalizing privately-owned property and businesses. “Suddenly the country took on a much more serious and uncomfortable state,” remembers Berdjouhi. At the time, she was teaching English at the American College for Girls in the capital city of Cairo. The unrest started to remind members of Berdjouhi’s family of the events leading up to the genocide of 1915 that resulted in the extermination of over 1 million Armenians. It was time for her to leave.

Author Thelma Reese Returns to St. John’s The popular author follows up her 2015 appearance with another visit on Monday, May 7 in the Wintergarden at Brickstone by St. John’s. Thelma will talk about her latest book The New Senior Man, which features Brickstone resident Richard Gollin.

For tickets: stjohnsliving.org/new-senior-man

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Connecting People through Unique Programming

St. John’s truly believes that the best communities

embrace the idea of connecting people through rich, meaningful experiences. Studies have repeatedly shown that older adults who engage in such empowering activities generally feel a greater sense of purpose in life, which overall leads to better health and increased longevity.

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St. John’s has made it a point of emphasis over the years to develop unique programs that help keep residents connected to their community. These great activities give St. John’s residents opportunities to interact with different groups of people—from young students to older adults living throughout the Rochester community— and they bring positive benefits for all involved.

The meaningful connections that these programs make possible cannot be understated.

Back to School “This class has actually given me a new lease on life,” says Ken Dodgson, a retired general surgeon living at Brickstone by St. John’s. Ken is one of almost two dozen residents who join students from Nazareth College in their gerontology class hosted once a week at St. John’s Meadows. “I spend my time looking back over a lifetime and these young people are all looking ahead. And that fascinates me.”

This program—the St. John’s Collaborative for Intergenerational Learning—has brought a lasting impact to students of all ages for nearly a decade.

Residents feel a strong sense of community knowing they are able to share their life experiences with students who are just beginning their careers.

Making Music Yoga in Your Neighborhood A group of older adults gathers to share a peaceful, reflective experience with one another on their way to a healthier mind and body on Thursday mornings in the community room at Brickstone by St. John’s.

Some of the participants of Gentle Yoga Moves— a program provided through a partnership with MVP Health Care—are residents at Brickstone while others travel from nearby neighborhoods to attend.

Paul Bartlett, vice president of senior housing at St. John’s, believes that the way this program brings residents and members of the outside community together reflects the concept of “New Urbanism” which has been the cornerstone of what Brickstone is all about. “The benefit is that they (St. John’s residents) feel that they are part, and integrated with our community,” says Paul. According to Paul, this goes both ways, as residents from Brighton and across the Rochester area view Brickstone as a community hub where they happily choose to spend their time.

Ed Keegan is one of two therapeutic recreation specialists who have turned the weekly percussion ensemble at St. John’s Home into a truly interactive event enjoyed by a variety of residents. “These elders still have a lot to offer,” says Ed of the dozens of participants who assemble in the auditorium every Friday afternoon for Now We Drum!

According to Ed and Alicia Montlavo, this program is more than just an activity to pass the time. Knowing how hard the group works, they hope people take them seriously. To show off the talents of this collective group, Now We Drum! holds special performances every couple of months. They are even planning an outdoor concert to show off to the community during the upcoming Rochester Lilac Festival!

Spend a few minutes learning more about these and other great St. John’s programs. Online at: stjohnsliving.org/programs-thatconnect-us

We embrace living by being innovative.

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t. John’s is grateful to all who contributed to St. John’s Foundation from August 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018. Your gifts support our vision of enhancing the lives of St. John’s elders through social programming, physical fitness activities, creative and recreational arts therapy, and spiritual programming. Donors who give a minimum of $500 per year to the Annual Fund are acknowledged as members of the Highland Park Society.

ANNUAL FUND Highland Park Society Founders Spindler Family Foundation

Patrons Dr. Amy J. Mason and Dr. Thomas DeRosa Rudolph & Rose Wollner Charitable Trust Benefactors Dolores and Philip Neivert Fund Mr. and Mrs. James G. Gould Louis P. and Betty A. Iacona Fund Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Runyon Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Smith Mr. Robert W. Spindler Mr. and Mrs. John E. Van de Wetering William & Sheila Konar Foundation Sponsors Alstom Signaling Foundation, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Briggs Ms. Carol A. Brink Mr. and Mrs. Donald D’Alessandro Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation Frederick F. O’Connor Trust Dr. and Mrs. James C. Galloway Ms. Helen Halewski, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Myron Kowal Mr. Daniel Lesinski and Mrs. Jennifer Lesinski Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Mancini Mr. and Mrs. James H. McBride Mr. Christopher Minicucci Rev. and Mrs. Vincent S. Parks III Ms. Rebecca K. Priest and Mr. Christopher Priest Ms. Bridget Shumway Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Spina Ms. Diane Wiley Mrs. Janet T. Wixom

Friends of St. John’s

Contributors Ms. Nancy J. Adams and Mr. Peter Adams Mr. and Mrs. Peter Affolter Ms. and Mr. Diane Bogaczyk Ms. Ann C. DeFazio Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Donaloio Exxon Mobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Flint Gerard R. and Joan L. Nobiling Charitable Checking Account Mr. John B. Hodgetts Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Johnston Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Knox Mr. and Mrs. James E. Koller Ms. Eliza Kozlowski Mr. James Kolovos and Ms. Anne E. Miller Ms. Jean Loomis and Mr. George Loomis M. L. Huff Charitable Gift Fund Ms. Barbara Nussmann Sheila and Dan O’Brien Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Servé Trinity Emmanuel Lutheran Church Friends Mr. E. Lee Allen

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Anonymous (2) Mr. Wallace F. Baker Ms. Jane M. Barnette Ms. Dorace M. Belknap Ms. Merithew H. Benington Mr. David Bermudez Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence V.W. Black Mr. Roger J. Boulay Ms. Wyan G. Bovay Mr. and Mrs. James A. Braker Ms. Kay E. Brockway Ms. Patricia M. Brogan Ms. and Mr. Eileen M. Brooks Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brown Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Brownyard, Sr. Mr. Donald T. Campanelli Mr. and Mrs. Renier F. Chaintreuil Mr. and Mrs. Harold Chapin Ms. Gweneth A. Cheney Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Chippero Ms. Cynthia Christa Ms. Clara Ciavatta Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Copeland Mr. Raymond J. Cotroneo Mr. David P. Crawford Mr. Scott N. Curtis Mr. and Mrs. Robert Daitz Mrs. Jacqueline A. Davidson Ms. Carol Davis Mr. Dennis M. Del Conte Mr. and Mrs. John F. DiGiovanni Dr. Kenneth V. Dodgson Mr. Michael Domaratz Ms. Gwen D. Drake Ms. Berdjouhi Esmerian Mr. and Mrs. Donald Fiorini Mr. Richard S. Fitts Virginia B. Fogle Ms. Sandra L. Frankel Mr. Taylor Freitas Ms. Cinderine Giancaterin Ms. Paula G. Gianforti Mrs. Paul Graham-Raad Ms. Marsha L. Greenberg Mr. David A. Haas Ms. Dorothy B. Haelen Mr. and Mrs. Alfred L. Heary Mr. and Mrs. Warren Heilbronner Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Henry Mr. and Mrs. Lionel E. Herbeck Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hettel Mr. John C. Hines Ms. Beatrice A. Hultman Ms. Martha G. Keller Ms. Barbara Kesel Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Kirchhoff Dr. and Mrs. David N. Kluge Ms. Joan M. Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Kranz Mrs. Ethelyn Krauss Mr. and Mrs. Georg Kroner, Jr. Ms. Donna S. Lawrence Ms. Judith A. Lazenby

Mr. Milton Lederman Ms. Thelma and Mr. Dick Leinbach Ms. Jane Levin Ms. Renee L. Liebschutz Ms. Dianne P. Lochner Ms. Anna E. Lynch Mr. and Mrs. George Magin Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Magner Ms. Donna Maxwell Ms. Mary Ann McClurg Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. McKenna Ms. Anne and Mr. Francis McKenna Dr. George McVey Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Medici Mr. Walter D. Meyer Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Mooney Ms. Alice M. Morse Ms. Mildred G. Ness Ms. Kristin Neufeld Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Nothnagle Mr. and Mrs. John F. Nuccitelli Ms. Barbara Outterson Mr. and Mrs. James C. Owens Mr. Ralph S. Palmer Ms. Mary Margaret K. Palmer Mr. Dennis P. Pankey Mr. John S. Pearsall and Mr. Ed Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. William H. Pestke Ms. Sue Pizzingrilli Mrs. Bethel A. Powers Mr. Frank Prouty Ms. Margaret E. Pum Ms. Barbara L. Rafoth Mr. James G. Reed Mrs. Nancy Reitkopp Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Rines Ms. Diana M. Robinson, Ph.D. Ms. Lois J. Rogers Ms. Irene Russnak Ms. Dora E. Schaible Ms. Jean A. Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Harold A. Schwartz Mrs. Ida Sharp Mr. Milton M. Shulman Dr. and Mrs. Albert L. Sieg Mr. and Mrs. John S. Sinacore Ms. Lisa Smith Ms. Angelina F. Snyder Mrs. Patricia W. Steinkraus Dr. David Steitz Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. Sterner, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Stratton Ms. Katharine T. Swift Ms. Ruth A. Templeton Mr. Andrew Tubiolo Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Tucker Ms. Jana Tushingham Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tytler Mr. and Mrs. James M. Underwood Union Congregational UCC Ms. Eleanor A. Volpe Dr. Elizabeth K. Walker and Mr. John Walker Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Wallace Ms. Harriet R. Weiss

Fitness Center Gets Needed Makeover St. John’s Foundation hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 8 to celebrate recent enhancements made to the Fitness Center at St. John’s Home.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, a number of improvements—including several new pieces of fitness equipment, new big screen televisions, and a better wi-fi signal—have helped to modernize this popular employee space.

Ms. Laura Wetmore Mr. Ethan Whritenor Mr. and Mrs. James W. Williford Ms. Catharine J. Wise Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Wolfarth The Xerox Foundation Mr. George H. Yeadon III and Ms. Faith Adams

St. John’s Annual Golf Tournament

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Murphy

Alesco Advisors, LLC Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Ms. Joanne Braeunle and Mr. Ed Braeunle Ms. Sharon Brognia and Mr. Tony Brognia Buffalo Pharmacies Home Leasing, LLC Ms. Anna E. Lynch Siemens Building Technologies Ultramobile Imaging / EZaccess MD

2017 ROC the Day

UNITED WAY DONOR CHOICE #193

Celebration Gifts Program Mr. Andrew Stalder* Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Visco* Ms. Nancy J. Adams and Mr. Peter Adams Anonymous (6) Ms. Rosanne Barone Ms. and Mr. Eileen M. Brooks Mr. Ben Cheung Mr. Nicholas Daszkiewicz Ms. Joyce Downey-Frank Ms. Adrienne Dykeman Mr. and Mrs. Robert Earl Ms. Theresa Fahy Ms. Joanne Gugliotta Ms. Dorothy B. Haelen Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hedin Mrs. Joyce J. Henck Ms. Elisabeth P. Howard Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Johnston Ms. Eliza Kozlowski Mr. and Mrs. Charles Krusenstjerna Ms. Anna E. Lynch Mr. and Mrs. Dominick Mancini Mr. and Mrs. Jack Maniloff Ms. Anne and Mr. Francis McKenna Ms. Kristine Mich and Rev. Marv Mich Dr. Rena Pine Ms. Laurel Popenhusen-Bruinix Mr. and Mrs. Clark Reid Mr. and Mrs. Charles K. Runyon Ms. Eloise Schrag, M.D. Ms. Esther Smalline Ms. Krista Vardabash Mr. John C. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Witmer Mr. George H. Yeadon III and Ms. Faith Adams *matching gift donors

B. Giambrone & Co. Veteran Food Sales Ms. Diane and Mr. Philip Bogaczyk Ms. Joanne Braeunle and Mr. Ed Braeunle Ms. Nancy J. Burns Mr. John Callaghan Mrs. Julia Daley Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Davis Lt. Michael DiGiovanni Ms. Jennifer DiSalvo Mr. Joseph Enge Mr. Thomas R. Gears Ms. Megan M. Gridley Ms. Anne M. Korenstein Mr. David Kunz Mr. Daniel Lesinski and Mrs. Jennifer Lesinski Ms. Kathleen S. Lomb Mrs. Linda McCoy Mr. Mark Nicastro Sheila and Dan O’Brien Dr. Rena Pine Ms. Rebecca K. Priest and Mr. Christopher Priest Ms. Paula Slade

SENIOR HOUSING EMPLOYEE FUND IN APPRECIATION OF THE EMPLOYEES OF ST. JOHN’S MEADOWS AND BRICKSTONE BY ST. JOHN’S Ms. Shirley M. Adams Mr. and Mrs. Peter Affolter Mr. E. Lee Allen Ms. Susan L. Andersen Ms. Ruth S. Anderson Mr. William C. Andreas Anonymous (5)

Mr. Harold G. Ashworth Ms. Susanne Barrett Ms. Marguerite E. Bashaw Mr. and Mrs. Vincent F. Bebak Ms. Dorace M. Belknap Mr. and Mrs. Russell A. Bellanca Ms. Virginia S. Belt Ms. Merithew H. Benington Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence V.W. Black Ms. Mary M. Bliss Ms. Eleanor K. Bluhm Mr. Donald J. Bogdanski Mr. Sam R. Boni Ms. Elynore J. Booth Mr. Roger J. Boulay Mr. John C. Bourne, Jr. Ms. Wyan G. Bovay Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Bowman Mrs. Pauline W. Bradbury Ms. Carol J. Bradshaw Mr. and Mrs. James A. Braker Ms. Joanne B. Brandt Ms. Margaret Briody and Mr. Richard Muir Ms. Patricia M. Brogan Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brown Mr. Robert W. Brownell Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Bullwinkel Ms. Nancy J. Burns Ms. Esther C. Cable Ms. Dorothy J. Cantore Ms. Mary Carlton Ms. Elizabeth Cashion Ms. Lisa A. Cashmere Ms. Marion B. Caulkins Mr. and Mrs. H. James Chalfant Ms. Olive M. Chambery Mr. and Mrs. Harold Chapin Mr. Thomas F. Chase Ms. Gweneth A. Cheney Ms. Clara Ciavatta Ms. Dorothy M. Connor Ms. Jane C. Connor Mrs. Lois Conradt Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Copeland Mr. William L. Copperwheat Ms. Marion G. Cosmano

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Mr. David P. Crawford Ms. Mary Grace Crerand Mr. David P. Cullenberg Ms. Marianne Cullinan Ms. Mary Cymber Ms. Nancy H. DaMore Ms. Carolyn M. Daniels Mrs. Jacqueline A. Davidson Ms. Jane R. Davis Ms. Muriel J. Dech Ms. Ann C. DeFazio Ms. Virginia Dekin and Ms. Saundra Ehman Mr. Erwin Delano Mr. and Mrs. Abraham DeMayo Ms. Judith H. Dempsey Ms. Bernyce A. Derman Mr. and Mrs. Henry Dixon Dr. Kenneth V. Dodgson Ms. Lucy Donofrio Ms. Gwen D. Drake Mr. and Mrs. Scott B. Dunlap Mr. George T. Dunn Mr. David S. Durfee Ms. Regina Eskin Ms. Berdjouhi Esmerian Ms. Carole A. Evans Mr. John L. Fichtner, Jr. Ms. Lorraine Fischer Ms. Alice J. Fishbeck Mr. and Mrs. Mason B. Fitch Mr. Richard S. Fitts Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Flanigan Ms. Helen S. Fliss Virginia B. Fogle Ms. Rae P. Fradkin Ms. Karyl P. Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Gardella Ms. M. Lois Gauch Ms. Marion H. Ginegaw Ms. Barbara K. Glickman Ms. Gertrude L. Gober Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Gollin Mr. Jack M. Goronkin Ms. Phyllis T. Graham Ms. Jeannette M. Grant Ms. Charlotte E. Guenther Ms. L. J. Gumbiner Ms. Suella C. Habbersett Ms. Bianca L. Halewski Ms. Rosann M. Hamdy Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Paul L. Hammer Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hanson Ms. Louise N. Hauck Ms. Helen P. Heath Ms. Barbara K. Heinle Ms. Arlene Helget Mrs. Joyce J. Henck Ms. Ann E. Henderberg Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. Herpich Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Heyer Ms. Janet C. Hickman Ms. Rosalie C. Hillman Ms. Gail S. Hirst Ms. Jule Hodgetts Mr. George W. Hoffman Ms. Priscilla P. Hooke Mr. and Mrs. David F. Horn Mr. Donval Hornburg Ms. Betty A. Hurley Ms. Euleta Ilissoo Ms. Irene Ingram Ms. Patricia A. Irr Ms. Angelina Parillo Isgro Mr. Marc Jacobs

Mr. Edward H. Jensen Ms. Sarah G. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. David Jolkovski Mr. Karl S. Kabelac Ms. Ruth M. Kanyuck Ms. Marjorie Karowe Ms. Jean M. Kearse Mr. James E. Keenan Ms. Martha G. Keller Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Kirchhoff Ms. Carole Knight Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Knox Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Kranz Ms. Ellen Kremer Mr. and Mrs. Charles Krusenstjerna Mrs. Diana W. Kubick Ms. Isadora D. and Mr. Stephen J. Kunitz Ms. Mary LaClair Mr. and Mrs. John A. Lake Ms. Joan Law-Arnold Ms. Donna S. Lawrence Mr. and Mrs. Rheanolte LeBarbour Mr. Milton Lederman Ms. Julia Lederman Ms. Thelma and Mr. Dick Leinbach Ms. Jane Levin Ms. Selma Liebhaber Ms. Renee L. Liebschutz Ms. Dorothy L. Little Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Magner Ms. Alice B. Mahan Mr. and Mrs. Jack Maniloff Mr. and Mrs. Taso Markatos Mr. Sidney S. Markus Ms. Mary Janet M. McElrath Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. McKenna Ms. Patricia S. McKenna Ms. Joanne McMillion Dr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Mendelson Ms. Nancy M. Merz Mr. Archie Messenger Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Michelson Ms. Elizabeth A. Milliken Ms. Janice C. Milliman Ms. Alice M. Morse Mr. Raymond E. Naber, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence F. Nazarian Ms. Mildred G. Ness Ms. Kristin Neufeld Mr. and Mrs. Gerard R. Nobiling Ms. Marjorie H. O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Orgel Ms. Barbara Outterson Mr. and Mrs. James C. Owens Ms. Mary Margaret K. Palmer Ms. Carolyn G. Pardo Ms. Sara J. and Mr. Clark E. Parker Ms. Elaine R. Patiky Ms. Carol A. Paul Ms. Patricia J. Pauly Ms. Rosemary I. Pautz Mr. John S. Pearsall and Mr. Ed Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. David Penney Ms. Christine Perry Mr. and Mrs. David F. Petherbridge Ms. Nancy S. Petrich Mr. James V. Philippone and Mrs. Mary A. Philippone Ms. Rose M. Porreca Mr. James F. Premo Mr. and Mrs. Roger Printup Rev. C. Raymond Probst Ms. Janice K. Proctor Ms. Margaret E. Pum Mr. Frances Ratcliffe

Mr. Gerald I. Read Mr. James G. Reed Mrs. Nancy Reitkopp Ms. Nancy M. Rhodes Mr. David E. Rice Ms. Margaret E. Richards Ms. Irene Robinson Mrs. June Rogoff Mr. Francis B. Rooker Ms. Doris Root Ms. Roslyn Rose Ms. Renee Rosenbaum Ms. Joyce M. Rotach Rotary Club of Brighton, NY, Inc. Ms. Jeanne B. Rowe Ms. Linda Ruda Ms. Rosalind M. Rudolph Ms. Brenda P. Rutt Ms. Joan C. Ryan Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ryan Mr. and Ms. Harold A. Schwartz Mrs. Ida Sharp Mr. Milton M. Shulman Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Shulman Ms. Jackie Simpson Mr. and Mrs. John S. Sinacore Ms. Irma Smalley-Herzog Ms. Esther Smalline Mrs. Betty J. Smith Mr. and Mrs. C. Acker Smith Ms. Angelina F. Snyder Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Spina Mr. and Mrs. O. David Steider Mrs. Patricia W. Steinkraus Mr. and Mrs. Harvey L. Steron Mrs. Jacqueline Stricker Ms. Katharine T. Swift Mr. Peter Swift Ms. Nancy Templeman Ms. Ruth A. Templeton Mr. Robert W. Treacy Ms. Elizabeth Trinkl Ms. Mary E. Trotter Ms. Jane L. Tschiderer Mr. and Mrs. Wayne E. Turner Rev. Carrol A. Turner and Mrs. Joyce E. Turner Mr. and Mrs. Fred Tytler Mr. and Mrs. James M. Underwood Mr. and Mrs. John Van de Wetering Ms. Bernice VanApeldoorn Mrs. Doris P. Van Vechten Ms. Joan E. Varone Ms. Rita Vendura Ms. Jean C. Vincent Ms. Eleanor A. Volpe Dr. Elizabeth K. Walker and Mr. John Walker Ms. Charlotte F. Wallace Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Wallace Ms. Shirley J. Wallace Scott Ms. Clara E. Warren Ms. Jane C. Watkin Mr. and Mrs. John Weber Ms. Ruth Weiss Ms. Irma R. Wiener Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Wilder Ms. Maureen A. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Wolfarth Ms. Janis H. Wolpin Ms. Ann Marie Wood Mrs. Doris B. Wright Ms. Sarisa H. Zoghlin Ms. Eleanore A. Zonnevylle

ST. JOHN’S SPIRITUAL LIFE

Anonymous (3) Mrs. Joyce J. Henck Joseph G. & Pat Murray Kelly Fund for Theological Education Mr. Frederick M. Kuder Mrs. Wilma K. Sterner The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation Ms. Janis H. Wolpin

In memory of Maria Karipidis Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian

In honor of St. John’s Tulip Neighborhood Sheila and Dan O’Brien

In memory of Katherine Kingsford Ms. Nirmala D. Bidani

In memory of Carrie Taravella Ms. Anne McKenna Mr. Francis McKenna

In memory of William Kirchoff Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian Mr. John Young

In memory of Margaret Thirtle Mr. James H. Thirtle

In memory of Helen A. Kubarek Mr. Alan B. Kubarek

In memory of Arthur Pershing Trimble Burroughs Audubon Nature Club

Memorial and tribute gifts to St. John’s Foundation are a meaningful way for donors to honor loved ones.

In memory of Betty Latoski Ms. Suella C. Habbersett

In memory of Viv Therapy Dog Ms. Virginia M. Hartley

In honor of Mabel Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kreutter

In memory of Helen Lofton Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian

In memory of Charles Avallone Ms. Paula Keneally Mrs. Ann B. Avallone and Family (for the Penfield Green House)

In memory of David Maddock Ms. Nancy B. Schlaffer Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Spindler Rochester Squadronettes Inc

In memory of Cosette Worden Ms. Kristina M. Mauro Ms. Kathleen H. White

In honor of Elise Banser Ms. Simone Payment

In memory of Jeanne G. McDonald Ms. Glenda Callanen

In memory of Jessie V. Belbas Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Winkowski John and Janet Rovison Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian Mr. and Mrs. Michael Grassi Ms. Gloria J. Winkowski Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Wilvers

In honor of Anne McKenna Mr. and Mrs. Joel Elliot

In memory of Daniel Blasi, Sr. Mr. Vincent Karls Ms. Dorothy M. Reichardt

In memory of Ruth Montrym Rush-Henrietta Paraprofessional Union

MEMORIAL AND TRIBUTE GIFTS

In honor of Paul W. Briggs Mr. Peter W. Briggs In memory of Shirley Bright Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian Mr. Robert J. Warshal Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. Brown In memory of Adele Brzowsky Mrs. Janet G. Elman In memory of Nancy M. Bull Mr. Edward C. Warney In memory of Marilyn L. Camera Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian In memory of Joel Cowit Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian In memory of Sally Dodgson Mrs. Doris P. Van Vechten

In honor of Finn McKeveny Ms. Katherine McCormick In memory of Harvey Mitchell Mr. Tom Pastorella

In memory of Nancie E. Neilon Mr. Terry Neilon In memory of Mary Seiler Nowatku Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian In memory of Mary O’Brien Nutralliance, Inc. In memory of Rose M. Palmisano Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian Mr. and Mrs. David M. Schutte Mr. and Mrs. Frank Iacovangelo Ms. Kathleen M. Palmisano Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Strauss In memory of Kenneth A. Payment Ms. Elise Banser In memory of Jeanne Regan Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Regan

In memory of Bea Evans Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian

In memory of Concetta Sabatini Mr. and Mrs. Gary Salvati Ms. Janice Marsden

In memory of Joan Ferrara Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian

In memory of William Schade Mr. and Mrs. Glen Suckling

In honor of Louis Ferrara Mr. and Mrs. John Felsen

In memory of M.P. Schmidt Estate of Elmer Schmidt

In memory of Rose Gold Dr. David Fenig

In memory of Rose T. Siegel Mr. Harris T. Siegel

In memory of Charles Hebing Ms. Lisa Hebing

In memory of Toshi Stalnaker Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian

In memory of Shirley Hughes Ms. Patricia A. Irr

In memory of Marion Stein Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian

In memory of Carol Joswick Dr. Heather R. Sobel and Dr. Darren A. Tabechian Mrs. and Mr. Linda L. Wells Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boehner Mrs. William Dennis Ms. Katie Ferguson The Judson Foundation

In honor of St. John’s Meadows Staff Ms. Jeanne B. Rowe

St. John’s Foundation Tree of Life Dedicated in loving memory of Mary Pink, the Tree of Life grows through the generosity of family and friends who wish to recognize a loved one with a lasting tribute. Please contact the Foundation Office at 585-760-1291 for more information.

Bronze Leaf in memory of Ruth Montyrm Ms. Marianne Bianco Bronze Leaf in memory of Carrie S. Taravella Ms. Anne and Mr. Francis McKenna Ms. Rosie Taravella and Mr. Scott Goodrich We strive to publish accurate recognitions and apologize for errors or omissions. To make a correction or a donation please call Taylor Freitas at 585-760-2464 or email tfreitas@stjohnsliving.org.

Tree of Life St. John’s Foundation’s “Tree of Life” is located next to the ground floor elevators in the South Building at St. John’s Home. This unique display honors friends and family touched by St. John’s in some way with beautiful gold, silver, or bronze leaves. To learn more about purchasing a leaf as a lasting tribute to your loved one, call 585-760-1291.

In honor of St. John’s Staff Ms. Patricia A. Lynch-Grover In honor of St. John’s Home Staff on 3 South Ms. Gwendolyn C. Belknap

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Volunteer Program Connecting Generations

Pen Pal Initiative Brings Impact Beyond Expectations

T

hey pair off two-by-two and sit at tables sharing donuts and conversation. Though some met face-toface for the first time just moments before, the duos talk as though they have known each other far longer.

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Carole asks her pen pal about the really great picture she included in her last letter. Sandy’s pen pal—who aspires to be an art and music therapist—pulls a tablet out of her bag and shares images of her latest paintings.

The original design of the program was for letters to be anonymous outside of sharing first names, with no plan for pen pals to ever meet. “The pen pal is considered to be someone who cares about them, even though they don’t necessarily know them personally,” says Don Armstrong, director of volunteer programing for Hillside. According to Don that changed once students began requesting in-person meetings with their new friends, a surprising wrinkle.

This late-January gathering brought six youth from the Hillside Family of Agencies to visit with the St. John’s residents they have connected with through pen and paper. While the idea was always to help the kids establish a line of meaningful correspondence with positive role models they could learn from, these gatherings—and there have been several over the past few months—were never part of the plan.

At one of the tables, St. John’s Meadows resident Karyl Friedman catches up with her pen pal Kyle.

This is actually her third meeting with Kyle and the two have bonded quickly. While she initially found it difficult writing her first letter under the parameters of the program, she quickly found common ground with her new friend. “We hit it off almost immediately.”

Karyl worked in finance as a bond trader in her professional life. However, much of the free time throughout her life has been dedicated to another passion of hers: cooking. It turns out that Karyl’s teenaged pen pal shares that passion. Kyle is currently involved in the culinary program at Hillside and hopes to someday work at a restaurant. The two trade recipes back-and-forth, with Kyle recently sending Karyl cooking instructions for a spicy bean soup, which she then made in her apartment and enjoyed.

Karyl and Kyle’s shared passion for cooking is not coincidental. Participating St. John’s residents are quick to credit Don’s efforts to match the students with pen pals, who share common interests, with the early success of this volunteer program. While these blossoming connections seem to be an obvious result of those efforts, some of the other ways these relationships benefit the kids from Hillside are just as important. According to Don, students with pen pals often display improved interpersonal relationships with their fellow students over time.

Additionally, volunteer pen pals from St. John’s are helping support the efforts of Hillside teachers by providing an additional source of positive feedback through their letters. Don takes this idea a step further, suggesting that having a pen pal can provide students with a creative outlet they would not otherwise have. “Our youth need a way to express their creativity,” says Don. “This program allows kids to share their artwork or other work that they’ve done with their pen pals so they know there is someone out there who appreciates their work.” He adds, “The impact is hard to describe.”

Karyl shares an anecdote that speaks to the benefits of the program as it continues to grow.

She happened to mention to her pen pal through a letter how it would be nice to be able to read his writing more easily. The response, as Karyl says, was almost immediate. “What a difference that one little comment made. You can tell that he is writing more slowly and carefully.”

The positive response to the pen pal initiative has created more work for Don Armstrong, a burden he happily takes on. “At first, sitting down with pencil and pad doesn’t always appeal to many of the kids,” Don says of what some call the dying practice of letter writing. “The excitement that is generated when letters are delivered (to Hillside) changes that and other kids want to be a part of the program. They then ask me if I can find them a pen pal of their own.”

The point-of-view of St. John’s residents is similarly positive. As volunteer pen pals have shared their experience with neighbors, interest in the program has grown. “The connection has been great from both sides,” says Karyl.

Further meetings between Hillside students and their St. John’s pen pals are in the planning stages for the future. There is also interest in having a group of St. John’s pen pals visit Hillside for an open house.

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2018 Golf Tournament The St. John’s Golf Tournament returns to Midvale Country Club on Monday, July 16. Golf chair Tom Gears from SWBR and title sponsor Alesco Advisors, LLC invite sponsors, golfers, and volunteers to help support the 29th edition of this great event that directly benefits residents throughout the St. John’s organization. For more information or to register for the tournament, please contact Taylor Freitas, development manager, at 585-760-2464.

Big Changes Coming to St. John’s Website The St. John’s Marketing Department is excited to announce a complete redesign of the St. John’s website. Major enhancements to the site will provide visitors with simpler navigation and a much more interactive user experience. Be sure to visit stjohnsliving.org in the coming weeks to see our new online look while checking out all of the great content we have to offer.