Heartlines Fall 2018

SUMMER FALL 2018

THE STORIES THAT UNITE US

Our Volunteers!

MIND | BODY | SPIRIT | COMMUNIT Y

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

IN THIS ISSUE A Passion for Selfless Service............................1 Sharing Time and Talent.......................................4 YEP! Preparing the Next Generation.....................6 YEP! Growing Relationships.................................9 Team Member Profile............... 10 From the Foundation..................11 Memorial Gardens Reclaims Its Tranquility............ 22 In Memoriam.............................. 24

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hen I am visiting our campuses and communities around the Network, I like to get out, walk around and soak in all of the good work that is happening each day. I often find myself witnessing a lively conversation between a resident and a volunteer as the resident is escorted to a rehab session.

Sometimes I come upon a volunteer playing the piano, with a resident holding sheet music and singing along. Other times, a laugh carries down the hall as a volunteer attentively polishes the nails of a resident during their regular one-on-one visit.

These meaningful interactions are joyous to witness and I am always left with a smile.

When I reflect on what I’ve witnessed, I recognize and admire how our volunteers embody the definition of altruism.

Altruism: unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others

Our volunteers arrive on campus with the only intent of doing good deeds and to make a difference in the lives of our residents. Equipped with the strong desire to serve others, our volunteers serve as an extension of our team. They give their time freely which immensely contributes to our mission of enriching the aging experience.

FALL 2018

As you flip through this issue, you’ll find many examples of how volunteers from across our Network donate their time, utilize their talents and enhance the quality of life for all those we serve.

THE STORIES THAT UNITE US

Our Volunteers!

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ABOUT THE COVER At Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, our volunteers contribute to the heartbeat of our organization. They come in all ages and from all walks of life, lending their talents and showing their selfless dedication to our residents, rehab patients, families and team members. Serving as an extension of our team, volunteers help to unite us as a Network filled with a passion for making aging easier.®

Paul Winkler President and CEO

P.S. Sprinkled throughout this issue are fun stories about our volunteers and their service – you’ll know you’ve found a story when you see an outline of a heart!

The MISSION STATEMENT conveys our organization’s purpose and what we do: Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is committed to enriching the aging experience through person-centered service and living options.

The VALUES STATEMENT works in tandem with the mission and highlights what we believe in and how we will behave: Grounded in Christ-like values of benevolence and love of neighbor, we pursue excellence, innovation and collaboration to ensure individuals live well and team members have meaningful, engaging work.

A PASSION FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

A PASSION FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

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Volunteers Enrich the Aging Experience

The more we give, the happier we feel. Perhaps this is why volunteering is a pastime for many.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the latest data shows that our Nation's seniors lead the way in time spent volunteering; those aged 35 to 54 are the second highest, and the volunteer rate among our teenagers steadily climbs year after year.

Presbyterian SeniorCare Network volunteers hail from many backgrounds and age groups, bringing a variety of skills and talents to help enhance the day-to-day programming at our campuses.

In 2017, volunteers from across our Network gave 33,975 hours! Flip through the pages of this issue to learn more about our volunteers and all that they give to our organization. Perhaps you will be inspired to find an hour or two in your week to volunteer at one of our communities!

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A PASSION FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

Volunteering is an American Value According to VolunteerMatch, our country has relied on volunteers from its start: Benjamin Franklin developed the first volunteer firehouse in 1736. In the 19th century, formal charitable organizations started popping up. Inspired by religious revival, people became more aware of the disadvantaged, and the YMCA, American Red Cross and the United Way were all born in response. The 20th century was when mainstream volunteerism really began to flourish, shaping the volunteer and nonprofit organizations that we recognize today. In 2011, volunteering reached its highest level since 2006, as Americans volunteered nearly 8 billion hours of their time to local and national causes.

Volunteering is part of America’s present as well as its past.

The desire to help one another will always be a part of the nation’s legacy.

A Brief History: Volunteering at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Volunteers first found their way to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network through local church groups, usually affiliated with the Presbyterian churches, which is part of our heritage. The church groups were called Auxiliaries. Historical documents show one of our first groups of volunteers at

our Oakmont campus was in 1950. The group, mainly made up of women, visited the campus during the holiday season to sing carols to our residents. Recognizing the joy the singing brought to the residents, the group decided to continue visiting, Volunteers are eventually expanding worth on average their visits to our campus in Washington.

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AN HOUR

Realizing that according to an potential volunteers Independent Sector Study. are now more likely to seek out causes that are of interest to them rather than coming through an Auxiliary program, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network has noticed a shift in the way volunteers find their way to us.

Most have had a positive experience at one of our campuses or communities, motivating them to give back to our organization.

Volunteering: Personal Connections “I find that most of our volunteers have a personal connection with our organization. Many have or have had a loved one reside at one of our communities. I also find that family and friends of our team members volunteer,” says Kara Donofrio,

Filling the Halls with Music!

Allie Overly, pictured sitting at the piano, found her way to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network in 1950 after visiting with a local church as part of the founding members of the Auxiliary. Now, nearly 70 years later, Allie still regularly volunteers at our Oakmont campus a few days a week. While she helps out wherever she is needed, Allie can most often be found creating musical moments at the piano in the lobby of The Willows, the skilled nursing community at the Oakmont campus. Allie plays, from memory, fun and inspiring tunes that are heard not only in

The Willows, but also from the connecting hallways of Westminster Place, the personal care community at the Oakmont campus. Pictured with Allie is resident BJ Crockett; BJ holds sheet music and sings along as Allie plays.

What a great bonding moment – and its music to our ears!

FEATURE STORY CONTINUED director of lifestyle engagement and volunteer coordinator at Manchester Commons, one of our campuses in Erie.

We often find that when an individual is a resident at one of our campuses for an extended period of time, their family members become woven into the fabric of our day-to-day operations, forming relationships with our team members, as well as other residents.

“I have the privilege of working with many of our volunteers in my role on the lifestyle engagement team,” says Trey Coffman, director of lifestyle engagement at The Willows at our Oakmont campus, as well as the Hanna HealthCare Center at Longwood at Oakmont. He continues, “One thing I often notice is that once someone has had a positive experience with our organization, and realize the connection they have made with our residents and our team members, they keep coming back. I feel that family members of former residents make perfect volunteers.

They are able to relate to the residents because they have had a family member in our care. I also think that volunteering helps many family members honor and remember their loved one who has passed. Many find giving back due to their personal connection to our organization is very fulfilling.”

Trey notes that he works with several former team members who have retired, but cannot stay away because they find they miss the daily conversations with our residents and want to continue to maintain the fulfillment they get when interacting with older adults.

While some of our volunteers are looking to maintain connections from a previous experience, some are seeking to create meaningful connections. For example, our Shenango on the Green campus is situated right across the street from Westminster College. Sharyn McCaskey, director of lifestyle engagement and the

"Working" Hard in Retirement If you need a go-to guy, Dan George is it! Dan has been volunteering at Manchester Commons, one of our campuses in Erie, for five years. Dan is pretty familiar with our organization; his wife Debbie is a long-time team member, working as a LPN. When Dan retired, he decided to come to Manchester Commons to help with resident programming. Dan is always there whenever the lifestyle engagement team needs additional help, and he even surprises residents in the morning with a good game of bingo!

Dan is always up for any task and often asks residents what they would enjoy doing. Kara Donofrio, lifestyle engagement director and volunteer coordinator at Manchester Commons, says, “Dan has put thousands of hours in over the years.

A wonderful advocate, he always arrives at Manchester Commons with a smile on his face and a willingness to help.” There is never a dull moment when Dan is around!

volunteer coordinator at Shenango on the Green says, “The college kids who volunteer at our campus always have a strong desire to help.

Their number one motivator for volunteering: they miss their grandparents and have a warm spot in their hearts for our seniors.”

Continued on page 16

Volunteering may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease! Studies from the Journal of Gerontology indicate that social service improves elasticity in the brain. As volunteers age, they may be able to maintain the connections in their brains that often break down in Alzheimer’s patients.

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SHARING TIME AND TALENT

SHARING TIME AND TALENT Presbyterian SeniorCare Network is guided by committed boards of directors made up of local leaders in business, education, finance, technology and health care, all of whom serve our organization as volunteers, without compensation for their time.

A SNAPSHOT OF SERVICE:

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NUMBER OF BOARDS WE HAVE GOVERNING OUR CAMPUSES, COMMUNITIES AND SERVICE LINES

This includes Presbyterian SeniorCare, Longwood at Oakmont, Longwood at Home, Presbyterian SeniorCare at Home, Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation, SeniorCare Network, individual SeniorCare Network community boards, Presbyterian Homes of Lake Erie, and Shenango Presbyterian SeniorCare.

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NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS WHO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME AND TALENT

ESTIMATED* NUMBER OF HOURS VOLUNTEERED BY OUR BOARD MEMBERS IN ONE YEAR

This is just a snapshot of one year. Imagine, over our 90-year history, the thousands and thousands of volunteer hours that our board members have given. We are so grateful for their dedication, guidance and stewardship which keeps our mission alive, well and relevant. *Taken from the number of board meetings per year times hours served.

What is the role of a Board of Directors?

The board of directors is the governing body of a nonprofit, and individuals who sit on the board are responsible for overseeing an organization's activities, working to guide the direction of an organization. Those who serve on the board help to set strategy, provide financial oversight and ensure an organization is meeting its mission and purpose.

A few characteristics of good board members: • Passionate: People that have a passion for a cause • Knowledgeable: Individuals that bring their own knowledge and expertise to the organizations purpose • Dedicated: Eagerness to participate in meetings • Generous: Strong desire for stewardship to others

SHARING TIME AND TALENT

Donor Profile: Jim Ohrn

Finance expert. Outstanding board member.

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im Ohrn has worked in finance for over 40 years, and his passion for numbers has not only benefited the company he helps to run, but also several Erie area non-profits. In 1991, Jim joined the Presbyterian Homes of Lake Erie board, the governing body that supports the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Erie campuses and Oil City campus, but this wasn’t his first stint as a volunteer. When he joined our Erie board, he was already an active member of the finance committee of his church, and as time went on, the number of organizations he assisted with finance needs, increased.

Jim’s specialized knowledge in finance, and his generous donations of time and talent, contribute to the success of organizations like Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.

Fred Fiedler, vice-chair of the Presbyterian Homes of Lake Erie board says, “Jim is the personification of community service. He is our longest standing board member and his financial advice and expertise have been a critical part of our growth and success. He truly cares about our residents, their families, and our team, and is always looking out for their best interests.”

Jim is very humble when speaking about his nearly 30 years of service with our organization. “I learn and continue to learn while serving. I have had a lot of great people as mentors over the years,” says Jim. Jim continues to volunteer his time because he enjoys being an agent of change and watching organizations grow. Through his volunteer efforts, he has also experienced personal growth, learning a bit about the long-term care industry. This personal growth has happened not only through his years of service, but through a personal experience. “My mom spent a little bit of quality time at Manchester Commons, so I got to see firsthand the dedicated professionals that we have working for us. It was

then that I realized that I could be a resource to others who find themselves with a loved one that needs care. I could help them navigate.”

Growth is a theme for Jim. When asked what his favorite memory was from his nearly three decades of service, he had a few answers, and they all focused around growth. “The two memories that really stick out in my mind are of the beginning of our relationship with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, before our formal affiliation, as well as the $20 million investment in renovations and instituting culture change at Manchester Commons. During both of these times in our history, we learned and grew so much, changing the trajectory of where we were going in serving our senior population.”

Jim not only serves on our Erie board, he also serves or has served on many boards of many service organizations in the Erie area, including, but not limited to the United Way of Erie County, Hospice of Metropolitan Erie and the Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System. He is also active on his church governing board and currently serves as the treasurer of the congregation. Most recently, he received the United Way of Erie County Tocqueville Award for his lifelong commitment to advancing the common good of the Erie region. He also received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Northwest Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2001.

Thank you, Jim, for the countless hours you contribute to our organization! Your finance knowledge has helped our organization grow!

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YEP! PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ready to Prepare the Next Generation of Team Members? YEP!

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he population of the Pittsburgh area is the second oldest in the United States and the fastest growing segment of our demographic is the 85+ age group. The year 2030 marks the year ALL baby boomers will be aged 65+, and oldest boomers turn 85. By 2030, our 65+ population grows by 40%; in the 30’s, our 85+ population grows by 75%. The facts are clear: Our region will need many more entry-level workers in the aging services field.

Entry-level healthcare jobs often are the springboard for more challenging and fulfilling opportunities. These jobs require minimal amount of formal education to start gaining experience in resident care, which may or may not require certification. These roles, which include personal care assistants, nurse’s aides and home health aides, already are in high demand and will continue to be in the future, not just in our region, but also across the Nation.

With these careers in high demand now – how do we get our youth thinking about a healthcare career, especially in long-term care?

Connecting Youth and Seniors “As we think about the future in long-term care, we know there is going to be a shortage of workers to fill important care positions. One way for us to stay ahead of the curve and to start cultivating our future workforce is to connect with younger teens now in a fun, meaningful way.

That’s where the idea of the Youth Engagement Pathways, or the YEP! Program was born,” says Tanya Ulrich, vice-president of human resources at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.

She continues, “We are hoping that by exposing teens to older adults in senior living settings, and by providing insightful intergenerational experiences while they are here,

we may spark an interest in a career in long-term care. The goal of the program is to provide a valuable experience to the teens, while helping them to develop and hone particular skillsets, such as communication and problem-solving. The program is fun, so the teens sometimes do not even realize they are building skills that will make them an asset in the workforce.”

The YEP! Program launched in June 2018 at the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network campuses in Oakmont, Washington and at Longwood at Oakmont. A total of 24 youth, ages 13-16, were part of the inaugural class.

To be eligible for the YEP! Program, the teens submitted an application and were interviewed by a YEP! coordinator.

“The interview process was casual and consisted of me sharing with the teen what the program was, what would be expected of them, and also getting an idea of what they were most interested in doing while they volunteered at our campus,” says Abby Monyei, who served as the YEP! coordinator at the Oakmont and Longwood at Oakmont campuses during the summer.

The teens also went through a half-day orientation program to familiarize them with the campus and any

Those who volunteer regularly have a 27% better chance of gaining employment.

Source: Volunteer Hub

YEP! PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

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As part of the YEP! Program, team members from different departments served as mentors, providing orientation and shadowing opportunities. This helped the students gain exposure to many areas of career opportunities in long-term care. Not only did the Program offer growth for the YEP! volunteers, but through mentoring, our team members grew as well.

important policies and procedures. When it came time to volunteer, the youth volunteers were able to choose what department they wanted to volunteer in based on their interests. At both campuses, a majority of the YEP! volunteers provided support services in rehabilitation and lifestyle engagement. They helped with many tasks, such as posting rehab schedules in designated areas, transporting residents to and from appointments, participating in programming such as trivia, cookouts and outings, led programming that involved art as well as music, and so much more.

“It was interesting to see how the youth volunteers progressed as the weeks went on. At first, many were a bit shy when talking with our residents. But as the weeks passed, that shyness no longer existed and the teens were chatting with the residents as if they were family,” says Abby. To ensure the volunteers

60% of hiring managers see the act of volunteering as a valuable asset when making recruitment decisions according to a study performed by Career Builder.

Source: Volunteer Hub

were comfortable with their assignments, check-ins were conducted with each volunteer at two weeks, between four and six weeks and at the end of the program.

“The feedback was imperative to the success of the program and helped to enhance the student and resident experiences,” says Abby. “We found that the teens really enjoyed that they had choice in what they wanted to do, and were encouraged by our lifestyle engagement team members to lead art and music programs. The ability to showcase their talents made the volunteers feel valued.”

What the group also learned was that the teens wanted more exposure to the nursing aspect of our business.

Knowing this, as the program prepares for its second year, there will be more opportunities to shadow our nursing teams to get a good idea of what nursing in long-term care is all about.

"I am living proof that programs like YEP! work. When I was a teen, I went to a nursing community with my church to sing. I loved it so much I kept going back to volunteer. The experience stuck with me, and when I went to college, I interned at a continuing care retirement community. Now, as I pursue my graduate degree in Health Continued on next page

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YEP! PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

Administration and work towards receiving my Nursing Home Administrator license, I often think how I got to this point. It was because I was exposed to long-term care at a young age and it had a great impact on me,” Abby reminisces.

The YEP! Program concluded in August, and while the volunteers went back to school, some are still choosing to volunteer in the evening and on the weekends. Knowing that the program enriched the lives of our residents and provided meaningful connections for the students, we plan to continue the current program at our Washington, Oakmont and Longwood at Oakmont campuses, as well as look to expand to our other campuses in the future.

Picked from the Strawberry Patch Until about 10 years ago, daycare services were offered at the Strawberry Patch, the onsite daycare (sponsored by the YMCA) at the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Oakmont campus. Team members who had young children were able to use the daycare, which was also a benefit to our residents - you would often see kids in the hall chatting with our residents!

The daycare offered early exposure and meaningful interactions with older adults – and that must have had an impact. A few of the students who volunteered in the YEP! Program once attended daycare at the Strawberry Patch.

Check out this blast from the past!

YEP! QUICK

FACTS • 24 volunteers between the ages of 13-16 • Oakmont group: students were from Riverview School District in Oakmont, Plum Borough School District and Oakland Catholic in Pittsburgh • Washington group: Students were from Trinity Area School District, Bentworth School District, Faith Christian School and Waynesburg Central High School • Over 600 total hours volunteered in an eight week time frame

Featured from top to bottom, left to right Ethan Mittereder (volunteer and team member), Zach Hanlon, Marina Zdarko, and Natalie Thompson

YEP! GROWING RELATIONSHIPS

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Who Knew that Weeds Could Help Relationships Grow and Bloom?

Football players volunteer to enhance the scenery at Longwood at Oakmont

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ongwood at Oakmont, our independent living community in Plum, is home to many greenthumbed residents. The community’s fenced garden serves as the perfect place for residents to plant something of their choice, whether they choose tomatoes, flowers, or anything else they have in mind.

However, where there are gardens, there are weeds.

Resident and chairman of the Fenced Garden Committee, Bill Ferguson, 94, has been gardening for almost 80 years, but nowadays he can’t do all of the upkeep himself. He decided to reach out to the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network volunteer team, requesting volunteers to help beautify the garden. Due to the type of work and physical labor that needed done, Bill suggested football players – and that’s what he got!

Seniors Ben Blacksmith (left) and J.D. Sykes (right) help move and place compost in bins.

The team’s coach, Todd Massack, believes that volunteering is very important for his players, both as athletes and members of the community.

“This experience was important as it gave the players an opportunity to work as a team off the field, and it is always gratifying to be able to help others whenever possible,” said Coach Massack. “The players benefited by seeing their work appreciated by the staff and residents, so it was a positive experience for all involved.”

Through our YEP! Program, Abby Monyei, YEP! coordinator for the volunteer team, was able to grant Bill’s request and elicit help from Riverview Junior/Senior High School’s football team.

Ben Blacksmith, a senior on the team, thought the garden project was a good way for him and his teammates to grow closer outside of practice, saying, “Working together was good for team bonding. Doing stuff together on or off the field is always valuable team experience.”

It was decided that the group would come with their assistant coach on three different days to help pull weeds, rebuild compost bins, move and place compost, and smooth out the surrounding landscape by filling in holes around the walking paths.

“My teammates and I have gained a lot from helping out at Longwood,” said Zach Hanlon, a junior at Riverview. “Coach Massack is trying to not only teach us the game of football but teach us life skills. We are learning a lot from these experiences and I’m very thankful for that.”

“It was hard work, and they were not permitted to use any power tools, so they were given shovels, wheelbarrows and big wrenches,” said Bill. “We got a lot of work done, and I don’t know how it would have gotten done without their help.”

Thanks to the generosity of the football team, Longwood residents were able to successfully tend to their plants without worrying about the weeds, making their gardening easier, convenient and fun!

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TEAM MEMBER PROFILE

From Military Service to Civilian Life: Team Member Volunteers to Help

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hen the clock strikes 4:30 p.m. and work—I just love to help people. Volunteering with Katie Guardino leaves her job as Operation Strong Mind has given me the opportunity to use a social worker at my social work skills in a different way than I The Willows, do at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.”

N S T R ON O the skilled nursing G TI As (Ret.) Colonel Stokes says, “you do community at our not need to be a veteran to talk Oakmont campus, her dedication to being to a veteran, and Katie has an “person-centered” doesn’t end when her day open mind, is flexible and determined is over. Katie volunteers her time with the to help others.” organization Operation Strong Mind, which assists veterans, current Katie wears many hats at Operation service members, and families, with Strong Mind. In addition to performing transitions from military service to civilian life. some counseling duties, she serves as

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Operation Strong Mind, based in Etna, is a non-profit organization created by (Ret.) Colonel Thomas Stokes, who served as a social worker in the U.S. Army Reserve, and continues to practice as a civilian. The mission of Operation Strong Mind is to take on the challenges faced by veterans and members of today’s military community once they return home.

Katie and (Ret.) Colonel Stokes met at a local VFW and bonded over their love of social work. From there, she became part of his team and was trained to advocate for and assist those seeking guidance with behavioral concerns.

the Secretary on their Board of Directors, as well as assists in many marketing efforts including attending local events to raise awareness of the services of Operation Strong Mind, as well as posting updates on social media and maintaining the organization’s website.

When asked why volunteering is important, Katie says, “Volunteering is good for the soul and gives me a sense of purpose. I like to feel useful and I am passionate about what I am able to contribute to Operation Strong Mind.”

You may be surprised to hear this, but deploying is actually the easy part. It’s when a service member gets back to civilian life that it gets tricky," says (Ret.) Colonel Stokes. “They lose their mission, their language [military lingo], diversity and the challenge of being deployed. Life is very different here, than it is abroad. So, to help them get back ‘in the fight,’ we take a look at the whole person and provide a holistic approach to meet them where they are, to help them through whatever it is they are going through. We don’t just look at mental health, we look at everything.”

Operation Strong Mind has a very “person-centered philosophy,” much like Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, which is why Katie fits right in! “My background is in social

Katie, (L), with (Ret). Colonel Thomas Stokes and volunteer Kim Falk attend Ross Township Community Day.

FROM THE FOUNDATION | 11

Raising Funds for Seniors in Need

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enevolence is at the very heart of who we are. But do you know what “benevolent care” means and how it benefits our residents?

Jackie Flanagan explains just how important raising funds for seniors in need is to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.

Q:

Benevolent care is not a phrase that most are familiar with. What does benevolent care mean to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network?

A:

Benevolent or charitable care means that we are committed to providing free care to individuals in our care communities who have exhausted their resources and are without the ability to pay.

Currently, 1 in 5 of the personal care residents we serve is a beneficiary of benevolent care. This is significant because there is no Medicare or Medicaid program funding available to residents of personal care communities in Pennsylvania.

Q:

So there is no funding available for personal care communities through government programs?

A:

There is not, and that is why we developed the SeniorCARE FUND and Caring for Life Fund, funds specifically to provide benevolent care to those in need. These funds serve a critical need. In addition to monies we raise specifically for benevolent care, we also deliberately budget each year to provide charitable care. In 2018, Presbyterian SeniorCare and its affiliates provided nearly $20 million in benevolent care and uncompensated care and services. That includes $2.3 million in benevolent care, as well as $19.7 million in unreimbursed costs.

Q:

Can a resident, regardless of how financially sound they were when they entered into one of our care communities, run out of resources and utilize benevolent care?

A:

Yes that does happen. It would be really great if we all had a crystal ball that showed us our future – but we really do not know what is going to happen or what obstacles we may face. Anyone could enter into one of our care communities, have solid plans for their financial future and hit a bump in the road through no fault of their own. We work with them so they can avoid leaving the place they call home, a place where they have friends and the support of our team. That’s where benevolent or charitable care comes in.

Q:

Do you see the need for benevolent care growing in the future, or do you think the need will remain steady?

Jacqueline S. Flanagan, CFRE Executive Director Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation

A:

In Pennsylvania, our over 85 population is increasing at 10 times the rate of the rest of the population. We also know that Continued on next page

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FROM THE FOUNDATION approximately 50% of seniors 85 years of age and older are afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Given these types of trends, we anticipate a greater need for residential care and expect the need for benevolent care to increase. For Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, it means we must balance our commitment to providing charitable care with our commitment to being around to serve the next generation of seniors. It is also why we are so appreciative of donors who support benevolent care.

If you make your gift by December 31, 2018, you will be able to take advantage of the charitable income tax deduction for this year.

Q:

Q: A:

We are right in the heart of the season of giving.

If someone is interested in donating, would you encourage them to give to the SeniorCARE FUND?

A:

Absolutely. Many of our readers recently received an appeal from us in the mail.

We know that you have been asked to give generously to many organizations and charities this year. As the year comes to an end, we hope you will consider making a tax-deductible gift to Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation.

Benevolent care has many names: the SeniorCARE FUND at Oakmont, New Wilmington and Washington; the Longwood Life Care Fund at Longwood at Oakmont, and the Caring for Life Fund at Erie and Oil City. But no matter the fund name, they all provide charitable care for our residents!

Any closing remarks?

I just want to thank our donors for their past generosity, which has helped to support benevolent care as well as capital projects and other programs that help to enhance the quality of life for our residents.

WAYS TO GIVE Your gift to Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation can support the SeniorCARE FUND as well as capital improvements and program enhancements.

There are many ways to give: • Donate online by visiting www.SrCare.org/give-now.

Once on our website, you may donate using our Donate Now form.

•G ifts of stock or appreciated securities: these gifts might ease your capital gains tax burden (consult your tax professional for additional information). Please contact the Foundation before making your gift of stock, as privacy laws prohibit us from knowing who transferred the stock.

•M atching gifts: double your support! Please contact the Human Resources Department at your or your spouse's employer to see if they offer this service and to obtain a matching gift form.

•P lanned giving: an opportunity for you to create a legacy with a gift to Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation through a bequest, retirement plan, life insurance plan, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, or a charitable lead trust. Visit plannedgiving.srcare.org for more information.

•U nited Way and other workplace giving campaigns: designate your United Way or government campaign contribution to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.

• United Way of Allegheny County: - #1032 Presbyterian SeniorCare – Oakmont - #2872 Presbyterian SeniorCare – Washington - #9874 Presbyterian SeniorCare – Woodside Place • United Way of Washington County: #42135

FROM THE FOUNDATION | 13

Your Holiday Home is the annual fundraising event that

Your Holiday Home Planning Committee

benefits the residents at our Washington, PA campus. Now in our 11th year, the event is a fun-filled morning of holiday-themed presentations and fantastic prizes at the Silent Auction and Raffles. Thank you to all who sponsored, donated and attended!

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: DIAMOND SPONSOR j

Cura Hospitality

West Virginia University Hospitals Paul and Connie Winkler

PLATINUM SPONSORS j

SILVER SPONSORS j

Duritza Family Washington Financial Bank

Ambulance and Chair Service DeSantis Solutions Back, L to R: Christine McMurray, Family Hospice and Palliative Care Debbie O’Dell-Seneca, Carol Greskovich, Hilliard Lyons Nedley Marshall Hila Saxer, Bracken Burns Wealth Advisors Sarah F. Meyer Debbie O’Dell-Seneca Otis Elevator Company Mr. and Mrs. W. Bryan Pizzi II Southwestern Pennsylvania Eye Center

TABLE SPONSORS j

Campbell Stainless Products Co., Inc. Community Bank Friend of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network GOLD SPONSORS j

Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Pennsylvania Susan and Jeffrey Dittmer Waller Corporation Washington Health System

Front, L to R: Connie Simon, Betty Courson, Donna Lukich, Christine O’Brien, Carolyn Campbell, Pamela Stewart

CANDY GUEST FAVOR SPONSOR j

Sarris Candies

Committee member Betty Robinson with her husband Roland.

Tuesday Table Ladies Pen Second Novel

“Y

es, there is a dead body,” teases Doreen Boyce, one of the authors of the newly released mystery, Winter Comes. The mystery is the second book

by Octavia Long, a collective name for Longwood at Oakmont residents who write together – and dine together. They are also known as the Tuesday Table Ladies because that is the day they always have dinner together – and where the idea for their first novel, Where’s Laura, came about.

In a recent interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Anne Ducanis, another author says, “So many books about growing older are grim and depressing. We hope that

readers come away from our books with the realization that seniors can live active, productive lives.” The novel is sure to keep you on your toes as the protagonists, also residents of a retirement community, work to solve the mystery.

Interested in purchasing Winter Comes and its predecessor, Where’s Laura?

Visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble or stop by the Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont. You may also purchase the book at Word Association Publishers in Tarentum. Or stop by the Longwood at Oakmont Gift Shop located in The Commons. A portion of the proceeds from the book sales benefit the Longwood Life Care Fund for residents who have run out of resources to pay for their care.

14 |

FROM THE FOUNDATION

PLANNED GIVING CORNER

I

s avoiding income tax on your IRA required minimum contribution of interest to you? If you are 70 ½ or older, you can donate up to $100,000 of your required minimum distribution from your IRA directly to a charity such as Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation.

Here are the steps necessary to make your gift: 1. C ontact your IRA administrator to make your gift before year-end.

2. D ecide if your gift counts as your required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA.

3. R emember that your gift needs to go directly from your IRA to the charity.

4. I f you are making your gift to us, please have it sent to:

Presbyterian SeniorCare Foundation 1215 Hulton Road, Oakmont, PA 15139

5. L et us know so we can be on the lookout for it!

If you are interested in making a gift from your IRA, don’t wait! Your gift must be made by year-end.

Thank you for considering making an IRA gift!

For more information about charitable giving, contact Nancy Hart, planned giving director at 412-826-6087 or nhart@srcare.org. You may also visit our website, plannedgiving.srcare.org.

WCCF Gives Thank you to all of our donors who gave during the annual WCCF Gives Day! We raised over $3,500 for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network in Washington, PA.

Elmwood Gardens in Erie Preps for Renovations Elmwood Gardens, one of our campuses in Erie, was recently approved for a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The grant allows Elmwood Gardens to complete various renovations and upgrades including, a new roof, renovations and expansion of nursing stations, new flooring in resident rooms, HVAC improvements, window upgrades, dining room expansion and elevator upgrades.

These upgrades will enhance the quality of life and create a more home-like environment for our residents at Elmwood Gardens.

RACP is a state grant program that authorizes projects that have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact. Many thanks to Senator Daniel Laughlin for championing this request for funding. Construction at Elmwood Gardens is set to begin early in 2019.

FROM THE FOUNDATION | 15

Donor Profile: Stefani Danes

F

or more than 30 years, Stefani Danes has volunteered her talent to projects around the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.

By trade, Stefani is an architect and a teacher. Her “paying” jobs have influenced her volunteer work, where she is able to use her knowledge as an architect and her passion for developing housing communities to enhance the lives of older adults.

Stefani first found her way to Presbyterian SeniorCare Network in the 1980s when she sat on an advisory board dedicated to ensuring that the vision of our first dementiaspecific personal care community, Woodside Place of Oakmont, came to life. “At that time, I was teaching a class at Carnegie Mellon University that focused on people and their environment. This topic in architecture has always been a passion of mine as I truly believe that all aspects of our environment, the physical, social and psychological, play deeply into our well-being and how supported we feel where we live,” says Stefani.

Shortly after Woodside Place was built, she put her passion to work. She was part of a research team that observed residents at Woodside Place to see how the environment impacted their well-being. “Woodside Place was designed with an inviting floorplan, allowing residents, even those who were in the advanced stages of dementia, to feel as if they had a sense of belonging. We found that residents would walk together, side-by-side, socializing and making connections. Everything happened naturally due to the design of the building,” she says. Through her passion of studying those in their environment, Stefani, along with the research team, showed that the idea of a person-centered environment, encouraging socialization, freedom and choice, was beneficial to residents living with dementia.

Shortly after her research at Woodside Place, Stefani helped to open the Pittsburgh office of the architectural firm, Perkins Eastman. Presbyterian SeniorCare Network has partnered with Perkins Eastman on many projects, so Stefani’s professional relationship continued as an urban housing architect, helping to design many of our SeniorCare Network supportive and affordable housing communities.

After leaving Perkins Eastman in 2013, Stefani joined the SeniorCare Network Board of Directors. “It is a pleasure to work with an organization that has an authentic desire to make life better for older adults. Housing is something that I am passionate about, and through my career, know a little bit about! The dedication to the service and care of seniors is a huge draw for me and why I continue to volunteer.”

Stefani believes in our mission so much that she and her husband, Doug Cooper, have created a Charitable Gift Annuity to benefit Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.

“I feel grateful for the opportunity to have worked on so many projects that have enhanced the lives of seniors. I know that our gift will continue to help older adults into the future,” she says.

If you are interested in making a planned gift like Stefani and Doug, contact Nancy Hart at 412-826-6087 or nhart@srcare.org. You may also visit our website, plannedgiving.srcare.org.

16 |

A PASSION FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

"Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.”

— Albert Schweitzer

Volunteers Fit Into Our Person-Centered Culture “Volunteers play an important role across Presbyterian SeniorCare Network by serving as a vital extension of our team. By engaging with our residents, volunteers develop meaningful relationships with our residents, resident families and team members, and help bring

our person-centered culture to life.” says Tanya Ulrich, vice-president of Human Resources and champion of the Volunteer Network Integration Team. The Volunteer Network Integration Team meets regularly to share best practices and ideas to standardize volunteer recruitment efforts and the volunteer onboarding experience. Creating these standards helps to ensure volunteers are aware of their role within our Network.

The Network Integration Team also helps to ensure that volunteers experience a welcoming culture that embraces their unique skills and talents.

Presbyterian SeniorCare Network volunteers do not just send in an application and start volunteering the next day. There are very deliberate conversations between the volunteer coordinator and the potential volunteer prior to service to ensure a good match and level of comfort.

“Our volunteers may be at our campuses for a few hours a week, or for several hours. We want to ensure that they are a good fit not only for our organization, but we are a good match for them, as well,” says Tanya.

All You Need is a Smile A partnership that emphasizes our person-centered focus and commitment to the dignity of every life is our collaboration between Transitional Employment Consultants (TEC) and our Washington campus. The TEC program enables students with disabilities to build confidence and skills in a professional setting.

Lori McAfee, volunteer coordinator at the Washington campus, says, “More than 25 TEC students have worked at our Southmont skilled nursing center and Southminster Place personal care community. They have been passionate extensions of our team, serve as escorts to transport residents in wheelchairs to the salon or to therapy, and as assistants in the lifestyle engagement department and dining rooms. Even for the kids who are the most challenged, one hour of

work makes a difference in their lives because they know their jobs are valued.”

There is no greater example of commitment to excellence than through TEC student, Wyatt Green. Wyatt has been a part of the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network family since June 2017. Each day, Wyatt transports residents to and from their room at Southmont to the rehabilitation suite for therapy.

Wyatt is a friendly face not only to the residents of Southmont, but also for families and fellow employees. At any minute of the day, you will witness Wyatt bringing a smile to someone’s face. It may be in the hallway of a neighborhood or in the café. He lifts the spirits of everyone with his quick witted humor or profound thought of the day’s events.

Lori reflects, “Wyatt always has a way of looking at the positive side of everything. Everyone should see life through the eyes and heart of Wyatt.” Wyatt is proof that a good day starts with a smile!

FEATURE STORY CONTINUED | 17

All Aboard The Welcome Wagon!

Knowing that it sometimes can be tough for new residents to adapt to their new home, the lifestyle engagement team and the sales and move-in team at Southminster Place, the personal care community at our Washington campus, brainstormed a way to help make the transition easier.

“We know that some of our new residents can be a bit shy at first. The team thought if the new resident was paired with a current resident to show them around the community and introduce them to their fellow residents, that the newer residents would feel more comfortable in their new home,” says Gina Iuliucci, lifestyle engagement coordinator at Southminster Place. And with that, the Welcome Wagon was born!

“The Welcome Wagon committee is very much part of the move-in process, and it is an all-volunteer effort led by our residents. The team in charge of the move-in gives the Welcome Wagon members fun facts about the new resident, as well as provides them with their apartment number and phone number so that they can greet the new resident on move-in day,” says Gina.

The Welcome Wagon committee is small, consisting of two residents who volunteer their time. To ensure consistency in the process, the sales and move-in team at Southminster Place developed a checklist for the Welcome Wagon volunteers to go over when a new resident moves in.

Volunteers go through an “onboarding” process, much like our team members. They express interest by filling out an online application. Once the application is received, the volunteer coordinator at each campus reviews the application and sets up a time for an interview. Once the interview is complete, we complete a background check, and volunteers begin by attending orientation to learn the ins and

Within two days of move-in, the Welcome Wagon springs into action. The committee greets the new resident with a warm introduction and a gift, which is usually a handmade blanket donated by a local church.

Next comes the tour of Southminster Place, complemented by the ins and outs of the Welcome Wagon Committee Members Mary Lawton (L) buildings, and how and Dorothy McMurray (R) to identify activities and programming. The Welcome Wagon members even invite and escort the new residents to their first lifestyle engagement activity. However, their relationship doesn’t end there; the group continues to check in with the new resident for the first few weeks to see if there are any questions or concerns as they learn about their new home.

“The committee members truly enjoy being a part of this effort,” says Gina. “We have found that the new residents really appreciate the gesture and that family members find the Welcome Wagon a beneficial part of the move-in process.”

Thank you to the Welcome Wagon volunteers; you bring our person-centered culture to life!

outs of our Network, as well as what’s expected of them while they are on campus. After orientation is complete, the matchmaking begins!

“I work very closely with our lifestyle engagement team to help match volunteers with current programing and other needs,” says Lorraine Sculco, volunteer coordinator at our Oakmont campus. She continues, “I find that opportunities for our volunteers are endless!”

Continued on page 19

18 |

A PASSION FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

“Cash-ing” it in With Pet Visits!

Katherine Kimes visits residents at Westminster Place, the personal care community at our Oakmont campus, every Tuesday with her therapy dog, Cash. Cash is an energetic poodle who makes his way around the community with three goals: to make our residents smile, to visit as many folks as he can and to find treats wherever they are hiding, which is usually in resident Bill Waddell’s pocket!

Cash is a smart dog. When making rounds, he recognizes Bill’s door and knows that when he enters, a treat is waiting for him!

Lorraine Sculco, who accompanies Katherine and Cash as they visit, says, “Some of our residents in personal care have pets,

but others are unable to care for pets on their own.

That’s where volunteers like Katherine and Cash come in; their visits offer residents the chance to spend time with a pet, something they may have done prior to moving to their new Presbyterian SeniorCare Network home.” No bones about it, pet visits enrich the aging experience!

Costumes Are Not Just for Halloween Char Satira, a personal care assistant and charge aide at Westminster Place, our personal care community at the Oakmont campus, has a special love for everything and anything that is celebrated as a holiday, and that includes dressing up and bringing in treats for the residents and our team members. The kicker, she does so on her days off from work!

pilgrim for Thanksgiving in 2016, and she’s been dressing up for the residents ever since. Not only does she dress up for the major holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine’s Day and Fourth of July, but she also wears costumes for other national holidays that celebrate things like crayons, candy canes, zookeepers and more!

Char began working part-time for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network two and a half years ago, in addition to her full time job as a school secretary at a private Christian school in Monroeville. “I have been dressing up at the school since 2007,” said Char. “I thought it would be good to implement some of the things I do at the school here at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network.”

The fact that Char works two jobs and still chooses to come in on her days off demonstrates how caring and committed she is to the residents. “When I am there volunteering, I can give my full attention to the residents without needing to focus on my job,” said Char. “The residents know that I can spend more time with them.” Char is proof that going the extra mile enhances quality of life for our residents!

She made her debut by dressing up as a

FEATURE STORY CONTINUED | 19 Volunteers have a variety of options to choose from when picking what they want to do during their time at our campuses.

Opportunities include: accompanying residents to lifestyle engagement programs; assisting with special events/parties; one-on-one visits with residents; reading to residents; helping to brush a resident’s hair or polishing their nails; playing games; conducting and assisting with religious services; working in gift shops and cafés on campus, and accompanying residents to their rehab sessions.

“One-on-one visits, for me, are the most evident way that our volunteers fit into our culture," says Sharyn. “Just being able to take the extra time to sit and visit with our folks, especially those who need a higher level of care, is just so special for everyone involved.”

Lori McAfee, volunteer coordinator at our Washington campus agrees. “Our volunteers at the Washington campus enhance the lives of our residents who have outlived their family. Often, volunteers will seek out these residents and spend time just talking with them or helping them with something that they cannot do anymore,” she says.

It’s Time to Start Clowning Around Joyce Retort worked at Shenango on the Green for more than 12 years.

Soon after “retiring,” Joyce returned to campus, bringing her talents as…a clown!

Joyce has been clowning for several years. Knowing the joy that a red nose and goofy glasses brings to a crowd, she decided to have a bit of fun at her former place of employment. What Joyce didn’t count on was making a special connection with resident Dr. Paul Griffin. Dr. Paul is an experienced clown; he’s done a bit of clowning himself with the Shriners as “Griffie” the clown.

When Joyce visits, Dr. Paul lends his clowning advice and really gets a kick out of the fun that Joyce brings to campus, especially when she’s making balloon animals. When Joyce isn’t clowning around campus, she contributes other talents like crafting and baking, and can often be found in one of the neighborhoods with a group of residents. Thank you, Joyce, for being an invaluable member of our team, enhancing the lives of our residents!

1. Connects you to others 2. Good for your mind and body 3. Can advance your career 4. Brings fun and fulfillment to your life

Volunteers make their own schedules, often being onsite the same days each week at the same times, which provides consistency for our residents.

It also allows our volunteers to get to know our residents, which is often critical in identifying opportunities for engagement, as well as bringing forward potential areas for concern.

Continued on next page

20 | A PASSION FOR SELFLESS SERVICE

Puppies, Chicks and Owls, Oh My! Our residents are very civic-minded, and when they are able to put smiles on the faces of those in the community, they do! A great example of outreach is through the partnership with the Community Services of Venango County. Residents at Oakwood Heights, our campus in Oil City, donate their time to make washcloth animals to place in welcome baskets that are given to new babies born in the county.

“Residents make everything from puppies to chicks to owls,” says Carrie Karns, lifestyle engagement director at Oakwood Heights.

“Once the cute little washcloth animals are made, they get placed in baskets that are then delivered by volunteers at the local organization Welcome Every Child. We handcrafted over 60 animals and donated them to Welcome Every Child last year.

The residents were so proud of their creations and contribution to the program,” Carrie says.

Giving back to the community helps to reinforce our resident’s sense of purpose.

Thanks to the partnership with Welcome Every Child, our residents were able to give back to their community.

“Volunteers are advocates for our residents.

Sometimes family members are not able to visit regularly due to distance or work schedules. That’s where our volunteers often step in to advocate. I have had a few instances where a volunteer has brought a resident concern or suggestion to our team, which is very helpful as we work to best care for our residents,” says Kara.

Interested in volunteering?

“Our volunteers are an invaluable resource,” say Lisa Steele and Amy Sebald, co-directors of lifestyle engagement/volunteer coordinators at Elmwood Gardens, one of our Erie campuses. "We wouldn’t be able to do some of the things we do without our volunteers. The biggest help for us is when our volunteers accompany us on community outings. With their support, we are able to get more residents out and ensure that we have one-on-one coverage so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience.”

Our volunteers are an important extension of our team and help us live out our mission enriching the aging experience through person-centered service and living options.

If you are interested in volunteering at one of our campuses or communities around the Network, visit www.SrCare.org/volunteer to learn more about how you can find meaning and purpose in volunteering, all while making aging easier for our residents.

Volunteering helps us stay engaged socially, spiritually, physically and intellectually – all important components to successful aging. As you age, consider volunteering to help you find your purpose and bring joy to others!

FEATURE STORY CONTINUED | 21

According to research from Masterpiece Living, a national company dedicated to enhancing the perception and experience of aging, volunteering as little as two hours a week was found to lower mortality rates, improve functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life than those who did not volunteer.

Building Relationships, One Piece of Art at a Time The program is held once a month at each community, where the residents can learn new art techniques and styles, which include painting, mosaic, various crafts and so much more!

At the end of the program, the Frick Ladies host their annual art show and luncheon to display all the work that the residents created during the classes.

For the last 12 years, June, Jane and Pat, affectionately known as “The Frick Ladies,” have been visiting Silver Lake Commons, our supportive and affordable housing community in Homewood. The ladies, all members of the Frick Art and Historical Center, offer an art program to our residents. The program was so successful, they expanded the program to include Fairmont Apartments, another SeniorCare Network community in Pittsburgh’s East End, three years ago.

Kim Loefke, service coordination manager at SeniorCare Network says, “The program is important to the residents because of the amazing impact the artwork has on their sense of purpose and wellbeing.”

Thanks to the Frick Ladies for volunteering their time and talents to the residents at Silver Lake Commons and Fairmont Apartments. Through this partnership, our residents have been able to engage their minds to make beautiful works of art.

Recognizing a Life of Service Carol Thomas has served as a devoted volunteer at the Elmwood Gardens campus in Erie for nearly 40 years!

Carol helps with everything from outings to one-on-one visits, to department tasks and birthday parties. Not only does she volunteer at Elmwood Gardens, but she also volunteers at the local Soup Kitchen and her church. She helps in every

possible way and has been so compassionate with all of our residents. She never refuses a task and always completes it without fail! She’s just a one-of-a-kind volunteer!

22 | MEMORIAL GARDENS RECLAIMS ITS TRANQUILITY

LONGWOOD AT OAKMONT

MEMORIAL GARDEN RECLAIMS ITS TRANQUILITY

L

ongwood at Oakmont residents care deeply about the community in which they live and are remarkably involved in life at Longwood through 40-some active volunteer-led committees. A number of those focus a keen eye on their surroundings to ensure

everything stays in top shape through leading beautification projects around campus. When members of the Bench Committee noticed that one of the garden areas, The Memorial Garden, created in 1999 by residents Paul and Elizabeth Lyle, needed tending, they reached out to Paul Peterson, senior director of the campus, for help.

No one guessed that simple request for help would bloom into a wonderful partnership between Longwood residents and the Garden Club of Allegheny County (GCAC), a renowned area garden club.

From left to right, the Memorial Garden Committee poses at the entrance of Longwood: Mernie Berger, Margot Woodwell, Alden Read, Peggy Sprowls

MEMORIAL GARDENS RECLAIMS ITS TRANQUILITY | 23

Teaming Up to Create Tranquil Spaces Paul asked resident Margot Woodwell to lead the revitalization efforts. Margot, who is also a member of the GCAC, graciously volunteered her time and set forth to reconstitute the memorial garden committee to coordinate the project. All the committee had gardening as a hobby, and some were members of the GCAC. Knowing the revitalization effort would require a special set of skills, as well as the willingness to volunteer time to the design and execution of the project, the group decided to see if the GCAC could lend their time, talent, and resources to collaborate with the committee to revitalize the Memorial Garden. When approached, the GCAC heartily accepted.

Delia Egan, president of the GCAC, explains, “Every year in May, the GCAC participates in a hands-on project in the community as part of our annual meeting. The annual project is completely voluntary and is always planned by our newest members. The need to revitalize the Memorial Garden, paired with the upcoming ‘initiation’ of the new members created the perfect community service project!”

When the Longwood residents and the GCAC first met, it was apparent that their joint passion for gardening would recreate a beautiful space at Longwood. “I had so much fun discussing what plants, shrubs and trees would be appropriate for the garden. The Committee was so enthusiastic and had great suggestions. Everyone had a hand in researching the variety of plants for consideration,” says Delia.

To commemorate the revitalization of the garden, the Committee asked Cynthia Cooley, an esteemed Pittsburgh artist and a Longwood resident to capture the beauty of the Garden through art. Cynthia agreed and volunteered her time to create the drawing, which she donated to Longwood where it will be displayed for all to enjoy. Also pictured, Paul Peterson, senior director, Longwood at Oakmont.

Digging in the Dirt!

“Gardening is a creative activity and we saw our plans come to life on planting day,” said Mernie Berger, a member of the Memorial Garden Committee.

On planting day, several Longwood at Oakmont residents and 35 members of the GCAC spent almost 3 hours bringing the Memorial Garden design to fruition. “It was so wonderful to see our GCAC members, gardening gloves and trowels in tow, ready to dig in…pun intended,” laughs Delia After everything was complete, there was not one face without a smile; everyone was delighted with the result. It is amazing what a group of volunteers can do with a bit of enthusiasm, dedication…and dirt!

Alden Read, who has tended to the Garden since 2012, is so proud of all of the work that has been done in the Garden, she says, “The garden is a beautiful place to sit and reflect. It’s a great gathering place, perfect for events, and even a perfect place to just sit with your lunch and enjoy your surroundings.”

24 | IN MEMORIAM

The Future of the Memorial Garden “Now that the Memorial Garden is back in top shape, I hope that residents and their families will use the garden, and even consider making a contribution to help with the upkeep,” says Margot. The garden will be maintained by the landscaping company that Longwood contracts with, and the Memorial Garden Committee will be keeping a close eye on the plants, ensuring they are blooming for years to come.

Peggy Sprowls, a Master Gardner, Longwood resident, and committee member encourages residents, families and visitors to campus to stop by the garden, no matter what time of year. “The Memorial Garden has fourseason interest, which means there is something blooming all year long. The garden is never static, it is always changing.”

Through the volunteer efforts of the Longwood residents and the GCAC, the Memorial Garden has reclaimed Paul and Elizabeth’s original vision: a place where residents could go to remember those who had passed.

“The Memorial Garden, fittingly, has a beautifully serene atmosphere about it. I hope everyone is able to take advantage of the setting and occasionally stop and sit in the gazebo and pause to reflect on dear friends who have touched their lives but are no longer present on this earth,” says Delia.

Special thanks to the GCAC who committed not only the time and talent of their members, but also generous cash contributions to purchase needed supplies, plants and trees.

Delia Egan president, GCAC and mentor to new members

Christine Fulton Bill Kolano Wendy Mitchell Tracey Reading

In Memoriam We would like to extend our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the senseless act of violence committed at the Tree of Life Jewish Synagogue on October 27, 2018. As the Squirrel Hill community continues to mourn significant losses, Presbyterian SeniorCare Network stands with them, the City of Pittsburgh and the Nation in respect for all.

Please take a few moments to remember these individuals who lost their lives: • Joyce Fienberg

• Bernice Simon

• Richard Gottfried

• Sylvan Simon

• Rose Mallinger

• Daniel Stein

• Jerry Rabinowitz

• Melvin Wax

• Cecil Rosenthal

• Irving Younger

• David Rosenthal

Memorial Garden Timeline 1999

2012

Residents Paul and Elizabeth Lyle designed and planted The Memorial Garden behind The Woodlands apartments on the Longwood at Oakmont campus.

The Lyles maintained the Memorial Garden.

Elizabeth experienced a decline in health, so John stopped gardening so he could care for her.

IN MEMORIAM | 25

A Special Remembrance of Our Resident Melvin Wax Melvin Wax was known as a pillar at the Tree of Life Congregation; he was also a well-liked resident at Forward Shady Apartments, one of our SeniorCare Network supportive and affordable housing communities located in the City of Pittsburgh.

touching memorial service. “The residents have really rallied together to get through this difficult time in our community,” says David. Many of the residents at Forward Shady attend services at the Tree of Life Synagogue, so the recent events have had a profound impact on many of them. David mentions, “While we have grief counselors available to all of our residents, I’ll often see residents sitting together, recalling memories of services at the Synagogue, as well as Melvin and his role there. We also have a memorial table set-up for Melvin that is filled with photos.”

David Rearick, community manager at Forward Shady Apartments, remembers Melvin as a quiet, gentle soul, but at the same time, a huge presence in the community. David says, “Melvin was full of jokes and limericks and was always such a joy to be around. When I met his daughter, I told her that if I didn’t already have a father, I would have adopted Melvin as my dad. I just really enjoyed his company.”

“We will never be able to replace all of the joy that Melvin brought to the team and residents at Forward Shady. I feel like I can speak for everyone and say that we miss Melvin’s presence and the warmth his smile brought to our community,” reminisces David.

David, along with nearly 100 of the residents at Forward Shady, came together on November 4 to remember Melvin, who was a resident for 9 years, in a

2012-2016 Alden Read and Betty Boyer (who passed in 2015) took over the responsibility of tending to the garden.

Mernie Berger joined Alden in tending to the garden when she moved to Longwood.

New plants were added and the post and rail fence was repaired.

2017 After a few years of inconsistent tending, Longwood’s Bench Committee contacted Paul Peterson, senior director at Longwood at Oakmont, and the Resident Council about improving the Garden.

Margot Woodwell, Longwood resident, was asked to head up a committee and kickoff the revitalization of the Memorial Garden.

Margot reconstituted the Memorial Garden Committee and they contacted the GCAC for assistance; who agreed to help.

The Memorial Garden was cleaned up, removing vines and weeds, prepping for planting.

2018 The Memorial Garden received a makeover on May 10, 2018.

The Memorial Garden was rededicated in front of a large crowd of residents on October 18, 2018.

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Battles Village* Beeson Court Bellmead Apartments Bridge Street Commons Commons at North Aiken Commons of Saxonburg Etna Commons* Fairmont Apartments Fifth Avenue Commons Forward Shady Apartments* Green Diamond Place HaveLoch Commons The Heritage* Heritage House of Houston Mt. Nazareth Commons Negley Commons D The Oaks at Center in the Woods Page Place Apartments D Park Manor Apartments Plum Creek Acres PlumWood Apartments D Poplar Lane Court Robinson Manor* St. Justin Plaza* St. Therese Plaza* Silver Lake Commons SpruceWood Commons Sunbury Fields Sweetbriar Place* Timothy Place D York Commons

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S12

Washington Westmoreland

S14 SC1|2|3

P1|P2|N1|S3

Washington

S16 S21 Bedford

S17 S22 S4

S2|S13

S3

Somerset

Fayette Greene

Greene

WEST VIRGINIA

© 2018 Presbyterian SeniorCare Network | 10.18

WEST VIRGINIA

MARYLAND

S1|S12

Fayette VIRGINIA