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Special Points Of Interest In April

Volume 10 Issue 4 April 1, 2014

The Greek-American

Times

220 N. First Street

Wheeling, IL 60090

847-459-8700 w

ww

.greekamericancare.org

4/1 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A 4/2 PB& J Social 4/3 Greek Coffee w/ St. Haralambos 4/4 Crochet Club 4/5 Orthodox Service w/ Fr. Pilafas 4/5 Catholic Service w/ Fr. McAllister 4/6 Orphaeus Dance Troupe Visit 4/7 Jewish Group 4/8 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A 4/8 Quesadilla Social 4/9 Bible Study w/ Fr. Treantafeles 4/11 Crochet Club 4/12 Saturday of Lazarus Service w/ Fr. Treantafeles 4/12 Grilled Cheese Social 4/13 Palm Sunday 4/15 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A 4/16 Holy Wednesday Service w/ Fr. Treantafeles 4/16 Dollar Tree Outing 4/17 Holy Thursday Service w/ Metropolitan Iakovos 4/17 Greek Coffee w/ St. Demetrios of Elmhurst 4/18 Good Friday Service w/ Fr. Treantafeles 4/18 Epitafio and Egg Decorating 4/19 Catholic Service w/ Fr. McAllister 4/20 EASTER SUNDAY 4/20 Agape Service w/ Fr. Treantafeles 4/22 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A 4/22 Planting for Earth Day out on the patio* 4/22 The Lakonians Visit– 2FL 4/23 National Movie Theatre Day 4/23 Bible Study w/ Fr.Treantafeles 4/23 Out to Movies 4/23 St. Constantine & Helen Palos Hills Church Visit 4/24 National Poetry Day 4/24 Greek Coffee w/ Ahladokampos 4/25 Life Enrichment Committee 4/26 Orthodox Service 4/26 The Cretan Youth of Chicago DanceVisit 4/28 Blueberry Pie Day 4/29 National Tea Day– Tea Time 4/29 Healthy Living w/ Dr. Anagnostopoulos 4/30 Bible Study w/ Fr.Treantafeles 4/30 Demetri’s Restaurant 4/30 Resident Council & Food Service Committee

Inside this issue: Special Points of Interest/Birthdays

Activity Happenings A Note From Our Administrator

A Note From Therapy A Note From Memory Care Rising Stars of the Month

A Note From Social Services A Note from Our Dietitian

Upcoming Event Like Us on Facebook

Moments To Remember April 2014 Life Enrichment Calendar

Lottie O. April 1 Athena L. April 1 Dina R. April 1 Ann M. April 2 Leticia Y. April 2 Dimitrios K. April 4 Vasiliki M. April 5 Rita Y. April 5 Suzanne S. April 5 Mary V. April 6 Lyde S. April 10 Andriani K. April 13 Krisos A. April 14 Joan K. April 15 Lillian C. April 17 Mary P. April 19 Vera I. April 24 Arthur G. April 26 Ann D. April 28 Irina K. April 30

If you were born between April 1–19, you are Aries, the Ram. These

independent adventurers like to strike out on their own and are natural leaders.

Their enthusiasm and confidence give them big and outgoing personalities.

Those born between April 20–30 are Bulls of Taurus. Bulls show a steady persistence in endeavors both

professional and personal, and after working hard, like to reward themselves

for a job well done.

Activity Happenings ...

1913 Waukegan Road Glenview, IL Phone: 847-486-1988 Hours: Mon-Sun 6am– 4pm Please support this wonderful establishment with great quality food.

660 Lake Cook Road Deerfield, IL Phone: 847-940-0777

A special thank you to Demetri’s Restaurant in Deerfield for hosting monthly lunch outings for our Residents.

Welcome to the April issue of the Greek American Times. In March we enjoyed a lot of indoor and outdoor fun! We started of March with our monthly outings, which included a trip to the Dollar Tree for some bargain shopping, our monthly trip to the movies, and an outing to Cici’s pizza. The fun continued indoors, as we welcomed our monthly guests, from St.Haralambos, St.Demetrios of Elmhurst, and the Ladies of Ahladokampos. Each month, these groups visit with our Residents and come bearing an assortment of homemade, delicious desserts, and their great company! We continue to look forward to your monthly visits and thank you for your continued support. We also welcomed the philoptochos from St.Nectarios who came and visited with the Residents and also brought us delicious cookies, yogurts and fruit. We look forward to you visiting us again. In lieu of St.Patrick’s Day, we worked on various St.Patrick’s crafts and held a St.Patty’s social which included some green punch and a variety of green cookies and treats. We welcomed Noreen Delgado, who sang various oldies with our Residents, and even included them in her show, with musical props and sing a longs. We had a spectacular time and hope to have Noreen back soon! On March 14th we held indoor elections for the primaries and many of our Residents participated and voted to make sure that their voice and opinion was heard. March 25th, marked Greek Independence Day. We celebrated with some wonderful entertainment from the children of St.John the Baptist Guardian Angel Day School. The children came and sang songs and danced for our Residents; it was a beautiful start to our Greek Independence Day Party. At our party we ate some delicious tiropitakia and spanakopita, along with various fruits and other delicious desserts. We concluded March with our participation in the Greek Independence Day parade on March 30th, in Greek town. It was our first gorgeous day of spring and we spent it celebrating our Greek Heritage, amongst other fellow Greeks in the beautiful city of Chicago. After the parade, we headed to Demetri’s Restaurant where they hosted a delicious authentic Greek meal for all our Residents to enjoy. Thank you again to Demetri’s for the continued love and generosity you show towards all of our Residents! Make sure to drop in on some of the fun we have planned for April. We would love to see you! -The Life Enrichment Department

Dear Friends, It is with much sadness that I am writing to inform all of you of my decision to resign my position as Administrator effective April 11, 2014. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make as I have wholeheartedly dedicated the last twelve years of my personal and professional life to the Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre. Throughout the years I’ve had the pleasure of serving in a variety of roles. I arrived with a passion and a vision when I accepted the challenge as Administrator over 7 years ago. Since then it has been my personal mission to ensure that each individual has been treated with the utmost dignity and respect. I take great pride in my contributions towards building the foundation of a noteworthy organization. I would like to humbly thank the Board of Directors and all of you for the opportunity to have served the GARCC and the Greek Community. I am especially blessed and thankful to have lead and worked beside an amazing team of loyal, passionate and hard working professionals. Although I will miss my many adoptive grandparents, colleagues and friends, I look forward to spending more quality time with my family and working on the next chapter of my career endeavors. The GARCC will always have a very special place in my heart! Respectfully, Eleni Ifantis

A Letter From Our Administrator...

April is National Occupational Therapy month. Occupational therapists provide rehabilitation in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, skilled nursing facilities, home health and outpatient clinics. They are a wonderful resource for people who are looking to age in place. One of the biggest challenges for older people who want to remain in their homes is safe transportation. Whether we want to admit it or not, aging is inevitable. The ability to drive safely can be affected by changes in our physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Although changes are a part of normal aging, they occur individually and at different rates and times. Just as one plans for retirement, it's important to plan for transportation needs. Proactive, early planning is paramount to continued independence and safety. Occupational therapists address driving as an essential activity of daily living, and they can help older adults maintain their driving safety and community mobility despite age-related changes. Occupational therapists have the skills to evaluate a person's overall ability to operate a vehicle safely and provide rehabilitation, if necessary. Many are specially trained in the full scope of driving rehabilitation. Occupational therapists work with older adults as well as their families and

**If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Joellyn Schwarz, Physical Therapy Director 847-459-8700 ext 1027 or via email

at JSchwartz@greekamericancare.org

A Note From Therapy...

Life Enrichment & Memory Care

Wish List… Fashion Jewelry Shawls CD players Portable DVD player Handheld vibrating massagers Tablets Unopened Cosmet-

ics Toaster oven Waffle maker

*Please drop off any

donations at the reception area.

A Note From Memory Care... A Note From Our Dietitian ...

Travel size toiletries Paper plates, cups,

and utensils Colorful yarn DVD movies, NO

VHS Unopened Nail Polish

and Remover Men’s Socks Women’s Knee High

Stockings

Hello everyone, We have a lot to share for the Month of March. As you all know we were busy decorating for St. Patrick’s Day and Greek Independence Day. Oh, and let’s not forget our daily crafts! It’s great to see all of the involvement from our residents in Cooking group and Men’s Club which offers something for everyone. The residents went on their first outing to D’Agostino’s for pizza and such, and it was great to be out and about. John Boda made his monthly appearance and boy does everyone enjoy his music! He played a lot of oldies while the residents sang-a-long. Our St. Patrick’s Day party was a lot of fun. The residents enjoyed cake, green lemonade, cookies and spinach pies and listened to live entertainment from Mike Basin and his accordion. I hope everyone had a great month!

**If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Diane Korbakes,

Memory Care Director 847-459-8700 ext 1030 or via email at DKorbakes@greekamericancare.org

Rising Stars Of The Month..

Congratulations to Meli Babaletskos and Harjit Naroo, CNAs from our Nursing Department who were both selected Rising Star of the Month for February. Meli and Hardip go above and beyond for each and everyone of our Residents, and their hard work and dedication had not gone unnoticed.

Thank you for all you do and keep

up the great work!!!

** If you would like to nominate someone for the Rising Star of the Month, make sure to complete a Rising Star Form

or compliment form located on each floor and drop it off with our Human Resources Director.

**If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Kellie Curran, Food Service Director at 847-459-8700 ext 1024 or via email at KCurran@greekamericancare.org

The spring has begun which means spending more time outside and on the run. While away from home restaurants may tempt you to with high calorie foods, but here are tips to prevent overconsumption. Look for the healthier menu section many restaurants now offer. Look for foods that are baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted, or steamed. Have smaller portions of foods that are prepared as batter-fried, pan-fried, buttered, creamed,

crispy, or breaded. Make simple special requests such as: asking for a baked potato, sweet potato, steamed

vegetables, or salad in place of French fries, no mayonnaise or bacon, and having sauces/dressings on the side.

If able, eat a salad first then take half of the main entrée home for a second meal. Order a pizza with lots of vegetables and add leaner meats such as chicken, shrimp, or Canadian bacon instead of sausage and pepperoni. Stay active and eat healthy!

Upcoming Event...

A Note From Social Services ... A Recipe From Home…

You have the right to participate in your own care:

What is a care plan meeting?

When your health condition is assessed, skilled nursing facility (SNF) staff prepares or updates your care plan. You (if you're able) and/or your family, or someone acting on your behalf, have the right to take part in planning your care together with the SNF staff. Let the staff know if you want to take part. This helps keep you aware of how the care you get will help you reach your health care goals.

Your care plan may include: What kind of services you need What type of health care professional should give you the services How often you'll need the services What kind of equipment or supplies you need (like a wheelchair or feeding tube) If you need a special diet Your health goal (or goals), and how your care plan will help you reach your goal

**If you have any questions or concerns please contact, Andriana McDowell,

Social Services Director at 847-459-8700 ext 1034 or

Looking For Volunteers ...

Like Us On Facebook... Have a Facebook? Like us and stay

up-to-date with everything that’s happening!

http://www.facebook.com/GreekAmericanRehabilitationandCareCentre

Have you ever wondered to yourself how can make a positive impact on another person’s life? Well, becoming a volunteer can be a very rewarding experience.

Here at the Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre we are always looking for friendly, outgoing and compassionate individuals to lend a helping hand. There

are many ways you can be of assistance such as, visiting with the Residents, providing additional support during activities, assisting with special projects or

events, helping provide clerical assistance or even volunteering in our gift shop.

To begin your volunteering experience today visit our website at www.greekamericancare.org and complete the volunteer application

or feel free to stop in and pick an application up near our first floor reception area.

**If you have any questions in regards to volunteering, contact Pat Gerbanas Volunteer Coordinator at

847-459-8700 ext 1053 or via email at PGerbanas@greekamericancare.org

TSOUREKI (Greek Easter Bread) INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon whole milk 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons) 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon fine salt 1 teaspoon ground mahlepi (optional) 1/4 teaspoon pounded mastic crystals (optional) 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick) 2 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest (from about 1 orange) 1 red-dyed hard boiled egg (optional) 1 large egg yolk 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted DIRECTIONS 1. In a small saucepan, heat 3/4 cup of the milk until warm to the touch but not hot (about 105°F to 115°F on an Instant-read thermometer). Transfer the warm milk to a large bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Set aside for about 15 minutes to activate the yeast. 2. Sift the flour, sugar, salt, mahlepi (if using), and mastic (if using) together into a large bowl; set aside. 3. In a small saucepan, melt 7 tablespoons of the butter. Let the butter cool, then transfer to a medium bowl. Add the eggs and orange zest and beat together. Stir the egg mixture into the yeast mixture until combined. 4. Using a spoon, stir the flour mixture into the yeast-egg mixture until combined. Turn the dough onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth, flouring your hands and the surface as needed, about 10 minutes. 5. Coat a baking sheet and a 16-inch piece of plastic wrap with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Set the dough on the baking sheet and cover it with the plastic wrap, butter side down. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 2 hours. 6. Remove the plastic wrap and set it aside. Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces (about 12 ounces each). Roll the pieces into 1-1/4-by-16-1/2-inch ropes. Pinch all 3 pieces together on one end to secure, then braid the ropes, entwining the red hard-boiled egg (if using) into the bread. Pinch the other end of the ropes together to secure the braid. Set the braided dough on the prepared baking sheet, cover with the buttered plastic wrap (butter side down), and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. 7. In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk and remaining 1 tablespoon milk. With a pastry brush, evenly brush the egg mixture over the risen dough, then sprinkle the almonds over top, pressing the nuts gently into the dough. Bake until the bread is browned and the internal temperature reaches 190°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 30 minutes. Let cool before serving.

HISTORY OF THE TSOUREKI Tsoureki, a sweet yeast bread made of eggs, milk, and butter, is a staple during Greek Easter. The three-strand braid symbolizes the Holy Trinity, while the red-dyed hard-boiled egg braided into the dough symbolizes the blood of Christ. The bread is delicious and keeps for several days, but eat that double-cooked egg at your own risk.

***This recipe was shared with us by Bia Karlos, Life Enrichment Director.

Moments to Remember

All activities are subject to change. All changes will be posted on the large Life Enrichment Calendar on each floor.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Flower: Sweet Pea Birthstone: Diamond

1 APRIL FOOL’S DAY 10:00 Morning Fitness– 2FL &3FL 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 10:30 Trivia-2FL &3FL 1:30 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A-2FLT 2:00 Short Clips-3FLT 3:15 Bingo-2FL Dinner Music therapy

2 NATIONAL PB&J DAY 10:00 Bible Study– CH 10:00 Movies on Netflix-2FL 1:30 Relax & Read– 3FLIC 2:15 PB&J Social-2FL 3:15 Bingo– 2FL Dinner time Comedy clips

3 10:00 Fun w/ Fitness-2FL &3FL 10:15 Oasis Group-3FLT 2:15 Bingo-2FL 3:15 Greek Coffee w/ St. Haralambos-2FL 6:30 Wheel of Fortune-1FL 7:00 Card Games –1FL

4 10:00 Fitness w/ Music-2FL&3FL 10:30 The Scoop-2FL&3FL 1:30 Crochet Club-2FLTR 2:15 Crafts –3FL 3:15 Bingo-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-2FLTR Dinner time Trivia

5 10:00 Orthodox Service-CH 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 Catholic Service-2FLTR 2:00 Dice Games-3FL 2:30 Bingo– 2FL&3FL

6 10:00 Morning Stretch-2FL & 3FL 10:15 Bingo-2FL & 3FL 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 1:30 Bingo-2FL 2:30 Orphaeus Dance Troupe– 2FL

7 10:00 Light & Lively-2FL 10:30 Trivia-2FL &3FL 2:00 Jewish Group-3FLIC 2:15 Bingo –3FL 3:15 Ladies Tea-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-3FLIC Dinner time Hang-Man

8 10:00 Morning Fitness– 2FL &3FL 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 10:30 Trivia-2FL &3FL 1:30 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A-2FLT 2:15 Quesadilla Social- 2FL 3:15 Bingo-2FL Dinner Music therapy

9 10:00 Bible Study– CH 10:00 Movies on Netflix-2FL 2:15 Waffle Hour– 2FL 3:15 Bingo– 2FL Dinner time Comedy clips

10 10:00 Fun w/ Fitness-2FL &3FL 10:15 Oasis Group-3FLT 2:15 Bingo-2FL 3:15 Greek Coffee w/ Friends-2FL 6:30 Wheel of Fortune-1FL 7:00 Card Games –1FL

11 10:00 Fitness w/ Music-2FL&3FL 10:30 The Scoop-2FL&3FL 2:15 Egg Decorating – 3FL 3:15 Bingo-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-2FLTR Dinner time Trivia

12 Saturday of Lazarus National Grilled Cheese Day 10:00 Orthodox Service-CH 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 Grilled Cheese Social 3:15 Bingo– 2FL&3FL

13 PALM SUNDAY 10:15 Bingo-2FL & 3FL 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 Afternoon at the Movies– 2FLT 2:00 Greek Movie –3FLT

14 10:00 Light & Lively-2FL 10:30 Trivia– 2FL &3FL 2:15 Crafts with Thamy– 2FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-3FLIC 3:15 Bingo– 2FL Dinner time Hang-Man

15 10:00 Morning Fitness- 2FL&3FL 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 10:30 Trivia– 2FL &3FL 1:30 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A-2FLT 2:15 Jewelry Making-2FL 3:15 Bingo-2FL Dinner time Music Therapy

16 HOLY WEDNESDAY 10:00 Orthodox Service– CH 10:00 Movies on Netflix-2FL 1:30 Dollar Tree Outing 3:15 Bingo– 2FL Dinner time Comedy clips

17 HOLY THURSDAY 9:30 Orthodox Service-CH 10:15 Oasis Group-3FLT 2:15 Bingo-2FL 3:15 Greek Coffee w/ St.Demtrios of Elmhurst 6:30 Wheel of Fortune-1FL 7:00 Card Games –1FL

18 GOOD FRIDAY 10:00 Epitafio Decorating 10:00 The Scoop-2FL&3FL 10:30 Easter Crafts-3FL 2:00 Orthodox Service-CH 3:15 Bingo-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-2FLTR Dinner time Trivia

19 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 Catholic Service-2FLTR 2:15 Penny Ante-2FL&3FL 3:15 Bingo– 2FL

20 EASTER SUNDAY 10:00 Agape Service– CH 10:00 Movies on Netflix– 2FL 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 Afternoon at the Movies– 2FLT 2:00 Greek Movie –3FLT

21 10:00 Light & Lively-2FL 10:30 Trivia-2FL &3FL 2:15 Bingo-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-3FLIC 3:15 Ladies Tea-3FL Dinner time Hang-Man

22 EARTH DAY 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 10:00 Planting For Earth Day-P* 1:30 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A-2FLT 2:00 The Lakonians Visit-2FL 3:15 Bingo-2FL Dinner Music Therapy

23 MOVIE THEATRE DAY 10:00 Bible Study– CH 10:00 Movies on Netflix-2FL 11:00 Out to the Movies 2:15 Greek Coffee w/ St. Constantine & Helen Palos Hills-3FL 3:15 Bingo-3FL Dinner Comedy clips

24 POETRY DAY 10:00 Fun w/ Fitness-2FL &3FL 10:15 Oasis Group-3FLT 2:15 Bingo-2FL 3:15 Greek Coffee w/ Ahladokampos-2FL 6:30 Wheel of Fortune-1FL 7:00 Card Games –1FL

25 10:00 Fitness w/ Music-2FL&3FL 10:30 The Scoop-2FL&3FL 1:30 Life Enrich. Committee –2FLTR 2:15 Crafts-3FL 3:15 Bingo-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen-2FLTR Dinner time Trivia

26 10:00 Orthodox Service– CH 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 The Cretan Youth of Chicago Dance Troupe– 2FL 2:30 Bingo– 2FL&3FL

27 10:00 Morning Stretch-2FL & 3FL 10:15 Bingo-2FL & 3FL 1:00 Relax and Read-3FLIC 2:00 Afternoon at the Movies– 2FLT 2:00 Greek Movie –3FLT

28 BLUEBERRY PIE DAY 10:00 Light & Lively-2FL 10:30 Trivia– 2FL &3FL 2:15 Bingo-3FL 3:15 League of Extraordinary Gentlemen/Ladies Tea w/ Blueberry Pie-3FL Dinner time Hang-Man

29 NATIONAL TEA DAY 10:00 Morning Fitness– 2FL &3FL 10:00 Game/Talk Shows-2FLT 10:30 Trivia– 2FL &3FL 1:30 Healthy Living w/ Dr. A- 2FLT 2:15 Tea Time– 2FL 3:15 Bingo-2FL Dinner Music Therapy

30 10:00 Bible Study– CH 10:00 Movies on Netflix-2FL 11:00 Demetris Restaurant 2:15 Resident Council –3FL 2:45 Food Committee –3FL 3:15 Bingo –3FL Dinner time Comedy clips

Game/Talk Shows 10am-2FLT

Greek TV 10am -3FLT

KEY 1FL– 1st FL Activity Room 2FL– 2nd FL Dining Room 3FL– 3rd FL Dining Room CH-Chapel P– Patio 2FLTR– 2nd FL Training Room 2FLT– 2nd FL TV Room 3FLT– 3rd FL TV Room 3FLIC– 3rd FL Internet Café *Weather Permitting

Greek American Rehabilitation & Care Centre April 2014 Life Enrichment Calendar