a newsletter for staff, residents & friends of united

ContentsThe Value of Activities

Editorial ....................2Warren Watkins, United Methodist Homes Board Chairman

Staff Announcements ......3Staff news

Technology Reunites Resident, Family ......3Gilmour resident videochats

Starting the New Year in Style ....7Hilltop hosts fashion show

Learning About Religions ...................8St. Louise hosts educational series

Nurses Attend Skills Fair ...........................8Gilmour staff complete training

Letters of Appreciation.............9Notes of thanks

Doris L. Patrick Campus, Norwich, NYGrace View Manor (subsidized housing)Pearl and Everett Gilmour Health Care Facility (skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, respite care) Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton, NYManor House (independent living)St. Louise Manor (independent living, adult care, assisted living)Elizabeth Church Manor Nursing Home (skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, respite care) Hilltop Campus, Johnson City, NYThe Highlands (indpendent living)Sunset Heights (independent living)VanGorden Manor (independent living)Hilltop Manor West (adult care, assisted living)James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home (skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, respite care) Tunkhannock Campus, Tunkhannock, PATunkhannock Manor (personal care) Wesley Village Campus, Pittston, PABrooks Estates (independent living)Myers Manor (independent living, personal care)Anderson Personal Care Facility (personal care)Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility (skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation)

A newsletter for stAff, residents & friends of United Methodist hoMes

January 2010

United Methodist hoMes

Continued on page 4

A t every stage of life, it’s the special activities that stand out in memory – the tour of the firehouse in preschool, trips to the beach during college spring breaks, mid-week gatherings with friends for sports or crafts in adulthood, summer nights around a bonfire with children and grandchildren.

It’s no different in long-term care – memorable activities are the highlight of a retirement campus. Activity staff at each United Methodist Homes location work hard to bring an amazing array of programs, projects and events to residents, and to involve residents in events out in the community. Staff keep their programming fresh with brainstorming sessions, input from non-activity staff, research on activity websites and networking with activity staff in other long-term care communities. Some facilities have activity meetings with residents to get their direct input. Said Hilltop Activity Director Faye Clark, “We are never afraid to try something new. One of our sayings is ‘If we’re having fun, the residents will, too!’”

Activities staff come into the profession from a variety of educational backgrounds, and some hold an activity director certification from the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, which requires continuing education to maintain. United Methodist Homes’ activity directors all credit different sources of inspiration for their career choice, ranging from time spent with grandparents to a part-time start in long-term care activities that changed a career direction.

The goal of activity professionals is to meet residents where they are, with activities for all interests and ability levels. New residents are interviewed so staff can learn about their interests and fold new activities into the existing program. New residents are also personally

Activities from

A to WiiUnited Methodist Homes’ activity staff constantly reinvent a slate of ingenious events unique to each campus, including:

Celebrations Let no holiday go uncelebrated and no birthday untrumpeted! Parties feature food, music, dancing and more. One-hundredth or more birthdays warrant special attention.

Community Interface Activities staff help residents stay involved in the community at large with projects such as the Broome County United Way’s GROW Box initiative (residents tend, harvest and sell produce for charity), and the Tunkhannock and Hilltop Campuses have a strong tradition of Halloween events for the community, including safe trick-or-treating and a haunted house. During harvest season 2009, Wesley Village hosted a weekly on-campus farmers’ market for residents to browse and buy fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. The Homes’ many Catholic residents benefit from the presence of priests who visit campuses to celebrate Mass.

Creative OutletsOld standbys like crocheting, knitting, painting, gardening and cooking grace calendars side-by-side with imaginative offerings such as learning to toss a pizza, play the harmonica or play djembe drums.

EntertainmentChoose from book clubs and movies or outside speakers, performances by school groups, and visits from animals of all types.

GamesWatching one Wii bowling match will tell you that the competitive spirit never grows old. Residents throughout the Homes are enjoying new games such as the Wii, and familiar ones like bridge, skip-bo and bocce ball.

OutingsTrips out on the town for lunch, ball games, fishing, musical performances, museums and shopping are all popular.

seasons ~ JanUary 2010

Administrative Editorial

page 2

Warren Watkins, United Methodist Homes Board Chairman

As the new year begins and thoughts turn to W-2 forms and filing taxes, I would like to focus on 37 people who serve the United

Methodist Homes organization but do not draw salaries – members of the Board of Directors.

These individuals, who live throughout the southern tier of New York and northern tier of Pennsylvania, come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, such as clergy, accounting, medicine, social service and many others. Some are retired; others make time to serve the Homes while still managing their own careers.

Being a United Methodist Homes Board member is not simply a line on a resumé – it’s a real commitment of time, energy and conscience. Members serve three-year terms during which they make decisions that set the fiscal and operational course, policies and procedures for the organization in the short- and long-term. The Board meets four times every year as a whole – typically in sessions lasting four hours or more – and each member serves on at least one sub-committee, which involves another monthly meeting. Many members give upwards of 12 hours of uncompensated volunteer time each month, and their individual and collective service is vital to the operation of the Homes.

So as we embark on the year 2010, I would like to thank the members of our Board of Directors for their service in 2009, and for their commitment in the year to come.

Note to readers:United Methodist Homes, like all not-for-profit organizations, is always seeking qualified potential Board members. We will consider working or retired professionals – from any field – with a passion for serving the aging. Make us aware of your interest by sending your resumé and a cover letter to the United Methodist Homes Corporate Office, attn: Directors’ Committee, 10 Acre Place, Binghamton, NY 13904. Qualified applicants will be contacted for further information.

LA New Resident by Marriage ove was in the air at St. Louise Manor just before Thanksgiving, when independent resident Robert Lee married Doreen Almy of Binghamton. Lee and Almy are longtime friends who had been dating for several years following the deaths of their spouses. As Almy began considering a move from her house, Lee proposed marriage.

Following the November 12 ceremony in her home, Almy became a St. Louise resident, moving into Lee’s apartment. The newlyweds came home to an apartment door festooned with netting, balloons and hearts, and were showered with good wishes by St. Louise Administrator Kim Garey, who provided champagne, and the St. Louise dietary staff, who prepared a silver tray of goodies, including chocolate-covered strawberries.

Mr. Lee has been a St. Louise Manor resident for three years. This is the first time St. Louise has acquired a new resident by marriage.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Lee!

Newlyweds Robert and Doreen Lee posed at the door of their “Honeymoon Suite” at St. Louise Manor.

Stone Soup at HilltopOn December 18, the Hilltop Campus family gathered for what has become a Christmastime tradition – the Stone Soup luncheon. Named for the folk tale about a town coming together with ingredients for a soup (the stone being the first contribution), the event featured hambone soup and a wide array of appetizers, breads and desserts. Residents, staff, friends and family alike enjoyed the hearty meal. Wellness Director Vinni Wingell is shown prepping a fresh serving dish of soup.


Staff Announcements

T

OTechnology Reunites Resident, Family n January 5, the internet closed a 1,700-mile gap for a Doris L. Patrick Campus resident and her family members. Doris Stone was able to reconnect with family members in Greeley, Colorado, via a connection on the internet videophone service Skype, set up by Social Worker Liza Newman.

Said Continuous Quality Improvement Coordinator Kate Conant, “It was like watching the stars align. She was able to see her son and daughter and their children, friends and pets. They had not been able to visit for five years, so this was a great way to connect everyone on both ends. The resident and family members were all so happy!”

The family members in Colorado also asked to meet Dan Ohl, RN, who frequently cares for Stone and whom she mentions often in phone conversations. “The family really enjoyed meeting one of their mom’s favorite caregivers,” said Conant.

Editor’s note: Doris Stone passed away on January 10, less than a week after reconnecting with her family. Before her death, she said, “Seeing my children was all I needed. God can take me now – I’m ready to go.” Special thanks to the staff who helped fulfill her final wish. Resident Doris Stone and Dan Ohl, RN, during the

videochat with Stone’s family in Colorado.

Focus on Employee Health: Hilltop’s Do-Over Makeover he Hilltop Campus’ annual “Do-Over Makeover” program has nothing to do with hair, makeup and wardrobe and everything to do with exercise, diet and making changes for the better.

According to Wellness Center Director Vinni Wingell, Golden Oldies Café Coordinator Vicki Considine was the “Wellness Center rock star” of the recently-concluded 2009 program. Considine outdid her own weight-loss goal of 50 pounds by dropping 53½ pounds (as of press time) and six dress sizes.

The impressive changes didn’t happen by magic – it was good, old-fashioned hard work. Said Considine, “I quit a two-pack-a-day smoking habit cold-turkey in 2006, so I knew I could stick to a goal. But you can’t quit eating. Moderation is really tough for me.”

Considine started on her path to better fitness by adding a daily walk to her schedule. And during the six weeks of Do-Over Makeover boot camp sessions, she learned about the importance of combining cardio workouts and strength training, and how to improve her diet. When boot camp ended, she continued independently with the good exercise and diet habits that resulted in her amazing transformation. Said Considine, “I have a new lease on life. I feel better about myself and I can do more because I feel more comfortable.”

The Hilltop Wellness Center recently kicked off its 2010 Do-Over Makeover – watch for information about results!

Donna Bendzel, RN, BSN

Donna Bendzel, RN, BSN, has accepted the position

as Assistant Director of Nursing Services at Elizabeth Church Manor. She has been with United Methodist Homes for a year, most recently as the 3-11 Nursing Supervisor on the campus.

Bendzel earned her nursing diploma from the Binghamton General Hospital School of Nursing and her bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Binghamton University.

page 3

Tammy Patak, RN

Tammy Patak, RN, Director of Nursing for the James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home on United Methodist Homes’ Hilltop Campus, recently completed a director of nursing

leadership program funded by a grant through the New York State Department of Health, the Department of Labor’s Health Workforce Retraining Initiative and the US Health Resources and Services Administration’s Nurse Education, Practice and Retention Program.

Patak applied for the program and was selected from applicants throughout the state. The program lasted from September through December 2009, with courses held in Batavia, NY. Participants received leadership training and in-depth instruction on state and Federal regulations, surveys, quality indicators and more. Attendees received credits through the State University of New York system, as well as contact hours for the Long-Term Care Leadership Institute.

Patak earned her associate’s degree from Broome Community College. She has 20-plus years of nursing experience, including home health nursing, long-term care, staff development, infection control and more. She has been with the Homes for three and a half years.


page 4

Wesley Village Donates to Fire DepartmentWesley Village Personal Care Director Janie Schneider (far left), Plant Operations Director Jerry Sulkoski (second from left) and Assistant Administrator Danielle Janeski (far right) recently presented Jenkins Township Fire Department President Leo McGarry (third from left) with an annual donation in recognition of the fire protection services the department provides throughout the year. Also shown is McGarry’s grandson, Alex Macaluso.

The Value of Activities Continued from page 1

invited to participate in upcoming events. Said Doris L. Patrick Campus Activity Director Danielle Giordano, “We don’t typically take ‘no’ for an answer – we’re pretty relentless in trying to get residents involved. If someone is very reluctant to participate, we’ll occasionally have an activity in the hallway outside resident rooms – we find that halfway through, ‘the tough customer’ is the one answering all the trivia questions or getting all the words right in a spelling challenge!”

Said United Methodist Homes CEO Keith Chadwick, “A strong activities program enriches residents’ lives. We’re proud to have these talented employees at each campus leading such unique and engaging activities. The value that activities add to residents’ lives really can’t be overstated. Many residents come to us after living alone for some time, and the programs we offer get them involved and re-energized. A vibrant long-term care activities program can give someone a fresh chapter in his or her life, full of new experiences.”

Residents and family members alike offer frequent praise of the activity programs at each campus, as evidenced by the monthly “Letters of Appreciation” feature in Seasons. The most rewarding part of the job? A simple smile, says Clark, and the knowledge that the residents are enjoying life.

Activities play an important role even for residents with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Said Wesley Village Activity Director Tami Chesniak, “Residents with dementia may have difficulty with word recall or certain activities of daily living, but the memory of how to do things learned in childhood – such as painting or enjoying a musical performance – is often retained. A full program keeps these residents in touch with familiar pursuits, and hopefully helps them retain as much cognitive function as possible.”

Monthly activity calendars for each United Methodist Homes facility are available on the website on each the “Locations” page for each campus.

National Activity Professionals Week was celebrated January 17-22 – thanks to our activity professionals for all they do throughout the year!

No previous modeling experience required! Six Hilltop residents prepared for their January fashion show experience by selecting outfits at Christopher and Banks in the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City. Part-time assistant shopkeeper Theresa Hayes and resident Doris Bennett shared a laugh after Bennett picked out her outfits.

To encourage James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home resident Audrey Cole to participate, Hilltop activity staff added swing music – a favorite of Cole’s – to the playlist for a recent exercise class. Said Activity Director Faye Clark, “Audrey had a blast in the class. Activity Leader Christa McEwan took the initiative to tailor an event so it would be special for her. Only Hilltop has Christa!” Cole (right) is shown cutting a rug with fellow resident Julia Major.


Assistant Director of Nursing Joel Cummings, RN, has been named the Doris L. Patrick Campus’ January Employee of the Month.

Since joining the organization in October 2008,

Cummings has filled many roles, including unit manager, employee health coordinator and staff education coordinator, all while overseeing infection control. He is also the campus’ acting MDS coordinator. According to his nominator, “Joel has done a great job in each role he has filled. He maintains his sense of humor and positive outlook, and is an asset to the facility.”

Cummings was previously recognized as Employee of the Month in April 2009.

page 5

eco tip for the new Year:Change a Light BulbWherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent bulb with a CFL will save you $30 over the life of the bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than regular bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat.

This tip brought to you by the United Methodist Homes Green Team.

Corporate

Doris L. Patrick

Elizabeth Church

Wesley Village

Hilltop

Tunkhannock

Doris L. Patrick Campus Recognizes Employee of the Month

Joel Cummings, RN

Shorts

United Methodist Homes recently added a new option to the website’s campus location pages. People browsing the site and planning a campus visit can now enter their personal starting address and the site will produce customized directions to the campus of their choice.

Elizabeth Church Campus staff selected the Binghamton YWCA as its charitable giving project over the holidays. Staff and some residents donated money to purchase clothes and toys for two boys who attend the Y’s childcare program. Said Chaplain Janet Abel, who organized the donation, “We felt this was a great way to give back to our community during the season of giving.”

On December 14, Hilltop residents enjoyed a Hanukkah celebration with volunteer Sylvia Diamond and children from Hillel Academy, who performed Hanukkah songs. Diamond explained the Hanukkah celebration, and refreshments – including latkes with applesauce – were served.

As a special holiday project, residents of the SUN Unit on the Hilltop Campus created Christmas cards for American troops stationed overseas. Each card included a holiday wish, along with a thank you for the soldier’s service and a prayer for his or her safe return home. Said Unit Manager Kat Stoudt, RN, “Our staff members came up with this idea, and I was quite touched by it. We have some veterans on the SUN Unit, and I think all of the residents really enjoyed making these cards.”

Hilltop staff, residents and resident family members adopted two Binghamton-area families for Christmas via radio station Mix 103.3’s “Mix Wish List.” Chaplains Lea Harding and Diane Prentice served as chief elves, organizing gift and donation gathering, hosting a wrapping party and delivering the gifts to the station. The children received a wide variety of “need” and “want” items, including clothing, new sheets, toys and games, electronics such as iPods, winter jackets, hats and gloves, books and candy. Thanks to everyone who contributed!

St. Louise Manor and the Hilltop Campus each recently received recognition for participating in the Broome County United Way’s GROW Broome Project. The Hilltop Campus was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the United Way, and St. Louise Manor residents received a thank you from the Broome County Council of Churches for donating proceeds from the sale of their produce to the Council’s CHOW Program. Kudos to all staff and residents involved at both locations!

On December 27, a news team from WBRE-TV in Wilkes-Barre, PA, visited Wesley Village to interview Father Hugh McGroarty, 90, the oldest active priest in the Scranton Diocese. Father McGroarty is one of several Catholic priests in the area who serve Mass at Wesley Village. He has been a priest for 64 years, and is currently the senior priest at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston.

St. Louise Manor resident DeEtta Lalley turned 100 on January 4, and nearly 60 people gathered in the social center the next day to celebrate! Fellow residents, staff, friends and family members enjoyed feasting on birthday cake and listening to some of Lalley’s favorite hymns and songs played on the piano. Lalley (left) is shown just after blowing out her candles. She was assisted with the cake by family friend Edie Jinks, whose mother roomed with Lalley many years ago. Congratulations, DeEtta, and many happy returns!

the Big 100!the Big 100!


page 6

St. Louise Manor

St. Louise Manor residents enjoyed a holiday cocktail party on December 10, featuring music by Don Godfrey and Company. Residents Pauline Major and Art Dewing are shown mid-dance!

United Methodist Ho-Ho-HomesSince Santa Claus only works one day a year, he had plenty of time to visit United Methodist Homes facilities during the holiday season prior to his global marathon on Christmas Eve. Check out some of his best photos, plus some other pictures from seasonal festivities!

Tunkhannock Campus

Santa Claus (AKA Phil Beardsley) visited the Tunkhannock Campus on December 15 to distribute gifts to residents. Shown with Santa are helpers Beckie Jones, PCA (left), and Jane Moll, PCA.

Hilltop Campus

James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home resident Joan McMaken got a present and a squeeze from Santa (volunteer James Pittsley) during a Christmas gift-giving social for all James G. Johnston, SUN Unit and STAR Unit residents. This annual event is made possible by the generosity of Hilltop staff members and activity department fundraising.

Grand Care Children’s Center

The Grand Care Children’s Center on the Hilltop Campus doesn’t have a chimney, but Santa (former Hilltop staff member Hank Harris) made a special stop there anyway on December 22. Children from all classes – many with their parents – gathered to hear Center Director Charlene Harvilla read “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” In the midst of the snacks that followed, St. Nick made his big entrance. Everyone who wanted to had the chance to sit on Santa’s lap. Nineteen-month-old Naomi Burghardt is shown taking her turn (cautiously!) with backup from her mom Kristin.

Tunkhannock Campus

On December 10, Tunkhannock Campus employees enjoyed the campus’ annual staff Christmas party, catered by the Fireplace Restaurant. Shown at the event are (from left) Administrative Assistant Shana Tesluk, Nicole Corby, PCA; Beautician Terry White, and Joyce Cottrell, PCA.

Wesley Village Campus

The Wesley Village Campus hosted its annual Old-Fashioned Christmas event on December 12. Residents, staff, family members and the public enjoyed refreshments, crafts, facility tours,

photos with Santa, and entertainment. Shown participating in decorating prep are Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility residents (clockwise from lower left) Sophia Stascavage, Mary Francis, Mary Yurkanin and Jean Cole.



page 7

Residents Rock the Runway at Hilltop Campus Fashion Show hen the manager of the Christopher & Banks clothing store in the Oakdale Mall called Hilltop Activity Director Faye Clark at the end of December about staging a fashion show featuring Hilltop residents, Clark thought, “Why not bring in the new year in style?”

So on January 7, Clark, Activity Leader Adriane Bateman and six residents – Viola Allen, Doris Bennett, Gladys Fassold, Gail Ness, Janet Rice and Kay Sivak – went to the retail chain’s mall location to shop the store’s 2010 collection, with each resident selecting a day and an evening look. Several residents did some shopping of their own during the selection process, and were offered a “model” discount on their purchases!

Six days later, the models strutted their stuff in an evening fashion show before a packed house in the Hilltop Auditorium.

With big band music on the sound system and special lighting setting the mood, models were escorted individually down the runway by Activity Leader Chris Rash, while Clark introduced each. The audience enjoyed live piano music during intermission while the models changed into their second outfits. At the end of the show, the models mingled with the audience to give everyone a closer look at their fashions and jewelry.

Special thanks to Christopher and Banks

staff, including shopkeeper Cynthia Byrne, full-time assistant shopkeeper Maria Gray and part-time assistant shopkeeper Theresa Hayes, for making the event possible!

Editor’s Note: Check out more great photos from this event on United Methodist Homes’ Facebook Page!

Activity Leader Chris Rash shows off Kay Sivak’s “day” look at the end of her runway walk.

Donating Smiles for Kids

Rehab Resident Becomes Volunteer

Following a short-term rehabilitation stay at the Pearl and Everett Gilmour Health Care Facility on the Doris L. Patrick Campus in 2006, Helen Pedersen decided to become a volunteer! She visits monthly to lead a craft activity for the nursing home residents, bringing all the necessary

materials for participants to use. Pedersen (standing) is shown with residents Phyllis Schneider (left) and Juanita McIntyre (right) during the harvest craft day in November, when residents made wood-based Thanksgiving decorations. Some of the crafts were used to decorate resident rooms while others were sent to relatives as gifts. Pedersen is the grandmother of Activity Director Danielle Giordano.

Thanks to Wesley Village staff, residents, family members and visitors for their generous donation of toys for Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital throughout September and October. Wesley Village CNA Tina Drake enlisted the campus family’s help in collecting toys for the specialty hospital after her now 11-month-old daughter Cortney’s inpatient stay and outpatient care during summer 2009. The family was able to present a wagonful of toys for the hospital to give to sick children. Drake, who has worked for the Homes for nine years, is shown with son Zachary, 5 (left), and Cortney on the day they took the donation to the hospital.

W

Donating to the homesif you would like to make a donation or consider a planned gift to United methodist homes,

please call the Corporate office at (607) 775-6400, ext. 280.

Checks may also be mailed to 10 acre Place, Binghamton, nY 13904.


page 8

World Religions Series at St. Louise t’s never too late to learn about different faiths, and how their adherents believe, live and worship. So in October, Elizabeth Church Campus Chaplain Janet Abel began a series of presentations on world religions for St. Louise Manor residents. Said Abel, “I organized a similar series at Hilltop, and it was popular with residents. The sessions here have also been well-attended.”

Lectures to date have featured Rabbi Tziona Szajman from Temple Israel in Vestal speaking about Conservative Judaism, Imam Kasim Kopuz from the Islamic Organization of the Southern Tier in Johnson City presenting on Islam, and Father James Dutko from St. Michael’s Greek Orthodox Church in Binghamton discussing Greek Orthodoxy.

Buddhism will be the topic of the next lecture in the series.

Father Dutko showing an icon of the Marriage at Cana. This Biblical verse is read at every Orthodox wedding.

I

Gilmour Hosts Skills Fair for Nursing Staff

LPNs Stacey Roach, Alice Sanderson and Myrna Simonds hard at work on a module at the skills fair.

In early January, nursing staff at the Pearl and Everett Gilmour Health Care Facility sharpened their clinical practice with a skills fair. RNs, LPNs and CNAs rotated through 15 different skill stations such as documentation, pain management and manual vital signs set up by Staff Development Coordinator Tabitha Turner, RN, and her colleagues.

Staff attended at their leisure between January 4 and 13, with evening and weekend hours offered to accommodate everyone’s schedules. Each staff member completed an educational and testing module at the individual skill stations to achieve competency. Members of the

Norwich Local Advisory Committee, community members who serve as representatives for the Homes, were able to stop by and tour the setup. Said Turner: “They were impressed by the responsibilities and expectations that go along with everyday nursing.”

Turner organized the fair following suggestions from RN staff who had attended similar events in the past and found them to be useful for continuity in their daily practice. She said, “We look forward to making this a semi-annual event in order to keep nursing staff compliant with current practices.”

Become a fan on Facebook!See additional photos from events featured in Seasons, get alerts about upcoming events and much more!

Visit www.facebook.com, create an account if you don’t already have one, and become a fan!

Look for our new profile picture when you search for us!


Letters of Appreciation

Information Technology Green InitiativesComputers, cables and fiber-optic lines may seem at opposite ends of the spectrum from trees, nature and the environment, but United Methodist Homes’ information technology (IT) staff members are doing their part to help the organization be “green” by using less paper, less electricity and less bandwidth.

First on the list is upgrading the Homes’ payroll system. Currently a partially electronic, partially paper setup, payroll will move closer to electronic storage in 2010. Said Information Technology Director Joyce Clegg, “In the human resources/payroll area alone, we currently print nearly three dozen hard-copy reports per campus per pay period. These reports are typically filed and not used again. The system will now have the capacity to produce these reports but store them electronically. Human resources staff on each campus will still have access to the data, but without the waste of paper and electricity for printing.” Other changes will include a decrease in manual data input, and an increase in the electronic transfer of information from the time-clock system to the payroll system, saving both time and paper.

Changes to the payroll system will be made possible with the implementation of SharePoint, a Microsoft product that offers communal online data storage and collaboration functions with role-based access. IT staff recently met with a SharePoint consultant to outline the platform layout, with a goal of having SharePoint operational by the end of this year. Said Clegg, “SharePoint opens up a lot of avenues for us. By using its document management platform, we can eliminate bulky email attachments or the need for multiple individuals to save the same document to the server, thereby reducing our bandwidth.”

Watch for more information about SharePoint and other “green” IT initiatives!

To the Hilltop Campus

I wanted to thank Aaron Ampula, Randy Rudock and their staff members for all the care and help they provided to Mom while she was at Hilltop. She lived a very good life and that was in large part thanks to all of you.

To the Wesley Village Campus

Thanks to everyone at Wesley Village who took care of my dad. There are a few individuals who stand out: The first is Mary Alice, the one-woman army in the fight against pressure sores. I have never encountered a health care professional so dedicated to her craft. I am also grateful to nurses Kelly Tracy and Lisa. Both were wonderful, not only at trying to meet Dad’s needs, but also at keeping me informed. I really appreciated their approachability and pleasantness. Aide Jill also comes to mind – I can still picture her sprawled out on the floor, trying to figure out the best way to attach Dad’s oxygen to his chair so we could go on one of our many walks without the canister noisily dragging on the floor. One of the housekeepers was my sunshine – her genuine concern, conversation and hugs

helped keep me going. I am also grateful to the pastoral care staff. The worship services were my salvation. Taking Dad to services was the only “normal” thing left in our relationship when he was at Wesley. I also appreciated Barbara’s presence at Dad’s viewing and memorial service. May God bless you all as you continue the important work of caring for our precious elderly.


Thanks to Rosalind Wright and her staff for always brightening my Dad’s days during the last years of his life. Wishing you and all the residents and staff the best.

To the Doris L. Patrick Campus

Thanks to all the staff at Gilmour – we appreciate all you do for our family.


Thank you to the staff of the SUN Unit for the kindness and care you give our mother each day. It never goes unnoticed or unappreciated. A tree is being planted in your honor in one of our national forests via the Arbor Day Foundation.

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To the Hilltop Campus from a resident

Thank you to the activities staff. You all have been so very nice to me. I really like going on outings for lunch, shopping, and to see Christmas lights.


Thank you for the kindnesses and special care given to all residents, especially my mom.


We would like to thank the SUN Unit staff for all the care you provided to our mom while she was a resident. All you do is appreciated.


Thank you to the 2 West staff. We appreciate all your professional care, patience and kindness.


Thank you very much to all shifts for the care and concern you show toward our loved one.

New Year’s Celebrations

Hilltop CampusJames G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home STAR Unit residents got decked out in party hats and greeted the new year with music by David Hores, plus noisemakers and a feast of hors d’oeuvres and sparkling cider. Residents Catherine Walker (left) and Marjorie Curtis are shown enjoying the festivities.

Wesley VillageRinging in the new year at Wesley Village were (standing, left to right) Activity Director Tami Chesniak, Assistant Activity Director Shelli Ratchford, Activity Aide Krista McLane, Activity Aide Mary Ann Battista and (seated, left to right) Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility residents Eleanor Kashuda, Jennie Osmanski and Elsie Sipko.

Welcome, 2010!Welcome, 2010!

Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 197Binghamton, NY

is published monthly for employees, residents, family members and friends of the United Methodist Homes. You may direct all inquiries about Seasons to Sarah Soden, Director of Marketing/Communications/Public Relations, United Methodist Homes, 10 Acre Place, Binghamton, NY 13904. If you no longer wish to receive this publication, please call (607) 775-6400. If you are receiving duplicate copies of the newsletter, please let us know so we can amend our mailing list.

Abbreviations

DLP – Doris L. Patrick Campus, Norwich, NY

ECC – Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton, NY

JGJ – James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home, Johnson City, NY

SLM – St. Louise Manor, Binghamton, NY

UMH – United Methodist Homes

WV – Wesley Village Campus, Pittston, PA

Corporate Office10 Acre PlaceBinghamton, NY 13904

RetuRN SeRviCe RequeSted

United Methodist hoMes

a newsletter for staff, residents & friends of united

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