Contents swinterapproaches,it’sdarkersooner andweatherislessfavorablefordriving.Bothfactorscanthrowcurveballsevenatskilled,middle-ageddrivers…sowhataboutolderdrivershavingdifficultybehindthewheeleveninoptimalconditions?

Deadlycaraccidentsinvolvingelderlydriverstypicallymakenationalnews:In2003,an86-year-olddriverspedthroughacrowdatafarmer’smarketinSantaMonica,California,injuring63peopleandkilling10.InAugustofthisyear,a100-year-oldLosAngelesdriverplowedacrossacrowdedsidewalkandhit11people,nineofthemchildren.Inbothcases,thedriverscontinuedtorundownmorepeopleevenasthoseinthecrowdspoundedonthecarsandshoutedforthemtostop.

Certainlynotallseniordriverscausemasscasualtieswhentheygetbehindthewheel,butthereareseriousissuestoconsider,mostimportantlythepotentialfortheseniordriver’sabilitiestodeteriorateenoughthathisorherownsafety–andthatofpassengers,otherdriversandpedestrians–isatrisk.Seasonsoffersthiscloserlookatthetopic.

Talk Before It’s a Problem

Theidealtimetotalkaboutdrivingconcernsisbeforeyouactuallyhavethem,makingitacasualdiscussionandnotaconfrontation.Speakwithyourlovedoneaboutsituationsinwhichtheywouldwanttostopdrivingoutofconcernforthemselves,passengers,pedestriansandothermotorists,andatwhatpointkeysshouldbesurrendered:Whendrivingbeginstomaketheseniornervous?Whenaneyeglassprescriptionchangesmorethantwiceinayear?Whenfriendsbegintorefuseofferstoridealong?Ideally,theseniorshouldselectafriendorfamily

AEditorial.....................2Jack Bates, Risk Manager, Hilltop Campus

Around.the.Block......2A series featuring our amazing residents

Letters.of.Appreciation.............7Notes of thanks

Elizabeth Church Campus, Binghamton, NY(607) 722-3463Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Hilltop Campus, Johnson City, NY(607) 798-7818Independent living, adult care, assisted living, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation Tunkhannock Campus, Tunkhannock, PA(570) 836-2983Personal care Wesley Village Campus, Pittston, PA(570) 655-2891Independent living, personal care, skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation

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

November 2012

United Methodist hoMes

Continued on page 4

Seniors.in.the.Driver’s.Seat

when it’s time to give up the keys

It’s time to give up the keys if you…•onlytakebackroutes–highwaysormain

roadsaretoodifficult

•aretenseorscaredbehindthewheel

•getlostfrequently,eveninfamiliarareas

•havenewmedicationsthatmakedrivingill-advised

•havehadsignificantvisionchanges,especiallyindepthperceptionorlossofvision

•areunabletoturnyourheadtocheckmirrorsoradjacentlanes

•haveTIAs(transientischemicattacks,ormini-strokes)

•nolongerhavethestrengthorflexibilitytoreactquickly

•havehadmultiplefenderbendersorrun-inswithstationaryobjects

•havealreadyrestrictedyourselftodaytimedrivingonly

•arebotheredorblindedbybrightlightsfromothervehicles,signsorstreetlights

•can’tseethecolordifferencebetweenred,greenandyellowlights

•arenolongerallowedtodriveyourgrandchildrenanywhere

•havehadseveralpeoplesaytheywillnotridewithyou

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your toys…”

St. Louise Manor will display antique toys and model trains during December. If you have a toy or train you’d be willing to lend for the month, please contact Karen Mayer at (607) 724-4000 by December 1. The room featuring the display will be locked when not in use.

seasons ~ noveMber 2012

page 2

Asthesayinggoes,ageisjustanumber.Whenitcomestodriving,ageisnotthedeterminingfactorinmaintaininga

license–theissueisability.AccordingtoastudybytheAAAFoundation,accidentsamongseniordriversincreaseafterage65,andfatalaccidentsaremorelikelyafterage75.Whatimpactsthesestatistics?Decreasedreflexesandresponsetime,inabilitytoturntheheadtomanagealanechangeorcheckblindspots,reducedvisionandchangesincognitioncanallaffectdrivingperformanceinsubtlebutdramaticways.

Sohowcanyoukeepyourselfsafeasaseniordriver,orhelpaseniordriveryouloveknowwhentogiveupthekeys?Startbyaskingquestionssuchas,“DoIordoesmylovedone…”

•runstopsigns?•gethonkedatfrequentlybyotherdrivers?•hesitatetodrive?•getlosteveninfamiliarareas?•haverepeatedfenderbenders?•haveunexplaineddingorscrapeson

thecar?

Iftheanswertoanyoralloftheseis“yes,”it’stimetothinkaboutnotdrivinganymore.Talkaboutthetopicanywherebutthecar–chooseacalmsetting.Focusonthesafetyoftheseniordriver,passengers,pedestriansandothermotorists.Bereadywithexamplesratherthangeneralizationslike“you’redangerous”–offerspecificssuchastheneighbor’sphonecallaboutmomdrivingonthesidewalkoryourobservationoflongscratchesondad’spassengerdoor.Aboveall,focusonmaintainingtheseniordriver’sdignity–centeryourapproacharoundyourconcernforhisorherwelfare.

Ifyourlovedoneisunwillingtolisten

toyou,askhisorherphysicianforhelp.Athree-yearCanadianstudyinvolvingmorethan100,000seniordriversandmorethan6,000physiciansshowedthatwhendoctorswarnedpatientstheyweremedicallyunfittodrive,therewasa45%decreaseinseriouscrashesamongseniors(reportedintheSeptember27,2012,issueoftheNew England Journal of Medicine).

Rememberthataskingaseniortoreconsiderdrivingrepresentsalossoffreedomandthediminishedabilityoftenassociatedwithaging.Somepeopleareunderstandablyreluctanttogiveuptheirabilitytodowhattheywantwhentheywanttodoit.Besuretoofferyourlovedonealternativesandsolutionstokeephimorherengagedwithpeers,activities,appointments,entertainmentanderrands.

Wishingyouhappy(andsafe)driving!

Bates recently celebrated his 30th service anniversary with United Methodist Homes.

Around

Block

Marge Tyarks St. Louise Manor, Elizabeth Church CampusMarge Tyarks was interviewed for her Around the Block story in early August 2012, and passed away unexpectedly on August 19. She had the chance to make her own edits to her story, and it is run posthumously with the permission of her nephew, Dennis King of Dansville, New York. We’re pleased to share the story of a veteran during November, in which Veterans Day is celebrated.

We’veallhearditsaidthatthethirdtime’s

thecharm.MargeTyarksmightjustbetheproof,withthreeseparateenlistmentsintheUSArmythattookherallovertheworld.Butwe’reaheadofourselves.

Intheearly20thcentury,Tyarks’parentsimmigratedtoNewYorkCityfromLuxembourgandGermany.Thecouplealreadyhadtwodaughters,aged20and10,whenMargewasbornin1921.Mr.andMrs.TyarksweregettingtheirEastSideManhattandelireadyfortheday’scustomerswhenMrs.Tyarkssaid,“Papa,Igohomenow;”Tyarkswasbornthatafternoon.ShewasstillaninfantwhenthefamilymovedtoJohnsonCitytofindworkwithEndicott-JohnsonShoes.Lessthanadecadelater,theDepressionrockedthecountry,changingthefamily’sfortunes.“It’sstrange,butmybestchildhoodmemoriesarefromthattime,”Tyarkssaid.“Weweresohardup,butitpulledusalltogether.”

Tyarksgraduatedfromhighschoolin1939.Ayearlater,thefamilyscrapedtogetherthemoneyforhertoattendWilsonHospitalSchoolofNursingin

The

A series featuring our amazing residents

Our “Around the Block” series profiles United Methodist Homes residents who explain what their lives have been like, what their big adventures have been, how they’ve made a difference, and how they want to be remembered.

JohnsonCity;shegraduatedfromtheprogramin1943.WithWorldWarIIinfullswing,TyarksjoinedtheArmyNurseCorpswithasecondlieutenant’scommission.Afterashort

trainingperiodinAtlanticCity(“WemarchedontheboardwalkinourClassAuniforms,andwerequiteanattraction!”),shebeganherArmycareerwithapostingatasmallhospitalonIwoJima.(Yes,thatIwoJima.)ShewastherewhenwordcameinAugust1945thatV-J(VictoryinJapan)Dayhadarrivedandthewarwasover.“Ihadgoneoutforawalkontheblackvolcanicsandbeachandhadn’tgottenveryfarwhenoneofmyfellownurses

Continued on page 5

EditorialJack.Bates,.Risk.Manager,.Hilltop.Campus

Marge Tyarks in 1940, when she entered nurse training.

seasons ~ noveMber 2012

page 3

peace of mind: weather event PreparednessAlthoughtheUnitedMethodistHomesserviceregionwassparedthebruntofHurricaneSandyaroundHalloween,we’dliketotaketheopportunitytoremindresidentsandresidentfamilymembershowtheHomespreparesforandhandlesweather-relatedemergencies.

Online.updates

KeepupwithusonFacebookatwww.facebook.com/UnitedMH.Weprovideupdatesduringweathereventsforyourpeaceofmind.

Preparing.our.physical.plant

UnitedMethodistHomes’skillednursingfacilitieshavegeneratorsthatpowerthebuildings.Ourassistedlivingandadultcarefacilitiescanprovidetemporaryheatand/ormoveresidentstoareasoncampusthathaveheat.Ourcampuseskeepsevendaysoffoodandwateronhand.

Sheltering.in.place

Ratherthanevacuate,UnitedMethodistHomescampusesusea“shelterinplace”planforanumberofreasons:•ourcampusesareservedbypublicwatersuppliesthat

haveemergencypowerfortheirwells•therearelimitedoff-campuslocationsthatwould

beabletohouseandcareforourresidentsifweevacuated

•wecallinextrastaff,andourstaffarepreparedtostayoverifneeded–theyknowtopackabagincasetheyneedtostayatwork

•thedifficultyofmovingfrailresidents–shelteringinplaceissaferforourresidents

•ourcampuseshavestrongrelationshipswithlocalemergencyservices

Long-termcareorganizationsarelikehospitals–wereceivepriorityforhelpinemergencies.Inaddition,duringaweatheremergency,weprovidedailyupdatestostatehealthdepartmentstoindicateourstatusandabilitytoassistotherorganizations.PleasebeassuredthattheHomeshaslongexperiencerespondingtodisastersandkeepingresidentssafe.

Forafullerexplanationofcampuspreparedness,visitourwebsiteatwww.unitedmethodisthomes.org–chooseNewsandMultimedia,thenNewsletterArchives,andselecttheOctober2011issue–thecoverstoryfocusesondisasterreadiness.

Interested in receiving email updates from the Homes during emergencies? If so, please email ssoden@umhwc.org with your name and the name of your loved one’s campus. We’re working on establishing an email notification system.

Chadwick.Retirement.Celebrated.at.GalaOnNovember1,morethan300peoplegatheredforaretirementgalaattheBinghamtonRiverwalkHoteltohonorPresidentEmeritusKeithChadwick’s36yearsofservicetoUnitedMethodistHomes.Chadwick,whoofficiallyretiredonSeptember1,mixedandmingledwithcolleagues,Homesemployeesfrombothstates,anumberoffamilymembers,friends,Boardmembers,local-andstate-levelleadersandotherguests.Attendeesenjoyedbutleredhorsd’oeuvres,fruit,cheeseandcrackers,carvingstations,dessertsanddrinks.

TheformalprogramwasemceedbyHilltopCampusAdministratorJerryHalbert.BoardChairCalliBergofferedagreeting,andimmediatepastBoardChairWarrenWatkinsreminiscedabouthisinteractionswithChadwickthroughoutthetwodecadesoftheirpartnership.HeclosedhisremarksbyreadingtherefrainoftheUnitedMethodisthymn“HeLeadethMe,”highlightingChadwick’sstrongleadership.Anumberofproclamationsandcitationswerepresented,includingfromNewYorkStateEmergencyManagementOfficeRegion4,BroomeCountyEmergencyServices,BroomeCountyExecutiveDebbiePreston,andtheNewYorkStateAssembly.LeadingAgeNewYorkExecutiveVice-PresidentDanHeimtookthepodiumtocongratulateChadwick,andalthoughLeadingAgePresidentandCEOLarryMinnixcouldn’tattendinperson,hesentafive-minutevideomessage.“You’reexitingatthetopofyourgame,althoughyoudidn’taskformypermissiontoretire,”hequipped.Chadwick’ssuccessor,PresidentandCEOBrianPicchini,spokeabouthisyear-longmentorshipunderChadwick,andthenpresentedhimwithatravelvoucherfromtheorganizationinhonorofhisretirement.

Chadwickthentookthemichimself,thankingthemanypeoplewhocontributedtohissuccess,especiallyhiswifeof38years,Gail,andtheBoardchairswithwhomhehasworked.Heclosedbythankingeveryoneforcoming,forbeinghisfriends,andforassistinghimthroughouthiscareerattheHomes:“Iwouldnothavebeensuccessfulwithoutyourhelp,support,adviceandprayers,”hesaid.

Chadwick’sgrandchildrenstoletheshow,withnearlytwo-year-oldMarleecallingout“Papa!”whileChadwickmadehisremarks,andeight-year-oldAlexarequestingaturnatthemicrophonetoexplainwhyChadwickisthebestgrandpaever.

Chadwickcontinuestoservethehomesasaconsultant.

President Emeritus Keith Chadwick (far left) accepts his retirement gift from Controller Sal LaMantia, Board Chair Calli Berg and President and CEO Brian Picchini.

seasons ~ noveMber 2012

memberwhoiswillingtoremindhimorherthattheprearrangedparameterhasbeenreached,andit’stimetovoluntarilygiveupthekeys.Thegoalisthatadvancecommitmenttothisspecifiedendpointhelpstheseniordriverfeelincontrolofthedecisiontostopdriving.

Unfortunately,noteverysenioriswillingtodiscusschangesinadvance,orisunwillingtoconsiderthathisorherabilitieshavedeterioratedenoughtomakedrivingunsafe.Inthissituation,it’suptofamilyandfriendstokeepaneyeonthecarandthedriver:Aretherenew,unexplainedscratchesanddentsonthevehicle?Haveneighborscalledabouterraticdriving?Isyourlovedonepostponingalicenserenewaltoavoidaneyeexamorroadtest?Ataneutraltimeandplace(notinthecar),bringupthe“redflag”issueandbroachthesubjectofdrivingcessation.

Resistance and Enlisting Help

Someolderdrivers,eventhosewithobviousskilldeficits,areunwillingtoadmitthattheyarenolongersafedrivers.Whydosomeseniorsdriverskeepdrivingevenwhentheyknowthey’renolongerasproficientastheyoncewere?Resistanceto“givingupthekeys”hasanumberofrootcauses,includingfearofthelossofindependence,lackofalternatetransportationoptions(especiallyinruralareas),anddisinclinationtoaskforridestoappointments,shoppingandentertainment.Ininstancesinwhichaconversationhasnotbeeneffective,itmaybehelpfultoenlistassistancefromothersources,suchas:

•yourlovedone’sphysician–adoctor

Seniors in the Driver’s Seat Continued from page 1

Hmaybeabletoexplaintherisksinawaytheseniordriverwillaccept.Sometimestakingthesuggestionfromanon-familymemberfeelslessthreatening.

•theDepartmentofMotorVehicles–inmoststates,youcananonymouslyreportanunsafedriver,whichtriggerscontactforaneyeexamanddrivingtest.

•thelocalpolicedepartmentorsheriff–mostpolicedepartmentsorsheriff’sofficeswillacceptthereportofanunsafedriverandfollowupwiththedriver.

Alternative Transportation

Ifyourlovedonecannolongerdrive,lookforwaystohelphimorherstayconnectedwiththecommunity,friends,errandsandappointments.Ifyou’reinacitywithtaxiserviceandbusroutes,offeralistofcabcompanyphonenumbersandinformationabouttheclosestbusstops,passesorfaredetails,androutes.Inanareawithoutpublictransit,considerhowbesttokeepyourlovedonemobile–canyouofferaweeklyshoppingtrip?Cangroceriesbedelivered?Isthereaseniorliftbusthatcanprovidetransitbyappointment?Doesyourlovedonehavefriendswhoarestilldrivingwhocouldtakehim/heralong?Knowingthattheirlifelinetothecommunityisn’tbeingseveredcaneasethetransitionfromdrivertonon-driverstatus.

Formoreinformationonopeningupadialogueaboutdriving,visitwww.nhtsa.gov/Senior-Driversorseniordriving.aaa.com.

Urganus.Recognized.for.Service illtopCampusresidentErnieUrganus recentlyreceivedanawardfromtheTownofBinghamtonforhislongserviceonthetown’sZoningBoardofAppeals.Heservedonthefive-memberbodyformorethan30yearsbeforesellinghishomeandmovingtotheHilltopCampusinMarch2011.Themovetookhimoutofthetownlimitsandrenderedhimineligibletocontinueinthezoningboardrole.

Urganuswasfirstappointedtothezoningboardin1979.BydayheworkedasthecreditmanageratSearsinitsCourtStreetlocation(beforetheOakdaleMallopenedin1977),andthenthePostOffice,fromwhichheretired.Heenjoyedhiszoningboardroleasaninterestoutsidehiscareerresponsibilities.

Urganus’nextleadershiprolemaybealittleclosertohome–he’sontheballotforHilltopResidentCouncilpresident,withelectionsscheduledforDecember.Goodluck!

“Ve vant to suck your blood…”Wesley Village’s blood drive around Halloween was a howling success: 42 pints were collected (besting their 35 pint goal), enough to help 114 patients! Restorative Nursing Supervisor Romayne Kowalczyk (rear table) and Assistant Activity Director Shelli Ratchford (front table) were both donors. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Day of Caring at St. Louise Manor During the United Way Day of Caring on October 27, St. Louise Manor was the recipient of some friendly assistance from Modern Marketing Concepts staff. The group joined residents for their morning stretch, helped bring chairs out for the harmonica sing-a-long and then put chairs away, and visited with residents, asking “icebreaker” questions to get to know them. “There were lots of smiles and laughter, and everyone benefited!” said Activity Leader Karen

Mayer. St. Louise resident Mary Raychel (standing at left) gave Heather Wiercinski (standing at right)’s granddaughters Kylie and Andrea a lift during the day’s events.

page 4

seasons ~ noveMber 2012

L

Hilltop Campus staff celebrating at the event included (seated from left) Assistant Administrator Jackie Otremba, Director of Nursing Tammy Patak, LPN Cathy Porter, Cook Julie Kirch, (standing from left) Activity Director Faye Clark, Unit One Secretary Barb Wayman, Activity Leader Christa McEwan and CNA Marjorie Desir.

page 5

Around the Block Continued from page 2

camerunningaftermeshouting,‘Marge,Marge,acablejustcamethrough–thewarisover!’Iranbacktothehospital,andafewofusdecidedtostaysober,staffthehospitalandrememberthenight.Thekegscameoutandthepartywason!IfJapan’sNavyhadwantedtotakebackIwo,theycouldhavejustsailedintotheharborthatnightandwalkedrightontothebeach.Well,notreally,butitwasquiteaparty!”

Tyarksdecidedtoextendherenlistment.“Myparentsweresoproud–theycouldwearthatbluestarpinthatshowedyouhadachildintheservice,”sheremembered.Fiveyearslater,shereturnedhome,butwiththingsheatingupinKorea,shesoonreenlisted.ShewasneversenttotheKoreantheater,servinginsteadinhospitalsstatesideandinEurope.TheprocessrepeateditselfwhentheVietnamWarbegan(“Icouldn’tletthemhaveawarwithoutme,”shesaid.).After20years,whenthetimecameforhertomusterout,shewascalledintoameetingwithmilitarybrass:“TheytoldmeifIstayedthey’dmakemealieutenantcolonel,butIhadtoturnthemdown–Iwasneededathome.”Shelefttheserviceamajor,withyearsofdepartmentheadexperienceunderherbelt,lotsofitinmaternitywards.“They’dfoundoutIknewwherebabiescamefrom!”shesaidwithalaugh.Despitepostingsallovertheworld,herfavoritebasewasclosetohome:“IlovedworkingonGovernor’sIslandinNewYorkHarbor–I’dgooutonthewalkwayandlookattheStatueofLibertywheneverIcould.”

AftertheArmy,Tyarksreturnedhometocareforhersisters,takingonprivatedutyandhospitalnursingjobs.Shecontinuedtoliveinherfamily’sbighouseonthesouthsideofJohnsonCity,alongwithasmallherdofPomeraniansandchihuahuas.ShemovedtoSt.LouiseManorinlate2011.

Tyarkswaspleasedwiththeopportunitytosetdownherstorybeforeherunexpecteddeath.Andhereiswhereweaskyouforafavor,Seasonsreader:Weaskyoutorememberthisstory,orevenjustpartofit.Rememberit,andtellitagain.

To make a suggestion for the Around the Block series, contact Sarah Soden, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at (607) 775-6400, ext. 288. Residents are welcome to suggest themselves!

Area Long-Term Care Staff Recognized ong-termcarestafffrom14skillednursingfacilitiesinBroome,Tiogaand ChenangoCountieswererecognizedbytheLong-TermCareAdministratorsoftheSouthernTierduringthe“EmployeeofDistinction”luncheonattheBinghamtonRiverwalkHotelonNovember7.Morethan75staffwerehonoredatthesixthannualevent,andeachwaspresentedwithaframedcertificateandabeveledglassawardinrecognitionofexceptionaleffortanddedicationtoresidents.Theevent’skeynotespeakerwasMariaMotsavage,ElderCareCoordinatorforthelawfirmofLevene,GouldinandThompsonandformerPresidentandCEOofUHSSeniorLivingatIdeal.

SaidMaryLouFaust,PresidentandCEOofIdealSeniorLivingCenterandeventcoordinator,“Thestaffwhomeetthedailyneedsofourresidentsarethebackboneofthelong-termcaresystem.Thesearepeoplewhoprovidehands-oncare,managebuildingmaintenance,planactivitiesandservemeals–allthethingsthatmakeanursingfacilityrunlikeahome.Wearepleasedtohavetheopportunitytohonorthem.”

TheLongTermCareAdministratorsoftheSouthernTierisaprofessionalorganizationthatprovidesaforumforadministratorstodiscussissuesfacinglong-termcare,sharesurveyandbestpracticesinformationandmore.

Elizabeth Church Campus staff celebrating at the event included (seated from left) Director of Nursing Donna Bendzel, CNA Cindy Ardis, Maintenance Supervisor Steve Weston, (standing from left) Administrator Vicky Morabito, Custodian Julie Sherman, LPN Dee Koval and LPN Jackie Morrison.

Wesley Village’s Annual Old-Fashioned ChristmasSaturday, December 8 from 11 AM-2 PM,

entertainment at 2:30 PM

Enjoy refreshments, crafts, tours and photos with Santa!

seasons ~ noveMber 2012

page 6

Frightfully Good Times!

Brushes.at.the.ready!

James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home residents painted pumpkins just before Halloween, opting for ceramic versions that will last longer than real squash. With assistance from activity staff, residents chose from a variety of paint colors and brushes, as well as optional glitter. Finished pumpkins ranged from traditional orange to green and even black! Resident Camilla Bennett concentrates on her project as Activity Leader Christa McEwan adds glitter to her orange paint.

Get.your.scare.on.at.Hilltop!

The Hilltop Campus put on its legen (wait for it) dary Halloween haunted house again this year in the Hilltop auditorium. Activity staff spent more than two months planning the frightfest, with each activity staffer taking responsibility for dreaming up an individual room. This year’s haunted house included a library, an attic (complete with “leaking roof”), a porch scene, a spider’s lair, a haunted winter wonderland and more. Even the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall got into the action, featuring a looped video of mice running out of wall cracks! Once activity staff set up, they were joined in the adventure by staff and residents from throughout the campus. Some of the “ghouls” took time out for a photo, including (seated from left) abominable snowman/Chaplain Lea Harding, Hilltop Westside resident Kay Grace, who was in charge of candy; James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home resident and greeter Kay Hemstreet and (standing left to right) inmate/Activity Director Faye Clark and death harlequin/Activity Leader Rebecca Smith. Keep an eye on that candy, Mrs. Grace – looks like the snowman is going for it!

Grand.Care.Trick.or.Treating.at.Hilltop

On October 26, kids from the Grand Care Children’s Center put on their Halloween best and walked over to Hilltop to trick or treat with the residents! James G. Johnston Memorial Nursing Home resident Clara Sarday (seated) is shown handing out loot to three-year-olds Lydia (Minnie Mouse), Thomas (astronaut) and Megan (Tinkerbell).

Happy.Halloween,.boys.and.ghouls!

Wesley Village residents enjoyed a Halloween party, featuring music, snacks and lots of creative costumes all around! Activity Aide Lindsey Heinzlmeir (left) came as Frankenstein, and paused for a photo with Partridge-Tippett Nursing Facility resident Donald Collins, who came prepared for the event with a crow on his hat and his “I’m here, let’s party!” shirt.

Try.a.new.face!

Things were pretty candy-corny at the Tunkhannock Campus Halloween party!

Residents could choose from a variety of silly hats (crows, pumpkins, jester hats and more)

and masks, and everyone enjoyed lunch, snacks and musical entertainment. Activity Director Terry White (left,

hiding behind the mask) and resident Irwin Messick (with the fabulous glasses and moustache) clowned

around at the event.

seasons ~ noveMber 2012

page 7

Shorts

SeveralUnitedMethodistHomesstaffmembersattendedthenationalLeadingAgeannualmeetingandexpo,heldthisyearinDenver,Colorado,fromOctober21through24.PresidentandCEOBrianPicchini,AdministratorsJerryHalbert,JohnLopatkaandVickyMorabito;CFOGaryGardner,Vice-PresidentofClinicalServicesHeatherMorganandFinanceDirectorShaneMcGuireeachparticipatedinawidevarietyofsessionsdesignedtobringattendeesuptodateonthemostrecenttrendsandinformationinlong-termcare.

TheFriendsoftheUnitedMethodistHomesofPennsylvaniametattheTunkhannockCampusonOctober16.TheyenjoyedaluncheonaswellasremarksfromresidentMargaretReid,whothankedtheFriendsandspokeaboutthecampusonbehalfofTunkhannockresidents,focusingontheimportanceofvolunteerswhohelpenrichresidents’lives.NewvolunteerSallyNotoalsospokeaboutherexperiencesassistingwithactivitiesonandoffcampus,andActivityandVolunteerDirectorTerryWhitegaveaPowerPointpresentationonhowvolunteersimpactthecampus.

OnOctober21,St.LouiseManorresidentDr.BeverlyHostenDorseyandUnitedMethodistHomesPublicRelationsandMarketingDirectorSarahSodenattendedalecturebyNewark,NewJersey,MayorCoryBookeratWilkesUniversityinWilkes-Barre,Pennsylvania.Bookerfocusedhisremarksonthepowerofindividualstochangetheirneighborhoodsandbeforcesforgood.

TheTunkhannockCampusparkinglotwasrecentlyexpandedbymorethanadozenspaces.Theproject,completedbyShuppsExcavatingandPavingofFactoryville,includedremovalofoldconcretecarstops,groomingthebordersandgradingthearea.Portionsofthelotwerepreviouslygrassonly,creatingproblemswithmudinthespringandiceinthewinter.Thelothasnowbeencoveredingravelforimprovedtractionanddurability.Checkoutthisnewareaifyouvisitcampus!

Chadwick.Honored.at.Campus.Retirement.ReceptionsDuring late October and early November, each United Methodist Homes campus hosted a farewell reception for President Emeritus Keith Chadwick to celebrate his retirement. The events provided an informal opportunity for residents, staff and others to stop by, enjoy refreshments and mix and mingle with the guest of honor. At the Hilltop reception (photo at far left), Chadwick gets a hug from Golden Oldies Café Coordinator Vicki Considine. At the Tunkhannock event, Tunkhannock Campus resident Margaret Reid presented Chadwick with a plaque featuring a tree silhouette (photo at left) – residents’ fingerprints formed the “leaves,” representing the imprint Chadwick has left on the hearts of residents. On behalf of residents and staff, Administrator Joe Corey also presented Chadwick with a plaque in honor of his 36 years of service to the organization.

STAR Unit Resident’s Writing Continues to DelightFortheentertainmentoftheAfton(NewYork)PresbyterianChurch’sfinancialsecretary,long-timememberHelenKanehadahabitofwritingthoughts,prayersandpoetryontheofferingenvelopessheandherhusbandTonysubmittedinthecollectionplateeachSunday.Thesecretary,pleasedbytheweeklywordsofwisdom,begancompilingthework,resultinginathickpacketfromnearlytwodecadesofenvelopenotes.

TheKanesmovedtoHilltopin2007,andTonydiedshortlyafter.HelenlivedonHilltop’sWestsideuntilhermovetotheSUNUnitin2008andthentheSTARUnitin2009.Whenshewasactivelywriting,Helenwroteprimarilyinprayerformatonavarietyoftopicssuchasmotivation,theseasons,gratitude,faithandlivingintheworldwiththehelpofGod.Presciently,Helenwrotethisprayerin1979:“DearGod,wefearsomuchinlife,especiallythecripplingorlossofourphysicalsensesandabilities.”Helen’sdaughters,BonnieMoranofBinghamtonandSharonVanKouwenbergofTennessee,sharedtheirmother’sworkwithSTARUnitNurseManagerRosalindWrighttogivestaffafeelforwhotheirmotherwasinherprime.

Helenenjoyedfocusingherwritingontheseasons.Inthefallof1989,shewroteareflectionabouttheLord’sgiftoftheautumn:“OnceayearHegivesusapanoramaofcolor,sunshineandcloudsthatstaggersoursenses.Allyearlongthere’sanever-changingpicturethatbuildstothisextravaganza,andthencomesrestforthesensesintheformofquietwintermonths.”Formorethan20years,HelenalsopennedherownholidayversesasherChristmascard.Her1992poemconcludedwith,“Andourheartscryoutintheirownway/TosharethisgreatjoyonChristmasday/Thereinliesyoursecret,ohChristmastime,/ThesharingofGod’slovesublime.”

SaidWright,“It’swonderfultohaveawindowintowhoourresidentswerebeforeAlzheimer’sdiseaseanddementiarobbedthemoftheirmemoriesandexperiences.”

ThankyoutoHelen’sfamilyforsharingthesespecialwritings!

Helen Kane and her husband Tony, circa the 1970s.

St. Louise Manor Holiday PartyForresidentsanduptofouradultguests

7-9PM,Thursday,December13EntertainmentbyDonGodfreyandCompany

PleaseRSVPto(607)724-4000by4PMESTDecember10.

NonprofitOrganizationU.S.Postage

PAIDPermitNo.197Binghamton,NY

ispublishedmonthlyforthestaff,residents,familymembers,friendsandcampusneighborsofUnitedMethodistHomes.PleasedirectallinquiriesaboutSeasonstoSarahSoden,DirectorofMarketingandPublicRelations,at10AcrePlace,Binghamton,NY13904.Ifyounolongerwishtoreceivethispublication,pleasecallSarahat(607)775-6400,ext.288.Ifyouarereceivingduplicatecopiesofthenewsletter,pleaseletusknowsowecanamendthemailinglist.

Visitourwebsiteatwww.unitedmethodisthomes.orgtoviewcontactinformationforeachcampus,aswellasmonthlyactivitycalendars,newsreleases,ortoviewbackissuesofthenewsletterelectronically.

VisitourFacebookPageforupdates,eventinfoandphotos.Gotowww.facebook.com/UnitedMH.

Corporate Office10 Acre PlaceBinghamton, NY 13904

United Methodist hoMes

Interact with us on

Wesley Village CampusIn early November, the Wesley Village Campus honored its 39 resident veterans at a special breakfast. The campus also invited veterans of the skilled nursing facility from the Wilkes-Barre Veterans’ Hospital to join the party. In what has become an anticipated annual tradition, honorees entered the celebration under an allée of flags waved by Wesley Village staff. At the conclusion of the meal, all veterans in attendance received personalized certificates and a flag pin, both provided by Veterans of the Vietnam War in Pittston. Activity Aide Michaline Gubitoso is showing wheeling resident veteran William Kelleman into the event under the last two flags, held by Billing Clerk Colleen Bridger (left) and

Administrative Intern Mike Perlock (right). Social Worker Ellen Machovec organized a patriotic collage-making activity in advance of the event, and projects were displayed throughout the dining room to add to the festivities.

St. Louise ManorOn November 9, St. Louise Manor welcomed Commander (and Army sergeant) Carl Northrup of the Broome/Chenango Masonic War Veterans Post 61 to present recognition pins to more than a dozen resident veterans. Activity Leader Karen Mayer introduced each veteran by talking about his or her branch of service, peace or wartime duties and specific assignments. Jobs included combat engineer, mechanic, chef, cartographer, radio operator and more! Northrup was assisted by St. Louise resident Bill Hunsinger (right rear of photo, holding flag), who was a major in the Army. At the end of the pin presentation, Mayer opened the floor for residents to remember loved ones who served as well. Northrup (standing) is shown presenting a pin to resident Camello “Tom” Stento, who was an Army Coastal Defense supply sergeant in Philadelphia during the Korean War era.

— Look for more veteran ceLebration photos in the December issue! —