T he fall season always has me reflecting on the

many blessings we have here at the Home, and

the way we can all be a blessing to others. There

is no short supply on both fronts this year! Thanks to our

dedicated and hardworking staff, I am honored to report

that Reformed Church Home has again attained

Advanced QAPI Accreditation, a distinction we

have now earned every quarter for almost 2 years! QAPI

recognizes our dedication to quality assurance via

resident and family interviews, identification of areas

needing improvement, and action plans to implement

needed changes. Less than 2% of the skilled nursing

facilities in the country have achieved this advanced

standing, including only two centers in NJ. We are so

proud to be one of them!

And the honors keep coming…in fact, LeadingAge NJ

has awarded Wilson Santiago, LPN, with the Excellence

in Care, Support Services Award for 2019, and he will

be recognized for his stellar work ethic at their annual

breakfast on December 4. Wilson has touched the lives

of countless residents throughout his 21 years of service

(and counting!) at RCH, first as a nurse, then a unit

manager, and now as our Associate Director of Admis-

sions and Marketing. He demonstrates boundless

compassion and a

true desire to help

whenever needed.

His experience as

a SNF nurse has

contributed greatly

to his success in

Admissions, as he

efficiently reviews

medical records

for rehab candi-

dates; corresponds

with doctors and

medical staff in a

shared language;

compassionately

advises loved ones

often dealing with

a family crisis; and

ensures a smooth

admissions process, all with a boundless sense of

humor and grace under pressure. We are gratified to

have such a devoted, caring, helpful advocate for the

elderly within our midst for so many years.

Turning to this season of giving and our mission to

give back to the greater Old Bridge community, I want

to sincerely thank our visitors and staff for their

generosity during our Stop Hunger initiative, in

conjunction with Sodexo Senior Services. See details of

this annual event on page 6. At press time, we are

rapidly approaching our goal of accumulating 1,000

pounds of food and $2,500 for the Food Bank of Old

Bridge!

In addition, we will again be collecting unwrapped toys

for distribution to local children. If you are coming for

a visit or passing by the building, we’d so appreciate

your dropping off an item (appropriate for infants

through teens) for this worthwhile cause. Our assisted

living residents are crafting many items for their sale to

raise money and then shop for those children in need. It

is truly one of the most gratifying events of the season

when we assemble all the fabulous toys, knowing how

happy they will make area families and children.

Speaking of gift giving, don’t miss our first annual

Home for the Holidays Market on December 5 from

3 pm to 8 pm. A selection of local vendors will be here

to sell specialty foods and gifts, accessories, jewelry,

clothing, and holiday items. As a public event, I’m cer-

tain our staff, residents, their families, and the commu-

nity at large will find special treasures in a low-stress

holiday shopping experience complete with carolers

and tours of our beautifully-decorated community.

I’d like to extend my heartfelt wishes that our residents,

employees, their families and friends will receive the

blessings of peace and happiness, not just at this

extraordinary season, but throughout the coming year.

Sincerely,

Kate Shepard

Executive Director/Administrator

Wilson Santiago, LPN has won the

2019 LeadingAge NJ Excellence in

Care Award for Support Services!

Giving Thanks for Our Many Blessings Fall 2019

Page 2

The Home News is published multiple times a year by the Marketing Department at Reformed Church Home. Questions,

comments, or editorial suggestions should be directed to Andrea Walls, Director of Marketing, 732-607-9230 or

sent via email to awalls@rchnj.org.

Editor: Andrea Walls Assistant Editor: Ava Lowen

2019-2020

Patrick Beckford Reformed Church of Highland Park President

Vacant Vice President Linda Soley Spotswood Reformed Church Secretary Karen Feeney Colts Neck Reformed Church

Treasurer Elected Members

I. Reed Feuster Colts Neck Reformed Church Rev. William Grob Ramapo Reformed Church Rev. Charles Higgins Specialized Ministry William Perkinson Colts Neck Reformed Church Sara Thompson Brookdale Reformed Church Members at Large Robert Gethard Colts Neck Reformed Church

David Houck Colts Neck Reformed Church Marilyn Koops Second Reformed Church of New Brunswick Audrey Ahn Colts Neck Reformed Church Tim Cassidy Reformed Church of Highland Park

Dave Sliker Spotswood Reformed Church Rev. Joseph Woods Spotswood Reformed Church Synod of the Mid-Atlantics Rev. Stephen Eckert South Branch Reformed Church

Status of the Multi-Purpose Room Sound System

Back in the Spring, through our annual Mother’s and

Father’s Day appeal, we requested support for a sound

system upgrade in the MPR. We are happy to say that

our plans are underway to implement this new system.

The upgrades will include replacing our audio

components with newer technology, upgrading our

speakers, and adding a special feature that allows

hearing aids currently worn by residents to act as an

amplifier, with no additional headsets or equipment.

We have also applied for an additional grant to fund the

video upgrades needed to allow all the systems in the

MPR to play through the new speakers, which will be a

huge improvement for our residents. Also, a new video

projector, screen and a live camera feed will allow us to

broadcast services and events held in the MPR directly

into the resident rooms, which will benefit those who

just aren’t feeling well enough to attend the live event.

We will begin these new upgrades soon after the new

year, so as not to interfere with our many holiday

activities. We should have the new system in place by

the end of January, 2020. We will keep you advised of

our progress and invite all to experience the system

during a future visit!

News, Notes & Announcements

Holiday Décor—Dos and Don’ts

With the holidays upon us, we would

like to remind our residents and

families of a few important safety

guidelines for holiday décor:

Artificial trees and wreaths are acceptable so long as

any electrical components are UL listed and the

surfaces are flame retardant.

Live greens, wreaths, trees, or extension cords are

not allowed per state safety regulations.

Please be sure any decorations do not impede the

ability of the residents or aides to move around the

room or cause a trip hazard.

Please do not block any exits, stairwells, or interfere

with the closing mechanism for any doors.

If bringing in food, please be advised that we can

store food in our refrigerators for 24 hours only if

the resident does not have their own refrigerator.

After that it will be discarded. Please mark the food

container with the date it was brought into the

Home, and also mark with your name if you want

the container returned. Otherwise, it will be

discarded.

Thanks for your cooperation. Have a blessed holiday!

Wishing All the Best to Our

Newest Assisted Living Residents!

Marie Dziedzic E360

Magdalene Holland D280 Sharon Gilsleider D210

Helen Schreyer E350

Make Somebody’s Christmas!

Please donate an unwrapped toy

for area children in need

this holiday season.

Collection box will be in our

main lobby from

November 27 to December 15.

Thank you for your kindness!

Page 3

The Power of the Word

Therefore, it is up to us to choose the way we use our

words. I will assume that you will choose the right uses

of the tongue. This is not as easy as it may seem. On

the contrary, it requires great effort and determination.

First of all, we have to acquire the knowledge that can

help us use our tongues and choose our words in a

Godly, constructive way. “The tongue of the wise

commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool

gushes folly.” (Proverbs 15:2) It is crucial to study the

word of God to have the ability to speak wisdom and

knowledge and be able to use the same language Jesus

has demonstrated to us during His life on earth.

When we have real and truthful love towards others,

we will be motivated to use our words for

encouragement instead of criticism. When we

surround our family members and friends with

positive, optimistic, and caring words, we greatly help

by building and lifting them up instead of hindering

their growth and lowering their self-esteem. Even

when we meet someone who is very provocative such

as described in Proverbs 18:6, “A fool's lips bring him

strife, and his mouth invites a beating", we have to

remember that a gentle answer turns away wrath.

(Proverbs 15:1) We have to keep our tempers under

control and go the extra mile, choosing calming words

instead of words that stir up anger. We have to put

the teaching of James 1:19 into practice: “Quick to

listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

When our hearts are filled with desire to spread the

word of God, we will use our words to witness for

others, to reach out to those who are hungry, to listen

to our Lord's sweet words, and t o learn about His

unconditional love for all. For it is Proverbs 10:21 that

says, “The lips of the righteous nourish many.”

F rom the very beginning, God used His word to

create the whole universe. Then God bestowed

upon us, as human beings, the same power of

His word, as we were created in God's image.

This same power filled His disciples on the day of

Pentecost. “They saw what seemed to be tongues of

fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began

to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled

them.”(Acts 2:2-4) The Holy Spirit gave them the

power to preach the good news all over the world and

enabled them to be very effective in their words.

Evidence of this can be seen in Peter’s ability to win

over three thousand souls with one sermon. He said to

them, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to

God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the

forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift

of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

In His letter, James drew our attention to this very

small yet very powerful part of our existence — the

tongue — because he realized that with our words we

can bless or curse, help or hurt, and build up or tear

down. To prove his point, James described “When we

put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us,

we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an

example. Although they are so large and are driven by

strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder…

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it

makes great boasts.” (James 3:3-5).

Moreover, in Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus said, “... that

for every idle word men may speak, they will give

account of it on the Day of Judgment. For by your

words you will be justified, and by your words you

will be condemned.” Words are very powerful and can

have great effects on others. Sometimes we think that

words mean nothing and only actions count. But this is

not true; though actions are very effective, words are

very influential as well. Proverbs 16:24 reads,

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul

and healing to the bones.” Words can heal and they

can hurt, as Proverbs 15:4 tells us, "The tongue that

brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue

crushes the spirit."

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,

but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,

but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

Page 4

Halloween Happenings...

Page 5

… and Fall Fun

See more photos on Facebook and Instagram! Please like and share our pages:

www.Facebook.com/ReformedChurchHome or

www.Instagram.com/ReformedChurchHome

Page 6

O n September 16th, God delivered us the most

perfect weather for an enjoyable day of golf on

the historic fairways at Battleground Country

Club in Manalapan, NJ. The 28th Annual Golf Classic

presented by Hawks & Company was a huge success,

hosting 80 golfers and an additional 20 luncheon guests.

Early morning golfers were greeted by the friendly staff

at Battleground as they dropped off their bags and

received their AmeriHealth New Jersey bag tags and

starting hole assignments. Guests then registered and

had the opportunity to purchase tickets for the on-course

contests, the gift auction raffle baskets, and the 50/50

cash raffle. New this year was a “Super Ticket” packet,

giving golfers all they needed to enjoy the day at a

discounted price. Goody bags donated by Renaissance

Promotions included a logoed golf shirt, TD Bank

sleeve of golf balls, an Investors Bank golf towel, and a

tee/divot tool package provided by Stormmaster Gutters.

A plentiful breakfast was sponsored by Bank of America

and served al fresco on the beautiful outdoor patio.

Representatives from both of this year’s honorees,

Hawks & Company and TD Bank, started the day off

with ceremonial tee shots and golfers set out on the

course, playing a shamble format. On-course beverages

and snacks were provided by The Graham Company,

the golf carts were sponsored by Roof Deck, Inc., and

the cigar cart — always a highlight of the day — was

made available thanks to Paul Pinchak.

As golfers entered the luncheon they were greeted by

some of our residents, Pastor Sam, and other luncheon

guests who arrived early to peruse the 60+ raffle baskets

and 10 silent auction items. Guests enjoyed an impres-

sive lunch buffet sponsored by Sodexo Senior Services. The awards presentation began with RCH Administrator

Kate Shepard thanking the sponsors, expressing her

gratitude for long-time RCH golf classic supporters and

welcoming newcomers to the event, adding, “We hope

you will take time to visit the Reformed Church Home,

get to know our residents, and see the fruits of your

generosity in action.” The afternoon concluded with the

drawing of the raffle basket winners and announcement

of the 50/50 cash winner, which climbed to a prize of

$1,040 thanks to 50/50 pre-sales.

Overall, the 28th Annual Golf Classic yielded a great day

of fun, fellowship, and unmatched support for the

Home. The net proceeds from the event totaled more

than $50,000. These funds were designated for

renovation of the 1st and 2nd Floor Skilled Nursing

alcoves. We are happy to report that the majority of the

lounge furniture, tables and chairs have been purchased

and placed for all to enjoy. Additional renovations to the

kitchen side of the alcoves as well as purchase of more

accessories offering “homelike” touches are in progress. It goes without saying that we have tremendous

appreciation for all those who contributed to the success

of this annual event. But we will say a heartfelt “Thank

You” anyway in recognition of the generosity of so

many. We look forward to seeing RCH outing veterans

and newcomers alike at the 29th Annual Golf Classic set

for Monday, September 21, 2020 at the incomparable

Battleground Country Club, so please save the date!

RCH Development

28th Golf Classic A Huge Success—Thanks to Many Supporters

Members of Colts Neck Reformed Church joined us at

the Golf Luncheon. A good time was had by all!

Page 7

F or more than 10 years now, Sodexo Senior

Services and our Development Department have

embraced the Stop Hunger mission, giving our

Reformed Church Home employees, residents, families,

friends and neighbors the opportunity to give back to the

community by supporting the Old Bridge Food Bank.

We began our 2019 efforts on October 15th with the col-

lection of non-perishable food and toiletry items, with

November 22 designated as the final date to donate

items or funds. Our goal this year was to raise a total of

$2,500 and collect at least 1,000 pounds of food. At

press time, that goal was in sight!

The response to this collection effort was outstanding

once again. Diverse activities made it easier than ever

for our staff, visitors, and residents to support the cause:

Non-perishable food and toiletries were collected in

a huge donation box in the RCH main lobby. For

convenience, paper shopping bags were provided

with a list of needed items. Many thanks to all who

have donated to date, but especially to our neighbors

at Maher Manor senior apartments. They donated 28

bags of food this year!

Students in need of community service hours were

invited to conduct a Neighborhood Drop, with

personalized bags and flyers created to promote this

year’s Stop Hunger food drive. Students distributed

the donation bags provided by RCH among the

houses in their own neighborhood, collected them

from each neighbor’s front porch on a designated

date, and dropped them off in our collection box.

What a great way to spread the word and engage our

youth in such an important cause!

Back by popular demand, five uniquely-themed

baskets were created by our Director of

Development and displayed in the lobby. Raffle

tickets were sold over a 4-week period, with winners

to be announced on November 22nd. Good luck to

all who entered!

Employees were more than happy to participate in

Dress Down Friday tickets, Thursday Night Football

Wing Trays, and Friday Night Take-Out Dinners for

Four. The proceeds added hundreds of dollars

toward the collection over a 4-week period.

Our Week of Fun and Giving was held November 5th

to 8th, including a bagel breakfast, bake/craft sales,

and a team “Change for Hunger” coin collection.

Teams were segmented by floor, with staff, resi-

dents, and families welcome to participate. The First

Floor collected the most spare change and won a

pizza party. In total, the weeklong events garnered

$600 toward the collection.

As of this writing, our Stop Hunger initiatives have

raised more than $1,800 and we have collected just over

500 pounds of food for the Old Bridge Food Bank.

STOP HUNGER runs through November 22nd, so we

are quite confident we will indeed reach our goal. A

reception with Mayor Owen Henry and Food Bank staff

will be held on November 26th to celebrate the

generosity of so many during this season of giving.

The Old Bridge Food Bank provides nourishing meals to

105+ families and older adults per month, largely thanks

to contributions from local businesses and organizations.

For more information, call 732-721-5600 ext 6625 or

visit www.oldbridge.com/FoodBank.

Spotlight on Our Staff RCH Gives Back to the Community through STOP HUNGER

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID NEW BRUNSWICK NJ PERMIT NO 816

5-Star Quality of Care Rating By the Centers for Medicare

& Medicaid Services

Join Us for an Evening of

Holiday Shopping

Featuring Local Artisan Vendors!

December 5, 2019

3 pm to 8 pm

Open to the Public

Gift & Specialty Food Vendors | Handmade Crafts | Clothing & Accessories

Holiday Refreshments | Carolers

Plus tours of our beautiful assisted living community decked out for the holidays! Visit www.ReformedChurchHome.com for more information

or call 732-607-9230. Register for free via www.eventbrite.com.