our neighborhoods - st mary's home of erie employees of el canelo wasted no time in getting...

June 2012

Inside this issue...

Around Our Home

The Evolving Home

Friends of Saint Mary’s

2012 Service Awards

Naming Opportunities

A Publication of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie

OurNeighborhoods

2607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621

Caring across the Centuries 125 yearsBoard of Trustees

Chairperson Jane Kelsey

Vice Chairperson Barbara Drew

Treasurer Daniel Teed

Secretary Denis O’Brien

John BarberRev. Thomas Brooks

Chris CoughlinThomas Elliott

William J. Flaherty, Jr.Russell Forquer

Mary Alice GlowackiSister Mary Herrmann, SSJ

Danny JonesR. “Art” LubomskiOwen McCormick

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJJames McNamara, Esq.

Susan SuttoMary Wingrove

Colleen Stumpf, Esq.*

*Non-voting Board Member and Legal Counsel

A Continuing Care Retirement Community

Levels of CareIndependent Living Carriage Homes

Independent Residential Living/Personal Care

Skilled NursingAlzheimer’s/Dementia Care

Adult Day ServicesRespite Care

ServicesShort and Long-term Rehabilitative

Therapies On-site Nursing Staff including RNs,

LPNs and NAsCatholic and Ecumenical Religious

ServicesSocial Services Program/Pastoral Care

Support ServicesNutritional Services

Recreational ActivitiesBeauty and Barber Services

A Walk in the “Ridge”

A group of Asbury Ridge Residents decided this winter to get together every Wednesday and start walking in-doors to help keep themselves in shape. After

all, why not, when there are countless walking routes they can take. They usually ate breakfast together, socialized and then returned to their rooms for a while. Instead of returning to their rooms they decided to continue the socialization, but now while walking. The added benefit is the cardiovascular exercise that is so important to people of all ages.

Now that Spring has sprung and Summer is right around the corner, this avid group of walkers has taken their morning walks outside. The Asbury Ridge Campus is nestled off of West Ridge Road by surrounding trees and woods. It is a 34 acre campus with plenty of room to roam. Beautiful landscaping coupled with the sounds and sights of nature from the woods keep their eyes engaged while they engage with each other. Norma Jenkins and Patricia Goetz are two of the walkers who take part each week. “We enjoy the walking group because of the people. We enjoy the socialization and getting to know people better,” explained Norma and Patricia.

There are four residents right now who try to participate each week: Norma Jenkins, Patricia Goetz, Gladys Buetikofer and Audine Wilson. “It’s refreshing and helps me get ready to face the day ahead, said Gladys. These four women call themselves the “Four Musketeers,” but also explain there are other Residents who join them for their scheduled walks. Some do it occasionally while others more often, but they plan to keep up their group for as long as possible. Audine explains, “This group gets you acquainted with other people and keeps you active. I always walked my entire life and it is so nice to have a group to do it with here.”

Pictured, left to right, are Norma Jenkins, Patricia Goetz, Gladys Buetikofer and Audine Wilson. They helped start the indoor Saint Mary’s walking group this past winter and are now enjoying walking outside.

Pictured, left to right, are Norma Jenkins and Patricia Goetz. “We enjoy the walking group because of the people. We enjoy the socialization and getting to know people better.”

Pictured, left to right, are Gladys Buetikofer and Audine Wilson enjoying their walk around the Asbury Ridge Campus.

607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org3

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJPresident/CEO

OUR NEIGHBORHOODS ARE AMAZING!

You probably know that Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) which consists of two (2) campuses, Saint Mary’s East and Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge. However, are you aware that these campuses are each made up of several Neighborhoods? Much like those of a city, such as Erie, our Neighborhoods each have their own flavor and/or characteristics. Hopefully, each emits a spirit of welcoming to all who enter!

In this issue of the MIRROR, you will see a reflection of life in our Neighborhoods. I URGE you to look at the faces of our Residents/Families, Volunteers and Employees as they celebrate life. What do you see in these faces? Unlike the often portrayed depressed and unhappy seniors, our Residents’ faces emit happiness and joy! They come to live in our Neighborhoods and to share experiences with one another such as a trip to the Peninsula, shopping at a local store, or just visiting in the many lobbies and nooks and crannies that they now call home. Yes, some are in need of care but still they are part of the everyday life and activities of Saint Mary’s.

Our Employees and Volunteers help to populate these Neighborhoods and to bring life from their Neighborhoods, the places they call home, to our home. This is what it means to “Love to Care” and to “foster an atmosphere of community”. I congratulate each of our Service Award Recipients, our 100 Hour Volunteers, and the Friends of Saint Mary’s (on 30 years of service to our Residents). Our Neighborhoods are made more viable and welcoming with your presence!

If you have not experienced our community stop by! You will be amazed at what you experience! Friendships are formed on a daily basis, our lobbies are vibrant, we celebrate life and death, together, as you experience that in your communities.

After all, we’re Saint Mary’s and we’re all about YOU!

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ, RN, MS, NHAPresident/CEOSaint Mary’s Home of Erie

President’s Message


AROUND OUR HOME...

You Make Me Feel So Young!The 8th Annual Senior Prom was held for the Residents at Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge on May 17th. This year’s theme, You Make Me Feel So Young, came from a song originally composed by Josef Myrow in 1946 and then later popularized again by Frank Sinatra. Pictured, left to right, are this year’s Prom King and Queen, Cecelia and Chuck Guagliardi.

Happy 100th Birthday Marian!A big congratulations and Happy 100th Birthday to Asbury Ridge resident Marian Eisert. Marian celebrated her milestone birthday at Asbury Ridge on Wednesday, May 16th with a large group of family, friends and Residents.

Enjoying “Severe Clear” Skies at Presque IsleA group of Residents from the East Campus took a stroll along the walking paths at Presque Isle State Park on a gorgeous May afternoon. As one of the Residents described, “It was a perfect day to get out and play!” Pictured, left to right, are Jim Jackson, Gayle Meyer (employee), Leonard Heid, Bob Lockard (volunuteer), Dolores Detzel, Mary Jane Lockard (volunteer), Jean Hughes and Helen Hemmis. Seated, left to right, are Margaret Gehrlein and Pat Keim.


An Authentic Mexican LunchSeveral Adult Day Services’ Clients and Employees enjoyed lunch at El Canelo Mexican Restaurant. The full-service Mexican restaurant is an Erie business that has served authentic Mexican cuisine to the Erie community for more than 10 years. The employees of El Canelo wasted no time in getting everyone into the atmoshphere when they brought out sombreros before lunch was served. Pictured, left side of table, front to back, are James Goetz, Patricia Watkins (employee), and (“too busy eating for a photo”) H. Lee Weidner. Pictured, right side of the table, front to back, are John Dzuricky, David Beck and Carol Mills (employee).

VMA Day at Saint Mary’s East

Villa Maria Academy spent a good part of a school day doing a Community Outreach Program at Saint Mary’s East. The Villa students had a busy schedule with our Residents that included Mass, bingo, singing, trivia games and one on one interaction. All of our Residents enjoyed the time spent with the students, but it was especially nostalgic for the Residents who were Villa alumni. Pictured, left to right, are Kaylee Philbrick, Villa Maria sophomore; Mary Kweder, Adult Day Services client; and Annie Ciacchini, Villa Maria freshman.

Spring Shopping at the MallPictured, left to right, are Asbury Ridge residents and volunteers Marjorie Hewitt, Maureen Canfield (volunteer), Audine Wilson, Theresa DiPlacido, Bonnie Kinsinger, Irene Richards and Nancy Somerfield (volunteer) at the Millcreek Mall. The Mall is one of many places Residents have the opportunity to go shopping with provided transportation.


The Evolving HomePeople usually buy several homes throughout their

lives. Why? Because a home reflects the lifestyle and stages of life a person is in. Small starter homes or apartments, when couples first get married, usually evolve into buying a new home that a family can grow into. Then, after years of hard work, they buy the dream home they always wanted. No, it doesn’t always work this way, but it is generally what people strive to achieve. As we get older, save and plan, we buy homes that meet the ever changing needs in life.

What many people do not plan for is getting to an age where your dream home becomes an isolation box with many expenses and updates. It becomes a place where only one level of the home or maybe even just a few rooms are used. For some that is not even the issue, but rather the time and effort it takes to keep up with all the maintenance that goes with owning a home. Most people work hard their entire life to reach a happy and relaxing retirement. Unfortunately, a lot of them spend much of their free time doing tireless chores instead of enjoying the retirement they have worked a lifetime to achieve.

We now live in an era where there are plenty of options when faced with some of the above realities. Saint Mary’s offers a great option in The Carriage Homes at Asbury Ridge. Beautiful brick and stone homes with sunrooms, multiple bedrooms/bathrooms and large garages are just the tip of the iceberg. Maintenance on a Carriage Home and the major appliances are included. Landscaping, window cleaning and routine maintenance become a thing of the past for families that choose this lifestyle.

Still, you say to yourself, I am just not ready to move. It’s not time. While this may be the case, many have come to find out they have less worry with more freedom and convenience, by choosing this option - While They Are Able! The Carriage Homes at Asbury Ridge offer the Erie community beautiful homes with access to a continuum of care if and when needed. Don’t let the thought of possible future health care needs scare you from making a decision. Sometimes the care is just short-term rehabilitation, sometimes it is more, but at least you have planned ahead for the next stage of your life. You may just realize you made a smart decision, the same type of decision you probably made several other times throughout your life.

Houses Change…Home Remains the Same!Pictured, left to right, are Rose Marie and Joseph Gallagher.


Pictured back row, left to right, are Audrey Urban, Administrator, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge; Dionna Barnett, Activities Director, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge; Diane Lutz, Activities Director, Saint Mary’s East; and Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ, President and CEO, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie. Front row, left to right, are volunteers Kathy Chimenti, Ted Trampeneau, and Frank Gredler.

Happy 30th AnniversaryFriends of Saint Mary’sSeptember 2011 marked the 30th Anniversary for the volunteers at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, the Friends of Saint Mary’s. In 2011, 66 volunteers donated 4,566 hours of service with a total of 300,869 hours of service donated since they were formed in September 1981. A special Recognition Dinner was held at Saint Mary’s East to honor all of the volunteers during National Volunteer Week in April 2012. Receiving special recognition for completing 100 volunteer hours over the past year were Kathy Chimenti, Janice Fohner, Jane Ford, Frank Gredler, Elinor Grunzel and Ted Trampeneau.

We cannot thank the Friends of Saint Mary’s enough for their passion and dedication over the past 30 years. Their commitment to the Mission of Saint Mary’s has greatly impacted the lives of our Residents. A big thank you to all of the Friends of Saint Mary’s for truly making a difference.


Saint Mary’s 2012 Employee Service AwardsCongratulations to the recipients of the 2012 Saint Mary’s Home of Erie Service Award. Each year we honor those with extended years of service with Saint Mary’s. This year’s honorees include an employee who is

celebrating 55 years of service – Katie Rankin! We are blessed to have so many dedicated employees as they are the cornerstone of our Mission. The Service Awards were held at the Erie Maennerchor Club on May 16, 2012.

5 years of service

Pictured back row, left to right, are Robert Misterovich, Bruce Meyer and John Pursell.Pictured middle rows, left to right, are Susan Perry, Patricia Gregory, David Brainard, Kimberley Perschka, Robert Miles, Yolanda Jefferson, Jeanine Hawthorne, Margaret Lombardi, Kimberly McCaslin, Valerie Stephenson and Gina Cassarino-Hill.Pictured front row, left to right, are John Cyranowski, Sister Mary Helen Forney, SSJ and Steven Bernhardt.Not pictured are Lisa Turowski, Linda Cermak, Deborah Haibach, Elizabeth Luther, Donna Letto, Marissa Zastawa, Felecia Ortez, Marcia Lindner, Galina Gidenko, Lori Stanley, Thomas Erickson, Suzanne Sargent, Dawn Giglio, Sepia Stewart, Alisha Bickel, Kathy Pierce, Tiernea Hillard, Lisa Gresh, Kristen Palmer, Ruth Bowes, Shelley Weber, Michelle Musolff, Linda Lafferty, Valerie Bennett and Alicia Schultz. 10 years of service

Pictured, left to right, are Mandy Rossi, Diane Lutz, Debra Greenwald, George Chilcott, Jane Jackson, Sandy Garrastazu, Cynthia Stone, Lori Hawkins, Barbara Elliott, Debra Saltsman and Leroy Kehm.Not pictured are Florence Grygier, Mirjana Lazarevic, Marlene Sienkiewicz, Matthew Tighe, Alison Halter and Mary Yetter.


15 years of service

Pictured, left to right, are Jon Spellman, Marian Husted, Margaret Moore and Maxine Hubbart. Not pictured is Edward Bednaro.

Pictured back row, left to right, are Maura Pelinsky, Amy Erdely and Carrie Argeny. Pictured front row, left to right, are Barbara Chaney and Shelley McKane. Not pictured is Sharon Furyesz.

20 years of service

25 years of service 30 years of service

Pictured is Katie RankinPictured, left to right, are Linda Barnes and Carol Mills.

Pictured, left to right, are Sherry Pursell, Susan Orlando and Katherine Fachetti.

Pictured, left to right, are Cheryl Truett, Lisa DiGello, Sandra Guerrein and Karen Shrum.

35 years of service 55 years of service


Congratulations to Saint Mary’s East Resident Ed Wright who was awarded the WWII Victory Medal on March 8, 2012. Mr. Wright enlisted in the United States Army when he was 18 years old. Over the course of WWII, Mr. Wright flew 32 missions over Germany including 2 on D-Day.

Edwin E. Wright was 18 years old when he saw an ad for the Army Air Force in the newspaper and decided to go to the Courthouse to volunteer. He enlisted in the Army Air Force on December 7, 1942.

Mr. Wright ended up flying 32 missions as a tail gunner on a B-24 bomber in World War II out of an airfield in Rackheath, England with the 467th Bombardment Group. His crew participated in the battles of Normandy, Rhineland, Air Offensive Europe, ETO and Western Europe. It was rare to survive so many missions.

One of his final campaigns came about when he was approached and ask if he would volunteer for an extremely dangerous mission to fly much needed fuel into France for U.S. troops. “I remember how nervous I was after loading up the plane. I knew that if we were hit by anything, even once, while we were in the air, that it would be it,” explained Mr. Wright. Thankfully they were successful in the mission.

Mr. Wright received five Bronze Battle Stars for the above campaigns.

The entire Saint Mary’s family would like to extend a big congratulations to Mr. Wright as he was most recently awarded the Victory Medal in a ceremony at Saint Mary’s East on the occasion of his 88th birthday in front of family, friends and other Residents. He credits his son, David, for pursuing this amazing honor for him.

WWII Victory Medal

Pictured back row, left to right, are VFW Post 470 members Joe Benacci, Quartmaster; Jim Greenewalt, Junior Vice Commander; Alan Cornell, Senior Vice Commander; and Pete Glaz, Commander. Pictured, front row is Mr. Edwin Wright.


Main Entrance Flower Garden Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge

Create your own legacy of Loving to Care by making a gift to Saint Mary’s. With your generous gift you can choose from one of several naming opportunities available. This special naming recognition not only helps fund our

Benevolent Care Program, but it also tells future generations of Residents that Saint Mary’s played an important role in your life and the lives of your family.

Based on a donor’s interests, there are a variety of possibilities to which a major gift can be made. Below are two of the Naming Opportunities available to you. If you would like more information regarding Naming Opportunities please contact Kim McCaslin, Director of Development at 814-836-5312 or [email protected].

Naming Opportunity Program

Therapy CenterSaint Mary’s EastOur new Therapy Center is available for naming. This spacious and well equipped area enables our Therapists to provide vital short-term and long-term rehabilitation services to Residents and community members. Our therapy program helps seniors achieve greater independence and live to their fullest potential.

Designed to welcome Residents and visitors, the Main Entrance Flower Garden is an inviting and beautiful area. Your generous gift will ensure that the garden will continue to flourish and bring joy for years to come.

607 East 26th StreetErie, Pennsylvania 16504

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDErie, PA

Permit No. 163

Sponsored by the

Sisters of St. Joseph

of Northwestern Pennsylvania,

Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is non-

discriminatory in admissions, services

and employment.

The Mirror is published quarterly for the

residents, families and friends of Saint

Mary’s Home of Erie. Comments and

suggestions for articles are welcome.

Contact Anthony J. Allegretto at

814-836-5316

or [email protected].

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ

President and Chief Executive Officer

Anthony J. Allegretto

Director of Marketing,

Editor

Kimberly McCaslin, CFRE

Director of Development

Please let us know if you have a change of address; the addressee is not at this

address; you are receiving more than one newsletter; or you would like to be taken

off the mailing list.

If you would like to receive the newsletter by e-mail, please visit www.

stmaryshome.org and use the “Contact Us”feature to send us your

e-mail address. E-mailing the newsletter will help the environment and save

postage costs.

For more information concerning Medicare’s new prescription drug

coverage, please call1-800-MEDICARE or visit

www.medicare.govCharitable Solicitation Disclosure StatementPursuant to state regulations regarding charitable solicitations, we are required to include certain disclosure language on Development materials.FLORIDA #CH 32789: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORESEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Kansas: The official registration and annual financial report of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is filed with the Kansas Secretary of State. Kansas Registration # 449-331-8. Maryland: A copy of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie’s financial report is available by calling Saint Mary’s Home of Erie at 814-451-1308 or writing to 607 East 26th Street, Erie, PA 16504. For the cost of copying and postage, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations law can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Saint Mary’s home of Erie may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State. New Jersey: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 201-504-6215. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement. New York: A copy of the latest annual report may be obtained from Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, or the Charities Bureau, Department of Law, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. The official registration and financial information of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1(800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Virginia: A financial statement is available from the State Division of Consumer Affairs. Washington: Our charity is registered with the Secretary of State and information relating to our financial affairs is available from the Secretary of State, toll free for Washington residents 800-332-4483. West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement. Consult with the IRS or your tax professional regarding tax deductibility.

Non-discriminatory in admissions, services & employment.

A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania

Need a Speaker? If you need a speaker for your organization, we will be happy to assist you. We have professionals who can speak on any topic of interest related to seniors including: • LongTermCare • Alzheimer’sDiseaseandDementia • RespiteCare • SeniorLivingOptions • WhataContinuingCareRetirementCommunity (CCRC)offers

Toarrangeforaspeakerforyourgroup’sprogram,pleasecontactAnthonyAllegrettoat814-836-5316oremailaallegretto@stmaryshome.org.

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