Updated Surroundings, New Approaches to ... - Phoebe Ministries

Summer 2006 • Vol. 88, No. 2
The Messenger is published three times a year by Phoebe Ministries • 1-800-453-8814 • www.phoebe.org
Updated Surroundings, New Approaches to Care
Mean Positive Change for Residents with Dementia
Recent changes in the environment, activities and
specialized care offered in Phoebe Home’s secure
Bridgeways unit are making a positive difference in
the lives of residents with dementia-related conditions
such as Alzheimer’s. Together, the changes are helping to
manage difficult behaviors and allow residents greater
freedom in a pleasing “neighborhood” that is both comforting
and familiar.
Bridgeways’ transformation began in its dining rooms,
which were redecorated to look and feel like restaurants,
complete with table linens and centerpieces. Residents were
involved in setting the tables. In response to eating in a
more social setting, many began to exhibit improved eating
behavior. The planning team also introduced CURA
Hospitality, Phoebe’s food service provider, to the Red Plate
Program, a national study that showed dementia patients
ate more when red plates were
used. CURA agreed to the switch
and dietary and nutritional intake
improved.
The second change was
updating Bridgeways’ color
scheme. Hallways and common
areas were painted a calming
shade of subdued green. Floor tile
color was also changed as a way to
modify behavior. White tiles in
front of exit doors and other areas
residents should avoid were
replaced with dark green tiles. As
Carol Kester, Dir. of Social Services,
explains, “The dark color… is perceived by people with
dementia as a hole, so it decreases exit-seeking behaviors.”
Exit doors were painted the same color as the walls to make
them less obvious. As anticipated, these simple changes
have reduced day-to-day frustration for the residents.
Tub room renovations focused on creating a spa-like
atmosphere. Traditionally, the bath is where most behavioral
problems occur because the unfamiliar setting can
lead to combative behavior. A new relaxation corner with
aromatherapy and music was added to calm apprehensive
residents. The room was repainted and equipped with heat
lamps, big, fluffy towels, live plants and pastel wall art.
The interdisciplinary project has been enthusiastically
received by employees throughout Phoebe Home, according
to Wendy Hildenbrandt, R.N., BSN, Unit Manager. Hired for
her expertise in setting up and operating dementia-centered
programs, she is leading efforts to better evaluate
Bridgeways residents and to develop more personalized
“Taking down
the wash” at the
end of the day
is a comforting
routine for one
female resident.
L-R: Pam Kleckner (Activities), Wendy Hildenbrandt and
Gina Shupp (Nursing), and Carol Kester (Social Services)
gladly elaborate on Bridgeways’ recent improvements.
plans
that fully utilize
the updated
surroundings.
Many new Bridgeways activities are
based on the Montessori Principle of integrating
familiar life-skill activities into everyday life to
develop residents’ intellectual and spiritual potential
to the fullest. Activities include clipping
coupons, folding laundry and rummaging through
drawers.
All are designed to be
done instinctively, helping
to prevent boredom and
frustration. “The importance
of these tasks is the
process, not the outcome,”
says Pam Kleckner,Asst.
Dir. of Activities. “There is
no wrong way to do
them.”
Since Bridgeways’
environment was updated
and new care plans
and activities were introduced, the staff has noted
an overall improvement in resident disposition
and behaviors. As programs become more personalized,
residents are getting better at initiating
their own activities. One of the most popular is
brushing the two resident cats, Riley and Shannon,
while watching an aquarium video in the lounge.
“The environment is calm yet active,” says
Sandy Massetti, Exec. Dir. of Operations, who formed the
planning team and credits the calmer environment with
fewer resident falls. “When you visit the neighborhood, you
see an old typewriter, writing paper, rummage dressers
filled with jewelry, men’s ties and women’s scarves, an ironing
board, wash basket and a clothesline. These items are
meant to stimulate activities residents recall from their
time in the working world or running a household.”
The first day a wheel-chair level chalkboard was hung
on the unit, one of the residents wrote “We like it here.” That
was all the thanks the staff needed to hear. ■
INSIDE:
CEO Message . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Upper Bucks Aging Forum . . .2
Better Jobs Better Care . . . . 2
Resident Focus . . . . . . . . . . 3
Notes From Wyncote . . . . . .4
Red Hats, Flannel Shirts . . . .4
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Rehab Success . . . . . . . . . . .5
Phoebe Photo Album . . . . 6, 7
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Top: Residents enjoy
“going through the mail”
at a new message center
decorated to remind
them of earlier days.
Above: A drawer full of
plastic eating utensils
safely satisfies
residents’ desire to
rummage or explore.

2 Messenger
A Calling
to Caring
The Better Jobs Better
Care pilot at Phoebe
Home wrapped up May 30
with a memorable celebration.
As you may recall,
Phoebe Home was one of
six Lehigh Valley demonstration
sites selected for this
program, which focused on:
■ increasing recruitment
and retention of direct care workers
Rodney W. Wells
President & CEO
Phoebe Ministries
■ changing the workplace culture in long-term
care to value direct care workers
Sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging
and the Phoebe Institute on Aging, the event featured
Dr. Robyn Stone of the Institute for the Future of
Aging Services. The morning session focused on the
six sites and details of their participation.
One highlight was the speech given by Louise
Santee, CNA, who spoke about her career as a caregiver.
Portions of that speech appear below. During the
luncheon, direct care workers present were recognized
and honored for their commitment. They were told of
the appreciation and respect the sponsoring agencies
had for their work. Phoebe Home honorees included
Louise, Blanche Blackwin, Nancy Pendleton, Diane
Ruth and Jane Schneck.
The afternoon session included a keynote
address on state and local project outcomes, and a
briefing by the educational partners and providers.
Phoebe can be very proud of the efforts of
Louise and her fellow caregivers. Their desire to provide
care in the best possible way is a testament to
Phoebe’s reputation for quality care and service – a
prime example of the “Phoebe Difference.” ■
Upper Bucks Forum on Aging Helps
Phoebe Richland Learn What Seniors Need
Every seven seconds, another American turns
50, a milestone that is collectively changing the
face of the region Phoebe serves. Capitalizing on
the success of last year’s Bucks County Summit on
Aging, Phoebe Richland Health Care Center
recently took part in a local effort to plan for the
future, a future filled with aging people.
A small focus group of representatives from
Phoebe Richland and its local municipalities developed
the idea of holding an Upper Bucks Forum on
Aging in May as part of Older Americans Month.
The forum would be an opportunity to seek public
input on issues related to aging and to encourage
people over 50 to learn about aging services in
their community.
The event was well attended and featured
speakers from Phoebe Richland and organizations
such as Bucks County Area Agency on Aging, St.
Luke’s Quakertown Hospital, Veterans Financial
Services and United Way, among others. Vendor
tables showcased area services and resources,
including local home care providers, assisted living
facilities, audiology services and visiting nurses.
Staff from the offices of local legislators also were
available to answer questions.
According to Mary Kay McMahon, Administrator
at Phoebe Richland, “Certain services may
not be needed at this precise moment, but having
knowledge of what is available will help seniors
and their children turn to the right agencies and
services when help is needed.”
The other side of the forum was hearing from
the community. “We definitely wanted to know what
seniors are thinking,” McMahon explained. “As a
provider, I think I know what seniors need, but they
might have a totally different perception.”
Major concerns of attendees included:
■ Cost of living increases
■ Staying in their own homes as they age
■ Affordable condos/housing communities
■ Where to turn if problems arise
■ Outliving their money
■ Tax increases
■ Healthcare and health insurance costs
These concerns could
provide themes for future community
groups and help craft
Phoebe Richland’s vision for
the future. ■
Seniors at the Forum on
Aging learn about local
services and express
their views on what is
needed.
Phoebe CNA Speaks About Her Career, Better Jobs Better Care
The following remarks were part of the Better
Jobs Better Care (BJBC) presentation referred to in
Rev. Wells’ message.
“My name is Louise Santee, and I am a
direct care worker at Phoebe Home. I have
worked here for 11 years, eight in the main
building and the last three in the David A.
Miller Assisted Living Community.
“At Phoebe Home, my job was to care for
10-12 residents on a daily basis, providing them
with care, safety, stimulation, love and a sense
of belonging. In the assisted living community,
Honored at the BJBC
luncheon (front row)
are CNAs Blanche
Blackwin, Nancy
Pendleton, Diane
Ruth, Louise Santee
and Jane Schneck.
Back row: Rob
Khanuja, Dir.- Human
Resources, and Rev.
Rodney Wells,
President and CEO.
I care for 55 residents a day, with one coworker
and a nurse. We provide [the same things],
along with activities twice a week.
“I have always enjoyed older people. At
Phoebe we have [cared for] the oldest person
in the world, a sweet, fragile woman who
loved chocolate; a district attorney, who was
more than willing to share some bone chilling
stories; a resident whose father and Norman
Rockwell were best friends; and a homemaker
with 16 children. Each deserved the exact
same care and respect we had to offer.
“A CNA must have
love in her heart for the
residents, because it is
more than just a job.
When you leave work at
the end of the shift, you
think about it all the way
home, and then some. If,
after you have done your
care, the resident is smiling
or has a twinkle in
the eye, that is all the
thanks you need.
“When I was asked to be on the BJBC team,
I wanted to know what was involved. I was told
weekly meetings on my days off (I said, ‘Ohhh.’);
working with CNAs from all shifts to make
Phoebe a better workplace (I thought, ‘Great!’),
and getting our ideas to the administration,
because we all know that what works on
paper doesn’t always work with residents
(Again I thought, ‘Great!’) In our meetings we
discussed how to make things better and how
to work together as a team, constantly planning,
reviewing and revising. We decided which
[tasks] everyone should know and the proper
ways to do them, so that on any given job the
outcome is the same – safety is always first.
“The Mentor Project, my favorite, will help
both old and new employees make our workplace
a better home. If people are sure of their
jobs and training, and know that everyone on
board has the same abilities, with a little mentoring
our home is ‘good to go. ‘ The girls on our
[BJBC] team are wonderful and caring, a true
example of the new Phoebe way.” ■

Messenger 3
Resident Artist Shares Joy
of Drawing at Phoebe Home
Former professional artist James
McKenney,a Phoebe Home resident,
spends hours working in a small studio set up
for him by the Activities staff in his 3 West
neighborhood. In it he has his own slanted
drawing table and personal supply of paints,
brushes, charcoal and paper, along with a vase
of flowers, books and other objects he refers
to for artistic inspiration.
Occasionally James invites fellow resident
artists to join him in this cozy setting for drawing
sessions. The first time he did so, 12 attended.
“Only one had much drawing experience,” he
says. “Six had never drawn at all. We decided to
work in charcoal and did a still life.”
James McKenney shares a current project and the photo
on which it is based with other resident artists.
For the majority of his working career
James was employed as an artist for the
Evening Bulletin in Philadelphia, where his specialties
included retouching maps that illustrated
news stories. Before that he worked for
a firm that designed engravings and letterhead
and also did freelance work.
“I’ve been painting and drawing since I
was 8,” McKenney says. At the age of 11, near the
end of the Depression, his parents encouraged
him to take free classes offered by Fleischer
Art Institute in Philadelphia. There he studied
charcoal drawing, figure drawing, sculpture
and welding until he was 18. He then used what
he had learned to train other young artists at
the Institute.
After serving in the Navy during WWII, he
used the GI Bill to earn his BFA from Temple
University’s Tyler School of Art. By then he had
married Anna Marie, a ballet dancer. A skilled
photographer, James had his own darkroom
and loved photographing his wife dancing.
Formerly of Germantown, just north of
Philadelphia, this talented artist has completed
at least 80 paintings, as well as a number of
sculptures, mainly of cats. His 6-ft. tall metal
sculpture of a man, done at Tyler, still stands
near his brother’s home, where James resided
before coming to Phoebe. ■
RESIDENT FOCUS
M*A*S*H TV Series Close
to Ruth Blehm’s Heart
Anyone who
watched the
1970s television
series “M*A*S*H”
knows that the
fictional 4077th
Mobile Army
Surgical Hospital
had a neighboring
MASH unit
that was a friendly
rival in camp
games. That unit, based on the real 8063rd
MASH, was just miles from enemy lines. The
units performed triage and “meatball” surgery
to men injured in combat, and sent them on
to the evacuation hospital in short order.
For 13 months in 1951-52, Ruth Blehm,a
Phoebe Apartments resident, served as a
nurse in the 8063rd in the Chosin Reservoir
area of Korea. “It was scary,” she now admits.
“Bed Check Charlie,” single enemy planes
that would fire machine guns or drop bombs
in the middle of the night, made occasional visits.
On those nights the nurses were quickly
evacuated. The following morning they were
returned to continue their duties.
“A lot of combat casualties came through.
We also had cases of the hemorrhagic fever
epidemic ,” Ruth says. Sometimes she had to
work for 24 hours straight, which she still
shrugs off with a matter-of-fact “You’d be surprised
what you can do when you have to.”
But life wasn’t all bad in the 8063rd. The
food was actually good, Ruth claims, regardless
of what they said on TV. And yes, they had
Hollywood stars to entertain them. Ruth’s
mother even sent her a birthday cake while
she was overseas. “It got there fine, but she
spent a lot of money to send it.”
About a year before the war ended, Ruth
completed her tour of duty and was met by
her parents at ABE Airport. She was honorably
discharged from the Reserves as a Lieutenant
Colonel and continued her career in nursing.
Ruth was working at Allentown Hospital
when the TV show premiered. “When my coworkers
found out I had worked as a nurse in
a MASH unit, they started calling me Hot Lips,”
she said, referring to the head nurse of the fictional
mobile hospital.
As familiar as Ruth was with the show’s
subject matter, she thought the writers and
actors made a plausible effort in re-creating
life in a MASH unit. “The show was pretty
good,” she says, “but they had to add some
things to make people watch.” ■
Village Resident’s Work Skills
Aid Habitat for Humanity
Lindsay Haman of Phoebe Berks Village was
just 60 when he learned that Gilbert
Associates of Shillington, his employer of many
years, was going to close. A mechanical engineer
with a degree from Stevens Institute of
Technology, he designed cooling towers and
other elements for power plants that use
nuclear and fossil fuels. Lindsay accepted an
early retirement package and took another
job with Air Coil of Baltimore.
It wasn’t until he retired from Air Coil that
Lindsay seriously considered applying his skills
to volunteer work. Free of the things that had
demanded his attention Monday through
Friday, he decided to look into an item he had
seen in the worship bulletin at his church,
Immanuel UCC of Shillington: Habitat for
Humanity needed volunteers.
It was the start of a meaningful relationship.
Lindsay began as a carpenter and soon
was spending 20 hours a week on the job site.
Today,
after 16
years of
involvement,
he
no longer
climbs on
ladders
and roofs,
but serves
as a construction
manager for Habitat for Humanity’s
Reading-Berks branch. He has played a role in
the construction or renovation of at least 30
homes.
The homes Lindsay helps to build are
about 1,300 sq. ft. He schedules and supervises
the work of plumbers and electricians and
oversees the efforts of volunteers who assist
with construction. For some time, he has been
a member of the branch’s Board of Directors,
representing Habitat for Humanity at meetings
of the zoning board and planning commission.
He also is a director and past president
of the Exchange Club of Reading.
Lindsay and his wife, Betty, occupy an
attractive apartment at Phoebe Berks Village,
in which he maintains an office filled with
mementos of his work and education – even
the photo of a cooling tower. Like the wellorganized
engineer that he is, Lindsay creates a
binder for each of his work projects. “I get satisfaction
out of doing something and keeping
busy,” he says, adding that he likes being able to
use his skills to make a difference in the lives of
others. “If you are retired, don’t sit at home. Go
find something to do.” ■

4 Messenger
Wyncote Memory Boards
Illustrate Residents’ Past
Personalized memory boards about residents
of Wyncote Church Home are helping
staff members learn more about the seniors in
their care. “Although they know who each resident
is, sometimes they have little concept of
who the residents were in their earlier lives,”
says Rev. Linda Williams, Dir.-Social Services.
“Most likely we never knew, and a memory
board can help rectify that.”
The board, roughly 18 inches by 24 inches,
resembles a bulletin board. “We cover it in fabric,
and ribbons that cross-cross the front
enable residents to place pictures on the board
and construct a brief history,” she says.
Photos: Activities, Wyncote Church Home
Wyncote Resident Elinore Leino enjoys reviewing some
of the highpoints of her life.
One resident, for example, served in WWII
as a WAVE, traveled extensively and at one time
was an executive secretary. “She had an interesting
life, and we want the news on her board
to reflect that,” Williams said. The staff plans to
include pictures the family brings in as well as
more recent photos of activities that go on
throughout the year at Wyncote. ■
Phoebe Named Leader,
Innovator by CareTracker
Phoebe Ministries was the recent recipient of
these CareTracker Excellence Awards presented by
Resource Systems, supplier of the CareTracker
information system used to document patient care:
■ Series Innovation Award, for implementing
a set of assessment questions that has created resident
benefits. In particular, an incident tracking and
reporting series that allows nurses to enter incidents
and print statistical reports.
■ Quality of Care Improvement Award, for
incident tracking and implementation in the Miller
Assisted Living Community. Phoebe also was
recognized for its upcoming vaccine series including
requirements for completing the government mandated
MDS and for tracking vaccine administration
for reporting to the Department of Health.
Congratulations to the organization and to the
members of Phoebe's Core Team: Renee Jarrell,
Michell Staska-Pier, Candace Mason, Sandra
Masters, Faith Palermo, Gregory Chomitzky, Fran
Darlington, Charlotte Cruse and Lynnette
Clinton. ■
Volunteer Chaplain Associate, Phoebe Home Resident
Recall Time Spent at Wyncote Church Home
T
he
recent affiliation of Wyncote Church
Home in Montgomery County with Phoebe
Ministries has unearthed some interesting personal
history about Phoebe’s newest community
for seniors.
Rev. Dr. Albert Teske, former pastor of New
Goshenhoppen United Church of Christ, was the
Board President of Wyncote Church Home for 16
years. He now volunteers for the Pastoral Care
Department at Phoebe Home as a chaplain
associate. His experience serving both organizations
gives Rev. Dr. Teske a unique perspective.
One of the most obvious similarities
between Phoebe Home and Wyncote Church
Home, he believes, is the exceptional quality of
care at both communities. “I have found the nursing
staff to be outstanding at both Wyncote and
Phoebe Home,” he says. “There is a real loyalty
and devotion to the organization and to
those in their care. When someone is hired
who is truly concerned about the residents,
it’s appreciated.” Teske senses that appreciation
for the volunteer work he does at
Phoebe, just as he did at Wyncote Church
Home.
Mary Weaver has resided at Phoebe
Home for 13 years. As a member of
Heidelberg UCC in Schwenksville, she
often lent her time and talent to Wyncote
RED HATS, FLANNEL SHIRTS
Created in 1997 for women over 50, the Red Hat
Society today boasts 42,000 chapters, including
groups at Phoebe Home, David A. Miller Assisted
Living Community, Phoebe Richland, Phoebe Berks
Health Care Center and Village Commons. At a
recent meeting, Phoebe Home activities aide Joan
Hale (below), who once worked at Hess’s department
store, reminisces with residents
about Hess’s Patio restaurant.
RIGHT: Resident Warren DeLong,
a Hess’s retiree, joins the fun.
Church Home. “I used to drive several ladies
down there and we volunteered to do backyard
barbecues and help with the church’s roast beef
dinner and flea market,” she recalls. Mary served
on the Wyncote Auxiliary with Rev. Teske’s wife.
She also collected Auxiliary dues from members
of her church.
Mary remembers the helpfulness of everybody
at Wyncote. “The nursing staff was welltrained
and compassionate, and it was a nice
campus with lovely trees, sort of up on a hill.”
Rev. Dr. Teske believes both Phoebe and
Wyncote are pursuing visionary goals that meet
their missions to “grow and change as the needs
arise to meet future challenges.” As a Phoebe
community, Wyncote Church Home will be able
to continue meeting the needs of seniors for
many years to come. ■
Wyncote Church Home
ABOVE: Red Hatters wait to sample strawberry
pie they helped prepare in memory of the
Patio’s famous “mile-high” strawberry pie.
BELOW: The Flannel Shirt Society, a similar
men’s group at Phoebe Home, enjoys a fish fry
in Moyer Hall before its program begins.

Messenger 5
CONSIDERING
VOLUNTEERING?
New volunteers are always
needed at each of Phoebe’s
nursing centers.
No experience? No problem!
Training will be provided.
For more information, call:
PHOEBE BERKS
HEALTH CARE CENTER
610-927-8118
PHOEBE HOME
610-794-5362
Help Make
Make
Volunteers PHOEBE RICHLAND
HEALTH CARE CENTER
610-927-8118
The The Phoebe Difference
Difference
WYNCOTE CHURCH HOME
215-885-2620, ext. 223
Introducing
Phoebe Home’s
SPARC Helpers
Commitment is one of the most important traits of
a good volunteer, and at Phoebe Home, some of the
most committed helpers come from SPARC of Lehigh
and Northampton Counties. SPARC, a day program for
developmentally disabled adults, has been actively
involved in volunteering at Phoebe Home for more than
15 years.
To these individuals, donating their time two days
a week is as beneficial to them as it is to Phoebe’s residents.
“The duties they perform teach them responsibility,
listening skills and good work habits,” says advisor
Barbara Bloss. “In addition, it teaches them the rewards
of teamwork.” Sharon Benson, volunteer coordinator
for Phoebe Home, greatly values their dependability
and conscientiousness, noting, “Their sunny dispositions
brighten the staff and residents’ days.”
Through the years, the group has helped in many
ways, including serving meal trays, transporting residents
and distributing linens to residents’ rooms.
SPARC volunteers are currently responsible for preparing
three dining rooms for lunch. Each knows his job so
that together, they work effectively as a team to prepare
the tables. One of their favorite parts of volunteering is
“greeting the residents.” ■
Nightmare Ends Happily:
Phoebe Berks Is Final Stop on Long Road to Recovery
Aloud thud one night in October 2003 forever
changed the life of Mary Guidotto,
her husband, Raymond or "Rocky," and
their family. Startled from his sleep, Rocky ran
to discover his wife motionless on the bathroom
floor.
Rushed to Reading Hospital, Mary, 70, was
diagnosed with a ruptured brain aneurism
and flown to Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania, where she would undergo two
major surgeries in five weeks. Still on a ventilator,
she spent four weeks at Good Shepherd
Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, and
another 10 in acute in-patient therapy at
HealthSouth in Reading. Although progress
was made, Mary still had a long way to go.
Faced with her pending release, the
Guidottos needed to select a skilled nursing
facility. Together, Rocky, his daughter and two
sons evaluated seven local nursing homes.
Expecting differences, they prepared key questions
on everything from bathing frequency to
nurse/aid ratio and staffing hours.
“We were immediately impressed with the
appearance of Phoebe Berks Health Care
Center,” says Rocky. “After speaking with the
staff, our choice was clear.” Mary would spend
seven weeks there.
Rocky and Mary Guidotto of Temple speak highly of her
care at Phoebe Berks after a ruptured brain aneurism.
Rocky credits Mary’s will power and the
caring attention she received from Phoebe’s
staff for her significant progress. He was
amazed how quickly the therapy staff got her
out of the wheelchair and using a walker. Vital
stimulation and speech therapy helped Mary
eat soft foods and begin speaking within two
weeks. During occupational therapy sessions
she soon learned to dress herself, write and
read the paper.
Rocky also was inspired by the spirituality
surrounding his wife’s stay at Phoebe Berks. A
devout Catholic, he was moved by the sight of
staff members beginning their day with
prayer. He frequently attended services in the
campus chapel with family and friends and
offered to participate as a reader.
Although Mary still has short-term memory
problems, she once again leads a full and
vibrant life in her own home. Rocky credits
much of that to Phoebe. “I’m glad we decided
to come to Phoebe, and I wouldn’t hesitate to
recommend it,” he says. “In fact, when the time
comes that we again need skilled care, that’s
where I want to go.” ■

6 Messenger
Scott R. Stevenson has been named
Chief Financial Officer for Phoebe Ministries,
with responsibility for directing finance, billing,
budget, informational technology functions and
continuous quality improvement. Stevenson formerly
was CFO for Graduate Hospital,
Philadelphia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
accounting from West Chester University and a
master’s in business administration and health
care systems management from DeSales
University. He brings 15 years of experience to
his new position and resides in Fleetwood.
Beth Byler has been appointed Administrator
of Phoebe Berks Health Care Center.
Beth has been Director of Nursing for the past
10 years and a key member of the health care
team since 1992. She is a graduate of the York
Hospital School of Nursing and resides in
Wernersville.
Rev. Rodney Wells, President and CEO of
Phoebe Ministries, received the Paul P. Haas
Lifetime Achievement Award at PANPHA’s annual
meeting. The award is given to an executive,
board member, benefactor or employee of a
PANPHA member organization, who has a history
of commitment, leadership and involvement
with broad-reaching effect in advancement of
service to the elderly. Candidates must demonstrate
service at the state level, which Rev. Wells
has done through his work with state legislators
to advance the causes of seniors in Phoebe
communities and statewide.
Senator Michael O’Pake,11th District-Berks
County, received PANPHA’s Legislator of the
Year Award. Phoebe nominated the senator for
his contributions in public policy development,
which benefited seniors through property tax
and rent rebates and prescription assistance. “I
am deeply honored by this award,” Sen. O’Pake
said. “It will serve as a reminder to me of the
continuing need for state government to do all it
can to meet the challenges of caring for Pennsylvania’s
elderly and frail in their time of need, just
as they lovingly fed, clothed, guided, comforted,
taught and supported us as we were brought
into this world and grew to adulthood.” ■
The following churches are recipients of
the 2006 Annual Phoebe Award for congregations
that have developed creative ministries for
older persons in their communities. Awards will
be presented at the annual meetings of each
UCC Conference.
■ St. John’s UCC, Mifflinburg, for its
“Ministry to Shut-Ins,” Penn Central Conference
■ Grace UCC and Jordan UCC, both of
Allentown, for their “Called to Care” programs,
Penn Northeast Conference
■ Trinity UCC, Collegeville, for its
“Wednesday Sr. Adult Meal” program,
Pennsylvania Southeast Conference ■
Rev. Dr. Allan Kramer-Moyer, V.P. of
Pastoral Care, was honored June 13 for 35
years of ordained ministry in the United Church
of Christ. Before joining Phoebe in 1996, he
served as pastor at St. Paul’s UCC, Birdsboro,
Pa.; chaplain at Delaware State Hospital; chaplain
at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn,
N.Y.; Associate Director of Pastoral Care at
Lehigh Valley Hospital; and Director of Pastoral
Care at Easton Hospital. The event also marked
his tenth anniversary with Phoebe. ■
Three Phoebe Home
CNAs and two from
Phoebe Richland have
been awarded full scholarships
from Phoebe
Ministries to attend Penn
State Lehigh Valley to
earn LPN certification.
Each is studying longterm
care.
UPPER LEFT:
While she takes a quick
break from charting,
Theresa Guth talks about
the classes she’s taking
this fall.
LEFT: “This scholarship
gave my career a
real boost,” says Michele
Andino, seen with resident
Dorothy Schweikert. ■
ABOVE and RIGHT: Seniors at Phoebe Richland
Health Care Center made history in April as the
first nursing home residents in the area to participate
in the American Cancer Society’s Mini
Relay for Life right in the facility. For a month,
employees, volunteers and family members supported
residents physically and financially as
they walked, rode or rocked to meet their goals.
“[Residents] we almost never see out of bed
were touring the entire facility because they had
a goal – a goal that would help someone else,”
said Suzanne Sabo, Volunteer Coordinator. “I
thought it would be great if we raised $100, but
we raised more than $500!” ■
Phoebe Family
ABOVE: An exhibit of original artwork opened April 1 with a
Meet the Artists reception in the Phoebe Berks Village auditorium.
The monthlong show included work by 21 artists
from Art Plus Gallery in Reading. ■
LEFT and ABOVE: Phoebe Home residents take up their
trowels in May to take part in outdoor gardening projects
around the building . ■
Photos: Activities, Phoebe Richland
ABOVE: Rev. Wells (left)
thanks Rev. Charles
Fitzgerald and the congregation
of St. Peter's
UCC in State College for
support of Phoebe's
ministry to older adults.
Photo: Activities, Phoebe Berks Village

Photo: Robin Staudt, Phoebe Berks Village
Photo Album
ABOVE: Phoebe Berks Village veterans wait to board the trolley they will
ride in the Wernersville Memorial Day parade, representing the more than
100 vets who make their home at Phoebe Berks. The group tossed candy to
children along the parade route and later attended a Memorial Day service
at the Village. ■
LEFT: “The first
poems I wrote as
an adult were
about people I met
here,” Bucks
County Poet
Laureate Patricia
Goodrich told residents
of Phoebe
Richland at a
Poetry with the
Pastor session in
April. “It feels good
to be back,” she
said, referring to
the time 25 years ago when she helped with recreational activities at what
was Zohlman Nursing Home. Goodrich returned in celebration of National
Poetry Month. She read selections from her own chapbooks, arranged fresh
flowers, served homemade bread and encouraged her listeners to write their
own poems. ■
LEFT: The first Mary C. Clark
Award was presented to
Susan Hashagen, CNA (on
right), of Phoebe Richland.
Seen with her is Mrs. Mary
Lou Knerr, deaconess Mary
Clark’s niece, who attended
as honored guest. Susan was
recognized for “exceptional
individual or team performance
in providing direct nursing
care or direct support
services to residents,” most
notably her painted murals
for residents of The Cottage, Phoebe Richland’s
dementia unit. ■
ABOVE: Carol Orts of Phoebe Berks Village and her granddaughters
enjoy a concert by the Reading Philharmonic Band.
Photo: Activities, Phoebe Berks Village
ABOVE Phoebe Richland dedicated its
newly landscaped A-Wing courtyard
in May, with Sen. Robert Wonderling
as its honored guest. The senator
was instrumental in helping to secure
a grant for the project. Additional renovations
to the building are being
planned to increase efficiency. ■
ABOVE: Children of Phoebe’s Allentown employees
receive an inside look at jobs related to caring for the
elderly during Take Your Daughters/Sons to Work Day.
Departments participating included Food and Nutrition,
Laundry, Housekeeping, Institutional Advancement,
Nursing, Social Services, Activities, Admissions,
Rehabilitation and Volunteering. ■
ABOVE: Organizers of the 5K Spring Chicken Run at
Phoebe Home congratulate First Place winner Eric
Makovsky of Hanover, Md.
Photo: Activities, Phoebe Home
Messenger 7
Albert Martin, chaplain at Phoebe Home
and Phoebe Apartments, was ordained June 4
at Christ UCC, Bethlehem. Martin earned his
B.S. in Psychology from Kutztown University, and
his M.Div. and M.A. from Asbury Theological
Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. He completed Clinical
Pastoral Education at Phoebe Ministries and St.
Luke’s Hospital, and served as chaplain at
Phoebe Slate Belt from 2002 until last year. He
and his wife, Erin, reside in Bethlehem. ■
Phoebe marked the 17th year of its May
Outreach effort this spring, in which employees
and board members from each Phoebe community
visit welcoming UCC churches to thank them
for their gifts during the year. May Outreach
allows Phoebe to update congregations on new
programs and accomplishments. Nearly 70
churches in the Pennsylvania Southeast, Penn
Northeast and Penn Central Conferences receive
speakers annually. To arrange for a speaker, call
Trina Johnson-Brady in Institutional Advancement,
610-794-5150. ■
For the first time since its Clinical
Pastoral Education Program began, Phoebe
Ministries has two groups of students participating
in its summer session. The Allentown/Richland
peer group includes Steve Hamilton, ministering
at Phoebe Richland, and Jackie Kuba,
Jane Mason and Duane Romberger, ministering
at Phoebe Home. The Berks peer group
includes Linda Williams at Phoebe Wyncote
Church Home, and Naomi Dublanica, Joyce
Martin and Vickie Price, ministering at Phoebe
Berks. ■
Rev. Joseph N. Carr, Jr., an active trustee
on numerous Phoebe boards, was honored in
June at Faith UCC, Allentown, on the 50th
anniversary of his ordination. ■
On June 14, Rev. Dorothy Shelly, chaplain
at Phoebe Richland, was Chaplain for the
Day in the Pennsylvania State Senate, where
she gave the opening prayer. She was nominated
for the honor by Sen. Rob Wonderling.
Despite the busy atmosphere on the senate
floor, “When I started to pray, whatever people
were doing, they stopped,” she said. “It was all
very impressive.” ■
Phoebe Berks and Bethany Children’s
Home welcomed a volunteer from Germany this
spring as part of an exchange program linking
Fleetwood UCC and Mannheim Neckarau
Lutheran Church. Tobias Schlampp, 26, of
Mannheim, Germany, spent time at both campuses
to learn more about social work and
eldercare in the U.S. Schlampp holds a bachelor’s
degree in business and plans to pursue
social work when he returns to Germany.
“Something like Berks Village is rare in
Germany,” said Berks HCC Administrator Beth
Byler, whose family served as Toby’s hosts. “He
thinks it’s great to have apartments, cottages
and a nursing home in the same facility, and
says it’s a great concept that so many Village
residents volunteer at the Health Care Center.”
Toby was surprised at the strong German influence
in Berks County, and disappointed that no
bus or train ran from Fleetwood to Wernersville.
Not one to sit still, he did what he typically does
in Germany – he rode his bike. ■

Let Phoebe help
you PROVIDE
PHOEBE’S CHARITABLE
GIFT ANNUITY program
gives you a way to provide
for your financial future
with a dependable,
guaranteed lifetime income.
In one simple transaction,
you can increase your
income, decrease your
taxes and make a
significant gift to Phoebe.
AUGUST
1 6:45 p.m.
Happy Rangers Country-Western
music, Country Inn, Phoebe Richland.
9 4-6 p.m.
2nd Annual Auxiliary Peach
Festival Phoebe Home front lawn.
Allentown Band Concert, 7 p.m.
13 6-8 p.m.
Wyomissing Band Phoebe Berks
Village Green. Bring lawn chairs.
16 7 p.m.
Allentown Municipal Band
Phoebe Home band shell, indoors if rain.
Auxiliary treats, hotdogs sold 6-8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
21 TBA
Phoebe Institute on Aging
Workshop Phoebe Berks Village. Featuring
Michael Nardone of Pa. Long-Term Living
Council. Call 610-794-5135 to attend.
7 p.m.
Willow Creek Bluegrass
Country Inn, Phoebe Richland.
23 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Oktoberfest Celebration
D-Wing parking lot, Phoebe Richland.
24 6:45 p.m.
G. Allem Strings ‘n Things
FOR YOUR FINANCIAL
CALENDAR
FUTUR E
Benefits include:
■ Lifetime income, some of it tax-free!
For example, 11.3% at age 90, 9.5% at 85, 8.0% at 80,
and 7.1% at age 75. For two lives: 9.3% at 90/90, 8.4% at
85/90, and 7.3% at ages 80/85.
■ A charitable income tax deduction you can take this year!
■ Partial savings on capital gains tax if you give appreciated
stock or other assets.
■ Reduced estate taxes and probate costs.
■ Quarterly payments prorated to the date of your gift, so you
can begin earning immediately.
■ Choice of one-life or two-life annuities; cash or securities to
fund your gift.
■ Membership in the Phoebe Legacy Circle in recognition of
your support of Phoebe’s charitable mission.
For a confidential proposal... take advantage of this win-win
opportunity. Call Jane Casteline in Institutional Advancement.
610-794-5132 or 1-800-453-8814
Band Country Inn, Phoebe Richland
OCTOBER
4 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Phoebe-Bethany Conference
Phoebe Berks Village auditorium. “The Role of
Theology in Pastoral Ministry,” with Gabriel
Fackre, Ph.D., Call 610-794-5135 to register.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
AAA Driver Safety Course, Pt. 1
Phoebe Terrace Social Room. Cost: $10, call
610-794-6000 to register.
5 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Oktoberfest Hosted by Auxiliary,
Phoebe Home front lawn. Hometown
German Band, 2-3 p.m.
11 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
AAA Driver Safety Course, Pt. 2
(See Oct. 4) Phoebe Terrace Social Room.
13 7 p.m.
“Godspell” at DeSales U. to benefit
Phoebe Richland. Call 215-582-7888 for tickets.
NOVEMBER
2 6 p.m.
Phoebe Institute on Aging
Benefit Holiday Inn, Fogelsville. See ad
this page.
3 8:30 a.m.
Phoebe Institute on Aging
Conference See ad this page.
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 12
Kutztown, PA
THE MESSENGER
Phoebe Ministries
Institutional Advancement Dept.
1925 Turner St.
Allentown, PA 18104
PHOEBE
INSTITUTE
ON AGING
Don’t miss the 2006
Phoebe Institute on Aging
Benefit and Conference
NOVEMBER 2 & 3
Holiday Inn, Fogelsville
with Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.
Physician, storyteller and best-selling author of
Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessings
Benefit Presentation, Nov. 2 - Becoming a Blessing
Caregivers’ Conference, Nov. 3 -
The Path of Service:
Reclaiming the Heart of Our Work
For details, call
610-794-5135
Phoebe Institute on Aging & Bethany Children’s Home present
How Is God Still Speaking?
The Role of Theology
in Pastoral Ministry
Featuring Gabriel Fackre, Ph.D., Abbott Professor of Christian
Theology Emeritus at Andover Newton Theological School, ordained
UCC minister and author of 30 books on theology and ethics
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ■ OCTOBER 4
Phoebe Berks Village & Health Care Center
To pre-register, call 610-794-5135
T
he mission of Phoebe Ministries is to
serve the needs of our aging population.
Phoebe Ministries is a not-for-profit
organization affiliated with the United Church of
Christ.
THE MESSENGER
is published three times a year by:
Phoebe Ministries
1925 Turner Street, Allentown, PA 18104
610-794-5130 ■ 800-453-8814
Fax: 610-794-5421
Rev. Rodney W. Wells
Ronald Rider
Marcella Moyer Schick
Copy Editor/Designer
Photos were taken by
Phoebe’s Institutional
Advancement staff
unless otherwise noted.
President/CEO
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Vice President, Institutional
Advancement
Mary Venditta
Contributors this issue:
Tracy Bozik
Trina Johnson-Brady
Charles Fehr
Molly Kranzley
Mary Venditta
Phoebe-Devitt Homes is the official name of the 501(c)(3)
not-for-profit corporation known as Phoebe Ministries.
Founded in 1903 and incorporated as such in 1984,
Phoebe-Devitt Homes is responsible for the supervision of
facilities, long-range planning, development and fundraising
for 16 communities. Together, these affiliates provide longterm
care, housing and support services to more than 3,000
individuals.
Member of the American Association of Homes and
Services for the Aging, PANPHA, and Council for Health
and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of
Christ.
A century of ministry to older adults
www.phoebe.org