The Messenger - Phoebe Ministries

4 MessengerIntergenerational MosaicLongevity is the theme of a new, inter-generationalart fixture being created at Phoebe Richland. Local artistMary Pierce, commonly referred to as “Mosaic Mama,”and home-schooled students from the area began workingwith residents in February to create a 13 ft. x 3 ft. tilemosaic for the Center’s courtyard. The work continues.Funded by the Edwin J. and Gertrude K. NeuschFund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, themosaic depicts an Asian landscape with a colorful borderof 4 in. tiles that embody the feelings of the people creatingit. “We want to provide residents with opportunities tofeel that they are valued members of the community, andthat they can make an impact,” says Activities DirectorKristin Kiehstaller.More than 30 residents and 20 students areinvolved in the project. Betty Hassler, a short-term rehabresident, says, “It gave me an outlet and was very creative.I look forward to seeing the completed mosaic duringfuture visits.” ■Grand-buddies and MitzvahsSoon after visiting Phoebe Home for the first time todeliver flowers to residents as part of a school program,Nilaya and Devika Knafo (pictured, front) experienced theloss of their grandfather, Maurice, who lived at home. Thefamily was glad they were able to be near Maurice atsuch a time, but sad that all families are not as fortunate.They decided to start the Maurice Mitzvah Fund to letother seniors know they are not alone or forgotten.Through the charity, the girls and their brother, Pasha(also in photo), created gift baskets in memory of theirgrandfather. In Hebrew, a mitzvah is a good deed, andthese children are doing plenty of mitzvahs for their new“grand-buddies” at Phoebe Home. The handmade basketsincluded blankets, hand cream, tissues, cookies andother comforting items. The best part about visiting theresidents, said 6-year-old Pasha, “was hugging them.”“Watching the children deliver the baskets was overwhelming,”said Kathy Bohnenberger, Director, Activitiesand Volunteers for Phoebe Home. “It was very special.” ■Gateway Rehab Graduates Reconnectwith Caregivers, FriendsPhoebe Richland’s Gateway neighborhoodhosted an open house recently to invite graduatesof the rehab unit back to share their successstories and reconnect with staff. JamesRubright, a graduate who recovered from spinalstenosis surgery at Phoebe Richland last summer,and his wife, Marlene, enjoyed catching up withphysical therapist Sean Regan.Employees from every department attended,and many grads enjoyed sharing time withone of the two rehab dogs who helped themthrough many sessions of sometimes uncomfortablework. (See photo, lower right.)The event featured live piano music duringa summer picnic-style lunch, and theHappy Bombadeers, a lively group of Boombaplayers who brought smiles to many facesand even recruited new members from theaudience.Shown playing a Boomba (top) is ArleanDetweiler, a graduate who formed a bondwith a resident across the hall during herstay. Although they continue to be very closefriends, the reunion allowed them to seeeach other in person for the first time sinceboth returned home from Phoebe earlierthis year. ■First Brain Fitness Class Earns DiplomasThe first group of residents to complete a Brain Fitness program at PhoebeTerrace attended commencement in May. For eight weeks, using Brain Fitnesssoftware developed by Posit Science Corporation, determined students workedan hour a day, five days a week, challenging themselves with brain calisthenics.Through a collaborativeeffort with PennTreaty and PositScience, Phoebe set upa computer lab andbegan offering residentsthe opportunityto use the Brain FitnessProgram.One student,Phoebe Terrace residentMargaret Teitsworth, gave an inspirational testimonial about the positivechanges she experienced in her life from taking the program. “After completingthe program, my head feels clear and it’s easier to recall words and names.Instead of feeling drained after each class, I began to feel exhilarated,” she said.Margaret, who plans to volunteer as a coach for future classes, said she will continuedoing the brain exercises using the software on her own computer.“We couldn’t have worked with a better organization than Phoebe,” saidSteve La Pierre of Posit Science. “Everyone involved with making this programhappen really made it exciting for us.”A second class took place in June, and another will be open to the publicfrom Sept. 21-Nov. 13. For more information, call 610-794-MIND. ■