UCC Churches Make the Difference - Phoebe Ministries

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BERKS EMBRACING LIFE CAMPAIGN22 The Messenger/Annual Report IssuePhoebe thanks thedonors who havemade gifts and/orpledges to supportour building expansionand renovationprojects:AnonymousAuxiliary Phoebe BerksHealth Care CenterMr. & Mrs. Warren B.BackenstoeBarley Snyder LLCMr. & Mrs. Adam GilbertBartholomewMr. & Mrs. Edwin W.BartholomewMrs. Emma L. BartholomewRev. & Mrs. Wallace A. BaumMr. & Mrs. Jacob R. BowersMr. & Mrs. Forrest ComptonMr. & Mrs. Harold E. CroomMr. & Mrs. William J. DaviesDr. & Mrs. Francis R. DeitrichMrs. Darlene DormanMr. & Mrs. Ronald A. EstockMr. & Mrs. Charles L. FehrMs. Margaret FisherRev. & Mrs. Barry R. GalleyMr. Earl* & Mrs. Grace Geist,Sr.Ms. June L. GwynMr. & Mrs. Richard W.HastingsMr. & Mrs. Frank J. HaynesHeidelberg Association ofWomenMr. John E.* & Mrs. PaulineK. HimmelbergerMr. Albert H. IncledonMr. & Mrs. Kenneth E. KiefferMiss June E. KissingerMrs. Anna M. KnollMrs. Eileen KordzinskiMs. Barbara KrumboldtMrs. Louise J. LongMr. William G. LutzMrs. Catherine MullNoelker and Hull Associates,Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Clair W. NollAtty. & Mrs. Brian R. OttMrs. Doris T. PaineMrs. Eunice RamaganoMs. Elsa M. RankinMr. & Mrs. Ronald L. RiderMs. Elizabeth Martin RudyMr. & Mrs. Kenneth D. SalladeMr. & Mrs. Leon W. SchockMr. & Mrs. David E. SeifertShattuck Hammond PartnersInc./Division of MorganKeegan & Co., Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Nelson C.SimonsonMrs. Dorothy E. SmithMrs. Elizabeth RappSponagleMr. Howard W. SteinStevens & LeeMr. Richard L. WaltonWarfel Construction Co.Rev. & Mrs. Richard H.WhitneyMs. Helen G. Yoder* DeceasedBerks CURA Worker BringsJoy of Living to the JobThe word “sit” is not in Oleynative Bob Sittler’s vocabulary.“My last name is Sittler,but I never sit,” he claims. Foreight years, the former dairyfarmer has biked 14 milesround-trip to his job at PhoebeBerks Health Care Center.According to him, working as adish washer for CuraHospitality is more than justdoing dishes. It’s a way to stayfit and healthy, or as he says, “Itkeeps you 75 years young.”Sittler was raised on thecorner of Oley Park Road withhis four sisters. His father,who was a dairyfarmer, inspired himto become one, too.As a young man, Sittlerdreamed of buying a farm ofhis own in Oley, even one inneed of “TLC.” In 1964, he got hischance and purchased theMorning Mistdairy farm for$30,000. The fixerupperincluded129 acres, 100 cows,a grain truck anda full line ofmachinery. “Itwas a great placeto raise my fivechildren,” he says.After 30 yearsof farming, Sittlerretired, but he hasnever sloweddown. “I lovespendingBob Sittlertime with my ninegrandchildren,and biking is mypassion andprimary transportation,”saysSittler, who bikesup to 40 miles to getwhere he needs to go.Although he owns acar, he prefers to bike becauseit gives him something to do.“Plus, it’s good for you,” he adds.People Make the Differenceat PHOEBE BERKS■■■■■Volunteer program grows for residents in healthcare and assisted living.Expanded therapy department and new fitnesscoordinator bring expertise and motivation.CURA Hospitality staff receive high marks onquality, safety and satisfaction with food service.Chaplains reach out with educational programs,life review workshops and grief support groups.Donors to the Embracing Life Campaign givemore than $1.1 million to expand programs formemory support and short-term rehab.“When I retired from farming,I worked for a temporaryagency that found various jobsfor me. I drove tractor trailersand worked other odd jobs. So,I didn’t ‘officially’ retire until Iwas 67,” says Sittler.When the temporaryagency assigned Sittler to CuraHospitality, a food service managementcompany that specializesin senior living and acutecare, Sittler biked seven milesto Phoebe Berks to be interviewedand quickly was hiredfull-time.“I never thought I wouldhave a job like this, but pushingthe dishes keeps me in goodshape,” says Sittler, who bikesto work at 6:00 a.m., three orfour days a week. “They treatme well, and it’s work that I cando. I’m a mover, so this is agreat job for me.”According to Cura’s presidentand founder, MitchPossinger, hiring senior citizensis good business. “Seniorsunderstand the meaning ofgood work. A job gives themsomething productive to doand makes them feel needed.Plus, seniors know how tomeet, serve and be nice to others,whether they be residents,family members, clients or fellowworkers. Those are importanttraits to possess in thehospitality industry.”Sittler certainly meets thecriteria. When needed, he willinglylends a hand in personalcare, serving meals and pouringcoffee.“Since I’m older, I fit right inwith the residents,” Sittlerexplains. “There are many prettyladies, so I hold the dooropen for them, joke around andenjoy speaking PennsylvaniaDutch with them. I like interactingwith the residents.”When asked what he likesmost about his job, Sittlerlaughs. “Lunch!” is his readyanswer. ■
Phoebe Supporters SelectCottage at Phoebe BerksPastors Richard and RuthSchaeffer, new cottage residentsPastors Richardand Ruth Schaeffer,long time supporters ofPhoebe, will move intoa newly constructedKnollshire cottage atPhoebe Berks inDecember. Rev.Richard Schaeffer is aLutheran pastor whoserved in several Unionchurches sharing abuilding with United Church of Christ congregations.His wife, Ruth is a UCC pastor, whose father served onPhoebe’s board in the 1950s. Over the years, the couplehas fostered a deep connection with Phoebe thatled to their decision to make the move.Ruth’s father, Rev. Clarence R. Rahn, was a UCCminister who shared three Union churches with her husband,Richard. “They fought the devil from both ends,”laughs Ruth. As part of a Union church, each congregationsupported the other’s missions. Richard nowsays, “My heart really is in Phoebe.”When asked what they are looking forward to themost in their new community, Richard is quick to say,“The people! They are such a warm, friendly bunch.”He is also relieved that he will no longer have to worryabout home maintenance.Recalling a summer band concert they attendedon the Berks campus, Ruth says, “I was so impressedwith the staff and how attentive they were to the residents.”It is this atmosphere of caring that helped themchoose Phoebe as their place to retire. “I know if anythinghappens, I’m in the right place,” adds Richard. ■Wyomissing Club’sAda McCrackenRecognized forCommunity WorkAda McCracken helps prepare lunch at FamilyFirst Senior Center in Reading.The Messenger/Annual Report Issue 23People Make the Differenceat PHOEBE’S INDEPENDENTLIVING COMMUNITIES■■■■Service coordinators provide personal attention and seeto residents’ individual needs.Pastoral Care staff and volunteer chaplains conductworship and memorial services, bible study and smallgroup discussions.Wellness programs enhanceresidents’ safety and fitness.Donations improve quality oflife for residents by fundingrenovations and specialprograms.Working Together, TheyMake Devitt House BloomTwo gardens and the patio, shortly after planting.At 84, Ada Baxter McCracken is a woman onthe move. A resident of Phoebe’s SeniorApartments at the Wyomissing Club inReading, McCracken remains a vital player inSt. James Church of God in Christ on SouthNinth Street, the church she and her husbandorganized 35 years ago.Her involvement at the church, of whichher son, Steven, is the current pastor, includesbeing president of the Women’s Council andvolunteering at the monthly food pantry. Therecent economic downturn has brought morepeople to the food pantry, she says. “A lot ofyoung people have begun to come. We try togive everyone three bags of groceries. I thankGod we are able to do that.”So well known is she for her good work inReading, McCracken was honored by theCentral Pennsylvania African AmericanMuseum as part of its Black History Monthprogram last February. While the award wasan honor, McCracken says “just knowing I’veDevitt House staff members, residents andfriends volunteered last spring and summer toassist with a gardening-landscaping project atthe senior housing community in UnionCounty. Together, they put in a patio display, asummer garden, and herbs, wildflowers andperennials on the community’s grounds.Signs, bird houses, bird baths and gate decorationsadded ornamentation.Trees were donated by residents and familymembers in memory of loved ones, and stoneswere donated by a local business. Flowers andsupplies were purchased using the proceedsof fundraisers organized by the residents. Onenew resident even donated a water feature,complete with goldfish.The Devitt House maintenance staff helpedresidents tend the gardens throughout thesummer. ■helped somebody” is all she expects from heracts of kindness.Being involved in the community for somany years, it is no wonder McCracken still visitshospital patients and nursing home residents,or that she helps people play bingo atthe local senior center. When asked why, shequietlyreplies, “My thing is to help people.”McCracken was one of the first people tomove into an apartment at the WyomissingClub. She was attracted by the design of thebuilding and that it only had four floors, unlikethe local high-rises. Its central location hasmade it possible for her to remain active incommunity activities. “You can get the busright out front and go anywhere,” she smiles.The lounges, front porch, planned activitiesand chapel at The Wyomissing Club giveMcCracken opportunities to relax with otherresidents or, if necessary, enjoy some privatetime in between community work. “It’s quiethere, very peaceful,” she says. “I just love it.” ■
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Page 17 and 18: Retired UCC Pastor SelectsPhoebe Ri
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Page 29 and 30: Ms. Ruth Gross*Ms. Dorothy HowardMs

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