July 2008

It is good for us to be here!

oon to be six score and five years ago, a small group of Sisters of St. Joseph Sbegan Saint Mary’s Home of Erie on the eastside of Erie in an area called Marvintown. Saint Mary’s East has continued to serve the needs of primarily seniors at that same location since September 21, 1884. In 2001 Saint Mary’s at Asbury Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ Ridge was born at our westside location and President/CEO currently the Carriage Homes are popping up at Asbury Ridge! Nearly 124 years after our founding we are making another major recommitment to the eastside of Erie and the people of God by embarking on an ambitious $21 million Nursing Facility Replacement and Renovation Project at Saint Mary’s East.

You may ask, “Why”? I would answer, Saint Mary’s original primarily, to give our Nursing Residents an building, 1884 enhanced quality of life and quality of care; primarily, to enhance our Mission of loving to Inside this issue... care and fostering an atmosphere of community; primarily, to assist our team of employees in living out that Mission day by day. • Around Our Home • Centennials The Project will consist of: a 56 bed Nursing Facility addition; renovation, in • Volunteers phases, of the existing Skilled Nursing Facility; new therapy and hair care suites; • Special Friends new employee entrance and locker rooms; new dining areas and activity spaces; an enclosed courtyard; air conditioning of Saint Joseph Chapel; and a myriad of other technological and care based enhancements. At the completion of the project, each Nursing Facility Resident will have a private room, private bathroom and “European” shower. This will promote additional opportunities for resident privacy and a home-like environment. Continued on page two

A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania President’s Message (continued from page one)

Board of Trustees Chairperson William Flaherty, Jr. Vice Chairperson Jane Kelsey Treasurer Thomas Elliott Secretary Chris Coughlin

John Barber Rev. Thomas Brooks Skilled Nursing Facility at Saint Mary’s East will now Mary Ellen Dahlkemper Barbara Drew offer private rooms with “European” shower. Russell Forquer Mary Alice Glowacki Danny Jones Sister Joyce Lowrey, SSJ R. “Art” Lubomski John Marsden Carol Mingarelle Owen McCormick Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ Denis O’Brien Susan Sutto Kandy Susi James McNamara, Esq.* *Non-voting Board Member and Legal Counsel The Architects are Noelker and Hull of Chambersburg, PA and the Construction Manager and General Contractor is EE Austin and Son. These Mission Statement firms assisted us with the Asbury Ridge Nursing Facility and Assisted Living Founded by the Sisters of Project. St. Joseph and operated in the Catholic tradition, The East Project has a $24,285,000 Health Facilities Revenue Bond Issue Saint Mary’s Home of Erie from the Erie County Hospital Authority. $15 million is for the new is committed to an environment of loving to care construction/renovation and the remainder is to refinance Saint Mary’s 2006 where primarily seniors, auction rate bonds. We received Letters of Credit from Bank of America their families, staff and volunteers for the Project. The Trustee of the Bonds is Bank of New York and the participate in fostering an Underwriter was Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Saint Mary’s will also put atmosphere of community. some equity into the Project. I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Vision Statement our Financial Advisors, Fairmount Capital, the Quinn Law Firm, Insurance Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, Management, Urban Engineers, our Board members, the Sisters of St. through partnership, Joseph, members of our Saint Mary’s Team, the church and local community networking, and referrals with the preliminary work. Emery Yeager is Saint Mary’s Construction will be a principal enabler Consultant. to primarily seniors in the Erie Community aiding them in living their lives in a respectful, dignified Continued on page three and fulfilled manner. 2 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 Ash Street East 28th Street

Artist’s rendition of the renovated Saint Mary’s East Groundbreaking was held on June 9, 2008 and construction BEGAN on June 16, 2008. One need only pass by the area and you will be certain to note that BEGAN is the word! We ask for everyone’s patience and understanding during this time. There will be some temporary inconveniences – but please try to remember why we are doing this. This is an exciting time in our history as we once again touch into our roots and follow those wise women who served before us and, indeed, planted the seeds that we walk on today! On another front, you will notice that we have legally changed our name to “Saint Mary’s Home of Erie” from “St. Mary’s Home of Erie”. You will begin to see some redecorating of the East Nursing Facility Lobby and Building 3 Conference Room in the very near future. It is just that time in the life of both for a facelift. Bob Orton or myself will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the construction and Sister Mary will be happy to answer any resident care issues. It IS good for us to be here! We’re Saint Mary’s and we’re all about you!

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ President/CEO

3 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org AROUND OUR Nursing HOME... Home Week

The theme for the 2008 National Nursing Home Week observance was “Love is Ageless.” Nursing Home Week was celebrated nationwide May 11th through May 17th. National Nursing Home Week is an opportunity for the profession and individual nursing homes to bring into focus their residents, who mean so much to the community and their families, as well as caregivers who give so Cowboy Bob performs for Saint Mary’s East Nursing residents. much of themselves to help those in need of their services.

“Caring for a Loved One with Dementia” Saint Mary’s sponsors Community Education Programs in 2008.

Mercy Center Line Dancers entertaining the Nursing residents at Asbury Ridge.

The Medical Director for the Gallagher Center at Saint Mary’s East, Dr. Dorothy Candib, MD, gave a talk on “Caring for a Loved One with Dementia.” This event was open to the public and is the first of four community events planned for 2008. Over 100 guests attended this free event. 4 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 Saint Mary’s 100 Centennials

Pictured above (L to R): Sheila Sweet, Janet Hunter, and Margaret Giesler, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, Darcy Ginader with her daughter Sophia Ginader. celebrated her 100th birthday on April 5, 2008. Janet Hunter, Saint Mary’s East, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 16, 2008 with friends.

Pictured above (L to R): Back Row: Amanda Dana, Laura Dana, Shirley Ames, and Shirleen Wolfe Seated: Irene Nick and Madilyn Coover Pictured above (L to R): Irene Nick, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, Back Row: Pat Buto, Tom Dombrowski, Ruth Dombrowski, celebrated her 101st birthday on April 26, 2008. and Kathy Nichols Front Row: Stephania Malek and Virginia Hopkins

Stephania Malek, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, celebrated her 100th birthday on May 20, 2008.

5 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org “Some Enchanted Evening”

The fourth annual Senior Prom was The theme for this year’s Senior held for the residents at Saint Mary’s at Prom was “Some Enchanted Asbury Ridge on May 20th. The Senior Evening.” Prom is planned each year by the residents and includes a four course dinner followed by an evening of music and dancing.

“Were On the Move!”

Pictured left are Saint Mary’s East residents at Sally’s Diner near Presque Isle State Park and below are Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge residents at the Presque Isle Downs and Casino. Residents at Saint Mary’s enjoy an active lifestyle through many of the planned activities throughout the Erie community.

6 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 Embracing different Religions and Backgrounds

Rabbi Leonard Lifshen, spiritual leader of Erie’s Congregation Brith Sholom, visited Adult Day Services at Saint Saint Mary’s East on April 30. Although Saint Mary’s is a Catholic sponsored facility, it embraces different religions and backgrounds. Rabbi Lifshen spoke to the Adult Day Mary’s Services clients about Passover. Residents Participate in Local Art Show Pictured above is Chuck Garnon in front of art work he entered into the Mercy Center on Aging Art Show.

Snakes and Gators and Turtles, “Oh my!”

Clients from the Adult Day Services at Saint Mary’s East are captivated as Mike Dohanic, Pennsylvania Reptile Specialist, shows off a few of his “pets.”

77 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org In 2007, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie had 88 volunteers, who donated more than 4024 hours of service. More Volunteersthan 70 volunteersHonored and guests attended Saint Mary’s Home of Erie’s 2008 Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Receiving special recognition for completing 100 volunteer hours this past year were (Back Row, L to R) Saint Mary’s East Activities Director Diane Lutz, Shirley Cairns, Barbara Walk, Jeamer LaCour, and Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge Activities Director Dionna Durr. Seated, left to right, are Peggy Rusnak; Saint Mary’s President and CEO, Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ and Judi Gido. Not included in the photo are volunteers Shirley DiSanza, Rebecca Heidecker, and Fran Kowalski, who were also recognized for completing 100 hours of service.

This year, 39 employees representing 420 years of commitment, were honored for their years of service Employeesat the annual SaintHonored Mary’s Employee Recognition for Dinner. Service

30 Years of Service 25 Years of Service

(L to R): Pamela Nichols and Kathleen Macrino.

Absent: Lori McKinney

(L to R): Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ; Margaret Rekitt, and Mary Ann Weber.

8 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 20 YearsAbsent: Jennifer of Desbrow Service

15 Years of Service (L to R): Anna Burrows, Susan Rzomp, Karen Nicewonger, and Constance Haefner.

10 Years of Service (L to R): Brenda Seelinger, Kimberly Mulligan, Diana Roberts, and Angelina Siliman

Absent: Damaris Malave, Jennifer Huston, and Brenda Thomas.

back row (L to R): Zachery Taylor, Damir Buljabasic, Allen Bonace 5Years of Service front row left to right: Tina Brockway, Sister Nancy Prenatt, SSJ; and Sister Joseph Marie Fitzgerald, SSJ.

Absent: Stephanie Pettinato, Leah Mason, Shannon Wallace, Tina Simko, Melissa Pence, Carolyn Stright, David Swartz, Joseph Skladanowski, Richard Rutkowski, Amber Landis, Bobby Whaling, Karen Tucholski, Natasha Knowles, Barbara Burnett, and Diane Blumish.

9 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org Say Hello to Mr. Briggs At 90 years old and still very independent, Lewis “Bud” Briggs was at Meet Frank Jurewicz a crossroad in his life. His wife of 64 years, Janet, recently entered the Frank Jurewicz moved into Saint Mary’s Nursing Facility at Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge and East 10 months ago. Although he he found himself in a new moved into a new residence, he already situation. He was alone. considered himself a family member of Cooking meals, grocery the Saint Mary’s community. shopping, house work and Frank had a very close friend who even going to dinner were resided at Saint Mary’s East that he all activities he once shared would visit on a regular basis. Because with his wife and now he he was at Saint Mary’s so often he found was doing them alone. himself getting acquainted with many of Bud knew that he did not Bud and Janet Briggs the employees. He loved not only how want to go on living this his friend was treated, but also how he way. He, of course, still spent a lot of his time with his wife at Saint was treated. “I always felt welcome and Mary’s, but wanted more for both of them again. In January of 2008 he experienced some heart problems and that gave him a sign of what he soon I felt like I was part of a new family, needed to do. Bud decided to move into the Assisted Living Facility at the Saint Mary’s family,” said Frank. Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge. Although he did not need much assistance This connection that Frank felt with he realized he would get the best of both worlds with this decision. He Saint Mary’s blossomed into a new would now be in the same building with his wife and would see her relationship with the community. He even more than his previous situation allowed. He also knew that if became a resident. “Every employee health issues arose down the road, he was now in the position to get the is always friendly and polite. Even the care he would need. “It gives me a sense of security knowing that I have landscapers go out of their way to make nurses here to help monitor my health, even though I am healthy right now,” explained Bud. me feel at home,” exclaims Frank. “At Saint Mary’s you never get too far from your room without being Frank is a people person who loves greeted by someone,” said Bud. He was no longer alone. He found that to socialize and interact with people. he was even getting involved in the community. Before he retired he worked as a Driving Bud, who is Chairman and former President of Erie Plating Company, Salesman for The Keystone Towel which still goes to work for a few hours every day. He is also an accomplished provided linen services for most of the trumpet player and is active in several area bands. Bud brings his restaurants, bars and hotels in the Erie successes in business and music to the Saint Mary’s community. He plays his trumpet at church services that are held at Saint Mary’s, including this year’s Easter Service. Bud and several other residents also helped plan a very successful “Senior Prom” which was held at the end of May. Most recently Bud was awarded the highest honor the Rotary Club gives, The Rotary Four Way Test Award. “Bud is one of Saint Mary’s residents who truly understands the benefit of living in a retirement community. He takes full advantage of what Saint Mary’s offers and at the same time is able to give back to the community. Saint Mary’s is able to meet his needs and he is able to live life the way he prefers,” says Anthony Allegretto, Director of Marketing. Sadly, Janet Briggs passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2008. The entire Saint Mary’s community would like “Every employee is always friendly and to extend their deepest sympathy to polite. Even the landscapers go out of Bud and his family and friends. Mr. Briggs at the Saint Mary’s at their way to make me feel at home.” Asbury Ridge 2008 Senior Prom.

10 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 Congratulations area. He loved meeting different people Congratulations to Debbie Swartz, and enjoyed the challenge of working with BSN, RN-BC, for passing the “different personalities.” His outgoing nature American Nurses Credentialing helped him win a contest that his company Center (ANCC) Gerontological had for the highest sales. Nurse Certification. Debbie is the first Nurse to achieve this goal Now as a resident of Saint Mary’s, Frank brings his energy and affability to the other on the Saint Mary’s team. The residents and employees in the community. description of this practice is to You can always find Frank at many of the identify and use the strengths of social events that Saint Mary’s sponsors. He older adults and assist them to especially enjoys the music events that some maximize their independence, of the local schools put on as well as the minimize disability, and, where public speaking events at Saint Mary’s. appropriate, achieve a peaceful death. An interesting note about Frank is his “We are very proud of unique hobby that he has been involved in Allen Bonace, Director of Nursing for Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge, our Nursing Management since his childhood. He collects newspaper Team preparing for the and magazine clippings from just about comments, “We are very proud of Gerontological Nurse any publication he can get his hands on. our Nursing Management Team Certification and for Debbie Although the topics of health and politics preparing for the Gerontological Swartz being the first to are his main interests, his collection is almost Nurse Certification and for successfully complete the program.” limitless in content and variety. This hobby Debbie Swartz being the first has become a pastime that Frank looks to successfully complete the forward to passing on to future generations program. The American Nurses Credentialing Center is the in his family. It has become an open history largest and most prestigious nurse credentialing organization book of not only the world, but even more in the United States and their certification programs importantly, of his family since he was a validate nurses’ skills, knowledge and abilities. By obtaining young man. certification in our specialty areas, we are able to demonstrate that we have met national standards and demonstrate that we have made continuing professional development a priority in maintaining our ongoing competence to practice. Certification provides evidence to the public and the profession of the strength of our nursing abilities.” Allen holds a certification as a Nurse Executive. Saint Mary’s has more nurses preparing for this certification.

This program was partially supported by a grant from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Pictured below are Debbie Swartz, Nursing Supervisor, and Anne Hartline, Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge resident.

Pictured above is Mr. Jurewicz showing off a few of his filing cabinets that are filled with binders that contain his newspaper and magazine clippings. Frank’s collection highlights his family and the world around him.

11 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Erie, PA Permit No. 163 607 East 26th Street Erie, Pennsylvania 16504

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 Ph i l a n t h r o p i s t Pr o v i d e s

Anthony J. Allegretto Ca r e f o r Re s i d e n t s i n Director of Marketing, Editor Fi n a n c i a l Ne e d Can you still make a difference in the lives of others at the age of 95? Miss Kimberly McCaslin, CFRE Director of Development Bernadine Weber did! As a capstone to a lifetime of faithful giving and stewardship, Bernadine, a former resident and employee who passed Please let us know if you have a change away April 2007, donated $33,000 to Saint Mary’s through her estate. Her of address; the addressee is not at this gift will provide benevolent care to residents with limited resources— address; you are receiving more than residents that no longer can afford to pay for their care. one newsletter; or you would like to be Bequests are one of the most personal607 Eastforms 26th ofStreet charitable giving and taken off the mailing list. may often be the only way one is ableErie, to PA make 16504-2813 a sizeable contribution. A thoughtful, up-to-date If you would like to receive the newsletter by e-mail, please visit will gives you the security of www.stmaryshome.org knowing you have responsibly Love Lives On and use the “Contact Us” provided for your loved “Those we love remain with us feature to send us your ones and the causes that are for love itself lives on…” e-mail address. important to you, such as Saint E-mailing the newsletter will help the Mary’s Home of Erie. Anyone can create a bequest of any amount and at environment and save any time through a simple directive in an existing will, called a codicil. postage costs. If you are considering including Saint Mary’s in your will, we encourage For more information concerning you to inform us so that we may include you as a charter member of the Medicare’s new prescription drug Saint Mary’s Legacy Society. This newly formed society will include coverage, please call dedicated friends who support the Mission of Saint Mary’s through a 1-800-MEDICARE or visit charitable planned gift. www.medicare.gov For sample bequest language to share with your advisor or to request more information, contact Kim McCaslin, Director of Development, at 814-836-5312. 12 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621