2 Resident Events & Outings 6

Department Spotlight 4 Donation Spotlight

Issue #16 Spring 2015

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org 2 The Charlotte Hall GAZETTE Issue #16 - Spring 2015

I am so pleased to be working with everyone associated with Charlotte Hall Director’s Corner “Veterans Home again. It is the dedicated work of the staff, the volunteers and the Greetings, renovated space and serve over 412 veter- Maryland Veterans Home Commission which It’s only March ans each day. I am proud to say I was here have made Charlotte Hall a model for State and we have so many on that first day to greet our veterans and Veterans Home across the country. great things happen- still around 30 years later. My career path ing at Charlotte Hall has enabled me to meet so many wonderful I also thank all those who support Veterans Home, to veterans, families, staff and volunteers. It Charlotte Hall and the veterans there, with include the opening has been an amazing journey. donations which are used to enrich the of an on-site pharmacy in early spring. The With time comes change and new fac- lives of the residents. Many of the Veterans Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Pharmacy will es. The State Office has a new face for the Service Organizations, and Cruisin’ Southern be a tremendous benefit to our residents, first time in many years, Melissa Hernandez Maryland, have made significant donations “ enhance safe handling of medications and Canada. Melissa joined the MD Depart- which have provided enhancements such as provide readily available pharmacist support ment of Veterans Affairs on July 9, 2015. on a daily basis. The CHVH Pharmacy is also Melissa is welcomed asset to the office golf carts for transportation and an outdoor home to a state-of-the-art automated medica- and brings many new skills and abilities to Pavilion for residents use, just to name two. tion dispensing system. enhance our program. In May, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home George W. Owings, III will host the National Association of State Sincerely, Secretary Veterans Home (NASVH) Northeast Regional Sharon Mattia MD Department of Veterans Affairs Meeting. Charlotte Hall is one of 150 state Director veterans’ homes across the country who are members of NASVH. NASVH’s primary mis- It’s a pleasure Services Offered sion is to ensure that each eligible U.S. vet- working with such a eran receives the best long term health care great team here at • Skilled Nursing available. Thirteen states have been invited Charlotte Hall Vet- • Assisted Living to attend. CMS Professor Wayne Karlin, erans Home. I was • Rehabilitation author of “Trauma and Recovery after War” originally hired only as • Memory Care is the Keynote Speaker. Day one the group a temporary em- • On-Site Optometry will spend touring the facility and grounds. ployee but I did not • On-Site Dental Day two will consist of a Leadership Tour at realize how humbling and exciting it would • On-Site Podiatry the US Naval Academy and VIP Tour of the be to serve our residents. I love helping our • On-Site Beauty/Barber Shop Maryland State House. Charlotte Hall’s own community connect through donations and • On-Site Massage Therapy/ American Legion Post 298 has offered to volunteering, and enjoy providing a window Pain Management sponsor the Naval Academy Tour and lunch of our resident’s experiences through our • On-Site Veterans Service Officer for the association members. website and Facebook page. I am honored • On-Site American Legion Post 298 As we have looked ahead, we must also to be here and look forward to continuously look back to reflect where we have been. helping to improve the quality of our resi- * If you are interested in having a representative from Charlotte Hall Veterans Charlotte Hall Veterans Home opened to dent’s lives. Home present information at one of your admit its first veteran more than 30 years ago upcoming events, please contact on January 29, 1985. We have grown in so Carole Lewis, Director of Marketing Melissa Canada at 301-884-8171, Ext. 483 many ways; added services, beds, amenities Contract Support Coordinator or [email protected]

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org The Charlotte Hall GAZETTE Issue #16 - Spring 2015 3

Department Spotlight: Blessed by Rev. Maintenance Francis McMullen

In the ongoing world of Charlotte Hall handful for our maintenance staff! We have a Rev. Francis R. McMullen was ordained Veterans Home and the massive effort that’s total of 16 staff members in the Maintenance June 9th, 1951. He served in the USAF as a put in to care for our veterans, I would like Department, and they all have to have the chaplain during the Vietnam War. Not only to use this space from time to time to share ability to do many different tasks and adapt did he serve active duty military members, with everyone what it takes to make this on the fly as to what may be needed at any he continued ministering to the veterans and place run. And when I say run, time. While having to manage staff at CHVH as the Catholic chaplain since I literally mean run! The group an average of 1600 work orders Aug. 1st, 1987. Father Frank has I’m talking about in this edition on a monthly basis, you can worked consistently is our Maintenance Staff. see why it takes a teamwork and tirelessly reach- When it’s cold or hot outside attitude to make it happen in ing out to hundreds and we need air conditioning maintenance! And you can and thousands over or heat, these guys are here. bet that there’s not a day that the years. He always When we have snow on the goes by that you won’t see one managed to be in the ground and our parking lots technician in 10 different places right place at the right time to say just what and sidewalks are covered, in the building completing someone needed to hear. Many a resident these guys are here. When our veterans work orders. When walking these halls, benefitted greatly from his visits. Hundreds need a remote fixed or their glasses mended if you should meet up with any one of the of people are logged in his visitation logs or just about anything that you can think of, Maintenance technicians, you will always as having received the Sacraments. Along these guys are here. with his blessing always came his charity Bernie Owens, Director and his smile. While tending his flock, he of Maintenance, and also reached out to others from all faith his staff go above persuasions. Father did countless funeral and and beyond when burial services for the veterans and made his it comes to taking emergency visits day and night whenever the phone would ring. He has also been known care of Charlotte Hall to even extend his blessing to the unborn little Veterans Home and the babies of the staff upon request! needs of the veterans, Father Frank attended families and staff. Not innumerable formal cere- to mention what it takes monies and events here just to keep a facility at Charlotte Hall during his this size ‘running’ every tenure here. He prayed to day! There is a lot more the Lord in the presence of that goes into the operation of a facility like be greeted with a friendly smile and a warm many dignitaries and politicians while helping this than just the occasional ‘fixing of the hello. It’s that positive attitude in this and to host dozens of the veteran ceremonies heater.’ From the Preventive Maintenance every department in the facility that make and political events that took place on the Program that is in place to ensure that this such a wonderful place to come to work campus over the years. Father Frank officially systems are checked before something has every day and to take care of the veterans retired from his active duties here on Jan. the chance to go awry, to the multitude of of the state of Maryland! Be proud team, 29th, 2015, the 30th Anniversary of the different contracts and contractors that they because you are something to be proud of! opening of CHVH. He will be greatly missed. deal with, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is a We love you Father Frank!

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org 4 The Charlotte Hall GAZETTE Issue #16 - Spring 2015

Resident Events & Outings Upcoming Events

March 6 Live Entertainment with Seymour Band (EMPR) 14 Irish Dance Company (MPR) 15 Pizza Social with ECC Volunteers 20 Sock Hop 50’s Party (MPR) 28 Easter Egg Hunt (MPR) 29 NASCAR Ice Cream Social with Christen Misery Rocking New Year’s Eve Celebrating Black History Month April 10 Talent Show 11 All American Harley Resident Cook-Out (MDP) 17 70’s Party (MPR) 18 Carol Fisher Dance Studio (MPR) 24 Red Hat Society Social (MAR) May 6 & 7 NASVH Regional Meeting 8 Opening of the Tiki Hut Luau Elvis Is In The Building Designing Bead Jewelry 15 Outdoor Concert Bucket List Band (S-PAV) 16 Southern Maryland Concert Bank (MPR) 18 Show Stoppers (MPR) 22 Spring Dance Port Tobacco Pickers Band (EMPR) 23 Cruisin Southern Maryland Car Show 27 Floyd Anderson’s Pianist in Concert June Valentine’s Day Painting Class Works of Art 5 Resident Picnic with Deloitte Volunteers 12 Ice Cream Social Tiki Hut 26 Outdoor Concert (S-PAV) July 4 One Woman Live Show Rosie the Riveter (MPR) 17 Linda in Concert Tiki Hut 24 Senior Prom

Full monthly calendars Mardi Gras Rolling Thunder BBQ are available online

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org The Charlotte Hall GAZETTE Issue #16 - Spring 2015 5

The move into assisted living is a major life change for residents and it can be a Maintaining daunting and overwhelming experience. Often times, residents have a sense that they Independence in are losing their independence. It is our goal Assisted Living at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home (CHVH) and this is when being able to provide job to make the transition from the community opportunities for them is a valuable resource. to assisted living as seamless as possible CHVH offers residents opportunities to work ment created jobs specifically for residents and to stress the importance of maintaining in a variety of areas and to be able to earn and they can be seen working alongside the independence, whether this means being a paycheck for their hard work just as they staff, in uniform, painting and maintaining the able to complete the most basic activities of would if they were living in the community. grounds among other duties. Or you may daily living, i.e. bathing, dressing, and eating, CHVH has a gift shop that is maintained be given a tour by one of the residents, which to working and sustaining a job at the facility. and operated by assisted living residents and is a great opportunity for those receiving the Residents want and need purpose in is supervised by a staff member. The tour. The residents are able to give their lives. CHVH promotes a sense of au- employees have regular work sched- you a unique, inside perspective of tonomy and purpose for each resident. The ules, are responsible for opening and what it is like to live at CHVH. Other staff work together and collaborate with the closing the shop, conducting invento- areas of employment at CHVH include residents to determine what gives them the ry, and assisting customers with pur- working at the barber shop and work- sense of being needed. For some, participat- chases. An added bonus is that the ing in the dining areas. ing in activities and relaxing at their own pace gift shop, and other areas of employment, are At CHVH, we strive to promote well be- is enough! Other residents may need more able to accommodate residents’ schedules ing and self-sufficiency at all times. Through for medical appointments and special events employment, we are privileged to be able to the residents want to attend. afford our residents with opportunities for If you are visiting CHVH, you may see them to maintain their highest level of inde- some of our residents hard at work with the pendence possible. maintenance crew! Our maintenance depart-

We would like to take this time to honor one of March 3rd, 2015 marked a very special day in the our late residents, Jerome “Jerry” Julius. life of one our beloved Veterans. Catherine “Kitty” Koses Jerry was one of the first five African Americans celebrated her 100th birthday!! to graduate from Johns Hopkins University where Catherine “Kitty” Koses was born March 3, 1915 he received his Master’s degree in Engineering. In in Cairnbrook, PA. She grew up with 2 sisters, Mary and 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force where he worked Anne, and 1 brother, Peter. Sadly, they are all deceased. for the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Office of the Kitty graduated from High school at a time when many Secretary of Defense. women weren’t afforded that opportunity. She never As a Major, Jerry earned the Legion of Merit, married or had children, instead choosing to spend her life exploring interesting one of the military’s highest honors typically ventures and a multitude of places. awarded to Colonels, for crafting the first Kitty has always had an independent spirit. She loves to travel and experience Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation. The Legion of Merit is given for new things. She’s lived all over the United States, including California, New York, and exceptionally meritorious conduct during the performance of outstanding service Florida. Skiing in Switzerland , journeying through Germany and ambling all over and achievement. He was the only recorded Legion of Merit recipient to reside at Europe were just a few of her many adventures. She loved to allow others to see her Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. travels, and often sent her family postcards from all of her destinations over her years In addition, Jerry received the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious work of travel. Finally, when she reached her early 80’s, she decided to return to Maryland evaluating the Vietnamese Air Force during the Vietnam War. He also earned and join most of her family. Since Kitty never married or had any children, she instead the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force enjoyed spoiling her nieces and nephews. She continued to be very active and Commendation Medal, Secretary of Defense Service Badge, and the Joint Chiefs independent well into her early 90’s. She had a great affinity for a myriad of fine art, of Service Badge. and greatly enjoyed painting, drawing and photography. After retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1972, Jerry served as CEO for the Civil Kitty served her country as a member of the Women’s Service Retirement System and the Federal Employee Health Benefit System. Army Corp during World War II for nearly three years. During that There he earned the Presidential rank of Meritorious Senior Executive, the time, she was at D–Day in France and received both a Good OPM’s Director’s Award for Distinguished Service, and the Director’s Citation for Conduct Medal and Army Occupation Medal. Her occupations Distinguished Public Service. during her working years were varied, and included elevator Jerry and his wife of more than 60 years have 8 children and 9 operator, office worker and beautician. grandchildren. Sadly, he passed away on March 2, 2015. Kitty joined us here at Charlotte Hall Veterans home in 2007. She has a sister The family expressed deep gratitude of the staff for treating their loved one in law, nieces and great nieces and nephews that visit and send her many cards. with honor and dignity during his stay at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. He will be Kitty always has charming smile and a twinkle in her eye, she loves to socialize with dearly missed. everyone. Can you imagine the knowledge and experience she has to share!!

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org 6 The Charlotte Hall GAZETTE Issue #16 - Spring 2015

Volunteer Corner

New Director of Volunteer/Comm- unity Outreach Message from Katie: Charlotte Hall First of all, to all of the staff, volunteers Veterans Home is and residents of Charlotte Hall, I want to thrilled to announce thank you all for being so kind and welcom- Katie Richards as ing to me during my first days and weeks our new Director of learning the organization. I’m so excited to Volunteer/Community Outreach. Katie brings have the opportunity to maintain the remark- Meet JoAnn Frost our dedicated Clothing with her many years of professional customer able volunteer program already established store volunteer. JoAnn and her husband service based experience. Katie understands here at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. relocated to the area last year, after volunteer- the importance of giving back to the commu- As a lifetime resident of Southern Maryland ing for 2 years at a Veterans Home in Grand nity and is no stranger to volunteering herself, and relative of many veterans, I can’t think Rapids. She was thrilled to discover that she having many years of experience within the of a better place to serve our community. I had moved close to CHVH. JoAnn says she community serving local schools and youth look forward to this new opportunity and volunteers to stay connected to the Veterans sports clubs, the American Heart Association, I am truly honored to have been given the Home because of the services it provides to Relay for Life, Girls Scouts, as well as many opportunity of “serving those who served.” the veterans, and she truly enjoys listening to other local organizations. their stories. Volunteer Donation Spotlight:

Opportunities American Legion Post 91: All American Harley: We are grateful for This motorcycle Volunteers are an important part of CHVH. the support of Ameri- club has support- Volunteers are a constant reminder that the can Legion Post 91 in ed our veterans for community appreciates the sacrifices our veter- Cambridge, MD. Earlier many years. ans have made for our country. Through visiting the home on a weekly, monthly or quarterly this year, they donated In addition to their basis, individual volunteers and organizations a 12-foot emergency annual Wish List make CHVH a thriving hub of activity and social response trailer for mobile access to materi- ride in the Fall, which provides an overwhelm- exchange. als in cases of a significant emergency. More ing amount of items from our resident’s wish Our volunteer program offers a variety of recently, they donated $10,000 to kick start lists, the group donated toys for our residents volunteer assignments that fulfill the volunteer’s our Snoezelen Room project. This concept to send to their grandchildren for Christmas. desire to make a difference in a veteran’s life. The program can be tailored to meet the volun- uses sensory stimulation and relaxation The members, along with their families, also teer needs of an individual, family, large group, through lights, sounds, smells and textures spent Thanksgiving and Christmas Day or corporation. and is beneficial for patients with Dementia. assisting and visiting our residents. We truly If you are interested in learning more about For more information, please visit appreciate their kindness and dedication to our volunteer program, please contact: Director http://www.snoezeleninfo.com/Snoezelen- our veterans. of Volunteer/Community Outreach, Katie Rich- VAwelcome.asp. ards at 301-884-8171, ext. 664 or krichards@ hmrmd.com.

Resident Wish Lists and Sponsorship Opportunities are available on our website.

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org The Charlotte Hall GAZETTE Issue #16 - Spring 2015 7

National Nutrition Month

“What’s for dinner?” “What shall I make for dinner?” “There’s nothing to eat in this house!” We have all uttered or heard those words and often dreaded those words over the years. Pleasing a family of individual palettes can often be a challenge. Now, imagine answering that question for 420 veterans and veteran spouses for at least frequent question you will always hear, no matter of additional foods are available including fresh three meals a day, 365 days a year! That is the what time of day, is “How was the food?” fruit, salads, and sandwiches. Additional special daunting task of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home There is rarely an event in our lives that we can requests are accommodated whenever possible. Dietary Department. remember that doesn’t include food. Family and Our Resident Food Committee meeting is held At Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, the Dietary meal traditions are as varied as the number of res- each month to obtain feedback from our residents Department provides select meal service in our idents that live at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. on menu items, preparation of menu items, and two dining rooms and tray service to residents on Having choices at meal time is important to each any other meal service concerns they may have. the skilled nursing units. Meal service includes resident and we strive as a department to make Meals are attached to many family traditions. Our three meals and snacks daily plus additional every one of them happy! We attempt to allow that holidays are quite frequently centered on meals, supplements as needed. Not only does the staff freedom of decision making in regards to food sweet treats and other food traditions. Sharing develop the menus, but we try to get the input and meals as much as possible. In our two dining meals with friends and family is an important social of the residents of Charlotte Hall Veterans Home rooms residents may either select meals cafeteria interaction and our Food Committee provides the as often as possible. Menus always include two style or receive waitress service as needed. At opportunity for residents to participate in planning choices each at lunch and dinner. breakfast, our staff often remember the residents’ holiday menus and monthly themed dinners. Our meal service has to meet regulatory re- preferences and habits. It is not uncommon for Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Dietary Depart- quirements, but we must meet more than just that. a breakfast cooked to order to be ready for a ment recognizes that the lack of control of meals To satisfy our residents, we need to make sure we resident before they even walk through the door. and food choices can be a frustration when living meet their tastes and have a good variety of foods. Breakfast always includes a choice of hot and in a long term care setting. We strive to allow as If there is one thing we know at Charlotte Hall, cold cereals, eggs cooked to order and assorted much participation for each resident in his or her it’s that meals are very important to our veterans! breakfast meats. Attempting to meet all residents’ meals as possible. It’s not an easy task to satisfy Eating is the center of our existence. The Dietary preferences is certainly a challenge, that’s why our so many different choices on a daily basis, but as Department is so busy, you can see the residents lunch and dinner offerings include two complete the residents are frequently told, if you don’t see lining up for the next meal while the staff is still meals and soup made from scratch daily. If a it ask for it. It just may be available or we may be wrapping up the details from the last meal! And a resident does not want either option, a variety able to make it available.

daylight lessens and/or if they suddenly start de- Seasonal Affective cline to eat multiple meals, are having new sleep difficulties, then you should consider alerting their DID YOU KNOW? charge nurse. Disorder SAD has been linked to a biochemical im- balance in the brain brought on by the shortening As the seasons change, the American Psy- of daylight hours and a lack of sunlight in winter. • Housekeeping washes, dries, and chiatric Association (APA) advises that some peo- The most difficult months for SAD sufferers are folds almost 19,000 pounds of linens ple may begin to suffer some symptoms of de- January and February. Younger persons and pression that can appear gradually or that come women are thought to be at higher risk. There is and 4,000 pounds of personal laun- on all at once. These symptoms often dissipate also some evidence suggesting that the farther dry per WEEK! when spring arrives and stay in remission through someone lives from the equator, the more likely • Maintenance processes approxi- the summer months. Symptoms of depression they are to develop SAD. that come during the colder months can be as- Getting screened and evaluated is a smart, mately 1,600 work orders per month. sociated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). sensible way to take care of our health and • CHVH provides transportation for This mood disorder is often attributed to the lack ensure that you can enjoy the pleasures of the of light during the colder months of the year. season. Symptoms of SAD can be confused with over 600 resident appointments per As the days get shorter and colder often other medical conditions, such as hypothyroid- month. times our residents spend less time outside ism or viral infections like mononucleosis, so a • Our Mental Health Counselor Rene for many different reasons (safety, inclement proper evaluation by a medical professional is weather, etc.). Thus getting less activity and less crucial. Nordstrom’s husband has published sunlight, which is crucial for our well-being. SAD If you feel a resident maybe suffering from SAD, two children’s books. is a diagnosable mental health disorder that may consult with their charge nurse about possible require treatment. If you know a resident who treatment options. • Please let us know what you regularly experiences a significant, lasting, down- would like to see in the next issue! turn of mood when the weather gets colder and ~ Renee Nordstrom, MHC

Serving Those Who Served www.charhall.org Issue #16 Spring 2015

MDVA: BUSINESS OFFICE: Sharon Mattia, Director Lori Wood, Director ext. 402 ext. 406 [email protected] [email protected] ADMINISTRATOR: ACTIVITIES: Greg Osborne Kathy Smoot, Nursing Home Director ext. 405 ext. 480 [email protected] [email protected] ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR: Bonnie Pelletier, Assisted Living Director Chris Heilmeier ext. 481 ext. 431 [email protected] [email protected] MARKETING: ASSISTED LIVING: Carole Lewis, Director Pam Grzyb, Manager ext. 483 ext. 455 [email protected] [email protected] SOCIAL SERVICES: ADMISSIONS: Julie Logan, Director Lisa Murphy, Director ext. 366 Secretary George W. Owings, III ext. 409 [email protected] [email protected] Maryland Department of VETERANS BENEFITS: HUMAN RESOURCES: Lisa Donor, Director Veterans Affairs Edna Neal, Director ext. 429 ext. 427 [email protected] [email protected] CONTACTS: VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY OUTREACH: 301.884.8171 Katie Richards, Director www.charhall.org ext. 664

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Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 MD Hall, Charlotte 29449 Charlotte Hall Charlotte 29449