A Publication of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie December 2013

May each day of your life be filled with the joy of this wonderful season of love.

Christmas Mass Schedule Saint Mary’s East • Christmas Eve - 6:30 pm • Christmas Day - 9:45 am Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge • Christmas Eve - 6 pm • Christmas Day- 10 am

Inside this issue...

Around Our Home • A Christmas Message • Awards and Accreditations

A sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Board of TrusteesCaring across the Centuries 125 years Chairperson Barbara Drew Vice Chairperson Daniel Teed Treasurer R. “Art” Lubomski Secretary Denis O’Brien

John Barber Rev. Thomas Brooks Chris Coughlin Gerald Dill Thomas Elliott Maudie Ford Russell Forquer Mary Alice Glowacki Sister Mary Herrmann, SSJ Danny Jones Jane Kelsey** MISSION STATEMENT Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ James McNamara, Esq. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph and Carol Mingarelle Susan Sutto operated in the Catholic tradition Mary Wingrove Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is committed Colleen Stumpf, Esq.* *Non-voting Board Member to an environment of loving to care where and Legal Counsel primarily seniors, their families, staff and **Non-voting Board Member volunteers participate in fostering an A Continuing Care Retirement atmosphere of community. Community Levels of Care Independent Living Carriage Homes Independent Residential Living/ Personal Care VISION STATEMENT Skilled Nursing Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, through Adult Day Services partnership, networking and referrals will Respite Care Services be a principal enabler to primarily seniors in Short and Long-term Rehabilitative Therapies the Erie Community aiding them in living On-site Nursing Staff including RNs, their lives in a respectful, dignified and LPNs and NAs Catholic and Ecumenical Religious fulfilled manner. Services Social Services Program/Pastoral Care Support Services Nutritional Services Recreational Activities 2 Beauty and Barber Services may-invite-vellum.indd607 1 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 3/27/10 9:14:49 PM President’s Message

Remembering

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ Past President/CEO

WE REMEMBER CHRISTMAS PAST THOSE MEMORIES SEEM TO LAST AND LAST:

SANTA AND REINDEER, THE SLEIGH AND THE ELVES CHILDREN CAROLING AND SIMPLY ENJOYING THEMSELVES

PRESENTS ALL WRAPPED AND LIGHTS ON THE TREES PEOPLE RUNNING AROUND BUSY AS BEES

WARMTH OF A FIREPLACE WITH STOCKINGS TO BE HUNG CANDY CANES, HOT CHOCOLATE AND POPCORN TO BE STRUNG

SNOWFLAKES, SNOWMEN, SLEDS AND ICE SKATES COOKIES AND CANDIES ON ORNATE LITTLE PLATES

FRIENDS AND FAMILY VISITING FROM NEAR AND FAR RIDES TO SEE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN OUR FAMILY CAR

ADVENT, NATIVITY SETS AND MIDNIGHT MASS THE LONG ANTICIPATED CHRISTMAS IS HERE, AT LAST!

Sister Phyllis McCracken, SSJ MS, RN, NHA President/CEO

3 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org

Erie’s Choice Awards 2013 – Saint Mary’s Home of Erie was voted Erie’s #1 Choice Retirement Community for the 9th consecutive year!!! We would like to give a big thank you to the Erie community for the support and votes in this year’s Erie’s Choice polls.

A Day with the Otters A Pampered Afternoon Asbury Ridge residents recently enjoyed an Residents at Saint Mary’s enjoy a variety of afternoon watching the Erie Otters. The Otters activities, but nail painting is one of the more mascot, Shooter, showed up just in time for a social events. It is usually scheduled several photo opportunity. times a month and has become a great time for residents to visit with each other while having their nails done. Pictured, left to right are, Mary Margaret Gillespie, Saint Mary’s East resident; and Gayle Meyer, Activities Coordinator.

6th Annual Art Show Asbury Ridge resident, Mary Kellogg, is shown standing by two art pieces she had on display at the 6th Annual Asbury Ridge Art Show. Art classes are offered throughout the year and are one of many ways residents can utilize their artistic talents.

4 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 Mount Ebal Missionary Baptist Church Choir The Mount Ebal Missionary Baptist Church Choir performed for the residents at Saint Mary’s East in November. Throughout the year many different church groups, choirs and school groups perform for residents at both campuses. Merry Christmas from Saint Mary’s Home of Erie!

Saint Mary’s East Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge

Pictured right are employees and residents from Saint Mary’s during the 2013 Christmas commercial shoot.

Saint Mary’s Administration, employees and residents would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

5 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org “The Clothespin Christmas Tree” aint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge resident, Peg Fogle, has a room that has become an attraction for all to see every holiday. ItS is always decorated in celebration of the season and most often highlights some of her own talents from her days as a seamstress. This Christmas, Mrs. Fogle’s room features all the warmth of the Christmas season. From window clings to knick-knacks, the joys of winter and Christmas flow throughout her room. The highlight though, is a very unique Christmas tree. Since the 1970’s, Mrs. Fogle developed a talent for creating Christmas tree ornaments made from clothespins. They are painted and decorated with pieces of fabric, scraps of felt, pipe cleaners and various other items. Each year a new ornament is designed with a unique theme. Some of her handiworks include Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Raggedy Ann & Andy and characters from the Wizard of OZ. In the spirit of giving, Mrs. Fogle assembles dozens of the same ornament each year to give as gifts to family and friends. Dating From left, Peg Fogle and her son, Tom Fogle, sit by back to at least 1975, each accomplishment is thought to be a the “Clothespin Christmas Tree.” Tom helps his Mom matter of “mental therapy” as she calls it; relaxing to the soul festively decorate her room for many different occasions. and pleasing to others. All of these ornaments are memorable to those who received them. The employees and residents at Asbury Ridge have all come to appreciate Mrs. Fogle’s talent and look forward to seeing how her room is decorated next.

Pictured are some of the clothespin ornaments that Mrs. Fogle has made throughout the years. 6 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 expectant WAITING

The Lord’s Prayer, common to all Christians, holds a special place in the Church’s Liturgy. Following this prayer the Presider continues: Sr. Mary Fromknecht, SSJ

“We wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ”. This expectant waiting is the essence of the WAITING we celebrate every Advent. The Advent readings are filled with energy and excitement – a true testament to the message of FREEDOM which Jesus came to earth to deliver.

This energy and excitement permeates the air here at Saint Mary’s Home. The buildings – inside and out - sparkle with decorations; the music of the Season rings throughout. The myriad of groups who come to entertain our Residents are a welcome addition to the many activities and parties that mark the Christmas Season. Through it all there is the expectation of Jesus’ message of joyful hope.

How do you as a person live out Jesus’ message? How do we as the “People of God” deliver the message to others? That is our challenge, not only during the Christmas Season, but every day of the year. By Baptism we have been given the gifts necessary to be the bearers of HOPE and PEACE in our world. Let us truly BE this gift to our world during these holidays.

A very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to all! hope peace 7 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org 85 Uses for Grandma Flo’s Scrubbies Pictured above is the commemorative book her family made for her 85th birthday.

lorence Konkol moved into Saint Mary’s East F6 months ago. She is known by her friends and family as someone who likes to keep herself busy. Mrs. Konkol attends most of the activities and programming offered by Saint Mary’s. She keeps a calendar of events on her refrigerator so she does not miss out on anything she finds interesting. What is intriguing is what she does in her “spare” time.

Mrs. Konkol explains, “I need to keep busy. I do not like sitting idle. When I was in my early 60’s, I worked at Loblaws Supermarket and a customer brought in a crochet dish scrubbie. I asked her how to make them and the rest was history.” Mrs. Konkol found that making the Pictured is Florence Konkol crocheting a scrubbie. scrubbies not only helped her pass time, but became a hobby that touched almost everyone she met. “Making them gave me something to do and my family and friends loved receiving them. They had many different uses for them. I need things to keep me busy and sitting and watching a big TV is not something that interests me,” explained Mrs. Konkol.

8 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 When Mrs. Konkol started making scrubbies she was able to purchase the netting at 3 yards for $1. Today, 1 yard costs $2.49 unless she finds a sale. She makes scrubbies for St. Stanislaus Church fundraisers, her grandson’s baseball team, the Doctor’s office, the hairdresser and as gifts for countless others. She even had a request to make them as shower gifts for a friend’s wedding. And yes, they are all color themed for each special occasion.

Mrs. Konkol’s children and grandchildren “85 Uses for Grandma Flo’s Scrubbies” decided they wanted to do something really special for her 85th birthday last year. With many of the family members spread out With a lot of work, planning and a few family over the country, the e-mails started flying. connections, the 85th Birthday was more A surprise birthday was being planned and than a surprise. “I don’t know how everyone a tribute to the decades of scrubbies that who came made it to the party. I still don’t touched so many was at the helm. “We wanted know how my family even found everyone,” to do something special for Mom and really exclaimed Mrs. Konkol. The highlight of the surprise her,” explained one of her daughters, party came when she was presented with Rosemarie Foessett. a book called, “85 Uses for Grandma Flo’s Scrubbies.” The book came completed with an amazing character drawing of her on the front cover. All of the guests also received a copy of the book.

Mrs. Konkol is still going strong and making scrubbies for anyone who wants them. She does not want to be known for making them, but rather enjoys the happiness her hobby brings to others. Don’t be surprised if you meet Mrs. Konkol and she throws a scrubbie your way. The trademark throw is very common when she finishes one and is moving onto the next.

“85 Uses for Grandma Flo’s Scrubbies”

9 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • www.stmaryshome.org Medaille D’Or Award Saint Mary’s Home of Erie honored Monsignor Joseph Wardanski with the Saint Mary’s Home of Erie Medaille D’Or Award. This prestigious award is given at the discretion of the President/CEO and/or Board of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie. This award is given to individuals who: n Live out the Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of “unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor The Medaille D’Or Award was presented to with God.” Monsignor Joseph Wardanski, left, by Phyllis McCracken, SSJ, right, at the Saint Mary’s Home n Exemplify the Mission of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie of “Loving to Care.” of Erie Board and Friends Christmas Dinner on December 4, 2013. n Have worked and/or volunteered in the senior services field and/or has provided meritorious service for Saint Mary’s Home of Erie.

Saint Mary’s East and Asbury Ridge named QAPI Accredited Facilities

The Providigm QAPI Accreditation Program is based on four standards for excellence in continuously improving quality of care and life for nursing home residents. The four standards are evaluated quarterly for a period comprising the preceding twelve months (four quarters). 1. Comprehensive – There are a sufficient number of assessments completed by the facility staff and entered into the abaqis web based program. The assessments consist of the admission record review, census record review, family interview, resident interview, resident observation and staff interview. 2. Continuous – The quality activities are not done just during the survey window. Quality activities are performed on an ongoing basis of two alternating quarters. 3. Coverage – There are a sufficient number of unique residents assessed through an admission record review and/or a census assessment. The same resident assessments cannot be used repeatedly. 4. Corrective – Areas that have been identified as needing improvement are going through an improvement process. These are known as Stage 2 activities. - Source: www.providigm.com

10 607 East 26th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania 16504 • (814) 459-0621 Saint Mary’s welcomes new Director of Development

Amanda Hurd comes to Saint Mary’s Home of Erie with a broad background in development and fundraising. A graduate from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, she most recently worked for The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Pennsylvania Chapter as the Fundraising Director. At the Alzheimer’s Association, she was responsible for 7 Walks to End Alzheimer’s within the 13 service counties of Western Pennsylvania. During her time there she implemented a major giving initiative that targeted Amanda Hurd business executives at a one hour, high impact, mission focused breakfast that raised over $24,000 in pledges its first year. She also revitalized a long standing ladies luncheon event into a “Mad Hatter’s Party,” doubling event revenue for the association. Prior to working with The Alzheimer’s Association, Amanda worked for the public—public broadcasting that is. Amanda spent four years fundraising for public radio and television at WQLN. Annual campaigns, TV and radio telethon campaigns, live television auctions, bus tours and special event planning/execution were among the many hats she wore. In her spare time, Amanda volunteers for the Erie Playhouse. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and her five month old son, Lincoln, and their dog, an Alaskan Malamute. Amanda is thankful to have been brought into the Saint Mary’s family. She looks forward to using her talents to serve Saint Mary’s Mission of “Loving to Care.”

SAINT MARY’S SAVE THE DATE: Our signature fundraising event returns! Saint Mary’s Follies will be held on September 11, 2014 at the Bayfront Convention Center from 5:00-8:00 pm. This dinner theatre event honors FOLLIES outstanding seniors within the Erie community through the presentation of our Ageless-Remarkable Erieites Award. All proceeds benefit the Saint Mary’s Benevolent Care Program. Corporate sponsor opportunities are available. For more information, please contact Amanda Hurd, Development Director, at 451-1312 or [email protected].

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 Gifts to the Saint Mary’s Star Anthony J. Allegretto Director of Marketing Appeal bring Hope to our residents! Each one of us has found ourselves searching the sky for hope at times when the Amanda Hurd worries of the world weigh us down. For some of the seniors living in our residential Director of Development areas, supporting the cost of their care alone is a frightening reality. A lengthy illness, the economy, or being blessed with a long life can unexpectedly absorb a Please let us know if you have a change of address; the addressee is not lifetime of savings. As many of these seniors do not qualify for outside assistance, at this address; you are receiving more financial worry is at the forefront of their mind. The Benevolent Care Program at than one newsletter; or you would like Saint Mary’s was established to help qualified seniors bear the burden of costly to be taken off the care. The Christmas Star Appeal helps fund this program. During the Season of mailing list. giving, we ask you, our friends, to please consider making a humble gift of hope for If you would like to receive the our seniors who just may be gazing skyward and wishing… newsletter by e-mail, please visit www. stmaryshome.org and use the “Contact Us” Thank you and Merry Christmas! feature to send us your e-mail address. E-mailing the Gifts to the Star Appeal can be made by returning the inserted gift envelope with your newsletter will help the environment and save postage costs. contribution, or by contributing online at www.stmaryshome.org/charitable-giving For more information concerning Medicare’s new prescription drug Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Statement2013 Christmas Star Appeal coverage, please call Pursuant to state regulations regarding charitable solicitations, weOptional are required: to include certain disclosure language on Development materials.004731 1-800-MEDICARE or visit FLORIDAAnnual #CH Giving 32789: Levels A COPY OF THE OFFICIALPlease makREGISTRATIONe checks AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLINGMajor Giving TOLL-FREE Benefactor (800-435-7352) $10,000+ WITHINpayable toTHE: STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. www.medicare.gov Leadership Giving Benefactor $1,000+ My gift is in Memory Honor of: ______Saint Mary’s Home of Erie KansasHealing: The Club official registration$500-$999 and annual financial report of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie is filed with the Kansas Secretary of State. Kansas Registration # 449-331-8.Mission MarylandClub : A copy$100-$499 of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie’s financialRelationship: report is available Parent by callingSpouse Saint SiblingMary’s Home Fr iendof Erie at Ot814-451-1308her______or writing_ to 607 EastCaring 26th Club Street, Erie, PA $1-$9916504. For the cost of copying and postage, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations law can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information Non-discriminatory in admissions, of SaintYE S!Mary’s I will Homehelp realize of Erie amay wish! be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State services & employment. does notEnclosed imply is endorsement $______by the Secretaryto of State. New JerseyName:: Information ______filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation_ may be A sponsored ministry of the obtainedsuppo fromrt the the Benevolent Attorney General Care Fu ofnd the. State of New Jersey by calling 201-504-6215. Registration with the Attorney General does not imply endorsement. Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania New York: A copy of the latest annual2013 report may Christmas be obtained Adfromdr eSaintss: ______Mary’s Star Home of Erie,Appeal or the Charities Bureau, Department of Law, 120 Broadway,_ New York, NY 10271. The official registration and financial information of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of OptionalCity: :______State: ______Zip: ______004731 StateAnnual by GivingMr calling. RobertLev tollels free, Spampani within Pennsylvania, 1(800)732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Virginia: A financial statement is available from 1515 E Horizon Dr Please make checks theMajor State Giving Division Benefactor of Consumer$10,000+ Affairs.payable Washington to: : Our charity is registered with the Secretary of State and information relating to our financial affairs is LeadershipMukilteo, Giving Benefac WAtor $1,000+ 98275 My gi ft is in Memo ry I have Honor remembered of: ______Saint Mary’s in my will. available from the Secretary of State,Sain tollt Ma freery’s forHome Washington of Erie residents 800-332-4483. West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration andHealing financial Club documents$500-$999 from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305.Please Registrationdo not list mydoes name not imply in publications. endorsement. Consult with the IRS or C115056 yourMission tax Club professional regarding$100-$499 tax deductibility. Relationship: Parent Spouse Sibling Friend Other______Caring Club $1-$99 (Over) YES! I will help realize a wish! Enclosed is $______to Name: ______support the Benevolent Care Fund. Address: ______

Mr. Robert Spampani City: ______State: ______Zip: ______1515 E Horizon Dr Mukilteo, WA 98275 I have remembered Saint Mary’s in my will. Please do not list my name in publications. (Over)