Author Archives: Liberty Lutheran

A Day in the Life – Rose Richardson, Executive Director for The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center

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As part of our Day in the Life series, Rose Richardson, executive director for the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center shares how her day is shaped to help members and staff have a successful and meaningful time .

My day usually starts early in the morning. Today I got in around 6:30 so we could prepare breakfast for the members that were going on a trip. we always want to make sure they have something in their stomachs before they leave.

On a normal day, I usually get in and the first thing I do is walk around the building and check every room to make sure everything is set up for that morning’s programs. After that, I’ll check my e-mails to stay on top of things. We have a kitchen here, so I’ll also check in with the team in the kitchen to make sure they have everything they need for both breakfast and lunch. We have a great team that improvises really well if we run out of something.

Members often show up as early as 8:00 am. I’ll usually open The Center and work the front desk to greet them and help them sign in. The one thing I always tell my staff is to ‘treat every member as if we may be the only smile they see all day.’ That rule applies from the moment we open. I really enjoy being able to say hello to them first thing in the morning.

I’ll usually go back into my office before 9:00. Then, I meet with Julia Diggs, our program coordinator, to discuss the day’s activities and upcoming events. I’ll also meet with The Center’s counselor to discuss any cases she is managing. From there, I’ll check in with our In-Home Support Program (IHSP) about what they’re doing. IHSP serves as an incredibly positive resource for the older adults we serve. A lot of them may be isolated or managing significant challenges, whether they are physical or financial.

Our IHSP staff works very hard to make sure we’re meeting the needs of their program participants. For example, a participant may need a new refrigerator, or we may need to contact a contractor to complete some home repairs. In order to get these things done, we utilize discretionary spending, which requires a lot of paperwork, especially as IHSP is required to get two bids for each project or purchase.

Members usually continue to arrive throughout the morning.  We’ll be packed for classes and programs at around 10:00 and I’ll go out into our main area, called the Atrium, to say hello to everyone. This is my favorite part of the job. I try to give our members as much time as I can, whether it’s talking to them about things involving The Center or their personal life. For me, it’s important that they feel listened to.

In addition to the programs we offer, The Center also invites vendors to come in as a service to our members. The vendors range in services and products. For example, we have a man that comes in to sell shoes for people with diabetes, a woman who sells cakes, and we even have some staff from the local dollar store who bring products so we save the seniors a trip. Since Julia Diggs is on a trip today and we have a vendor coming in, I’ll make sure they’re all set up and have what they need.

Throughout the day, when I have the opportunity, I’ll focus on completing paperwork, which covers several areas. One of the areas that is so important is writing applications for funding. This can be a lengthy process and I’m really grateful to have the support of people at Liberty Lutheran and here at The Center. The other aspects include writing reports to demonstrate we’re in compliance or to earn accreditations from outside organizations.

On a normal day, The Center closes at 4:30 pm, and I’ll probably be here with staff until 5:30 to 6:00 in the evening either completing paperwork, planning for a trip or major event, or setting up for the morning programs and breakfast. This also includes preparing for our weekend events, which I usually attend.

Today, because we have a trip, I need to make sure that the SEPTA bus services shows up in the evening to take our members home. If they see the lights out in The Center, they’ll stop the route. Because our groups get back late, such as today, I’ll probably be here until they arrive home to make sure everyone gets their ride.

I have been in the senior services industry for over 25 years. I am so happy to be at The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. Throughout my career I’ve worked to make sure that I’m meeting and anticipating the needs of older adults, especially those who may be underserved. I’m very thankful to have a great team that enhances the quality of life of our members. That’s incredibly important for the community we’re in. It’s absolutely rewarding and gratifying.

To learn more about The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, please visit LibertyLutheran.org/west-philadelphia-senior-community-center.

For more information about our In-Home Support Program, please visit LibertyLutheran.org/lcfs-in-home-support-program.

Living Life to the Fullest at Paul’s Run

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A special message from Katrina Wise, Executive Director of Paul’s Run.

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase living life to the fullest? For our residents, it’s having fun, spending time with family and friends, sharing and giving to others, overcoming challenges, and finding meaning and purpose in every day activities.

When you give to Paul’s Run, you open a world of possibilities so that living life to the fullest isn’t just a phrase, it’s a way of life. Your kind generosity transforms lives through our Community Life Program.

Our Community Service Club gathers weekly to help those in need. One week they’re cooking a meal for a local women’s shelter, the next week they’re making sandwiches to feed the homeless. This summer they attended Camp Noah in Reading, PA to help children traumatized by the loss and devastation of Hurricane Maria. They enjoy making a difference in the lives of other.

This past spring, our Wii Bowling Club experienced the joy of victory as they were crowned champions of Northeast Philadelphia within a virtual bowling competition for older adults. This well-earned achievement is a point of pride, thanks to their hard work and dedication.

Your gift to Paul’s Run inspires residents and nurtures creativity. You foster an environment that highlights the lives of those who call Paul’s Run home.

At 102, Marion shares her poetry with friends and neighbors throughout our community. Always cheerful and positive, she greets everyone she meets with a warm smile. She became a celebrity this summer when 6ABC Action News featured Marion on their “Art of Aging” series.

For Marion, living life to the fullest is about enjoying every day at Paul’s Run. Her words ring true in this poem she calls “Enjoy Today.”

EnjoyToday
Let us not plan for tomorrow what we can enjoy today,
For time does not wait for us.
And like a clock the minutes tick away into another day,
The happiness which we could have enjoyed today,
But if postponed for tomorrow, might never come our way.
By Marion Stein

Thank you for bringing joy and fulfillment to our residents through diverse programs and activities offered by our Community Life team. Please make your gift now to support programs and services that help residents enjoy today.

Music Inspires Memories at Artman

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A special message from Janet Lorenzon, Executive Director of Artman:

Do certain songs take you back in time to special moments in your life?

It is undeniable that our hearts and minds are enriched by songs we hear. Its power to evoke emotion, nourish our spirits, and awaken memories is without end. At Artman, we see that power every day.

You can bring the gift of music to our residents. Let me show you how the power of music makes a difference by sharing Irene’s story.

In a recent music therapy session, Irene listened to a song that she remembered from her past. That simple act helped her recall the address of a former home. With the help of Google maps, the staff at Artman was able to find the house. When Irene saw images of the home, heartfelt memories came to mind of her children growing up – all from a single song.

In her words…

“It’s been a long time since I could remember a song and hum it. It brings me so much joy. The music program is the best thing Artman could have added to my agenda.

The music has helped me remember dancing with my husband in our home, and how we fell in love during the war. The songs have helped me remember recent things, and brought back a lot of special memories.

Music is everything. Memories are dear things. You have to hold onto them; and at 95, I’m so happy to have mine and I’m glad to have the music.”

When you give to Artman, you . With your support, Artman offers innovative and therapeutic programs like Music Therapy.

The relationship between music and wellbeing is clear. Its therapeutic nature strengthens emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Activities such as singing, playing instruments, and even just listening to music, provide rewarding experiences. Our music therapist is specially trained to develop activities shaped around each resident’s individual life experiences.

Please make your gift today to awaken memories and create positive experiences for our residents. As Irene says, memories are dear things.

Yours truly,
Janet Lorenzon
Executive Director

P.S. Music awakens fond memories for Artman residents.

Heat Stroke, Skin Cancer, and Senior Health

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As the dog days of summer are upon us and heat continues, it’s important to take steps to avoid heat stroke, protect yourself from melanoma, and stay safe in the sun. Older adults are more likely to have medical conditions that change normal body responses to heat; this includes affecting the body’s ability to sweat and regulate body temperature.

Anthony Byers, director of The Becoming Center offers some great tips on how older adults can stay safe and avoid heat stroke:

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact Your Way Home Montgomery County which is operated by the Montgomery County Aging and Adult Services Center.
  • Do not rely on fans as your main cooling source when it’s really hot outside. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate in a counterclockwise direction as that creates a cool downward airflow.
  • Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
    • If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
  • Don’t use your stove or oven to cook if you don’t have to – it will make you and your house hotter.
  • Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with nearly 5 million people treated for skin cancer each year. Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, causes an estimated 10,000 deaths in the U.S annually.

Almost one-third of all U.S. adults get sunburned each year and on average, the risk for developing melanoma doubles if one has had more than five sunburns in their lifetime. In the last decade, there has been a 53% increase in new melanoma cases with a predicted 175,000 cases in 2018 alone. For those over 65, there is a between a 40 and 50 percent chance they have at least one skin cancer lesion during their lifetime.

While these statistics can be alarming, the good news is that melanoma and other related benign skin lesions can be prevented even later in life. Recommendations for older adults to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer include:

  • Seek shade before you need relief from the sun. Take breaks when working outdoors to rest under a tree or umbrella.
  • Limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak times for sunlight. Remember that sunburn can happen even on cloudy and overcast days.
  • Wear clothing from a tightly woven fabric and wear darker colors. Some clothing brands are certified under international standards to provide ultraviolet protection.
  • Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.
  • When applying sunscreen, use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 before you go outside. Add thick layer to all exposed areas of skin and don’t forget hard to reach places such as your back.
  • Reapply sunscreen after 2 hours or after perspiring heavily, swimming or toweling off.
  • Be extra careful around surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, such as sand, water and concrete. UVA and UVB light can reflect off these surfaces and cause sunburn and skin damage.

By following these suggestions, you can safely enjoy the great outdoors while protecting yourself from heat stroke, sunburn, and an increased risk of developing melanoma.

For more information about joining the Becoming Center, please visit our site at BecomingCenter.org.

Liberty Wellness – Employees Helping Employees

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Liberty Wellness Works is Liberty Lutheran’s health and wellness program that helps employees reach their fitness goals, as well as achieve better health through improved diets, nutrition, and stress management. Liberty staff members are encouraged to earn points that can be redeemed for financial bonuses at the end of each Eligible employees can gain up to $350 per year.

The system is based on a 1 point equals $1 system. Regular wellness visits with a physician that include bloodwork are worth 200 points, which converts to $200. Completing a monthly challenge will earn an employee 5 points. Being a non-smoker for over 12 months is worth 10 points. Having your annual dental exam is worth 15 points. Points are also awarded for such activities as reading a book on stress management, receiving an annual flu shot, joining a gym (or Liberty’s own Becoming Center), and more.

Each month, employees are encouraged to submit healthy recipes they enjoy making at home. Rebecca Ditore, wellness program coordinator, then assembles the recipes and shares them with the entire network of Liberty employees through her email blasts.

This summer alone, 60 recipes were sent to Rebecca by staff to encourage others to eat healthy this summer.

Here is just a sample of those recipes:

Tropical Papaya Smoothie
Submitted by: Annamma from Paul’s Run
Servings: 1
1 papaya, cut into chunks
1 c fat-free plain yogurt
½ c fresh pineapple chunks
½ c crushed ice
1 tsp coconut extract
1 tsp ground flaxseed

Combine the papaya, yogurt, pineapple, ice, coconut extract, and flaxseed. Process for about 30 seconds, or until smooth and frosty.

Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Submitted by: Heidy from Liberty at Home
½ cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 container plain or flavored Greek yogurt
1 egg

Mix together, cook with coconut oil
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto skillet to make 1 pancake
Wait for edges to bubble and flip pancake

Cantaloupe Salsa
Submitted by: Luanne Fisher, Whitemarsh
4 cups cantaloupe, small chunks
1 cup tomatoes, small chunks
½ red onion, diced
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
½ yellow bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, small chunks
4 jalapeno peppers, diced
2 tbsp. each lemon & lime juice
Clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. olive oil

Mix everything & refrigerate until chilled & flavors combine (about 1 – 2 hrs.)

Summer Fruit Salad
Submitted by: Sherry, The Village at Penn State
1 – 29oz can of peach slices (don’t drain)
1 – 20oz can of pineapple chunks (don’t drain)
3 1/8 box of instant vanilla pudding
1 lb. of strawberries sliced
1 banana sliced
½ pint blueberries
1- Bunch of grapes

In a large bowl combine peaches, pineapple, pudding and juice from cans. Mix well. Stir in remaining fruit and chill.

Carrot Dogs
Submitted by: Areatha, West Philadelphia Senior Center
5 carrots – cut each end of the carrot off, to fit a hot dog bun,
Shave the outer layer of skin off.
Put 2 cups of water in a pot with:
2 tbls. soy sauce
2 tbls. liquid smoke
2 tbls. steak sauce such as A1 sauce
2 tbls. maple syrup
2 tbls. ketchup
(Preferably organic, without high fructose corn syrup)

Stir the pot and add the carrots.
Let it boil for 10 minutes
Cover the pot and boil for 10 more minutes.
Place your carrot in a hot dog bun and dress it with coleslaw, white onions, mustard and ketchup.

Delicious Cauliflower
Submitted by: Diane, Whitemarsh
1 large head of cauliflower, cleaned and cored (keep it whole)
2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown mustard
4 slices Swiss cheese; other sliced cheese may also be used
Pepper, to taste

Clean, core and steam one large head of cauliflower.
Drain cauliflower and place on a serving dish.
Mix mayonnaise and mustard together to blend them.
Spread the mixture over the hot cauliflower.
Sprinkle with pepper.
Lay the four cheese slices on top to cover the cauliflower.
Serve when the cheese has softened and melted.

Low Carb Taco Salad
Submitted by: Sheryl, Village at Penn State
8 oz. low fat sour cream
8 oz. cream cheese
1 lb. lean ground beef
Mild taco seasoning packet
Mild taco sauce
1 bag shredded or chopped lettuce
1 bag mild shredded cheddar cheese
Tomatoes
Whole grain Tostitos (optional)

Mix sour cream & cream cheese until creamy and layer on bottom of 9×13 pan.
Brown ground beef & mix taco seasoning according to package.
Layer on top of sour cream mixture.
Pour taco sauce over ground beef.
Layer lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes.
Dip Tostitos if desired.

Summer Veggie Pasta
Submitted by: Sophie, Artman
Pre-cooked ziti (zucchini diced, tomatoes diced)
Garlic chopped or minced depending on your preference
Basil leaves
Mozzarella balls or Parmesan cheese
Yellow squash
Mushrooms if you like it

This recipe is quick and easy to make. The amount of ingredients depends on how many people you’re cooking for and the timing also depends on how you like to eat your vegetables. I like to eat mine crunchy, so I don’t cook them as long.

Zucchini Casserole
Submitted by: Teri, The Hearth at Drexel
1 large zucchini, chopped into ¼-inch slices
2 tbsp. butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped (optional)
Croutons
1 tomato, sliced,
4 – 5 slices American cheese or sharp Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook zucchini 10 minutes or until tender and drain well.
Sauté onions, mushrooms and green pepper in butter.
Add zucchini to sautéed mixture; season with salt and pepper.
Put mixture into buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with croutons, then sliced tomatoes.
Arrange cheese slices on top.
Bake 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
Vegetable mixture may be prepared ahead of time. If so, heat casserole longer to warm through.

Apple Turnovers
Submitted by: Samantha, West Philly Senior Community Center
Total Time: 30min
Servings: 8
Small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into 8 (1/2-inch) slices
Tablespoons butter, melted
One can (8 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
One teaspoon apple pie spice

Heat oven to 375°F.
Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper, or grease cookie sheet.
Set aside.
In small bowl, toss apple slices in 1 tablespoon of the melted butter; set aside.
Separate dough into 8 triangles.
In small bowl, mix brown sugar and apple pie spice.
Divide mixture evenly among triangles.
Top each triangle with apple slice. Starting at short side of each triangle, wrap dough around apple.
Place on cookie sheet. Brush with remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until crescents are deep golden brown and apples are softened.
Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Learn more about the benefits of working for Liberty Lutheran at LibertyLutheran.org/benefits

 

The Stories and Stars of the Liberty Lutheran Communities

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In every Liberty Lutheran community, conversations between residents and staff often reveal hidden gems of past virtuosity, or even current talents. There are thousands of stories to tell and share with the world.

One such story is that of Marion Stein. At 102, Marion is the poet of Paul’s Run. When Patty, director of advancement for Liberty Lutheran, heard about Marion’s talent for writing poetry, she knew Marion’s story needed to be told. Action News, from 6 ABC, interviewed Marion in her apartment where she shared her original poems and artwork. You can watch the interview here.

 

Some stories involve multiple members of the community and outside guests. When the Phillie Phanatic was paying a visit to the Artman Men’s Group, Henry, personal care administrator, made sure to document the moment through photos that later appeared in the print and online editions of The Ambler Gazette.

 

 

 

Jenna, a member of the Paul’s Run community life team, had a conversation with then-new resident Fred about his past as a way to make him comfortable in his new home. Through the conversation, she found out that Fred had played for one season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1941. With the Eagles just days away from their historic Super Bowl win, Fred shared his prediction of an Eagles’ victory with the world. NBC 10 even did a live broadcast at Paul’s Run where Fred was honored by the Eagles front office during a pep rally. You can watch the pep rally and interview here. The NFL even caught wind of Fred’s story and shared it with football fans around the globe.

 

At the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center, staff noticed how member Jessie Howard transformed herself by using the community’s fitness center. All told, Jessie lost over 130 pounds through her workouts. Finding inspiration in her story, Action News met Jessie and personal trainer Daniel to capture her workout and tell her story. You can watch Jessie’s Art of Aging segment here.

 

These are just a small sample of the delightful narratives found throughout Liberty. When one resident shares his or her story with the world, a sense of pride rises in each community. Seeing friends and neighbors featured on television, web and in print brings the community together in celebration for the achievements of their peers. And while every story may not get the spotlight it deserves, the sharing of stories between friends, members, family and staff will continue to inspire even if those stories do not reach beyond the walls of the community.