Category Archives: Artman

Don’t Miss This Year’s Artman Golf Outing! 35 Years of Supporting Benevolent Care for Seniors

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Spring can’t come soon enough, especially for golfers! Join us on Monday, May 20th for the 35th Artman Golf Outing at the rolling green hills of Bluestone Country Club’s championship caliber golf course in Blue Bell, Pa. All proceeds will benefit the Artman Benevolent Care Fund.

Artman Golf Outing

Your support provides compassionate care, hope, and security to Artman senior residents who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their assets. Help bring brightness to the people of our community with this fun-filled event that includes lunch, a silent auction with incredible offerings plus cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and of course an engaging game of golf on a fun, yet challenging course. Click here to register!

Looking Back: The History of the Artman Golf Outing

The Artman Golf Outing first began on May 14, 1985 at Old York Road Country Club. Hoping to spread word about the superior level of care provided for senior residents in the greater Ambler area, the Artman Public Relations Committee sought out solutions for a fun event that would benefit Artman’s benevolent cause to serving seniors.

Thomas H. Kadel, board member at Artman in the mid 1980’s and pastor at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, had discussions with members of his congregation to see how they could help. Putting their heads together, the congregation thought a golf outing would be the perfect way to raise awareness on the outstanding service Artman provides for their residents. Since it’s inauguration, the location of the Artman Golf Outing has changed, but it’s benevolent mission still remains.

This year the 35th Artman Golf Outing will take place at beautiful Bluestone Country Club, and Chairman of the Golf Committee, Sally Beil, could not be more excited.

Since its inauguration, the Artman Golf Outing continues to raise support for the Artman Benevolent Care Fund, which has raised $384, 886.48 to ensure compassionate care for residents who have outlived their assets. Each year we are grateful for all of the supporters who attend the Artman Golf Outing and give security, hope, and comfort to seniors who need it.

What is benevolent care and why is it important?

For the past 34 years businesses, close friends, and casual acquaintances have come together to play golf and raise money for the Artman Benevolent Care Fund, but what is this fund and why is it so important?

The people of Artman have been good stewards of their resources and have carefully planned their retirements for later in life. However, as is sometimes the case despite the most detailed planning, situations occur that can and do derail retirement portfolios.  Whether their long, healthy life has outlived their assets, or their savings have diminished from a volatile market, many older adults experience retirement portfolio losses that are ultimately out of their control.

While other retirement communities have benevolent care funds, Artman is one of the few non-profit retirement communities that promises an absolute benevolent care fund. This means that all aspects of residents’ living expenses are covered when there is no family support or other financial resources.

Want to give hope, security, and comfort to Artman senior residents who greatly appreciate your support?

Ways to give:

  • Volunteer
  • Register as a golfer
  • Join us for dinner
  • Be a sponsor
  • Place and ad in the program book
  • Provide an item for our silent auction
  • Join the Golf Committee

 

There are a variety of ways you can contribute to the benevolent cause of this event and help bring hope to the people of our community. Each year, we look for volunteers, as well as new golfers who may want to join us. The format for golf is a Scramble. During the event there will be lots of fun contests with special prizes. Among them, a putting contest for a prize of $10,000, as well as a hole in one contest to win a new car.

If you are not a golfer, you can join us for a delicious dinner at the Bluestone Country Club. You can also support the Artman Benevolent Care Fund by being a sponsor, placing an ad in the program book, providing an item for the silent auction, or joining our Golf Committee.

Here are previews of auction items which will be available for bidding at the Artman Golf Outing:

  • Dinner for six at the winner’s home donated by Sodexo, Quality of Life Services
  • Tickets to the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers
  • Tour for four individuals to the Karamoor Winery and two bottles of their fine wine

 

It’s not too late to join us for this special event!

To register today or learn more information about the 35th Artman Golf Outing click here.

Or contact Liberty Lutheran’s Development Associate, Sandy Smith.

Phone: (267) 464-7728

Email: ssmith@libertylutheran.org

Poltergeist Anyone?

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Do you feel like the end of the year is flying by? Welcome to Throwback Thursday, as we take you back a week to Halloween:

Enter into Artman’s Haunted House. Walk through the black tunnel, as hands reach out from the walls and try to grab you. You emerge into a living room that at first glance seems somewhat normal except for the creepy pictures on the walls. Wait, who’s that creepy dude watching TV? And is Poltergeist playing or is the TV haunted?

You hurry down what can only be described as spider alley, fighting the cobwebs and avoiding the giant spider lurking from the ceiling. You stumble upon bars (a prison?), and realize that Santa is being held captive. You hear a scream and turn toward the sound to see a head on a platter served with a side of Santa’s elves.

You run to the next room and there’s a party going on, a party of skeletons drinking who knows what. You think you see the exit, but it’s too foggy to know for sure. You’ll have to brave the graveyard and the ghouls to find out.

Ah, you’re outside and the horror is over. Or is it? The band members playing music are Zombies. The food being served is: Frankenstein’s brain filled with worms (well, maybe it’s chocolate mousse with gummy worms); one-eyed Rice Krispy treats; witch lady fingers; pumpkin patch cupcakes; and apple cider.

You’re laughing and enjoying the beautiful weather and comradery of friends. And you’re ready to go through it again, because you had a blast.

Thanks to all the residents, family members and staff who volunteered their time to make this year’s haunted house a smashing success.

    • Residents who made the giant spider and other props as well as those who dressed up for the occasion (and the few who joined in as characters)
    • Alex’s son Simeon who helped create the prison
    • LaSalle High School students for creating the graveyard and exit
    • Staff for the phenomenal job of pulling it altogether: JJ, Madeleine, the FISH committee and Community Life for your leadership; Dining for the fabulous food; music therapist interns for the great music; Meriluz and Sarah for the grand entrance; Mary Ann for donating a lot of the decorations; maintenance for set design, set up and breakdown; and of course our the many wonderful staff and participants who joined as actors to bring characters to life.

 

Plans are already underway for next year. Artman’s plan is to make the haunted house bigger and better, and to open it up to families in our surrounding community.

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.