A Day in the Life – Gary Dolan, Director of Environmental Services at The Village at Penn State

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As part of our Day in the Life series, Gary Dolan, Director of Environmental Services at The Village at Penn State, shares how he created a culture that defines excellence in service.  Here is Gary’s story:

I’ve been very fortunate to have a position that is constantly evolving and presenting new opportunities to learn.  The Village is always a beehive of activity, especially in the areas I get to work in.  Within my job I oversee housekeeping, laundry, and the facilities side such as maintenance, security and all the work done on 60 acres of grounds.  My department also works closely with Liberty’s IT staff to make sure all our tech is running smoothly.

In the past several years, with all the construction going on, I’ve also been working with Dave DeLuca, Liberty’s Director of Real Estate Development, which has been so rewarding given his knowledge.  It’s been a great few years with the addition of the completed community room and connector hallway. Now, with the construction of a new main entrance lane, our Commons building expansion, Palmer Park and the new cottages that surround it, another round of development is underway.  We also manage renovations to current apartments.  I really appreciate what my team is able to do there and how creative they can be.

Managing the grounds is always interesting for us.  For example, when the starlings roost at the University’s football stadium and their staff chases them away, they fly right to our campus.  So we need to manage that when they try to take up residence on our buildings.

Being so close to Penn State, we have a lot of very intelligent, engaged and active people living here, some of whom are retired academics that desire to be sincerely involved in some of the day to day operations.  Being that the University has its roots in agriculture, a lot of our residents are particularly knowledgeable about managing plants and grounds.  Some of them are master gardeners.  It’s always interesting to learn from them and to get their feedback on caring for things, such as different hand pruning techniques, and what specific fertilizers we should be using on certain plants and not on others. The residents aren’t shy about sharing that insight, so I’ve been very lucky to learn from them.

I am very proud of our amazing staff.  There is no way I could oversee everything this position calls for without their help. They’re always going the extra mile. The key thing is that we’re not in a silo.  We have oversight of an entire campus and when someone has a problem it’s our problem too, because we often have the ability to remedy the situation or at least lend a hand.

Everything that you can see, feel, touch, and smell at The Village has to do with our work.  Whether it’s the lights or phones, or helping fix something in the gym or the kitchen, we deal with everything that has to do with the quality of life at The Village.  So the day-to-day can be an adventure, and not to be cliché but in my entire time here, no day is ever the same.  I love it.  There is not one single day, when it comes to 3:00 or 4:00 in the afternoon that I don’t truly wish it was 10:00 in the morning because there is so much to do. The days just fly by.

We are here for our residents and it’s so important that they know that.  We can’t just show up to work and do our job on the grounds, or the laundry, or maintenance.  We are caregivers just as much as anyone else and it’s important to remember that when it comes to the service we provide, I’m fortunate to work with people who truly believe that. It’s not just about fixing a sink or a light; it’s about providing help in all areas to create a positive experience in all outcomes.  I love that our team has pride in service.

I have the opportunity to learn from residents every day.  I just really appreciate the amount of learning this job continues to provide from both them and the people I get to work with.

One other thing I’d like to note is that the Association for the Healthcare Environment, which is a peer group of the American Hospital Association, has been critical in my career within this industry.  I was fortunate to serve as national president of the association in 2011 and again in 2016 throughout 2017. Liberty Lutheran has been so supportive of my involvement and I am very thankful for that.  It’s wonderful being able to work for a group of people that recognize opportunities for professional and personal growth. They know it’s key to the entire organization, not just the individual.

To learn more about The Village at Penn State, Palmer Park, and the new cottages, please visit RetireatPennState.org.

For information about working at The Village at Penn State, or Liberty’s other communities, please visit LibertyLutheran.org/job-listings.

 

 

THE INSPIRATION CAFÉ

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By Sandy Smith, Development Associate for Liberty Lutheran

Coffee, hot chocolate and pastries bring a sparkle to the residents’ eyes and smiles to their faces while at Artman’s Inspiration Café! These hot beverages aren’t the only explanation behind the smiles. But it is the exchange of kindness and attentiveness shown throughout their conversations which displays how much the residents care about each other.

Much concern is taken with the placement of the residents around the tables.  Walkers and chairs are put off to the side to make room for the wheelchairs. There is an unexpressed knowledge which you quickly notice that no one shall drink their coffee alone.

The café opens right after Tuesday’s mass and that’s when the orders start pouring in.  Residents watch as I use the coffee maker to make one cup of Joe after another interchanged with a few hot chocolates and a stand-alone cappuccino.   I find myself refilling the water tank repeatedly to keep the orders fulfilled. And before I know it, everyone has a cup of something in front of them.

Mary Cassidy, CTRS, household coordinator for Artman’s Penllyn community shares, “The residents love coming to the café. It gives them a chance to socialize with residents from other households and to enjoy an afternoon coffee and treat. The residents have come to know that the café will be open Tuesday afternoons and frequently talk about going to the café leading up to the scheduled time.”

As the Café’s Tuesday barista, I absolutely enjoy the hustle and bustle that comes with preparing the beverages. Artman’s Inspiration Café resembles the show, “Cheers” where everyone knows my name and I know their drink of choice.

For convenience, the Café offers a ‘drive through’ service where residents can take their beverages to go for themselves or for friends who aren’t feeling well enough to leave their room.

The café offers the opportunity to foster new bonds and share treasured memories and life stories with old and new acquaintances.  During my time spent making coffee, I have overheard some heartwarming sentiments such as, “The last time I had a cup of coffee was in WW II.  I must have liked it then, but I don’t like it now.” And, “Sitting here reminds me of being in my parents’ bakery when I was a little girl.”

Established in 2017, the Inspiration Café has become the place to be. So, next time you happen to be at Artman on a Tuesday afternoon or here for Sunday’s mass, make a plan to visit this aroma filled coffee nook. You will find yourself enthralled with the charm of the Inspiration Café!

 

 

 

The All Seasons Garden: A Place for Joy and Renewal at Artman

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

According to Audrey Hepburn, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” At Artman, the All Seasons Garden inspires residents, serving as a location for social activities, reflection and relaxation.

For Richard, his work as a landscape architect is like painting a masterpiece.

Richard, a resident of our community, worked as a landscape architect for more than fifty years. He shares what gardens mean to him, “Gardens can move you and make you feel emotion. They have the potential to be sources of such beauty that they take your breath away. Gardens are a source of renewal and joy.”

You can help Artman residents believe in tomorrow by supporting our garden renewal project. In the coming months, Artman will add raised flower beds and create sensory gardens in the All Seasons Garden located in the center of our community. We will also plant new plantings, improve our pond and install additional lights.

Katelyn, Artman’s director of community life, is excited about the new possibilities in resident care these raised beds will provide. “Raised flower beds will increase access to plants for our residents to touch, smell and see. These sensory activities will contribute to their emotional and physical health, while strengthening cognitive wellbeing and memory.”

Now that the weather is nice, residents and family members are out in the garden more, enjoying the sun, the beauty of the blooms, and the buzz of activity from the creatures who live there, including a mother duck and her ten ducklings. It brings such joy to all.

To Richard, gardens are a source of renewal and joy.

“Whether we’re relaxing on the patio or by the pond, or admiring the garden from  inside, the residents get so much out of it,” Richard says. “New plants will help its beauty last, and the addition of lights will help us enjoy the garden for longer periods of time.”

“Garden design is a true art form for Dad,” Gina, Richard’s daughter shares. “He dedicated a lot of his life to creating beautiful spaces with meticulous consideration for each plant and what it added. For him it was like composing a symphony or painting a masterpiece. I know Artman’s outdoor space means a lot to Dad and his friends at the community.” 

By making a gift today, you rejuvenate and enrich a valuable source of hope and enjoyment, while adding features that directly contribute to our residents’ care. You make all the difference.

 

The New Tax Law, Giving, and You

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Wondering how the new tax law will affect your charitable giving? Here’s a snapshot of some of the things that changed and stayed the same.

What changed that has many donors looking for additional ways to reduce their 2018 taxes?

  • Standard deduction was doubled ($12,000 single, $24,000 couples), meaning less people will itemize on their 2018 tax return. If you itemized on your 2017 tax return, look at line 40 on the 1040 form to see if you’re affected.
  • Deductions for state and local taxes are now limited to $10,000.

 

What stayed the same and can be used as an option for a charitable donation?

  • You pay no capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities or real estate, whether you itemize or not.
  • You can still make a gift from an IRA through the Qualified Charitable Distribution (available to those who are 70.5 years of age or older).

 

Email Patty Cline for information on making a gift of securities or from an IRA. Find more information about changes in the new tax law here on Liberty Lutheran’s website.

A Friendship Rekindled after Decades Apart

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

Life has much to offer someone in his 90’s. Every day our staff and I witness endearing moments that are brought about by new experiences and remembering treasured memories and life stories.

With your support, you enable us to provide fun, engaging activities that foster new bonds between residents, while also strengthening those of days gone by.

Iris, one of our household coordinators, recently experienced such a moment during a wine and cheese social. She had taken Mort, age 95, to the event. While there, Edith, a resident at Paul’s Run for the past six years, recognized Mort. The amazing part of this story is that Edith and Mort had lost track of one another decades ago.

“I hadn’t seen Mort since I was a young girl,” says Edith. “After I introduced myself I shared how I grew up with his wife. I would see him walking up the street to pick her up for dates. As we talked we shared fond memories, such as the two of them riding in a carriage right after their wedding. He teared up a bit, tears of joy.”

Mort was overjoyed. “When you come to a new community and people recognize you, it makes you feel good,” he says. “Edith remembered my wife, Jeanie, from before we were married. She told me how she teased Jeanie when I picked her up for dates by singing ‘Morty’s here! Morty’s here!’ It made me smile and feel young again.”

Iris recalls, “It was touching to see Edith recognize him. You could tell he was moved by the experience. As Edith was talking to him another resident came up to them and also recognized Mort. Suddenly all these memories were being shared between them. It was great to see.”

Your generosity makes it possible for these experiences to occur. Thanks to you, Paul’s Run goes beyond simply serving as a place for older adults to live. The impact your support makes is seen by our residents’ families every day.

“Paul’s Run has meant a lot for Dad. He appreciates the social interaction and seeing people he knew as a young man,” Mort’s daughter Joan says.  “Following his fall, we knew that he needed a place where he would be comfortable and his care needs would be met. The care and support he receives from such an amazing team of people has been exceptional.”

Mort’s time at Paul’s Run has also forged new bonds, including with those who share their talents to serve our residents on a daily basis. Speaking about Iris, Mort shared, “She’s something, God love her.  She’s a comfort to me, she really is, and I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. Iris makes me feel good every day.”

When you give to Paul’s Run, you support compassionate care, community and time together with friends. Moreover, your generosity strengthens the Fellowship Fund, which helps residents who have outlived their resources. You make it possible for them to continue to enjoy the security, comfort, and friendship that they have come to know at Paul’s Run, a place they proudly call home.

Please make your gift today. Your continued faith and support provides compassionate care that empowers our residents.

Getting into the Swing of Things at The Village at Penn State

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Construction has begun on the highly anticipated Palmer Park at The Village at Penn State. Designed and completed by the Arnold Palmer Design Company, the first-of-its-kind fully landscaped park, gardens and beautiful walking trails will offer residents unparalleled outdoor space for year-round activities, recreation and al fresco dining.

The senior living community is dedicated to providing a wealth of healthy experiences for retired adults seeking an active and engaging lifestyle. Thanks to a suite of services, including independent living, personal care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing, residents are able to ‘age in place’ throughout all stages of their retirement.

With the addition of Palmer Park at The Village, residents seeking to continue their robust lifestyle choices can step outside to hone their golf skills on the professionally contoured synthetic grass putting green and practice area. The Park also has space for residents to delight in a game of bocce, stroll the walkway through world-class gardens, and partake in morning meditation on the multi-purpose fields.

A magnificent pergola and fire pit accent the new Creamery Terrace where residents can revel in al fresco dining with views of Palmer Park’s fields and golf putting greens. Focused on resident nutrition and using fresh, local-sourced ingredients, the Village’s exquisite restaurant-style fine dining allows for a stunning experience that rivals the region’s fine dining establishments. Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream will also be available on-site in a variety of flavors for residents, family and friends to enjoy on the terrace, on the walking paths, or while relaxing on one of the many sitting areas throughout the Park.

Located on the doorstep of Penn State’s campus, residents of the Village enjoy a special relationship with the University and the students. The Village provides transportation to lectures, sporting and cultural events, and to downtown State College. Students also regularly visit The Village, bringing their youth and energy to an already vibrant community. With this in mind, Palmer Park is distinctly designed for residents of The Village to be active in a very unique outdoor setting.

Palmer Park at The Village at Penn State showcases how the community continues to offer unparalleled services to people who want to stay fit and active through their retirement.

Click here to schedule a tour to learn more about all the new developments happening at The Village at Penn State.

Watch a short video about our new developments below.