December 2009                            Volume 308

“NICKELED AND DIMED”

On Monday morning, November 9, Carl Kittelberger (supported by his wife) brought in dozens of vintage banks for display. Many were cast iron. A small, but interested crowd of residents reminisced and asked Kittelberger a number of questions. Kittelberger stated that this morning’s sample was a very small fraction of his collection of nearly 600 banks! The group of historic Flat Iron Building miniatures and a nearly hundred-year-old item in mint condition called “Two Faces” were among the most intriguing banks. Kittelberger decided to bring two mechanical banks. Both the penny-swallowing black bear and coin-dropping bird worked and probably attracted the most attention. Residents inspected the collection and asked questions right up to the program’s 11:30pm end time. Despite admitted nerves, Kittelberger proved a very capable presenter.

MAPLEWOOD'S VETERAN'S DAY CELEBRATION

By Gary Sacco, Activities Director

(Roy L., one of the many veterans who attented the celebration)

On Wednesday, November 11, we hosted our Second Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration. The Terrace Room drew a considerable, appreciative crowd. Dining Services Director Mike Fall offered an interesting buffet spread of “army-style food” inspired by World War II Naval Veteran resident John R. About 30 people showed up to thank a handful of residents and special guests that served.

Photographers and reporters from the Democrat and Chronicle and Webster Post dropped by. If they were looking for a few consummate veterans, the media wouldn’t be disappointed this day! Roy L. and Pete N. willingly shared stories from their World War II experiences with both reporters.

A little later, the Terrace Room festivities started. I nervously talked about the last line of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address ensuring “that government by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.” I reasoned that we, an inherently peaceful people, fought to preserve this way of life and our freedoms. Afterwards I recognized residents Pete, Roy, George S., Carl M., Bob Y., John R., Ron H., Harold F. and Sam R. (all veterans) and special guest veterans Joe Grizzanti, Neil Strollo and Bob Hermenet, who continue to serve us! Neil and Joe are long-time volunteers while Bob runs a Bible study at Maplewood.

As my formal duties wound down, it was time to feast and celebrate. Guests snacked on creamed chipped beef (which possesses an unusual military nickname), liver with bacon and onions, sardines, liverwurst finger sandwiches, plus a cheese and cracker platter. John really insisted on this style menu. Most enjoyed it, though some weren’t so sure about the sardines. A few of the veterans even saluted the day with a couple of cold beers. I was encouraged to discover a number of family members present.

What a triumphant day for our guys. They and every other veteran deserve our thanks. In my humble opinion, our Veteran’s Day Celebration should be more of a backdrop. Men like Roy, Bob and Pete should be in the forefront. Roy was actually very seriously injured during his service in Italy, loosing part of his leg. I’ve heard Roy emphatically state many times that he wouldn’t change anything! That is real sacrifice. Our guy’s stories, and millions like them, leave me wondering why Veteran’s Day isn’t more of a major holiday.

I THOUGHT ONLY BIRDS “TWEET”

By Greg Chambery, Administrator

As I was getting ready to leave the house for work the other morning I saw a clip on the news. President Obama was in China and suggested that Chinese citizens should be allowed to use Twitter freely. He went on to comment, “Well, first of all, let me be the first to say that I have never used Twitter. My thumbs are too clumsy to type things in on the phone.” The answer to whether President Obama ever uses his Blackberry for Twitter is anyone’s guess. President Obama may have never used Twitter, but it was millions of Tweets that got the man elected and his handlers make sure he knows it. For those of us unfamiliar with Twitter, it is a kind of internet-based electronic messaging center that people use to communicate with each other. A message is called a “tweet”. The world has changed, and the flow of information in new ways has a lot to do with why this change is happening. We all now own most of GM and several other companies. Randy Farnsworth now has a TV commercial where he advertises his Chevy dealership and calls you and me the boss. These situations feel strange and uncomfortable to me. My view is that the next 5 years will bring changes in all areas of our lives that many of us have never seen before.

Healthcare has not escaped this massive change movement, and there are a lot of exciting and also downright scary proposals that I see floating out there. The American Healthcare Association provided me a unique opportunity this year to travel to Washington and participate in some of the discussions and debate that has been a part of the reform development process. It’s too early to tell at this point what will finally happen in the end, but I can tell you that there are very few people that come down in the middle of the issue. Voters and politicians either really want universal healthcare or they really don’t want universal healthcare. What bothers me about this is there is great potential to get something that falls in the middle and in the end that no one wants or likes. There is no doubt in my mind that when the dust settles on the healthcare debate there will be implications for Maplewood.

Anyone who has been associated with Maplewood for any length of time knows that change is something we have never feared. We know that the needs and wants of our Patients and Residents require that we have the flexibility to first understand those needs and then find ways to meet them. Our big change in 2009 was to get rid of all semi-private rooms at Maplewood. After 10 months of being an all-private room facility, we have assimilated our new space into our care delivery model quite well. Licensed nursing staff and direct care staff have been added on the evening shift to make sure Patient needs are addressed in a timely manner. A more flexible staff deployment approach enables us to more keenly target our energy to where patient needs emerge at any given time. In 2010 we will be focusing as an organization on tuning up our medical model. You will see some changes that will enable us to handle the complex medical conditions that come with shorter hospital stays. We anticipate a massive overhaul of our medical records software system that will lay the foundation for us to utilize a completely electronic medical record very soon. Dining Services, Housekeeping and Recreation all have some unique programs that will be started over the next few months. These are just a few examples of the exciting changes we have on the drawing board at this time.

When I was a boy I watched my grandparents and then my parents work with the staff as they together built an organization with a reputation of quality and approachability. In all the changes that have come down the pike since those early days of Maplewood, we have always stayed true to that philosophy of making sure we handle each encounter and situation as though it is our own mother or father we are helping. Despite all the demands for modernization and finding new ways of doing things, we think that kind of old time philosophy is something we want to stay with. I’m convinced that keeping that approach at the heart of what we do will allow us to move forward with a reputation for excellence that will not change.

AN EXTRAVAGANT GIFT

By Janet Pater, Resident Columnist 

This is once again the season of gift giving. Gifts come in all sizes: tiny boxes, huge cartons, etc. As the receiver is handed that gift, he/she often analytically looks at the package, carefully removes the wrapping paper, and then lifts out colorful layers of tissue paper. As they first observe the gift, one might hear “ooohs” and “ahhs” followed by, perhaps, “Oh, you shouldn’t have.” Then they wonder aloud, “How did you know this was exactly what I want” and so on and so forth.

I rarely purchased gifts for myself. Oh, when shopping with my dear Russ, there were times when I’d see something attractive and momentarily want it. That “I have to have this” feeling would subside. After all, I WAS the business major in our family – always worried about dollars and cents. Russ, though, could always be counted on to say, “If you really like it, buy it. You deserve nice things.” I always appreciated his encouragement, but soon found myself reasoning out loud, “It is so expensive, and it’s not in our budget.” So I’d walk away from that gorgeous dress or other desirable item, and we’d continue our shopping for “the basics.” You might think that I was unhappy living on such a tight budget, but don’t feel sorry for myself. I just wouldn’t overspend.

The morning that I learned my Russ had finally passed during the night, I was talking with a nurse from my unit. She happened to mention that she had a friend who took her deceased husband’s wedding band and reshaped it into a heart. “What a great idea,” I instantly thought. A short time later my children and I gathered for a Terrace Room breakfast. I told them the story of this reshaped wedding band. They concurred immediately that this was a wonderful idea. Several days later, my daughter and I popped into a jewelry store and asked about the possibilities regarding our idea. The jeweler said this could be done and quoted me a price.

I few days later another thought occurred to me. As gold represents 50 years of marriage, I knew we had this base covered, even though he had LOST his original ring! Russ gravely broke this news at dinner one night shortly after the marriage. “How could you have lost it?” I asked. Russ countered, “Do you remember last week’s snowstorm? That afternoon, I was shoveling snow from around the car so you could get to your teaching job the next morning. I did not have my gloves on and now think that the ring just fell off my finger.” We went out and looked but couldn’t find it in the snow piles. The following day, Russ ordered the exact ring from our wedding. When it arrived he wore it faithfully on his left hand for over 50 years. I was pleased and never brought is up again.

Birthdays, too, have always been special occasions within our family. As I pondered Russ’ ring, I thought of his September birthday, which would soon arrive. I suddenly envisioned having Russ’ birthstone imbedded in that ring, symbolizing both our marriage and his birthday. Another trip to that jewelry store was made. The jeweler said this could be done and showed me a few pieces that closely represented what Russ’ ring would look like. As anticipated, the original price had escalated. With complete abandonment of my thrifty principles, I told him to go ahead! In a few short weeks, that lovely pendant was finished. Upon placing it around my neck I said a little prayer of thanks for our glorious marriage and for Russ, who most likely prevented me from becoming an “old maid” school teacher. He made me feel like a woman of privilege by honoring and giving me the opportunity to be his helper and mate for many years. Now when the aides place that pendant on in the morning, I sense Russ’ once strong arms encircling me, as Christ’s stretch out to the whole world with love. I consider the extravagant pendant my Christmas gift - to me. It is one I will always treasure. Remember, too, the incredible gift of no cost to all of us that will live on forever. That unbelievable gift we celebrate on December 25 - Jesus, the Christ Child.

TERRACE ROOM TABLE TALK

Come join us for Maplewood’s Annual Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 13, from 2pm until 4pm. Enjoy the sounds of Dick Leschhorn, a vast array of holiday cookies and pastries, hot and cold hors de oeuvre’s, carved certified Angus^® beef tenderloin and a spectacular ice-carved wreath surrounded by jumbo shrimp cocktail.

The price for Christmas dinner will be $14.95. Seating is limited so try to keep reservations to parties of 4 or less. Please make reservations as early as possible by calling Dining Services at 585 872 1800, ext. 4018.

HALLOWEEN PICTURES

Upper L: Our volunteers ham it up at the Halloween party!

Upper R: Roy and Pete enjoy the refreshments!

Lower L: Housekeeper Rosemary and resident Janet making the rounds!

Lower R: One of the many little trick or treaters filling up his bucket on Halloween!

HOLIDAY BAZAAR 2009

By Gary Sacco, Recreation Director and Bazaar Committee Member

 “Well, what do you want me to do?” asked resident and Bazaar Committee member Connie B. I smiled and told her not to do too much. “Connie,” I reasoned, “You, Ruth and Shirley did all the work starting in January. Let the volunteers do it now.” Yes, after months of planning, worrying and hustling, the 5^th Annual Holiday Bazaar finally started on Thursday, November 19. Greeting the veteran vendors as they set up felt like a reunion. The first timers were very nice as well. They offered shoppers a variety of goods including jewelry, jams, embroidered towels, cleverly decorated signs and even aerial photographs. Although my feet were sore, my heart was delighted. Holiday Bazaar 2009, in many ways, was the most successful yet.

Shoppers steadily streamed in most of the event. Residents and volunteers continued to hawk raffle tickets and baked goods. The raffle display, thanks to a number of generous individuals and business, was plentiful with attractive prizes. Shirley’s framed puzzle was at stake in a silent auction. I was proud of her for creating another avenue of revenue for charities HOPE House and The Bivona Child Advocacy Center. The vendors’ spirits were light and cheerful. This amazing group really feels like family.

Residents, many accompanied by family, were everywhere. Some dropped by just to hang out. I really felt this year that Maplewood’s extended family endorsed this event more than ever before. Louise M. drew the first six raffle tickets on Friday. A couple of residents even won a few prizes. Naturally, my three committee colleagues were ubiquitous, repelling all of my efforts to keep them on as normal a schedule as possible. Twice my age, I’m sure they were very tired at event’s end. I was unquestionably exhausted!

Once the Garden Room was put back together and tables were returned to Immanuel Lutheran Church, I waited for the crucial news. How much did we raise for our charities? Volunteer Dick Swol initially counted the returns. Trusted family member Mary Beth Nufryk soon confirmed that we’d raised over 1800 dollars. Our residents proved again that they’re still vital enough to significantly help others. Lastly, the four of us would like to thank everyone who devoted time and resources to this extraordinary effort.

A LITTLE ABOUT COMMITTEE CO-MEMBERS

By Gary Sacco, Activities Director

$1,800 later, we’re fired up and tired (but excited) about next year’s 6^th Annual Holiday Bazaar. The Committee has about a page of ideas from the entire Maplewood Family and a few vendors to look over. Planning meeting number one should convene sometime in January. I’d like to recognize the resident members of 2009’s Holiday Bazaar Committee.

Ruth G.: Ruth is the only original member still active. She participated in her 5^th Holiday Bazaar. Ruth is the experienced one who worries about every little detail including tags, bags and stickers for pricing baked food items. She is also a stickler on rules and policy.

Shirley F.: Shirley began her work on last year’s Bazaar on a learning curve. With a year under her belt, she became far more influential. Shirley often seemed to position herself as a needed voice of reason, rationally arguing against some of her co-member’s wilder ideas!

Connie B.: Connie really jumped on board during last year’s Bazaar, selling raffle tickets on credit. She always managed to collect the cash. While all sitting residents sold raffle tickets, none could match Connie’s intensity. Connie also helped land a few vendors and contributed two fancy wine baskets as raffle prizes.

Janet C.: Janet only served a few months and passed away early in 2009. However, her ambition and enthusiasm left a real mark. She heartily endorsed the decision to pick up Bivona as another charity. Janet, along with Connie, was our bona fide idealist. She constantly thought outside the box!

“FAREWELL”

By Sharon Grace, Hairstylist

As many of you know my hairstyling career came to a screeching halt in mid October. It is with much regret I must say good-bye due to health issues beyond my control. It saddens me to leave Maplewood after two days each week for almost twelve years.

My involvement with the residents, their families, the entire staff, as well as the dedicated volunteers has overwhelmed me with the fondest memories. It wasn’t just a job; it was my second home! Maplewood was a place where I learned compassion, patience, and a wealth of knowledge through wonderful, inspiring people who so graciously invited me into “their” home each week. It was always fun and always exciting.

Thank all of you for your love and support and allowing me the opportunity to serve you. You have all enriched my life in so many ways. I sincerely appreciate everything you have done to support my other passion, speaking and writing. Thank you for your contributions to the Bivona Child Advocacy Center.

You may not see me on a weekly basis… but I will always be a part of the Maplewood family.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Maplewood is delighted to introduce Jeff Meech’s “Bringing the Bible to Life” program on Wednesday, December 2, from 10:45-11:30. Meech worships at the same church that the late, great Lord’s servant and long time Maplewood friend Al Plotzker did. Ministry similarities end there, though. Meech immediately warned Activities Director Gary Sacco that he is “not musical.” Meech wants to present the Bible in an interesting, thought-provoking way. “Bringing the Bible to Life” occurs every other Wednesday morning.

The Webster Presbyterian Church Men’s Group, for the third holiday season in a row, sings carols for its breakfast on Saturday morning, December 6. The men eat very early – 7:30am. An hour later, they sing holiday carols as a way of saying thank you. Webster Presbyterian Church’s generosity and connections at Maplewood extend far beyond the holiday season. Their pastor, Larry DeVuyst, conducts the monthly Protestant Service and many of their congregants also volunteer here in a variety of ways.

Every season, Maplewood expends maximum effort to host the Annual Holiday Open House as a way to say thanks to the Maplewood Community for being an unbelievably close and caring extended family! This year, the gala takes place on Sunday, December 14. The culinary offerings will be indescribably sumptuous! Hundreds of rich pastries and cookies from the legendary Savoia’s Bakery will be ornately displayed. Santa dances in to Maplewood on the notes of tunes by Dick Leschhorn. Special guests will see and help Maplewood sparkle that afternoon from 2:00-4:00pm.

Resident Esther S. will be crossing her fingers (hard!) in the Activities Room kitchen on Wednesday afternoon, December 16. That’s when Activities staff, led by Director Gary Sacco, will again try to duplicate another of her outstanding recipes! (Last time it was German Potato Salad.) During this session, they’ll try her Christmas Cutout Butter Cookies. Esther will be there to “control the quality” of this fun undertaking. Those attending will have the chance to sample a few of the artfully decorated Christmas Cookies!

Resident Peter N. (and tremendous fan) is delighted that his favorite band, Irish/country folkies Crossmolina, returns for a holiday show on Friday afternoon at 2:30pm. Crossmolina’s music, led by husband/wife combo Bill and Valerie Wroblewski, will inspire residents to crack open a few beers instead of sipping on eggnog. Activities Director Gary Sacco is amazed by Pete’s intense admiration of this band. He feels, “Wherever they play – bars, coffeehouses, or other nursing homes – finding a fan to match Pete’s intensity is probably very difficult.”

Remember piling into the car with other family members on brisk winter nights to search for garishly decorated homes at holiday time? Well, Maplewood has its own version of that! On consecutive Monday nights, the 14^th and 21^st, residents board the bus under cloak of darkness to check out the very best Christmas light displays. Residents are also mindful of what style lights are “in” that particular season. What will they see this year: clear, blue or those old fashioned, over-sized multi-colored bulbs? Friends and family members are welcome, too. Yes, the bus is heated.

The favorite forecasting activity probably anywhere will be undertaken by residents on at a laid-back session on Thursday morning, December 31. Residents, at the urging of Activities Assistant Martha Miller, will talk about “next year” by revealing resolutions for 2010. While the act of declaring resolutions is very popular, the hard part of keeping them isn’t! Well, Happy New Year to the entire Maplewood Family!

FROM THE EDUCATOR'S DESK

(Pictured from L to R) Kelly English, Marisel Green, Manigeh Mack, Jessica Reeves, Erica Rivera, Kelly Snook and Casey Youngman are seven new employees who have passed the Maplewood Nursing CNA Training course.