How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Making sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, memories and interactions associated with eating are essential to developing an overall healthy eating plan.
That is why, as part of National Nutrition Month® 2016, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Tel Hai Retirement Community urges everyone to ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.’
Each March, the Academy encourages Americans to return to the basics of healthful eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives.
This year’s ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right’ National Nutrition Month® theme is a great reminder for everyone to develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods, while also taking the time to enjoy everything that a healthful and tasty meal brings with it.
Tel Hai strives to communicate healthful eating messages that emphasize balancing food and beverages within an individual’s energy needs, rather than focusing on any one specific food or meal. It is Tel Hai’s goal to encourage others to improve their overall health through a commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors, emphasizing maintainable and enjoyable eating practices and regular physical activity.
Initiated in 1973 as a week-long event, “National Nutrition Week” became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition.
As part of this education campaign, the Tel Hai Culinary Services Team will provide a variety of helpful articles, recipes, videos and educational resources, all designed to spread the message of good nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Together we can ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.’
February is American Heart Month, so here are some of the latest things this physician would like you all to know! This information in this blog may be completely new to you (but hopefully not new to your physician):
1. The Meat and Potatoes Diet wasn’t bad because of the meat or the potatoes. It was bad because of the lack of fruit, vegetables, fish and olive oil. Those who eat more of these foods lower their risk for coronary artery disease (think heart attack, bypass surgery, angioplasty), stroke (large and medium arteries) and colon cancer. (There’s a nice bonus.) Modest meat and dairy in your diet is ok as long as half your plate is vegetables (Yes, you read that right: half).
2. Exercise is great for your heart, brain, and kidneys. How much? Well, studies in older individuals show that the intense, strenuous exercise is no more advantageous than gentle exercise like walking and swimming
3. Treatment of cholesterol with statin medications is now based more on other risk factors than your cholesterol level. Here are the risk factors: LDL Cholesterol 190 or higher; hypertension; diabetes; a strong family history of coronary artery disease; and having had a stroke or cholesterol blockages anywhere in your body previously. If you are on a statin, and you have none of these risk factors, please talk with your physician.
4. If you have never had a stroke or a heart attack, taking aspirin a day doesn’t help prevent one. We don’t know why, but study after study shows this.
5. Taking an aspirin a day carries a risk of major bleeding (think hospitalization) of 1-2% per year. It may not seem like much to you, but I see bleeds frequently. So if you have not been prescribed daily aspirin, avoid it.
6. The adult low dose 81 mg of aspirin works as well for thinning your blood as any other dose. Hopefully, it carries less risk for bleeding (but I have not seen any evidence for this claim).
7. Fish oil capsules do not lower the risk for heart disease or stroke. Eating fish does. And the more fish you eat, the lower the risk. Any fish counts.
8. Under and overtreatment of high blood pressure are big problems. You should be averaging 120-140 on the top number. (There are a few exceptions.) The bottom number should be below 90.
Dr. Richard Satriale, MD
Tel Hai Retirement Community, Medical Director
I bet you would never know that some of the beautiful wooden benches on campus were once painted and almost discarded because of their discoloring and weather-worn look. That was until some of them were taken to our campus wood shop to be stripped of their paint, sanded and stained to look like the beautiful teak wood they are today. To look at this transformation you would think it must’ve taken an employee hours and hours of hard work to make them beautiful again. Well you are right about one thing; it did take hours and hours of ‘blood, sweat and tears’ to make the benches beautiful again, but it was done by the hard work of our faithful wood shop volunteers! Many would be surprised what this fleet of 25 volunteers has accomplished on our campus and that is why we spotlight them this month!
Who Are the Wood Shop volunteers?
Resident & Wood Shop Volunteer Gayle Kerr
We thank our talented volunteers including: Virginia Allen, Tom Barker, Arlan Bond, Jack Burmeister, Bill Butler, Mark Cauffman, Mac Chandler, Andy Cruse, Ken Davis, Bob Davis, Walt Derkacz, Skip Emery, George Fleet, Paul Givler, Herb Horikowa, Russell Hyde, Gayle Kerr, Bill Kocher, Annie Law, Don Ludwig, Bruce McCleary, William Miller, Rod Muthard, Bob Palmer, Tom Parke, Ed Ritti, Carl Rogers, Rich Toscano and Bob Witters!
Why Do They Volunteer?
When asked how long they have been working with wood, many of the volunteers simply looked around the room as if to say, ‘I can’t remember a time when I WASN’T working with wood.’ Realistically, they have been working with wood anywhere from 84 years, 40 plus years, all the way to a brand new volunteer who has been learning the craft for 2 weeks.
One member remembers looking through a magazine and seeing something and saying, “Yea; I want to make that! And I ended up making 13 more of them for family and friends. From there, the rest is history.” Another member mentions he saw his father working with wood for most of his life and he started to dabble in it. He became even more serious while in the war and he saw others around him working and decided to become serious about learning the trade.
Resident & Wood Shop Volunteer Rod Muthard
The wood shop is open to new craftsman as well as the seasoned wood worker and everyone in between. “I find I come to the wood shop when I need help finishing a project. It’s nice to know people are here to help me if I’m not 100% sure on how to complete my work. All the guys are nice like that.”
Most of the members would agree that the wood shop helped draw their attention to Tel Hai and was helpful in making their decision to make Tel Hai their home. “I wouldn’t say it made the decision for me, but it definitely helped to know that I would have somewhere to go when I wanted something to do with my hands.” Most want something to do with their time that doesn’t include sitting behind a desk, rather sitting in front of a block of wood and knowing that in a few short weeks that block of wood will be a jigsaw puzzle for some child to play with.
Other members admit they joined the wood shop because they don’t have the typical wood working tools in their homes anymore and it’s so convenient to come in whenever they have something that needs fixed. “My wife let me bring most of my tools from home, but some were just too big or too messy. Since I’ve become a member of the wood shop, I don’t have to worry about the mess in my own home; I can just come here and work.”
What keeps these volunteers coming back for more saw dust? “Camaraderie; it’s really nice to have a place to go with people who have similar interests and where you can talk shop.” All the volunteers agree it also feels great to accomplish something. “It’s really nice to start with large pieces of wood, knowing I want this to turn into a bed or a sign and working through the whole process; it’s really good for the mind and soul.” They also claim they like to sit and listen to each other’s stories, time and time again. “If you sit in here long enough, someone will tell you 10 times how they made a particular piece, and we just like to razz on them about it.” Camaraderie? I would say so! Other volunteers added they like that the wood shop is a place to share information and they learn new things all the time.
What Do They Do?
Resident & Wood Shop Volunteer Rich Toscano
Many residents would be surprised by all the projects the ‘elves’ in the wood shop have helped with. A small listing of their handy work includes general repairs for residents, refurbishing benches on campus, wooden podiums for the pools, fix lamps, fix chairs and tables, fitness room materials, re-do chairs in chapel, build ships, personal projects, suggestion boxes for staff, shelves, vacation form boxes, wooden signs, decorative pieces, physical therapy practice stairs, bird house, many other personal projects and whatever else comes their way from their neighbors and friends.
The wood shop volunteers can be found in the wood shop 7 days a week with varying hours, but you’re guaranteed to find someone there accepting items in need of repair every Tuesday morning from 9am-12pm. “This is the time residents can bring something in need of a fix to the shop and we take a look at it. Almost all of the time we are able to help them and fix it the right way instead of them having to go purchase something new.”
Some of the projects are a team effort. “Sometimes a chair will come in that needs repair and I can do the seat part of it and someone else can do the back part of it. It’s nice to be able to work as a team with other members to get things fixed.”
Resident & Wood Shop Volunteer Don Ludwig
Staff praises!
The wood shop volunteers help residents BUT they are also a big help to many staff, as well.
“The wood shop has helped Residential Living by making wooden boxes for Social Services and the Wellness Nurse to hang outside their office. They also have made wooden boxes for both resident business centers for vacation forms, which is greatly appreciated! I love our wood shop volunteers- they are GEMS!” stated Katie Dougherty, Social Services – Residential Living.
“We love the folks in the wood shop! They are always willing to help! They never say no to a job! Specifically, Rod Muthard was very willing to take on the task of creating the wooden signs for StoneCroft resident storage areas. He made 105 wooden signs with numbers,” stated Karen Cochran, Administrative Assistant – Residential Living.
“Rod Muthard made this beautiful stand in my office that I love it to stand and work at. The woodshop even comes in very handy when doing Christmas shopping. Rod made a puzzle for my son that was from the movie Frozen and Bill Butler painted a beautiful picture for my daughter of her favorite horse,” stated Jessica Martin, Administrative Assistant – Residential Living.
While these 25 volunteers quietly work in a cloud of saw dust, listening to the same stories while laughing and making beautiful wood pieces, most of Tel Hai is blissfully unaware of all the great things happening in the lower level of the Hertzler Apartments.
Resident & Wood Shop Volunteer Bill Butler
Next time you are able to travel around the campus of Tel Hai, take a look and take a seat on one of the nice wooden benches and admire the new finish. Next time you’re signing in for water volleyball, take a look at the podium that was crafted just for that pool. Next time you’re submitting a vacation form, take an extra minute to look at the box to admire the hours it took volunteers to make. Many items have been crafted or repaired by our wonderful volunteers in the wood shop and that is why this month we are saying thank you and spotlighting our Wood Shop Volunteers!
Two-hundred and eighty five volunteers call Tel Hai Retirement Community their home. Naturally these individuals like to volunteer on campus and help make their home the best place to be.
But quite a few of our volunteers don’t stop there and they have expanded their volunteering to the local Honey Brook and Twin Valley area to help others in need. Some of these volunteer opportunities include the Twin Valley Food Pantry, Honey Brook Food Pantry, Honey Brook Community Library and Steeple to People thrift shop. This month we spotlight these wonderful individuals who give their time to those surrounding Tel Hai and we thank our Community Volunteers.
The Twin Valley Food Pantry
I had the pleasure of joining our hard working volunteers at the November food pantry distribution and was brought into another world. A world where shelving, organizing, bending, picking up, bagging, carrying boxes, handing out food, and smiling (especially smiling) make all the difference to more than 160 families in the Twin Valley area.
I joined Ernie Owens, Jane Kerr, Joanne Belson, and Bob and Joyce Witters on this particular Tuesday evening and was blown away by the dedication and honest hard work these volunteers put in. This was nothing out of the ordinary for this crew of volunteers as this is where you can find them for more than 3 hours, on their feet, on the 4th Tuesday of every month. Some have been doing this for as long as they can remember and are faithful to the food pantry each month, while others come as often as they can. Either way, the impact is felt by those they are serving and by those who are coordinating this large event each and every month.
Twin Valley Food Pantry Volunteers: Ernie Owens & Jane Kerr
Bob and Joyce Witters have been volunteering at the Food Pantry for a little over 4 years. Each a different task; Bob helping with bagging the items and Joyce helping with stacking and stocking the shelves. Now they are both stationed at the bagging station that acts as the caboose of the distribution line. Both really enjoy bagging as they act as the final courtesy to the patrons. Following the bagging process, other volunteers take the bags out to the patron’s cars. Bob states that the patrons sometimes want to chip in and help, but that a lot of the volunteers have been helping for many years and they are a well oiled machine and have such a great system! Plus, they just really enjoy helping the patrons!
After experiencing the joy of helping those in need, I asked the other volunteers what they most enjoy about helping the community. Their answers resounded in unison that the feelings they get when leaving there are to be humble, have faith and above everything else-be grateful. One volunteer added that there isn’t a day he leaves that church when he isn’t grateful for what God has given him and that he is even more grateful to be able to help those less fortunate get the food their families need and deserve.
The Twin Valley Food Pantry is now in its sixth year of operations hosted by Conestoga Mennonite Church. The Food Pantry serves on average 125 families (425 individuals) each month by distributing over 12,500 pounds of food and personal hygiene items during the monthly distribution. Tel Hai Retirement Community has walked along side of the Food Pantry since operation begun with passionate and committed volunteers. Volunteers assist the Food Pantry by stocking, distributing food products, bagging, registration, processing, and working in the kitchen. During the year, Tel Hai has provided and served a meal to all clients and volunteers during our distribution evening. Many thanks to Tel Hai Volunteers for their commitment to this important community mission.
— Howard & Carol Moss, Directors, Twin Valley Food Pantry
The Honey Brook Food Pantry
The Honey Brook Food Pantry began serving local residents in January, 2014. The initial “monthly mobile food distribution” was supported by the Chester County Food Bank and a local team from the Lord’s Pantry of Downingtown.
Today the HBFP operates as a free standing organization and welcomes donor and volunteers from the Honey Brook area and surrounding communities. The Honey Brook Food Pantry provides a 3-4 day supply of various food items on a monthly basis to neighbors in need within the Honey Brook community. Their mission is to serve their neighbors with respect while empowering them toward food security and independence.
One Tel Hai resident, who also volunteers at the Twin Valley Food Pantry, has found helping at the Honey Brook Food Pantry equally rewarding.
“Jane Kerr is a delight to work with. Since signing up in November 2014, she has consistently given her time twice a month to the Honey Brook Food Pantry. Jane helps pack the boxes for the clients and when that task is finished, she looks for other ways to help. We rely on her help each month,” commented Becky, the Honey Brook Food Pantry Volunteer Coordinator.
Another Tel Hai volunteer very decidedly doesn’t want to do the heavy lifting, but is busy at work behind the scenes. Tom Tracy can be found mastering the website and sitting on the board since its inception only a little more than a year ago. He also likes to help with fundraising efforts by educating local non-profits through power point presentations about the Food Pantry. He finds this is also a great way to spread the word that the food pantry is officially up and running and has a permanent home now.
The Honey Brook Community Library
“Many of the volunteers that we get from Tel Hai are new to the Honey Brook area, and we are lucky to have such a variety of people want to come and volunteer at our library. We truly appreciate all of the support that we receive from the Tel Hai residents,” commented Jennifer Spade, Library Director, Honey Brook Community Library.
Some of the things that volunteers from Tel Hai do at the Honey Brook Community Library include shelving returned books, writing patron and business appeals, processing new books by stamping them with the Honey Brook Library stamp, writing the newsletter, becoming Board members, gathering books with holds on them that go out to other libraries in the Chester County Library System, straightening bookshelves, taking care of the flower beds and potted outdoor plants, assisting Miss Jennifer with getting Story Time crafts ready, addressing thank you letters and assisting with other assorted library tasks.
Honey Brook Library Volunteers: Mollie Van Zanten, Fran Atkins, Mary Jo Tracy, Elaine Fling
Both Elaine Fling and Mollie Van Zanten have been volunteering at the Honey Brook Library for about 2 years. They each have a love of reading and a love of books; so much that they both volunteer at the libraries on Tel Hai soil as well. Both help shelve books, look for books community members have requested through the Chester County library system, help with projects and more! Mollie has been running a mystery book group for 2 years where the growing group of more than 15 members brings insightful discussion about many different types of mystery books. She really enjoys hearing the stories and insightful information others gain from reading and states their conversation typically sparks others to want to read the same book.
Both admit that helping at the library and chatting with the librarians gives them access to all the Honey Brook news and events they need! But the best part about helping at the library? The people! “You meet the people, they are delightful people.” Mollie stated. They both agree that starting great conversation with those coming to look for a great book makes their time there memorable. Mollie continues by saying, “You meet the community; you learn how the community works; you learn what’s going on in the community. For example, many wouldn’t know that the library has a garden that grows food for the food pantry – you would never know unless you volunteer there.”
Another avenue of volunteering with the library is through ‘Friends of Honey Brook Library’ – the group that spearheads the fundraising efforts for the library; and Mary Jo Tracy has been their treasurer since 2007. She is vital in helping with their book sale, which occurs twice a year, as well as the garden tour happening in 2016.
Mary Jo and her ‘Friends’ colleagues have helped raise funds for the library to pay off their mortgage and remain open as the state continues to cut vital funds each year. Mary Jo donates approximately 5-6 hours a month helping the library but “rarely keeps track of the hours because it just becomes part of your daily life. It’s not a hassle to sit at the table for an hour to balance the check book or run to the bank. It’s just what you do to help a good cause.”
Each of the Volunteers who help at the library has been a mentor guiding the Honey Brook Library Board of Trustees to uphold the trust of our community.
David Paton leveraged a lifetime of accounting experience to develop many of the guidelines and tools which have helped the Board and Staff decipher our budgeting process and manage our monthly due diligence process. David’s tools and guidance are sure to guide the Honey Brook Library into a future of prosperity and growth.
Fran Atkins leverages her power of words, compassion and insight. Fran’s words have given the Library a voice that has been heard across our community. Our residents have learned what services our Library has to share and Fran has created an excitement unparalleled in many years. Amongst many of Fran’s contributions she served on the Director Nominating committee and I’m happy to say her contributions brought Honey Brook a very talented exciting Director.
Veanna Baxter’s experience in Library Sciences has given the board insight into the library system and challenges faced by many libraries and librarians. Her knowledge and guidance has proven key to our hunt for a new Library Director, who we are pleased to have hired. Veanna’s insights have resulted in key contributions to our Strategic Plan and many of our policies. Veanna has been a key contributor promoting the library on Harmony Day and throughout the community every day.
I have spent the last three years working with each of these wonderful Tel Hai volunteers. In the past few years Dave, Veanna, and Fran, have contributed their time and invaluable experience to the Honey Brook Library serving as members of the Board of Trustees and making our community a better place for our neighbors, friends, and children.
— Michael Greene, President, The Honey Brook Library Board
Steeple to People
Steeple to People Ministries began in 1982 out of a growing concern for the Church to better serve the community. From the beginning, S.T.P. was founded as a “faith ministry”, meaning they look to God in faith to provide for all the provisions (finances, materials, people…) to support the ministry. Their goal is to bring the Church to People by utilizing the skills, talents, and resources of Christians to meet the needs in our community.
Many faithful volunteers come to sort and price clothes. They would like to provide a place for people to buy reasonable priced clothes and other needed household items. It is also very important to them that their business is run in a Christ-like way and each person is treated kindly and offered a listening ear.
Steeple To People Volunteers: Josie Haines & Catherine Williamson
Two of those faithful volunteers come from Tel Hai and are Catherine Williamson and Josie Haines. Catherine has been a long time volunteer at S.T.P. for 13 years. Like so many other volunteers, Catherine was asked to help and so she said ‘ok!’ as she had just moved to Honey Brook and was looking for things to do in the area. You can find Catherine at S.T.P. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8-3pm and some Saturday mornings. Spending anywhere from 15-20 hours a week volunteering her time sorting items, pricing items, creating and changing the display in the window and general helpful activities.
One of the reasons she loves going back is interacting with the customers; some who find a reason to come in every day if not to buy anything, but just for some friendly conversation. Another reason is the great owners, Ivan and Anna Stoltzfus who Catherine credits as extremely hard working and very good Christian people. And the other volunteers who work so well together, “we’re like family after a while”, Catherine adds.
Josie has been volunteering for a little over a year and initially went there because she was really bored. For 17 years she managed a Christian book store and since she had retail experience, she thought S.T.P. would be a great place to use her skills. And does she ever; going twice a week, she helps sort and stock the books that are donated into categories and sort for quality. Some people don’t mind sorting through the clothing, while Josie prefers to be in with the books or behind the cash register.
Ivan and Anna Stoltzfus really run the show at S.T.P. and do so with such a kind and caring nature. The thrift shop sells everything from books to clothing to larger furniture found in the basement. Large furniture can consume the basement area and the Stoltzfus family is kind enough to put all the excess furniture in their barn until there is room at the store. Proceeds from the thrift shop go to the youth center, located right next to Steeple to People.
What makes Community Volunteering different?
Many of these busy volunteers also donate their time on Tel Hai campus as well as in the local community. When asked what made them interested in volunteering in the community, the responses were all similar in nature.
A few said they’ve always volunteered at a local food pantry and almost immediately found the Twin Valley Food Pantry after becoming a resident because helping those in need in your community is something that sticks with you and the need to continue to do that doesn’t go away with a change of scenery. Another said she wanted something to do off-campus which included being around younger people to keep her spirits up but also to meet other people than her neighbors. Another volunteer stated that when it comes to handing out items to those in need, he feels a real connection and ‘pull’ to help those individuals. He’s helped with toy drives and food drives in the past and just found it natural to help at the food pantry. Another volunteer just feels good about volunteering and helping others. “I just feel like I’m contributing and at my age that I can make a contribution makes me feel great.”
Many volunteers calling their experience helping others in the community similar to a religious experience and stating that it’s hard to put into words the feeling you get when you help someone who truly needs your assistance. He continues by saying, “Not everyone says thank you, but the individuals who do mean it from the bottom of their hearts and THAT’S what keeps us coming back week after week and month after month.”
A theme our community volunteers mentioned quite often is that more Tel Hai residents should find some time to get involved in the surrounding community; it not only helps spread the good word about Tel Hai, but it allows the Tel Hai residents to learn about Honey Brook and who could use a helping hand. “We need to be nice to our neighbors and contribute to helping them as much as we can.” And boy does this group of volunteers contribute.
Together these individuals, and other resident and non-resident volunteers, have donated more than 10,000 hours in 2015 to help the surrounding community. This number far exceeds the 2014 volunteer hours which came in around 4,500 for the year. This speaks largely to our ever active Tel Hai Residents wanting to get out in the community to help others. And there aren’t enough ‘Thank You!’ cards in a Hallmark store to express the many thanks we have for our community volunteers; especially to the countless people they serve each and every day.
Other community volunteering opportunities include: local church involvement, Longwood Gardens, meals on wheels, Knights of Columbus, local board involvement and MORE! Some volunteers find their community involvement is more like a full-time job than a casual volunteer opportunity. “I easily give 40 hours a week”, stated Tom Tracy. “It’s nice to be involved and it doesn’t take a lot of energy to give back to those around us. It’s so important that when you move to Tel Hai you don’t forget about the community we live in.” And these volunteers do just that and MORE!
In this spotlight, we are highlighting and thanking those individuals who volunteer off Tel Hai soil and those who spend countless hours giving back to the surrounding community. These individuals make a world of difference to the community and many individuals. Some individuals volunteer 10 hours a month while others seem to volunteer more than 20 hours a week! Regardless of the hourly commitment, one thing is for certain that these volunteers all have a big heart and thoroughly enjoy the work they do. For this and all they do for the community, we thank our Community Volunteers and highlight all of them in our Volunteer Spotlight.
As the calendar flips to December, we enter the most eagerly anticipated holiday season of the year with Christmas and New Years only several weeks away. Not as if we needed to be reminded! The bombardment of Christmas advertising seems to arrive earlier every year. And, if your family is like mine, it does not offend, as it reminds us of this special day just a little bit sooner.
It is amazing to think of all the traditions we have we have to anticipate Christmas and also the New Year. Consider just “food” traditions. For some, this time of year launches a frenzy of Christmas cookie baking, making candy or even fruit cake (not a favorite of some but I love it!) And only a week after the Christmas dinner extravaganza we are on to planning the New Year’s Eve Party!
Another dimension is Christmas shopping with the retail industry’s exhausting efforts to get our attention with their sales promotions and extended hours – all to accommodate our well- intended passion to purchase the perfect Christmas gifts we want to share with family and friends. In a similar vein we have the special tradition of sharing Christmas cards, greetings and family letters. All bring joy in the sharing and receiving.
Have I mentioned Christmas decorations yet? Yes, another reminder of the holidays that helps build the anticipation for Christmas is the enjoyment of the unique styles, family traditions and favorite ornaments which adorn our homes and other spaces. And a New Year related décor item is the arrival of calendars to help keep us organized for the coming year. Isn’t the special 60th Anniversary Tel Hai Calendar spectacular?
Finally, we anticipate the spiritual significance of Christmas through inspirational concerts, advent services, caroling or simply reading the Christmas story. An effective way to cope with the stress and busyness of the season is to take time as the familiar carol says to “let every heart prepare Him room” through these types of activities.
As we look ahead to 2016, at Tel Hai we have so much to anticipate. We will celebrate 60 years of service through a year-long series of special recognition events commemorating our Diamond Jubilee (and already scheduled for you in the 60th Anniversary Calendar!) We will look forward to welcoming our new Bay Tree Court cottages neighbors through the spring months and also begin to enjoy the new hillside amenities (tennis court, clubhouse, amphitheater, event lawn and gardens) later in the summer.
Whether through Christmas or in the New Year 2016, may you find joy in anticipation. Alexander Shulgin said it well, “Some part of me can’t wait to see what life’s going to come up with next!”
Do you hear the people singing? Do you hear the people playing? Do you hear the people strumming? Chances are that if you are on the Tel Hai Campus you will hear our choir singing a beautiful melody, the sounds of chimes ringing through the halls or the ukulele band playing our favorite songs to sing along to from the past.
Who are the Musical Talent Volunteers?
We thank our Musically Talented Volunteers: John and Jane Stager, Herb and Lillian Davis, Edith Smith, Eleanor Smith, Turene McConaghy, Bea Kubany, Janet Smith, Willa Theilacker, Roy France, Peg Willis, Tom Ahlborn, Betty Renish, Rod Muthard, Connie Eells, Betsey Collins, Paul Bisch, Don Evans, Bill Emmanuel, Bill Butler, Joan Lorenz, Aleta Connell, Arlan and Mary Bond, Shirley Loomis, Waneta Zimmerman, Ruth Daly, Hal Ely, and Eunice Fink! Most of these volunteers call Tel Hai ‘home’… but not all. Those who are residents have lived here ranging from 19 years to only 2 weeks!
Why do they volunteer?
From month-to-month of interviewing spotlight volunteers, we always ask ‘why volunteer?’ This group mirrored many other volunteer spotlights when they told us that volunteering:
Is something they’ve always done and usually started by following their parent’s actions!
Keeps them involved and busy – just as they prefer!
Is never seen as an imposition!
A unique answer from our musical volunteers on why they continue to volunteer is because of their love of music and bringing it to other people.
One volunteer said he has made music his entire life and couldn’t imagine not bringing it to others. In fact, he doesn’t consider singing or playing in the chime choir work at all! Instead, he considers it a simple joy and appreciates those who come and listen because he gets to continue his passion and share it with others.
A choir member sent giggles through the room when she stated ‘ I started volunteering when someone asked me to help and 12 years later nobody else has offered to take my place!’ She also mentioned she wouldn’t think of stopping because she loves good Christian music and loves bringing that to everyone who hears them sing.
We already know these individuals don’t view volunteering as an imposition. And among the volunteers interviewed, there was a common thread when asked ‘why do you continue to share music with others through volunteering?’
For starters, they all agree that it’s fun! After spending a few minutes with these individuals it was clear to see they enjoy each other’s company. They also enjoy seeing the expressions on the faces they are playing or singing for.
One ukulele band member stated ‘To see someone who has forgotten many things from their life sing along to your song, it brings joy to your world.’ These musical volunteers enjoy entertaining people, learning new music, and using their God given talents each and every week.
What skills do they bring?
Music can be loved by everyone, and not just those who are musically talented. Our talented volunteers may come from different backgrounds and careers, but their love for music runs through them all.
The ukulele band consists of a retired professor, business owner, salesman, nurse, farm wife… and when they all come together beautiful music is made.
The Tel Hai Chime Choir members include a school teacher, preacher, salesman, phone company employee, banking associate, book keeper, administrative assistant… and they can all play along to the same beat.
The Tel Hai Choir is comprised of a piano teacher, English teacher, salesman, controller, CPA, insurance company employee, working with electronics, or even a domestic home engineer… and they can harmonize beautifully.
Where do they volunteer?
Among the more than 30 musically talented volunteers we interviewed, we found volunteers serving not only musically, but elsewhere with the same passion as they do when they perform.
Among the areas our volunteers lend their time includes: Garrett Community Center Desk, Campus and Community Shuttle, Chapel, Wood Shop, package delivery, Meals on Wheels, Resident Council, coffee houses, Lakeview and Garrett Community Center Libraries, friendly visiting, Tel Hai Board, resale shop, quilting, etc.
These individuals logged more than 3,200 hours in 2014 along with many, many more countless hours that never get logged. That’s a lot of hard work, and squeezing in time to make beautiful music right here on our campus.
We were lucky enough they took 30 minutes out of their busy schedules to sit down with us to discuss their volunteering!
What do they do?
We are proud of our three main areas of musical talents on campus; chime choir, ukulele band and choir. The chime choir consists of chimes ranging in size from a 6 inch high C note to a large, bass chime that’s almost 2 feet long!
Played together they ring a beautiful harmony every Tuesday morning in the Gathering room. Roam the halls by the Chapel on Wednesday mornings and you’ll hear the choir singing songs for their next chapel performance.
Or head down on Monday mornings to listen to the Ukulele band play favorite tunes such as ‘Take me out to the ballgame’ and many more!
But members of the ukulele band play more than a small 4 stringed instrument. Other members play the guitar, washboard, auto harp, or the melodica. And you’ll also find a few different sized ukuleles as the instrument comes in 4 sizes. Talk about a group of talented individuals!
Staff sings their praises!
Our talented volunteers bring joy to all who hear; and that includes our staff as well. They enjoys the time the ukulele band spends entertaining the residents. Tammy Jacobs, Director of adds, ‘They bring a lot of laughter. Their jokes and music are silly, and the camaraderie is wonderful. I feel blessed to have them as a team of volunteers in .’
Tim Herr, VP of Pastoral Care beautifully notes, “No one imagines heaven to be devoid of music, so music is an important part of worship services. Both the Chime Choir and the Tel Hai Choir lead worship through music at least monthly in the Tel Hai Chapel program. Both musician groups take practice seriously and commit to practicing weekly. The end result is always beautiful music that inspires us.”
Their directors, Jane Stager and Olga Bleecker spend hours in preparation even before practice selecting music. Music chosen for both groups is selected with obvious care for theme and words and always just hard enough to challenge the musicians but not so hard that the music discourages the members. It is obvious that participants enjoy being with each other.
We are so grateful to have both the Tel Hai Choir and the Tel Hai Chime Choir enhance our worship together.
Music can help lift our hearts and souls in any occasion, any day of the week. Our Tel Hai community would not be the same without the effort and heart of these wonderful and musically talented volunteers!
For their countless hours of practicing, for getting dressed in their finest white shirt and black bottoms, and most of all for bringing song and happiness to our Tel Hai campus we thank our Musically Talented Volunteers and highlight them in our volunteer spotlight!
What if I told you there really is a Fountain of Youth. That there really is a “secret” to living longer – would you believe me and continue reading? Intrigued? I bet you are…
You see, if I told you right away this is about the importance of giving you may not have kept reading. But now that I have your attention I want to tell you that I have read what the researchers have written, seen all the statistics, and wonder the same as you…is it really true?
Do people who give or volunteer really live longer and are they really happier? Why would these random acts of kindness help us to better ourselves?
Maybe it all started when God was trying to tell us something in Psalm 112:5, “Good things will come to those who are willing to lend freely. Good things will come to those who are fair in everything they do.”
All I know is that it feels good to give. Sure, giving back should be an altruistic, selfless notion, but the truth is that giving back is good for both the giver and the recipient. I will now throw in a little study for us as evidence…
Studies have shown that giving is good for the giver, it boosts both mental and physical health. Conditions like high blood pressure and depression are pretty common, but the health benefits associated with giving have a real impact on both. Here are some of the ways volunteering/giving can boost your well-being:
Increased self-esteem
Lower blood pressure
Less depression
Lower stress levels
Giving stimulates the reward centre in the brain, releasing endorphins and creating the “helper’s high”
If receiving all of these health benefits from volunteering and giving back would help us then why wouldn’t we want to do more? Too busy, not enough time in the day, saving for a rainy day, charity begins in the home. These are all great answers and I’ve used them all. But, the reality is that there are so many worthy places that can use your time, talent and treasures.
I’ll close with a quote I love by George Eliot, “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?”
Take the time today to lower your stress levels and give back!
The Sew Creative sewers meet once a week to do what they love to do. Not only do they sew pillowcases for children with cancer but they also sew walker bags for residents at Tel Hai, veteran quilts, and pillow cases for breast cancer patients.
Depending on the time of year you will see them sewing different things to help different causes. They use their passion and their skills to bring cheer to those who are going through a difficult time in life.
Who are the Sewers?
The talented people who are part of Sew Creative are Eleanor Howland, Dot Devaney, Shirley Walton, Josie Davis, Eileen Schafer, Martha Mitri, Ruthann Reichert, Gretchen Hessenplug, Ginger Schramm, Nancy Jenkins, Kara Martin, Doris Rickards, Lucy Keen, Judy Peters, Doris France, and Norma Mansur.
We thank the Sew Creative sewers for not only bringing happiness to the residents of Tel Hai with their skills but also bringing joy to those around the world.
There are sewers who have been living at Tel Hai for 10 years and sewers who are not even yet in high school. Whether you have had a career in sewing and have been sewing for as long as you can remember or are just starting to sew, all people are welcome to help the volunteers of Sew Creative sew for causes around the world.
The sewers come from a vast array of careers. Some of those include an RN, secretary, postal service worker, custom formal wear sewer, teacher, personnel manager, teacher, activity director, book keeper, medical librarian, craft shop owner, sewing machine sales, production scheduler, guidance counselor, and mother.
What do the Sewers Do?
In Sew Creative, the tasks are not divided up. There is not someone who cuts, someone who sews, and someone who measures. Every person helps with each piece of the project. They start by picking out the fabric that they would like to use, measure the fabric, cut to the lengths they need, and then sew.
Depending on the month you will find them sewing different things for different causes. All year long they sew walker bags so the residents at Tel Hai can have a sturdy, useful, but fashionable bag to strap on their walker.
Throughout the year they also sew beautiful quilts for veterans and pillowcases for children with cancer. One volunteer spends her time sewing quilts for world relief. These quilts go to wherever there is a disaster.
Currently they are sewing pillowcases for breast cancer patients and snap pencil cases for school children in Africa.
Sew Creative also helps sew miscellaneous projects that are needed such as body pillow cases. Anyone can stop by and they are proud to show you the work that they have done and tell you where their projects are going!
Volunteering
How long has the Sew Creative sewers been volunteering? One sewer says they have been volunteering “for about 100 years…well many, many, many years.” Another sewer is still in grade school and has been volunteering for the past two years. Many say they have been volunteering for most of their life.
Why did the sewers start volunteering? Most of the sewers said that they started volunteering because of their children, to help others, and to keep busy. One sewer said that “when you see a need, you give back.” While another volunteer said that “it is a part of life at Tel Hai; you give back.”
Where do they volunteer? These volunteers not only volunteer by sewing for Sew Creative but they also volunteer in different areas at Tel Hai and the community. Many volunteer at church and food pantries. There are also a few who also volunteer in marketing.
What is their favorite part about volunteering? There is one thing in common that all of the Sew Creative volunteers said were their favorite part of volunteering and that was the people they volunteer with. They all said that they have met wonderful people through Sew Creative and that they enjoy getting together every Monday. Many sewers also said that their favorite part about volunteering is helping different causes.
One Sewer said the following when asked what her favorite part about volunteering was “The ladies are my favorite part, they love to do it and they love to come. I love to help the causes and I do not want to stop since I moved here. I would like to give my whole life and I would like to always have a purpose and make a difference.”
The volunteers of Sew Creative not only help the residents at Tel Hai but also people in need around the world. From Honey Brook to Africa the projects that these ladies sew bring cheer to those who need it.
We thank the ladies of Sew Creative and highlight them in our volunteer spotlight!
We celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, Boss’s Day, ….so why do we appreciate Clergy for a whole month you may ask? Some would say that these remembrance days are simply “Hallmark” creations — though they are quick to add that they are needed reminders and good ideas just the same.
Let’s consider that God has given us His instruction concerning our spiritual leaders –
“…honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.”–I Thessalonians 5:12-13
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” — Hebrews 13:7
“..The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” — I Timothy 5:17
About 340,000 congregations (Hartford Institute for Religious Research) have men and women serving as clergy in the US alone . The history of a formal Clergy Appreciation Month was established in 1992 with a mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers.
Though the special emphasis of clergy appreciation for this month has brought about many worthwhile, creative, tangible recommendations for congregations to consider in support of their clergy, one recommendation—is sometimes overlooked—and is in need of re-illuminating!
Consistent, fervent PRAYER! Year-round prayer for our clergy/leadership will by God’s Spirit lead each to use his/her gifts in effectively serving our leaders and one another and lift up our clergy all year long.
Many helpful suggestions and ideas for blessing our clergy during Clergy Appreciation Month have been written about over the years for congregations choose from and plan for: they include, giving special gifts, holding banquets, card showers, special weekend away, church family videos of thanks, honoring pastors at picnics, giving scholarships, etc.
Having a well-thought out plan for focusing on consistent, fervent PRAYER could be helpful as well. As you recommit to PRAY for your pastor(s) and clergy, here are a few suggestions that may help:
Put a picture of your pastor/family in your daily devotional to remind you to pray each day.
Ask your pastor to share a specific prayer request he/she might have for the year ahead.
Select a specific day of the week to pray every week all year for your pastors and all the leaders of your church.
Take time to listen for the Spirit leading you to act in a tangible way as you pray.
Pray consistently for another pastor in your community other than your own pastor
Pray fervently for another pastor/mission pastor in another state/country other than your own. Follow up with a letter, email or gift.
Use a monthly guide with prayers and Scripture for each day to pray for pastors.
We are all called to partner with God to PRAY for our clergy/pastors for the building up of the Body of Christ around the world. Prayer is a gift and privilege of every believer.
Will you join me and consider this month… to recommit to consistent, fervent PRAYER for our Spiritual leaders. God promises to answer knowing we will be praying in agreement to His will in Christ.
Nick Harrison, in his daily prayer guide, Magnificent Prayer, states that “Prayer is our offering to God, as important as the sacrifice of praise.” When we come each Sunday morning to Worship in praise, let’s come “prayed up”– expectant – faithful in consistent, fervent PRAYER for our leaders and for the Church!
Tel Hai Retirement Community is dedicated to the well-being and safety of our residents, employees, and the general community. We understand the devastating impact the influenza virus has on the elderly population and our goal is to protect our community from influenza illness.
Tel Hai requires each employee to obtain the annual flu vaccine. The flu season is designated by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our medical director, Dr. Satriale. Flu season generally runs from October through April. Our goal is to vaccinate all employees in October and all residents in November. Residents are being vaccinated after employees to ensure that they have the best immunity during the peak of the flu season.
According to the CDC:
Why should people get vaccinated against the flu?
Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others. Over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. During recent flu seasons, between 80% and 90% of flu related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older.
During this time, flu viruses are circulating at higher levels in the U.S. population. An annual seasonal flu vaccine (either the flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine) is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.
What are the benefits of flu vaccination?
There are a lot of reasons to get a flu vaccine each year:
Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick from flu. Protecting yourself from flu also protects the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.
Flu vaccination can help protect people who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from flu, like older adults, people with chronic health conditions and young children (especially infants younger than 6 months old who are too young to get vaccinated).
Flu vaccination also may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, like hospitalizations and deaths.
Remember to wash your hands, get your flu shot & stay healthy!
