FALL 2014
ISSUE 6
MESSIAH LIFEWAYS MAGAZINE
Plans Underway for
Project
Envision
Now That’s
Fast Rehab
Changing the
Conversation
About Aging
Senior Centers
Community Focal Points
Autumn is a Second Spring
In Messiah Lifeways country, the fall season
has arrived. Albert Camus writes, “Autumn is a
second spring when every leaf is a flower.” The
Creator provides us with a symphony of color
along with the capacity to enjoy it with all our
senses. I think this makes it especially easy to
express our Thanksgiving for His many blessings
at Messiah Lifeways.
This issue of Messiah Lifeways Magazine
includes updates on our Project Envision
expansion, what we’re calling “Growing Bolder”
profiles of residents who are embracing life in
various ways, upcoming events, and many other helpful and informative articles on
life in the Messiah Lifeways footprint.
Recently, I’ve attended several conferences where I’ve confirmed that we are
serving a demographic that will be increasing dramatically in the future. The
population in the U.S. of persons 65+ and 74+ will be more than doubling in
the next 35 years, and those over 85 will more than triple! That tells me that our
expansion plans at our Messiah Village campus and at Mount Joy Country Homes
are appropriate to prepare to address the needs of older adults in the future.
Another perspective shared was the strategic importance for organizations like
ours to explore collaboration with nontraditional partners in order to innovate and
find new ways to help persons not just “Age In Place,” but to “Thrive In Place.”
These are important times at Messiah Lifeways as we build for the future. We’re
glad you’re interested in walking with us on this journey!
Curt Stutzman, President & CEO
Messiah Lifeways Magazine is published biannually at
Messiah Lifeways, 100 Mt. Allen Dr., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Plans Underway for Project Envision
New Enhanced Living
26 Apartments
Village Square
84 Apartments/Wellness/
Enrichment/Bistro/Cafe
A year from now Messiah Lifeways is expected to
break ground on a transformational project that will
expand living options in all three levels of living and
provide many new amenities to both residents and
community members on the campus of Messiah
Village.
This is the first phase of Project Envision, a 20 year
plan for a mission-focused Messiah Village campus.
Here’s how the project is stacking up…
Village Square – will include 84 apartment homes
ranging in size from a 1 bedroom apartment to 2
bedroom/2 .5 bath apartments with a den. For the
first time, underbuilding parking will be available.
Village Square will also serve as the central hub for
wellness and enrichment activities and two new
dining venues.
Enhanced Living Expansion – 26 new apartments
will be built in a new personal care licensed
neighborhood. The new apartments will offer larger
accommodations and include kitchenettes and
separate living and sleeping spaces.
Two New Nursing
Neighborhoods
16 Private Rooms Each =
32 New Private Nursing Rooms
Private Nursing Rooms – two new nursing
neighborhoods will include 16 private nursing
rooms with private bathrooms and showers in each
room. These small neighborhoods will include a
large great room with spaces for dining and a warm
and welcoming living room. Building new nursing
neighborhoods gives the flexibility to right-size
some of the larger nursing neighborhoods by
converting semi-private rooms to private rooms.
Getting Started – Village Square reservations are
needed in order to break ground next fall. Interest
has been strong with many people joining the
Priority Club program. Early 2015, the members will
be the first to see pricing and floor plans and be
given the opportunity to reserve a new apartment.
It’s not too late!
There is still time to join the Village Square Priority
Club program and enjoy extra benefits. Learn more
at MessiahVillage.org/VisitVillageSquare
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Doris Waddell, 85
ADVENTURE SEEKER
“Live life to the fullest as you are able!” That’s what
Lemoyne native Doris Waddell suggests for aging
well. You might consider Doris an expert when it
comes to living fully; in addition to volunteering,
serving in resident leadership roles, keeping
connected on her Kindle, and traveling with family,
Doris has a serious appetite for adventure. After
zip-lining, parasailing, taking a hot air balloon ride,
and camping with her West Coast-based Eagle
Scout grandkids, Doris had a fast-paced plan to
celebrate her 85th birthday. Here’s a clue from
Doris: “We went 170 miles per hour, but it only lasts
3 minutes. Someone helped me in and out of the
windows since there are no doors. You blink and it’s
over!” If you think Doris enjoyed the official Nascar
Experience, complete with racing helmet and
certified driver, you’d be right!
Glancing at Doris’ family photos, one would notice
a lot of active people and beautiful scenery, from
fishing boats to rock climbing. While Doris says
her family “shares” an adventurous spirit, it’s quite
possible that they inherited her zest for life; a
passion for travel and making memories that she
has passed on in great style.
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What’s next? “I’d really like to jump out of an
airplane, but my doctor says no. So I guess I will
try a helicopter ride, maybe in Gettysburg.” Doris,
who’s lived at Messiah Village for 12 years, keeps
counting her blessings and thinking of new ways to
grow bold: “I am really thankful that I am able to
travel so that I can have so many adventures!”
Gretchen Petri, 76
AN INSPIRING LEGACY
When Gretchen Petri talks about spending time
with her “sisters” she is most likely referring to
Kappa Alpha Theta – the sorority chapter she’s
faithfully upheld for 57 years! First joining as a
mathematics student at Penn State University,
Gretchen delights in staying connected and
modeling the sorority’s motto of “yesterday, today,
and tomorrow” through nurturing relationships with
the active sisters at Dickinson College. Recently
profiled in Harrisburg Magazine as one of our
region’s “trailblazing ladies,” Gretchen encourages
young women to strive for professional goals that
are fulfilling and exciting, not expected.
Each year, the sisters continue time honored KAT
traditions – like Founders Day, when they honor
an outstanding sister by giving her a century’s old
kite-shaped pin. In 2013, Gretchen was pinned and
honored for her exemplary work. As recruitment
season approaches, Gretchen and her sisters will
gather at her Willow Way cottage to bake their
famous kite-shaped cookies for new recruits. As
final exams loom later this year, the KAT sisters
will craft goodie bags that hold much-needed
chocolate treats for weary students.
As Gretchen observes Liz Shaw stepping into a
new role as President of the local chapter, she
recognizes many of the qualities she had when
she first took on leadership roles with the sorority
– ambition, purpose, and progress. Gretchen,
who retired from computer science work at age
70, continues to model a pioneering, go-get-‘em
spirit; embracing new technology and inspiring
today’s young women to push past stereotypes and
embrace life.
3
Dr. Jesse Weigel, 81
APPETITE FOR LIFE
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Chief medical officer turned sous chef – sounds
like a movie trailer, right? No – just the recipe
for fulfillment according to Dr. Jesse Weigel, an
accomplished physician and emergency medicine
pioneer who savors an encore career as a sous chef
at the Kitchen Shoppe in Carlisle.
Every Friday, Dr. Weigel dons the chef’s uniform
at the Kitchen Shoppe where he delights in the
challenge of preparing new and unfamiliar meals.
He also loves the fast paced nature of the kitchen
– not surprising for a former chief of emergency
medicine.
Jesse’s passion for cooking really heated up in the
early 1990s when the Weigel family began making
extended annual trips to the Greenbrier Resort
in West Virginia. There, Jesse traded scrubs for
chef’s whites as he studied at Chef Anne Wilan’s
renowned cooking school La Varenne. Imagine his
surprise when Julia Child arrived to teach his class.
Yes, Julia Child, the internationally acclaimed chef
and iconic television personality. For eight years,
Jesse continued to learn from the “French Chef,”
and he still delights in the cuisines of France and
Italy. International travel and a proud Scottish
heritage inspire his kitchen creations.
At home on Willow Way, where Jesse and his late
wife Janet moved in 2009, Jesse makes good use of
his professionally appointed kitchen. Sundays are
delightfully spent preparing, cooking, and serving
special family dinners for his loved ones.
Away from the kitchen, Dr. Weigel serves in
leadership roles at Messiah Village and as a
member of the Messiah Lifeways Board of
Directors. “Get involved with new activities but,
continue to make time for the activities you love.”
Mrs. Patty Kent, 72
DRIVEN BY PURPOSE
Few people change the conversation about
growing older and bolder like Patty Kent. After
a successful career and several years at a sunny
Florida retirement community, Patty Kent, 72,
started a new chapter at Messiah Village. After her
husband’s passing, Patty longed to be near her
family. Relying on her sister’s impeccable taste in
homes and décor, Patty moved to Messiah Village,
seeing her new home for the first time on move
in day. Retiring at age 55, Patty describes her
transition from Florida to Messiah Village as an
opportunity to experience life in a community not
only focused on fun “but purposefully focused on
helping people.”
Patty’s zest for life is rooted in volunteering. Her
days are booked with serving coffee and espresso
at the Paxton Street Coffee Shop, rocking sleepy
babies at the U-GRO daycare, or driving the
campus shuttle. Patty blazed a trail as the second
female shuttle driver. Originally thinking the task
was only for men, Patty was determined to try this
new activity. Once she completed her driving
training course, Patty hit the road with unrivaled
experience; she’s logged numerous 18+ hour road
trips to visit loved ones in Florida. Since moving to
Messiah Village, Patty’s volunteering has given her
the opportunity to fill her days with new activities
and meaningful relationships. Reflecting on how
she joyfully juggles it all, Patty jokes, “I may need
to go back to work so I can have a day off.”
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Generosity Enlivens the Future
Earlier in this issue, you learned more about phase
1 of Project Envision. We’ve recently received two
generous estate gifts from siblings of a special
family with long-standing ties to our ministry.
Together, the gifts of this brother and sister total
just over $1 million and will make a memorable
lead gift for one of the 2 proposed nursing
neighborhoods. Private nursing accommodations
are sorely needed; as families journey through
difficult times, these quieter spaces are incredibly
valuable. Both donors had experience in the
medical field as professionals and also experienced
our nursing neighborhoods as caretakers and
as residents themselves. How fitting that their
generosity will benefit so many others in that
season of life.
“Successful charitable giving campaigns are part
of the Messiah Lifeways story, and we are grateful
for the many donors who have invested generously
in past projects. As the end of the calendar year
approaches, I would encourage you to consider a
charitable gift to impact one of our ministry areas
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– Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village, Messiah
Lifeways at Mount Joy Country Homes, or Messiah
Lifeways Community Support Services. There are
many ways to invest your resources in our mission
and experience tax benefits,” says Sharon Engle,
Vice President of Gift Development.
Appreciated Stocks/Securities: Gifting
appreciated securities, bonds, or mutual fund
shares helps avoid long-term capital gains tax on
the appreciated value of the asset.
Outright Gifts: Gifts made using cash, check,
and credit cards are easy and convenient; or
consider signing up for monthly giving through our
automatic Electronic Funds Transfer.
Planned Gifts: Bequests, charitable gift annuities,
and gifts of retirement assets.
(At the time of this writing, Washington insiders
think that Congress will pass bills supporting
the popular IRA charitable rollover. Please call
717.795.5579 for more details.)
Now That’s Fast Rehab
Short-Term Stroke and Cardiac Rehab at Messiah Lifeways
It’s funny how those
unexpected life changing
events sometimes sneak
up on us. No matter how
many times you ”knock on
rs! wood” or add an “apple a
e
t
t
a
m
y
t
day” to your diet, those less
Q uali
than desirable life events
just happen. Messiah Lifeways Rehab understands
your goal is to jump back into your independent
lifestyle as quickly as possible. That’s our goal
for you as well. It doesn’t mean we’ll skimp on
the quality care you deserve. Messiah Lifeways
rehab strongly believes that quality matters! Our
highly skilled team, impressive track record, and
surprising amenities work together to complete a
comprehensive cardiac and stroke rehab regimen
to get you home safely and quickly.
Our highly skilled rehab team of clinicians
and therapists will:
•Guide you through daily exercises to maintain cardiac health
•Monitor your maximum heart rate during
rehab exercises
•Offer restorative resources and guidance to keep you healthy at home
•Be a source of encouragement and information as you recover
•Provide Physical and Occupational therapy
•Provide Speech therapy and Dysphagia therapy
Abundant Amenities
•Recover in the Wagner Transitional Neighborhood especially designed for short-term stays and rehabilitation
•Rejuvenate on our beautiful 80-acre Messiah Village campus with lots of outdoor spaces
for relaxing
•Visit our coffee shop, gift shop, cafe, library, art studio, fitness center, pool, and chapel without leaving the Village Center
•Pamper yourself at our salon and with
massage therapy
•Stay connected with wifi and computer access
•Enjoy concerts, cultural events and faith-based activities
The successful stroke and cardiac rehab journey
is led by Messiah Village’s own physician group,
Capital Area Health Associates and specifically,
Medical Director, Dr. Michael Sams, who is
fellowship-trained in cardiology at Michigan
State University. If your situation requires shortterm rehab, we have the person-centered tools
and proven experience to ensure your positive
outcomes.
“After dad had his stroke I began to worry about
the recovery process. The team in the Wagner
neighborhood did a great job of getting him
back on his feet quickly. Everyone was so friendly
and helpful—there was no doubt in my mind
that we were in good hands and dad was getting
wonderful care.”
Hear what others have to say about short-term
rehab by visiting MessiahLifeways.org/FastRehab.
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Changing the Conversation About
By Matthew Gallardo, Messiah Lifeways Coach
“Between 1900 and 2000, average life expectancy
increased by nearly 30 years in the U.S. and most
other developed countries of the world… For the
first time in history, most people now being born
can expect to live seven, eight, nine, or more
decades. This achievement changes not only the
trajectory of individual lives but also the shape of
societies: Adults 60 and older are now the fastestgrowing segment of our population…”
“Many older-adult patients wanted to make a
difference in the world but, finding no role for
themselves, were treated as socially useless. Having
created a new stage of life, the next step is to make
it meaningful.”- Linda P. Fried
Fried’s article, Making Aging Positive from The
Atlantic, reveals research concluding that an
individual’s physical and mental well-being
are enhanced if empowered to make personal
decisions. A personal choice of many older adults
is to contribute to the next generation and “leave
the world better than you found it.” Unfortunately,
many years of experience and knowledge is often
overlooked because society does not highly value
individuals who have grey hair and wrinkles.
Making Aging Positive gives examples of ways to
“change the lens” on how we view aging. Older
adults want to feel needed and have a desire
to “contribute in a meaningful way.” Research
shows that older adults are great volunteers and
workers. When older adults volunteer and/or
teach the next generation, the value becomes
twofold. While helping or doing for others, they can
simultaneously improve their own physical, mental,
and social well-being.
The shift in perspective, outlook, and influence
for older adults is imperative and inevitable.
Statistically and philosophically being an older
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Aging
adult now is unlike it ever has been in human
history. It’s not only the path our society is taking,
but it’s the essence of creating more optimism and
opportunity as we age. Messiah Lifeways continues
to evolve and innovate the way that we view aging.
Programs like Pathways Institute for Lifelong
Learning®, Coaching, Connections, Wellness and
Volunteering typify Messiah Lifeways’ commitment
to making aging positive. We seek to “change
the conversation” just as Linda Fried challenges
readers to make growing older a more positive and
enriching time of life.
To learn more about “Changing the Conversation,”
please contact the Messiah Lifeways Coaching office
at 717.591.7225 or email [email protected].
Messiah Lifeways Coaching assists individuals in
planning for their future as well as helps them
achieve personal goals and objectives. Messiah
Lifeways Coaching will help identify and navigate
services and resource options; offer guidance and
solutions for caregivers; and connect individuals
to enrichment, wellness, and service opportunities
available through Messiah Lifeways and beyond.
Linda P. Fried is the dean and the DeLamar Professor at the Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
Source: Fried, L.P. (2014, June 1). Making Aging Positive, The Atlantic. The Atlantic Monthly Group.
Messiah Lifeways At
Home
Celebrating National Home Care Month
Beyond providing traditional home care
services like assistance with activities of daily
living or companionship, Messiah Lifeways
At Home also offers:
• Lifeline Auto Alert Emergency Call System
• Medication monitoring
• Home organization
• Housekeeping
• Grocery shopping and meal preparation
• Transportation and more!
Learn more at MessiahLifeways.org/AtHome or call 717.790.8209
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Senior Centers - Community Focal Points
Across the country, senior centers are becoming
more of a community focal point and one of the
most widely used services among America’s older
adults. Locally, Messiah Lifeways sponsors two
senior centers, and each has a lot to celebrate.
The Shippensburg Senior Center has a new name
and will soon have a new location and a revitalized
spirit. Thanks in part to a $112,000 state grant
and numerous other contributions, renovations
have begun on the new center located on 115
North Fayette St. in Shippensburg. In September,
a group of dignitaries, friends, senior center staff
and members joined Messiah Lifeways as we
celebrated the unveiling of the senior center’s new
name, Branch Creek Place: A Senior Center and
More. It will move from its temporary site at the
Christ United Methodist Church to its once previous
location on North Fayette St. when the renovations
are completed this spring. Messiah Lifeways intends
to gift $5,000 towards the capital improvements to
join the great efforts of the members who recently
raised more than $3,000 from a huge community
yard sale. Community donations are most welcome
– call 717.795.5579 for details.
Cottages on Willow Way now available for move-in!
Only 3 cottages on Willow Way remain!
Be part of the thriving Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village community.
It is a life of purpose and zest that’s as spontaneous, vibrant, and
independent as you.
Visit our 80-acre campus and tour one of the beautiful cottages on
Willow Way. Floor plans of these available cottages range from 1500-1800
square feet and include 2 bedrooms, 2 baths plus an attached garage.
To schedule a private tour, call the Welcome Center West at 717.591.7224.
100 Mt. Allen Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 | MessiahVillage.org
Life Coaching | Community Support | Enrichment Opportunities | Messiah Village | Mount Joy Country Homes
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Seniors Center Going Hi-tech
Mechanicsburg Place: A Senior Center and
More was chosen as one of ten senior centers
across Pennsylvania to pilot a program called
the “Sip and Swipe Café.” Essentially, it’s part
of the center where members can get a cup of
coffee and free lessons on how to use an iPad
by trained instructors. There are multiple tablets
for them to use as they gain proficiency. Senior
centers are making great efforts in reinventing
themselves to meet the needs and desires of the
aging baby boom generation. Senior centers
continue to develop
new programs and
opportunities for this
dynamic generation
of older adults.
Welcome New Mechanicsburg Place Manager
Mechanicsburg Place: A
Senior Center and More
is pleased to have Mary
Alice “Marty” Willard as
its new manager. Messiah
Lifeways has been near
and dear to Marty's heart
for many years, having
had both her parents
and grandparents live at
Messiah Village over the
years. Her grandmother
was part of the “big migration” from the Paxton
Street location to Mt. Allen Drive in 1978. Over the
years she has maintained a close relationship with
Messiah Lifeways.
Marty attended Messiah College and received her
degree in Social Work from Shippensburg College.
She worked for the Department of Public Welfare
in Kentucky, at Dickinson College as Coordinator
of Religious Life, and later as Assistant Director of
Alumni Relations at Messiah College. As a Certified
Lay Minister she has served as an interim pastoral
leader at several small churches and most recently
was on the staff at the Camp Hill United Methodist
Church as Minister for the Homebound.
Marty is excited to reciprocate the caring
and compassionate spirit with the members
of Mechanicsburg Place. She is dedicated to
enhancing their retirement years in a welcoming
and positive place where local seniors can connect
and flourish.
To learn more about Mechanicsburg Place
please call 717.697.5947 or visit
MessiahLifeways.org/MechPlace.
To learn more about Branch Creek Place
please call 717.300.3563 or visit
MessiahLifeways.org/BranchCreekPlace.
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Events
Sounds of the Season
Sunday, December 7 | 2:00 pm
Chapel, Messiah Village
It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! Join
the Singing Men as they get into the holiday spirit
with joyful songs of the season.
This program is free.
Live Nativity
Thursday, December 18 | 6:30 pm
Chapel, Messiah Village
Understanding Dementia
Tuesday, December 2, 2014 | 6:30-8:30 PM
Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church
1155 Walnut Bottom Rd , Carlisle PA
Room 109/110
Watch as members of the Pet Ministry led by Kathy
Ammerman bring the Christmas story to life. This
program is free.
Join us for this training session presented by Gay
Plastina, MSN, RN, and Megan Stedjan, Director of
Community Support Services at Messiah Lifeways.
This session will focus on changing perceptions of
people who have dementia. Guests will also learn
helpful tips on communicating with a loved one
who has dementia and how to support them.
Books are Fun Fair
Monday, November 17 | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Compass Pointe Place, Messiah Village
Shop for yourself or find
a great read to give as
a gift. The Books are
Fun Fair provides a wide
range of books for
adults and children.
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, January 24 | 7:30-10:00 am
Community Room, Messiah Village
Enjoy a Pancake Breakfast including pancakes,
sausage, fruit cup, juice & coffee.
Cost:
Adults $8.00
Children $4.00
(3-10 years old)
Proceeds benefit the
Messiah Village
Benevolent Care Fund.
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100 Mt. Allen Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
717.697.4666
MessiahLifeways.org
The official registration and financial information of Messiah Lifeways at Messiah Village may be
obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within PA, 1.800.732.0999.
Registration does not imply endorsement.
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US POSTAGE
GREENCASTLE PA
PERMIT NO. 10
To be removed from our mailing lists, call 717.790.8201
Mount Joy Country Homes
Say hello to maintenance-free living in one of Messiah
Lifeways at Mount Joy Country Homes’ new moderatelypriced cottages on Lavender Drive. Schedule a visit of
our fully furnished model. Learn about the benefits of
becoming a priority club member and tour our new
Community Center!
• Active 55+ Community
• 2 bedrooms & 2 bath cottages
• 1 & 2 car garage options
• Bonus room options
• Fully customizable
717.653.2356
MountJoyCountryHomes.org
113 Bayberry Drive, Mount Joy, PA 17552
Life Coaching | Community Support | Enrichment Opportunities | Messiah Village | Mount Joy Country Homes