Luther Crestat

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F

Resident NurseProgram

CONTENTS

From the ExecutiveDirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 2

Proud Parents . . . . . . . . . .Page 3

Familiar Face Retires . . . .Page 4

Luther Crest Wish List . . .Page 4

Upcoming Events . . . . . .Page 5

New Nursing Supervisor Page 6

Endowment Fund . . . . . . .Page 7

A Better Life . . . . . . . . . . .Page 9

Saylor Wins Awards . . . .Page 10

Vol. 2 • No. 3 • Fall 2002

As part of its continuing focuson resident wellness, LutherCrest Retirement Communityrecently introduced a ResidentNurse Program.

“This new, 24-hour programenhances the professional nursingservices available to residentsresiding in the independent-livingapartments,” explains JeanneOski, executive director. “In addi-tion to responding to emergen-cies in the apartments, the resi-dent nurses in the program areresponsible for overseeing, moni-toring, and maintaining care inour Assisted Living unit.”

Nurses in the programalso maintain residentmedical records, insur-ance information, andhealth-care needs. “Theyserve as a liaison betweenoutside home health orhospital agencies and canrecommend and coordi-nate activities,” saysOski, adding that nursesalso perform a basic

medical reviewof prospectiveindependent-living residents.

“The program is just onemore way in which we continueto enhance the lives of ourresidents.”

Luther Crest’s newly hired resi-dential services director is respon-sible for oversight of the newprogram.

Hired as the program wasrolled out this summer, DeborahPianowski brings 19 years of nurs-ing supervisory experience to thenew role as well as a backgroundin long-term care, home health,and ICU.

Most recently, Pianowski servedKidsPeace National Centers forKids in Crisis as manager of nurs-ing services. She holds degrees innursing, criminal justice, andsocial work from MoravianCollege, Bethlehem.

“This new, 24-hour

program enhances the

professional nursing

services available to

residents residing in the

independent-living

apartments.” Jeanne OskiExecutive Director

Life at Luther Crest is publishedperiodically by Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road,Allentown, PA 18104-9393Phone 610.398.8011in cooperation with the Office ofCorporate Communications ofDiakon Lutheran Social Ministries,960 Century Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0707Phone 717.795.0300

Luther Crest is one of 21 retirementcommunities and facilities operatedby Diakon Lutheran Social Minis-tries, which also offers a range ofspecialized programs for children,individuals and families.

Visit our web sites at www.luthercrest.net orwww.diakon.org

2

From theExecutive Director

EQUAL HOUSINGO P P O R T U N I T Y

When I first arrived at LutherCrest, I discovered that Luther Cresthad its own advisory council.Historically, this councilhas included residents,prominent members ofthe Allentown communi-ty’s clergy and businessleadership, and a memberof the Diakon LutheranSocial Ministries Boardof Directors.

The role of the adviso-ry council is to serve as aliaison between Luther Crest and thepeople it serves, provide adviceregarding program concerns anddevelopment, promote quality servic-es, assist in the financial developmentof Luther Crest, and promote theDiakon mission and Luther Crest phi-losophy statements.

As I write to you, the process fordeveloping a new advisory council for

Shop’s increasingprofits benefitresidents

For the last 17 years, Luther Crestgift shop volunteers have made it pos-sible for residents to purchase every-thing from cards and candy to birth-day gifts and clothing. Four volun-teers a day split two shifts to coverthe shop hours from 11 a.m. until 4p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to12:30 p.m. on weekends.

According to Rosalie Mayer, thegift shop chairperson, the shop existsto provide services and items for resi-dents who can’t go outside and shop.“It is also a good way for volunteersto contribute their time,” she says.“There are no paid staff members.”

In fact, all the gift shop profits areinvested in improvements that benefitresidents. “We disburse funds everysix months,” explains Mayer, addingthat profits have grown steadilythrough the years. “We gave $5,000last December and $5,000 in June.”

More recent items purchased withthe funds included a CCTV, which isa large magnifying machine for low-vision residents. “This year we con-tributed money toward a large projec-tion screen for Crest Hall that will beused for videos and other projec-tions,” Mayer adds. “We contribute atleast $1,000 every year to the libraryand we buy a lot of things for theActivities Department.” In recentyears, the Healthcare Center, PersonalCare, and the Physical Therapydepartment have also benefited.

Luther Crest is under way. RobertHobaugh, a member of the Diakonboard of directors, Rhonda Dietz,

regional director ofAdvancement, and theRev. Kenneth Feinour,executive vice presidentof Advancement, havebeen instrumental inhelping to identifypotential members ofthe council. Thesemembers will dedicatetheir time and talents to

ensure the residents of Luther Crestare receiving the quality services theydeserve in a financially sound, stableenvironment.

One member already identified isLois Eisenhard, a true Luther Crestresident advocate. Lois has acceptedmy request and will sit on the adviso-ry council along with other membersof the Allentown community. I willbe meeting with other potentialmembers in the next two months,hoping to finalize membership andsolidify our council.

Once the council has been devel-oped, residents will receive informa-tion on all of the advisory councilmembers. I hope to establish thecouncil by September, with our firstmeeting in the early fall.

I am confident that our advisorycouncil will embrace what LutherCrest has to offer and assist us instriving for excellence in order tomeet all of the changing needs of res-idents now and in the future.

Jeanne Oski, RN, NHAExecutive Director

Jeanne Oski

Please turn to back page

3

For the second time since shejoined Luther Crest as chaplain inthe fall of 1993, the Rev. DianneKareha and her husband, Dr.Michael Kareha, celebrated as oneof their sons was awarded theEagle Scout award for a projectcompleted at the Allentownretirement community.

Peter Kareha received the EagleScout award at a Court of Honor heldlast May in the chapel of FirstPresbyterian Church, Allentown. Forhis Eagle Scout project, Kareha coor-dinated the clean up, mulching, andreplanting of the courtyard at LutherCrest. Fellow members of Troop 107,along with residents and staff mem-bers, assisted Kareha in the project.Kareha’s older brother, Steve, con-verted a lounge in the east wing ofLuther Crest’s Personal Care resi-dence to the “Room of Peace,” aplace for meditation.

Award means as much the second time around

Dr. Michael and the Rev. DianneKareha are the proud parents oftwo Eagle Scouts, Peter (second

from right) and Steve (right).

4

Items under $1,000✸ Low Vision Equipment

✸ Bistro Area Landscaping

✸ Wheelchairs – HCC

✸ Oxygen Concentrators

✸ TV/VCR/DVD Player

✸ Educational Material

Items from $1,000 to $5,000

✸ Draperies for Main Dining Room

✸ Sheers for Main Dining Room

✸ Sheers/Drapes for Bistro

✸ Housekeeping Equipment

✸ Window Treatments for

Administration Offices

✸ Retractable Awning for Bistro

✸ Office Furniture for Health Care

Administration

✸ Computers for computer room

✸ Holiday Decorations

Items from $5,000 to $25,000✸ Lobby Furniture

✸ New China for Main Dining Room

✸ Auditorium Chairs

✸ Culinary Food Transport Carts

22 00 00 22Luther CrestWish List Long-time friend and

resident advocate LoisEisenhard recentlyretired after 17 faithfulyears of service toLuther Crest RetirementCommunity.

During a farewell pic-nic held in June,Secretary of Aging LoriGerhard presented herwith a plaque commem-orating her contribution.

For 17 years,Eisenhard, a professionalsocial worker, served theneeds of Luther Crest resi-dents in the health centerand the apartments. In theyear before she retired, Eisenhardalso took on the additional role ofwellness coordinator.

The Luther Crest administrationrecently nominated Eisenhard for theSilver and Gold Award for resident

advocacy, given by Silver and GoldMagazine. Luther Crest residents alsorecognized her years of dedication bymaking a significant contribution tothe Luther Crest Endowment Fund inEisenhard’s name.

State Secretary of Aging Lori Gerhard (left) andJeanne Oski, Luther Crest executive director

(right), presented Lois Eisenhard with a plaquecommemorating her years of service to Luther

Crest during a picnic held this summer.

Familiar face retires amid congratulations

✸ Renovate Assisted Living Unit

✸ Defined Walking Paths

✸ Fitness Equipment

✸ Outdoor Benches

✸ Putting Green

✸ Art Work

✸ Outdoor Shuffleboard

✸ Bocci Ball Court

Items from $25,000 and up✸ Renovate Auditorium

✸ Landscaping Master Plan

✸ Renovate Health Care Center

✸ Outside Storage Building

✸ Indoor Pool/Fitness Center

✸ Emergency Notification System

5

October 9, 7 p.m., Crest HallMusical Program by Captain Radio: old-time radio show and music

October 16, 1:30 p.m., Crest HallWellness Program: “Creativity—Getting More Out of Life”Guest Speaker, Joseph B. McCarthy

October, 18-19, Crest Hall Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Home Show

October 23, 7 p.m., Crest Hall Candidates Night

November 7, 8:45 a.m., Crest Hall Cooking with the Chef

November 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Crest Hall Craft Show

November 20, 1:30 p.m., Crest HallWellness Program: “Medicine and Herbal Remedy Interaction”Guest speaker, Richard Gilbert, M.D.

December 3, 7 p.m., Crest Hall Air Products Chorus

December 12, 8:45 a.m., Crest HallCooking with the Chef – holiday theme

Luther Crest Retirement Community

Upcoming events open to the public

Memorial GiftsJune 1 to July 31, 2002

IN MEMORY OF H. Edwin EisenhardGiven by: Ms. Lois E. Eisenhard

IN MEMORY OF Rose SchlappigGiven by: Mr. and Mrs. Paul KochGiven by: Mr. and Mrs. Willard M.

CammaufGiven by: Mrs. Jane C. BeitelGiven by: Ms. Arline K. Cawley

Please consider Luther Crest asyou plan your giving.

After a marketing blitz earlier thisyear that targeted seven area schools,Jayne Imbach, RN, volunteer coordina-tor, was pleased to have 22 volunteerssign up for Luther Crest RetirementCommunity’s junior volunteer program.

Ranging in age from 12 to 18, thevolunteers must complete an orientationbefore beginning the eight-week pro-gram. “We review the handbook, wetake them on a tour, and we discusswhat our volunteer program is about,”explains Imbach. “If they needed specialtraining, we held that at another time.”

Although several of the volunteershad worked with Luther Crest before,16 of them were new recruits and allwere split almost evenly between boysand girls. The best age, according toImbach, seems to be in the 12 to 14year old range. “The older childrenoften are working summer jobs,” sheexplains.

Junior volunteersprovide seniorbenefits

Please turn to back page

This is the last issue of Life at Luther Crest in this format. Beginninglate this year, the articles normally contained in this publication will beincluded in a new regionalized edition of Dialog, Diakon LutheranSocial Ministries’ corporate publication.

The center section of the expanded Dialog will contain lots ofinformation about service and events within the region, including activi-ties at Luther Crest. We are making this change for several reasons:

• To be better stewards. Combining various newsletters into onewill save funds.

• To offer more local information. The regional section will pro-vide interesting information about lots of local programs, includingLuther Crest. In addition, the format will allow us to list regionalupcoming events in which you may be interested.

Again, please be assured that you’ll find the information you areused to reading in this newsletter in the new center section of Dialog.

6

Kathy Gabriel, RN, BSN

Kathy Gabriel, RN, BSN, joinedLuther Crest RetirementCommunity’s Health Center as the7 to 3 nursing supervisor last June,bringing with her 28 years of nurs-ing experience.

Gabriel has held various posi-tions of increasing responsibilityand most recently served a long-term care facility as a registerednurse assessment coordinator.

No stranger to multi-tasking,Gabriel completed her nursing

education at NorthamptonCommunity College while rear-ing her four children. She wenton to earn a bachelor’s degreein nursing from Cedar CrestCollege in 1993 and is prepar-ing to begin work on her mas-ter’s in health management.

“I’m looking forward to get-ting to know the staff and resi-dents,” she says of her opportu-nity with Luther Crest. “I wantto try to help wherever I can.”

Gabriel new nursing supervisor

Luther Crest residents Williamand Judith Diehl have joined forcesand collaborated on a book sched-uled for publication early next yearthat puts to rest any notion thatseniors stop living once they retire.

According to William Diehl, thebook, “It Ain’t Over ‘till it’s Over,”

talks about the importance of seniorsin our society, and, among otherthings, retirement lifestyles, volun-teering, and planning for retirement.Both the Diehls are well-known par-ticipants in the Lehigh Valley’s vol-unteer community, supportingchurch, business, and politically

related causes.“Seniors are

really neededin our societytoday in set-ting values,life-style, vol-unteering, andbringing theBaby Boomersalong behindus,” saysDiehl. “They

Written word focuses on value of seniors

William and Judith Diehl

are needed to pass the torch alongto others and to pave the way.”

Diehl, 77, is the author of severalbooks. His wife, Judith, 76, has alsowritten a book and served as aneditor for her husband’s previouswork. “Her greatest criticism [of mywork] was that I only used men’sexamples; I wasn’t speaking towomen,” he says. “In this book, wedecided we were both going to talkabout issues of senior living, makingsure we reflected the view ofwomen, as well as men.”

The author of seven previousbooks, Diehl was a national salesmanager for Bethlehem Steel Corp.when he first felt the need to puthis thoughts to paper. “It came outof a frustration I had with the gapbetween what was going on in my

Please turn to back page

7

In a ceremony recogniz-ing the initial benefactors ofthe Luther CrestEndowment Fund, staffmembers, residents, andfriends recently dedicated aplaque, which hangs out-side Crest Hall. The plaquebears the names of all con-tributors, including thefounding members, sincethe fund’s official start inAugust of 2000.

According to RhondaDietz, regional director ofAdvancement for DiakonLutheran Social Ministries,“The fund was a concertedeffort on the part of the resi-dents to do something for thefuture. They decided how thefund would be used.”The money in the Fund is investedfor total return, of which a percent-age will be used annually to providemoney to help:

■ Care for residents who haveexhausted their financial resources,

Plaque honors Endowment fund benefactors

■ Offset the unanticipatedcosts of healthcare, and

■ Make improvements toenhance the lifestyle at LutherCrest.

Currently, the fund has$83,748 in cash and invest-ments with $100,397 projectedin charitable remainder fromgift annuities, according toDietz.

In addition to planned gifts,contributions to the fund caninclude direct cash gifts of anysize that are designated as

memorials to loved ones. This wasthe case with the founding dona-tions made by the daughters ofGladys and William Gotshall, andthe Paul and Martha Kutz estate.The plaque hanging outside ofCrest Hall will be updated eachyear to include new gifts.

Together with their husbands, Dorothy Schlauch(left) and Adele Diefenderfer, daughters of

Gladys and William Gotshall, made the first giftto the Luther Crest Endowment Fund

in memory of their parents.

Remember Luther Crest in Your Will

❏ Please send me the free information,conrad Teitell’s “Making your Will”

❏ I have included Luther Crest in my will.

Please complete and mail coupon to: Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries,Office of Advancement, One South Home Avenue, Topton, PA 19562-1399

Name

Address

Telephone

Your birth date Spouse/Loved One’s birth date

� ✩✁

8

York College student Luke Pilespent his summer at Luther CrestRetirement Community completingan internship program that he isconfident will help prepare him fora career in health care.

With a degree in long-term careadministration, Pile is in the processof completing his master’s degree inhealth-care management. “There is alot of opportunity. It is a good serviceindustry,” says Pile of his chosenfield.

Pile’s mentors at Luther Crest heldnothing back during his summer-longexperience. “I’ve done laundry andmaintenance. That is the best part ofthe program,” says Pile, adding thathe split his work time between man-agement and hand-to-hand care.“You can’t manage without doing

Luke Pile

the work. It has made me respectall positions and understand howimportant those positions are.”

Luther Crest administrators havealso been beneficial to Pile’s learn-ing experience. “I’ve been hookedup with people that I’ll never for-get,” he says. “Finding the rightmentor is key.”Students from Cedar Crest College,Penn State University, LehighUniversity, and Muhlenberg Collegehave also participated in the sum-mer internship program.

Internship opens student’s eyes to possibilities

Luther Crest residents havealways exhibited a strong and knowl-edgeable interest in the politicalscene. Spring and fall visits fromstate and local representatives regu-larly draw out residents who arekeen on learning more about the lat-est political issues or the platform ofa new candidate.

Lee Gaumer, a Luther Crest resi-dent, won the opportunity to serve atwo-year term as a Republican Partycommittee person for Lehigh Countyduring last May’s primary election.

“I was asked to run because of thevery large Republican presence hereat Luther Crest,” reveals Gaumer.

As one of nearly 200 committeepersons in the county, Gaumer isresponsible for ensuring voters areregistered and that they vote. He willalso help to select future candidates

and support their campaigns.“Eventually, I’d like to go to theNational Convention when theypick the president,” he says.

A 1992 retiree from Air Products,Gaumer saw his political career

Interest in politics leads one resident to serve party

begin that same year when he waselected to the Allentown CityCouncil.

“That was quite an experience,”says Gaumer.

Luther Crest residents Thomas Kennedy (left) and Elizabeth Bagger (right)discuss politics during a recent visit with State Senator Charles Dent.

9

When Evelyn Derr was think-ing about retirement choices,she knew she wanted a mainte-nance-free living style withenough room to call home.Luther Crest’s junior/one bed-room apartment has given herthe space and comfort she was

looking for, without the need topart with her many treasures.

With the assistance of herdaughter, Derr selected herapartment overlooking a land-scaped courtyard. Her patio islarge enough to accommodateher potted flowers and furnish-

Welcome to an even better life

Evelyn Derr’sapartment.

Sample Junior/One Bedroom Apartment

BATH

STORAGESHOWER

CLO

SE

TC

LOS

ET

LIVING/DININGAREA

SLEEPINGAREA

BALCONY

KITCHEN

ENTRY

ings. Downsizing from a homecan often be puzzling, as wellas challenging. For Mrs. Derr,the junior/one bedroom apart-ment afforded her ample closetspace, full-size appliances, priva-cy, and a gracious style of living.

CURA Hospitality, Inc., recentlychose Todd Saylor, Luther Crest’sdirector of dining services, fromamong its many staff members to bethe recipient of two performanceawards.Saylor, who joined Luther Crest ear-lier this year when CURA assumeddietary services, accepted both theZero Deficiency Award and theCulinary Excellence Award duringCURA’s Hospitality with HeartAward Ceremony in June.CURA presents the Zero Deficiency

Saylor wins two performance awards

Award to the directorwho successfully passesa state inspection withno deficiencies. TheCulinary ExcellenceAward is given to themanager whose opera-tion has outstanding per-formance in food qualityand presentation.Owned by Eat’n Park, CURA servesthe dietary needs of independentliving, assisted living, and skillednursing facilities, as well as retire-

ment communities in Pennsylvania,New Jersey, Delaware, Marylandand Southern New York. CURAprovides dietary-management serv-ices for all Diakon facilities.

10

3 oz. sun-dried tomatoes1 loaf French or Italian bread1/2 cup basil olive pesto6 to 8 oz. smoked chicken breast,thinly sliced2 bunch Arugula, trimmed, washed

In heat-proof bowl, pour boiling waterover tomatoes to cover. Let stand 20to 30 minutes. Drain tomatoes andpat dry. Cut loaf diagonally into fourpieces and half each piece horizontal-ly. Spread pesto on cut side of bread.Spread chicken, tomatoes andArugula. Makes 4 servings.

Todd Saylor

Smoked Chicken and Sun-dried Tomato Sandwichwith Basil, Olive Pesto

Basil Olive Pesto1 large garlic clove1 cup fresh basil1 cup parsley leaves1/3 cup pine nuts1/4 cup olive oil1/4 cup kalamata olives, pittedand chopped

Put garlic in food processor untilminced. Add basil, parsley and nutsand blend well. Add oil and blenduntil smooth. Transfer to a bowland stir in olives.

Chef ’s Menu

11

When it comes to improvements,the general rule in real estate is thatbuyers seek the least expensivehome in the best neighborhood theycan afford. In terms of improve-ments, this means you want a homethat fits in the neighborhood, but isnot over-improved.

Here are a few ways to get yourhouse in shape without blowing yourbudget:

1. Lighten and brighten your room.Open the curtains, pull up the shadesand put in the brightest bulbs possi-ble. A well-lit room gives the illusionof open space. In the evening, keepall outside lighting on.

2. Clean and declutter. Removeknickknacks, personal possessions(photos, awards). Prospective buyerswant to imagine what their stuff willlook like. Less clutter makes this eas-ier to do and makes the space feelbigger.

3. Give your house good curbappeal. You never know when some-one will drive by. Always keep the

lawn cut, bushes trimmed and, in thesummer months, add a little color toyour landscape with inexpensiveannuals—a little color goes a longway.

4. Shampoo rugs. This step is espe-cially important if you smoke or havegrandchildren or pets.

5. Paint walls. A fresh coat of paintcan visually take years off your house.

6. Clean all windows.

7. Clean or purchase new front doorhardware. Your front door is the

buyer’s first impression, so make it agood one.

8. Organize your cabinets and clos-ets. Throw out old stuff that youhaven’t touched in two years. Thisway you’ll be ahead of the gamewhen it comes to moving.

9. Remove all appliances fromkitchen countertops. Again, removingthe clutter gives a feeling of morecounter space.

10. Bathrooms should sparkle andbe immaculate.

Tips on Preparing Your Home for Sale

Want to know more about Luther Crest?YES! I’d like more information about Luther Crest!❑ Contact me to arrange a Get-Acquainted Visit. ❑ Call me to arrange a lunch and a tour of Luther Crest.

❑ Send me a brochure and current price list. ❑ I would like to talk with a retirement counselor.

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Street ____________________________________________________________________________________________

City ________________________________________________________ State ____________ Zip ______________

Phone ( ________) __________________________ Best time to call__________________________________________

✁

Complete this form & mail to Dale Honig, Luther Crest Retirement Facility, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown, PA 18104

Luther Crestat

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. PostagePAID

Harrisburg, PAPermit No. 208

Diakon Lutheran Social MinistriesOne South Home AvenueTopton, PA 19562-1399

Address Service Requested

Each department must submit awish list of items to be consideredby the gift shop volunteers, whodetermine how the money is spent.“We see what is needed,” explainsMayer. “Basically, we always use itfor the residents.”

Shop’s profitsContinued from page 2

Junior volunteersContinued from page 5

church life on Sunday and what wasgoing on in my business world therest of the week,” he explains. “Indoing research, I began to see waysin which churches can make peoplemake connections between theirSunday faith and weekday world.That has been the sense of all the

books I’ve written since then.”The Lutheran Publishing House

put Diehl’s first book, “Thank GodIt’s Monday,” into print in 1976. Thebook turned out to be the secondbest seller at the time for the publish-er and went into seven printings.“People told me, ‘You’ve said whatI’ve been thinking,’” relates Diehl.“That was what encouraged me tokeep on writing books.”

Written word Continued from page 6

The volunteers spent their sum-mers helping with activities, workingin the office, computer room andlaundry and doing yard work. “Theyalso helped with resident visits,wheelchair transportation and passingout fresh ice water in the Health

Center,” Imbach adds.One volunteer even took it upon

himself to complete an assessment ofthe community computer system,while others updated information forthe in-house television channel.

“We definitely had several shiningstars,” Imbach says, adding that thevolunteers’ presence evoked a positiveresponse from residents and staff alike.

“The program has benefits foreveryone,” she says. “Number one, itgives the volunteers an opportunityto fulfill their required communityservice hours and it is a good experi-ence for them to check out a possiblecareer in healthcare. It is also goodfor the residents to have the intergen-erational contact. And, it is great tohave the extra helping hands!”