At Liberty Fall 2017

FALL 2017

Annual Meeting Demonstrates How Liberty Empowers

Liberty Lutheran’s family of Attendees at Liberty Lutheran’s Annual Meeting learned about the
services has stood as vital resources picture-based iN2L memory care program.
for those who need them most.
Within our communities, you health of its members, and how school kits. Each kit will be sent
will find countless stories of Liberty Congregational Services’ to areas affected by Hurricanes
empowerment, care and hope. grief ministry touches so many lives. Harvey, Irma and Maria. The
At our Annual Meeting, held this In addition to the stories shared, ongoing effort has already made
past September, board members, attendees were able to learn about an impact and touched the lives of
senior staff and supporters heard and participate in some of our those attempting to recover from
the experiences of those who have initiatives and programs, none of the natural disasters in Texas,
been impacted by the Liberty which would be possible without Florida and Puerto Rico.
Lutheran family. the support of our donors. If you are interested in participating
Within this issue you will hear or hosting an event to organize
from some of those speakers. We Hurricane Relief Kits relief kits, please contact Julia
are thrilled to share how a student At the Annual Meeting attendees Menzo at 267-464-7740 or email
volunteer made connections with were able to see first hand how at [email protected].
our residents, how the West Liberty Disaster Response – Eastern
Philadelphia Senior Community PA (LDR-EPA) and congregations It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L)
Center is drastically improving the throughout Eastern Pennsylvania Staff members demonstrated how
answered the call for help through the picture-based iN2L program
IN THIS ISSUE the Hurricane Relief Kit Campaign. nurtures creativity and engages
LDR-EPA hosted events and worked residents by integrating hardware,
3 ARTMAN’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY with local organizations to assemble software, media and various other
4 THE MAGIC OF MUSIC hundreds of cleanout, hygiene and components. The program allows

AT PAUL’S RUN (continued on page 9)

5 HEARTH LOOKS TO NEW

TECHNOLOGY

6 THE VILLAGE REVISITS

HOLLYWOOD

7 HOSPICE PATIENTS

CHERISH MUSIC

8 DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY

PROGRAMS AT WPSCC

9 LCS LOOKS TO EXPAND

GRIEF MINISTRIES

11 DONOR PROFILE

FALL 2017

At Liberty Lutheran we are LUANNE B. FISHER A raised platform will serve as
dedicated to providing an President and CEO a place for performances, and
unparalleled standard of care Liberty Lutheran enhanced lighting, sound and visual
that empowers and improves the capabilities ensures that we will
lives of more than 10,000 older world-class excellence and buoyant meet the needs of all residents. The
adults per year. approach to healthy aging. room will also have a small kitchen
As we welcome The Manor at York for dining events, and can be
Since our foundation in 2001, Town to our family of services, we divided into smaller sections to
we have continually explored remain committed to the growth host multiple gatherings such as
opportunities to expand our family and prosperity of the communities lectures and classes, as well as
of services. I am thrilled to share that have been the bedrock of our fitness and activity programs.
that on October 19th Liberty mission to promote the wellbeing In addition to the new community
Lutheran acquired The Manor at of those we care for. room, the Village at Penn State is
York Town, an independent living In August the Village at Penn currently planning to add six new
community located in Jamison, State broke ground on an eagerly independent living cottages, all
Pennsylvania. anticipated community room, with quality finishes, in order to
which will be located between meet a growing demand for
The Manor opens Liberty to a the Atrium and the East One enrollment within the community.
prime location. Bucks County residential building. The new space Our growth allows us to offer even
ranks fourth in Pennsylvania for will extend hallways between the more choices to seniors across
total number of residents age 60+, two existing buildings, providing Pennsylvania, while also providing
and by 2020 the county expects shelter and eliminating the need to avenues for continued investment
more than a 15% increase among venture outside during inclement in the quality of life offered by our
this population. weather in order to travel to and family of services.
from the Atrium. As we look to a successful future,
As we look to the future and plan The community room will provide we rest assured in the knowledge
for the influx of Baby Boomers to seating for up to 170 people, that our ability to serve as a resource
our communities, The Manor at complementing the very popular for older adults and their families
York Town enhances our ability Lion’s Den, while also enriching is reaffirmed and strengthened. All
to meet the needs of America’s our residents’ quality of life with of this is possible because of your
largest generation, while also new entertainment spaces. support and generosity. Thank
providing for their distinct you for your continued faith in
lifestyles. The Manor also enhances Liberty Lutheran.
our ability to offer compelling
choices for senior housing, health Luanne B. Fisher, Ph.D.
care and wellness programs. President and CEO, Liberty Lutheran

Comprised of 64 vibrant apartment
homes, The Manor is located on
picturesque grounds adjacent
to Warwick Township Park. The
property, with its many amenities
and award-winning architecture,
provides an ideal canvas for Liberty
to implement its culture of

PAGES 2 & 3

These Hands Made Art The first piece of the mosaic is placed on the wall.
A playful rabbit admires the springtime sun.
On October 25, artists began work on the final stage of a
yearlong project for Artman. As the sun rose, the first tiles
of a four panel mosaic entitled Seasons of our Lives were
applied to an exterior wall near the Bethlehem Pike entrance.
Commissioned to commemorate Artman’s 100th anniversary,
residents, their family members, and staff created more than
1,000 tiles for this one-of-a-kind mosaic, which will stand as
a lasting hallmark to celebrate a century of care that
empowers older adults.

“An Intense Creation”
The theme for the 10-foot-high panels that depict the
splendor and grace of the four seasons—fall, winter,
spring and summer- were suggested by ceramic artist
Katia McGuirk, who led the project. “The four seasons
represent the beauty of all the stages of our lives,” said Katia.
When it came time for Artman resident Mary and
her daughters, Peggy and Maureen, to create their tiles, they
looked to their family history for inspiration. “Mom worked
for Bell Telephone and Dad worked for PHILCO. So we
brought their pins to mold into the clay,” said Maureen.
“It makes us feel good because Mom is enjoying working
with the clay so much.”
Julia and Eva, daughters of Artman resident Bill, noted that
the mosaic is a lasting legacy for all to enjoy. “With all the
kids, and grandkids in the area, it will be great to bring
them here and show them what their grandfather, and
great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather did,” said Julia.
On the first day of placing the tiles, Katia stood back to
look at the work. ”I’m going to be smiling so big this
afternoon, and I’m almost crying right now because
it is such intense creation,” she said.

A piece made by residents and staff together fresh from the kiln. Julia and Eva pose with a piece made by their
Now painted and ready. father, Bill.

FALL 2017

Green Spaces for Positive Affirmations

“To plant a garden, is to believe in tomorrow.”

~ AUDREY HEPBURN

For Northeast Philadelphia residents, sitting outside and enjoying their gardens
is an essential part of the day. Paul’s Run strives to keep that aspect
of home life for every resident.

Beauty All Around Us Julie Stumpf, director of spiritual care and
Paul’s Run is often noted for its gardens, chaplain for Paul’s Run, reflects on how
which provide areas for reflection and residents are responding to the new Friendship
relaxation. They also provide the perfect Garden. “Residents are commenting on the
backdrop for friends to gather for community garden’s appeal. Its tranquility creates a calm
events. Between the beloved Secret Garden, serenity, which is emphasized by the soothing
the resident planted Liberty Walk Garden, and trickle of a fountain.”
now the newly opened Friendship Garden, The Friendship Garden was made possible by
residents can enjoy a wealth of nature’s beauty. the generosity of donors, including a $10,000
gift from the Friends of Paul’s Run and a $1,500
donation from the Sisters of the Blessed
Sacrament to furnish the fountain.

In just one week, workers In the Friendship Garden, residents A gift to Paul’s Run from the
transformed the space into a can experience the divinity of nature Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament,
spot that engages the senses in a peaceful space. this angel watches over the
and the spirit with flowers, Friendship Garden and all
colors, and the sound of water. who enter.

PAGES 4 & 5

Bridging Generations

“She taught me that I can accomplish anything
if I set my mind to it, just like she did. And most
importantly, she taught me to be proud of my
accomplishments.” Those are the words of
Lower Merion High School student Sarah Block,
as she spoke at Liberty Lutheran’s Annual
Meeting about her bond with Esther Katz,
a resident of The Hearth at Drexel.
Last year Sarah served as a student volunteer at
The Hearth as part of her school’s buildOn
program. Students enrolled in buildOn act as
companions and interact with residents in a
variety of ways, such as playing board games
and completing puzzles, or even leading poetry
and writing workshops.
During Sarah’s time as a volunteer she was
paired with Esther, who at age 102 is the
community’s oldest resident. Although separated
by multiple generations, the two were able to
bond over similar experiences.

Shared Bonds with her when she visited and would play for
Esther, who would always want to hear more.
As they sat together, Esther told Sarah stories about Through these musical interactions, Sarah
teaching herself to sew, while no one in her family inspired Esther and brought joy to her day.
knew how. She spoke about how she opened her own Whether they share music, engage in activities
dress shop, and showed Sarah garments that she had together, or just sit and talk, Sarah and Esther
made throughout the years. Within these stories Sarah have built a bond and taught each other lessons.
reflected on her own love of sewing and became The friendship they continue to share goes
inspired at how Esther accomplished her goals. beyond age. They learn from each other and
The pair also bonded over their love of music. share experiences built on common bonds.
Esther, who played the piano and violin, was always
eager to hear recordings of Sarah playing drums and
the ukulele. Soon, Sarah began bringing her ukulele

FALL 2017

We Are – Growing! A foundation as strong as the Village
community is being laid for the new
On November 1, 1996, just over 21 years ago, connector hallway and community room.
the seeds of what would become The Village at
Penn State were planted. On that day the Penn With a raised stage and flexible seating,
State University Board of Trustees approved an the new community room will allow more
ambitious project that would create a community residents to partake in the variety of
to serve hundreds of older adults on the door activities offered at The Village.
step of the state’s most famous college town.

Making Room for the Future
Now, under the guidance of Liberty Lutheran, new seeds
have been sown as The Village prepares to grow. Thanks
to donations to the Pride of Our Life Campaign,
construction has begun on the new community room and
connector hallway that will bridge the main residence
with the Atrium.
For Paul Olivett, director of gift planning at the Village at
Penn State, the start of construction is a testament to the
determination demonstrated by the Village’s residents.
“You can feel the anticipation and excitement,” said Paul.
“The support from our donors helped advance the
start date of the construction and they can’t
wait until the spring to see the fruits of
their efforts.”
Expansion and growth also comes in the
form of new cottages that will soon adorn
the landscape. A date for construction
will be announced in the future.

The new connector hallway and community room will make
it much easier to visit family and friends in the Atrium.

PAGES 6 & 7

Liberty at Home, Committed to
Keeping Families Together

Margaret*, age 99, has been with the
Liberty Lutheran family of services
since 2016. Following a fall, she
required physical therapy to recover
from a fractured right hip. The fall
also affected her 93-year-old husband,
Thomas*, who depended on Margaret
for care.
“Margaret expressed a strong desire
to continue living independently
with her husband while undergoing
rehabilitation,” said Dana O’Donnell,
executive director of Liberty at Home.
“We were able provide specialized care
and help her recover from her own
home, where she felt most comfortable.
This ultimately helped encourage
Margaret during her treatment.”

The Road to Recovery “Liberty at Home is committed to fully meeting the
healthcare needs of our clients. Our staff guides them
Following her stay at the hospital, through the rehabilitation process within their homes,
Margaret’s mobility was limited. As she reducing the risk of needing to return to the hospital,”
began treatment with Liberty at Home, says Dana. “Being in familiar surroundings often helps
she required the assistance of others to with the recovery process. We match our services to
walk a modest few feet. Soon, caregivers our clients’ needs, schedules and preferences.”
began a rehabilitation program that would help Liberty at Home’s team of compassionate and highly
her walk greater distances, stand, sit comfortably trained professionals provide quality care to seniors
in chairs, and bathe and dress herself. in a variety of areas including skilled nursing; medical
Following two months of hard work and determination, social work; physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Margaret was walking longer distances with a walker. Learn more at Libertyathome.org.
She was also able to bathe herself and dress with
minimal help from others. With her confidence *Names have been changed
returning, she began to help care for her husband
again. Thanks to Liberty at Home Margaret and
Thomas continue to enjoy active and fulfilling lives.

FALL 2017

About LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC)

WPSCC improves the lives of 4,000 older adults through social services, initiatives that
help remediate food insecurity and poor nutrition, outreach to homebound seniors,
support groups and fitness and life enrichment programs.

WPSCC Meets Its Goal to Expand Fitness Program

Over the past 11 years LCFS’ West Philadelphia At Liberty Lutheran’s Annual Meeting Jessie Howard
Senior Community Center (WPSCC) has blossomed shared how WPSCC is changing her life for the better.
into a beloved neighborhood hub, serving older adults
throughout West Philadelphia. In keeping with its WPSCC serves as resource for seniors to improve their
mission to improve the health and wellbeing of its health and wellbeing.
members, and in an effort to increase its fitness
program by 20%, WPSCC set a goal to revitalize its
fitness center and purchase new equipment.
Thanks to the support of our donors and a grant
from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging,
WPSCC was able to meet its goal. The new equipment
will be delivered in November and includes an elliptical
machine, a stationary bicycle, two treadmills, a
combination weight machine and chest press, a treatment
table, and sliding spine treatment equipment.
“At the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center,
we know that we touch the lives of so many,” said Rose
Richardson, WPSCC’s director. “Our programs engage
seniors and provide joy; they inspire and educate, serving
as a resource to those who need these programs the
most. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the new
equipment will strengthen our ability to have a direct
and positive impact on the health of our members.”

Transforming Lives At that time, Jessie, a diabetic with high blood pressure,
weighed 330 pounds. She knew it was time to make a
Jessie Howard, a 75 year old resident of West change in her lifestyle and began using WPSCC’s fitness
Philadelphia and member of WPSCC, is an inspiration center. With the help of WPSCC’s staff, Jessie has lost
to many and an example of how WPSCC and its staff more than 130 pounds and stands as one of the Center’s
provide meaningful support. most active members.
On the Saturday before Mother’s Day in 2014, Jessie
woke with pain in her chest. As Jessie continued about “Jessie’s story is an example of how much WPSCC
her day, believing she had indigestion, she reached out means to older adults throughout West Philadelphia,”
to family members who suggested remedies for everyday Rose shares. “We offer a welcoming environment for
digestive issues, but the pain continued to linger. our members to improve their health and wellbeing
Later in the day Jessie reached out to her son and through education programs and our fitness center.
described her symptoms. Thankfully, he rushed her to The support demonstrated by our donors continues to
a local hospital, where upon her arrival the staff in- have a direct impact on the lives of people like Jessie.”
formed her she was having a heart attack and prepared
her for immediate surgery. She was given a stint and To support WPSCC as a valuable resource for
informed she had a heart blockage of 99%. older adults in West Philadelphia, please visit
libertlutherandonatenow.org.

PAGES 8 & 9

The Path of Grief & the Restoration of Hope

When tragedy strikes the path of Guiding Lights
grief can seem long and harrowing.
During these times, Lutheran In addition to counseling and
Congregational Services’ (LCS) support, Sylvia and her team meet
bereavement ministry stands as a with congregational leaders and
guiding light to those affected staff to teach them about grief
by loss. counseling and how they can have
At the Liberty Lutheran Annual a direct and positive impact on
Meeting, Sylvia Havlish, LCS’s those recovering from tragedy.
coordinator of bereavement The various trainings, meetings
ministries, spoke about how and support groups, carried out
impactful their services have by LCS’s bereavement ministry are
been. “There is such a need for integral to providing a level of
bereavement therapy, for people support and comfort that restores
to listen and care, and to learn the the promise of hope and faith
art of being with those who are Thanks to the generosity of
grieving,” Sylvia shared. congregations and individuals
From dealing with opioid-related across Eastern Pennsylvania, LCS’s
deaths, mass tragedy and experiences bereavement ministry is able to
during times of war, to the passing provide opportunities that equip
of an older loved one or even participants with the tools they need
the closing of a church, LCS’s to manage grief and lead fulfilling
bereavement ministry has helped lives through lifelong healing and
countless individuals and families. understanding. To learn more visit
libertylutheran.org/grief-recovery.

(continued from page 1) Mosaic Stars Inextinguishable Hope
Throughout the year, Artman
virtually anyone, regardless of residents, their families, staff and The programs and activities offered
their background or physical and volunteers have participated in the throughout our family of services
intellectual abilities to “touch” their creation of a four panel clay mosaic make an immeasurable impact on
way to find educational, spiritual entitled “The Season of Our Lives.” the lives of so many individuals and
and personalized content. During the Annual Meeting, families, far and wide. Our ability to
Residents are able to utilize a representatives from the entire ensure a legacy of care, engagement
variety of activities within iN2L. Liberty Lutheran family of services and empowerment is made possible
Whether they are using e-mail and were afford the opportunity to by your faith and generosity.
web cams to connect with family make their mark by etching designs Because of your support we can
and friends, stimulating their mind into terracotta stars, which will be serve as a resource to those in
through content, or improving added to a fall night scene. need and reaffirm our position as a
hand-eye coordination, our residents source of inextinguishable hope.
are able to engage with tools to
manage cognitive disorders.

FALL 2017

Lutheran Disaster Response BENEFITS OF A
Answers the Call CHARITABLE IRA ROLLOVER

This past year saw one of the worst storm seasons on record. Avoid having withdrawals bump
Thousands of families in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the you into a higher tax bracket.
Virgin Islands were left reeling and many are still on the road
to recovery. In an effort to stand with our brothers and sisters Not subject to the
in affected areas Lutheran Disaster Response – Eastern percentage limitations on
Pennsylvania (LDR-EPA), a ministry of Lutheran Congregational
Services, organized the Hurricane Relief Kit Campaign. charitable deductions.

Bringing Communities Together Limit “high income” tax penalties.
LDR-EPA worked with Liberty Lutheran’s family of services,
Lutheran congregations, community groups and governments WITH YOUR GIFT, YOU:
across Eastern Pennsylvania to assemble hurricane relief kits. • Nurture independence
During the campaign hundreds of individuals donated items • Inspire creativity
for hygiene kits, cleanout kits and school kits. Each will be sent • Enrich lives
to affected areas to help those managing challenges and tragic • E ncourage older adults
circumstances caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
“The Hurricane Relief Campaign has received a tremendous to live every moment
amount of support. We’ve assembled hundreds of kits, which
will help families and individuals on the road to recovery,” said For more information,
Julia Menzo, director of community outreach for LDR-EPA. call Patty Cline at (267) 464-7720,
“The impact of this year’s severe storm season will be felt for or email [email protected]
some time. We are proud to continue to stand with the millions
of people who called for help.”
To learn more about Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern
Pennsylvania and its ongoing efforts please visit
libertylutheran.org/ldr.

PAGES 10 & 11

WHY I GIVE
STORIES FROM OUR DONORS

Meet Jim and Mary
Jane Brenneman

Liberty Lutheran is blessed to have Jim and Mary Jane two men joyfully re-connect, but Russ offered Jim and
Brenneman as generous and long-time friends. Both Mary Jane the opportunity to more intimately learn
grew up in families that nurtured a spirit of giving— about Artman’s many critical services and the way they
whether through service or philanthropy. enrich life for elders.
“Mom and Dad certainly didn’t have an overabundance Ever since that happy re-acquaintance, Jim and Mary
of free time or resources when I was young, but I Jane have continued to support Artman and Liberty
regularly heard them say how blessed their lives had Lutheran in so many thoughtful and generous ways—
been and how important it was to give back to God from Mary Jane offering companionship to an Artman
through their church and to worthy organizations resident, to Jim volunteering his talents to serve on
whose mission it is to improve the quality of life for several Liberty Lutheran committees. Together as
others,” lovingly remembers Jim. a couple they have established long-term gifts to
As residents of Ambler for 46 years, Jim and Mary help Artman sustain its century-long tradition of
Jane have actively sought out and supported various compassionate care and service for older adults.
Lutheran charities in the area. Early on as Ambler “We saw very early on in our lives the value of nonprofit
residents, Artman was definitely on their radar because organizations and have understood how they are
many of their friends from Christ’s Lutheran Church dependent upon the generous giving of other people
in Oreland, PA were engaged with Artman in some to be able to succeed. Thus, we find it very meaningful
way—either through family who lived there or through to participate in annual giving, capital campaigns, and
volunteer service. planned giving in order to support the necessary,
Yet, it was a serendipitous twist of events between wonderful services that Liberty provides,” says Jim.
Jim and a long-lost childhood friend that inspired the It has been very fulfilling for Jim and Mary Jane to
Brennemans to become deeply involved in Artman actually see the differences they’ve been able to
and Liberty Lutheran both as donors and volunteers. make—especially for those individuals who need
That friend, Russell (Russ) Long, was someone who rehabilitative care. The couple has made a very generous
grew up in the same York, PA Lutheran church as Jim. contribution to support the construction of Artman’s
Together the two attended vacation bible school and new short-term rehabilitation facility.
enjoyed playing ball. Yet, as is the case with many people, Together with the kind and generous caring communities
the boys lost touch as they grew older. Jim entered the of people who support the Liberty Lutheran family of
telecommunications industry and Russ became a services, Mary Jane and Jim cherish the opportunity
Lutheran pastor—although Jim never stopped wondering to help foster vital initiatives that help older adults
in what state and synod his friend had ultimately settled. age successfully, maintain health, nurture inspiration,
One day in the mid-1990s Jim found his answer when build resiliency, and renew hope. “Every gift—whether
he learned that Russ was actually nearby and at that time, skills, or financial resources—and whatever the
time serving as Director of Development for Liberty’s size—adds cumulative value and makes a difference,”
Artman senior living community. Not only did the says Jim.

At Liberty newsletter is published by
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www.libertylutheran.org

artmanhome.org becomingcenter.org libertyathome.org
215-643-6333 215-643-9908 844-651-5111

#GivingTuesday is paulsrun.org lutherancongregationalservices.org libertyhospice.org
a global day of giving 215-934-3009 610-770-9205 844-651-5111
fueled by the power
of social media
and collaboration.
Keep a look out in
November for how
you can be part of
#givingtuesday.

For more information, call retireatpennstate.org thehearthatdrexel.org westphilaseniorcenter.org
Patty Cline at 267-464-7720, 1-800-238-3173 610-664-5967 215-386-0379
or email [email protected]