United Methodist Homesof New Jersey

engage!VOLUME 4 | NUMBER 1 | Winter 2014-2015

Theme: The Original Social NetworkBrought Together From Distant Places

Bound to Achieve a Dream

Boy Meets Girl … The Old-Fashioned Way

engage!Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) said, “If a man be gracious and

courteous to strangers, it shows he is a citizen of the world, and that

his heart is no island, cut off from other lands, but a continent that

joins to them.”

Bacon’s statement may seem odd and even contradictory, given that he

lived at a time when people rarely traveled far beyond their counties

and no mass communication existed – only spoken and written

words. However, the English philosopher, statesman, orator, essayist,

and author utilized all the tools available over 400 years ago. Bacon

recognized needs which transcend time, place, culture and other

circumstances – relationships, friends and connections.

Home design says a lot about how people live and interact. In the

Victorian era expansive front porches encouraged families to see

neighbors, converse and monitor their streets. In contrast, recently

built homes feature decks and/or patios in the backyard. Perhaps, the

overwhelming opportunities for connecting to others offers an

explanation.

How do you define a friend? Is a social media friend a virtual friend or

real? Does a physical presence matter? Advantageously, we can

digitally connect through suggestions from mutual friends, political

issues, calls to mobilize and enact change, shared experiences,

critiquing a product or service, chatting on various platforms,

perusing dating sites, seeking educational credentials, and much more.

Given the tools, we can link in an instant to information, people and

places worldwide.

In the fall 2014 issue we shared resident stories. Social bonds enrich

our lives on multiple levels and contribute to our physical and mental

health. This issue, themed The Original Social Network,

demonstrates that relationships, friendships and connections are

universally sought and necessary for survival, including our UMHNJ

communities. It’s sure to warm your heart in the cold of winter!

Janet M. Carrato, Editor

Editor:

Janet M. Carrato

Composition:

The Merz Group

Photography:

Alice Coghill

Tom Darcey

Dennis Degnan

Mike MacGuigan

The Merz Group

Pam Mezis

Mary Moloney

Jean Monteith

Robert Petrillo

India Santos

Caroline Silva

Amanda Wolfe

Published three times annually by the United

Methodist Homes of New Jersey, a non-profit

agency affiliated with the Greater New Jersey

Annual Conference of the United Methodist

Church. Copyright ©2015 by United Methodist

Homes of New Jersey. All rights reserved. No

material may be reprinted without permission of

the publisher.

Managing BoardDeede Bolger, Housing Administrator, Wesley by the Bay

Janet M. Carrato, Director of Communications and Public Relations

Kevin Daly, Legacy Advisor

Patricia Darcey, Director of Marketing, Francis Asbury Manor

DaLinda Love, Corporate Director of Clinical Services

Robbie Voloshin, Corporate Director

of Marketing and Sales

Cover Photo: Local resident, Sheila Johnson looks forward to weekly aerobics classes at Bishop Taylor Manor, led by volunteer Mary Terrell.

A LETTER FROM THE EDITORPROFILES IN PHILANTHROPY DEWEY AND DOTTIE BUDDBy Kevin Daly

Although they may be considered “newbies” at Bristol Glen, Dewitt and Dorothy (Dewey and Dottie) Budd claim longtime residency in the area, living in Newton for 63 years. They have been very active in the greater Sussex County community, as well as Bristol Glen where they have lived for the past four years.

Throughout their marriage, Dewey and Dottie have accomplished a lot both around town and around the world. While they’ve been very much involved with First Presbyterian Church in Newton for many years, they have also been active members of the Sussex County YMCA. Additionally, their travel business allowed them to journey nearly 2 million miles around the world and walk on all seven continents. Through it all, they’ve stayed grounded with their two children, Bruce and Karen, and their four grandchildren.

Faith continues to play an important role in their lives and has also contributed to their belief in supporting the United Methodist Homes of New Jersey Fellowship Fund. “Well, you’ve got to help each other out in life. You talk about being a Christian. To me that’s to give when people need help and when they ask for a donation you want to help others out. That’s what life’s all about,” reflects Dottie.

Dewey and Dottie feel the Fellowship Fund is an important aspect of the Homes that more people need to be made aware of. Being at Bristol Glen and seeing first-hand how residents are cared for has impacted their view on the Fellowship Fund.

Kevin Daly is Legacy Advisor for the United Methodist Homes Foundation.

Homes is where the heart is – please remember the Homes in your will.

To make a secure online donation visit www.umhfoundation.org/donate

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 2

BROUGHT TOGETHER FROM DISTANT PLACESBy Robert Petrillo

After observing my mother, Collingswood Manor resident Connie Petrillo, I conclude that video calling is an invaluable tool for helping residents keep in close touch with important friends and family members. It contributes to residents’ overall psychological and emotional health and allows them to have more meaningful experiences. I would highly recommend Skype and FaceTime to any family member who wants to enhance the lives of their loved ones.

Residents organization-wide have witnessed their grandchildren getting married and other important events through these connecting technologies. When other barriers prevent in-person visits, such as illness, mobility, distance, and time limitations, social media platforms open doors.

Although born in the 1920s, Connie Petrillo benefits from video calls on the Apple iPad. Remarkably at age 91, Connie has been face-to-face video conferencing for well over a year via Skype and FaceTime. These technologies combine voice and live video. Just a few steps are required to use these programs.

Virtual visits yield fantastic opportunities for all residents. Connie’s face literally lights up when she connects to family members in California. Recently, for the first time, she saw her newly born great granddaughter, who arrived on September 11, 2014. This delight occurred due to innovative video call capabilities.

Another resident connects with her spouse every day through the IN2L (It’s Never 2 Late) technology, a picture-based touch screen interface that allows users to “touch” their way to find engaging, educational, spiritual, and personalized content. Each UMHNJ community is equipped with an IN2L. Every Sunday, Pitman Manor residents Richard and Jean Subber use Skype to communicate with their daughter. Advantageously, Pitman has a Boy Scout volunteer whose Eagle Scout project focuses on establishing Skype accounts for residents and teaching them to navigate it. Jean MacGeorge has been on Facebook for about 10 months and now finds it easy to stay current with family news, events and photos. Recently, she even invited her Facebook friends to “like” Pitman Manor! Regardless of the specific method, seniors are finding and utilizing new ways to nurture and sustain vital social connections.

Robert Petrillo is the son of Collingswood Manor resident Connie Petrillo.

Connie views her newborn great granddaughter for the first time via Skype. Photo by Robert Petrillo.

Mission statement: Compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life.

Volunteering is good for the soul because ultimately it connects one to others, bringing fun and fulfillment to life. Connections keep us healthy and gratified. Isn’t that what a social network is all about?

A study in Social Science and Medicine found that the more people volunteered the happier they felt. And let’s not forgot those who benefit from that volunteering! For residents in our 10 communities it means developing relationships and connections with people of all ages, linking them to broader social networks. From businesses, to churches, to schools, to community groups, to individuals, the volunteers at Collingswood Manor bring myriad talents, gifts, abilities, and specialties.

Holman Enterprises, Sun National Bank, Subaru of America, Target, and Liberty Mutual have granted staff opportunities to volunteer during business hours. Like an informal team building exercise while bonding to residents, they have played games, taken residents for walks, given manicures, gardened, assisted with clerical work, organized spaces, and made life better!

Members of the First Unitarian Church and Christ the Light Church, both of Cherry Hill, assisted with the annual onsite Doggone Parade. They registered dogs, manned the food table and transported residents. Best of all and completely serendipitous, after discovering that their churches sit across the road from each other, they developed new friendships.

Cherry Hill High School West, Cherry Hill High School East, Haddonfield High School, Moorestown Friends School, Camden Charter Academy High, and Rowan University students gave time and talent. Musical performances, concerts, crafts, yard work, painting, and more framed their offerings. The Haddon Township Mommy and Me Playgroup visited dressed in adorable Halloween costumes, then returned a few weeks later for pictures with Santa and a holiday story read by a resident. Cooperative ventures with local schools continue to bring positive outcomes to all participants.

Volunteer Coordinator Mary Moloney proclaims, “A group of approximately five clients and two staff from

the Arc of Burlington County have been leading the Wednesday morning exercise program for three years. They enjoy being here as much as the residents enjoy them.”

Volunteering contributes to psychological and emotional health and may provide connections not experienced in everyday life. Thank you volunteers everywhere!

Robbie Voloshin is Corporate Director of Marketing and Sales

MAKING HEALTHY CONNECTIONSBy Robbie Voloshin

Holman Enterprises’ volunteers including Deitra McRae, Elisha Davis, Annette Brown and Michelle Cavanaugh, donated three days of service last fall.

Cherry Hill High School West staff member Stacy Yaniak and student Ryan Cullen (first and fourth from left), present a Participation Award recognizing Collingswood Manor for supporting the West Structured Learning Experience Program to Mary Moloney, volunteer coordinator; Shari Neidich, executive director; and Leila Elmann, wait staff/server (second, third and fifth from left).

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 4

According to the International Council on Active Aging, many seniors’ main

predictor of successfully sticking to their fitness programs over time is the tried

and true “buddy system.” Therefore, surround yourself with like-minded people and

together, you can motivate and support one another.

“I was employed at Glassboro State College when I met Dolly Dorman,” said Jean MacGeorge, 93-year-old Pitman Manor resident. “One day she asked if I would join her pinochle group and the rest is history.”

At that initial card game she met Margaret Thomas, Daisy Cliff, Vi Mihlebach, and Peg Lease, who would later become neighbors at Pitman Manor. The close knit group of six ladies looked forward to their weekly games, took

turns hosting and always ended with dessert. Margaret and Jean discovered their strong Pitman connection.

“It’s funny, but we used to sit around the card table, laugh and say someday we’re all moving to Pitman Manor,” quipped Jean.

Dolly moved in first and even then, the group kept the games going. When it was Dolly’s turn to host, she’d set up a card table in the lounge, get a pie from the farmer’s market and ask someone from the kitchen to bring up beverages and snacks.

“When Dolly passed away, Mildred Bell joined and later moved to Pitman Manor,” remembers Jean.

The pinochle players’ bonds extended beyond the card table. Jean and Margaret fondly remember annual trips to the Lenox Warehouse followed by dinner at the Crab Trap and festive holiday parties.

“I was living alone when I learned that Jean was moving to Pitman Manor. I called and requested a studio. Jean and I were best friends and we wanted to be neighbors as well,” said Margaret, now 100-years-old.

“Margaret and I are as different as night and day. However, what I like best about Margaret is that she always makes me laugh. And even though we live on the same floor we have our liveliest conversations over the phone — just like the old days,” concludes Jean.

Alice M. Coghill is Marketing Coordinator at Pitman Manor.

IRON-CLAD HOUSE OF CARDS By Alice M. Coghill

Jean and Margaret became friends over a card table more than 30 years ago.

While this may be the age of online connections, Sharon Sandusky focuses on connecting with people face-to-face. Sharon, having lived in Montclair, New Jersey since 1977 and more recently as a resident at PineRidge of Montclair, is very much connected with the greater community. And from speaking with her, you readily understand her passion for seniors and how she uses her people skills to make things happen.

As a member of the Montclair Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, Sharon has been a driving force in helping this committee become one of the most active in Montclair. “We have basically moved mountains to get attention for senior issues in Montclair, which has had few auxiliary programs for them.” This has included successes like having the senior bus cover the entire town, annual “Seniorama” events highlighting timely senior topics like alternative medicine and grandparents raising grandchildren; advocating for universal design in senior housing; and conducting a survey in the summer of 2013 of age 50+ residents of Montclair. This was the first time such a survey was conducted.

Sharon’s involvement is not limited to the town of Montclair, but also extends to serving as president of the PineRidge Resident Council for six terms. Sharon noted that while the town made multiple attempts to address the parking needs, no workable solutions were forthcoming. Finally, she recruited a group of PineRidge residents to join her at a town council meeting where she spoke to them about the need to quickly resolve the situation. The effort made an impact and additional parking spaces were soon secured.

Sharon attributes her success to talking directly with people, experience she gained while working many years for the Army and Air Force. While she feels that technology can be useful, Sharon doesn’t use Facebook, Twitter, etc. “I always found, unless it was something really minor, that a face-to-face talk was much better and much more productive, even than a telephone. It’s too easy to say no and hang up when you’re not facing someone.”

It’s easy to see that Sharon is a master of the “original

social network.”

Kevin Daly is Legacy Advisor for the United Methodist Homes Foundation. Sharon with Tamika Jackson-White, PineRidge’s social

service coordinator, at the Essex County Division of Senior Services Legacy Writing Contest awards in 2011.

Interacting and engaging with others stands as an important and powerful way to

combat depression. A report from the American Sociological Association concluded

that depression and loneliness are strongly related. Surround yourself with the

people you love best.

MASTER OF THE ORIGINAL SOCIAL NETWORKBy Kevin Daly

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 6

WHY FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT: The need for friends is instinctual. Our survival once depended on having close

friends to comfort and help us. They helped us hunt and find food, build shelter,

and keep our families safe. They also offered companionship. Good friends add a

special meaning to life. They help you share the good times and overcome the

difficult ones. While strong relationships with friends can be a huge source of

fun and pleasure, they are also important for your physical and emotional health.

Because of the role friends play in relieving stress, they can help you fight illness,

speed recovery, and even prolong life.

Good friends can:

• Improve your mood. Happiness can be infectious. Spending time with happy and positive friends

can elevate your mood and boost your outlook.

• Help you to reach your goals. Whether you’re trying to get fit, give up smoking, or otherwise

improve your life, encouragement from a friend can really boost your willpower and increase your

chances of success.

• Reduce your stress and depression. Having an active social life can bolster your immune system

and help reduce isolation, a major contributing factor for depression.

• Support you through tough times. Even if it’s just having someone to share your problems with,

friends can help you cope with serious illness, the loss of a job or loved one, the breakup of a

relationship, or any other challenge in life.

• Support you as you age. As you age, retirement, illness, and the death of loved ones can often leave

you isolated. Having people you can turn to for company and support can provide purpose as you age

and be a buffer against depression, disability, hardship, and loss. Staying socially engaged as you age

keeps you feeling positive and boosts your happiness.

©Helpguide.org. All rights reserved. Helpguide.org is an ad-free non-profit resource for supporting better

mental health and lifestyle choices for adults and children.

Resident Lura Conner and her fiancé Tony D'Alicondro, sit for a few moments surrounded by classic movie posters in one of The Shores' communal areas.

BOUND TO ACHIEVE A DREAMBy Janet M. Carrato

While in high school, Brianna Plaxe, a former Bristol Glen volunteer, whole-heartedly embraced a mission –– to assist resident Margaret “Peggy” Kovach in publishing her autobiography. During their weekly visits Peggy shared that as a wife, friend, mother and grandmother, relationships are the most valuable part of her life. A great portion of her book chronicles the years at Bristol Glen and contains many happy pictures with her beloved husband Les and close friends.

Now a widow, Peggy remains passionate about traveling and the importance of fulfilling dreams, including writing her personal story as a legacy to her family. Although Peggy came to Bristol Glen to retire, she created and capitalized on an opportunity. Without extensive writing experience and at age 91, Peggy completed the book, A Lifetime of Memories; The Extraordinary Life of An Ordinary Girl.

An excerpt reads, My name is Margaret Kovach but all my friends and family call me Peggy or Peg. I was born on August 15, 1921 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, a beautiful city on the prairies of western Canada, the second child of Annie and Samuel Trerice. My paternal ancestors were from Cornwall, England, where the ancestral home, Trerice Manor, is located. Today, Trerice Manor is a designated National Historic Trust site and, as such is maintained inside and out so it can be open to visitors.

When Brianna went away to college, Bristol Glen volunteer Nancy Weiss continued with the technical aspects of page layouts and design. While the book is a wonderful heirloom to pass through the Kovach generations, the larger unintended and positive consequence remains enriched lives.

The book signing in June 2013 represented years of hard work by many people who came together for a greater purpose. Brianna learned so much from Peggy

and realized the value of seizing each moment and expanding horizons through travel. Brianna’s family has also grown close to Peggy, evidenced by her grandfather’s place first in line during the book signing.

In retrospect, Brianna, who is studying to become a teacher and continues to volunteer during college vacations, summarizes the process, “Someday when I am standing in front of my own students I will remember my hard work during high school and college that prepared me for that privilege and I will be proud of the memories I made along the way.”

Janet M. Carrato is Communications and Public Relations Director.

Brianna Plaxe, Peggy Kovach and Nancy Weiss at the book signing.

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 8

Gloria and Fred take a summer stroll on the Ocean Grove boardwalk.

Thanks to online websites such as eHarmony.com, Match.com and others, “the dating industry has expanded at 3.5 percent a year since 2008 — right through the recession — to become a $2.1 billion powerhouse. Analysts expect the acceleration to continue over the next five years,” writes Steve Yoder in The Fiscal Times.

Despite this high tech phenomenon, two Francis Asbury Manor residents — strangers until this year — have quietly fashioned a solid and loving relationship based on friendship, compatibility, encouragement, and laughter. No texts. No tweets. No online memberships. This is their story:

Gloria Hurley, a Jersey girl from birth, is a good-looking 88-year-old widow with short, silver-white hair who, with her late husband, raised three sons. She returned to New Jersey from Florida and in January 2014 became a resident of Francis Asbury Manor.

“If Gloria wasn’t here,” Fred Fecher says, “it would be a very lonely existence for me.” At 91, Fred, a retired chiropractor, closed his successful Long Island practice at age 85! Twice a widower and the father of one adult daughter, Fred moved into Francis Asbury Manor in May 2014. He cuts a handsome figure, which early on, did not go unnoticed by Gloria.

They quickly found compatibility in religion – both Lutheran. “We have a strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ,” Fred says. “With that in mind, we’re able to handle life.”

Both Fred and Gloria agree this relationship is very different from their marriage relationships. “We have a real concern for one another,” Gloria says. “What began as a great friendship has developed into something more,” she adds as she looks over at Fred and smiles.

Marriage has been a topic of conversation, but not an option. “At this stage of the game,” Fred says, “it’s just not important for us.”

When asked if they disagree, Fred says, “We have disagreements … but we talk things out.”

“Gloria adds, “I am so happy I’m here. I love getting up in the morning!”

Patricia Darcey is Marketing Director at Francis Asbury Manor.

A 2009 study from the American Academy of Neurology examining stress and dementia confirms that people who are socially active may be less likely to develop cognitive impairment.

http://bit.ly/1wLDaLB

BOY MEETS GIRL… THE OLD-FASHIONED WAYBy Pat Darcey

Whether you bake with Martha, sauté with

Jacques, or kick it up a notch with Emeril,

Sodexo’s “Chef Stage Center” display cooking program

promises candy for all the senses. All five chefs agree

that, “since its introduction at the United Methodist

Homes’ full-service communities, it has become a

resident favorite.”

In the spirit of flexibility and access, state of the art,

custom-made chef carts were constructed in partnership

with Sodexo. In addition to wheel-yielding mobility,

they are equipped with electric outlets, allowing use

almost anywhere. Plenty of room for ingredients and

cooking equipment, complements an overhead mirror

which allows people to view the action as it takes place.

While Chef Stage Center varies slightly in each

community, the concept remains the same – residents

and guests gather to watch and learn as chefs introduce

and create signature delights. Chefs explain the process,

preparation methods and origin, inspiration and

techniques of the dish. After completion comes the

tasting and recipe. Often, items become standard menu

items.

At The Shores, Chef Robert utilizes the cart for seasonal

and holiday events as well as in-house events. Wafting

aromas draw a crowd, and when set between both

dining rooms, it strategically urges residents to make

their selections before sitting down to dine. At Pitman

Manor twice a month Chef Chad prepares seasonal

offerings and does monthly cooking demonstrations.

Collingswood Manor has permanently ensconced the

chef cart in the dining room, where tempting menu

items are offered two or three times a week. It appears at

the weekly happy hour, where residents sample

numerous creative freshly-made foods and beverages.

At Bristol Glen the cart has become part of the Sunday

brunch’s made-to-order omelets and carving station. On

Tuesdays and Thursdays it morphs into a build your

own seasonal salad station. Each month, Town Hall

brings Chef Mark’s very popular demonstration series.

Under Chef Lloyd’s direction at Francis Asbury Manor,

the cart personifies versatility. Occupying the first floor

dining room, it brings morning made-to-order omelets

or pancakes, and later, a carving or create your own

pasta stations.

Chef Stage Center

creates wonderful

buzz, resident

anticipation and

involvement, creative

opportunities for the

culinary staff, and

direct connection

with residents. The

unanimous vote

extols, “Keep on

rolling Chef Stage

Center!”

Stephen Davis is

Area Executive Chef

for Sodexo.

Alby Bruey and Randy Bailey at The Shores.

Pitman Manor Chef Chad Kubat and Sodexo Area Executive Chef, Stephen Davis.

CHEF STAGE CENTER: RESIDENTS SAY “BRAVO” TO CHEF STAGE CENTER By Stephen Davis

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 10

Everyone enjoys a good, old fashioned potluck whether it’s at church, a family get together or elsewhere. This communal meal dates back to the Middles Ages in Europe where leftover food was never discarded, but rather kept warm in a pot and later used to feed people on short notice. Today’s potluck usually signifies a group of people who each contribute a dish to be shared among all. More importantly and beyond the comfort of food, people experience warm interaction and fellowship and may even form new friendships.

Bristol Glen residents recently started hosting their own onsite “neighborhood picnic.” Sylvia Anderson, first suggested the idea to the Community Life Committee and was asked to lead it along with co-chairs Maud Rowan, Adele Rosen and Rev. Dick Carlson joining her in organizing it.

Sylvia said, “We were going to the local parks for picnicking and so I thought, ‘Why can’t we use our courtyard in the good weather?’ Why do we have to go on the bus? It just expanded ... everybody seemed to enjoy bringing a dish.”

Forty-five people joined the first greatly successful gathering with enough leftovers for another 45 people. “It didn’t take long for people to start asking ‘When are you going to have another one?’ ” noted Adele.

Greatly encouraged, the group continued organizing picnics and response stayed strong. In October, an outdoor “tailgate party” menu featured hamburgers, chili, hot dogs and warm apple cider – and a large screen to watch football. In November, they retreated to the warmth of the fireplace in the Metcalf Dining Room. When the warmer weather returns, they plan to take it back outside.

“A number of people originally looked forward to picnicking at the local state forest, but then it started dwindling down. It was hard for them to get around,” observed Maud. Bristol Glen residents love the potluck and continue to participate. While the events have long finished, the fabulous food and tremendous fellowship experience have in turn, generated spontaneous gatherings and talking.

Kevin Daly is Legacy Advisor for the United Methodist Homes Foundation.

Maintaining social connections with others can decrease the impact

of pain according to a Harvard Medical School study. People coping

with chronic pain report the positive effects of participating in support

groups with others who are dealing with the same challenges.

http://bit.ly/Zdv7MT

THE SUNDAY POTLUCK CLUB By Kevin Daly

A UCLA study demonstrated that loneliness decreases the efficiency of the human immune system. Several other studies also confirm that people with strong social connections exhibit stronger immunity against disease.

http://bit.ly/1pdjyem

Switching from a hard copy of engage! to a digital subscription helps to reduce everyone’s carbon footprint. It’s all part of promoting environmental sustainability and will require only a few minutes of your time. Visit http://www.umh-nj.org/engage-magazine, fill out the form, click submit and you are done! Your information will remain confidential.

Perhaps the responsibilities of homeownership have gotten away from you? Or perhaps, over the holidays, you’ve

observed a loved one in need of assistance? Consider the freedom and benefits our thriving senior communities

offer. We invite you to an Open House or a Lunch and Learn at Bristol Glen, Collingswood Manor, Francis Asbury

Manor, Pitman Manor, or The Shores. Visit http://www.umh-nj.org/openhouse for the schedule.

WINTER HOME MAINTENANCE GIVING YOU SECOND THOUGHTS?

is posted on our website, umh-nj.org.

UNITED METHODIST HOMES 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ABUNDANT LIFE

LIVING GREEN!

3311 State Route 33

Neptune, NJ 07753

Bristol Glen

200 Bristol Glen Drive

Newton, NJ 07860

www.bristolglen.org

973-300-5788

Collingswood Manor

460 Haddon Avenue

Collingswood, NJ 08108

www.collingswoodmanor.org

856-854-4331

Francis Asbury Manor

70 Stockton Avenue

Ocean Grove, NJ 07756

www.francisasburymanor.org

732-774-1316

Pitman Manor

535 North Oak Avenue

Pitman, NJ 08071

www.pitmanmanor.org

856-589-7800

The Shores

at Wesley Manor

2201 Bay Avenue

Ocean City, NJ 08226

www.theshoresretirement.org

609-399-8505

Bishop Taylor Manor

33 North Walnut Street

East Orange, NJ 07017

www.umh-nj.org/bishop-taylor-manor

973-676-9057

Covenant Manor

623 East Front Street

Plainfield, NJ 07060

www.umh-nj.org/covenant-manor

908-791-9430

PineRidge of Montclair

60 Glenridge Avenue

Montclair, NJ 07042

www.umh-nj.org/pine-ridge-montclair

973-746-0003

Wesley by the Bay

2401 Bay Avenue, Suite 2

Ocean City, NJ 08226

www.umh-nj.org/wesley-by-the-bay

609-399-6701

Wesleyan Arms

9 Wall Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

www.umh-nj.org/wesleyan-arms

732-936-0760

Full Service Communities

At the heart of United Methodist Homes’ resident-driven services and amenities is a team of highly-qualified

professionals delivering a continuum of care to adults 65 years and over:

Affordable Housing Communities

Senior Housing communities designed for residential living for adults 62 years and over:Independent Living • Residential Living • Assiste

d Living • Skilled Nursing

Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Respite • Hospice

United Methodist Homes

of New Jersey

engage!VOLUME 3 | NUMBER 3 | Fall 2014

Theme: Resident Stories

Of Heroes, Hershey Bars and

Headhunters

Daughter of a Pilgrim

Triumph Over Tragedy

UMH 14177 Engage Newsletter Fall V5.indd 1-2

8/8/14 3:48 PM

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 12

For the latest news visit www.umh-nj.orgFacebook.com/UMHNJBlog.umh-nj.orgEmail: umh@umh-nj.orgPhone: 732-922-9800Toll free: 800-352-6521Home Office: 3311 State Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07753

Steering GroupLawrence D. Carlson, President & CEO

Elizabeth P. Andersen,

Corporate Director of Compliance & Risk Management

John D. Callanan, Corporate Director of Mission & Pastoral Care

Sharon D. Clapp, Vice President of Development

David G. Glenn, Vice President of Human Resources

Cynthia D. Jacques, Vice President Housing & Community Initiatives

Patty Koepplinger, Executive Assistant

DaLinda Love, Corporate Director of Clinical Services

Carol B. McKinley, Vice President of Operations

Steve Rausch, Corporate Director of Information Technology

Roberta K. Voloshin, Corporate Director of Marketing & Sales

Richard D. Wilson, Vice President of Finance

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complete the form below and mail to the Home Office.

A copy of the current address imprint(s) is always helpful. Please allow approximately six weeks for reconciliation. You

may also email your requests and concerns to mebert@umh-nj.org or call 732-922-9802 x2121 during business hours.

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Many of you chose to live in a UMHNJ community, or helped your parent(s) choose one because our

faith-based foundation reassures you that our relationship with God defines our identity, inspires our

service and frames our mission. However, like all relationships, our relationship with God requires care

and nurture to remain vital. Toward that end, we have been engaged in an in-depth exploration of our

mission at all levels within UMHNJ over the last two years.

The goal of our discernment was to identify our core values and redefine our mission as a Wesleyan-

Christian, servant ministry which provides opportunities for us all to experience sustaining

relationships, remain vital, and enjoy the fullness of life. We’ve invested considerable time and energy in

this discussion, because how we think and talk about what we do, influences how we feel and act, shapes

our ability to be in relationship, and defines how we live out our mission.

I’m excited that our new mission, vision and values statements give us strong tools to guide our

relationships and inspire our service by affirming that we are called by God to provide life-giving care

and choices for living full and meaningful lives. At the heart of our calling is Jesus’ proclamation, “I

came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10, RSV). Our mission,

“compassionately serving in community so that all are free to choose abundant life,” is anchored in our

Wesleyan beliefs that compassion and service are vital fruits of faith and that we all can choose to thrive

by embracing the fullness in life which Jesus affirmed is God’s intention for us.

Rev. John Callanan is Corporate Director of Mission and Pastoral Care.

OUR SACRED MISSION ANCHORED IN WESLEYAN BELIEFSBy John Callanan

UNIT E D ME T HOD IST HOMES ENGAGE! | WINTER 2014-2015 PAGE 14

3311 State Route 33 Neptune, NJ 07753

Bristol Glen200 Bristol Glen DriveNewton, NJ 07860www.bristolglen.org973-300-5788

Collingswood Manor 460 Haddon Avenue Collingswood, NJ 08108 www.collingswoodmanor.org 856-854-4331

Francis Asbury Manor 70 Stockton Avenue Ocean Grove, NJ 07756 www.francisasburymanor.org 732-774-1316

Pitman Manor 535 North Oak Avenue Pitman, NJ 08071 www.pitmanmanor.org 856-589-7800

The Shores at Wesley Manor 2201 Bay Avenue Ocean City, NJ 08226 www.theshoresretirement.org 609-399-8505

Bishop Taylor Manor33 North Walnut StreetEast Orange, NJ 07017www.umh-nj.org/bishop-taylor-manor

973-676-9057

Covenant Manor 623 East Front Street Plainfield, NJ 07060 www.umh-nj.org/covenant-manor 908-791-9430

PineRidge of Montclair 60 Glenridge Avenue Montclair, NJ 07042 www.umh-nj.org/pine-ridge-montclair 973-746-0003

Wesley by the Bay 2401 Bay Avenue, Suite 2 Ocean City, NJ 08226 www.umh-nj.org/wesley-by-the-bay 609-399-6701

Wesleyan Arms 9 Wall Street Red Bank, NJ 07701 www.umh-nj.org/wesleyan-arms 732-936-0760

Full Service CommunitiesAt the heart of United Methodist Homes’ resident-driven services and amenities is a team of highly-qualified professionals delivering a continuum of care to adults 65 years and over:

Affordable Housing Communities

Senior Housing communities designed for residential living for adults 62 years and over:

Independent Living • Residential Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing Memory Support • Short-Term Rehab • Respite • Hospice