Why are you eating that???

Morling_Beth-2014Dr. Beth Morling, named the 2014 Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation, will be the featured speaker on Thursday, January 29, 2015 in the Auditorium/Chapel on Tel Hai’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road in the township, east of route 10. Dr. Morling’s topic The Psychology of Food, will offer a fascinating view into our own eating habits and those of other cultures. Her program, coming on the heels of a very food-rich holiday season when culture and food become hard-wired in memory is timely.

Learning about the psychology of food can enlighten us about what, why and how much we eat. It can also teach us some basic lessons about psychology in general. The presentation will survey some basic questions about the human eating experience. Are sweet and bitter foods the same sweetness or bitterness to you and me? How can we tell? Why might we eat more than we intend to? How can small changes to our eating environment cause us to eat more of the good stuff and less of the “bad?”

Beth Morling is a social and cultural psychologist and Professor at the University of Delaware’s Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences. She regularly teaches courses on research methods, cultural psychology and the self-concept. Dr. Morling’s course on the Psychology of Food was developed as a special course offering for 2015. Her scholarly research has focused on the ways culture shapes our motivation and social lives—as well where cultural differences are identified and measured. She is a Fulbright scholar and had lectured and conducted research in Kyoto, Japan during 2010-2011.

The general public is encouraged to attend this fascinating program presented in Dr. Morling’s engaging style on Thursday, January 29 at 1:00pm at Tel Hai. Directions can be found on the website: www.telhai.org under “Contact Us;” with GPS please us the physical address—1200 Tel Hai Circle in Honey Brook.

PHOTO: Dr. Beth Morling, Professor of Social and Cultural Psychology at the University of Delaware, returns to Tel Hai to present a fascinating program on The Psychology of Food on Thursday, January 29, 2015 art 1:00pm in the campus chapel.

Annual Blood Drive at Tel Hai

Tel Hai’s annual blood drive will be held in the community’s chapel on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 between the hours of 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.  The Miller-Keystone Blood Center, an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1971 will be the coordinating agency. As members of America’s Blood Centers (ABC)—a national network of independent nonprofit blood centers—they serve as the blood products provider for several local hospitals including Brandywine Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, the Reading Health System and St. Joseph Medical Center. Their mission, to save lives by partnering with local communities to provide a continuous supply of blood products and services, in summed up in their tag line—“Your Blood. Their Hope.”

Every pint of blood donated has the potential to help up to four people. Why not contribute and make a difference in your community? Cholesterol checks will be conducted for all those donating at Tel Hai on January 20; test results will be forwarded to the donor by mail.

Those wishing to participate can make an appointment by calling Amy at 610-273-9333, extension 2510. Directions to the Tel Hai campus located off Beaver Dam Road east of Route 10 can be found on the community’s website www.telhai.org by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab and selecting “Directions.” Using GPS, please enter the street address, 1200 Tel Hai Circle.

PHOTO: The Tel Hai annual blood drive will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments can be made by calling Amy at 610-273-9333, extension 2510. Last year, all donors were encouraged to spin the prize wheel with thanks for their life-giving participation.

Anticipating the New Year

Joe SwartzLike the past year, the last days of 2014 are whizzing by!  The weather report this morning for New Year’s eve was “clear and cold,” forecasting clear skies to enjoy fireworks, but, if you are going to be outside as you ring in the New Year,  be sure to bundle up as a temperature of only 27 degrees is projected. Burr!

So, as we close another year and welcome 2015 what are you looking forward to? Typical for most of us is a mixture of personal and family related aspirations with a few New Year resolutions sprinkled in.  For the Tel Hai family what’s ahead?

–   First, a plug to avail yourself of a wealth of life enrichment, wellness and volunteer activities already in place and published in the Tel Hai newsletters like What’s New. (Click here to see the January issue). At the start of a new year these activities offer a wide variety of ways to develop a new interest, discover a hidden talent or gain new friends!

–   Our annual Blood Drive with the Miller-Keystone Blood Center will be January 20 in the Chapel.

–   The new year will usher in new leadership at Tel Hai – Keeli Looper becomes the new VP for Human Resources, Amy Whary assumes Keeli’s former role – Director of Volunteer Services and Jolene Weaver comes to Tel Hai as the new Director of Communications.

–   Lakeview’s new memory support neighborhood – Maple View, is scheduled to open in February.

–   The new StoneCroft facilities are slated to open mid-year and the opportunity to welcome 150 new residents. These facilities will include 105 new apartments of the Bluestone and Greystone buildings, as well as the StoneCroft Commons building.

–   Later this spring, the public phase of the StoneCroft Capital Campaign will be launched. We are excited with the generosity displayed within the initial “leadership” phase of this campaign.

–   Throughout the year we will take steps to participate in a new partnership known as CHAPa, the Covenant Health Alliance of Pennsylvania, a regional group of Mennonite and Brethren Retirement Communities. The purpose of this joint venture is to develop an integrated post-acute care delivery system to assure strong partnerships with local health systems and payer sources.

–   2015 will provide the opportunity to start Phase 4 of Tel Hai’s Master Plan. In January we plan to start marketing the Cottage portion of this project (19 units) with the goal to start construction in the fall. Marketing of the apartment phase of the project (Brownstone) is also tentatively scheduled to start in the fall.

Whatever your relationship to Tel Hai – resident, staff member, volunteer or other – may you experience a happy and healthy New Year!

Joe Swartz

President & CEO

Milestone Moment

Topping Off Ceremony 12-17-14 012The StoneCroft neighborhood, currently under construction on Tel Hai’s campus in Honey Brook Township, reached a dramatic milestone on Wednesday, December 17 with the “topping off” ceremony held at 4:00pm. The final truss was hoisted on the southeastern corner of the Greystone wing—complete with American flag, signatures of residents, future residents and staff affixed to the unit, and an evergreen tree at the peak.

The “topping off” ceremony has a long history in the construction trades. Typically this occurs when the highest beam or truss is placed on a building’s framing. Its ancient origins are traced to the Vikings (who introduced the addition of the tree on top of the building to celebrate their progress and a wish for good luck.)

Wohlsen Construction representatives welcomed the crowd which numbered over 100 and handled the job expertly. Construction completion is anticipated for early summer 2015. The complex includes 105 apartment homes in two wings which are joined by a new community center rich in amenities including dining venues, a competition-sized pool, art studio and gallery, fitness room and exercise studio as well as a fine arts and worship center able to accommodate over 400 persons.

PHOTO: The “topping off” ceremony was held at Tel Hai on December 17 to mark the installation of the last truss to be added to the StoneCroft structure. This new neighborhood of 105 apartment homes will welcome new residents in summer 2015.

China: Past, Present & Future Giant

Tom Ellis new photo(1)In 2015 Dr. Tom Ellis’ lecture series will explore the dynamic nation of China. The four-week course sponsored by Tel Hai residents’ Life Enrichment Committee (LEC) will be held Fridays in January from the 9ththrough the 30th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  This engaging instructor’s style will attract great interest; please pre-register at your earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. Dr. Ellis has offered numerous popular seminars on world cultures at Tel Hai since 2003.

Class sessions will be held in the Garrett Community Center’s first floor Gathering Room on the Tel Hai campus located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10. The course will explore the social, political and economic factors influencing China today. Dr. Ellis has spent over 40 years studying world cultures and traveling around the world and has made four trips to China alone. The course will ask and answer a series of questions regarding this nation’s 3,000 year-long history and take a look into its future as well: How does geography impact the lives of the Chinese people? What is the Chinese view of life? How is their history influenced by the two major religions of the region? How and why did China turn to Communism? What has been the impact of post-1980 reforms in China? What is their current world view?

The public is welcome to take part in this interesting educational series. A $35 fee (check payable to Tel Hai) is requested at the first session; pre-registration is required. To join the course, please contact Judy Schweitzer, Wellness Supervisor at 610-273-9333, extension 2154 on or before January 5, 2015. Directions to the community can be found on the website: www.telhai.org by clicking on the “Visit/Contact Us” link or using your GPS with the 1200 Tel Hai Circle address.

PHOTO: Dr. Tom Ellis returns to Tel Hai on January 9, 2015 offering a four-week series on Chinese history, culture and its view of the future. The general public is invited to attend; the class fee of $35, payable to Tel Hai, will be collected at the first class session. Pre-registration is requested.

Traditional Favorites Return

Bryn Mawr MainlinersTel Hai’s concert series continues on Thursday, December 18, 2014 as The Mainliners male chorus returns to the stage. This Christmas-themed concert will begin at 7:30 PM in the Chapel on Tel Hai’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road in Honey Brook Township, east of Route 10.

With more than 40 active members ranging widely in age, the chorus performs a variety of songs in four-part a capella style. Formed in Bryn Mawr in 1963, the group now holds rehearsals each Monday evening at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Old Lancaster Pike (Business Route 30) in Exton. Singing in the barbershop style, the group is celebrating their 51st anniversary this year.

Their musical style had its roots in the 1870s and flourished into the 1920s. This popular genre has mushroomed since 1938 into the Barbershop Harmony Society—the world’s largest men’s singing organization. Including enthusiastic renditions of sentimental ballads, snappy rhythm tunes inspirational songs, classic standards and rousing patriotic numbers; they are guaranteed to please a variety of audiences.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. For directions visit the Tel Hai community’s website at www.telhai.org and click on the “Contact Us” tab.

The nationally accredited non-profit Tel Hai community has been serving senior adults for over 58 years providing a variety of housing options as well as quality care and services.

PHOTO: The Mainliners Men’s A Cappella Chorus will perform a rousing collection of songs in four-part harmony at Tel Hai’s chapel on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at 7:30pm.

1,000 Miles Down the Nile

Steven Phillips PhD by Maryanne BarcellonaThe Tel Hai Life Enrichment Committee (LEC) invites community members to the first of a series of lectures on the rich history of ancient Egypt on Monday, December 15 at 1:00pm in the Chapel located on the Tel Hai campus off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10.

Dr. Stephen Phillips, Curatorial Research Coordinator of the Egyptian Section at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia will be the series lecturer. “Dr. Steve” has been engaged as a teacher, lecturer and featured speaker across eastern Pennsylvania and NJ. He has also served as a professional tour guide in Egypt and conducted extensive field and laboratory research as well.

The first session will offer a brief history and chronology of ancient Egypt by traveling the Nile River—home to literally hundreds of magnificent archaeological sites representing more than 5,0000 years of Egyptian civilization. The “journey” will travel from Abu Simbel to Alexandria with stops at famous sites in the Nile Delta, the Pyramids of the Giza Plateau, Abu Sir and Saqqara, and the famed Valley of the Kings. Discussion will also include the ancient cities of Memphis, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Actual archaeological excavations not generally known by the public will also be “explored.” A program fee of $5 will be collected at the event.

Residents of LEC encourage their neighbors to take part in this exceptional series on Egyptian civilization. Directions to Tel Hai can be found on the community’s website: www.telhai.org under the “Contact us” tab on the home page. When using GPS please use the physical address—1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook.

PHOTO: Dr. Steve Phillips will offer his first lecture in a series on ancient Egypt at the Tel Hai Chapel on Monday, December 15 at 1:00pm. Join us for a fascinating trip down the Nile!

Photo credit: Maryanne Barcellona

Volunteer Spotlight Shines on Betty Dowd

Betty Dowd spotlight(1)As an employee in the past and as a volunteer today “good will and good cheer” describe the manner in which Betty Dowd lives her life. She is an intentionally busy person and likes it that way.
Betty and husband, George, joined the Tel Hai community from West Chester more than ten years ago and enjoyed the good life here. She also has been volunteering for most of those ten years.

Betty’s journey to Tel Hai was sparked by an experience she had while working in case management at a local hospital. Seeing a family of five adult children (all working professionals) struggle to come up with a way to meet their mother’s needs made a deep impression on Betty and she became determined to set plans for her own future—and not leave it to her family or chance.

Betty tells us, “I decided that my children were not going to have to go through that experience. I wanted to choose where I was going to live!”Betty remembered hearing many good remarks from hospital staff whenever a Tel Hai resident was admitted, so she and her husband George came to have a look. After visiting Tel Hai and meeting the residents here they were convinced. Even as she faced the loss of George years later, Betty found comfort in her circle of friends as they all “rallied around me and helped me through it.”

Her first volunteer task undertaken is still a favorite today. As a Garrett Community Center front desk receptionist she continues to enjoy the visibility and opportunity to greet so many people. “I get to participate in so many conversations. I just love the work!” Betty has also driven our campus shuttle and embellishes the labels for our Ladies Luncheons with her beautiful penmanship. “My mother always wrote beautifully. I learned the Palmer method of penmanship and practiced it regularly because I wanted to have handwriting as precise as my mother’s,” Betty replied.

Betty served two terms on Resident Council, one as vice-chair. She lives out her faith serving on the Worship Committee assisting all three pastors on campus and the residents who worship in the Chapel by reading scripture or helping collect the offering. On the Trip Committee, Betty helped plan trips to places far-far away, as well as jaunts to local destinations as she initiated a trip to QVC and to the Bird-in-Hand plays.

An eager helper in marketing events and activities, Betty often registers guests or serves refreshments during the popular Day in the Country event. She adds her beautiful penmanship to the birthday cards sent to future residents, too. For all of her good will and good cheer while serving others, we thank Betty Dowd and we highlight her in our Volunteer Spotlight.

Two New Reasons to Visit Tel Hai

Gayle Kerr & Rich ToscanoThe Tel Hai community located off Beaver Dam Road is offering two new reasons to visit campus in early December—the Wood Craft Shop’s Open House and the return of the popular Holiday Bazaar!

On Wednesday, December 3 from 1:00 to 5:00pm the members of the Wood Craft Shop will hold an open house and invites their neighbors in the greater community to come and see “where the guys hang out on campus.” Shop foreman, Rod Muthard, and the 30 members of the club are eager to show off their updated wood shop and will be offering light refreshments as well as handcrafted items for sale. Pens of common and exotic woods will be offered along with a variety of wooden toys and other décor items at reasonable prices. Those planning to stop by will surely find great bargains for persons on their holiday gift list.

The popular Holiday Bazaar will be held on Thursday, December 4 from 9:00am to 3:00pm in the Tel Hai Chapel. Longer hours this year will allow for leisurely shopping on one floor. Twenty vendors will be participating and offering books, artwork, framed photography, jewelry, candles, hand-woven items, small antiques, a variety of tote bags, as well as skin care products and handcrafted pottery.

Tel Hai is located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10. Directions and the campus map can be found on the website: www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab on the home page. The Tel Hai is a nationally accredited not-for-profit community that has served senior adults since 1956 with a variety of housing choices, personal and nursing care, and Child Day Care as well as respite and rehabilitation services.

PHOTOS: 

Club members Gayle Kerr & Rich Toscano invite you to the Woodcraft Shop’s Open House on Wednesday, December 3 from 1:00 til 5:00pm to do some holiday shopping among wonderful handcrafted gifts created on Tel Hai’s campus.

Gil and Ellen Pyle will be participating in Tel Hai’s Holiday Bazaar scheduled for Thursday, December 4 from 9:00am til 3:00pm in the Chapel on campus located off Beaver Dam Road in Honey Brook Township.

Thinking Globally; Acting Locally

SoswaltThe Honey Brook Food Pantry opened as a temporary “mobile unit” offering distributions to income eligible residents of the Twin Valley School District on the last Wednesday of the month beginning January 31, 2014.  The food pantry, offered support by the Chester County Food Bank, learned its location would become permanent by the time the six month trial was concluded. Located at Door #8 at the Good Food Distribution Center at 5064 Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook, the response from local families has underscored the need.
State approval of the organization’s Articles of Incorporation in August and formation of the Honey Brook Food Pantry’s first Board of Directors were important next steps. Among the Directors are the new Principal of the Honey Brook Elementary Center; Sybil Oswalt, Tel Hai Dietitian and Tel Hai resident, Tom Tracy.  Approximately 80 dedicated men and women volunteer at the pantry ensuring the monthly distributions are a success.

Items provided represent a five-day balanced food supply.  The number of participants served has grown exponentially over the past eleven months.  There are over 450 “food insecure” families who have registered and 700 individuals are served monthly. The pantry is open twice each month—on the 2nd Wednesday from 10:00am until 1:30pm and on the 3rd Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:30pm. If you are interested in helping the pantry in its work we are always looking for the following nonperishable foods:

  • pasta, rice, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti sauce
  • instant potatoes, breakfast cereal
  •  peanut butter, jelly, soup, canned fruit
  • tuna, stew and pasta meals

Looking for other ways you can help?

  • Donate cash and grocery store gift cards
  • Volunteer to pick up donations from food drives or local grocers
  • Organize a food drive at your church or work place
  • Collect personal items for donation (oral care items, soap, deodorant, and shampoo) or organize a fund raiser

We can all work together to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. I hope you’ll join us!

Sybil Oswalt

RD, CSG, LDN

Clinical Dietitian