Tel 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 51^st 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.

The 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

The 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.

Tel Hai’s Life Enrichment Committee welcomes the public to a presentation by Canine Partners for Life on Monday, November 24 at 2:00pm in the campus chapel.

Canine Partners for Life (CPL), located in Cochranville, Chester County, is a non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs, home companion and residential companion dogs to assist individuals who have a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. To date, CPL has placed more than 600 service and companion dogs in 43 states throughout the country. As a leader in the assistance dog industry, CPL was one of the first organizations in the world to be accredited by Assistance Dogs International. They are one of only a few service dog organizations nationwide to train, support and sustain seizure and cardiac alert service dogs.

Recipients of CPL service dogs come from all walks of life and face a variety of challenges in daily living. The total cost to raise, train, place and provide lifetime support for each CPL dog is estimated to exceed $29,000. CPL uses a sliding scale based on recipient income to determine the requested donation; this typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,000. No one is denied a canine partner because of their inability to pay, however.

Learn more about this organization and their life-changing work by attending their presentation at Tel Hai on Monday, November 24. Directions to Tel Hai can be found on the website: www.telhai.org; using your GPS please utilize the physical address—1200 Tel Hai Circle in Honey Brook.

PHOTO: Canine Partners for Life of Cochranville, PA will present a program on their services at Tel Hai on Monday, November 24 at 2:00pm in the campus chapel. The public is welcome to attend and learn more about the life-changing work of this organization.

Appliqué, Blind stitch, Calico…and so it goes. The Tel Hai Quilters meet one day a week to do what it is they do so well, and they know the A, B, Cs of quilting and so very much more.

The Tel Hai Quilters love to gather in friendship and commitment. The friendship they share is their love of quilting. The commitment they share is quilting to spread love to others. This group loves to quilt, which, to them means quilting the right way…the old-fashioned way…the painstaking time-consuming way of push down, rock, push up, rock and push down until four or five stitches are gathered on the needle to end up with no fewer than 7 tiny stitches to every inch of fabric! This, to the experienced quilters, is the regular rocking stitch, but they also know all about the hide-and-seek, stitches in the ditch and so many others.

Hand quilting is a true labor of love, and the Tel Hai quilters love the work they do. Meeting almost since the very first days of Tel Hai—way back in the ‘70s or possibly even earlier—the Tel Hai quilters have always worked for charity. No one kept a journal or log book, so much of their work in the past is lost to history; however, we honor this dedicated group of ladies for the ongoing work they do today.

Originally, the groups that benefited from their work were neighboring charities outside our community; however, as Tel Hai grew, they started focusing their efforts to benefit the Care Assurance Fund. To this end, they accept quilt tops and hand quilt an heirloom-quality finished quilt for anyone who seeks them out. Each quilt requires hours of finger-bending, knuckle-stiffening, back-aching work, but these ladies gather every week for three hours to enjoy their fellowship and the work they love compounded by the gratification they are benefiting the Care Assurance Fund.

When asked about their most ambitious quilt, Joanne Belson recalled the king-sized hand-quilted piece they did for one of the Fallowfield Township schools. She believes they raffled the quilt and made over $2,500 for their fundraiser. Our quilting group no longer works on king-size quilts because their room and quilting rack cannot accommodate that size. At one time, this group purchased their quilt tops and worked their magic to make pieces sold in the Garden Boutique gift shop on campus. Since the renovation of the Garret Community Center they accept new projects in a different way—by request only. Their work can be done for anyone who has a quilt top and a willingness to donate $150-$300 to the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund.

Who are these quilters? Mildred Yoder, Joanne Belson, Jane Kerr, Gladys Mosteller, Pat Purdy, Sue Stauffer, Chris Tabb, and Waneta Zimmerman.

For their Adoring, Big-heated, Concern and for spreading care and love to others through their love of quilting, we thank the Tel Hai Quilters and we highlight them in the Volunteer Spotlight.

PHOTO: Tel Hai’s Quilting Group—standing from left: Sue Stauffer, Chris Tabb, Pat Purdy, Jane Kerr & Waneta Zimmerman. Seated: Joanne Belson, Gladys Mosteller and Mildred Yoder

Sponsored by:  Tel Hai Retirement Community

WHEN: Friday, October 17^th, 2014  10:00am-1:00pm

WHERE: Tel Hai Retirement Community 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA 19344

WHAT: AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) have developed an educational program called CarFit that offers senior drivers the opportunity to check out how well their cars “fit” them and to become aware of community specific resources and activities that could make the fit better.

COST: CarFit is a FREE, individualized safety check to help you increase vehicle control and comfort as a driver. Discover easy adjustments that may protect you behind the wheel.

If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact Chasity Brown at 610-273-9333 x. 2129 or  cbrown@telhai.org. Space is limited so call today.

On Saturday, October 18, 2014 the Chapel at Tel Hai will be filled with the sounds of exceptional vocal performance by three tenors—William Davenport, Galeano Salas  and Mackenzie Whitney. Accompanied on piano by Jeffrey Uhlig, their program of opera, Broadway show tunes and Neapolitan songs will thrill and delight the audience.

Coordinated by returning favorite, Jeffrey Uhlig, the three tenors bring a variety of operatic experience and years of musical study and preparation. William Davenport of Maryland has been described as a “lyric tenor with Italianate style.” He completed his studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and performed frequently with Peabody Opera. Recent engagements have included Verdi Requiemswith the Austin Symphony, the National Philharmonic, the Tuscia Opera Festival in Italy and the Bucks County Choral Society. He is currently a Resident Artist at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, where he studies with Bill Schuman.

Galeano Salas, a Texas native who grew up in Mexico City, holds a Master’s in Music from Yale University, He is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. He most recently sang the role of Alfredo in La Traviata and was the tenor soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Hartford Symphony and the New Haven Symphony Orchestras. He also won the Annual Arkadi Foundation Competition this year.

Mackenzie Whitney of Janesville, Iowa, received his Bachelor’s in Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Iowa and participated in the Emerging Artist program at Opera New Jersey. Mackenzie began his studies at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia in September 2012 and has performed the role of Count Almaviva in Rossini’s Barber of Seville and the role of Rodriquez in Massenet’s Don Quixote. He won the Encouragement Award at The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2014.

The three tenors will be accompanied on piano by Jeffrey Uhlig, who performs regularly with members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Uhlig received his Master of Music degree from West Chester University and is in demand as a chamber music player, vocal coach and accompanist. He is a faculty member at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia where he holds the Lilian Kraus Felber Distinguished Faculty Chair in piano. He is also Principal Keyboard and Vocal coach with the Ocean City (NJ) Pops Orchestra and a Tel Hai favorite!

The concert is offered free of charge and the public is welcome to attend. The performance will begin at 7:30PM in Tel Hai’s chapel off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10. Directions can be found on the website: www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab; with GPS please use the physical address—1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook.

PHOTO 1: William Davenport will be one of three tenors to perform at Tel Hai on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 7:30PM with piano accompaniment by Jeffrey Uhlig. 

PHOTO 2: Tenor Galeano Salas, currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, will be one of three tenors to perform at Tel Hai on Saturday, October 18 at 7:30pm.

PHOTO 3: Mackenzie Whitney, Tenor and student at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, will join William Davenport and Galeano Salas in performance of opera, Broadway show tunes and Neapolitan songs at Tel Hai on October 18, 2014 at 7:30pm. 

PHOTO 4: Jeffrey Uhlig, Principal Keyboard and Vocal Coach with the Ocean City (NJ) Pops Orchestra will accompany the three tenors during their performance on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 7:30PM at the Tel Hai Chapel off Beaver Dam Road in Honey Brook.

Tel Hai resident and memoir workshop leader, Donna McLay invites aspiring writers to the next memoir writing course scheduled to begin its eighth season on October 8, 2014. Donna says, “Each person’s life is unique as a fingerprint. No one else has had your experiences. Do you have a story to tell?”

Mrs. McLay offers a six-week writing course on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00pm in the Magnolia Room of the Garrett Community Center on Tel Hai’s campus. Sessions will be held October 8 through November 19 (skipping October 15, 2014). The $25 course fee is payable to Donna McLay at the first class. Pre-registration is requested; class size is limited. Please contact Donna at 610-273-4605 to register.

Tel Hai is located off Beaver Dam Road in Honey Brook Township, east of Route 10. The nationally accredited community, established in 1956, offers a variety of residential accommodations, personal and health care, and rehabilitation services on its 149 acre campus. For directions visit the website: www.telhai.org and click on “Contact Us.”

PHOTO: Memoir Writing instructor, Donna McLay will offer a 6-week writing course beginning on Wednesday, October 8 on Tel Hai’s campus. Participants are encouraged to create memoirs of their own life experiences to share. Pre-registration is requested by calling the instructor at 610-273-4605.

 

The Life Enrichment Committee at Tel Hai has invited APPRISE volunteer, John Vogel, to return to the campus chapel on Tuesday, October 7 at 10:00am to provide an update on Medicare programs and benefit changes. As the Medicare Open Enrollment period approaches all participants will be keenly interested in learning more about the program in general terms as well as the benefit changes that may affect your selections for 2015. Residents from the surrounding community are also invited to attend.

Pennsylvania’s APPRISE Health Insurance Counseling Program is designed to assist older Pennsylvanians to understand and utilize the Medicare program and its benefits. Medicare provides health insurance coverage to individuals age 65 and older, as well as to certain persons with disabilities. APPRISE counselors are specially trained volunteers who can answer questions about the Medicare program and provide objective, easy to understand information. Additional information can also be obtained by contacting the Chester County Area Agency on Aging located in West Chester.

Tel Hai is located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10 in Honey Brook Township. Directions to the campus can be found on the website: www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab. When using a GPS, the physical property address should be referenced: 1200 Tel Hai Circle.

Tel Hai, a nationally accredited not-for-project community, has provided housing, health care, rehabilitation and to seniors since 1956.

Kathleen O’Connor, Volunteer Coordinator for OPTUM Palliative and Hospice Care, was joined by coworker and Army veteran Christine Quave on Thursday, August 14 for a ceremony honoring the military service of Tel Hai resident, Walter Nauta. The informal ceremony was held in The Meadows health care center’s solarium with Mr. Nauta’s family members in attendance. The framed certificate and small American flag were presented by Ms. Quave; the pinning ceremony honors went to Nauta’s grandson, Max Nauta, who arrived in uniform. Lt. Nauta is currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserves in Colorado.

Walter Nauta and his wife, Joan moved to Tel Hai in December 2010 as residents in the Hillcrest apartments. Joan remains in the apartment home and can easily walk under-cover to visit Walter in the campus health care center.  This ceremony recognized Mr. Nauta’s service in the US Army from 1946 to 1948. Private 1^st Class Nauta served with B Company of the 63^rdInfantry Regiment in Korea. As a mortar crew gunner he was trained in infantry combat techniques and tactical employment of the mortar.

Hospice-Veteran Partnerships were established in November 2001 with a focus on improving end-of-life care for veterans across the country. These coalitions of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, community hospices, State Hospice Organizations and others “work together to ensure excellent care is provided to our nation’s Veterans and their families.” The WeHonorVeterans.org website documents the startling numbers that underscore the need for such outreach and service coordination:

• More than 1800 veterans die every day. This represents a quarter of all deaths in the United States.
• Approximately 85% of veterans do not receive care through the VA health care system.
• Most veterans still die in the community; only 4% of veteran deaths occurs in VA facilities

The staff of OPTUM looks forward to planning many more such ceremonies to honor the service of military veterans that they serve throughout this area.

PHOTO: Army veteran and OPTUM Hospice staffer, Christine Quave presented Walter Nauta with a framed certificate and small American flag in recognition of his military serve. Pinning ceremony honors were handled by his grandson, Lt. Max Nauta of the Marine reserves.