On Monday, July 21 State Representative Tim Hennessey of the 26^th Legislative District was honored for his long service and advocacy of issues important to older Pennsylvanians. Serving in the State House of Representatives since 1993, Hennessey has been a stalwart supporter of older Americans. As the Majority Chair of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee for the past four years, Hennessey has seen growth in program support for this vulnerable population.

The tribute, held on the Tel Hai community’s campus, featured opening remarks by President & CEO, Joe Swartz and comments in support of Rep. Hennessey’s history of advocacy by Ron Barth, President of LeadingAge™ PA—the Pennsylvania based association which represents over 360 not-for-profit providers of senior housing, healthcare and community services. Hennessey was presented with a plaque by Barth congratulating the State Representative for his support of Chester County seniors. That was followed by a certificate of appreciation from Swartz on behalf of the Tel Hai Board of Directors.

Representative Hennessey commented that he usually visits Tel Hai to honor others for living well. He faithfully provides a citation from the State House to mark the milestone birthdays of centenarians on campus. “I always enjoy celebrating with friends and family when someone has lived a good, long life. It is an accomplishment to be recognized,” said Hennessey. On this day the tables were turned.

In his remarks to the group of residents, staff and family members present, Hennessey recounted many legislative achievements in recent years that have supported senior adults including the amended Family Caregiver Act, the Uniform Guardianship Jurisdiction Act, and successfully overturning the insurance companies mandate to use mail-order pharmacies for prescription medications. Work continues with the bilateral Commission responsible for developing an Alzheimer’s Treatment Plan for the Commonwealth. More and more focus on the needs of the elderly has been noted in Harrisburg, including an ongoing study on long-term care.

Refreshments were provided by Tel Hai’s Dining Services staff and dance music by resident DJs Russell and Eva Hyde.

PHOTO: State Representative Tim Hennessey was honored for his efforts in service to seniors throughout the region at a tribute ceremony held on Tel Hai’s campus in Honey Brook on July 21. From left: Ron Barth, President of LeadingAge™ PA, Representative Hennessey and Joe Swartz, President of the Tel Hai community.

On Wednesday, June 18 the state-wide association of not-for-profit senior services providers, LeadingAge PA, presented their 2014 Professional Advancement Award to Sue Verdegem, Tel Hai’s Senior Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration. The annual conference and exposition was held at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Verdegem was recognized for her dedicated service to the Tel Hai community over a period of 38 years during which the retirement campus and Sue personally experienced growth and the development of increasingly diverse skills. As the campus expanded services and housing options, Verdegem was credited with having a vision of the “big picture” as well as the fine attention to detail required of a chief financial officer. Her commitment to Tel Hai’s mission has been expressed in her commitment to maintain the organization’s fiscal strength and her dedication to the people of Tel Hai—from mentoring staff to spending time with residents, leading groups, and reading to children in the child care center on site.

LeadingAge PA is a trade association representing over 360 not-for-profit providers of senior housing, healthcare and community services across the Commonwealth.

PHOTO: Sue Verdegem, Tel Hai’s Senior Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration was named the 2014 Professional Advancement Award winner by LeadingAge PA in Hershey, Pennsylvania on June 18.

 

Tel Hai’s Life Enrichment Committee has invited local artist, Martin May of Romansville, to present a program on Friday, June 27, 2014 at one o’clock in the Garrett Community Center on the community’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10. A gallery showing of Mr. May’s fine work in pen and ink was on display earlier this year at the campus’ Welcome Center.

Martin May, a graphic artist by training, retired as a commercial artist to establish a fine art career and now enjoys concentrating on his on artistic pursuits. He attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA—the nation’s oldest art museum and art school) and the John Hussian School of Art, both located in Philadelphia.

May specializes in finely detailed pen and ink drawings of wildlife and historic buildings and structures. He also has been commissioned to do portraits of private homes, commercial buildings and pets. He inserts a touch of humor into his art whenever he can.

Martin’s work has been featured in galleries and shows across the county. Many private and corporate collections throughout North America, Europe and China also contain his work. He has also won numerous awards and had work published in magazines. His philosophy is simple—“If I can make a living doing something I love and make one person reminisce or smile, I have succeeded.” Time spent in Chester and Potter Counties of Pennsylvania offers a multitude of locations that serve as inspiration for his art and provide opportunities to hone his technique while enjoying the region he loves.

PHOTO:  Works by artist, Martin May, will be featured at Tel Hai on Friday, June 27, 2014. His intricate pen and ink drawings will be the focus of his presentation exploring his artistic vision offered at one o’clock in the Gathering Room in Tel Hai’s Garrett Community Center.

Tel Hai’s Life Enrichment Committee has invited local artist, Martin May of Romansville, to present a program on Friday, June 27, 2014 at one o’clock in the Garrett Community Center on the community’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10. A gallery showing of Mr. May’s fine work in pen and ink was on display earlier this year at the campus’ Welcome Center.

Martin May, a graphic artist by training, retired as a commercial artist to establish a fine art career and now enjoys concentrating on his on artistic pursuits. He attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA—the nation’s oldest art museum and art school) and the John Hussian School of Art, both located in Philadelphia.

May specializes in finely detailed pen and ink drawings of wildlife and historic buildings and structures. He also has been commissioned to do portraits of private homes, commercial buildings and pets. He inserts a touch of humor into his art whenever he can.

Martin’s work has been featured in galleries and shows across the county. Many private and corporate collections throughout North America, Europe and China also contain his work. He has also won numerous awards and had work published in magazines. His philosophy is simple—“If I can make a living doing something I love and make one person reminisce or smile, I have succeeded.” Time spent in Chester and Potter Counties of Pennsylvania offers a multitude of locations that serve as inspiration for his art and provide opportunities to hone his technique while enjoying the region he loves.

PHOTO:  Works by artist, Martin May, will be featured at Tel Hai on Friday, June 27, 2014. His intricate pen and ink drawings will be the focus of his presentation exploring his artistic vision offered at one o’clock in the Gathering Room in Tel Hai’s Garrett Community Center.

Honey Brook Twp, PA—Tel Hai’s Life Enrichment Committee (LEC) concludes its program schedule for the season with an interesting variety of topics throughout the month of June. All programs will be held at one o’clock in the Gathering Room of the Garrett Community Center on Tel Hai’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10.

On Friday, June 6, Dr. Robert D. Swartley will offer a program on “Modern Dentistry.” This self-described student, engineer, dentist, teacher and medical researcher offers a fascinating perspective on oral health. Regarding the body as “the temple of God,” Dr. Swartley holds a respect for the human body that directs his dental practice. He looks forward to sharing the wonderful progress that’s been made in 21^st century dental treatment and the impact of oral health on heart and brain health. Learn what “excellent dentistry” looks like.

The Friday, June 13 program features Assistant District Forester, Rick Hartlieb of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Pennsylvania’s forests have had significant impact on the commonwealth’s economy and have provided enormous recreational, aesthetic and environmental benefits. Learn how we can protect and conserve this valuable resource that is literally in our own backyard. The Tel Hai community, which is part of the William Penn Forest District, is currently engaged in sustaining a “stewardship forest” on its campus.

The program offered on Friday, June 20 presented by Tel Hai’s Wellness Director, Chasity Brown is entitled “Balancing Wellness.” Instead of viewing “wellness” as merely physical health, exercise or nutrition she will review the varied dimensions of wellness employed at Tel Hai encompassing social, emotional, spiritual, nutritional, vocational, intellectual and physical aspects. Learn how each of these elements contributes to enjoyment and quality of life—all lifelong.

The general public is invited to participate in these programs planned on the Tel Hai campus; all are offered free of charge. Tel Hai, a nationally accredited nonprofit senior community offers a variety of housing, personal and health care, rehabilitation, and Child Day Care services.

PHOTO 1: Dr. Robert D. Swartley will present a fascinating overview of 21^st century dentistry and health on Friday, June 6 at 1:00pm in the Garrett Community Center located on the Tel Hai community’s campus.

 

PHOTO 2: Tel Hai Director of Wellness, Chasity Brown, will address the dynamic elements that influence our health and quality of life in her presentation “Balancing Wellness” on Friday, June 20 at 1:00pm in the Garrett Community Center.

 

Tel Hai’s Life Enrichment Committee (LEC) will offer a series of engaging programs through the month of May on the Tel Hai campus located off Beaver Dam Road. All programs will be held in the Gathering Room of the Garrett Community Center. Subject matter ranges from memoir writing to a spirited sing-along.

On Friday, May 9, the Memoir Workshop led by Donna McLay will offer a reading of their recent work at 1:00pm. The popular Alex Haley quote—“Each person’s death is like the burning of a library”—reflects the impact each person’s shared experiences can have on others. As the workshop members read their unique stories attendees may find they, too, wish to create a record of their own life experiences to share with family and friends.

Friday, May 16 at 1:00pm, Tel Hai Dietitian, Sybil Oswalt will present a program on food choices and preparation methods to ensure your summer barbeque won’t derail your healthy eating resolutions. You can still be the “grill king” and eat well!

The final program will be offered on Friday, May 23 at 1:00pm featuring Sheldon Munn. This former restaurateur and jeweler found his passion as a licensed Gettysburg Battlefield tour guide in 1988. Sheldon finds everything “exciting, interesting and fun” when tracing Pennsylvania history and that of “outstanding Pennsylvanians.” This presentation will focus on the lives of Grace Kelly and Perry Como—who became household names during a romantic era of song and theater. The two-hour program will share information through lecture, humor and music. Refreshments will be offered and a sing-along is also planned! A $5 donation is suggested.

The general public is invited to join in these programs planned for May on the Tel Hai campus. Tel Hai, a nationally accredited nonprofit community offers a variety of housing, personal and health care, rehabilitation, and Child Day Care services in their Honey Brook location.

PHOTO 1: Donna McLay, Memoir Workshop leader, welcomes the public to a reading of the group members’ recent work on Friday, May 9 at 1:00pm in the Garrett Community Center.

Team Tel Hai had a great turn out for the MADD walk on Sunday, May 4 in Downingtown. During the opening ceremony, Tel Hai was recognized for our support of this important event.

Keeli Looper, Director of Volunteer Services

The Tel Hai Concert Series continues on Sunday, May 4 at 7:30pm in the campus Chapel with a presentation of the “Best of Classic Broadway” by Dominic Inferrera, baritone, and Elisa Matthews, soprano. They will be accompanied by returning favorite, Jeffrey Uhlig on piano. The concert is offered free of charge and the public is welcome to attend.

Inferrera and Matthews will perform selections from classic Broadway musicals including “Brigadoon,” “Camelot,” “Show Boat,” “Carousel,” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” among others. This is a dream come true for those who love musical theater.

Dominic Inferrera gained attention for the variety of his repertoire which includes opera, oratorio, musical theater, pop, jazz and contemporary music. He won acclaim for his role in Six Characters in Search of an Author with the Opera Festival of New Jersey and as the title character in the operatic adaptation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  Most recently he performed in the jazz opera A Space in the Heart. He has performed with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, the Oregon Symphony, Colorado Symphony, The Naples (FL) Philharmonic and the Meredith Monk Ensemble.

Elisa Matthews holds a Master of Music degree from Pennsylvania State University. Described as “a total performer” with compelling stage presence, she recently appeared in Show Boat at the Media Theatre and in an award-winning production of Sweeney Todd with the Arden Theatre Company, and A Christmas Carol with People’s Light & Theatre. She garnered rave reviews for her operatic performances with Opera Delaware, The Opera Company of Philadelphia, Center City Opera Theater and Bard Music Festival.

Jeffrey Uhlig is a widely known collaborative pianist who has performed throughout the United States. Notable among them were his performance at The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC and at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in New York. He holds a Master of Music degree from West Chester University and is the Principal Keyboard and Vocal Coach with the Ocean City (NJ) Pops Orchestra. He is in demand as a chamber music player, vocal coach and accompanist and is a faculty member at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia.

Directions to Tel Hai can be found on the website: www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab; with GPS please use the 1200 Tel Hai Circle physical address. A nationally accredited nonprofit community, Tel Hai—the “Hill of Life”—has served seniors since 1956.

PHOTO: Dominic Inferrera, baritone, will perform selections from classic Broadway musicals at Tel Hai on Sunday, May 4 at 7:30pm with soprano, Elisa Matthews and accompanied by pianist, Jeffrey Uhlig.