Tel Hai’s annual food drive concluded on March 31, but the needs of food insecure neighbors continues to grow across the region. Sybil Oswalt, Registered Dietitian and event coordinator, announced that 520 pounds of food stuffs had been collected on campus during the community’s observation of National Nutrition Month. The donations will benefit the Twin Valley Food Pantry in Morgantown.

Founded in 1994 as an outreach ministry, the Twin Valley Food Pantry has been hosted by Conestoga Mennonite Church since November 2009. Located on Main Street (Route 23) in Morgantown, the pantry has been supporting local families in need—approximately 145 families representing 425 persons have been served on an average distribution day. Working in partnership with the Greater Berks Food Bank, community churches, local businesses and organizations the program directors, Howard and Carol Moss, coordinate the efforts of approximately 60 volunteers on distribution day—the fourth Tuesday of each month. Stocking the pantry for distribution also requires the efforts of a hardworking group of high school students and other community volunteers the Wednesday before.

Tel Hai residents and staff volunteers have been active at the Twin Valley Food Pantry as well as the Shepherd’s Kitchen in Honey Brook. The Honey Brook Mobile Food Pantry temporarily located at the Good Food Distribution Center on Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook began operating in January 2014. They too depend on volunteers during their monthly distribution day on the last Wednesday of each month. The mobile food pantry was opened in response to the continuing documented need for a food pantry serving the Twin Valley School District.

PHOTO: Sybil Oswalt, Tel Hai Dietitian, thanked residents and staff who donated to the food drive held during National Nutrition Month on campus. More than 500 pounds of food stuffs will be donated to the Twin Valley Food Pantry in Morgantown as a result.

The highlight of the first day of spring on Tel Hai’s campus was a fascinating presentation by Karen Jessee, a collector of women’s historical and vintage fashions and accessories. The resident-developed event which attracted 125 ladies grew out of a desire to create a time of wonderful community fellowship and an opportunity to say “thank you” to staff that had gone “above-and-beyond” during the exceptional winter just past. The fund raiser’s net proceeds benefitted the Good Samaritan Fund which supports staff members in financial need as a result of health challenges or other family emergencies.

Tel Hai resident, Billy Guthrie’s knowledge of Ms. Jessee’s wonderful program was the spark that got things going. Joined by Fran Atkins, Ann Paton and Karen Runyon, the planning committee provided a memorable event for all to enjoy.  Jessee describes The Way We Wore program as an introduction to “200 years of the feminine silhouette…covering everything from bustles to bellbottoms.” Ms. Jessee shared the connection between the lives of women and the history of the period in which they lived; that in turn influenced the fashion of their day. A retired educator, Karen Jessee was also the recipient of the NBC National Teacher Award and became a professional organizer upon retirement.  This Wilmington, DE resident enjoys learning people’s stories, easy proximity to the theatre and museums and has traveled to England twice to study historical fashion.

Residents Ruthann Fleet and Marti Emmanuel were selected from the audience to model period attire. The program included displays of some garments and accessories that ladies in attendance were happy to no longer find in their own closets. “Tel Hai ladies and guests had a fascinating afternoon enjoying tea and learning about the history of women’s fashion—

and even taking a peek ‘under the skirt,’ ” committee member, Ann Paton offered. “Karen Jessee’s program has a huge WOW factor. If others have an opportunity to see any of her programs, our advice is don’t miss it!”

PHOTO: Karen Jessee’s The Way We Wore presentation covering 200 years of women’s fashion was a huge success on Tel Hai’s campus and a wonderful way to welcome spring. The fund raiser benefitted the Good Samaritan Fund which offers support to staff members in times of need. Karen Jessee, a retired educator, is an enchanting living history presenter.

The Tel Hai Concert Series will offer two opportunities for the public to enjoy inspirational musical performances during the month of April. Vocal and instrumental programs have been scheduled. The first will be a concert of gospel songs presented by the Gap Male Chorus on Sunday, April 13 at 7:00pm in the Tel Hai Chapel on their campus located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10.

Organized in 1922, the Gap Male Chorus was originally composed of men from different churches in the Gap area of Lancaster County. Today the chorus has grown to include over 50 active members who represent approximately 35 different churches in four counties. The chorus has the distinction of having presented concerts of gospel songs every year for over 90 years. Their program is open to the public and offered free of charge, but they ask those attending to bring canned goods which will be donated to the local food pantry as their expression of thanks for the enjoyable program.

The second concert on Sunday, April 27 will be presented at 3:00pm in the Tel Hai Chapel featuring Steve Kramer, cellist. Mr. Kramer was born in Copenhagen, Denmark and immigrated to the United States in 2010. Know as a major international artist and performer, he began violin lessons at age 3. Born into a family of musicians, he was inspired by his grandfather Vladimir Yeshayavitch Novak, an eminent violinist and teacher with the Kiev Philharmonic and Kiev school of music. Steve’s performances are dedicated to putting forward his grandfather’s legacy today. Mr. Kramer debuted at the Kimmel Center’s Verizon Hall in the 2012-13 season and will be a soloist and chamber musician at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia and at Lincoln Center in New York City in the 2014-15 season. He is currently the artist in residence at String Theory High School in Philadelphia. His concert at Tel Hai will include accompaniment by piano and clarinet.

Directions to Tel Hai can be found on their website www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab. When relying on your GPS please use the 1200 Tel Hai Circle physical address. The Tel Hai community has provided a worry-free lifestyle to residents since 1956 with a variety of housing options, health and personal care, and rehabilitation services.

PHOTO: Cellist, Steve Kramer shown here, will perform at Tel Hai on Sunday, April 27 at 3:00pm in the Chapel on campus. Earlier in the month, the Gap Male Chorus will offer a concert of gospel songs on Sunday, April 13 at 7:00pm. Both programs are open to the public and offered free of charge.

Tel Hai’s SEW Creative group invited neighbors and friends to join in the annual Veterans Quilt Sew-In on Thursday, March 13 in the Tel Hai Chapel. No sewing experience was required of the volunteers; light refreshments were served. The bitter cold outside was countered by the warm hearts of the 54 volunteers participating. Representatives from all neighborhoods on the Tel Hai campus were represented: Maple Knoll, Cedar Ridge and Woods Edge cottagers worked side-by-side with apartment residents from Hillcrest and Tel Haven. Even future Tel Hai residents and StoneCroft folks turned out to help. The Calico Cutters sent a representative as well. The two sewing groups will present their finished quilts to the Coatesville Veterans Hospital in April.

The machine stitched quilts represented a number of styles including the Dresden Plate, simple blocks and stripes, Pinwheels, Rail Fence, Spinning Star, 9-Patch and Snowball. Stars and hearts were appliquéd on some squares; others were string-tied. Messages of encouragement for the veterans were created by veterans present and added with iron-on blocks. In fact, 8 male volunteers took part in hand-tying, message writing and ironing during the event. In total, the group created 76 lap quilts to be donated. The group founder, Shirley Walton has lost track of the number of years this outreach has been done, but the warm feelings generated are always uplifting. Red, white and blue fabrics—many with patriotic themes were used in the creation of each quilt.

PHOTO: This year’s Sew-In for Veterans was a big success at Tel Hai. Seventy-six lap quilts were completed for donation to the Coatesville Veterans Administration Hospital on March 13. They will be delivered to the recipients during the month of April.

Each March, the Tel Hai retirement community in conjunction with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages consumers to return to the basics of healthy eating by observing National Nutrition Month. Initiated in 1973 as “National Nutrition Week” it became a month-long event in 1980 in response to the public’s growing interest in nutrition. This year’s theme emphasizes flavorful eating—“Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right” by experimenting with new flavors and flavor combinations. “According to consumer research, taste tops nutrition as the main reason why consumers buy one food over another. The foods we most commonly eat are often those we enjoy the most,” according to registered dietitian and Academy spokesperson Joy Dubost. “So make taste a priority when preparing nutritious meals.”

As part of this education campaign, Tel Hai’s Dining and Nutrition Services Department provides a variety of helpful tips, games, promotional tools and nutrition education resources, all designed to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition every day. The information provided throughout the month will help everyone make informed food choices that taste good.

Tel Hai is again sponsoring a food drive during the month of March to benefit the Twin Valley Food Pantry.  Tel Hai’s dietitian, Sybil Oswalt, reminds us that hunger knows no color, gender or age.  One in six Americans find it difficult physically and financially to access the food and supplies needed to nourish their body and keep them healthy. The Twin Valley Food Pantry has documented service to well over 100 families—an estimated 150 persons. Items needed include sugar, cereal, pasta, rice, canned tuna, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, as well as dish and bar soap. Donations sites will be located on campus in the Garrett Community Center, Chapel Lobby and the Lakeview Personal Care entrance. Questions regarding the food drive can be directed to Sybil Oswalt, RD, CSG, LDN, Tel Hai’s Clinical Dietitian at 610-273-9333, extension 2067.

PHOTO: Sybil Oswalt, Tel Hai’s Clinical Dietitian, serves as the coordinator for the annual food drive during March—National Nutrition Month.  Donations will benefit the Twin Valley Food Pantry which has been serving over 100 families in the region.

The Honey Brook Historical Society will offer an informational program presented by Civil War re-enactor, Marc Benedict on Tuesday, March 25 at 2:00pm. The presentation “Inside a Union Soldier’s Pockets” is open to the public and offered free of charge at the Tel Hai retirement community’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road, east of Route 10 in the community’s Auditorium/Chapel.

The presenter, Marc Benedict of Terre Hill (Lancaster County), will visit in uniform, equipped with various artifacts of the period—authentic and reproduction. Mr. Benedict has worked as a living historian of the Civil War for over 30 years and has appeared as a Civil War re-enactor in films, commercials and on television. He also served as a Park Ranger in the National Park Service for ten years. His presentation will include a question and answer period welcoming the audience’s participation, as well.

Directions to the Tel Hai campus can be found on their website: www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab; with your GPS please use the 1200 Tel Hai Circle physical address.

PHOTO: “Inside a Union Soldier’s Pockets” will be presented by the Honey Brook Historical Society on March 25 at 2:00pm in the Tel Hai Auditorium/Chapel off Beaver Dam Road.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) of Widener University will offer a five-session course at Tel Hai exploring the circumstances giving rise to the 1830 law entitled “The Indian Removal Act” and its aftermath. Historians refer to the forced removal of the “Five Civilized Tribes” from the southeastern United States to areas west of the Mississippi River as “The Trail of Tears.” Instructor, Dick Calef will explore this dark chapter in our nation’s history during the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

The course will begin on Friday, March 28 at 1:00pm in the Gathering Room in the Garrett Community Center on Tel Hai’s campus and continue on April 4, 11, 25 and conclude on Friday, May 2, 2014. The course fee of $40 is due and payable to Widener University at the first class session. To pre-register, please contact Bill Morling, Tel Hai’s Life Enrichment Committee member, at 610-273-4165.

Instructor, Dick Calef, holds a BS degree from the University of New Hampshire and has proven to be a dedicated student of history. He has been a popular presenter at the OLLI Wednesday Speaker Series. Prior to retirement, Mr. Calef worked in marketing and sales management with General Electric and Hughes Aircraft Company, serving the electric power and aerospace industries. He previously taught “Reign of the Czars,” “Stalin,” “Hitler,” and is also leading a spring course at the Exton center entitled “The Defining Struggle of Native Americans.”

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, Honey Brook physical address. The Tel Hai community has served seniors since 1956 offering an active, worry-free lifestyle and a variety of housing options, personal and health care, rehabilitation and .

PHOTO: Road signs mark the “Trail of Tears”—the route taken by Native Americans in the 1830s as they were “resettled” west of the Mississippi River.

Tel Hai’s 18^th Annual High School Student Art Show attracted a faithful crowd of over 200 persons who enjoyed the exhibition of 110 works by area youth. Artistic creations by students from five local high schools were on display Friday and Saturday, February 7 and 8, 2014 to the delight of the guests. With power restored on Tel Hai’s campus by Thursday, residents and community members seeking a pleasant diversion were rewarded with fine art works in various mediums. Juried local artists, Velma and Renny Magill applied Scholastic Art Award Categories to award 35 first and second place ribbons and numerous “honorable mentions” for the students’ fine work. Art instructors and participating students were celebrated at the Friday evening reception with musical accompaniment provided by David Hicks, a Tel Hai chaplain, on piano. The traditional “People’s Choice” winners were determined by the close of the event on Saturday afternoon by popular vote of attending guests.

Event coordinator, Tammy Jacobs, Director at Tel Hai, presented the People’s Choice awards on February 27 at Coatesville Area Senior High (CASH) and the Twin Valley High School (TVHS). First prize winner, Colin Geary of Birdsboro, is a junior and student of Ms. Samantha Rowlands at TVHS. Winning with his self portrait in graphite, Colin has enjoyed drawing from life since art classes began in Middle School. Colin carries a heavy academic course load but like his twin brother, Colby, also participates in cross country and track. With a strong interest in engineering and biology he will start looking at in-state colleges in the coming months. Colin also received a 1^st place award for his drawing by the juried judges.

Second prize went to CASH senior, Alexis Harvey-White for her acrylic painting, “Fearless.” This Chester County native has enjoyed art classes throughout her school years—exhibiting for the first time in 4^th grade. Alexis first realized she had a real gift for art in high school. “I’ve always enjoyed art classes and loved drawing.” Her favorite subjects are animals and to date she’s enjoyed creating a leopard, a parrot, a whale and penguins in earlier assignments. Future plans include majoring in Criminal Justice at Shippensburg University…but she will continue working in art adding, “You can use art in criminal justice work, too.” Alexis’s acrylic painting received a 1^st place ribbon in the juried judging of the painting category.

CASH senior, Lydia Ritter of Pomeroy, admits to engaging in art as a form of competition with her older sister who Lydia described as “a born artist.” She added, “I like to chase the impossible.” Wining the 3^rd place award this year for her acrylic, “St. Malachi Church,” confirmed her sense of accomplishment. Lydia prefers watercolor and pastels and has seen her skills grow in Carolyn Worth’s AP course this year. She is looking for an apprenticeship opportunity that will allow her to continue in the art field after graduation. The juried judges awarded Lydia with 2^nd place ribbons in the drawing and painting categories.

Winners of 1^st and 2^nd place honors in defined categories selected by judges, Velma and Renny Magill of Lancaster County, included the following students. An additional 14 “honorable mention” awards were also granted. An asterisk * denotes 1^st place winner:

Tel Hai is honored to have this opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of local young people and offers thanks the art instructors for their support of the annual exhibit and their encouragement of students in the arts.

PHOTO 1: (From left) Tammy Jacobs, Tel Hai Director and Student Art Show Coordinator, congratulates Colin Geary, first place winner of the People’s Choice Awards. Tel Hai’s 18^th annual student art show was held February 7 & 8, 2014. They are joined by Colin’s instructor at Twin Valley High School, Ms. Samantha Rowlands.

Tel Hai’s concert series continues on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 7:30pm with the Pennsylvania Flute Choir performing from their classical repertoire. The concert will be held in the Chapel on Tel Hai’s campus located off Beaver Dam Road in Honey Brook Township, east of Route 10.

The Pennsylvania Flute Choir, under the direction of Dr. Debra Torok, was formed in 2002 by Flutist Georgia Dimaano. Dr. Torok, Music Director since 2011, is also a professional recording artist, pianist, composer, conductor and teacher.  Their performance at Tel Hai will include classical works by Mendelssohn, Haydn, and Mozart.  A special slide presentation will also be presented to accompany works by Sonny Burnette entitled “Stained Glass Images” as well as “The Planets” by Gustav Holst. The latter includes beautiful original images by astronomer Juan Carlos Guerra.

The Pennsylvania Flute Choir is an auditioned, community group with more than 20 members from southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.  The choir performs throughout the tri-state region for engagements such as community concerts, weddings, religious services, private parties, and special events. It also performs at regional flute fairs and flute society events and conventions.

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. With your GPS please use the 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook address.

The nationally accredited non-profit Tel Hai community has been serving senior adults since 1956 providing a variety of choices in housing as well as quality care and services.

PHOTO: The Pennsylvania Flute Choir will perform a variety of pieces from their classical repertoire at Tel Hai’s chapel on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 7:30pm. The concert is open to the public and offered free of charge.

The Pastoral Care Department of Tel Hai invites the public to an informational seminar on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00am in the chapel on the community’s campus. Dr. Kenneth H. Miller, professor from the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, will offer a lecture and opportunity for discussion on “Ethical Considerations for End-of-Life Decision Making.”  The presentation will explore the challenges of aging we will all face in our lifetime.

Dr. Miller, a professor of Christian Theology, earned his Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Highland Park, IL. He continues to serve in pastoral ministry for several central Pennsylvania congregations and taught at The Evangelical College of Theology in northeast India in 2007. He is heavily involved in his home community and serves as Community Representative to the Ethics Committee of Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He has authored articles in The Evangelical Journaland continues to enjoy his fulltime classroom duties at the seminary. Ken and wife, Julie, are residents of Myerstown.

The workshop is offered free of charge and will surely be of interest to multiple generations of family members. The Chapel at Tel Hai is located off Beaver Dam Road in Honey Brook Township. Directions can be found online at www.telhai.org under the “Contact Us” tab. Using your GPS please refer to the physical address: 1200 Tel Hai Circle. Questions can be directed to Chaplain Tim Herr at 610-273-9333, extension 2009.

PHOTO: The public is invited to attend a seminar led by Professor, Dr. Kenneth H. Miller of the Evangelical Theological Seminary on “Ethical Considerations for End-of-Life Decision Making” at the Tel Hai Chapel on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 10:00am.