NOVEMBER 2013 The Thanksgiving Story 1 Give thanks Though it was not called Thanksgiving at the time what we recognize as the first Thanksgiving feast was celebrated in 1621 by the pilgrims of the Plymouth colony along with about 90 Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims had suffered through a devastating winter in which nearly half their number died. Without the help of the Indians, all would have perished. After the first harvest, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God. The food, which was eaten outdoors, included corn, geese, turkeys, ducks, eel, clams, leeks, plums, cod, bass, barley, venison and corn bread. The feast lasted 3 days. Though the exact date is unknown, the feast clearly took place in late autumn. In 1623, a period of drought was answered by colonists with a proclamation of prayer and fasting. This prayer and fasting was changed to another thanksgiving celebration when rains came during the prayers. Later that year, Governor Bradford proclaimed November 29 as a time for pilgrims to gather and "listen to ye pastor and render thanksgiving to ye Almighty God for all His blessings." Throughout American history, there were many thanksgiving proclamations and celebrations. In 1789 George Washington proclaimed a National Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday in November, in honor of the new United States Constitution. Thomas Jefferson, the third president, later discontinued it, calling it "a kingly practice." In 1863, Sarah Josepha Hale, the author of the poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb," convinced Abraham Lincoln to proclaim Thanksgiving a national holiday. For the date she chose the last Thursday in November because of Washington's proclamation. In 1941, it was officially changed to the fourth Thursday in November. Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on the nations what he has done. his name, make known among the nations --1 C Give thanks to the LOPRD, call on his name; make known what he has done. among the nations what he has done. --to on his name; make among the nations
Dear Christian Friends, I had an idea I want to try out on you. I m planning a national campaign to change the calendar. Nothing drastic, mind you, just a minor revision that I think will make more sense. I want to the year to begin in December and end in November. That doesn t sound like too much of a change, does it? Now here s my reasoning. So many things come to an end in November. For most of the northern hemisphere, the fall is over by November. All of October s brilliant color is gone, and by the time November ends, trees and bushes look as bare as they will look until spring comes again. Harvests are completed, and, as the hymn says, All is safely gathered in. There is nothing left to collect. In the church, the year is ending, too. The month starts with All Hallow s Eve, which sets the tone for the church s remembrance of those who have been called to Eternal Rest the All Saints celebration, which begins November. From that beginning, we move on to Gospel readings which remind us of the last days: the parable of the talents and the parable of the Last Judgment the one about the sheep and the goats.. And when we add Thanksgiving to all this, that s the clincher. After all the harvest activity, we celebrate. The growing year is officially over, we gather with families and friends, watch parades, and eat too much!! What could make more sense than this? Just think: If the year ended in November, we would have New Year s over before Christmas. There wouldn t be any End-of-the-Year Clearance Sales because the new year would be just beginning. Instead of getting a lot of left-over, last year s stuff, Christmas would be packed with new gifts. But, sadly, November is not the end. The world may be winding down, but not God. In fact, God is just winding up. Beyond all the flash and tinsel, God is preparing for the biggest gift of all, one that comes to us in the quiet chill of the winter, when all the earth is hushed and still. God isn t done with the year, much less with us; there is still hoping and watching and waiting to do. These things come later, after the world is done with the year and full of itself. Just remember: God isn t finished, not by a long shot. God s timetable is still on track, and there are new things this tired old year has yet to see. Keep watching. Keep waiting. Keep hoping. Keep praying. Let s see what happens. There is a lot of year left, and God is still working. What have we got to lose? Something s coming! As we wait together, I remain, Your brother in Christ,, Chaplain Cockley
WORSHIP REMINDER Because Chaplain Cockley has vacation scheduled in November, the annual All Saints Service for PC and IL residents will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013, starting at 2:00 p.m. in the PC Dining Room. This Service is our annual commemoration for those residents of our Village who have joined the Church Triumphant since September 1, 2012. Family members are invited to join us for the commemoration on that day, and those included in our Service are prayed for individually as a white carnation is presented at the altar in their memory. Please note that this change of date is a one-time change for November only and this Service will replace the Service normally held on the second Thursday of November. There will be no Worship on Thursday, November 14, 2013, because of this change. Please note this one-time change as you make your Worship plans for November. CHAPLAIN S NOTES: During Chaplain Cockley s vacation, there will be some changes to our normal pattern of activities. There will be NO Sunday Worship in the Nursing Center and NO Sunday Bible Studies. The last November date for these activities will be Sunday, November 3, 2013. Worship will be at 10:00 a.m. for First Floor and PC residents, and at 11:00 a.m. for Second Floor residents. The activities department will offer a Sunday devotional period in their place. Our regular Worship and Bible Study schedule will resume on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Tuesday Worship Services will continue in the Multi-Purpose Room each week, starting at 2:00 p.m. Please remember that the Tuesday Service is our stated Service, and will always include the celebration of Holy Communion. During Chaplain Cockley s absence, local congregational pastors will be with us to lead Worship on those Tuesday afternoons. Please plan to attend those Services as you are able to welcome our guest pastors during the month. Sunday Bible Study for IL and PC residents will not be held after November 3, 2013, for the remainder of November. Sunday Bible Study on the Book of Revelation will resume on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Thanksgiving Eve Vespers will be held for PC and IL residents on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, starting at 7:00 p.m. in the PC Dining Room. Finally, Chaplain Cockley s MOVIE TO THINK ABOUT series for IL residents will not meet in November. That program will resume on Monday, December 16, 2013 in the Village Common, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Information about December s film will be shared in the next issue of the newsletter. All chaplaincy programs will resume beginning Wednesday, November 27, 2013, when Chaplain Cockley returns from his vacation. Thank you for your understanding while he is away.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION DINNER The annual employee recognition dinner was held on Wednesday, October 23rd at the Common. The goal was to have 50 in attendance; we came close we had 40 guests total, and honored 15 employees for years of service. Entertainment was provided by KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner, a local country folk artist, who travels the world. She has a lovely voice and a warm spirit. Guests dined on herb crusted beef and chicken stuffed with goat cheese and spinach, provided by Morrison. For dessert, pumpkin pie was served, and chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. Each employee had their turn in the spotlight, while their supervisor said a few kind words about them. They were given a gift and a certificate. Cathy Ward, who had served Diakon and its residents for 3, received a standing ovation from the crowd! Her husband was so proud! A BIG THANK YOU to all of our dedicated employees! Michelle Allabaugh, CNA Viola Baker, CNA Gretchen Becker, Therapy Brenda Diffenderfer, CNA Andrea Fausey, LPN Dave Geyer, LPN at Personal Care Amanda Houdeshell, Central Supply John Joe, Maintenance Alisa Lilley, CNA Summer Parker, RA at Personal Care Bonnie Knarr, LPN Penny Meckley, CNA Kandi Winder, HIM Kellie Reilly, CNA Cathy Ward, LPN, Personal Care 10 years 1 1 2 3
NCC HAPPENINGS Trick or Treating We had a great turn-out and plenty of chocolate to go around. Over half of our residents participated and helped pass candy. Thanks to staff for all of the candy donations. Candy was also purchased by the money we raised from the furniture sale. Morrison Hires a New Director Todd Harris has been hired as the housekeeping and laundry supervisor. He has many years of experience, and we are excited to have him as part of our team. He lives locally, and has two beautiful little girls. Please welcome him when you see him! IT IS A BOY!!!! Tina O Rourke, our Morrison Dietician, delivered a healthy, bouncing boy on 11/2/13 at 3:43 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and is 19 1/2 inches long. The little fellow is still waiting for a name he will be the 3rd son for Tina and her husband. We wish them all well!
INDEPENDENT LIVING HAPPENINGS! Bowling Dust off those bowling balls and spray those shoes Wii Bowling is returning! The bowling alley will open every Monday night at 6 p.m. at the Common. Come and share your talents, or just come and be a cheerleader! Cards Do you enjoy playing cards? Come out to play at the Common on Wednesday, November 13 at 2 p.m. Christmas Crafts On Friday, November 15 at 2 p.m. we will be assembling luminaries for Christmas and decorations for the Common. Please come on out and lend a hand! Thanksgiving Dinner The annual Thanksgiving dinner for Independent Living residents will be held Saturday, November 16 at noon at the Common. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy will be provided. Bring a dish of food to complement these items. Don t forget your placemat and table service. Please call 570-523-4299 to reserve. Home for the Holidays Morrison will hold the second of the Travel the World series of buffets November 17 at the Common from 4:30-6:00. The cost of the meal is $9.25. Guests are welcome. Reservations should be made no later than November 11th. Please call 570-523-4280 to reserve. Holiday Canned Goods November is a month that we bring canned goods for the Food Pantry to the IL meeting. That meeting is November 21st at 10: a.m. It would be appropriate to bring holiday foods (such as canned sweet potatoes, cranberries, pie filling) Monetary donations are also accepted. These monies are used to buy turkeys or other meats.
INDEPENDENT LIVING HAPPENINGS (cont) Lycoming Mall Trip Want to go Christmas shopping? Or see the Christmas decorations in the stores? A trip to Lycoming Mall is planned for Thursday, November 22nd. Pick up is at the Common at 9:30 a.m. We will stop for lunch before returning home. Please call 570-523-4299 to make reservations. Christmas is Coming Thursday, December 5th is the tree lighting service at the Common at 5 p.m. This impressive service led by Chaplain Cockley is a good way to begin the holiday season. Following the service, we have a finger food supper. No silverware so bring a dish of food that can be eaten with your fingers. It is always interesting to see what original food people bring. Need some suggestions? Sandwiches, finger Jell-O, vegetable pizza, cookies, relish tray, fruit, bologna, cheese. Please call 570-523- 4299 to make your reservations. Save The Date! Mark your calendars for December 17th at 2 p.m. A special Christmas party entitled, Christmas Around the World is planned. This is a different kind of event that you will enjoy. Pilot to his passengers: I have both good news and bad news. The bad news is, we have a highjacker on board. The good news is, he wants to go to the French Riviera!
NEW WELCOMING COMMITTEE!! The Welcoming Committee has been getting revved up to welcome all the new admissions Gretchen has brought to our campus, as well as the future admissions to come! New Co-chairs Joanne Frantz & Mary Usher were busy preparing welcoming gift baskets and new information packets for our new residents. The welcoming committee members are Joanne Frantz, Mary Usher, Dorothy Griffith, Lucille & Bill Harvey, Barbara Ott, Sandra Evans, Shirley Seese and Jackie Sauers. LOOKING AHEAD Union County (Lewisburg) Fourth of July Parade, Saturday June 28, 2014 Buffalo Valley will be represented in this year s Fourth of July Parade. Riding in Gretchen s red classic convertible will be Gretchen and Charlene and 3 other residents. We are looking for 2 other Classic convertibles to use in the parade! Please ask around to help us find cars. If you would like to ride with us in the parade, please call Gretchen at 570-523-4285. Independent Living Resident Handbooks The handbook is undergoing a much needed renovation. When it is complete, copies will be provided for all IL residents, current and future. The handbook will also be downloaded to the Touchtown Website. You can access the website at www.livinginthevalley.org.
Pumpkin Contest! The winners of the non-carving pumpkin contest were: Activities dept for the scariest, Therapy for the most creative, and Sandy Waltman, LPN, for the funniest. They took the cake literally. Their prize was a homemade pumpkin cake from Adrienne. A big thank you to all the departments that participated! The residents loved it! Thank you to Morrison for sponsoring the event.
A Note from Morrison Dining Services During the month of October Morrison Dining Services presented a variety of activities and events to promote a sense of community and well-being throughout the Buffalo Valley Community. Independent Living and Personal Care residents enjoyed making soft pretzels with Chef Adrienne and making a Halloween craft with Lindy. Residents in the Nursing Care Center made Toilet Paper Jack- O Lanterns and enjoyed a home-baked pumpkin cookie! The Independent Living community embarked on a year long journey called Travel the World. This on-going event will feature a themed dinner each month where those residents who attend will enjoy a delicious dinner and festive event. Attending residents will have their passport stamped and at the end of the year those residents who have attended each meal will be entered in a contest to win a meal for six prepared by Chef Adrienne! Morrison Dining Services will continue to provide special events and meals throughout the holiday season and to promote their customer centered services at Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village. NEW VOLUNTEERS AT BUFFALO VALLEY! The volunteer coordinator has been busy adding to our group of volunteers! They are coming to us; most are familiar with Buffalo Valley, having loved ones residing at Buffalo Valley, or have had family at Buffalo Valley in the past. In today s busy world, it is refreshing to know there are still folks out there that take the time to give of themselves to help others. Please welcome Joanne Heintzelman, Mercy Snyder, Marjorie Reitmeyer, and Joan Wilkinson. They will have a gold name badge with volunteer on it. Please be sure to thank them for their service. If you are interesting in volunteering, please call Charlene Fisher at 570-523-4244 for more information.