In April  Mandy Hermitt, and Judy Franks from the Messiah Village Adult Day Center located in Carlisle  were trained by the Alzheimer’s Association to conduct a water color art sessions with the Adult Day clients. This program, better known as “Memories in the Making”, was developed by the Alzheimer’s Association in partnership with volunteer, Selly Jenny and art teacher, Marilyn Oropeza. It focuses on the individuals remaining strengths and promotes well being by having them paint from calendar pictures and/or still life settings. 

 The Alzheimer’s Association notified all of the trained staff about an upcoming contest giving Adult Day clients the opportunity to submit their artwork to be featured in note cards and calendars created by the Alzheimer’s Association.  The Carlisle Adult Day Center entered about 10 pictures created by several of their clients and waited excitedly in anticipation to see  who would be selected.

The phone call came, and 2 client’s photos were selected. Dorothy Mellott’s picture was selected for the calendar and one of Andre’ DeGlas ’s pictures was selected for the note cards. There is an art show of the selected pieces in the Capitol Rotunda on November 14.

Andre happily shares the painting that was chosen for the Memories in the Making contest.

Dorothy pictured in blue practices her watercolor painting skills.

   More info about this program can be found at thememoriesinthemaking.com.

We’re so excited to be celebrating National Adult Day Services together with our staff, clients and families.  As we invite you to join us in celebrating, we wanted to share a bit more about Adult Day Services.

Messiah Village Adult Day Services utilizes an individualized approach of health, social and support services for older adults who are age 55 and better. We provide a comforting, and nurturing environment for you or your loved one. This is essential for many families as our support provides much needed respite for family caregivers during daytime hours.  It is our goal to promote the maximum level of independence possible for each person through the implementation of supportive services that help to maintain an individual’s present level of functioning as long as possible while also striving to restore or rehabilitate the individual to his/her highest possible level of functioning.

At Messiah Village Adult Day, Lloyd has found a new passion for painting.

Our clients participate in various bus trips and lunch outings as well as intergenerational programs and social programs related to cooking, gardening, pet therapy and music therapy. We serve a well balanced, nutritious lunch daily.  Additionally, clients receive a variety of support and health services such as water exercise, rehabilitation services, podiatry services, bathing assistance and beauty salon and barber services.

Our staff are trained to provide support to our clients as well as family caregivers who can become overwhelmed at times with the responsibility of care giving.

Learn more about Messiah Village’s approach to adult day that is enriching and uplifting!

Adult Day Services Tour & Info Session
Choose the date and location that is best for you!
Fridays, October 14, 21, 28, & November 4 at 9:30 am
Locations: Messiah Village in Mechanicsburg & Carlisle Brethren in Christ Church

RSVP by calling the Welcome Center at 717-790-8201 or email life@messiahvillage.org.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to help out with the Electronics Recycling and Open House event at Mt. Joy Country Homes. Mt. Joy Country Homes is an affiliate of Messiah Village and is a community in the Mt. Joy, PA area for anyone 55+.

I’ve visited the Mt. Joy Campus in the past but yesterday was the first time that I was actually able to see the entire campus and meet a few of the residents. What a relaxing and fun environment! We estimated that almost 70 cars went through the recycling line to drop of unwanted electronics. Needless to say, the recycling truck was very full. Visitors also had an opportunity to view two of Mt. Joys beautiful new cottages and enjoy a cool treat from Rita’s Italian Ice. What a great day!

To learn more about Mt. Joy Country Homes visit MJCH.org

Check out more pictures of the SPACE project from beginning to end on the Messiah Village facebook page.

A special thanks goes out to all the donors, vendors, contractors and friends who have made this project possible. Listed below are a few but not all of the wonderful vendors and contractors we have worked closely with over the past couple months:
Reese Lower Patrick & Scott, Ltd.
RGS Associates
Reese Engineering, Inc.
E & G Services,Inc.
Lefever Millworks

The Messiah Village chili pepper is looking for some prize winning chili to taste at this year’s Still Kickin Chili Cookoff! We are looking for local business and friends of the community to enter this year’s competition.

Last year was our first annual cook-off and it was a blast. The smell of homemade chili filled the air and the music entertainment literally had people dancing. Everyone who attended had the opportunity to taste each teams’ chili recipe and vote for their  favorite.  The winner of the People’s Choice Award had the opportunity to serve their chili s at the Messiah Village Fireside Grille (our on campus restaurant).

This year’s Still Kickin’ Chili Cookoff will take place on September 9. To learn more check out  MessiahVillage.org/chili

Christmas time at Messiah Village is NEVER dull. After Thanksgiving, employees and residents work together to decorate and fill the Village with Christmas spirit. The Grounds team always does a great job with the outdoor lighting. Residents also enjoy adding their own special touch to their cottages and apartments. If you get a chance, I encourage you to drive by some evening and take a look.

In the spirit of going green, the past two years we sent electronic greeting cards instead of paper cards. This has become one of my favorite projects to work on with the Communications team. Each year we try to add a little Messiah Village twist to the greeting. Last year President Lesher read the Night Before Christmas Messiah Village style. This year we took a popular Christmas carol and gave it a Messiah Village twist. Any ideas? I’ll give you a hint. It involves an elf and Santa driving 2 people movers.

If you would like to be added to our Christmas greeting list you can send your email address to me at kherbster@messiahvillage.org.

It’s getting to be that time of year when everyone starts to think about who is going to host the big Thanksgiving feast. Some folks, like me, are already trying to organize their Christmas gift list. As I was recently reminded, it’s important to slow down, relax and take time to enjoy the things that your daily schedule might not allow. My challenge to you as you jump into the holiday season is to slow down and think about all that God has blessed you with. Forget about your to do list, break out your favorite novelty sweater, sit back and enjoy the holidays. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for this year?

As the summer season slowly leaves and the cool crisp fall air sets in, I’m reminded of how beautiful our campus looks as all the leaves begin to change.

Although summer is my favorite season, I’m excited to see what fall will bring. Check out more photos of our beautiful campus on our Facebook page and click on the photos tab.

A few weeks ago we hosted our very first Still Kickin’ Chili Cook-Off. We had a special visit from the Singing Chili Pepper. This is a photo of the Chili Pepper and the winning team from the Fireside Grille. Can you caption this photo?

Be sure to check out our Chili Cook-Off album on Facebook. You might even find a few pictures of  my co-workers and me singing along with the chili pepper.

Pictured from left to right: Donald Mowery, Contractor; Dorothy Gish, Connections Campaign co-chair; Emerson Lesher, President of Messiah Village; Wesley Carr, Chairman of the Messiah Village board; Delphine Albert, Special Care family member

Yesterday, Thursday August 12, Messiah Village held a groundbreaking to commemorate the beginning of a $3.5 million building project that will create a new and more accessible chapel entrance and will expand the living space of the Special Care Nursing Neighborhood that cares for residents with dementia.

I have never been through the process of such a large building project and had no idea how much work goes into a project like this. As the Gift Development Assisted I helped the Development Office raise money for this project. The support and participation of Messiah Village staff, family of residents and friends was amazing. I’ve learned so much from my co-workers, the committee members and our wonderful co-chairs, John Morefield and Dorothy Gish. I admire their hard work and perseverance.

I’m looking forward to the next phase of the project. This has been a fun learning experience  and I can’t wait to see what is next!