Messiah Village announced today it will adopt a new identity, Messiah Lifeways℠. The 115-year-old organization that serves older adults in Central Pennsylvania developed a new name, logo and brand to illustrate its comprehensive services and programs for those 55 and better.

 While many in Central Pennsylvania associate the name Messiah Village with the continuing care retirement community in Mechanicsburg, the organization offers a much broader scope and reach. 

 “We have developed to the point that we have outgrown our name,” said Emerson L. Lesher, Ph.D., President of Messiah Lifeways. “We are no longer a ‘village’ at one location, but a complete network of services that reaches into the community to serve older adults.”

 In fact, Messiah Lifeways has grown into an organization that extends well beyond the senior living community, which will still be referred to as Messiah Village. Messiah Lifeways also offers:

• Home care, adult day services and rehabilitation open to anyone 55+ in the Harrisburg region
• Enrichment  opportunities, including the Pathways Institute for Lifelong Learning, wellness center memberships, the Mechanicsburg Senior Center and volunteer opportunities for anyone 55+ in the Harrisburg region
• Active adult living at Mount Joy Country Homes, a maintenance-free cottage community in Lancaster County

 The broader Messiah Lifeways identity will also serve as the platform for expansive new programs that will be announced at a February 6 event. These innovative programs will provide new options for the 75,000 older adults living in the corridor from Carlisle to Hershey.

 The Messiah Lifeways identity was developed after considerable research and planning. “Lifeways” reflects the many choices the organization offers and an important truth for older adults:  there are many ways to experience life. The unique name also seeks to change the conversation about growing older and to inspire people to face the future with a new outlook.

 The new logo design features a reflected Messiah “M” that creates a star – a symbol that represents light, energy and direction — both for the organization and the older adults it serves.  Messiah Lifeways will also adopt a new tagline — “Life. Embraced.™” — that expresses its goal of inspiring older adults to lead bold, purposeful lives.  

 While the new identity reflects the organization’s evolution, Messiah Lifeways will remain a non-profit sponsored by the Brethren in Christ Church and will continue to be governed by the same board of directors and executive team.

The new name also maintains an emphasis on “Messiah” — an affirmation of Messiah Lifeways’ commitment to its core mission as a ministry that responsibly enhances the lives of older adults with Christ-like love.

 Messiah Lifeways’ online resource, www.messiahvillage.org/messiahlifeways, provides details on the development of the organization and the brand. In the coming weeks, Messiah Lifeways will launch a new website, MessiahLifeways.org,  and Facebook and Twitter pages, expand its Messiah Lifeways YouTube channel, and begin the transition to the new name and logo.Messiah Lifeways represents the most recent identity for a forward-thinking organization that has continued to build during its entire 115-year history. Founded in 1896 as the Messiah Rescue and Benevolent Home in Harrisburg, the organization has operated from several locations and undergone four name changes as it has expanded its scope.

Messiah Village was recently recognized by Harrisburg Magazine as “Simply the Best” Long-term Care Facility. Team members: Devon Zehr, Dr. Emerson Lesher, Kelli Murtoff and I went to the awards presentation to represent the Village and accept the award. 

Messiah Village has received this honor consecutively for at least the last eight years! Harrisburg Magazine readers vote on their favorites each year. The favorites are featured each year in the August issue. To see a full list of 2011 winners visit Simply the Best 2011 . Thank you readers for recognizing Messiah Village as a great place to live and work!

Over the last year, I have been thinking hard about how best to describe Messiah Village and the amazing life of residents, clients and members. How do we inspire others to think about the process of aging in a bold new way — in a way that resists stereotypes of aging?

I’ve heard from several new residents that their friends say they are “sorry” when they tell them they are moving to a senior living community. The view is that their life is over. I also hear “younger” people who do not work in this field make jokes about “old folks”. I’ve noticed that I’ve become pretty testy about any jab, even when it’s in good nature. After working in this field for a few years, I have come to see what life can be like. How fully one can live life. How purposeful and zestful life can be.

Over the next several months, we will be talking more about how Messiah Village plans to communicate an inspirational message about living life to its fullest at every age. You’ve heard it said “a picture is worth a thousand words.” I believe pictures can show the emotion, determination and possibilities much quicker than words.

Last week a professional photographer, Clay Enos, was at Messiah Village capturing zestful living.

To that end, we are asking residents, clients, members, employees, and volunteers to submit pictures (regardless of their age) showing how they are living zestfully! The photo(s) must be submitted by September 1, 2011. The winning photo will win the grand prize of a hot air balloon ride for 2 or tickets for 4 to a Sight & Sound production with dinner at Miller’s in Lancaster. To learn more visit: http://www.messiahvillage.org/photocontest.htm

I challenge you to submit a picture of you living life with zest!

Messiah Village’s mission is to be “a ministry that responsibly enhances the lives of older adults with Christ-like love”. We believe life is enhanced in three ways: First through an active inward journey of personal growth, secondly through an outward journey of sharing with others, and finally by journeying together with others.  We are committed to being a community that provides opportunities for it members to continue their life’s journey.

Last Friday, 22 team members from Messiah Village displayed the principle of journeying outward through service to the Clouse family. The team installed appliances, cleaned windows, pressured washed the patio, wiped down woodwork, mopped floors, cleaned bathrooms and dusted.

 The team also presented the family with a birch tree which symbolizes new beginnings and cleansing of the past. It is a blessing to serve others within our community, in our region and around the world with Christ-like love.

The last few months have been especially interesting and challenging for me. I have been working on a very involved project at work related to our brand and how we communicate who we are as an organization moving forward. In addition, I have taken on a new role as a “caregiver” for a parent who recently went through two major surgeries.

This has been an eye-opening experience for me to sit in hospital waiting rooms, communicate with multiple family members, interface with Messiah Village Home Care and help with everyday living after the surgeries. As a mother of two elementary students, I now understand the phrase “sandwich generation”! Thankfully, my loved one is recovering well and is back to doing most activities independently. But, for many people the role of caregiver can go on for years.

Matt Gallardo (pictued above) is the Director of Admissions at Messiah Village. He recently shared an article that he wrote with me. Matt has seen a lot throughout his career as he has worked with hundreds of families who are tired and need practical help. He was a big help to me as I worked through the options available for my parent. I share his thoughts with you and tip a HUGE hats off to all the caregivers. You are a blessing from God to those you serve. I now have an even greater admiration for what you do. Thank you.

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Devoting oneself to care for a chronically ill or disabled spouse, family member or a friend is a noble and compassionate deed.  But for those of you who have done it, you know it can often be overwhelming and ultimately you can get burned out.   The change in family dynamics, the physical, mental and emotional strain and often financial concerns can really take its toll on your relationship and the well being of your loved one as well as your own.   Feeling hopeless, exhausted, angry, resentful, guilty and isolated are just a few of the very common symptoms of caregiver burnout.   It is vital to learn to how to cope with these symptoms and the stressors of being a caregiver.   Otherwise you may end up with a risky situation for yourself and your loved one.  Below are a just few tips to reduce the stress of caregiving.

• Stay healthy!  Eat right, get plenty of sleep and exercise.  This will also improve your mood.  You have to take care of yourself first; otherwise you won’t be around to be a caregiver.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mediation, yoga or even Tai Chi.  These techniques can provide a great release and can recharge your battery.
• Stay socially active and surround yourself with positive people.  Attending church, civic groups, family gatherings and getting out on a regular basis and interacting with those that have an interest in your feelings and well being can be a great distraction.
• Accept or seek additional help.  You cannot do it alone.  If others are willing to help in anyway, take that help to make your caregiving schedule more manageable.  There are also plenty of resources and services available to caregivers to alleviate stress out in the community and particularly here at Messiah Village.  We have social workers and other designated staff that can help connect you to these resources such as:

Messiah Village Adult Day Services 717-790-8224

Messiah Village Home Care, LLC 717-790-8209

Messiah Village Enhanced Living Respite (short-term stay) 717-790-8201

Messiah Village Massage Therapy 717-790-8209

Messiah Village Rehabilitation Services 717-790-8225

Alzheimer’s Support Group 717-697-4666

For more information go to messiahvillage.org

or call the Welcome Center at 717-790-8201.

A very special edition of Echoes has just arrived. This issue celebrates Messiah Village’s 115th Anniversary by highlighting 115 influential personalities — people, organizations, and even animals — who have contributed to Messiah Village in a meaningful or interesting way over the last 115 years.

This issue of Echoes was a truly a labor of love by the Communications Team, multiple residents, and Glen A. Pierce, the director of the Brethren in Christ Historical Library and Archives.

On behalf of all those who contributed to this issue (including all the great content from the book To Have a Home, written by Ray M.  Zercher), we hope you find this to be as inspiring, humbling, and as special as we did.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue and welcome suggestions for other influential people who have touched Messiah Village over the last 115 years.

Read the issue now.

It is hard to believe Messiah Village is celebrating 115 years of enhancing life this year! The Central Penn Business Journal just included a special publication in their newspaper called “Milestones”.

Messiah Village is featured as the oldest company in this publication. To see a virtual copy of this article about Messiah Vilage, follow this link.

Stay tuned for the spring  issue of Echoes which will celebrate our rich 115 year history.

This month Messiah Village became the official sponsor of the Mechanicsburg Senior Center which serves 320 older adults members. As the sponsoring organization, Messiah Village works closely with the senior center on day-to-day operations and also has the rights to have the organizational name tied closely to the center. The Center’s director, Becky Kitner, is now a Messiah Village employee.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the center and meet some of the Senior Center’s members. It was a privilege to interact with such a dynamic and diverse group of people. I learned about a non-fiction book club that is starting up at the Center and enjoyed watching a Tai Chi class in action. It was also interesting to hear about the many ties individuals had to Messiah Village.

Just yesterday, a few of us had the opportunity to speak before the Mechanicsburg Borough Council meeting about Messiah Village and this new relationship. Already this relationship has opened up new ways to interact with the community and greater opportunities to promote the many services Messiah Village has available for older adults regardless of where they live.

At this point, we have no idea where this journey will lead, but I am excited to work with Messiah Village’s Community Based Services and the members of the Senior Center to continue to grow its membership and maintain the vibrancy of the Mechanicsburg Senior Center.

Thirty Christmases ago, I danced at the Hershey Theater and the Strand Capital Performing Arts Center in the Nutcracker. I was in first grade and played the part of an angel. I remember sitting for hours as my mom rolled my hair into separate curls that were pinned to my head. It was a very long process.

Vividly, I remember my dance in York at the Strand. I remember seeing the reflections of the glasses of people in the audience. As we did a turn, I remember my halo getting caught with the girl beside me. I tried to yank it apart, but they were very stuck. I remember the entire audience laughing! It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

This weekend my daughter who is in first grade will be dancing on that same stage in the Nutcracker as an angel! Thankfully, the halos are designed differently. It is so special to see her play this part.

 . . . About six months ago, I was challenged by a fellow colleague at work to find an outlet outside of my role as mom and marketer. After much pondering, I went back to my childhood and the joy that ballet brought to my life. At that time, I made a decision to try out for the Nutcracker for one of the adult roles.

In September I tried out. I was very nervous. It had been a long time since I had been so nervous. At the end of the try-outs I was told that I had made the cast! That day I also found out that my son who is 5 also would be in the party scene as one of the little boys.

 My daughter, son and I have been practicing nearly every weekend this fall. It has been challenging and exhilarating to use my brain (and body) in new ways! My husband also joined the stage crew and helped with set design. (The picture is of the two girls playing Clara in the Greater York Dance’s production.)

 Tonight, after thirty years, I will step onto that Strand Capital stage again in the Nutcracker for our first dress rehearsal. I’m hoping and praying this time for not so many laughs!

 At Messiah Village, we talk a lot about journeying inward, outward and together. I have been inspired by residents, volunteers and employees who are growing in new ways. I am a fuller person because of your example.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

In early November, I had the opportunity to attend the national AAHSA conference in Los Angeles. Messiah Village is a member of this national association. AAHSA stands for American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

Here is the registration booth when you first entered the Los Angeles Convention Center…

  During the conference we heard from many inspiring people. One group that was most inspiring was the Zimmers. They are a music group of older adults from England that has a zest for life. Their combined age is 3,700 years old! The group formed in 2007 to fight for pension rights. Now, their purpose is to dispel stereotypes of aging. They sang songs from the Beatles and Eric Clapton. They even sang “You Gotta Fight for your right to party”! It was moving to hear them talk about life after retirement. Many of the members struggled with their identity and what to do with their time. Their experience in the Zimmers has been a rebirth for many of them.

One session I attended was called, “Emerging CCRC Trends: Focusing on the Future”. This session discussed the future of continuing care retirement communities like Messiah Village. What residents will want in terms of amenities, services, and culture.  The session revealed that the next generation of residents will want four key things:

CHOICE — multiple dining venues and activities

CONTROL — different financial options

CONNECTIONS — this becomes more important every day as we age

CONVENIENCE. — easy, urban models, mixed use models, diversity of ages

The conference was also a great time to get to know Messiah Village board president Wes Carr better and to interact as a team. Pictured below: (Wes Carr, board chair; me; Geli Losch, Director of Community Based Services; and Dr. Emerson Lesher, president). We learned about new approaches to community based services, new sales and marketing approaches, new technologies, new building and interior design trends and so much more.

 We also were introduced to AAHSA’s new name. In January, the association will be called “LeadingAge” instead of AAHSA. Here is a sneak peek at the new logo. The organization wanted to adopt a name that embodied their vision to transform society’s vision of aging and deepen their members’ commitment to expanding the “world of possibilities” for aging.

 So, what do you think of the new name?

I feel blessed to have represented Messiah Village at this national conference. It was rewarding to see that we are truly a leader among our peers. It is also exciting to be challenged to in new ways and to be reminded of how purposeful and inspiring it is to work in this field.