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Chat &

Happenings December 2018

In this Issue:

Jessica’s Journal 2

New Residents & Associates 3

Here’s What Happened Last Month 4

November Birthday Luncheon 6

Chaplain’s Corner 7

December Birthday List 10

Around Our Community 11 New Resident Spotlight 12

Associate Spotlight 13

Haircut of the Month 14

The Giving Corner 15

Abundant Life for Seniors

Jessica Stewart Executive Director

Georgine Tracey Administrator

Ryan Champion Director of Sales

Michele Fabiano Director of Building Services

Christine Gallagher

Director of Residential Living

Dominica Go Director of Nursing

Kathy Joyce Associate Resource Director

Rev. Elizabeth Mallozzi Director of Mission

& Pastoral Care

Jean Monteith Director of Dietary

Bryant Nix Director of Housekeeping

Mary Kate Somers Director of Community Life

Dawn Zindel Director of Tapestries

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Jessica’s Journal

Hello!

The Shores is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The trees are

up and the final trimmings are really bringing it all together. We have a very packed

calendar of events this month as the holidays always bring more entertainers and

gatherings.

First, I want to thank you for generous gift to the staff here at The Shores. It is very

thoughtful and the staff are very appreciative.

After the New Year, things will continue to be busy for us here at the Shores. The

renovations will be starting; we have lots of new exciting technology we are working

with to help provide a more individualized iCare plan for our residents that may need

some extra TLC.

On January 18th , we will have a health and wellness day in the Town Hall. I am excited

to bring to you a program called Virtusense. This tool has the ability to see what areas

an individual may need to strengthen to reduce to reduce the potential for a fall,

maintain independence balance and independency in mobility. For those utilizing an

assistive device, this may increase your ability through rehabilitation to minimize the

use of your assistive device. We will have two sessions that day for screening. 10:30

a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It is free and I encourage you to participate.

Just a friendly reminder if you are going on leave for the holiday, please let nursing and

or the desk know you will be out of the building.

I will see all you throughout the month, but I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and

thank you all for being a part of my extended family.

As always, it is a pleasure to serve you and my door is always open if you need

anything.

Warmly,

Jessica

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NEW RESIDENTS We are pleased to welcome new residents to The Shores!

Please make these folks feel welcome and invite them

to join you in all our great activities.

Peter & Regina Barunas

Morton Bates

Ruth Curran

Thomas Flynn

Maxine Nealy

Audrey Willson

NEW ASSOCIATES Please extend a warm welcome to our new associates!

Olushola Adeyemi, CNA

Kimberly Biddle, CNA

Lawrence Cook, Dining Services

Liam Dilg, Housekeeper

Anthony Fama, Utilities

Jon Forgione, Dining Services

Patricia Hannigan, Dining Services

Jacob Hoffman, Dining Services

Lashonda Kelly, CNA

Sarah Kuperstein, Dining Services

Joanna Luckey, CNA

Carrie McCray, CNA

Maureen Mutebi, CNA

Mary Ann Oatman, CNA

Jane Prinski, Reception

Angela Richardson, CNA

Daniel Schrieber, Maintenance

Elizabethe Vega, CNA

Breana Wing, CNA

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Here’s What Happened Last Month 11th Annual Tapestries Family Dinner

Tapestries residents, their families and associates enjoyed a delicious feast prepared by The

Shores Dining Services. The evening was filled with good food, family, friends and

blessings.

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Here’s What Happened Last Month Mr. Mature America ~ Senior Space Trip to OC Art Center

Bill Quain, Mr. Mature America 2018, entertained residents

alongside The Ukulele Band. This lively event, honoring our

veterans, was generously sponsored by American Legion Post 524

of Ocean City.

Senior Space participants enjoyed a trip to the

Ocean City Arts Center to view the annual

Juried Art Exhibit. Winners of the exhibit will

be announced in the next issue.

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November Birthday Luncheon Thank you to our magical birthday hosts Rev. Jerry and Julie Crossley!

They are pictured below with Rev. Beth and Doris Hewett.

Best wishes to everyone who celebrated a November birthday!

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

December 5th at 3 pm is a “Celebration of Chanukah” in the

Town Hall. Come join the Festival of Lights to learn and

share with neighbors the joyful meaning of this Jewish

holiday. We will also take an opportunity to share our

gratefulness with the volunteers who come and provide this

ministry to The Shores. All are welcome!

Post Office Food Drive ends on December 7th. Please bring your donations of dry, non-

perishable goods to the front lobby as signs indicate. Some employee volunteers will be

joining the Ecumenical Council’s Food Cupboard on Saturday December 8th at 3 pm for

sorting and shelving the donations from across the county. Thank you for your support

of this work of love for those in need this season!

Rev. Beth will be welcoming Rev. Harvey Vansciver back as guest preacher on

Sunday, December 16th! Together they will celebrate the season in a special worship

service with you all.

On December 24th at 6:15 pm, we will hold a candle lighting Christmas Eve Worship

Service open to all! This service will be led by Rev. Beth, with musical support from

Rev. Dan Unrath. You and your family are welcome to join this

opportunity to celebrate the love of God in Jesus Christ, the babe of

Bethlehem.

On December 25th at 10 am, a Christmas Morning Family Gathering

will be held in the Town Hall. Come and join the fun of Christmas

music, Christmas games, Christmas gifts and Christmas stories. All

are welcome. The Mallozzi family will be leading the event with

help from Chaplain Intern Sarah Grant.

Advent Bible Study

Mondays at 10:30 am led by Rev. Beth.

No Bible Study on December 24th.

December Chapel Service:

Dec 5th Rev. Tom Stark, Good Shepherd UMC Northfield & Somers Point UMC

Dec 12th Rev. Jeffrey Rickards, Grace Lutheran, Somers Pt

Dec 19th EUCHARIST SERVICE Rev. Janet Gasbarro, Epiphany Lutheran,

Pleasantville

Dec 26th Rev. Larry Oksten, St. Peter’s UMC, OC

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER continued… “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory

as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth…From his fullness we have all received,

grace upon grace.” John 1:14-16

Christmas day was a very exciting day around the Skillman house! My brothers, sister

and I would have to wait at the top of the stairs till everyone was ready. It felt like an

eternity. My oldest brother Alan would always be the slowest to get up. No amount of

nagging him could get him to move faster. When at long last, he appeared, we charged

downstairs and were amazed at the gifts under the tree!

Mom and Dad were living on a missionary salary, but somehow we always had

something very wonderful to remember. Our gift opening was drawn out all morning,

because we opened one present at a time, and we had the ritual “thank you”s followed

by a trip across the room for a hug EVERY time. I really don’t know how Mom and

Dad were able to do for all of us like they did. We learned about giving and receiving.

Both were wonderful. Of course, comforting food was sprinkled throughout the day.

This was one day when we never seemed to run out.

Because the Korean War was going on in the ‘60s, we often had soldiers who were on

leave join the family. One year a soldier had our same last name, Skillman! He was a

far distant relative. It was one of those special moments I remember where strangers

became family, in Jesus’ name.

Sometimes, I wonder if this is what heaven is like. Family gathered happily, feasting in

abundance, strangers embraced in love, wanting for nothing. As many challenges as

I’ve known through my life, my hopeful trust in God comes from these deep roots of

Christmas anticipation. Before I claimed Christ, God

lavished his love over and through my life.

I hope and pray your Christmas will be marvelously warm

and wonder-filled. May you discover the abundance of

God’s grace poured into every gift and meal as we

celebrate God’s birth in human skin at Bethlehem.

Merry Christmas ~ Rev. Beth

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER continued…

Advent/Christmas Prayer: Holy God, you have provided for your people through all

their days. Keep us mindful that even in the desert you are there giving manna as a gift.

For this season of packaged gifts, we ask you to speak your love through each one. May

we find the wonder of abundance matched with our hunger to give to others who are in

tough times and great need. We want to remember our men and women in the military

service who are apart from their families, standing in harm’s way. Bless them and

protect them we pray. May our gifts under the tree delight each one giving and

receiving, as you wish us joy now and forever. In Jesus we pray. Amen

Thank you and Good bye from the Retiring Chaplain!

As I spend the last month with you as chaplain here at The Shores, I

thank you all. You have been a gift of love to me that will never be

forgotten, but cherished always.

I arrived here as your first full time chaplain, your first woman chaplain,

with the benefit of a legacy of deep abiding faithfulness before me.

This invitation to serve you has been more blessing than duty. Thank

you for the kindness, the honesty, the doors opened, the stories shared,

the tears shed, the laughter given. For every part of being in your life,

even when my imperfections showed themselves marvelously, God

knows I am grateful.

I enter the adventure of retirement on January 1st, in which the future is not entirely

known. But with you, I entrust this journey to the God I trust with all my heart and

soul. I also trust that the next chaplain will be a tremendous gift of love and faithfulness

to you all.

~Rev. Beth

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LIBRARY NOTES

By Liz Gleich

Hello to all Library friends,

Correction: I must make a clarification concerning a

book listed in this column last month. I neglected to

point out that it was a large print edition (so much

easier to read). The title is The Matthews Men, and it

can now be found in the large print section under

973GER. I have been told it is a “good read” for

anyone with a special interest in the Big War.

Meanwhile, mosey among the shelves and pick out a

lovely Christmas story to bring you a happy smile. And

keep your hopes up and your fingers crossed as we

await the surprises that the renovations create.

“I hope Christmas brings all your favorite things!”

The Shores Book Club

2018-19 Book Selections 3:00pm Music Room

All are welcome!

Dec 3 - Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

Jan 7 – Beartown by Fredrick Bachman

Feb 4 – A Gentleman from Moscow by Amor Towls

March 4 – A Gentleman from Moscow by Amor

Towls

April 1 – Still Life by Louise Penny

May 6 – Princess: A Private Novel by James Patterson

December Birthdays

The Shores

12/8 Frances Dirkes

12/9 Eleanor Rosica

12/10 Dorothea VanDiver

12/14 Merilee Adams

12/14 Winnie Leute

12/16 Susan Myers

12/18 Nancy Longenecker

12/19 Harry Dare

12/19 Guido Trapani

12/22 Jane Doren

12/24 Shirley Deming

12/25 Ruth Auerswald

12/26 Concetta Stone

12/27 Richard Hoffman

12/30 Joan Lunnon

Wesley By The Bay

12/1 Mary Walsh

12/7 Shirley Traficante

12/19 Joan Hodgins

12/31 Janet Melven

~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY ~

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Around Our Community

Judy and Kathleen

show their

gratitude for

FRIENDSHIP

in front of

The Shores

Wall of Gratitude,

created by our

talented Associate

Amber Mitzel.

Angel Smith and members of the

Garden Club of Ocean City kindly

decorated our large outdoor garden

pots for the holidays.

Widener nursing students Kristen Banks

and Djeneba Nayete met with residents

Ann, Nancy, Val, Eleanor and Judy

during their Promoting Healthy Aging

Service Learning Project. Along with

gaining understanding of health care

and social needs of older adults, the

experience enhanced their

communication skills as future nurses. Please submit your pictures to Michele

Musto, Volunteer Coordinator ext 6321.

Tapestries bell choir gather to

enjoy holiday music with

volunteer Gabriele.

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New Resident Spotlight

By Wendy Kern, Volunteer

This month’s Spotlight introduces you to our

friendly, new resident Isabel Rotella. Isabel

was excited about our interview; telling

people she’s going to be in the papers.

Isabel lived in upstate New York, in the city

of Mineville. Mineville is in the Adirondack

Mountains, near beautiful Lake Placid. Isabel

loves the area and the beautiful mountains.

She jokingly shared with me that no one in

the family ever took an interest in skiing.

Isabel has 3 children; 2 daughters and a son.

She also is blessed with 7 grandchildren and

8 great- grandchildren. Her son’s name is

John and he and his family live in Cape May.

Her daughters are Chris and Cindy. They are all retired. John and Chris were teachers,

and John now coaches football at West Point. Cindy was a secretary for her career.

As for Isabel; she dedicated herself to working the counter in the local Post Office for

many years. It was a small town, so she was involved with all aspects of the mail in the

post office.

Isabel loves to read and has already volunteered in our library. She enjoys crafts and

told me she had fun making Christmas ornaments and wreaths. She is excited about the

upcoming Christmas sale. Isabel is enjoying all the people and activities at the Shores.

She told me that everyone has been so nice and friendly. Isabel admires the patience and

understanding she sees around the community.

The one-word Isabel would share to describe herself is Proud … of her loving family.

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Associate Spotlight By Wendy Kern, Volunteer

This month I had the pleasure of interviewing and

getting to know Jillian Vincent.

Jillian is a caring part of the Shore’s Business

Office. She is proud of her position as Accounts

Receivable Bookkeeper. Jillian is responsible for

billing, finance, and insurance.

She had some very exciting news to share. Jillian

was “Just Married” in August, and recently

returned from their Honeymoon in Cancun. She

described Cancun as Paradise! Congratulations to

newlyweds, Jillian and Juan from all of us in the

Shores’ community. Jillian and Juan met while

attending Pleasantville High School. It is so exciting that they re-connected working

here at The Shores! Many of you probably also know her husband, Juan Valezquez.

Jillian started working at The Shores in 2014 and moved to the Business Office in 2014.

She has an associate degree in Medical Billing and Coding. Jillian also has a BA in

Business Administration. She loves working in the Business Office and helping

residents. This is her passion, and the perfect fit for her.

Jillian lives in Egg Harbor Township. She has 3 children; 1 daughter and 2 sons. Jillian

loves to listen to music, dance, and she has the talent of drawing and painting. Here’s a

sweet interest some of you may know about her. She is a baker who enjoys making

cakes and cookies for family and friends.

Jillian’s favorite part of her day is helping the residents. She loves helping people.

When residents just pop in, to say hello, it brightens her day! She feels like she makes a

difference and is always learning something new.

The one-word Jillian would share to describe herself is Loving… she has a Big Heart.

Thank you, Jillian, for your diligence and dedication.

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Gigi’s Salon Haircut of the Month

Peter Barunas

Salon offers services

for men and women.

Hours

Tuesday - Friday

9am to 3pm

The Shores needs a copy of residents’ new Medicare Cards. You can

bring them to Michelle Morrell and she will copy them while you

wait. For further details contact Michelle at ext. 6515.

December is such a busy month here at The Shores, the calendar is

full of wonderful events. Keep an eye out for additional events.

Flyers will be posted in the elevators and at the front desk.

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The Giving

Corner PB&J Project Success

There was a determined group of residents who formed a peanut butter and jelly

assembly line…all in support of the local homeless population. Together they made

over 100 sandwiches in less than an hour! One resident was quoted as saying, “I want to

give back to the community. My life is very blessed and giving to others is the just the

right thing to do.” The finished sandwiches were very much appreciated by the staff at

Sister Jean’s Kitchen in Atlantic City. Due to the response by residents and associates;

and the need in and around our community, The Shores will plan another sandwich

project during the winter. Stay tuned for details.

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The Giving

Corner continued…

Local Pagent Winner Visits the Shores Residents were treated to a musical performance by Isabella Freund, Miss Eastern

Shores Outstanding Teen 2018. Isabella is a talented piano student who attends Treble

& Bass Music Studio, where Associate Randy Bailey teaches and plays. Isabella’s

platform is Make-A-Wish – Kids for Wish Kids, and she generously donates her time

organizing an annual fundraiser for this non-profit that is close to her heart.

Thank you to all our volunteers who help to make

The Shores a special place to live and work.

Best wishes for a holiday season

that is merry and bright!

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By Clement Clarke Moore, 1823

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Our Mission

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abundant life.

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2201 Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226

609-399-8505

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