CentraState - Healthy Directions

seniorsfirst CALENDAR OF EVENTS september & october 2011 Call (732) 780-3013 for reservations for all programs. The Applewood Experience: Letter from a Daughter In my career as a high school teacher, I've always taught my students that people are quick to criticize and complain but forget to compliment and express their gratitude for excellence! My parents, Irving and Jenny Holt, became residents of Applewood Estates in February and are blossoming like the beautiful spring flowers! Applewood came highly recommended by Judith Parnes of Elder Life Management Inc. [a non-profit agency in Ocean Township that assists with issues of elder care management and planning] as well as many others in our Regency Community in Monroe. Our experiences, from the first time we met with Tricia Koches [Applewood sales counselor] back in November until today, have been beyond phenomenal. Needless to say, finding the "right" place for your parents and convincing them to leave their Florida home of 30 years is no small task. The draw of being closer to their children, grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren has only been matched by Applewood's warm and compassionate staff and delightful residents. The fact that the residents are so happy and encouraging is a testimony to Applewood's excellence. Tricia was invaluable in introducing us to your facility and walking us through the entrance process, and she continues to be involved whenever we have any questions. Lilly Busto [marketing assistant and move-in coordinator] has been great with decorating ideas, and Meredith Winick [resident services supervisor] is ALWAYS available with answers and help in getting adjusted. www.centrastate.com Front row, left to right: Tricia Koches, Irving Holt, Jenny Holt, Dorothy Cheriff (daughter of Irving and Jenny), and Frank Cheriff (Dorothy's husband). Back row, left to right: Viosa Gjonbalaj; Meredith Winick; Toni Vono, RN; Debbie Syarto; Nancy Corn; Martha Minda; and Lilly Busto. PARKINSON'S SUPPORT GROUP Manalapan Senior Center 211 Route 522, Manalapan, NJ Tuesdays, September 20 and October 18, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. SENIORSFIRST MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON—"THE GOOD OLD SCHOOL DAYS!" Applewood Estates Performing Arts Center Come enjoy a luncheon complete with free raffle prizes and entertainment. Friday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., $9 DINING OUT PROGRAM AND SENIOR GAMES Debbie Syarto in the Bistro has welcomed my parents and always seems to be there when they need some help. When my mom was not feeling well enough to come down for dinner, Debbie helped my father select the appropriate food and packed it so they could dine in their apartment. Martha Minda of Housekeeping and Danny Horton, head of Maintenance, worked hard to prepare their apartment before they arrived. They adore Viosa Gjonbalaj from the housekeeping staff, who cleans their apartment and linens, and feel like they have known her for years! Maryellen Cherecwich and Elaine Beecher at the front reception desk have been invaluable to us and have patiently answered all of our questions. Last, but truly most important to us, is the Wellness Center, beginning with Toni Vono, RN, the nurse who interviewed them and immediately put them at ease, and Nancy Corn [wellness coordinator] who is gracious and efficient in her handling of the residents' medical needs and records. Charles Hayne [DO, board-certified internal medicine physician], whom I had the pleasure of meeting last week, is their doctor. His knowledge of her history, which he took the time to read in her records, and understanding of my mom's needs was most impressive. She had a fasting blood test Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus Conference Center Join us for good food and fun with other seniors. Breakfast: bagels, danish, hot beverages Lunch: wraps, sandwiches, pasta, assorted beverages Thursday, September 22, and Wednesday, October 12, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m., $7 SENIORSFIRST MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON—"HARVEST MOON!" Applewood Estates Performing Arts Center Come enjoy a luncheon complete with free raffle prizes and entertainment. Friday, October 21, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., $9 For stroke support information, contact SeniorsFirst at (732) 780-3013. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT "THE LIFECARE ADVANTAGE" AT APPLEWOOD ESTATES, ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION OR CALL (732) 303-7416. this morning, and Dr. Hayne called her this afternoon with the results. Amazing. Honestly, what could have been a nightmare displacing my mom and dad from their home of so many years has turned into an unbelievable lifestyle change that has made us all so very happy. Sincerely, Dorothy Cheriff [daughter of Applewood Estates residents Irving and Jenny Holt] September/October 2011 7

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