Arbour Square of Harleysville News

“It first came up at the Resident Association meeting in October or November,” said Arbour Square Resident Association President Dorothy Hendershot. “We originally talked about adopting a family, but then we thought ‘why not get more people involved and have a giving tree?’”

Arbour Square has worked with Keystone Opportunity in the past but has always made monetary or food donations. Every year, the Keystone Opportunity Center collects high-value gift cards that are distributed to clients in need during the holiday season. This is the first year that the Giving Tree was ever done.

“The Giving Tree was a concept created by Arbour Square to benefit the clients of Keystone Opportunity Center,” said Malcolm Friend, director of Resource Development at Keystone Opportunity Center. “Arbour Square has, without question, made a difference in the lives of many in our community facing poverty, hunger, and homelessness.”

With the Giving Tree project, the Resident Association of Arbour Square prepared tags that could be used as ornaments on a tree with the gender and ages of people who needed gifts for the holidays. Residents could come and take the tags off the tree and buy gifts for the person the tag pertained to.

“The residents could not have been more obliging,” said Hendershot. Hendershot worked with Arbour Square Resident Life Director Barbara Lewandowski to have the tree up a few days before Thanksgiving. Lewandowski then notified residents to take a tag, if they chose to do so, and have their gifts dropped off by the end of November. By Dec. 4, over 200 gifts had been collected and were transported via Arbour Square’s bus to the Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton.

“Overall, over 400 gift cards were donated to Keystone Opportunity Center, in addition to the bus-load of donations from Arbour Square,” said Friend.

“They were tickled silly pink,” said Resident Association Vice President Lyn Serianni, who was responsible for packing the gifts onto the bus. “There were a lot of beautiful toys for kids and gorgeous dolls for little girls. They were overwhelmed with the amount of gifts we brought.”

Following the success of this year’s donations, both Arbour Square and Keystone Opportunity Center look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come. “Absolutely we will be doing this again,” said Serianni. 

“We value the continued friendship and support of Arbour Square residents year-round,” added Friend.

Arbour Square of Harleysville is an all-inclusive, independent living community that promotes a vibrant retirement lifestyle. Services include delicious home cooked meals served in our beautiful dining room, activities and social events, exercise and wellness programs, trips and transportation, housekeeping services and much more. Arbour Square offers residents a month-to-month lease with no long-term contracts or entrance fees. For more information, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1200.

Arbour Square of Harleysville, an independent senior living community in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, recognizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle among the senior population and is working toward changing the focus of health and wellness for over 270 residents.

Nestled within 22-acres, the senior community features a beautiful walking trail, where you're bound to bump into residents partaking in a fitness class or out for a leisurely stroll.

“I’m always told by incoming seniors and visitors that the energy level here is much different than at other communities,” said Mimi Kehan, campus executive director at Arbour Square. “We’re always looking for ways to collaborate with our employees, as well as community members to bring programs, presentations or other services here that will improve the quality of life for our residents.”

This was the initiative used when revitalizing the fitness center—making health and wellness a lifelong goal. The state-of-the-art facility features a 65-inch screen television, free-weights, stretch bands, and various exercise machines like an elliptical and stationary bike.

“The fitness center is senior-friendly as are the exercise classes provided,” said Steve Sherer, a board-certified physical therapist and owner of Senior Physical Therapy Services, which operates out of Arbour Square. “If a resident is feeling unsure about how the fitness center operates, the fitness instructor will take them through and show them how to exercise safely and the rules of the machine.”

Sherer’s services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and a wellness program. He also has a dedicated fitness instructor who offers complimentary exercise classes, as well as wellness guidance to residents at the senior living community.

For a nominal fee, residents can opt-in to an advanced wellness plan that includes individualized training with the fitness instructor two times a week and access to AlterG®, an anti-gravity treadmill. This unique piece of equipment allows seniors to move, walk, run, build strength, and improve cardio conditioning, without the risk of falling by using air pressure to gently decrease 100 percent body weight to as low as 20 percent.

Barbara Lewandowski, resident life director at Arbour Square, creates a monthly schedule filled with various recreational and fitness activities instructed by employees and individuals from the local area. Activities are provided at no extra charge with some events being open to the public.

“I came from a family that fishes and hunts, shoots archery and shotgun competitively. I realized early on how important it is to follow your passion no matter your age or limitations,” said Lewandowski, which is also why she considers residents’ opinions when scheduling activities, such as fishing and golfing.

“Now that I’m in my 80s, it’s nice to be able to still do some of the things I loved when I was younger. I fished since I was a boy, and I love that I have the opportunity to fish again,” said Austin Hayes, a resident at Arbour Square.

Senior exercise classes are also scheduled with adaptability in mind so residents with limitations can still experience the benefits from physical activity. Stretchersize is an exercise program that can be modified to a person’s ability. Regardless of the change, the program still improves general fitness, flexibility, mobility, balance and muscle tone through purposeful movement.

Additional classes include Roll and Stroll, a supervised aerobics-based program of walking with others, both indoors and outdoors, for fitness and enjoyment; circuit training, an all-levels, fun, fast-paced exercise class set to music; and tai chi, a class focused on graceful movements and designed as a gentle way to fight stress and anxiety, while increasing flexibility and balance.

"Circuit Training and Flexercise classes are the best,” said Phil K., a resident at Arbour Square. “Not only do the classes get me in shape, but the instructor also makes it really fun to do!"

In addition to the enhancements to fitness programs, residents can expect to taste changes in the menu. Award-winning chef David Lademann is looking to revamp recipes using fresh fruits and vegetables from the seniors’ community garden.

“We are trying to incorporate a more farm-to-table type of dining,” said Kehan.

But, what can residents and incoming seniors expect in the near future? How about a boxing class, more Couples Night-In events with live music for dancing, and additional destination outings? Find out first-hand why seniors are loving life here. Call 267-677-1200 to schedule a non-obligatory tour.

Arbour Square of Harleysville is an all-inclusive, independent living community that promotes a vibrant retirement lifestyle. Services include delicious home cooked meals served in our beautiful dining room, activities and social events, exercise and wellness programs, trips and transportation, housekeeping services and much more. Arbour Square offers residents a month-to-month lease with no long-term contracts or entrance fees. For more information, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1200.

“We’re very proud that 89 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to Parkinson’s research,” said Haley Deal, Associate Director of Advancement for the Michael J. Fox foundation. “It all goes strictly to research funding and finding a cure or improving the lives of people living with Parkinson’s.”

Deal visited Arbour Square as a presenter for the monthly Parkinson’s support group meeting, which is held the fourth Wednesday of every month. “We discussed how the Michael J. Fox foundation started, as well as some of the current research that is going on,” said Deal. At the conclusion of Deal’s presentation, the Arbour Square Resident’s Association made a donation of $1,000. This donation was matched by Arbour Square resident and Dean Mininger, as well as another couple in attendance, for a total donation of $3,000.

“The presentation was very helpful in understanding the disease,” said Mininger, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 years ago. “It was a tough diagnosis for me to accept. It’s all symptom related; there are no blood tests for it.”

Mininger did not go in to the meeting expecting to make a donation, but he was impressed with Deal’s presentation and her knowledge of the disease. “I read about it all the time and stay up to date with it. She was very educated,” Mininger said. “You donate a dollar and you know where it goes; you can’t say the same about some other organizations.”

Mininger has been attending the monthly Parkinson’s support group since he first moved in at Arbour Square. “It’s nice to be there with people experiencing the same things as you; some people deal with it differently, but depression is common in people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, so they need that support,” said Mininger. “Being informed and staying informed is key.”

Arbour Square of Harleysville is an all-inclusive, independent living community that promotes a vibrant retirement lifestyle. Services include delicious home cooked meals served in our beautiful dining room, activities and social events, exercise and wellness programs, trips and transportation, housekeeping services and much more. Arbour Square offers residents a month-to-month lease with no long-term contracts or entrance fees. For more information, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1200.

“We are fortunate to have wonderful residents with an outstanding and caring staff who make a difference in their lives, ” said Mimi Kehan, executive director of Arbour Square of Harleysville. “Our goal has always been to exceed our residents’ expectations, and the community staff and leadership team dedicate themselves to delivering on that promise. The residents and families always have many compliments about living at Arbour Square of Harleysville, as seen by the positive feedback they share on Caring.com. We are honored to be recognized as a Caring Star of 2018.”

Online reviews help Americans research and select the best senior care providers for aging or ailing loved ones. In multiple Caring.com research studies, the majority of family caregivers have indicated that they turn to the Internet and consumer reviews when narrowing their options among senior living communities in their area, and have relied on these perspectives as much as or more so than in-person recommendations from geriatric professionals or medical personnel. Now entering its seventh year, the Caring Stars annual list helps consumers see which senior living communities are top rated by other families just like theirs – which is particularly helpful as families gather for the holidays and discover increased or urgent senior care needs for their parents or grandparents.

“Congratulations to Arbour Square of Harleysville for achieving this award after earning accolades from residents and their loved ones on Caring.com, ” said Karen Cassel, Caring.com CEO. “This important milestone speaks volumes about the positive difference Arbour Square of Harleysville is making in serving older adults, and we join with the local community in celebrating their accomplishment.” Some of the positive feedback that led to Arbour Square of Harleysville being a Caring Star of 2018 includes:

• “The Campus Executive Director Mimi is super visible leading a great team and her leadership is extremely genuine...she knows every single resident on a first name basis.”

•“Nothing can compare to Arbour Square. Its run very personal and professional and the staff is extremely caring and knowledgeable.”

• “We are so grateful to the entire staff that do such an amazing job in making Arbor Square a wonderful place to spend the golden years of your life.” Read the full text of these reviews and others on Caring.com. To learn more about the Caring Stars program and view the complete winner list, please visit: Caring.com

Rathschmidt, 82, admits she was overcome with nervousness during her first attempts but found the overall experience soothing thanks to the patience of her instructor, Louisa Wismer. “I never thought I’d be able to do it, but Louisa is very encouraging,” said Rathschmidt. “She offers guidance and support. You can’t find instructors like that.” 

Wismer is a well-known Bucks County artist and art teacher. She teaches all media and enjoys seeing students explore and experiment with color and different mediums to discover their hidden talents. Wismer teaches Watercolor 101 at Arbour Square twice a month.  

Rathschmidt finds the watercolor class easy to follow and continues her newfound hobby outside the classroom. She set-up her own painting area in her spacious apartment to accommodate her passion, and is now able to produce artworks whenever a creative mood strikes her.  

Recently, Rathschmidt entered her painting into Arbour Square’s annual Artisan Exhibit, where residents and staff members showcased their collection of artworks. In addition, family members and local community members came out to show support for the artistic abilities of the residents. 

Mary Ann Flynn, Rathschmidt’s daughter, is thrilled about the class and is noticing a change in her mother’s demeanor. “All the activities at Arbour Square are wonderful. She’s really excited, she enjoys painting and looks forward to the next class,” said Flynn. “The watercolor class has encouraged my mother to try more activities.” 

If you are interested in joining the watercolor class or learning more about the activities offered at Arbour Square, please call Julie Kline, director of marketing, at 267-677-1204.

Zheng recently graduated from Souderton Area High School, and was ranked in the top five percentile of his graduating class. “Jerry is among the most extraordinary and unique students I have known,” said Souderton Area High School’s Principal, Sam Varano. “His potential to contribute to our local, regional, and world communities is limitless.” Zheng currently works as a buffet server at Henning’s Supermarket in Harleysville, as well as Country Garden Chinese Restaurant, which happens to be owned by his family. Zheng’s desire to pursue a career in the culinary arts was sparked by his time spent at his family’s restaurant. “Even though my family owns a house, we practically live in the restaurant,” said Zheng.

There are a number of other influences that helped impact Zheng’s decision to pursue the culinary arts as well. “Watching people create opulent dishes was my inspiration,” Zheng said. Although he admits to never watching cooking shows when he was younger, he did see a number of skills on display while growing up in the restaurant industry. “Chef Charles Cole, Mrs. Jane Mitchell, Chef Mark Tarlecki, and Pastry Chef Alan Delong have all helped me fuel my dreams and ambitions.”

In addition to his exceptional talent in the kitchen, Zheng has also gone above and beyond in the classroom. Zheng was the first student from Souderton Area High School to earn the highest score in the state for the Academic Decathlon season, making him the individual state champion in 2017. “Jerry is unique as a student because he attempts to squeeze every inch of productivity out of his system,” said Phillip Cerami, Zheng’s Academic Decathlon coach and teacher at Souderton High School. “Where other students might be willing to take deserved rest, Jerry sees this as inefficient. He is driven to be the absolute best at whatever he is pursuing, whether that be culinary arts or the Academic Decathlon. He sees rest as weakness.”

At his middle school, Zheng took an aptitude test which revealed a high desire to serve others through hands-on work. “I always loved hands-on work. I enjoy carpentry, using electrical tools, and menial labor chores,” said Zheng.

“Many teachers have approached Jerry with things he’s ‘capable of’, such as science, engineering, medicine – all within his grasp,” said Cerami. “I see Jerry as a possible Alton Brown-style cook; mixing food and science to create something we’ve never seen before. Speak to Jerry and you’ll understand this passion. I’ve already reserved my table.”

The Keith Michael Howe Memorial Scholarship is named after a graduate of Souderton Area High School who passed away due to injuries sustained in a car accident in late 2012. This scholarship, in his memory, is awarded to a student who has demonstrated a gift in a vocational field, a passion for working closely and professionally with individuals of all ages and has a team-player personality. Howe was a role model to all who worked with him in the Arbour Square Community. He touched the hearts of all the senior and staff members.

Every year during the holiday season, the Residents’ Association at Arbour Square chooses to donate to a food pantry or other charitable foundation. This was the first time the Residents’ Association donated to Manna on Main Street. “We wanted to broaden our horizons into the community,” said Residents’ Association President Patricia Frey.

“We were very thankful when we were told that the Residents’ Association at Arbour Square would be coming to donate the $1,000 check; it was a wonderful visit,” said Manna on Main Street Development Officer Paige Harker.

The Residents’ Association did not donate the money to one specific department at Manna on Main Street, so the funds will be distributed as needed. “We appreciate that kind of donation because it’s what we really need,” said Harker. “When a resident [of the North Penn region] shows need, we help them get over the hump financially. We are so grateful to have such wonderful community support. There are so many businesses who really care and want to give back to the community; ‘Mom & Pop shops,’ as well as big corporations.”

Manna on Main Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides emergency food services for people who are “food insecure” in Montgomery County. There are 3,500 people, or 11% of people in the North Penn region who fit into this category. Manna provides a variety of services to help these people meet their food needs. In the 2016 fiscal year, Manna on Main Street raised $116,000 in financial aid (www.mannaonmain.org).

For more information about charitable opportunities, or to speak with someone about how your loved one can live life to the fullest at Arbour Square, please call us today.