Glen Eddy
Winter 2016
Volume 55
Senior Living
eddyseniorliving.com/gleneddy • One Glen Eddy Drive • Niskayuna, New York 12309 • 518.280.8000
Executive Director’s Reflections
Beth Burdgick
Executive Director
I
Executive Director.
want to begin by expressing my thanks to
everyone for my warm welcome to the Glen
Eddy campus. As many of you know, I have
worked for The Eddy since 2004, first in the role
of Senior Living Specialist and most recently
as the Executive Director of Beechwood in
Troy. I accepted my current position with great
enthusiasm, and I am honored to serve as your
As with any leadership position, it’s important to communicate one’s vision for
success. Certainly, that measurement can vary widely dependent upon the nature
of your business. In addition to making sound business and financial decisions,
I feel strongly that success requires an unwavering commitment to customer
service, building great relationships, and valuing employee contributions to the
achievements of the organization.
We’ve all heard the saying “you can please some of the people all of the time, you
can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people
all of the time.” While that may be true, it won’t stop me from trying to please
all of our residents all of the time. In collaboration with the exceptional staff of
Glen Eddy, I feel that it’s a worthy and attainable goal.
“Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will
be there for one another as fellow members of
humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”
I also feel that timely and specific feedback is an essential key to successful
leadership. On an annual basis, we conduct resident and employee satisfaction
surveys to obtain data related to one’s experience at Glen Eddy and St. Peter’s
Health Partners. In addition, I maintain an open door policy and welcome the
opportunity to meet with residents, family members, employees and visitors at
any time.
I’m looking forward to working with all of you in 2016! And in the words of
Goran Persson, “Let our New Year’s resolution be this: we will be there for one
another as fellow members of humanity, in the finest sense of the word.”
Get Happy!
D
id you know that Harvard’s
Positive Psychology 1504,
taught by Prof and author Tal
Ben-Shehar (PHD), was deemed the
most popular course in the history of
Harvard University? If you’re surprised
by this phenomenon, you’re not the
only one. It also came as a surprise to
Dr. Ben-Shehar. While psychology has
traditionally concerned itself with what
ails the human mind –anxiety, depression,
obsessions, paranoia and delusions positive psychology is ‘the scientific
study of optimal human functioning and
focuses on the enabling conditions that
make human beings flourish.’
What makes us flourish? Research shows
that people who have lots of connections
live longer, are happier, and can better
fend of the blues. Social contact may
be as effective as physical activity in
improving mood and quality of life. In
Dr. Ben-Shehar’s book “Happier”, he also
suggests that we build happiness boosters
into our life. These are things which you
enjoy doing such as having lunch with
a friend, reading a good book, engaging
in a hobby, etc. So, the next time you’re
feeling lonely, sad, or disconnected, ask
yourself these questions: What brings
you joy? What makes you happy? What
music makes you want to sing? What are
you passionate about? Whatever you’ve
answered to these questions, do more of
that…at Glen Eddy!
Glen Eddy
Glen Eddy
Retirement Living
Senior Living
Health Services Available On Site at Glen Eddy
The following are a listing of health care services available to all Glen Eddy residents
on a regular basis.
Sunnyview Audiology Services: Monthly at the Terrace. From discussing your
possible hearing impairments, to having a hearing evaluation, to having your hearing
aids cleaned and serviced, and to making the adjustments to wearing hearing aids,
Sunnyview Audiologist Kate Meade, Au.D. helps you along the journey. Sunnyview
will work with your insurance company for any reimbursement possible. Call Nicki at
Sunnyview at 382-4550 or Resident Advisor, Sarah at x 8358) for an appointment.
Massages from Sunnyview: Licensed massage therapist Katie Antos, LMT,
Happy Birthday
Glen Eddy Residents
January
Althea Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/1
George Fox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/6
Trudy Carpenter . . . . . . . . . . 1/11
Marilyn Beadle . . . . . . . . . . . 1/23
Joan Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/29
Susan Apt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/30
Gordon Kilby . . . . . . . . . . . . 1/31
comes to Glen Eddy once per month to provide massages in your apartment. She
offers various session times, to include 30, 45 or 60 minutes. Call Katie directly for an
appointment at 706-8835.
February
in the State Room, done by competent Terrace nursing staff. No appointment is
necessary.
March
Blood Pressure Clinic: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 4:15-4:45pm
Podiatry Services: Dr. Mindy Lam currently meets residents at the Terrace as
scheduled. Her staff works with your insurance company for reimbursement, when
possible. You can call her office (371-7133) to let her staff know you would like an
appointment at Glen Eddy.
If you have any other health service needs, or if you have any questions on the above
services, please contact Resident Advisor, Sarah Fischer at x 8358.
STAFF SPOLTIGHT
Sarah Fischer
P
lease welcome Sarah Fischer, our
new Resident Advisor. Sarah grew
up in a small town just outside
of Utica called Newport here in New
York. She comes to us with a wealth of
experience in Social Work and extensive
experience with Senior Services.
Sarah graduated from West Canada
Valley High School and then completed
her Bachelors of Social Work from
Plattsburgh State with a minor in
Sociology. She started her career in
Binghamton as a Social Worker for a
nursing home for a short time before
going to work as a Resident Manager for
an ARC group
home. She then
took a position
in
Winston
Salem, North
Carolina
as
an Admission
C o o rd i n a t o r /
Social Worker
for a nursing
home, and then subsequently, worked for
Senior Services.
In 2009, Sarah moved back to the Capital
Region and started work with Samaritan
Hospital as a Discharge Planner/Social
Worker where she worked for six years.
Although the job was rewarding, Sarah
was looking for a more direct one-onone relationship with Seniors, and she
eddyseniorliving.com/gleneddy
Sarah Moise . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/1
Ruth Happ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/6
Carlson Taub . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/17
Cathy Joynson . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4
Audrey Bain . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/4
Robert Pletman . . . . . . . . . . 3/8
Shirley Rivest . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/8
Mildred Goldman-Eisner . . . 3/20
Judith Rosolowski . . . . . . . . . 3/22
also wanted a position that allowed her
to work closer to home.
Sarah has two sons; Carter, age 9, who
is in 4th grade, and Nathan, age 6, who
is in 1st grade, and both attend Craig
Elementary School in Niskayuna. Her
boys keep her very busy hiking, camping,
and ice skating. Sarah even finds the time
to be Carter’s Cub Scout Leader. They
like to watch baseball together and the
boys’ favorite team is the North Carolina
Panthers.
Sarah is eager to meet the residents at
Glen Eddy and put all of her expertise
to work to enhance everyone’s lives here.
She encourages everyone to stop by her
office to introduce yourself
Glen Eddy
Glen Eddy
Retirement Living
Senior Living
Front Desk Communications
O
ver the last few months it’s been very busy at the Front Desk, lots of family and
friends stopping in to visit residents over the holiday season. During this time,
we have also welcomed many new Residents and two new receptionists have
joined our team at the Front Desk.
Vicki Hernandez joined our team in late September; she works at our Front Desk
Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings as well as every other Saturday afternoon. Vicki
also has a full-time job as a Senior Court Office Assistant. She lives in Clifton Park
with her husband Albert; they have two children Dante, a senior at Shenendehowa
High School, and Kourtnee, a sophomore at Shenendehowa. In her spare time, Vicki
likes to read and run 5ks.
The newest addition to our team,Tina Arroyo, started working with us in mid-November.
Tina covers the Glen Eddy Reception desk Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and
every other Saturday morning. Tina grew up in the Scotia-Glenville Schenectady area.
She has two adult sons Christopher and Shayne and four grandchildren ranging in age
from 13 to 3. Tina works full-time as an Information Processing Specialist. She enjoys
being outside, no matter the season, and she loves hiking, biking and gardening.
If you haven’t met Vicki and Tina please stop by the “Front Desk” and introduce
yourself.
Friendly Reminder
To ensure your work order related
concerns (computer/printer/maintenance) are addressed in a timely
manner, please stop by the Front
Desk or submit your request via
the Resident Portal. Utilizing one
of these options is the best way to
confirm your request has been forwarded to the appropriate department for resolution.
Maintenance Team: Albert Palmer & Tom
Salisbury
n 2016 the ever popular MEAL IN THE LIFE OF (MITLO) will continue.
Residents are enjoying the special dinners, talks and cooking demonstrations that
are offered. The last month we offer MITLO at Glen Eddy , our residents will be
asked to select menu items.
January – German
February – African American
March – Irish
April – Indian May – Asian Pacific
Ricotta Parfait with
Berries and Almonds
Sweetened Ricotta is great for Breakfast or a Snack.
Portion: 1 cup, serves 1
Ingredients
1/4 cup, 1 tbsp Ricotta Cheese, Part Skim
1-1/2 tsp Honey
1 tbsp Lemon Juice, Fresh
1 tbsp Basil, Fresh, Chopped
1/8 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
3/4 cup Strawberries, Fresh,
Capped, Sliced
1 tbsp Almonds, Toasted Sliced
Mix together ricotta cheese, honey,
lemon juice, chopped basil and
vanilla extract. Layer into a tall
soda glass or mason jar - 3 tbsp
of ricotta blend, 6 tbsp of sliced
strawberries, 3 tbsp ricotta blend, 6
tbsp strawberries, 1 tbsp almonds.
MEAL IN THE LIFE OF
I
RECIPE FROM CHEF JUSTIN
June – Caribbean
July – French
August – Japanese
September – Hispanic
eddyseniorliving.com/gleneddy
Chef ’s Note: Layer this into a Mason
jar, cover with lid for easy food to go.
If you have friends or
family interested
in information about
Glen Eddy, please call
the marketing office
at 280-8369.
FOLLOW US ON
twitter.com/gleneddynisk
Glen Eddy Senior Living
Community
Glen Eddy
Glen Eddy
Retirement Living
Senior Living
EmpowerU
T
he EmpowerU wellness program at Glen
Eddy has been going for almost four years.
This winter has brought some new fitness
class venues including the EmpowerU website
challenge Simply Fit , Indoor walking clubs, ongoing
Cybercycle study and great results in the residents
current post-functional assessment.
Here are those great results: Independent Living: 123% improvement Balance, 94%
improvement Lower Body Flexibility, 77% improvement Lower Body Strength, 77%
improvement Upper Body Strength, 58% improvement Upper Body Flexibility, 42%
improvement Cardio Endurance, 29% improvement Agility. Enriched Housing: 163%
improvement Balance, 77% improvement Upper Body Strength, 86% improvement
Lower Body Strength, 74% improvement Lower Body Flexibility, 60% improvement
Cardio Endurance, 27% improvement Upper Body Flexibility, 21% improvement on
Agility.
Congratulations to the residents at Glen Eddy for their dedication and commitment
to the program! For more information on Fitness classes, Nutrition classes and more
contact Chandra at x8373 or watch for upcoming schedules specifying time and place.
Resident Testimonial: Since we came to the Glen Eddy five months ago, I
began taking two or three exercise classes per week with Chandra Santiago through
EmpowerU. In 2014 I had both hip joints replaced. Even though I went through
some extensive “rehab” after these operations, I lost some confidence with walking
and balance. Since beginning my exercise program with Chandra, I have improved in
all areas and am extremely pleased with the results. My overall strength, coordination
and balance have improved significantly. At present, I am using a cane but lately
I have found myself walking around my apartment without it. I am planning to
continue with these programs and hope that as I continue to improve, I will be able to
walk confidently without the use of a cane. ~ Glen Eddy Resident, Jacquelyn Gann
Spring Cleaning
I
t will be spring before we know it and that means spring cleaning will begin soon.
The process begins with a call to all the residents one month prior to the start of
spring cleaning. (Spring cleaning is completed in the months of April, May and
June) Cleaning is completed on the same day and time as the regular monthly cleaning,
unless a change is needed. Any changes are determined at the time of contact one month
prior. During spring cleaning there are three to four EVS staff members assigned to
complete cleaning tasks in approximately 1.5 hours. At that time EVS staff perform all
monthly cleaning tasks, rotate and flip mattresses, clean all accessible windows inside
and out, high dust to include vent covers and shampoo carpets. Drapes are cleaned
every two years during spring cleaning, the next drape cleaning will begin April 2017.
You have any questions please contact Chuck Manuli, Environmental Services Manager
at x8370.
eddyseniorliving.com/gleneddy
Welcome New
Glen Eddy
Residents
(since 6/20/15)
John Cook
Pat & Betty DeSimone
Jesse Diamond
George Fox
Heinz & Ruth Happ
Chet Harvey & Kathy Armstrong
Frank King & Lisa Angle
Bernard Kleppel & Sarah Moise
John Mcbeth
Francine Madison
Dakim
BrainFitness
R
egular
physical
and
mental exercise is part of a
balanced lifestyle that help
contribute to overall well being.
Dakim BrainFitness is a fun way to
get your daily dose of brain fitness:
it’s only 20 minutes, and best of all,
it’s fun!
Dakim has made it really easy
and fun to get your daily dose of
mental stimulation with the Dakim
BrainFitness system. During each
20-minute Dakim session, you
get a full brain workout across
6 cognitive domains: long-term
memory, short-term memory,
language, computation, visuospatial orientation, and critical
thinking. Try Dakim today!
Call Sue Gamello at x8365 for more
information about using Dakim at
Glen Eddy.
Terrace Times
Signs You May Have
Vitamin D Deficiency
Lisa Earls, LPN, Case Manager
T
he symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency
are sometimes vague and can include
tiredness and general aches and pains.
If you have severe vitamin D deficiency you may
have pain in your bones and weakness, which
may mean you have difficulty getting around. If
you are over the age of 50 and obese, you are
more prone to vitamin D deficiency. People with
darker skin and those with stomach problems
are also more likely to be deficient.
Do you often feel blue, does your head sweat?
Again, this could be your lack of vitamin D.
Before the year 2000, very few doctors ever
considered the possibility that you may be
vitamin D deficient. Researchers now estimate
that 50% of the general population is at risk for
vitamin D deficiency. Optimizing your vitamin
D levels may help you prevent cancer, heart
disease, autoimmune disease, infections and
mental health conditions.
Be sure to ask your health care provider if you
are being tested yearly for 25 D Hydroxy, and be
sure to remember to follow up on the results. If
you take vitamins and nutritional supplements,
look at the labels add up how much D you may
already be taking, too much of a good thing is
actually a bad thing when we talk about vitamin
D. So talk to your health care provider,
make him/her
aware if you are
already getting
extra
vitamin
D and ask for
the blood test,
they’ll take it
from there!
Winter 2016
Volume 55
The Terrace at Glen Eddy, An Enriched Housing Residence
One Ascot Lane • Niskayuna, New York 12309 • 518.280.8361
www.eddyseniorliving.com/gleneddy
Terrace News
Melissa Brown, LPN, Terrace Director
I
t is a great honor and privilege to be
writing as the Terrace Director of
Resident Services for this edition of our
newsletter. After working as The Terrace
case manager between Beverwyck and Glen
Eddy for the past 16 years, I saw this as a
nice opportunity to bring my experience of
enriched housing to the residents, families
and staff and to be fortunate enough to
learn from them as well. I am really looking
forward in continuing to ensure that we
meet our residents’ needs and also open
to ideas and suggestions on how we can make improvements. I would
encourage all residents and families to feel free to contact me either by
phone, email or just by stopping in. My door is always open.
I’m happy to announce that Lisa Earls is our new case manager. She has
been a licensed nurse for 30 years mostly specializing in long term care
and has been here at The Glen Eddy for five years. Lisa will be assisting
residents with making sure they are receiving the services they require,
following up with any medical needs, communicating with families and
coordination of care provided by staff. She will be available Monday
through Friday and also can be reached by phone, email or in person.
Lisa’s direct line is 280-8381 and her email is Lisa.Earls@sphp.com.
I am able to report that our pull cord and pendent system was successfully
installed in early December without any difficulty. Our residents were
each given a choice between a watch or necklace style pendent. If you have
any questions or concerns, please let me know.
We invite and encourage families and friends to join their loved ones for
meals, but this is a friendly reminder to try and provide us with at least 24
hour notice when possible. This will help the dining
staff plan for seating accommodations and ensure
that everyone’s dining experience is enjoyable.
I hope everyone stays healthy and safe the remainder
of this mild winter so far!
Please contact me with any questions,
comments or concerns at: 280-8360
or Melissa.Brown@sphp.com.
Terrace Times
The Terrace at Glen Eddy, An Enriched Housing Residence
One Ascot Lane • Niskayuna, New York 12309 • 518.280.8361
www.eddyseniorliving.com/gleneddy
Happy Birthday
Terrace Residents
JANUARY
Juanita Billetdoux . . . . . . . . . 1/18
Eleanor Rinella . . . . . . . . . . . 1/23
Barbara Fontaine . . . . . . . . . . 1/24
FEBRUARY
Merle Kass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/5
Linda Senn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2/10
MARCH
Mary Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . .
Esta Blood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cornelius Cook . . . . . . . . . . .
Arlene Ehlinger . . . . . . . . . . .
JB Legnard . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(L-R Terrace Residents, Eleanor Rinella, Juanita Billidoux, Batty Maciag and Jean Bishop
Celebrating the New Year.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION:
“Stay vertical”
Here are some tips to help you avoid slips, stumbles and falls in 2016 and years to come.
• Strengthen Your Step: Walking and water exercises are great for building and
maintaining strong muscle coordination, are gentle on the joints and can be fun
to do with friends.
— For outdoor wear, consider using sturdy hiking boots or ice grippers.
• Build Up Your Balance: It’s never too late to improve your balance. Simple
exercises alone or in group sessions can be helpful and relaxing.
— Try some of the fitness classes here
• Use Assistive Devices: Talk with your doctor to see whether or not a walking aid
might be helpful to you.
— Canes (regular or three-pronged) or various kinds of walkers can provide
stability.
• Make Your Home Safe:
— Pull out the Falls Prevention Checklist that was distributed two months ago.
Common household hazards can make you slip, trip, lose your balance, and fall.
For more ideas or to explore these suggestions, talk with Sarah Fischer, Resident
Advisor, at x8358.
3/9
3/25
3/25
3/25
3/26
Welcome New
Activities Assistant
Christine Rocco
C
hristine
R o c c o
started at
The Terrace as an
Activities Assistant
in late December.
She will primarily
be working on
evenings and weekends. In her spare time
she enjoys spending time with her three
children, Sophia age 12, Christopher age 8
and Matthew age 4. She has been a stay at
home mom since right before Sophia was
born. Before that she worked as a head
teacher at a preschool. Christine enjoys
reading and gardening, even though she
claims she doesn’t have a green thumb, and
Disney, she loves all things Disney! We
look forward to having Christine in the
Activities department. Please welcome
her to our team!