Team Dance: October 50/50 Dance!

Team Studio Art: Primrose School and Turkey Wreaths!

Students work with Primrose students for some intergenerational fun!

Mosaics for the San Damiano Residence!

Sister Jane Mary works on site to install several murals throughout the San Damiano Residence!

Team Caring Hearts:Spooky Fun!

Team Caring Hearts sponsored a Halloween Fest for Health Care Center! On Friday, October 28, 2011, Team Caring Hearts invited all the departments to dress up and bring a covered dish for lunch. All the departments gathered in the breakroom together and enjoyed a delicious lunch made up of lots of home made goodies. We made building team spirit delicious, spooky and fun! Sherry Vines, RN, DON

Fit-for-Driving No 8: Fitness and Driving

It takes a certain level of fitness to drive a car safely, and taking an inventory of your abilities is a good idea. In order to be proactive and stay is good shape for driving you may want to enroll in classes to keep you Fit-for-Driving. Getting in and out of the car and turning to see to the side and behind you as you maneuver as needed requires muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. In addition, quick reflexes are important for sudden response to other drivers on the road and unexpected events. When you are researching which classes to enroll in to improve your fitness for driving be sure to include stretching, strengthening, and classes that require coordination and quick reflexes so that you truly remain Fit-for-Driving.

Team Dance #6: Smooth Dancing

When leaving or entering the dance floor be aware of other dance couples traveling on the dance floor or their line of dance. Upon leaving the dance floor avoid stopping to have conversation. This should be done at your table or in the concession area.

If you are coming onto the dance floor after the music has started you should have in mind a pattern that will flow with those already on the on the floor. Perhaps, choose a pattern that you and your partner have perfected in practice and not new material that you are uncertain of. Please feel free to come and practice with us on Wednesdays at 2:30 in The Franciscan Center aerobic room. This class is a Sinclair College for Lifelong Learning program and is free to the public.

Directionally Challenged, Dale Archer

Ballroom Dance Instructor

Mosaics by Sister Jane Mary!

Sister Jane Mary and her crew work on the mural in the meditation room of the new San Damiano Residence for assisted living and memory care.

~photos submitted by Casey Howard

Team Memoirs Group: Talking to the Next Generation of Writers!

Young writers share their tips and ideas with the memoirs group!
~submitted by Dawn Arrowood~

Team Photography: Campus Views

~Submitted by photographer Denise~

Construction Update!

~submitted by project photographer Denise~

Team Studio Art: Suncatchers!

Judy Potter and her students design fall decorations using elements of design

that support the beauty of the Fall season.

Team Spiritual Care: Perfection not Required

Sister Kateri Theriault

Mission Integration



We don't have to be perfect. All we need is faith and a willingness to be the presence of love, healing and forgiveness for others.

— from Finding My Voice

Vital Life Community Update: Guiding Focus on Socialization!

The Vital Life Community is a community that pursues acts of vitality within a social community by striving to achieve community programs that acknowledge each sector of the wellness spectrum. The eight ecologies of life promote well-being, and these dimensions extend the fun and function stage of life if are they channeled through socially engaging initiatives. These wellness dimensions are social, physical, emotional, intellectual, environmental, spiritual, nutritional, and occupational. Research has found that substantial differences in health are possible when a community focuses on the eight ecologies of life with the guiding focus being socialization.

The Vital Life Community concept originated as part of THW’s approach to healthy living communities. THW is a world class architectural firm specializing in living spaces for continuing care retirement communities. St. Leonard began as a beta community in the early part of 2010 for THW to validate their socialization-based wellness design. The criteria to become certified was extensive but produced valid and reliable results. For example, St. Leonard started a social walking program that marked measurement through destination, and in the early fall of 2011, 400 people from the campus and community had joined forces to declare the benefits of walking together. St. Leonard also formed wellness teams to measure wellness program satisfaction by randomly measuring hundreds of events from every dimension of wellness focus. In addition, part of the criteria for certification was to develop a blog that was to become a journal of the progress and the educational tools that were developed to support team development and wellness. Over 900 entries show the ongoing progress of St. Leonard’s wellness programming and social walking program and this progress can be followed at http://stleonardcommunity.blogspot.com/.

St. Leonard was certified as the first Vital Life Community in September of 2011 with an overall campus wellness score of 90%. This wellness score represents hundreds of programs that have been measured with thousands in attendance. St. Leonard’s will continue to expanding their Vital Life Community with the overall goal of expanding the fun and function stage of life. This effort will realize a reduction in overall health cost, produce a wellness culture that can be sustained, and improve the retention and satisfaction of St. Leonard’s human resource talent and the residents that they serve.

Team Wellness Department: October's Lunch and Learn!

Sister Pat Hejna led our wellness program this month with a spiritual meditation using a labyrinth as a symbol that connects the emotional and spiritual self.

Team Leisure and Fun: Tom Fortner!

Team Franciscan Center: Wellness in the Water

Dr. Jack Harless

Manager of The Franciscan Center

This month I’d like to highlight some of our water wellness activities. Robert Forster, PT, in his book The Complete Waterpower Workout describes six key benefits to water exercise. They are:

1. Strong Body Alignment – Moving in water forces us to use muscles that very often are underutilized on land. These same underutilized muscles are largely responsible for the vast majority of our musculoskeletal aches & pains.

2. Balanced Strength in muscle pairs – working out in the water forces us to use both halves of each muscle pair, which leads to greater overall balanced strength & stability.

3. Aerobic & Anaerobic fitness – in water, aerobic exercise is achieved without the strain & effort associated with the same activities on land & anaerobic activities are usually done without the participant being aware that they are even doing them! Most people feel refreshed & invigorated after a water workout. Even after an hour!

4. Increased Flexibility – In most cases it is easier & more enjoyable to stretch in the water, especially if the water is warm. Increased enjoyment leads to increased compliance!

5. Overall Balance & Coordination- Balance improves without the risk of injury sometimes associated with land based exercises.

6. Increased sense of well-being – there’s something about the water that seems to just wash the stress away from lives. Water is universally fun!

At the Franciscan Center we have a slew of water classes designed to embrace all of the above concepts. With state of the art facilities, and a wonderful staff we are committed to providing wellness in the water & all the wonderful benefits it brings. Come get wet with us at the Franciscan Center!

Team Houck: Social Wellness and the Family Unit!

Team Houck models the early stages of social wellness!

The Franciscan Center at St. Leonard Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening

Team Administration: Tim Dressman and Vital Life

About 6 or 7 years ago I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Bill Witte speak at a conference regarding the coming perfect storm of the aging population. His ability to put into words what I was pondering already in my mind made it easy to approach him and share philosophies and ideas about how to serve the coming generation of baby boomers in the senior market, namely a focus on socialization and wellness. At the same time, St. Leonard was in the initial phases of master site planning for our campus and we engaged THW in the process. Using many of Mr. Witte’s ideas about aging and Vital Life, our master site plan came to fruition and now in 2011 we have completed the first phase and opened a new Wellness Center and expanded dementia facilities. We also completed certification as the first Vital Life Community in the United States. When we started the process a year and a half ago, I was honestly surprised but validated about the interest from our residents and staff. Since then the response to all the different programs has been overwhelming and continues to transform our campus and our community to aging well, enhancing the quality of life and deferring the need for high cost healthcare. I have been approached by at least 5 different senior living providers about the program and our blog has attracted the interest of 38 countries across the world. If that is not amazing and inspirational , I don’t know what is. I look forward to working together with the Vital Nation staff and Mr. Witte as we continue to invest in this program and measure its lasting effects on our own residents and staff and the promise of further including the overall community in the future.

Team Intellectual Wellness: Book Club!

This month the Book Club is discussing “Woman in Red,” by Eileen Goudge

~photos submitted by Dawn Arrowood~

Team Centerville Washington Township Park District!

Furs and Fangs of Centerville Ohio!

Team Leisure and Fun: October Brunch!

Team Wellness: Dr. Jack Harless and Body Talk!

Dr. Jack Harless presents Body Talk for Sinclair College for Lifelong Learning!

Key points to consider when listening to your body:

The Body-Mind is Intelligent

The Body-Mind strives for Wholeness

The Body-Mind needs minimal help, just no interference

The Body-Mind Has a language of its own

The Body-Mind desires participation/attention

Team Sinclair College for Lifelong Learning: Journaling class!

Team Memoirs Luncheon at The Franciscan Center!

Writers gather at The Franciscan Center to share ideas, writing tips, and stories!

Team Beauty and Barber Shop: Healthy Beauty Tip # 4

To wash or not to wash?

Shampooing frequency for normal hair depends on whether hair is curly or straight. Shampoo and condition straight hair every day for a sleek, radiant look. Curly hair, however, becomes too fluffy if it’s washed too often, so it’s okay to shampoo and condition every other day.

Team St. Leonard Studio Art: Art Expressions

(Click to enlarge)

Artist and wellness assistant Keith Thue guide students through an afternoon of kinesthetic art imagery and expression.

Aerial Photos of Campus and New Construction

Aerial Photos of Campus and New Construction

Construction Update: Assisted Living and Memory Units

~Photos submitted by project photographer Denise~

The Quest for Emotional Wellness No. 7: Grow Old With Me!

The poet Robert Browning wrote, "Grow old along with me!" "The best is yet to be." Recent research supports Browning in his poetic thoughts in that emotions do stabilize over time. It is the maturity and wisdom that people gain with age that allow them to be less reactive and regulate their emotional responses. In fact, in several studies negative emotions were reported less often after the age of 60. Researchers believe that this is because older adults tend to value emotionally fulfilling relationships and seek closer social networks.

Team Doerger and Team Hejna: Mini Vacation!

Sisters Pat and Christine took a one-day trip to the quaint village of Metamora, Indiana. One of the most interesting moments of that day was the ride on the horse-drawn canal boat, the Ben Franklin III. This cruised under the nation's only covered bridge aqueduct. When the era of canal transportation ended, the Whitewater Canal became a source of water power for many mills, including the Metamora Mill. This mill still operates, producing corn meal and grits as it did a century ago

Team Dance No. 5: Thinking on Your Feet!

We have been discussing the "line of dance" and now it is essential that we talk about -thinking on your feet and when in traffic on the dance floor. 1st rule of thumb or "Big Toe" as we in the dance world like to think of it- is to protect you and your partner's feet from being stepped on. Be aware of who is around you and if they are out of control. The lead of the dance can skillfully move their partner to another area of the dance floor if they are aware of their environment.

The same thing applies to dances that travel around the perimeter of the dance floor. It is important etiquette to recognize beginners and try not to overtake or intimidate them. Practicing a repertoire of movements and dance patterns can help you circumvent tight dance spots on the floor.

Your traffic cop in tight spots -Dale Archer

Free ballroom classes at The Franciscan Center!

Wednesdays at 2:30 pm

Team Assisted Care: September Celebration!

Our Assisted Living staff provided a celebration for our residents and their families. The afternoon consisted of great food, festive fun, and music.

~photos submitted by Sister Christine Doerger~

Team Assisted Care: September Celebration!

~photos submitted by Sister Christine Doerger~

Team Houck: The Pumpkin Patch!

Matthew searches for the right pumpkin!

The Houck family enjoys healthy wellness moments together.

Team Assisted Living: Chair Tai Chi!

Dr. Jack Harless guides students through the moving meditation forms of Tai Chi.

Centerville Reports Today: The Franciscan Center at St. Leonard.mp4

Team Houck: Apple Picking!

Matthew and Evan Ray have a fun afternoon of picking apples and spending quality time together with their parents!

Team Houck: Matthew and Evan Ray

Matthew and his new brother Evan Ray!

Team Spiritual Care: Gift of God

Sister Kateri Theriault
Mission Integration

Gift of God We are loved by God, in every moment, in every way. We don't earn the love of God. Through grace, it is freely and mysteriously given! Everything good in our lives, in the world, is a gift of God. — from Catholic Update Guide to Baptism

Team Fitness Gurus No. 20: Walking the Dimensions of Wellness

Joining a social walking program can jump-start your Vital Life Community wellness program, because it is a well-known fact that walking is beneficial for the entire mind, body, and spirit. To name just a few benefits is all the time that we have in this short article, but if you do the research you will be amazed at all of the benefits of walking. For example, walking is known to help the body physically as it can reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Emotionally, walking is known to ease stress and anxiety. A social walking program can help you meet friends who are also mindful about their health care responsibilities. Nutritionally, walking can help with digestion and reduce heartburn. Intellectually, walking improves brainpower as it stimulates the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Environmentally, walking reduces the use of fossil fuels and noise pollution. Walking can also be a form of moving meditation helping to bring us to a state of reflection and inner peace, which fosters spirituality. Occupationally, walking reduces joint problems and increases our stamina for our daily tasks of working and giving. Walking is a simple way of getting in touch with the entire wellness spectrum in a very personal way.

Social Walking Program Update: 319,170 Miles!

Saint Leonard Community 2010 - 2011 Social Walking Program Data Collected As of: 12-Oct-11 As of End of Month: Sept. 11 Participants Group Miles 58 Assisted Living 87,928 68 Health Care 78,480 277 Destination: Disneyland, Anaheim, California 148,000 4 Destination: Assisi, Italy 4,762 407 Total-to-Date 319,170 Increases Since Last Month 12 New Vitalife Participants Miles Reported This Month 30,515 Some Interesting Comparisons Average Distances Total Miles Times the Entire Group Has Traveled the Distance To the Sun 92,955,802.50 0 To the Moon 238,857.00 1 Around the Equator 24,901.55 13 From North to South Pole 12415.96 26 Perimeter of the United States 8878 36 To Disneyland, Anaheum, California 2,160.00 148 To Disneyland and Return to Saint Leonard's 4,320.00 74 To Assisi, Italy 5,525.00 58 To Assisi, Italy and Return to Saint Leonard's 11,050.00 29

Team Dance No. 4: Line of Dance

Now that we have you on the same dance floor. You must observe the Line of Dance, which is counterclockwise and involves dances that travel such as Polka, Foxtrot, Waltz, Quick Step, and the Viennese Waltz. Spot dances such as Rumba, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Salsa and all of the Swing & Hustle dances should be performed in the inner perimeter of the dance floor.

~Yours Truly, Directionally Challenged Dale Archer~

Free ballroom dance classes are offered Wednesdays at 2:30

in the Franciscan Center!

Team Leisure and Fun: Cracker Barrel!

Residents and staff enjoy a social luncheon at the Cracker Barrel!

Team Assisted Care: Pet Therapy!

Coco, one of our therapy dogs, visits a few times a month at Assisted Care. Dog visits bring much joy to the residents and bring back lots of memories to those who owned dogs in their past. Looks like Coco enjoys having his picture taken!

~Submitted by Sister Christine Doerger~

Team Assisted Care: Joe's Travel Log!

Joe Thibodeau shares his vacation pictures with the residents!

Team Assisted Care: Senior Scientists!

Assisted Care residents and staff enjoy Bruckner Nature Center's Senior Scientists series!

~submitted by Judy Potter~

Team Assisted Care: Making Dog Biscuits For SISCA

Team Assisted Care preparing and baking dog biscuits for local animal shelter.

~Submitted by Sister Christine Doerger~