Team St. Leonard Foundation:Thank-A-Thon!

St. Leonard Foundation resident Ambassadors gathered early in February for their first Thank-A-Thon, hand-addressing envelopes and signing more than 200 special Valentines to send to valued donors. These residents who serve the mission of St. Leonard Foundation added twenty-five signatures to the Valentines “with heartfelt gratitude” on behalf of all residents who benefit from donor generosity.

Grateful for the security the Benevolent Care Fund offers residents and for life-enhancing extras funded by Greatest Need Fund gifts, the Foundation Ambassadors added a truly personal touch to the St. Leonard Foundation’s annual donor Thank-A-Thon.

Team Leisure and Fun: Mystery Trip!

The mystery trip was in the month of October. We started off with coffee and donuts at Bill Donuts. We were able to start the journey off with introducing ourselves while having a little breakfast. Then we gathered on the bus to set off to our adventure. We headed south west and ended up at Caesar Creek. The view was beautiful. The trees were full of vibrant fall colors. We got off the bus and walked to the observation scenic view deck. Wow! What a beautiful overview of the trees and river. After, the sightseeing of Caesar Creek our group ventured off to Waynesville, Oh. There we departed the bus and went shopping though the antiques shops. Everyone gather into groups and set off on their own way. We regrouped a couple hours later, at the Hammel House Inn for lunch. The environment was simple, however very enjoyable. After a full filled lunch, the group departed to return to campus. However, we had one last stop. We stopped at the Windmill pumpkin farm. We wondered though the gift store and purchase some items. After the last stop, we were all getting a little tired, so we returned to campus. Everyone had a great time, and they are looking forward to the 2012 Mystery trip. ~Program design by Dawn Arrowood~

Teams Aces and Hearts and Team Games Share a Day of Fun!

Program Design by Dawn Arrowood!

Team Management: Christmas Luncheon at Champps

Team Franscican Center: Swedish Massage

Kristin Pitstick

Spa Manager

Over the course of the next few months we will be taking a closer look at several different types of massage. As per last month’s newsletter, we now know that there are over 100 styles of massage and bodywork techniques available today. This month we will be high-lighting one of the most popular types of massage in the United States: Swedish massage.

Swedish massage was developed by a Swedish fencing instructor named Per Henrik Ling. How did he get the idea for this massage? When he was injured, he reportedly “cured” himself using tapping (percussion) strokes around the affected area. Later, he developed the technique we currently use today. Thankfully some-time during the 1850s, Swedish massage was brought to the United States by two brothers: Dr. Charles and Dr. George Taylor.

Swedish massage involves the use of hands, forearms or elbows to manipulate the skin, muscles, and underlying tissues to improve overall health and wellness. The specific techniques used in this massage involve the application of gliding strokes, friction, kneading, and percussion on the soft tissues of the body. This type of massage may also include active or passive movement of the joints (stretching). The benefits? Some include increased blood and lymph circulation, muscle relaxa-tion, increase joint range of motion, and a decrease in stress.

Team Photography: Flocking Mallards!

The mallards spent time in each courtyard at St. Leonard's before taking off for

warmer climate around Nov. 9.

Photos submitted by Denise.

Team Franciscan Center: Fitness Equipment in the News!

John Dolph
Trainer and Exercise Physiologist

The Nu Step has been the most popular recumbent cross trainer in the healthcare and fitness industries. It has become the leading product of its kind. Its patented design combines a comfortable seated position with a smooth stepping motion. It provides simultaneous upper and lower body motion to work all the major muscle groups, helping all users to burn calories, build strength, and improve their overall cardiovascular fitness.

The Nu Step simulates a natural walking motion while eliminating undesirable joint stress and promoting functional fitness. Its ergonomic design accommodates nearly every body type and size, and it includes a swivel seat for easy transfer. The Nu Step also features a large, easy-to-read display.

Clinicians around the world have demonstrated that the Nu Step is the preferred piece of rehabilitation equipment to ensure safe and effective treatment of individuals within a wide range of ability levels. By enabling independent control of step length, resistance level, pace, and exercise duration.

Team Kreative Korner: Keeping the Outdoor Teams Warm!

Thank you to the Kreative Korner ladies for hand making "Neck Warmers" for the entire Maintenance and Grounds Department. The ladies thought they may come in handy on those cold winter days. As you can see from the photos, they can be used as a hat or as a face, nose and neck warmer. It was great fun to have the entire department come in and try them on. ~submitted by Kate Quigley Volunteer Supervisor~

Team Country, Bluegrass, Gospel Band: Having a Good Time!

Assisted Care residents are enjoying an evening of entertainment with the Country, Bluegrass, Gospel Band Music group. This group plays every Tuesday evening, except the 1st Tuesday, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., or so, at The Franciscan Center.~submitted by Sister Christine Doerger~

Team St. Leonard Studio Art: Art Show!

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Keith & Karin Thue and the Residents from the Health Care Center

Synesthesia Gallery 35 Marco Lane

Centerville, Ohio

Call for gallery schedule 1-937-436-5800

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 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.

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

Teams "Round To It" and the "Dirty Half Dozen: More about Boat Day!

A Vital Life afternoon of FUN at Caesar Creek Lake

Team Caring Hearts: 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's Dayton Ohio!

The 2011 Walk to End Alzheimer's was held in Dayton Ohio in the Carillon Historical Park District. Team Caring Hearts raised $1665.45 for this great event!

The Franciscan Center: Memberships and Tours!

As the final punch list is being completed community members are taking advantage of this time to tour and become members of The Franciscan Center.

~photos submitted by project photographer Denise~

Team Spiritual Care: Be Cheerful!

Submitted by Sister Kateri Theriault

Mission Integration

Can you remain positive in spite of heavy work demands, demanding individuals and lack of support? The answer is a qualified “yes” provided you affirm the words of Emerson, the Philosopher of Cheerful Purpose: “this time, like all times is a very good one if we know what to do with it…Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could…Tomorrow is a new day, begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” In other words, be cheerful!

Would that this could become our mantra…

Team Drumming Circle! Sound Vibrations and Healing!

-Photos submitted by Debbie Parrett~

Construction Update! Operation and Design!

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~Photos submitted by project photographer Denise~

Construction Update!

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~Photos submitted by project photographer Denise~