You’re likely sick of your home right about now after several months of stay-at-home orders. But now that it’s summer, vacation season, what can you do that serves as a therapeutic mental refresher from home base.
1. Take a walk like a tourist: To see your hometown in a novel way, start taking walks as if you didn’t live there. Explore a street you’ve never walked down before. Look more closely at the blooming flowers, gardens, wildlife and even the sky.
2. Check out local hiking or biking trails: Now that you’ve paced or cycled through your neighborhood enough times to memorize the cracks in the sidewalk and dips in the road, it’s maybe time to see what nearby hiking or biking trails exist to blaze a new adventure. If you’re leery of uneven paths, order a pair of hiking poles that are growing in popularity (online they run from very low $19.99 and $24.99 from Target and Dicks Sporting Goods respectively, to $38 and 58 at REI). You can hit the trails with one of several Apps such as:
AllTrails – 50,000+ trail guides for hiking, biking and more. It even lets you save a trail for offline use so you can take your trail guide to the field. Filters for dog-friendly, kid-friendly and wheelchair-friendly trails make narrowing down a choice easier.
TrailLink – track down more than 40,000 miles of multi-use rails-to-trails.
Gaia GPS – lets you check out a plethora of hiking trails across the country.
Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder – a database filled to the brim with info on national parks, national forests and all other federal recreation destinations. It also includes every state and local park in the nation.
Map My Hike – uses your phone’s sensors to track and log your hiking route, complete with information on pace, distance, calorie counting and route navigation. In addition to logging your own hikes, you can search and download other nearby routes.
3. Delve deeper into the world around you. See a star and wonder what constellation it’s part of? Ever look at a plant and wonder what it is? There is an APP for that!
Star Walk 2 – identify the constellations above you when you’re outside in the evening or figure out where to look for any stars or planets you want to see.
Sky Walk – Star Constellations – open this app, point it in the sky and it names off the celestial objects right in front of you.
ISS Tracker – track the International Space Station with this app, that lets you know peak days for viewing when it’s passing overhead of wherever you are.
Seek by iNaturalist – helps identify plants and animals, shows you commonly recorded flora and fauna near you, and offers observation challenges you can do to earn badges.
4. Pick up a club or tag alone in the cart. If you’ve never golfed before or just puttered in the past, maybe now’s the time to get out on the course. Even if you’re not into golfing, you can join your spouse in the same golf cart (households are permitted to ride in the same cart) and bird watch or enjoy a change of scenery.
5. Pick up a paddle. While navigating unchartered “waters” during COVID-19, boating could be a way to explore a little beyond your home. Check out www.discoverboating.com/go-boating-today to find local boat rentals near you.
6. Get a license and “Go Fish!” – Fishing is PA is permitted, and another perfect socially isolating activity. Visit www.fishandboat.com to answer any questions.
7. If you prefer to keep even closer to home, consider rearranging rooms in your home so that they feel different. Paint or redecorate. Sleep in the guest room a few nights. Or dust off the old tent and camp out for an evening. Anything that breaks out of the ordinary can be refreshing and provide a mental vacation from everyday life. Check out Sherwin Williams Color Snap Visualizer, where you can upload and “paint” your own photo to try out different colors. The App “Room Planner: Design for IKEA” uses 3D to help you renovate or redecorate your home.
Staying home is an adjustment for everyone. But there are still plenty of ways to thrive during it all. Try out one or all of the suggested activities above and share your experiences with us on Facebook.
FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO DATE: July 2, 2020 RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #21
In last week’s update, I discussed some of the implications of Lancaster County entering the Green Phase. The first change for Moravian Manor Communities was the gradual reopening of our dining venues. Week One has proceeded smoothly; I remind everyone that to dine, you need to make a reservation.
Our testing has proceeded as scheduled; at the time of this writing, we have had no residents test positive for COVID-19 and two staff members who have previously tested positive and have recovered at home. With the volume of testing increasing rapidly across the Commonwealth, our test results have lagged by almost one week. We anticipate this time frame tightening in the coming weeks. Our required Universal Testing will occur the week of July 13.
Yesterday, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania released an update concerning a mask mandate. Below I share part of their release:
The Department of Health announced on Wednesday that there were 636 new positive cases in Pennsylvania, for a total of 87,242 positive cases statewide since the pandemic began.
As part of Dr. Levine’s orders, Pennsylvanians are required to wear a face-covering if they are outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet or are in any indoor, public location.
The order also extends to the workplace, health care facilities, and transport, including public transportation, taxis, private car services, and ride-sharing vehicles.
Individuals who cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition, children under two, anyone with working conditions that would be unsafe to wear a mask in, and individuals such as the hearing-impaired who need to see the mouth for communication are all exempt from the order.
The department has yet to announce penalties for going against the order but noted that state and local officials and law enforcement would be tasked with educating anyone not in compliance.
Please adhere to the guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as stated above. As you know, cases across the United States have continued to spike, raising some concerns. One local retirement community reinstituted their “lockdown” for residential living residents. If we adhere to the advice given, this should not be necessary for Moravian Manor Communities.
What does this order mean for Moravian Manor Communities? First, if you are indoors, and in a common space, wear a mask. Getting your mail, going through common areas for any reason, please wear a mask. If you are outside walking by yourself or with a significant other, a mask is unnecessary if you maintain a six-foot distance from folks outside your immediate household.
For some incomprehensible reason, this has become a controversial subject. Even if you do not accept the commonly accepted reasoning on this subject, in the spirit of community, put on a mask for your neighbors’ sake! A friend of mine who runs a retail establishment was commenting on the guests in their store (about one out of ten is non-compliant). He said I could put up a sign that says “no shirt, no shoes, no service.” Why is putting up a sign that says, “no mask, no service” so controversial? I could not answer his question.
One challenge we have seen with the broader community is “partial compliance.” A mask must cover your mouth and nose. Surgical masks with pliable metal piece at the nose portion, needs to be pinched or snugged around the nose to minimize air loss and create a secure / close fitting face covering. The bottom of the mask should be under your chin. In recent visits to the grocery and auto parts store, I have seen folks exposing their nose and covering their mouth. Improper mask usage is like putting the seatbelt around you and not buckling it. It won’t do much good!
Remember, at some point, we will enter into a phase when we only wear masks during Halloween! We are writing a chapter of our history. How do you want that history to read? When this pandemic began, I commented to our staff, “When this is all over, I would rather be accused of overreacting than underreacting.” I still hold on to that belief.
Blessings to all of you as you navigate the continued stress of living through a pandemic. The Moravian Manor Communities’ spirit and support are remarkable. Let us not tire of doing the right thing!
From Andy Lebo, EGStoltzfus Custom Homes and Remodeling Division Manager
Thinking about a home remodeling project can stir up many emotions. You might feel excited one day…and overwhelmed the next. Many times, questions and uncertainty dominate our thoughts:
“Will this be better than what we have now?” “With all these options, what if I make wrong decisions?” “Will this pay off?”
When approaching a remodeling project, there are inherent, temporary inconveniences, as well as time obligations requesting and reviewing estimates, assessing the plans, and choosing fixtures and finishes. But individuals who do engage in a remodeling challenge derive long-term benefits and enjoyment from their new and improved living space. Similar to a vacation, remodeling requires planning and review of pricing. However, a vacation ends, while improvements to your home provide a source of ongoing daily pleasure.
Where should you begin? How do you know if you can add a first-floor master suite? Or maybe just remodel a bathroom? For many reasons, project pricing can vary significantly. It depends on the scope of your project, lifestyle needs, and desired material selections. But let’s focus on a few ideas, provide you with some average budget ranges, and share some of the factors that can influence remodeling costs.
Adding a typical first-floor master suite starts around $120 thousand.
Updating an existing full bathroom typically runs $20 – $65 thousand, depending largely on the fixtures and finishes. A more accessible layout, zero threshold shower, and multiple shower controls are some common additions in this area.
A standard kitchen renovation range is $35 – $55 thousand. Custom cabinetry, a large central island, and structural changes to open up the floorplan of a home are frequently part of a $55 – $80 thousand kitchen project.
The age of your home can also be a factor when remodeling.
While older homes often have lot sizes that allow for expansion such as a first-floor master suite, they may require electrical updates to meet new local standards.
Plumbing lines may need to be replaced depending on the type of material used and its current condition.
An aging HVAC system may need replaced with a larger more efficient system that can handle the extra load of new space you’re adding to your home.
Pre-1978 homes may have lead paint, and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requires contractors to adhere to specific protocol for testing/removal when renovating these homes.
Homes with a private septic system may be restricted when adding bedrooms. Knowing your septic system and having a discussion with your township is a good place to start.
If you are contemplating the idea of aging in place in your current home, you are likely weighing the cost of remodeling. Clients often ask contractors, “How much would it cost me to…,” – and the common response is often “It depends on…” For some clients, that can be a difficult answer to accept.
An analogy that often helps is to consider the cost of a bag of groceries. Much like a remodel project, the cost is dependent on your list. For example, my bag of groceries might cost twice what your bag costs because of the difference in the meals we’re preparing. There could also be several price points for the same item. So, prioritize your remodeling list and speak with a qualified remodel company that can review and assess the feasibility of what you desire to accomplish and spend. Renovating with an experienced professional brings clarity to the process and ensures the most out of your investment.
For additional information, Remodeling Magazine compiles an annual “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists several project descriptions and average costs.
EGStoltzfus is a second-generation, family owned full-service construction company serving central PA. Building one story at a time, they specialize in the design and build of quality neighborhood homes, custom homes, residential remodeling and commercial construction, including various projects for Moravian Manor Communities. To learn more about the EGStoltzfus Remodeling division, visit egstoltzfusremodeling.com.
Compare the Value!
Interested in comparing the current costs of living in your home versus making a move to Moravian Manor Communities? Download our Compare the Value worksheet to see the advantages and savings available in our residential living homes, from apartments and cottages to carriage homes and townhomes. Or call our residential living sales office at 717-626-0214 to inquire about the various upgrades we can make to your home upon moving in to Moravian Manor Communities.
Moravian Manor Communities continues to monitor developments regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As we have stated previously, this is a fluid situation, with new information coming daily. We continue to adapt to the guidance and requirements provided to us. At this time, there is one known cases of COVID-19 present at Moravian Manor Communities, a staff person. We have been very fortunate – and very cautious and deliberate in our measures to keep our residents safe and healthy. And, you have been very vigilant in adhering to all guidelines and restrictions. As we move into the Green Phase, our intent to proceed cautiously and safely will continue. Some restrictions will ease, while others will remain in place. Now more than ever, we ask that everyone continue to be vigilant with infection control practices to help stop the spread and protect each other. When spending time with family and friends, please ask them to wear masks, to distance, and to wash hands, as well. Many of us had hoped that, like the seasonal flu, the number of cases would go down as the temperatures went up. This does not appear to be how this virus operates. The truth is, we don’t know. What does seem to be the reality is that COVID-19 is not going away anytime soon, so we must learn how to live among it – while protecting ourselves and others from it.
Transition to the Green Phase will take place on Monday, June 29, 2020
Should I keep a journal of all contacts going forward?
YES! ALL RESIDENTS should be mindful of and record all visits, indoor and outdoor. It is basically a record of who you were in contact with – and wear you may have travelled to.
What should I do if I think I may have been exposed to or contracted the Coronavirus?
CALL YOUR PRIMARY PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY then notify Jennifer Shutt at 717-625-6106.
What areas of Moravian Manor Communities’ campuses will remain closed?
The following common space areas WILL REMAIN closed to all residents. This includes:
Steinman Hall
Zinzendorf Room
Saal
Library
Gallery Café
Baer Center Outpatient Rehabilitation and Exercise Room
Hair Salons
What areas of Moravian Manor Communities’ campuses will open?
The following common space areas WILL OPEN to all residents. While visiting these areas, all must remain socially distanced and wear a mask. Residents may NOT play card games in these areas Residential Living COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
until further notice. ALL resident driven gatherings in these areas must be reserved through Jennifer Shutt. Spontaneous gathering without reservations are not permitted. To arrange a gathering in an open area, please contact Jennifer Shutt at 717-625-6106 or Marcie Berhaupt at 717-625-6000. Open areas available for reservation includes:
The Gathering Place
The Corner Pocket
The Hall of Fame
The Fireside Lounge
The Roof Top Terrace
Smart Fit Studio
Bocce Ball Court & Shuffle Board Court
How do reservations for the Smart Fit Studio work?
Reservations are necessary to use the Smart Fit Studio. The studio will be restricted to two persons at a time. Reservations are available in one hour increments. All are responsible for sanitization prior to and after use of any equipment. Additional equipment has been purchased. This equipment includes Bosu Balls, Stretch Bands, and Yoga Mats.
Is the Garden Court Dining Room open for dining?
At this time, inside dining will be available for Garden Court Residents only. You must make a reservation and have the opportunity to select from a 4:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. seating. When making a reservation, indicate time and names of all residents in your party. There is a maximum of four at each table. Please be prompt for your reservation and courteous of time for reservations that follow yours. Masks must be worn when entering the dining room and remain on until after your order has been placed. Your mask must be worn to and from the restroom and when exiting the dining room. No Mask – No Service. A partition will be placed after the restrooms. You may NOT travel further than the partition.
In addition, it is important to note you will only have the option of ordering from the “Specials Menu.” Until further notice, the Ala Carte Menu will not be available.
A Hostess will assist you to your seat, control congestion, and monitor social distancing. The following protocols will be in place:
Garden Court Dining Room will be restricted to a maximum of 30 diners at each seating.
Disposable paper menus will be utilized.
Salt and Pepper Shakers will not be on the table, but served in individual packets. Fresh pepper is available on request, however pepper grinders will be used by Dining Staff.
All condiments will be served upon request.
Bread will be served upon request.
Tables will not be cleared until the conclusion of your meal, for safety and sanitary reasons.
In addition, all residents may utilize the Garden Court Dining Room evening takeout meal service Monday through Friday. To place your order, call 717-625-7616 by 3:00 p.m. and note the time you will pick-up your meal. Garden Court Residents can pick-up takeout meals at the Garden Court Dining Room Lobby. All others may pick-up at the Veranda entrance to the restaurant.
When will Garden Court Dining Room be open for all residents?
Plans are to open Garden Court Dining Room to all residents on July 13. Details will follow. Until that time, we invite all residents to take advantage of take out service from Garden Court Dining Room, or enjoy dining at the Owl’s Nest Restaurant.
Is the Owl’s Nest Restaurant open for dining?
At this time, inside and outside dining will be available at the Owl’s Nest for Lunch and Dinner, Monday through Saturday. You must make a reservation to dine in the evening and have the opportunity to select from a 4:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or 7:00 p.m. seating. It is NOT necessary to make a reservation for Lunch. When making a reservation, indicate time and names of all residents in your party. There is a maximum of four at each table. Please be prompt for your reservation and courteous of time for reservations that follow yours. Masks must be worn when entering the dining room and remain on until after your order has been placed. Your mask must be worn to and from the restroom and when exiting the dining room. No Mask – No Service.
In addition, Breakfast will be available for inside or outside dining on Wednesday and Thursday, Until July 6, at which time it will be available Monday through Saturday. It is NOT necessary to make a reservation for Breakfast.
A Hostess will assist you to your seat, control congestion, and monitor social distancing. The following protocols will be in place:
Inside dining at the Owl’s Nest will be restricted to a maximum of 30 diners at a time.
Disposable paper menus will be utilized.
Alcohol sales will be available, however there is NO seating at the bar.
Salt and Pepper Shakers will not be on the table, but served in individual packets. Fresh pepper is available on request, however pepper grinders will be used by Dining Staff.
All condiments will be served upon request.
Tables will not be cleared until the conclusion of your meal, for safety and sanitary reasons.
In addition, all residents may utilize the Owl’s Nest Restaurant for lunch or evening take out meal service Monday through Saturday. To place your order, call the Owl’s Nest at 717-626-3559 any Residential Living COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
time after 11:00 a.m. and note the time you will pick-up your meal. Pick-up will be curb side, at the W. 6th Street entrance to the restaurant. Breakfast take out is available on Wednesday and Thursday. On July 6, breakfast take-out will be available Monday through Saturday.
Will take out service continue?
YES! All Moravian Manor Communities’ residents may utilize the Café for take-out lunch service, throughout the entire week. All meals must be ordered before 11:00 a.m., and available for pick up AT THE VERANDA ENTRANCE TO GARDEN COURT between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Please call the Gallery Café at 717-625-6886 to place your order.
In addition, all Moravian Manor Communities’ Residential Living residents may utilize the Garden Court Dining Room for take-out evening meal service Monday through Friday. All meals must be
ordered before 3:00 p.m. Garden Court Residents may pick up AT THE GARDEN COURT DINING LOBBY between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. All other residents may pick-up AT THE VERANDA ENTRANCE TO GARDEN COURT between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m. Please call the Garden Court Dining Room at 717-625-7616 to place your order.
As well, all residents may utilize the Owl’s Nest Restaurant for lunch or evening take out meal service Monday through Saturday. To place your order, call the Owl’s Nest at 717-626-3559 any time after 11:00 a.m. and note the time you will pick-up your meal. Pick-up will be curb side, at the W. 6th Street entrance to the restaurant. Breakfast take out is available on Wednesday and Thursday. On July 6, breakfast take-out will be available Monday through Saturday.
Is delivery service available for meals?
No, we will be discontinuing delivery service at this time.
Are residents who live in Garden Court Apartments, Manor Greene Apartments, Moravian Avenue Cottages, Hendricks Place Townhomes, Warwick Woodlands Carriage Homes, and Woods Apartments able to receive visitors?
Yes. As long as you and your visitor are healthy it is permissible to have visitors. However, to help slow the spread of COVID-19, you should wear a mask, practice ‘social distancing’, maintaining a distance of 6 feet from other people. This reduces the chance of contact with those knowingly or unknowingly carrying the infection. And, practice good hand hygiene. Please remember, even though visitation is permitted, this does not negate the practice of social distancing, wearing a mask and good hand hygiene. In addition, we ask that you use good judgement and engage visitation with family and friends who are in good health condition. Please do not offer “shared” plates (for example, cheese trays, bowls of chips, pretzels, etc.) If serving food, all guests should receive a Residential Living COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
“plated” meal. Avoid serving items that guest’s share, even with a utensil to serve (tongs, spoons, etc.). It is important to be mindful that until a vaccine is developed and widely disseminated, COVID-19 will continue to be a risk to the residents of Moravian Manor Communities.
Your personal risk depends on your age and health, the prevalence of the virus in your area and the precautions you take during any of these activities.
If we are able to receive visitors, does this include outside housekeeping services?
Yes. Outside housekeeping services may resume on July 29. All outside housekeepers must check in either at the Receptionist Desk at 300 W. Lemon St., or the Concierge Desk in the Woods Apartment Building at 600 W. Sixth St. PRIOR to EACH service visit. They will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken. ALL OUTSIDE HOUSEKEEPERS MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES! In addition, if you remain in your home during the service, you are required to wear a mask. Following the service, your outside housekeeper must return to the location where their pre-screening occurred to have an exit temperature. Anyone who violates these procedures will not be allowed to return.
If I have an underlying chronic medical condition that puts me at a greater risk of contracting the Coronavirus, what provisions should I use when receiving visits and visiting others?
Residents with an underlying chronic medical condition should refrain from hosting visitors and from visiting others.
When will large group activities resume?
All organized large group programs will continue using ZOOM until further notice. Small group gatherings inside and outside for up to 10 in attendance can be planned through Jennifer. This includes and is not limited to “Pins and Needles,” Bible Studies, Woodworking and Pool Groups. To discuss and arrange a small group gathering and to reserve a location, please contact Jennifer Shutt at 717-625-6106. Attendance restrictions will be communicated and must be followed. In addition, all participants must be socially distanced, wear masks, and practice good hand hygiene throughout the entire activity. Until further notice, playing cards or bridge is not permitted.
Please contact Jennifer with any questions or concerns. She will direct you to the appropriate person for an accurate response, if she is not certain.
Before making their final decision and selecting the Moravian Manor Communities’ Warwick Woodlands Campus, Jim and Donna Wetzel visited five communities. Four selection criteria were high on their list of priorities. And Moravian Manor Communities met all four, and much more.
First and foremost, the Wetzels were looking for a community where they could comfortably age in place with a continuum of care. Moravian Manor Communities’ residential living homes and Life Plan offerings strongly appealed to Jim and Donna. The community’s supportive living neighborhoods accommodate the changing needs of residents as they age in place. Moravian Manor Communities also achieved another one of their objectives. The Wetzels wanted to provide peace of mind to their son and daughter. Jim explained, “We did not want to worry our children as we aged; so, it was important for us to establish ourselves in a senior community like Moravian Manor Communities.” Donna added, “Living in the community is like paying it forward – a gift to our children.” Jim and Donna also desired an ideal senior community within a larger community like the town of Lititz that offered a stimulating and active lifestyle featuring many community events, activities, amenities, and services. And, in the words of Jim, “We wanted a senior community with a very good financial record. We could check that box too with Moravian Manor Communities.” It should be noted that Jim’s professional career had been in the field of finance.
