The woodshop at Moravian Manor Communities is a favorite spot for our resident craftsmen, retired from a wide range of careers. Over the years, they have created some pretty amazing things, some of which can be seen around campus including a communion table, wooden cross in the chapel, and landscaping structures. Here, they enjoy not only creating beautiful pieces of work, but also building friendships as well. They carry on the memory of Don Jones, who established the woodshop with several pieces of equipment he brought with him when he moved to Moravian Manor Communities.
Just recently, the woodshop moved from the Founders Campus to its new home on the Warwick Woodlands campus our Operations Center.
Step into the shop with this video and “join” Dale, Tom, and Mark as they discuss their favorite pastime and how being creative is one of the most exciting and rewarding thing a person can do.
After your peek into the woodshop, read about how Mark decided Moravian Manor Communities was the right place to support his retirement lifestyle.
If you love to explore the world with a camera, not being able to get out during the past few months has likely been a challenge. But there is hope, and it lies no further than your house.
A number of years ago, I discovered Contemplative Photography, primarily Miksang, which is Tibetan for “Good Eye” or more accurately, “Pure Eye.” In a nutshell, it works like this. Growing up we learned what a chair looked like and that label, “chair,” stayed with us. Same with all of the other objects we encounter.
Unfortunately, every time we see a chair, we don’t see past the label. We look … chair … nothing interesting here, so we move on. But in doing so we may not “see” fascinating shape or texture or color or geometry. There could be beauty in the shadows created by the chair or perhaps an abstract detail of just the arm that we miss by assuming, “It’s just a chair. Nothing interesting here.”
The point is, there’s a fascinating world out there if we explore seeing perceptively…rather than conceptually. Scan the space you’re in for shapes, color, texture, and geometry. View the scene through these lenses rather than the labels of chair, building, walls, etc. As you scan, something will catch your attention. Don’t over analyze it, just rest with it for a moment and you may discover a fascinating picture.
Miksang, like so many offerings from the East, can be easy in theory and more challenging in practice. And practice is the operative word. Just as all athletes practice their skills, so should we photographers. For myself it’s a daily adventure.
I’d encourage you to watch Quiet Mind – Introduction to Miksang and Contemplative Photography, a short video that will give you a much better understanding of Contemplative Photography and the techniques to practice. Other resources can be found through a Youtube search of “Miksang” or “Contemplative Photography” that will lead you to the works of Michael Wood and Julie Dubose (both photographers have excellent books), as well and others.
The Larry Lefever Photography website also has an array of Miksang examples for you to view to get your creative eye focusing on the beautiful, smaller details in everyday life.
There’s an exciting new world within the very walls of your home just waiting to be photographed and shared. Happy Seeing!
TO: Residents and Staff FROM: David Swartley, President/CEO DATE: May 15, 2020 RE: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update #13
At the time of this writing, there have been no residents, and no additional employees tested positive for COVID-19.
On Friday afternoon, May 8, Donna Gerofsky, RN, and Donovan Carper, RN, DON, had a lengthy conference call with officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). The conversation was a collaborative call; both parties were learning from each other. DOH decided that they would like to do some trial COVID-19 testing in our skilled nursing area. They selected Moravian Manor Communities as the site and delivered 300 free test kits this past Monday. On Monday, we tested 57 skilled care residents. On Tuesday, we tested 77 employees, and on Wednesday we tested an additional 55 employees. All test results were negative. Our team could not have been more pleased!
Lancaster County has decided to move forward to a “yellow zone,” which means that some businesses may begin to reopen. This decision is certainly not without controversy. The Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce is recommending that companies be cautious and seek legal counsel before opening. These changes from the County do not impact any guidance we are following at either of our campuses. The positive aspect of this move has been very lively discussions about the impact of the broader community on our care areas. Lancaster County has noticeably “ramped up” support for skilled nursing facilities. I am hopeful that this may bring some relief in our daily scavenging for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Without a doubt, this has been our most significant challenge. We are also processing some guidance that was issued this week from DOH regarding mandatory, weekly testing. While overall, we are supportive of this action, many questions remain in terms of the added cost and administrative burden. However, all these changes are indicative of state and local leaders, realizing where the risk of the Coronavirus is most significant.
Thank you for your participation in our weekly ZOOM calls. Yesterday, we had our largest group yet. I find it a valuable way to connect. Indeed, not as effective as face to face meetings, but is a useful alternative.
Thank you again for your support of our team members. Over 200 donors contributed over $28,000, which was all given to our team! They are most appreciative.
Thank you as well for the spirit you bring to Moravian Manor Communities during these trying times. It is indeed rewarding to see all everyone work through this together.
In closing, I share a letter from Steph and Rich Barbour that they sent to me this week. I believe it tells the “rest of the story” of our community.
Dear Fellow Residents of Moravian Manor Communities:
I write on behalf of Steph and I and all members of our community who are immunocompromised and may have underlying conditions that make us highly vulnerable to the ravages of COVID-19.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thanks for your empathy and compassion to other fellow residents. A community in the truest sense is a group of individuals who, regardless of opinions and preferences, are sensitive and respectful of the needs of all.
While we, residents of Moravian Manor Communities, are all unique and have a wide variety of experiences, it is evident to Steph and me that we have one quality in common, concern for others!
Our thanks to Moravian Manor Communities leadership and staff for the awesome job they are doing keeping us safe and informed, has already been expressed, and cannot be expressed enough!
Steph and I think it time for us to express our sincere appreciation to our fellow residents. Although we are vulnerable, we are not frightened. And the reason for that is our caring community.
Pursuing their inner musician, Ukulele club members Dick, Betty, Bob and Ed highlight the enjoyment they get from “powering up our brain cells and having fun laughing and learning a new skill.” The club routinely has met weekly since forming (although suspended temporarily for social distancing), and performs at special community events.
Resident Isabelle Weidman started the Ukulele Club at Moravian Manor Communities. She was inspired when her great-granddaughter was taking lessons and one day was playing and singing and said, “Here, grandma try this! And she was so surprised and thrilled when I played.” Isabelle kept the surprise that she had been practicing and formed a new club here at Moravian Manor Communities.
Step into their class virtually to see first-hand this amazing community life group.
Please take a moment to watch this important update from David Swartley, President and CEO of Moravian Manor Communities. You can keep up with all of our COVID-19 updates by clicking here.
