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MISSION: OUR MISSION Notre Dame Health Care, rooted in the heritage of Saint Julie Billiart and sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, is dedicated to the healing ministry proclaimed in the Gospel and by the Catholic Church. We demonstrate concern for the whole person in caring for the spiritual, social, physical, and psychological well-being of our residents, their families, and the community we serve. We honor the personal dignity of all individuals with compassion and without distinction of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, race, or creed. We strive to create a work environment where each person is valued, respected, and given an opportunity for personal, educational, and professional growth. We use our resources with a particular concern for the elderly, the poor, and the vulnerable. We make known God’s goodness to the entire Notre Dame Health Care community.

I am pleased to be writing to you in this first issue of The Healing Spirit since my official arrival in May 2015. I have been enjoying getting to know members of our community and hearing about their hopes for Notre Dame Health Care. Through my interactions with numerous partners across our campus and in the community, some common themes have emerged as topics of interest, and among them is concern for the continued commitment to the organization’s mission. I am hearing a desire that we ensure that the mission not be eroded as we make changes, but further strengthened as the organization anticipates and responds to changes in the greater healthcare landscape. I wholeheartedly agree, and I assure you that the mission is alive and well, and thriving, at Notre Dame Health Care !! The mission of Notre Dame Health Care not only defines why this organization was founded, it also guides us as we go about the daily work of caring for individuals and educating for life. Each time we approach making a decision, we ask ourselves if we are working in the tradi-

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tion of St. Julie Billiart. As a result, as we move forward, we do so in the context of our mission and in “the Notre Dame way”, so to speak. It is important to note that the staff cannot do it alone. Notre Dame Health Care is all of us, and we are all in this together ! You are an important part of achieving our mission and delivering on our promises. We are grateful for our many partners, residents, family members, friends, individual donors, continued on page 2

Senior Leadership Team: left to right – Carol Smith, Plant Operations; Patricia Campbell, Educational Bridge Center; Steven Small, Human Resources; Sr. Katherine McKenna, PBVM, Mission Integration; Carol Kapolka, Long Term Care Center; Karyn Cooney, Notre Dame At Home; Stephen Totino, Finance; Meg Coffin, du Lac Assisted Living; Karen Laganelli, CEO

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corporate supporters, community partners, volunteers, and of course the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Each partner plays a unique role, and each is intertwined into the fabric of Notre Dame Health Care. In this issue, you will read about some of the ways in which our mission is made possible by the individuals who join hands and hearts to be part of something bigger than the sum of its parts and to carry out the mission. These stories only touch the surface and illustrate just a few of the ways in which our mission is made not just possible but turned into reality, thanks to everyone involved with Notre Dame Health Care. On the front page, you may read the full mission itself. We are blessed to fulfill this mission and to be of service to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the community at large. Thank you for partnering with us and supporting Notre Dame Health Care. — Karen M. Laganelli, M.H.A. CEO of Notre Dame Health Care

The Healing Spirit is published by Notre Dame Health Care as a service to residents, patients, clients, families, and friends. Editor: Liz Parker Gagne RE DAME NOT

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Notre Dame Health Care 555-559 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605 508-852-5800 www.notredamehealthcare.org

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Interview with Sr. Katherine McKenna, PBVM DIRECTOR OF MISSION INTEGRATION AT NOTRE DAME HEALTH CARE Why does Notre Dame Health Care have a Director of Mission Integration? The leadership of Notre Dame Health Care is deeply committed to following the mission. There is a phenomenon among humans that “something that is everyone’s responsibility, is no one’s responsibility”. Therefore, in order to ensure that everyone is living the mission, there needs to be one person who is responsible for the mission. So, I am here to shepherd the mission and to help anyone who lives here or works here, or is a member of the Notre Dame Health Care Community, to carry out the mission. I’m not here to do it for people, but facilitate and support people who act within the mission. It might seem unusual that a director of mission is not an SND, yet as there are fewer Sisters of any order, we more frequently work together.

What do you hope to accomplish through this role? I want to increase the awareness of St. Julie Billiart and her mission, and the history of why the Sisters built this campus. Yet, this is not just a history lesson. I would hope that anyone here would keep the mission uppermost in their minds when making any decision, as well as in how they move to action.

What are key partnerships for mission? I sit on our senior leadership team to provide a mission-based lens for every discussion. I partner with the executive directors of each program on topics related to how we care for residents and patients and how we care for staff members. Of course I also work closely with Liz Parker Gagne, director of advancement, to inspire partnerships that will support our mission-based activities. Some people

think of “fundraising” in a somewhat negative light, however it’s really a wonderful opportunity for people to join us in our mission. I am now working also with an on-campus Mission Integration Committee as well as the Mission Committee of the Board of Directors.

Would you please share a bit about yourself? I am originally from Rhode Island, and worked for many years at St. Bernard’s Central Catholic in Fitchburg, as chaplain at the Newman Center at Fitchburg State College, and as chaplain at Quinsigamond Community College. I served in the Diocese of Norwich, CT for nearly two decades, including sitting on the Evangelization and Catechumenate Board, and most recently, I was working as the chaplain at Catholic Memorial Home in the Fall River Diocese. I have served in the leadership of my own congregation and was the founding Director of the Sisters of the Presentation Associate Program. I was also very involved in the development of the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy, a Nativity school for Girls in Newburgh, NY, and was a founding chair of the Board of Trustees. I was honored by the Diocese of Worcester with the God and Youth Award, and the Patrici-Anne Award for Outstanding Service by the Diocese of Norwich, CT. I like to read, love the ocean and music, and enjoy being with my sister Margaret McKenna (who is the new President of Suffolk University) and nephews Michael and David.

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Staff members join together in support of causes near and far. This year, our team members put their creative energy and their own funds toward supporting the individuals in hardest hit areas of the Ebola outbreak and disaster relief in Nepal, with things like dress down days and collection jars across campus. Many of our staff members also give generously to local and national organizations and volunteer with other organizations throughout our region during their time off.

Staff Extending the MISSION Out into the Community

“We make God’s goodness known”. This is part of the mission statement of the Notre Dame Health Care Community and the spirit that inspired residents of our Long Term Care Center to make “no-sew” blankets for the children of Notre Dame Health Care’s Pediatric Palliative Care program (affectionately known as “Pedi Pals”) throughout Lent. Typically Lent is a time to reach out to those in need in the larger community. It is a time to make God’s love more readily known. With this in mind, the residents of Notre Dame Long Term Care Center used their time and talent to touch the lives of those in our Notre Dame Health Care Pedi Pals community through the blankets they made. Their hope was that those who receive a blanket could have a little more warmth, comfort, and an awareness of a spirit of care and prayer that accompanied each blanket.

For the tenth year in a row, a team from Notre Dame Health Care participated in the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk in support of local research and care. The team raised $972. Notre Dame Health Care also provided a van and a driver to pick up any runners or walkers along the route who needed a ride. Pictured: back, L to R: Sonia Walters, Joan Richards (visiting from Jamaica!), John Quill, Gail Wagner, Meg Coffin. front, L to R: Shenique Rogers, Yvonne Hamilton

Many Notre Dame Health Care staff members and kids joined The Harrington Family team “Dan’s Fans” in support of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 4th. The NDHC group raised more than $1,200 for the Alzheimer’s Association. Back row, L to R: Cindy Lamica, Diane Caron-Stadig, Nitza Lugo, Sonia Walters, Yvonne Hamilton, Karen Schultz, Carol Kapolka. Front row, L to R: Edelmira Febo, Madison Stewart, Cassie Dorr, and Evan Schultz. Not pictured: Meg Coffin, Karen Laganelli, Mari Ann Paladino, Noreen Shea, and Karen Speroni.

Thanksgiving Basket Collection In a tradition that dates back farther than any of us can remember, the family members and staff members at Notre Dame Health Care have generously donated food for Thanksgiving baskets. We partner with St. Joan of Arc Church, just around the corner from us on Lincoln Street, to get these baskets to families who are among the millions

of Americans who are “food insecure” as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (ASDA) as having “limited or uncertain access to adequate food”. If you would like to join with us to nourish the bodies and hearts of our neighbors, please bring non-perishable food items to the baskets in the lobbies of Notre Dame du Lac and Notre Dame Long Term Care Center in November, or your local food bank.

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Notre Dame Health Care Supports a Culture of Learning Over the past year many of our employees have been working on continuing education efforts. Congratulations to our employees on their success! We know that with these increased skills they will continue to support our mission to provide exceptional care for our residents and patients.

Legacy of Sister Mary Gardner Sr. Mary Gardner was a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur who lived and worked at Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living and Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. Sr. Mary was a fun-loving, dedicated healthcare professional who was beloved by her peers. Mary Gardner entered the Sisters of Notre Dame at age 15. She had not completed high school, and worked in the kitchen and as a caretaker for the elderly sisters. Sr. Mary surprised everyone when she completed her high school diploma and then went on and completed nursing school. She wanted to become a superior caregiver for her fellow Sisters of Notre Dame. In November of 1995, Sr. Mary passed away. A scholarship was instituted in 2002 to honor her memory and carry on her legacy. Each year we are pleased to provide funding for the Sr. Mary Gardner Scholarship for staff members who are furthering their education. Our staff also assists students to identify and apply for financial resources outside of Notre Dame Health Care to help address the high cost of education.

Employees who were awarded Sr. Mary Gardner scholarships in July 2015 are: GRACE ADU-BOAHEMAA – CNA at LTCC VIDA AMPADU – CNA at Hospice VALERIE BLANCHARD – Social Worker/ Volunteer Coordinator for Pedi Pals and Social Work Intern at LTCC DION HIRD – CNA at LTCC ROSEMARY KAMAU – Dietary Aide at LTCC FREDA LEWIS – CNA at LTCC GRACE OFORI OWUSU – CNA at LTCC CATHY SESSIONS – Director of Admissions and Marketing at Notre Dame du Lac NOREEN SHEA – Director of Memory Care and Wellness at LTCC PORDEA WALLO – CNA at Notre Dame LTCC

For more than 12 years, Notre Dame Health Care has fully financed one or more students each year to Quinsigamond Community College’s practical nursing program. We are pleased to announce this year’s Notre Dame Health Care employee graduate: Tatsuki Motoyoshi. Tatsuki, known to many simply as “T”, has been employed at Notre Dame as an Art Therapist since 2009 and has worked in both our Long Term Care Center and du Lac Assisted Living. T has an easy manner with the residents and

Notre Dame Health Care is pleased to announce other scholarships that were earned by our staff members this year, including: The Long Term Care Finance Association Scholarship awarded to GRACE ADU-BOAHEMAA The Special Donation Nursing Scholarships awarded to GRACE ADU-BOAHEMAA and FREDA LEWIS The Wisdom’s Way Scholarships awarded to TRACY RAMOS, SHARON GUIDABONI, and MARIAN MENSAH-AGYEMAN The MA Senior Care Scholarship awarded to GRACE ADU-BOAHEMAA

has assisted many to recover long dormant artistic skills. He even organized a community showing of the residents’ paintings and drove them to see their work displayed. Never afraid to take a risk for something he believes in, Tatsuki completed the rigorous nursing program and is ready to begin the next step in his career as a nurse.

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We are pleased to announce that Sharon Guidaboni will be sponsored by Notre Dame Health Care for the Quinsigamond Community College practical nursing program, class of 2016. Sharon Guidaboni has worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant in our Hospice program while working her way through the pre-requisites for the practical nurse program. Sharon has taken advantage of all opportunities available to her at the Notre Dame Educational Bridge Center to advance toward her goal of becoming a nurse.

On August 4, 2015, the Sr. Helen Wright Citizenship Program experienced a first: three of our students were sworn in as United States citizens in a ceremony at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. To date, 63 immigrants have been naturalized with the assistance of the Notre Dame Educational Bridge Center. These students represent 13 different countries. Many of those who take this step do so for the benefit of their children, as well as themselves. Frances Grant, a Notre Dame Long Term Care employee, proudly brought her son Jamar with her to the ceremony. Sr. Pat Johnson, a resident at Notre Dame du Lac, provided tutoring assistance to Frances. There are currently three additional students awaiting their Naturalization interviews and five students working with our tutors to prepare for the exam and interview.

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Check our Web site and “like” our Facebook page for more inspiring stories from our students and tutors.

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www.facebook.com/ NotreDameHealthCare

An Outstanding Mentor We’ve known for quite a while that Sue Strandberg lives and breathes the mission. Over the past 21 years and most recently in her dual roles as program manager in our Educational Bridge Center and Assistant Safety Officer for the Notre Dame Long Term Care Center, she has gone well above and beyond her written job descriptions. Now, her efforts have been recognized outside of our organization and she has been selected as the 2015 Outstanding Mentor by LeadingAge Massachusetts for having “nurtured, coached, counseled and encouraged others to help them develop personally and professionally”. Sue was nominated by Pat Campbell, Executive Director of the Notre Dame Educational Bridge Center, and her nomination was supported by a letter from Sister Karen Coakley, SND.

Sr. Karen Coakley, SND and Sue Strandberg

According to Pat, “Sue is the ‘heart and soul’ of our mission. Sue is the strongest advocate for our students whether they are taking the first step into college, working on their high school equivalency or studying to become new citizens. Sue will spend time counseling and coaching employees, often on her own time, to help those who are uncertain of their abilities. She does an outstanding job creating a supportive, welcoming environment that gives people a place of hope, a place where they are safe to learn and get counseling on how to become better educated and improve their lives.” Sister Karen summed it up by stating that “Sue uses…all means available to reach out so that those who are on one level of development may reach any level of education to which they aspire.”

Congratulations and thank you, Sue!

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St. Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur was a strong spirited woman and was passionate and uncompromising in matters of faith, goodness, and hope. The St. Julie Billiart Award recognizes accomplishments of an employee who has distinguished themselves through their actions in a manner that embodies the spirit of St. Julie Billiart and the Mission of Notre Dame Health Care.

The Saint Julie Billiart Award This 2015 recipient of the St. Julie Billiart Award is Beverly Amosah, RN, Unit Manager of the South Wing at Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. Beverly has devoted herself to the residents of Notre Dame Health Care for 19 years. In the nomination letters from her peers, Beverly was described as performing “unselfish actions” and having the “ability to put families at ease in difficult situations”. On top of working countless hours each week for nearly two decades, “Beverly has been willing to give of herself additionally to others, by serving as a nurse volunteer at a local health clinic for the poor and has assumed the role of an Associate SND for many years.”

Volunteers

Help Us Achieve Our MISSION

Priscila (who prefers to remain relatively anonymous) is an example of the outstanding individuals we are blessed to have volunteering with us to achieve our mission through Notre Dame Health Care. Priscila gives of herself and her time in many ways, including assisting with office work in our Hospice program. One of the most inspiring stories of the power of volunteer work came when she assisted our Pediatric Palliative Care (“Pedi Pals”) program and a young man who was just 18 years old, in frail condition, and didn’t have much longer to live. He wanted very much to go home to Puerto Rico to see his grand-

parents and cousins and other family members before he passed. Priscila did all the translating and communicating, in Spanish and English, and made all the arrangements for his passport and flights and to have medical support ready when he arrived in Puerto Rico. He traveled to see his family one last time and died a couple of weeks after he returned back to the United States. None of this would have happened so quickly and smoothly without the extensive involvement of Priscila and her generosity in volunteering with us.

How Can You Be Part of Accomplishing the •

Attend one, or two, or more of our free events (see the calendar for the fun details)

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Check out our Web site: www.notredamehealthcare.org

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Sign up for our electronic mailing list (while you’re on the Web site!)

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“Like” our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ NotreDameHealthCare

L to R: Karen Laganelli, CEO; Beverly Amosah; Carol Kapolka, LTCC Executive Director

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Buy yourself a copy of Notre Dame Delights!!

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Include Notre Dame Health Care in your estate plans

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Give your relatives and friends their own copies of Notre Dame Delights (consider your holiday shopping covered)!

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Share your talent as a volunteer

Tell coworkers and neighbors about the classes at the Ed Center (www.notredame healthcare.org/educationcenter/class-schedule/)

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Make your regular online purchases through AmazonSmile and designate Notre Dame Health Care as your favored non-profit

Make a gift (any size!) Dedicate a bronze leaf on one of our trees in memory of a loved one or mentor

For more information about any of these options get in touch with Liz Parker Gagne at (508) 852-5800, x2509 or [email protected].

NOTRE DAME HEALTH CARE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Nov. 5

Every Wednesday

thrivin’: Brain Health

Cindy Lamica, LPN, CDP, an expert in dementia care, will share the current research on brain health and give tips on how to keep our brains sharp. Come and learn about how simple diet changes and activities in your daily life can improve your cognition. Your brain will thank you. 8:45 am-10 am in the Educational Bridge Center; RSVP to 508-852-5800

Nov. 10

Hospice Memorial Service

We invite all hospice families who have lost loved ones throughout the past year to gather to honor and remember their loved one. 6:30 pm; Long Term Care Center Chapel; RSVP June Ganley (508) 852-5505

Nov. 30

Tree Lighting at Notre Dame du Lac

Sisters and residents, along with their families and our staff members will kick-off the Christmas season by lighting the tree in the du Lac Courtyard. at dusk

Dec. 2

Manger Day & Tree Lighting at LTCC

This is one of the most treasured traditions on our campus. Join us as we gather in the afternoon to sing and set up the Crèche in joyful anticipation of Christmas. As it gets dark, the cookies come out and thousands of twinkling lights go on.

Dec. 3

thrivin’: All About Second Acts

Frank Binder, an award winning photographer, will talk about finding his passion, developing his second career, and how he was guided and influenced by his mother’s amazing and inspirational later stage life journey. 8:45 am-10 am in the Educational Bridge Center; RSVP to 508-852-5800

Dec. 5

Holiday Bazaar at Notre Dame du Lac

This wonderful day is organized by residents and enjoyed by all. Do your holiday shopping, enjoy sweet treats, and pick up your copy of Notre Dame Delights while you’re here!

Dec. 15

Christmas Concert at Notre Dame du Lac

This year’s concert will feature the Shrewsbury High School Chorus. 6:30 pm; du Lac Chapel – Refreshments will follow in the activity room

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Ageless Grace ®

An innovative fitness and exercise program that can be done by anyone and is based on the science of neuroplasticity. Classes are open to the community and held every Wednesday at 9:30am in the Educational Bridge Center.

1st Tuesday each Month Bereavement Support

Notre Dame Hospice offers a bereavement support group the first Tuesday of each month from 3-4:15pm on the Notre Dame Health Care campus. The meeting is free of cost and open to adults. For more details, please call June Ganley at (508) 852-5505. Nov. 3, Dec. 1, and Jan. 5

3rd Thursday each Month Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support

The Alzheimer’s /Dementia Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month: 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Notre Dame du Lac. Nov. 19, Dec. 17, and Jan. 21

Eucharistic Liturgy We are happy to welcome you to share Eucharistic liturgy with our residents and families. Notre Dame du Lac - Daily at 10:30 a.m. (except Saturdays) Notre Dame Long Term Care Center - Daily at 10:00 a.m.

Dr. Lisa Genova Neuroscientist and Author of Still Alice

Notre Dame Health Care presents

New York Times best-selling novel and Oscar-winning movie

Check our Web site and “like” our Facebook page for any changes to this schedule and additional events! www.notredamehealthcare.org www.facebook.com/NotreDameHealthCare

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559 Plantation Street • Worcester, MA 01605-2350

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 315 Worcester, MA

Introducing…

N OTRE D AME D ELIGHTS COOKBOOK

More than 300 favorite recipes from Sisters of Notre Dame, residents, family, and staff members. A wonderful gift for family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors! Pick some up for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, weddings, and showers...and yourself!

only $25 or $20 each for 3 or more Proceeds benefit the Educational Bridge Center. Cookbooks are available at the reception desks of Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living and Notre Dame Long Term Care Center. Contact Liz Parker Gagne with any questions. (508) 852-5800, x2509; [email protected]

Irene Ahearn’s French Fried Strawberries Here is a special recipe to tuck into your copy of Notre Dame Delights. It was generously shared with us by a family represented on campus by a resident, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, an employee, and a participant in our weekly Ageless Grace exercise program and monthly thrivin’ events. If that weren’t enough, many of these spirited individuals are taking cookbook orders and delivering them to friends who can’t get to campus. The Delaney/Thompson/Culhane/Ahearn Family is certainly intertwined with our mission, and we are grateful. INGREDIENTS: • 1 quart strawberries

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 beaten egg

• 3 tsps baking powder

• 1 cup milk

• Pinch of salt

• ¼ cup sugar

• Peanut oil

• 1 TBS butter, melted

• Sweetened whipped cream or powdered sugar

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

Gently wash berries and remove hulls, drain well, then chill. Blot strawberries dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, beat together egg and milk, stir in sugar, butter, and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; then stir into egg mixture, mixing until smooth. Spear berries with fondue forks, dip into batter. Fry 6 to 8 at a time in deep hot fat (375 °) for approximately 45 seconds or until golden brown. Serve berries with sweetened whipped cream for dipping or sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let cool a few minutes before eating as centers are very hot. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

For additional stories and information, please visit our Web site www.notredamehealthcare.org or Call 508-852-5800.