ON A PERSONAL NOTE TO THE STAFF AT THE NEW JERSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME – MENLO PARK……..

As my work as the Chief Executive Officer at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home – Menlo Park comes to a close, I wanted to take this op-portunity to thank each and every member of our Home’s “family” for the assistance, kindness and friend-ship you all have extended to me throughout the past fifteen years.

Not only were issues that I undertook on your behalf, which were personally and professionally satisfying to me, I had the pleasure at every juncture of working with people who were knowledgeable and committed to the cause of improving the quality of care given to our residents.

As I have said many times, the New Jersey Veterans Me-morial Home – Menlo Park is a very caring Home and I de-part saddened that my contact with you will now be lim-ited.

I am, however, very grateful for the time I have spent work-ing with you, for the knowledge I have gained and for the friendships that have developed because of my associa-tion with you.

In closing, I wish all of you the very best. Please keep up the good work so that the Residents who reside at Menlo Park will continue to receive the excellent quality of care for many years to come. Cordially, Joseph Brandspiegel, MBA, LNHA Chief Executive Officer

Joseph Brandspiegel, MBA, LNHA

Chief Executive Officer

Mama Duck has 10 new ducklings for the residents

of Freedom to take care of and watch grow.

JUNE 2018

VETERANS VOICE GOVERNOR Phil D. Murphy

DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS Brigadier General Jemal J. Beale, Adjutant General Brigadier General Mark A. Piterski, Deputy Adjutant General Colonel Lisa Hou, D.O., Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs Sean VanLew, Sr., Director of Veterans Healthcare Services NJ VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME, MENLO PARK Joseph Brandspiegel, M.B.A., LNHA, CEO

Kamala Kovacs, RN, ACEO

Scott Mueller, MSN, RN, LNHA, ACEO

VETERANS FACILITY COUNCIL, MENLO PARK Robin Goodrich, Chairperson; Betty Baranowski, William Shepherd, Colonel Samuel Fuoco, USA, Retired, Berley Hanna, Jr. - Veterans Service Council

VETERANS VOICE EDITOR Christine A. Caratozzolo, CTRS

New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park

Important Phone Numbers

Joseph Brandspiegel, CEO 732-452-4102

Eunice Santiago, Director of Nursing 732-452-4197

Robyn Martin, Business Manager 732-452-4166

Patrick Maholick, Dir. of Social Services 732-452-4269

Ed Weisenhorn, Admissions Officer 732-452-4272

Christine A. Caratozzolo, Sup. of Recreation 732-452-4258

Lester Shelley, Chaplain 732-452-4260

New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park 132 Evergreen Road Edison, NJ 08818 732-452-4100 “Serving Those Who Served”

JWV 972 Sponsored a Day at the Races for the

Residents at the Freehold Racetrack

Memorial Day was observed with a special ceremony followed by a picnic for Residents and guests.

Social Service News Patrick Maholick, MSW Director of Admissions/Social Services

Summer is here once more. The warmth almost makes our bones feel young again. Some of us might

forget, however, that in order to maintain this feeling of well being, we should not give in to too many of

the temptations that confront us. Here at Menlo Park, summer is a time of frequent outings and cookouts.

In fact, I’m sure residents have more opportunities to participate in summer activities than in earlier

years when they had limited leisure time. Residents no longer need to be concerned about whether they

can “get away from work,” but about which activity they would like to participate in. Residents have

equal rights to participate in facility activities to the limits that any individual has the physical capacity

to do so and the activity has the capacity to accommodate. Outings are often more limited than activities

such as cookouts that take place here on grounds. Transportation of persons in wheelchairs and capacity

of the host tend to exclude some residents who wish to go.

Trip sign ups are done well in advance of any outing. The Recreation Department tries to give as many

residents the opportunity to participate in outings as possible. Sometimes it seems as though “the same

people” are always going. There are limitations on how many people we can take on trips. If there are

cancellations and there is room at the time of departure, “these same people” may be available to go.

Make sure you sign up with your Recreation Assistant to ensure that you are placed on the trips of your

interest.

It takes a lot of strength to smile while watching others go off to a party we really wanted to go to.

However, the effort you expend is positive and you will feel good about yourself. It takes less strength

to shout at staff beside the door of the bus your fellow residents are boarding. The effort you expend is

negative and stressful. And what do you accomplish besides elevating your own blood pressure and

causing your fellow residents to go off on a sour note? If you were on that bus, would you like some one

shouting remarks as you were about to leave on a long awaited outing?

Etiquette is a word we often associate with “ladies who drink tea.” It is really not that at all. Etiquette is

part common sense and part consideration for your fellow man. It is “do unto others as we would have

others do unto us.” We were all taught good manners. Sometimes, however we can forget what we

learned. Shared meals such as at outings, picnics and daily, in our dining room are occasions when we

definitely should make an effort to follow the rules of etiquette.

Be courteous to residents around you. Refrain from loud talking, foul language, arguing with others

(this pertains to staff and guests as well).

Refrain from taking food away from other trays even it your neighbor seems to have finished eating.

Be mindful of infection control practices (do not take urinals to the dining room, cover your mouth

while coughing or sneezing, do not place handkerchiefs on the dining table, discard tissues properly).

If you must discuss business matters with staff, do so in private.

Observance of these common sense practices, etiquette, if you will, might take a bit more effort but can

make mealtimes, outings, and all special events more enjoyable for every one. It is not always easy to

extend oneself when some people about you are being discourteous and inconsiderate, but we are all

obliged to start with ourselves. Didn’t “Mom” tell us that good manners are contagious?

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Veterans Voice June 2018

CENSUS

WWII: 82 Men - 75/ Women - 7

Korea: 75 Men - 71 / Women - 4

Vietnam: 50 Men - 45/ Women - 5

Peacetime: 25 Men - 24/ Women - 1

Gulf: 1 Men - 1/ Women - 0

Non-Veteran: 71 Total Residents: 304

Welcome New Residents

Patrick Ferrara

Harold Hershbain

Anthony Intilli

Francis Schreibman

Ruth Vanderpile

Veterans Voice June 2018

Page 11

June

BIRTHDAYS

JOSEPH BROXMEYER 6/03

LAWTON MCALLISTER, 6/06

HELEN PUBLIK, 6/07

MICHAEL BRIENZA 6/11

ANTHONY DECARLO, 6/11

JOSEPH GOLDBERG 6/11

DONALD HULTS 6/12

ANTOINETTE TIERNEY 6/13

IDA MILLER 6/16

THOMAS J KENNY 6/17

ELEASE SNEAD 6/18

VERNON J PECK 6/19

PATRICK VENEZIA 6/19

JOHN MCCARTHY 6/21

STANLEY AGINES 6/22

GEORGE TITUS 6/23

SHIRLEY WACHTER 6/25

RICHARD BARBER 6/28

SAMUEL VERESHACK 6/28

ACCORDIAN POPS ORCHESTRA SHOW

NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park Resident Council

Officers

Glenn Osborne, President

Ken Miller, Vice President

Jerry Luna, Eagle Unit Rep

Joan Williams, Freedom Unit Rep

Beverly Epstein, Liberty Unit Rep

Jim Carolan, Independence Unit Rep

Next Meeting Tuesday

June 26, 2018 10:30 am

Town Square

Be sure to attend!

Volunteer Ombudsman

Officer

Elaine Tweedus

732-995-7482

Veterans Voice June 2018 Veterans Voice June 2018

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Thank you to the East Brunswick AARP

for sponsoring a trip for the residents to

see the Accordion Pops Orchestra.

The group met the residents at the

theater and all had a wonderful time

enjoying the music and each others

company. Joseph Brandspiegel, CEO

Colonel Lisa Hou, D.O. Deputy Commissioner for Veterans Affairs

Sean VanLew, Sr. Director of Veterans Healthcare Services

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Deloatch NJ Army National Guard

Sergeant Jake McDonnell 63rd Army Band

Colonel Samuel Fuoco, US Army, Ret. Guest Speaker

MEMORIAL DAY 2018

Ken Miller Resident Council Vice President &

Glenn Osborn, Resident Council President

Christine Caratozzolo and

Joseph Brandspiegel

Residents Ann Pagano & Robert Ross dancing during afternoon entertainment Residents and family members enjoyed the Memorial Day picnic

Veterans Voice June 2018 Veterans Voice June 2018

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ROSSMOOR GOLF OUTING RED NOSE DAY

GRAND OPENING OF REMODELED STAFF LOUNGE

The Rossmoor Golf Course in Monroe Twp. invited our residents to be their guest on Monday May 14th. Jim Carney a resident at Rossmoor was our Guide. Jim and the rest of the Rossmoor Golf Team enjoyed their visit with the Residents. A delicious lunch at Sal’s Pizzeria was a nice way to finish our 9 Holes!! It was a perfect day, the weather was agreeable and the Golfers of Our Facility were very excited to be on the Course once again. Jack Welsh was a former Pro Golfer and a Golf Instructor for his entire life. Harry Munkel and George Lapczynski of the Eagle Unit enjoyed golfing as a sport during their Younger years. Joe Spicer of the Freedom Unit enjoyed his ride in the golf cart which bought back many memories when he played on Golf Courses throughout the Country. George Husjoke of the Independence Unit along with Harry Munkel actually got to swing a club and hit a few balls. The smiles on their faces lit up the Course!! It was a Special day and one that the residents are still talking about. We look forward to doing it again. Maybe in “FORE” Months!!!!!!!!!!!!

George Lapczynski

George Husjoke

Harry Munkel George Husjoke putting. Jack Welsh with his wife, Jenny

The food service department

held a reception for the grand

opening of the newly remodeled

staff lounge. The lounge was

remodeled with more updated

comfortable tables and chairs,

coffee machine, microwave and

new artwork. Thank you to

Administration for the update so

that the employees can relax

and recharge on their breaks.

The food service department headed up the celebration of Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 24th by wearing red noses and red clothing. Red Nose Day is a national campaign dedicated to raising money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh.

20 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE RECOGNIZED

David Sarrett, volunteer, was recognized for 20

years of volunteer service to the residents of the

NJ Veterans Home at Menlo Park. Joseph

Brandspiegel, CEO and Christine Caratozzolo,

Supervisor of Recreation presented David with a

plaque thanking him for his dedication to the

residents of the home. Mr. and Mrs. Sarrett were

here along with David’s Godparents to mark this

special occasion. Thank you, David for all you

have done and will do in the years to come!

Activities in Action Christine A. Caratozzolo, CTRS

Supervisor of Recreation

With Memorial Day behind us, we continue our busy activity

schedule for the month of June.

We have picnics scheduled by the Red Cross, Woodbridge Irish-

American Association VFW’s Post 370 New Brunswick & Post

133 East Brunswick and Jewish War Veterans Post 133 to be held

in the Archway Deck. Music is held every Wednesday at 2:00 pm

in Town Square and Sundays at 2:00 pm in Old Glory and

Saturdays at 2:00 pm in the Stars & Stripes Unit. On Sunday June

3rd, the Happy Days String Band will be playing and on June 22nd,

the Remember When Doo-Wop will be singing for the residents.

We celebrate Flag Day with a Flag Day Ceremony on Sunday June 10th sponsored by the Vietnam

Veterans of America Chapter 223 with Patriotic Music before by Wesley United Methodist Church.

On Sunday June 17th, we celebrate Fathers Day with music by Keith Franklin in Town Square,

Richard Anzivino in Stars & Stripes and Jerry Spathis in Old Glory.

Some of the trips scheduled this month are as follows: A Military History Day at Ross Farms in

Basking Ridge, Monmouth Park Race Track, fishing, the Masons Ribfest, Turtle Back Zoo, Lakewood

Blue Claws, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Spotswood AL 253 Picnic, Pay Your Way to Camillo’s,

Union Elks Breakfast, Oakhurst VFW Breakfast, Woodbridge AL post 87 Picnic, St. Helena’s Church

Bingo, 3 Sands Casino trips, 2 AMC Movie trips and the weekly Wal-Mart and Mall trips. We will

also have scenic rides for each of our units for the residents interested in experiencing a view of our

beautiful state.

We have a new addition to our calendar called Presidential History w/ Rich presented by Rich Murray

from American Legion Post 529. The program will be every Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Town

Square Meeting Room. This sounds like a very interesting program, come check it out. We also

continue to have our weekly NJ History Program with Don on Mondays at 3:30 pm.

We invite you to join us for all of the exciting activities we have to offer and spend some time in the

outdoor areas of the facility. Be sure to wear sunscreen, stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.

Happy Summer!

Veterans Voice June 2018 Veterans Voice June 2018

Special Religious Programs &

Services

Chapel Services

Protestant Services every

Sunday at 10:15 am with

Rev. Lester Shelley

Catholic Mass every Monday at 1:15 pm

with Father Thomas Naduviledath, Father Vernon

Kohlemann and Father

Patrick Nwachukwu

Jewish Services Every Friday at

10:30 am with

Rabbi David Blum

Chaplain’s Corner Reverend Lester Shelley, BS, M.Div. About Chaplaincy

Many have asked the question, what is a chaplain and what does a chaplain do at healthcare facilities like ours here at the NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park? The primary responsibility of a chaplain is to assist with the spiritual, religious, emotional and pastoral care needs of residents, families and staff. Chaplain’s care for people of all faiths with Protestant, Catholicism and Judaism being the primary population at our home. In mental health work, chaplains are highly skilled at working with other therapists and healthcare practitioners as part of a multi-disciplinary team, especially where the patient’s mental ill-health is associated with their religiosity, or where mental well-being can be aided by spiritual care.

As a chaplain my responsibility includes providing pastoral care by providing counsel and solace to all of our residents. This includes providing religious assessments on a daily basis. At the NJ Veterans Memorial Home we provide religious assessments within thirty days of admission and our goal is to provide assessments within seventy two hours of admission. Chaplains must be capable of deep empathy and open to forming relationships with a variety of different people from all backgrounds. We must be available to help people who are at their most vulnerable, whether they’re terminally ill on hospice or in palliative care.

In additional to providing spiritual assessments that include listening and praying with people in need of spiritual support chaplains provide religious services, conduct funerals, memorials and grief counseling for those in bereavement. The chaplain not only serves residents at the facility but must also provide pastoral care for residents who are confined to local hospitals. Chaplains also provide supportive ministry during happy occasions like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and formal functions.

Chaplains that serve at federal, state and local hospitals are highly trained seminarians with Master of Divinity degrees and many with Doctorate degrees. In addition to formal training chaplains who are board certified have completed a minimum of four units (1600) hours of Clinical Pastoral Education. As a chaplain and military veteran, I take great pride in serving each veteran, spouse of veterans and our staff. I’m excited about the future of our pastoral care department where our goal is to provide greater services. The pastoral care office is located in the Independence wing. Office hours are 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday. The pastoral care schedule of services and contact phone numbers are listed at the office.

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Stephen Bock

Catherine Esposito

Leon Natkie

Frank Publik

Andree Radakovich

Josiah Sterling

IN REMEMBRANCE

Jennifer Somarriba from ProFysio Physical

Therapy and Mike Flaherty of the South Amboy

Elks presented a check to Christine Caratozzolo,

Supervisor of Recreation and a donation from

ProFysio’s Veterans Collection Drive. Resident

Basile “Pat” Noto also pictured

David Sarrett and Christine Caratozzolo

recognizing his 20 years of

volunteer service