Vincentian Collaborative System

A Ministry of the SCN Family
They’ve Got the Beat
The rhythms were electric as Vincentian
Home residents experienced percussion
instruments from around the world.
Onlookers expressed their enjoyment
with dancing, clapping, and shouts in
time to the beat.
“I like it! I’ve got
the feeling of it.”
Insights
Spring 2013
From Mansion to de Marillac
O.H. Allerton knew a deal when he saw
one, and he had a vision for the
beautiful property that would eventually
become Vincentian de Marillac. The
superintendent of the nearby railroad
stockyards found a respite from the
hulking machinery in the green,
wooded hillside. In the late 1800’s, he
constructed a neoclassical mansion,
according to the fashion of the day.
Diocese of Pittsburgh purchased it to
transform it into a nursing home. The
first home held only eight residents until
a larger facility was built on the property
for 50 residents. The Sisters moved back
to the mansion and continued their
ministry.
Pickle barrels and tub butter helped
the next owner fund renovations to the
mansion. Visitors for John A. Donahoe,
of the family food business Donohoe’s
Incorporated, sashayed down the wide
hall where they found an “ever-flowing
Mary Clemente and Mary Drotar tap
out rhythms.
“I like it! I’ve got the feeling of it,”
exclaimed one resident. “It’s wonderful.
It gets into your blood!” rejoiced another.
Jeff Berman, percussion teacher with
Gateway to the Arts, and a partner
offered an entertaining and educational
performance. Residents joined in,
breaking into two groups and combining
different rhythms into unique melodies.
The workshop was part of Encore, a
system-wide program to expose
Vincentian residents to new experiences,
cultures, and the arts through various
programs and outings. Thanks to these
weekly workshops, residents, staff and
visitors will be getting into the groove!
The stately hillside mansion was an impressive sight.
water fountain with rainbow-colored
lights.” Nearby, gentlemen played
rounds at the Stanton Heights Golf
Course, the largest private course in
the city.
The property found its charitable
purpose in 1943, when the Vincentian
Sisters of Charity and the Catholic
It’s been a long journey from woodland
to Vincentian de Marillac. The facility
has evolved from a home for the
wealthy to a community rich in care,
compassion and dignity for residents.
Imagining its past, you just might look
at de Marillac a little differently the next
time you visit!
The President’s Corner
The Women of Troy Hill Reunite
Dear Friends,
Hugs, smiles and exclamations of joy filled Vincentian Villa this winter as a
book reading by author Clare Ansberry became a reunion for residents and
former residents of Troy Hill.
A time of rebirth and
renewal, the spring holds
special meaning for
Catholics as we prepare
to receive the message of
salvation. During Lent, we
reflect upon that which is
most important– our faith
and family – and grow together in community.
Our Vincentian communities have been
vibrant and active all winter and are bursting
with new possibilities.
This spring, our Vincentian ministries are also
experiencing a kind of rebirth and renewal.
Through music and arts programs, residents
are discovering new talents. Meanwhile,
construction projects are gearing up to bring
a fresh new look to our facilities. Many
residents and staff have made the transition
from Vincentian Regency to other Vincentian
communities and are getting settled in as one
chapter closes and a new one begins.
As national healthcare reform unfolds, we
are responding to the new requirements
while delivering the same high-quality,
compassionate care for which we’re known.
We are working with regulators and other
providers to design innovative approaches to
senior care. At Vincentian Home, for example,
we are preparing changes to staffing plans to
better serve the needs of our residents and
families. While we can never know exactly
what the future holds, in all our Vincentian
communities we are adapting to serve the
diverse and changing needs of Pittsburgh
seniors for generations to come.
Easter represents the future of great promise for
our faith, and I also see a future of great promise
for our Vincentian ministry. We look forward
to continuing to grow with you as part of our
family, as we serve our beloved seniors through
this ministry for generations to come.
Yours in Service,
Raymond E. Washburn
President and CEO
Vincentian Collaborative System
Page 2 • Insights • Spring 2013
More than 50 people gathered to hear Ansberry share selections from her
book The Women of Troy Hill. Described as an “intimate portrait of six
ordinary women who sustain their
community with strength and
wisdom,” Ansberry’s book recounts
how neighbors stayed connected
through happiness and heartbreak.
The evening kicked off with a spirited
introduction by Sr. Anne Kull,
Administrator of Vincentian Home
and former Troy Hill resident. As a
child, she nearly lost her tricycle when
her brother gave it to the local scrap
iron collector. Her story set off
laughter and reminiscing as everyone
recalled the man’s familiar cries of
“Rags! Old Iron!” As Ansberry took
the stage to share stories and answer
questions, the guests listened eagerly.
Claire Salvatore and author
Clare Ansberry
Without a doubt, the stars of the evening were Edna McKinney and Helen
Steinmetz, two Vincentian residents featured in the book. They helped
weave the fabric of the community, and their presence reminds us of the
precious gift we have been given in the opportunity to care for our seniors
through the Vincentian ministries.
Writing the “Book of Life”
Do you remember when you could
mail a letter with a 3-cent stamp?
Can you imagine what it was like for
a young Italian woman crossing an
ocean to marry a man she had never
met? Residents of Vincentian
facilities are regaling volunteers with
stories such as these while creating
treasured keepsakes through the
new “Book of Life” project.
Since October, nearly 60 volunteers
have interviewed residents about
events from their lives, asking about
their childhood, career and
marriage. The stories are compiled
into a one-of-a-kind book for each
resident which is sure to become a
valued part of their family legacy.
This reminiscing is not only a
pleasant way to pass a few hours,
but it boosts residents’ self-esteem
and exercises the brain. Whether
you have one afternoon to
volunteer or would like to build
an ongoing relationship with a
resident, contact Joyce LewisAndrews at 412-548-4060 for
more information. As one Book
of Life volunteer says, “You’ll be
amazed at the stories you hear.”
Love is in the Air
The smooth notes of crooner
Nick Fiasco and amateur
auctioneering by Fr. Larry
DiNardo made for an elegant
and lively evening at the annual
Affair of the Heart fundraiser.
Nearly 300 friends of Marian
Manor and Vincentian de
Marillac gathered at the fine
LeMont restaurant to celebrate
and support the ministries.
Marian Manor Gets a
Makeover
The rat-a-tat-tat of
hammers this spring
signals some very
exciting developments
for Marian
Manor
residents
and staff!
rma
Denise Pampena, No
rin
Na
ck
Ja
and Ray Washburn,
The C Building is getting a makeover,
complete with a comfortable resident
spa for bathing and a cozy living room
for visits with family and friends.
Perhaps best of all, the building is
getting a new “country kitchen” to bring
a little bit of home to Marian Manor.
When you visit your loved one, you’ll
be able to gather around one of the
kitchen tables over a cup of tea or order
a meal together from the snack bar. We
want you to make yourself at home
here, but we’ll also have plenty of staff
assistance available.
Rev. Lawrence DiNardo leads heat
ed
bidding in the auction.
Bonnie Staley
and entertainer
Nick Fiasco
Joetta and Jim
Martin, Kathy
and Ray Buehler
We are working hard to minimize any
disruptions to your days and appreciate
your patience and support during this
transition. If you notice any construction
workers around, please give them a
wave and a smile – they are working
hard to beautify and improve the
building for our residents!
Volunteering is a Family Affair
Seven days a week Joe Zeis visited
Vincentian Home while his wife, Marie,
was a resident. As is often the case, his
visits grew into deep friendships with
others whose loved ones were there.
His love for serving at Vincentian
Home has inspired his family to share
their blessings with the residents.
After Marie passed away, Joe continued
to help. “One day Marleen walked up
and pinned a volunteer badge on me,”
Joe remembers. “You’re here every
day anyway, she told me. Let’s make
it official!”
Volunteering has become a family
affair. For several years, Joe underwrote
the cost for a group of residents
to attend the Pirates game, while
his family and friends served as
escorts. With seven children and
nine grandchildren, he always
had enough family who were
happy to help.
Joe’s volunteer spirit has rubbed
off. His oldest son, Joe, has been
escorting residents to and from
the beauty shop for about a year
Back row (L-R): Mary, Joe Sr., Marie, Pat
now. He’s even been known to
Front row (L-R): Jim, Joe Jr., Rich, Greg, John
remove a curler or two! “I’ll do
whatever they need,” he says, “I’ve
The Vincentian Home connections run
been blessed with my life and want to
deep for the Zeis family who continue
give back; plus I’m so thankful for the
to hold a special place in their hearts
care they gave to Mom for all those years.”
for Vincentian.
Vincentian Collaborative System • Page 3
Vincentian Collaborative System
8250 Babcock Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Vincentian Charitable Foundation
10559722
Marian Manor
275 85964
Vincentian de Marillac
3819 40228
Vincentian Regency
517 24005
Vincentian Home
478 23883
Vincentian Rehabilitation Services
Vincentian Child Development Center
3066 32657
United Way code
Combined Federal Campaign code
Mission Statement:
Compelled by the love of Christ, Vincentian
Collaborative System nurtures and sustains
a ministry of compassionate care that
preserves the human dignity of persons
within a diverse and changing society.
Your Contribution + Company Match =
a Winning Combination!
Many companies will match
contributions made by employees
to nonprofit organizations. However,
many employees are unaware their
company offers this benefit.
Requesting a match is simple. Usually,
all you have to do is ask your human
resources department for a matching
gift form, complete your portion of
the form and return it with your gift.
We take care of the rest!
To find out if your employer matches
gifts, contact your company’s human
resources department.
Save the Date
June 8, 2013
Rock on at the 2nd Annual
Rocking for Residents fundraiser!
Watch your mailbox for details on
how to sign up for this rock-athon to support our beloved
seniors. If you’d like to volunteer, please
contact Joyce Lewis-Andrews at 412-548-4060.
Lenten Offerings
Thank you to everyone who has
made a Lenten offering to support
Vincentian. Your generous donations
make the programs you read about in
this newsletter possible.
Gifts of any size are always appreciated!
You can donate online at www.vcs.org,
by phone at 412-548-4059 or mail
your gift to Vincentian Charitable
Foundation, 8250 Babcock Blvd,
Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
May the Lord
be with us
as he was with
the faithful on that
first Easter.