95 Radio Circle, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-241-0770 FAX: 914

95 Radio Circle, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-241-0770 FAX: 914-242-5201
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2011 MindAlert Award from American Society on Aging and the MetLife Foundation
2010 Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Qualified Dementia Care Provider
2010 Recognized by the Alliance for Children & Families for Innovation in Serving Older Adults
2008 Winner of National Best Practices Award by MetLife Foundation and Generations United
2007 Non-profit Agency of the Year, Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce
I NDEPENDENCE
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D IGNITY
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C HOICE
My Second Home, a program of Family Services of Westchester, is a not-for-profit intergenerational adult day program offering stimulating activities with supervision,
health monitoring, personal care, and nutrition services in a safe, secure, and home-like environment. We’re happy to give tours to all who are considering an adult day
program for their loved one. Please call 914-241-0770 for an appointment.
DIRECTOR’S CORNER
FEBRUARY 2013
Dear Participants, Caregivers, Staff, Colleagues and Friends,
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”
Henri Matisse
On Saturday, February 2, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, groundhog Phil
didn't see his shadow so the prediction is that Spring will arrive early this
year. I thought this was a true blessing as I watched the falling snow hit the
ground from my kitchen window. Perhaps, the furry rodent understands the
message behind Matisse's quote. If you believe, there is hope.
The staff and I truly found the flowers on Sunday, January 27th. The
MSH Fundraising Event raised $5,000 to keep the Institute for Music and
Neurologic Function (IMNF) on our MSH Activity Calendar. Every Wed
nesday, Music Therapist, Mary Schleissmann will continue to create magic in
the Wellness Room. The event’s success was possible because of the tireless
efforts of Christy Ruvituso, Guy Lowe, Dan Jackson, and Jill Sweeney.
Above: Victoria and Grandma Theresa enjoy each
other’s company during a JEWEL activity.
Below: Grandpa Karl and Nadia seem awed by their
creation.
A sincere thank you to the following individuals who believed in our cause
and donated their talent, their salon and their services : Members of the band
The Bad Habits—Guy Lowe, Jack Tschudy and Jimmy Coyle —who played
beautifully and reminded us of memorable moments in our lives; Dr. Connie
M. Tomaino, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of IMNF; Dawn
DiDomenico, who graciously donated the venue, her beautiful Salon D
located in Mt. Kisco; Fleurish, a floral shop in Greenwich, Ct. for donating
the beautiful flower arrangements; O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery for the
delicious wines; Pepsico for the water donations and Arco Cleaners of Mt.
Kisco for their services. Whenever possible please patronize these generous
sponsors who support My Second Home.
A special thanks to our volunteers who graciously donated their time and
efforts: Maria and Frank Arena, Peter Christensen, Lorraine DeMaio,
Ann Harden, Jen Gordon, Ally & Devin Ruvituso, Teri Svendsgaard and
Adrienne White.
Thank you to everyone who donated.
I hope you find your “flowers” on Valentine's Day!
Baci,
Rina
2013 HOLIDAY CLOSINGS
Monday, Feb 18—President’s Day
Monday, May 27—Memorial Day
Thursday Jul 4 & Friday Jul 5—Independence Day
Monday, Sept 2—Labor Day
Monday, Oct 14—Columbus Day
Thursday, Nov 28 & Friday Nov 29—Thanksgiving
Wednesday, Dec 25 — Christmas
WISH LIST
Above: “The Spread” at Salon D.
Right: Diane
Forte, Shelley
and his wife Lula,
music therapist
Mary Schleissman .
My Second Home exists to improve the quality of
life for our participants and their caregivers. Because
we are not-for-profit, there are always needs for
which money may not be available. This is why
charitable donations are so gratefully received.
We’re grateful that you help support this important
and unique program.
• Bingo prizes, especially costume jewelry
• Birdseed • Disinfectant Wipes • Depends • Baby
wipes • Golf umbrellas • Gatorade • Glue
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
Eleanor O.
Catherine W.
Bill B.
Pauline P.
Gloria S.
Midge B.
My Second Home is funded in part by The US Dept of Health & Human Services, The New York State Office for Aging and Westchester County
Department of Senior Programs and Services.
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My Second Home is open Saturdays from 8:00-4:00
REGULAR EVENTS
Breakfast Buddies — Toddlers join us early on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings to
share breakfast.
The 5Rhythms — The 5Rhythms is a spontaneous movement practice led by Bob Grejdus every
Monday morning.
Yoga — Every Thursday morning Rosemary
teaches yoga focusing on bone-building strength
and balance.
Singalong — Marilyn plays favorite songs on the
piano every other Monday.
Literature in Review — Mt. Kisco librarian,
Martha, reads essays & short stories every
Tuesday.
Living Well — Donna Kane, R.N., gives a
health lecture every Tuesday morning about
living and staying well.
Movement to Music — On Wednesday
mornings, Gina Miller keeps everyone active with
favorites from the ’30s and ‘40s.
Music Therapy with the Institute for
Music and Neurologic Function — Every
Wednesday afternoon, musician Mary Schleissmann brings her enthusiasm and talent from this
groundbreaking and internationally recognized
program that uses music therapy to assist in the
awakening and healing of individuals with a wide
range of neurological conditions.
Dancing with the Stars — The Simon &
Savenko Center for Creative Movement holds a
dance class every Thursday afternoon.
Caregiver’s Support Group — The meeting
will be Monday February 25 at 3:45. We
meet every third Monday unless MSH is closed.
This month we’re closed for President’s Day.
Call Margaret at 241-0770 to confirm your
attendance.
Podiatrist — Tuesday, March 26. Please call
Melanie at 241-0770 to make an appointment
with Dr. O’Hanlon.
Haircare Services — Monday, February 11.
Please call Melanie at 241-0770 to make an
appointment with Patty. Payment required at
time of service.
FEBRUARY 2013
JEWEL— Joining Elders With
Early Learners
Happy 2013! January was filled with fun programs created by the staff.
Breakfast Buddies, which occurs Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
starts the mornings off right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the
day for many reasons, including connecting children with older adults.
The shaving cream snow people are always popular in winter. The mix of
glue and shaving cream creates a three dimensional snow person that they
decorate with a variety of buttons, eyes, stars, hats and glitter. Continuing
with the snow person theme, volunteer Rosemarie Marino taught the
JEWEL group to use American Sign Language to form words about snow.
Grandma Vincenza and her partner Priscilla work on creating a sparkly
snow person.
Our horticultural therapist, Mary Ann Robinson, continues with our
JEWEL program. She has planned a unit around seeds starting with the
preparation of fruit salad. The group will continue to explore seeds in a
variety of ways including planting their own seeds and putting them in the
green house to sprout.
February is Valentine’s month. We are celebrating red and how important
it is to connect with our friends all month long! February brings the chorale
group from Fox Lane High School under the direction of Ed Reisert. Both
children and older adults are in for a treat!
Nancy Loden, JEWEL Coordinator. You can reach her at [email protected].
THE EVENING EDITION
The Evening Edition at My Second Home launched on Monday, February 4th. This innovative, interactive program runs Mondays
from 3:00 -7:00pm and has been created to support the psychological and social needs of individuals newly diagnosed with dementia. Activities are designed to enhance cognitive functioning in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The program provides the opportunity for participants to engage in a peer group support, keep up-to-date on the arts, sports, and
politics, and keep fit with yoga. Teen volunteers assist participants in learning social technology on iPads. The program culminates with a farm fresh dinner that is enjoyed by all. Social Worker Christy Ruvituso runs the group along with teen volunteers
from John Jay High School.
Congratulations to program assistant Amy Miller, now Amy Thomas! She was married on January 26th.
Amy started at My Second Home in May 2012 with a strong background in caring for people at all stages of
dementia. She’s a Certified Nursing Assistant and is currently studying to get her Bachelor’s in Social Work at
Mercy College. She also brings a good sense of humor and a deep empathy for frail older adults.
Amy moved to White Plains from Enumclaw,Washington, a tiny town outside Seattle. Lucky us to get her!
IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS
Medicare 1-800-633-4227 • Medicare Rights Center Consumer Hotline 1-800-333-4114 • Alzheimer’s 24-Hour
Helpline 1-800-272-3900 • Alzheimer’s Association 914 253-6860 for free referral information and free paralegal guidance •
A Place for Mom free referral service for elder care, 1-888-704-7786.
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