Welcome to the web site for the Pennsylvania Alliance of Retirement Community Residents (PARCR).

Dr. George A. Tjiattas, President

PARCR had a most interesting and challenging year. We were able to maintain membership of 24 communities, address issues facing all of our communities and work diligently with our legislators to effect legislation before the Pennsylvania Legislature.

Like every organization, PARCR faced the issues of the economy. Our members continued their support of our organization. Attendance at quarterly meetings remained constant. We averaged approximately 60 persons in attendance. We continue to stress our objectives of the promotion of the exchange of ideas, education and the civic responsibilities of our residents, and that our members be part of the decision making process in their communities.

In January, we heard Elder Law Attorney Jan Brown speak on “Joint Ownership.” We also held an open discussion with Senator Pat Vance about legislation being considered by the Pennsylvania Legislature. Our spring meeting was held in State College, PA. Joyce O’Brien of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office spoke on “Identity Theft.” This was followed by Mr. Tom Potts of Democracy Rising, a group that has concerns about the direction of Pennsylvania’s Legislature bodies. In July, we took a different direction. “We, the Membership” were the program. We were to come prepared to discuss what our communities were doing in light of the current economic conditions. We discussed layoffs, fees, service reduction, energy conservation, etc. It was a stimulating program. We also had a surprise visit from Jack Mathison, President of NaCCRA. Our fall meeting concentrated on “What is going on with our Federal and State Governments that will impact you.” Nicholas Luciano, Legislative Affairs Manager of PANPHA was the speaker. The State Budget, Medicare, Medicaid, and Universal Health Care were the major issues. Although no solutions were found, we left better informed.

Our Legislative Committee, headed by Sarah Hughes, continued to identify and communicate the position of PARCR to our representatives.

In all, 2009 was a good year with the promise of the continued grown of an informed membership.

President George

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It’s Christmas Time: Three Cheers    December 2009

     Living in a Retirement Community at Christmas time provides each of us with the opportunity and responsibility to say thank you to many people. Here at Bethany we have an Employees Appreciation Fund where residents contribute monies to be shared with those wonderful associates who serve and protect us. These funds are distributed at Christmas time. A schedule that recognizes length of service is used to determine the amount of the gifts. Now this is very nice and welcomed by the associates. But is it really enough?

     Here’s an idea: Bethany also has a “Three Cheers” program that is designed to recognize individuals who have served you and the Village with skill and competence. It only takes a moment to write a brief note that says you appreciate their efforts on your behalf. Further, the note becomes a part of their personnel file. This is truly satisfying to both you and the individual as it tells that person that you care and they know it. Here’s a look at my list this Christmas season: Three Cheers to: Sally, Jan, Marie and Sonya at the front desk; Lois in the Resident Life office; Sarah, Barbara, Pat, Billie and Thelma in the dining room; Doug in security; Todd, Betsy, Bob, Kellie and John in maintenance; Sandy and Justin in the Wellness Center. And that is just the short list.

     Now it’s your turn. Make a list that says “Three Cheers” to each person who has served you well over the past year. It might be the best Christmas card they receive. It spreads the joy of the season in a very personal and supportive way.

     So, Three Cheers to each of you who have played such an important part in the life of PARCR and your communities. Thank you and have a most joyful and happy holiday!  

President George

"I now perceive one immense omission in my psychology:  the deepest principle of Human Nature is the craving to be appreciated." (William James)

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The Formula for Happiness   October 2009

    I’ve lived in a retirement village for six years and have come to the conclusion that those residents who are involved in the activities of their village are first, at home and second, most satisfied and happy. Now, this is not a profound observation but it reinforces a statement made by a professor of mine at Penn State who said, “I am going to give you the formula for happiness.” Wow, did he get our attention.

     Everyone in that class was alert; everyone was ready to write that formula in their note book. Can you imagine knowing how to be happy, fulfilled, and successful? It was like we were to strike gold, hit the Jack Pot, win the Lottery! He then said, “Keep your expectations low and your efforts high.” There was a collective sigh from the class and then we were dismissed with the assignment to “think about it and yes, bring in an example of how you could apply this to real life." So let’s think about it.

    How can we use this simple formula and apply it to our lives in a retirement village? Well let’s identify some expectations. I want those around me to be kind to one another. My darling wife wants regular communication with friends and family. My friend Wally wants activities that enrich our lives. My neighbor wants his voice to be heard in matters pertaining to the governance of our village. Nothing earth shaking but each expectation has a special meaning to each of us. 

     So we begin with a conscious effort to be kind to those we deal with a kind word, a kind action, an effort to reach out to those who have a need for kindness. It could be contagious. We need to communicate. Let’s give people a call, send a note, invite a friend to lunch, or drop in for a visit. Believe me it works.  We just don’t communicate unless we communicate. 

     How do we enrich our lives and that of others in a retirement village? We volunteer to work with those activities that enrich. Join the program committee, work in skilled care, sponsor an activity, work in the garden, join the chorus. The opportunities are there. The results will amaze you. Being heard requires that you stand up and be counted. It is so easy to complain but if you want to make a difference you must be ready to be involved. Run for office, attend meetings, speak out, vote, volunteer and serve. Our villages, our communities, our nation need each one of us to take responsibility to be involved.

     You now have the formula. Let’s Do It!

Take care.

 President George 

"When you talk, you repeat what you already know;  when you listen, you often learn something."- (Jaren Sparks)