HISTORY OF PARCR, 1995 through 2005. For further information on 2005 and subsequent years, please refer to the Newsletters and the Minutes pages.
1995
The first meeting of PARCR was held in January 1995.
Other meetings in 1995 were May 25; August 21; September 20 and November 15. The August 21,1995, meeting was the organizing committee meeting.
At the September 20, 1995 meeting officers were elected and By-laws passed.
1996
February 14, 1996 - Meeting held at Bethany Village: Kris Klujbuk spoke on "Public Policy Issues Affecting Retirement Communities." She is the Director of Public Policy for PANPHA, the Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profits Homes for the Aging.
July 10, 1996, there was a roundtable discussion with Questions and Answers.
October 9, 1996, at Bethany Village: Beth Jaeger, Marketing Manager, National Committee for Quality Assurance, spoke on "Assessing Quality in Health Care".
1997
January 8, 1997, at Bethany Village: A panel discussion on "Preventative Health Care" was held. Participants were: Linda Schiraldi, Registered Pharmacist, Alert Pharmacy Services, Bethany Village; Dr. John Benner, Menno Haven/Penn Hall staff physician; Shelley Farnell, Senior Health Care Consultant, Capital Blue Cross.
April 9, 1997, at Quincy United Methodist Home and Village: Dr. Robert Pyatt, Medical Director, Cumberland Valley Health Network, Chambersburg and other hospitals, talked about "Partnering with Our Patients".
July 9, 1997, at Masonic Homes: Diane Howell, Executive Director, Lutheran Home Care Services and Hospice of the Good Shepherd spoke on "The Heart of Home Care".
October 8, 1997, at Luther Ridge: Norman Epstein, President of Summit Health (Chambersburg and Waynesboro Hospitals) spoke on "Managed Care, Mergers and Mania".
1998
January 14, 1998, at Bethany Village: The Advisory panel discussed issues confronting the retirement community industry. Participants: Barbara Graybill; Leta Beam, Dr. Joseph Adelstein; Rev. Edward Kester; and Ed Longenecker.
February 11, 1998: Formal incorporation date for the Pennsylvania Alliance of Retirement Community Residents.
April 8, 1998, at Brethren Village: Dale Laninga, Executive Director, Intra-Governmental Council on Long Term Care, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, spoke on "Long Term Care for the 21st Century...A Time for Change".
July 8, 1998, at Bethany Village: A panel of residents discussed, "What do you expect from PARCR?" Participating: George Eager; Stuart Dickson; Margaret Hogg; Hollice Snyder; William Herd; George Hippel; and Howard Wittel.
October 14, 1998, at Menno Haven: Norman B. Epstein, President, Summit Health (Chambersburg and Waynesboro Hospitals) discussed "New Medicare Choices".
1999
January 13, 1999, at Messiah Village: David G. Delbiondo spoke. He is a CPA, and the Director of Bureau of Examinations within the Office of Regulation of Companies, Pennsylvania Insurance Department.
April 14, 1999, at Menno Haven: Rev. Edward Kester, Vice President of Operations, Asbury Services spoke on "The Future of CCRCs".
July 14, 1999, at Landis Homes: Beth Greenberg, Public Policy Analyst, Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aged (PANPHA) discussed "PANPHA and Retirement Communities".
October 13, 1999, at Bethany Village: Milton L. Brummer spoke. He is President of the National Continuing Care Residents Association (NaCCRA).
2000
January 12, 2000, at Bethany Village: Long Term Care Panel: Participants: Dick Clapp, Lutheran Brotherhood; Janet Partridge & Associates; Ezra Yoder, Senior Ministry Insurance Alliance.
April 12, 2000, at Bethany Village: Mrs. Ruth Hoover Seitz spoke. She is the author of books on Pennsylvania... "Pennsylvania or Bust: Must See Attractions Across the State."
July 12, 2000, at Bethany Village: Dr. Vickie Gilmore, Administrator of Health Care Services, Masonic Homes, spoke on the "Eden Alternative".
October 11, 2000, at Bethany Village: Suzanne Weiss spoke. She is Vice President and Counsel, Public Policy, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).
2001
January 10, 2001, at Bethany Village: Panel of Administrators: Dr. Emerson Lesher, Messiah Village; Ed Longenecker, Landis Homes; Franklin Shock, Moravian Manor; Ray Tierney, Masonic Homes. Spoke about their current concerns and answered questions.
April 11, 2001, at Swatara Village, Pine Grove: Richard Williams Apothecary, Lancaster, spoke.
July 11, 2001, at Masonic Homes: Panel of PARCR member residents answered questions of interest to residents of retirement centers.
October 10, 2001, at Bethany Village. Jay Hollinger, Landis Homes, showed a video on "Coping with Alzheimer's". He is an experienced caregiver.
2002
January 9, 2002, at Bethany Village. Jan Brown, Attorney, Harrisburg, PA, spoke on " Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Estate Planning".
April 10,2002, at Homestead Village. Jan DeLissio of the DeLissio Consulting Group, Philadelphia, PA, covered her experience of 17 years as CEO of two long-term care communities.
July 10,2002,at Quincy Village. Janice Mertz, Music Therapist, spoke on use of music as therapy in elder care.
Milestone announced: PARCR now officially a 501 -3c Corporation.
October 10,2002, at Spreckel Village. Lori Gearhard, Acting Secretary of the PA Dept of Aging, and Velma Carter-Dryer, Executive Director pf the PA Council on Aging, were speakers, covering their areas of responsibility, issues and problems, and funding allocations.
2003
January 8, 2003, at Messiah Village:
A number of member communities provided reports of action at their locations.
Beth Greenberg, Public Policy Analyst at PANPHA, provided an update of the policy issues affecting PARCR members.
The featured speaker was Mr. Russell Pierce of the Cumberland County Office of Aging. He reviewed the responsibilities of his office and the many services available. Pennsylvania is 2nd in the nation in number of seniors; Florida is first. Seniors should be aware of issues which will affect them and the assistance the state can provide.
Discussions followed this program, including use of in-house TV networks, a comparison of fee increases, the new PARCR web site, and other subjects of interest.
April 9, 2003, at Garden Spot Village:
Progress was reported from several member councils in working with their management. Residents can be valuable resources in formulating policies. Some have added residents to their governing boards.
Ev Fuller and Charles Lafond reported on the Spring meeting of the National Continuing Care Residents Association in Washington, DC. NaCCRA, serves a useful purpose in networking state organizations (like PARCR) and individuals.
Tina Texter from Hospice of Lancaster County was the featured speaker, presenting an interesting program. Hospice is dedicated to providing care and comfort to help patients and families live better at the end of life.
Former State Senator John Stauffer led a useful discussion on the Bed Tax. His advice: Let your legislature hear from you!
July 16, 2003 at Bethany Village:
Featured speaker was Dale Laninga, Executive Director of the Intra-governmental Council on Long Term Care, within the Pa. Department of Aging. He discussed the plans to make the Commonwealth’s programs for long term care more "user-friendly".
Membership fees were raised from $35 to $45 for member resident councils, and from $10 to $15 for individuals.
Beth Greenberg, Public Policy Analyst for PANPHA, provided an update on the Bed Tax legislation. Passage seems to be a foregone conclusion, but we don’t know the details.
October 8, 2003 at Pleasant View Retirement Community:
Many reports from member communities were received with close attention. No formal speaker was scheduled. President Elma Kreps then introduced the program, "What is the Future of PARCR?", with a history of the past nine years. A surprisingly lively discussion followed, and has continued. An outcome of this discussion was enthusiasm that PARCR is worth the energy needed to make it work.
2004
January 14, 2004 at Bethany Village Retirement Community:
Sixteen (16) communities were represented. Visitors from Tel Hai Retirement Community in Honey Brook, which is considering membership in PARCR, were welcomed by President Elma Kreps.
A proposal to change the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws was approved to enable PARCR to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) corporation under the IRS code and accept tax-deductible contributions.
Beth Greenberg of PANPHA provided an update on the "Granny Tax" and other legislation pending. Richard Zook, legislative chair, asked members to urge their legislators to act on malpractice limits.
The featured speaker was Catherine A. Caruso, Mental Health Conference Planner of the Central Pa. Psychiatric Institute. She explained the concept of "Joy in the Journey: Positive Aging"; a way to recognize and improve the quality of life available to seniors.
A panel of residents, moderated by J. Stuart Dickson of Green Ridge Village, discussed "their decision to move into a retirement community". Participating were F. R. Morris, Garden Spot Village; Charles LaFond, Penn Hall; Eunice Knowles, Normandie Ridge; and Myron Ritter, Sprenkle Village.
April:
Normandie Ridge of York, PA hosted the April 14 meeting. President Elma Kreps announced that George Tjiattas, Bethany Village, had been appointed as interim Assistant Secretary. Fifteen (15) communities were represented.
The program included an informative presentation by the Elder Law Clinic, Dickinson School of Law, on Powers of Attorney. Three students who were certified legal interns reviewed various aspects of the law, led by supervising attorney Keith A. Noll.
PARCR plans to staff a booth and participate officially, for the first time, at the PANPHA convention meeting in Hershey, PA on June 16-18. Beth Greenberg of PANPHA reported on changes in Medicare and Medicaid regulations affecting CCRC's.
By-laws permit the formation of geographic "clusters" within this organization. Pros and cons of forming such clusters within our present membership was discussed without resolution.
July:
The annual meeting to begin the new fiscal year was held at Brethren Home Community in New Oxford. A special welcome by President Elma Kreps to representatives from PARCR's newest member, Homewood at Plum Creek.
The annual budget was presented by Robert Baughan, Assistant Treasurer, and adopted.
Ms. Kreps recognized with regret the passing of Charles LaFond, PARCR's first vice president, on April 22, 2004.
Officers elected for the 2004-2005 fiscal year are: President: Elma Kreps, Bethany Village; First VP: Frank Lookingbill, Brethren Homes Community; Second VP: Robert Coates, Masonic Homes; Secretary: Evert Fuller, Bethany Village; Assistant Secretary: George Tjiattas, Bethany Village; Treasurer: Richard Morris, Garden Spot Village; Assistant Treasurer: Robert Baughan,
Cumberland Crossings.
Appointees for chairs of standing committees: Advisory Committee: Stuart Dickson; Nominating Committee: Kim Dunlap; Program Committee: Charles Astfalk; Legislative Committee: Richard Zook, Woodcrest Villa.
Jack E. Vogelsong, State APPRISE Coordinator for the PA Department of Aging was the featured speaker. He explained the efforts to educate seniors, state officials and employees on the details of various health care issues, especially the new Medicare Drug Card program, and how it relates to the state's current PACE and PACENET prescription drug programs. APPRISE is
willing to train representatives from all PARCR communities as counselors. www.vacnepa.org/apprise.html
October:
This meeting was held at Woodcrest Villa in Lancaster, with sixteen (16) communities participating. Immediately following the opening prayer, Charles Astfalk introduced William R. Klinger, PhD, from the Central Pa. Psychiatric Institute, who spoke on the topic of Humor and Health. Dr. Klinger was a last-minute replacement for the scheduled speaker, but his presentation was
extremely well-received and memorable. He showed us that laughter is important for our emotional, social and intellectual well-being.
Richard Zook reported on legislative activities and concerns. 380 signatures were obtained on a petition to release allocated funds for Medicaid. Mr. Zook introduced Nan Rush, an Assisted Living administrator, who spoke about the Personal Home Regulations. Both PARCR and PANPHA are watching these developments closely to see how they will affect retirement communities.
After some debate, it was voted to renew our state membership in NaCCRA, the National Continuing Care Residents Association.
A proposal was made by the Executive Committee to give PARCR Associate Members the right to vote on certain matters and to hold elective office. The question was referred back for more study.
2005
January 12, 2005 at Bethany Village, Mechanicsburg, PA chaired by President Elma Kreps.
Frank Lookingbill, Membership Chair, reported that we have twenty-two (22) CCRC's and thirty-five (35) associate
members. Eighteen (18) communities are represented at this meeting. Most submitted reports which are summarized in the PARCR newsletter.
After routine business, Charles Astfalk, Program Chair, introduced David G. DelBiondo, CPA, director of the Bureau of Examinations of the Pa. Insurance Department. Mr. DelBiondo reviewed the functions of his department. It audits all of the 315 domestic insurance companies in the state, and (because the sizable entry fee includes a contractual insurance aspect) also
examines 120 CCRC's to assure compliance with a host of financial and governance regulations. For example, under state law residents must be permitted to organize and express their views. He reviewed tests his examiners might make to assure the organization is sound and that residents are being treated fairly.
Following the lunch break Ms. Kreps asked participants to discuss the top five (5) issues affecting their CCRC's. A lively exchange occurred, and continued when meeting programs, past and future, were reviewed. She asked that serious ideas be put in writing and forwarded to the PARCR office.
April 13, 2005 at Landis Homes, Lititz, PA
President Elma Kreps thanked Landis Home President Edward Longenecker, a strong supporter of PARCR, for hosting the meeting and for his personal participation on the PARCR Advisory Committee. Frank Lookingbill, 1st VP and membership chair, announced that PARCR now has 25 member communities and at least 34 associate members. Kip Dunlap has been replaced by Bill George of Garden Spot Village as nominating committee chair. George Tjiattas reported on the APPRISE training sessions in anticipation of the Medicare drug program.
Charles Astfalk introduced speaker Dr. Robert Bauer, whose family practice included many Amish folk around Intercourse, PA. His humor and wisdom touched us all and his talk was much appreciated.
President Kreps led a discussion about the "hot topics" which appear currently in member communities, for example, a "dress code" for dinner. Most communities felt it would not be acceptable. There was a question of whether PARCR could accommodate associate members from communities whose councils were not members. The question was referred to the Executive
Committee for a possible change to the by-laws.
July 13, 2005 at Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, PA
First VP Frank Lookingbill opened this Annual Meeting as President Elma Kreps was absent due to illness. Nineteen (19) community members were represented.
The two speakers for the day were William C. Davis, CEO of Health Care Services, and Raymond E. Tierney, CEO for Independent Living Retirement Services, both for the Masonic Villages. Ray has been a member of PARCR's Advisory Committee for about ten years. He reviewed the major changes in health and demographics which have had great impact on retirement services and on CCRC's as opposed to other services being offered to retirees. Apart from any other issues, CCRC's must take steps to attract enough retirees to remain solvent. Mr. Davis spoke about health care issues, including state Medicaid caps and dramatic federal Medicare changes. He also reviewed the new state Personal Care Regulations which will impact CCRC's, and which many believe were hastily drawn without much concern for cost.
The budget for 2005 - 2006 was presented by Treasurer Richard Morris, and adopted as presented. Bill George, nominating committee chair, reported that all elected officers have agreed to continue in the new year, although Elma Kreps had insisted that she be designated "Interim" president. All were duly reelected. A new program chair is needed. Following the meeting, tours of
Masonic Homes' model train facilities were offered.
October 12, 2005 at Garden Spot Village, New Holland, PA
"Interim" President Elma Kreps opened this meeting and reported on the various offices and committees within PARCR. Twenty (20) communities and sixty-nine (69) delegates, officers and guests attended.
Frank Lookingbill, First VP, passed out information about the proposed Pension Protection Legislation and explained that it could harm retirees.
CEO Steve Lindsey of Garden Spot Village was the enthusiastic speaker at this meeting, speaking on "Culture Change", a new concept for long-term or skilled care patients. CCRC's should be moving away from the sometimes depressing "institutional" or "hospital" model of care. Central is a recognition that these residents are "home" and their facility should be as "home-like" as possible.
Evert Fuller, Secretary, reported that the Executive Committee indicates that a review of the By-Laws indicates that associate members can be admitted even if their community does not join PARCR.
George Tjiattas presented more information about the Medicare Part D plans being offered. His advice: "Don't sign anything until you are certain this is the plan for you!"
President Elma Kreps gave her report recapping the events of the past year. Following the meeting, tours of the Garden Spot Village Model Train Room and Wood Shop were provided.
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For further information concerning the years subsequent to 2005, please refer to the Newsletters and Minutes pages.