HYE DOUN

A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJ Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

The Presidents Message

Board of Trustees
ANDREW TORIGIAN President of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees TED TAKVORIAN, Esq. Vice President PETER BONJOUKLIAN Treasurer JOHN VANISKHIAN Assistant Treasurer KHOREN NALBANDIAN, RPH Recording Secretary ANNETTE TAMALIAN-ALMOND Corresponding Secretary H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMD Ombudsman SONIA MARDINIAN, RPH NABIL J. NOURI NORA ZABEL TOSSOUNIAN, MD Board Members GREG TOUFAYAN Alternate Board Member MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHA Administrator JAN MRANI, M.D. Medical Director

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Andrew Torigian s we are in this joyful Thanksgiving and Christmas season, we look back on the activities that took place at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) this year and we praise the Lord and thank Him for all the blessings He has bestowed upon the ANRC. We have made significant progress in our hearings before the Emerson Planning Board in the last three meetings regarding our new building. We have made all the changes that they and the public have suggested. We are not asking for any variance. We are a conforming use, and meet all the zoning requirements and hope to find out their decision on January 5, 2012. In the meanwhile our standard for the ANRC has been on target. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) came in last month for one of their surprise visits. The CMS not only surveys the ANRC for conforming to their standards but also interviews our residents for their opinion. I can happily report that they have confirmed our FOUR STAR rating. We get many letters from our residents (the latest is on page5). Of course this only happens because of the leadership of our Administrator Matt Russo and the terrific staff of nurses headed by our Director of Nursing, Shakeh Bautista, RN, Who is assisted by our Patient Care Coordinator, Maggy Petrosian, RN. Our thanks also to Chef Alan Fass ( who will soon be retiring); Sandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities; Connie Gardner, RDA, ANRC Dietician; Bethe Aymar , MSW, LSW, Social Worker; Jill Kerrs, Business Office Manager; Ahmad Jamal, Physical Therapist; our LPNs and CNAs; and our Maintenance Crew led by Howard Torosian. We thank our Volunteer Board of Directors for the many hours they devote to the ANRC, and the Friends of the Armenian Home (FAH) who give many hours to beautify the ANRC. Merry Christmas to all.

Hye Doun Editorial Board

Andrew Torigian Chief Editor Louisa Janbazian Editor Matthew Russo Advisor Olia Sileo Proof Reader Howard Torossian Photographs Layout & Design by Caspian Seal Caspianseal.com Printed by PRINTSOLUTIONS Englewood, NJ 201.567.9622

Qristos 6nau ;u \a\tn;zau1 };xi4 m;xi M;6 Au;tis! Krisdos dzenav yev haydnetzav. Tzezee, Mezee Medz Avedis! (Christ is born and is revealed: Good tidings to you and to us)
The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center sits on three spacious acres nestled in wooded, suburban Emerson, Bergen County, NJ. Our Address is: Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 70 Main Street, Emerson NJ 07630 Phone: 201.261.6662 Fax: 201.261.5509 You are invited to call and make an appointment to discuss the individual needs of your loved one. Directions: By Bus: Port Authority: Bus #165 to Emerson By Car: Exit #165 on Garden State Parkway. Right turn onto Oradell Ave. Left turn onto Kinderkamack Rd. Turn right onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left. From GWB: Take Route 4 to Kinderkamack Rd. Right turn onto Main St. Follow contours of road. Home on left.

2 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

From the Administrators Desk

Faith In The Workplace

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA, Administrator

ur quest for township approval to our amended site plan began to unfold before the Emerson Land and Uses Board this past July 21st. While neighbor objections were intermittently voiced aloud to deter progress, it was the Armenians who were once again being attacked for their advancement. The dictionary defines a nursing home as a private residential institution equipped to care for persons unable to look after themselves, as the aged or chronically ill. When I entered the long-term care arena, I came across many people in this home, and in our industry, acting with humility by serving the sick and frail in our society without regard to their ethnicity, religion, race, gender, social or monetary status. If you have read every column Ive written over the past six years, youll see Ive never cited scripture from the Bible, but the works that occur here every day are inspiring. I have shied away from citing Bible verse in the past because I prefer to leave that to members of the clergy or someone whose faith is stronger than mine. On the Sunday morning before this past Thanksgiving, I sat in my church pew along with my wife and two boys and I heard our pastor read from the Gospel of Matthew. While our work as a charity is being smeared, the gospel overheard was the parable about the sheep and the goats. While listening, I felt the calm reassurance that what were doing holds great weight in how God wants us to lead our lives through His service,

and I want to share with you some of the words I heard that Sunday morning: I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after meTruly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. I havent felt serenity from our recent opposition in quite some time, but through this passage and many others contained in the Bible, I felt comforted in knowing that what were doing today is linked with Gods will for us and for future generations. This time of year, we place great emphasis on New Years resolutions to become better personally, under certain terms. I am thankful that, although my faith has been tested over time, Gods words have again been put first in my world. My wish is that He grants all of you the peace, love, courage and wisdom to conquer any ills that may have plagued your life in the past. May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! q

what were doing holds great weight in the eyes of how God wants us to lead our lives through His service

UPCOMINGEVENTS
January
1 - Resident Social 11 - Show and Tell 21 - The Sima Trio featuring Cellist Ani Kalayjian

February
8 - Chocolate Fondue Party 10 - Making Valentines Day Arts and Crafts 14 - Valentines Day Party

March
5 - Labor Day Celebration 13 - Senior Picnic 21 - Armenian Independence Day Party

Please call ahead of time if you would like to attend as dates and time may change at time of printing.
HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 3

Health

Stroke
B
short-lived stroke that gets better and resolves. It is a shortlived episode (less than 24 hours) of temporary impairment of brain function that is caused by a loss of blood supply. The loss of blood supply to the brain is most often caused by a clot that spontaneously forms in a blood vessel within the brain (thrombosis). However, it can also result from a clot that forms elsewhere in the body when it dislodges from that location and travels to lodge in an artery of the brain (emboli). A spasm or a bleed are other causes of a TIA. Causes of Stroke Some TIAs develop slowly while others may develop rapidly. 1. Blockage of an artery By definition, all TIAs resolve within 24 hours. A stroke takes Narrowing of the small arteries can cause lacunar stroke, longer to resolve than a TIA. With stroke, complete function (lacunar means empty space). Blockage of a single may never return and reflects a more permanent and serious arteriole can affect a tiny area of the brain tissue causing problem. Although most TIAs last only a few minutes, all TIAs it to die (infarct). should be evaluated with the same urgency as a stroke. A Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) leading to the patient who has been affected by a TIA may experience brain. The anterior circulation controls most motor activity, temporary double vision, dizziness (vertigo), loss of balance, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion. The posterior one sided weakness or complete paralysis of the arm, leg, circulation supplies the brainstem and the cerebellum, face, or one whole side of the body or be unable to speak or controlling the automatic parts of brain function and understand commands. coordination. If these arteries become narrow as a Symptoms of Strokes result of atherosclerosis, plaque, or cholesterol, debris When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they cease can break off and float downstream, clogging the blood to perform their usual tasks. The symptoms that follow a supply to a large part of the brain, causing a stroke. stroke depend on the area of the brain that has been affected Embolism to the brain from the heart. Blood clots can and the amount of brain tissue damage. Small strokes may form within the heart and break off and travel (embolize) not cause any symptoms, but can still damage brain tissue. to the arteries in the brain and cause a stroke. These strokes that do not cause symptoms are referred to as silent strokes. According to the U.S. National Institute of 2. Rupture of an artery (cerebral hemorrhage) Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), these are the The most common reason to have bleeding within five major signs of stroke: the brain is uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other 1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, situations include aneurysms that leak or rupture or especially on one side of the body. The loss of voluntary artheriovenous malformations (AVM), in which there is movement and/or sensation may be complete or partial. an abnormal collection of blood vessels that are fragile There may be an associated tingling sensation in the and can bleed. affected area. Most common risk factors are: 2. Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding. high blood pressure Sometimes weakness in the muscles of the face can high cholesterol cause drooling. smoking 3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. diabetes 4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or increasing age coordination. 5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause. When strokes occur in younger individuals (less than If any of the above symptoms suddenly appear, activate 50 years old), less common risk factors to be considered include illicit drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, emergency Medical System, (Call 911). The goal is to get the ruptured aneurysms, and inherited (genetic) predispositions person to the emergency room where they can be evaluated and confirm the diagnosis and decide on a treatment method. to abnormal blood clotting. If delays occur, the opportunity to intervene and reverse the Transient ischemic attack (TIA) stroke is lost. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke is a Happy Holidays! rain cell function requires a constant delivery of oxygen and glucose from the bloodstream. Stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. Sometimes, a stroke is called a brain attack. 4 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Shakeh Bautista, RN, ANRC Director of Nursing

Health

Team Armenian Home

Walks for Alzheimers

Beth Aymar, MSW, LSW

n Sunday, October 23, over 5,000 people gathered Home doubled their goal of $1,000.00 to raise a final total at Van Saun Park in Paramus to end Alzheimers of $2,015.00! A huge thank you goes out to everyone who disease. Among those walking was Team Armenian participated in and donated to this wonderful cause! Home, consisting of about 20 staff and family members. The day began with bagels and coffee and ended with hot dogs, hamburgers, raffles, and even a costume contest for the kids. The walk was three miles in length and looped around the park with musical entertainment and cheerleaders encouraging and guiding the participants along the way. Walkers wore t-shirts in memory of those they were walking for and carried fabric pinwheel flowers from the memory garden on which they wrote the names of friends and family members affected by Alzheimers disease. The sight of so many people gathered for a common cause was overwhelming and This is an example of many truly heartwarming. The event letters we receive from our brought in over $300,000.00 tofamily members. Thank wards Alzheimers care, support you Laverne and nursing and research. Team Armenian staff, we are proud of you!

Thank You for Your Donations!

ANRC Board of Trustees Beth Aymar Lynda Aymar Shakeh Bautista The Berry Family Inge Buchert BJ & Bob Cassidy Poornima Chauhan Katie Chupak Susan Chupak Emily Gavagan Greg & Cheryl Genneken Judy & George Genneken Anna Gonzalez Olive Gordon Julie Haffler Kimberly Haffler Phil & Cathy Haffler Jill Kerrs Robin Kerrs Harriet Kestin Lisa King Rafi Krikorian Linda Lepping Ronnie Madel Diane & Jack McGough Nicole Nee Mulligan Laura Neeter Joseph OConnell Timothy OConnell Rosann Pellegrino Jean Resnick Barbara Robe The Russo Family Robert Sadowski Rich Schwenn Ellen Testa Andrew Torigian Dorathea Wiessner Linda Wilk The Yarock Family Faye Yu Sonia Zdrite

October 26, 2011 Maggy Petrosian, RN, Patient Care Coordinator Dear Laverne and Staff, I really dont know where to begin. You have been so good to my Aunt, Berjouhi Saksoorian. In my heart and in knowing how difficult she could be she really appreciated all you did for her. I sure appreciated all you did and couldnt believe what good care she received. I have never known anyone in a nursing home and having heard stories, I have to say that you and your staff are the best. I can see how difficult the elderly can be and I saw how you handled all the challenges the day brought. God bless you all! I feel now my life can move on. I lost my brother last December and now I have lost my aunt. These two deaths in one year is too much but, in sense, its OK and I feel Ill be fine. My health is good and I feel strong. All is good I cant thank you enough for all the help you gave to my aunt. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely, Susan Aprahamian HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 5

Friends of the Armenian Home

FAH Autumn Luncheon

on the Hudson

Linda Amerkanian, MaryAnne Bonjuklian and Armine Norian

appreciate when organizing these events. The Chinese Auction raffle included many wonderful gifts and all were donated by the women that are part of the team at FAH, supporters and vendors. Such enthusiasm of our guests encourage FAH members to continue working to provide a warm and inviting living environment for the residents of the Hye Doun of Emerson.

n September 21, 2011, Friends of the Armenian Home, (FAH) of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Emerson, NJ, hosted a luncheon at the Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen, NJ. Whether it was the clear skies, the beautiful New York skyline, friends, food or program, it was an afternoon of events that was enjoyed by all. The Waterside Restaurant, with the backdrop of New York City, was truly lovely for everyone to enjoy. The room was filled with approximately 130 attendees who were happy to be present and share in the surroundings. FAH Chairperson, Bertha Vaniskhian, welcomed guests to the luncheon and spoke briefly about the mission of FAH. We also honored the twentieth anniversary of the Armenian Republic as FAH member Zivart Balikjian explained the history and significance of the day while we all joined in singing the American and Armenian national anthems accompanied by cellist Elizabeth Kalfayan. A truly profound blessing was given by FAH member Alice Philibosian prior to the start of the festivities. Present that day were a few local vendors who displayed their merchandise for sale. Watercolor artist Mariam Attarian Breyer brought her lovely landscape and floral paintings. Martin Attarian offered his unique collectibles from time past. Makeup artists from Bobbi Brown of Neiman Marcus, Paramus, provided individual consultations on fall make up colors; Carmen Negron of Deseos of Hillsdale displayed a vast collection of fashion and home accessories; and Donna OConnor provided a selection of her hand crafted beaded jewelry. The speaker for the afternoon was Heather Zwain, Fashion Editor of 201 Magazine. Her enthusiasm for fashion was infectious and using stylish accessories, she discussed this falls trends and colors, while stressing that it is quite possible to create a distinct look without exceeding ones budget. The event was chaired by Armine Norian, Armine Pechdimaldji and Ann Takvorian. Our committee members were Alice Philibosian and Marilyn Bedigian Reservations; MaryAnne Bonjuklian Invitations and Raffle gifts; Grace Bedrosian Mailing address preparation; Bertha Vaniskhian Dcor; Lucie Bandazian, Aline Kassabian, Karen Nargizian, Anita Temiz and Talene Tchorbajian, Chinese Auction Raffle, and Linda Amerkanian Publicity and Photography. The luncheon presented by the Waterside was lovely and the camaraderie of those that came was apparent. Friends love to see friends and this is one of the nice things you
6 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Pictures top to bottom: L to R standing: Rosemary Alashaian and Louise Stepanian. L to R seated: Beatrice Postian and Virginia Sarkisian L to R: Mary Ann Saraydarian, Maryann Kallem and Martha Saraydarian L to R standing: Linda Amerkanian, MaryAnne Bonjuklian, Aline Kassabian, Diane Droste, Nancy Burdman, Marilyn Bedigian, Alice Philibosian, Eliz Tossounian, Zivart Balikjian and Anita Temiz. L to R seated: Armine Norian, Ann Takvorian, Armine Pechdimaldji and Bertha Vaniskhian (missing from picture Karen Nargizian and Talene Tchorbajian)

In The Kitchen
Alan Fass, Director of Dietary Services

y career at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has been as rewarding as it was challenging. There hasnt been a day in the past five years that I didnt want to come to work, because I loved my job and I enjoyed working with all of you. I am fortunate in being able to say that. Everyone connected to the Home has been my second family and you have supported me in both my career and in my personal life. You listened to my stories about my son, and you cared when my parents entered a nursing home. I was privileged to be part of a team which achieved successes that we can all be proud of. I did my best and my efforts were well returned in kind and in friendship. But it is now time to pass my spatula on to my successor. Im going to miss all of our residents and their families, our Board of Directors, and, of course, Matt and the girls. Ill long remember the fun, arguments and daily therapy sessions at lunch, listening to each others trials and tribulations. Ill miss the friendly rivalry I enjoyed with Matt when discussing the weekends football games every Monday morning. (Go, Giants!) Now Im looking forward to my new life as a retiree and having the time and the freedom to pursue my hobbies and interests, including traveling and just hanging out with my beautiful wife, Stella, and our two new puppies, Sam n Ella. I look forward to spending time with family and friends, travelling without an agenda, the absence of anxious or frantic phone calls from vendors, resident families and nursing staff, and enjoying leisurely lunches without worrying that I might be sleepy in the afternoon. Most of all, I am looking forward to never getting around to doing all the things I intended to do when I was still working. (Yes, there are compensations in lifes transitions!) I believe that this great Home will continue to grow and prosper and I trust that all of my co-workers will continue to be as happy and fulfilled here as I was. Theyve been a wonderful team to work with. Thank you for having been a part of my life during the past five years. I shall miss you all. q

Father Aziz Hadodo from St. Gabriels Syriac Orthodox Church in Hackensack along with the Youth Group visited our home to assist in helping our residents with bingo on Monday, November 14th, 2011.

St. Gabriels youth group with Rosemary Phillips

Rev. Fr. Aziz Hadodo

St. Gabriels youth Group with Sona Doudoukjian

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 7

Activities Corner

Sandy Cortelyou, Director of Activities and Linda Amerkanian, FAH Member

espite the coming cold weather, the residents of the Armenian Home will not and have not slowed down. On Saturday, November 12th, a few residents were able to attend the Blue Chip Chorus of Bergen County. Dave Buchner, the son of Mr. Kenneth Buchner who resides at the Armenian Home, sings with this group. The Blue Chip Chorus was kind enough to donate tickets to our residents, and a fabulous time was had by all. On Thursday, November 17th a group of residents dined at Alitos in Fairview. A past employee owns the restaurant and was kind enough to donate dinner for our residents. Lastly, in December we will be going to the Paramus Park Mall in Paramus, NJ. We will do a little shopping, do a little eating and of course we will be seeing Santa. The residents look forward to seeing all of the Christmas displays throughout the mall and department stores while returning to the sights, sounds and smells this season has to offer. While we all know this is a busy time of year, we take pause to wish you a very happy and safe holiday season! q

n November 12th, residents from the ANRC attended a night of musical entertainment they will never forget! Our residents visited the River Dell High School for a performance by the Blue Chip Chorus of Bergen County. The Blue Chip Chorus provided a number of free tickets for our residents and as you can see their smiles are self-explanatory! We kindly thank the Blue Chip Chorus and Dave Buchner for kindheartedness and goodwill!

Current Blue Chip Chorus member Dave Buchner and former Blue Chip Chorus member and ANRC Resdent Kenneth Buchner

Kenneth Buchner surrounded by his loving family at this event!

8 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Rosemary Phillips and Kenneth Buchner Laurice Buchakjian

n September 14th, 2011, residents from the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center attended the Bergen County Senior Picnic at Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ. Special thanks to our Activities Assistants Katie Chupak and Zepyur Grigoryan, C.N.A., Paulette Green, and volunteers Steve and Alice Hortian, Dave Buchner and Luba Chuzhina. Pictured variously are Sonia Doudoukjian, Jerry Belmonte, Jack Karibian, Alice Aginian, Gilbert Gerard, Zepure Mardekian, Rose Costanzo, Kenneth Buchner, Maksina Chuzhina, and Rose Ghelibolian.

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 9

n October 31st the residents had their Halloween party at the Hye Doun. Entertainment was provided by singing sensation Randi Acardi!

George Melekian and Carmella DiDino

Barbara Boothby with her mother Barbara Sofia and Jerry Belmonte

Sylvia Soultanian, resident Rose Soultanian and her son Steve Soultanian

Ramona Conklin

Zartar Cinar

10 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Faces in Our Crowd

Received with Thanks

Donations to the Armenian Home Mr. & Mrs. Haig Didizain. Total $ 3000.00 In Memory of Zarouhi DerKrikorian Deloian Ms. Janice Brady Mrs. Sendella Collins Ms. Anna Elasarian Ms. Elizabeth Elasarian Ms. Anahid Ghazarian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Harowitz Mr. & Mrs. John Jerikian Dr. & Mrs. Murad Kerneklian The Mangigian Family The Moogalian Family Mr. & Mrs. Milton Owen Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Peple Mr. & Mrs. Harry Pilafian Mr. Walter Scott Ms. Florence Soghoian The Soudjian Family Ms. Judith Sutherland Ms. Patsy Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Ronald VanSickle Total $ 1040.00 In Memory of Alice Nazarian Mr. & Mrs. James Azarian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Azarian Mr. Richard Kalbian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Medina Mr. & Mrs. Edward Pechdimaldji Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Terranova Total $ 255,00

John DeMilia (a former personal traveling photographer for Bob Hope!)

Resident Helen Taylor with Katie Chupak Robert Devian and George Melekian

Miriam Khatchadurian

Jermin Tirpan
HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 11

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

70 Main Street Emerson, NJ 07630

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Paramus, NJ Permit # 246

We, at Friends of the Armenian Home (FAH) thank you for your continued support of the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) and we pledge to you during this Christmas season, to continue with our Mission of making life more comfortable for our elderly. May all your days be filled with contentment, laughter and Love. MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR
Bertha Vaniskhian,
Chairperson

Ica Kouyoumdjian,
Vice Chairperson