A Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc.

, Emerson, NJ
AprilMayJune 2008

Hye Doun

AN

Hovnanian Armenian School students commemorating the Armenian Genocide with the residents of ANRC

Hye Doun

Board Of Trustees
ANDREW TORIGIAN President of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees VATCHE BAGHDIKIAN Vice President DAVID ROWAN Treasurer BERGE TALANIAN Assistant Treasurer KHOREN NALBADIAN Recording Secretary ANNETTE TAMALIANALMOND Corresponding Secretary H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMD JOHN VANISKHIAN Board Members MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHA Administrator JAN MRANI, M.D. Medical Director

The Presidents Message

Andrew Torigian

Hye Doun Editorial Board

Andrew Torigian Chief Editor Louisa Janbazian Editor Matthew Russo Advisor Howard Torossian Photographs and Ads Printed by PRINTSOLUTIONS Englewood, NJ 201.567.9622

t has been said if you want someone to build something correctly, give that person the proper tools. We at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) have been extremely fortunate in having the right tools to do the building at our Home. The tools at the ANRC are the dedicated, experienced and caring staff who have diligently devoted themselves to their tasks at hand, each one in their own way adding their part of the skills needed to make life more comfortable for each of our residents. Each of them makes the extra effort which enhances the quality of life for those at the ANRC. However, we must also remember that the inspiration and motivation of our staff emanates from the top. Therefore, we at the ANRC, are very fortunate and thankful that we have Mr. Matthew Russo, LNHA as our Administrator. It is his constant vigilance and caring for our residents that is reflected through his leadership to the staff, providing them the impetus to perform so well. Our volunteer Board of Trustees work equally as hard setting the goals that can be reached, enhancing the life of our residents. By close cooperation of our staff and the input from our Trustees, we endeavor to maintain our high standard for the ANRC. We also need to recognize the wonderful work of our ladies who serve on the Friends of the Armenian Home (FAH). These remarkable women have devoted themselves to beautifying and decorating the ANRC to make it into a Home away from home for our residents. Because of their efforts, we salute the FAH ladies and ask you to support them whenever they have a function to raise funds for the ANRC. Their next luncheon is on September 17, 2008 at Neiman Marcus at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey. We thank all the members of the ANRC who attended the Annual Meeting on June 1, 2008. It was a very upbeat gathering and we express our appreciation to those in attendance. q
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 | April/May/June 2008

From the Administrators Desk

How Do They Do It?

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA Administrator

peek inside a volunteers Department routinely calls on these people to help life reveals many things sustain the wide variety of functions outside the one is that the calling home our residents have come to expect. Many does not come easy. Our home are family members and local residents and this plays host to a number of vol- home is incredibly grateful for your efforts! unteers who help our homes Lastly, our ANRCs Board of Trustees is made services dramatically. I cannot up of volunteers. Its easy for me to blow suntell you the countless times I am shine when speaking of my bosses, but I am able to meet with Bertha Vanishkian, FAH (Friends completely humbled how month in and month out of the Armenian Home) President, throughout the this group of professionals leave their offices early, year. Her dedication and perleave their families at the dinsistent approach to getting Working with volunteers is an ner table, and come to the things done around the home home to discuss delicate dayamazing, powerful, humbling, to-day functions of our nursing brings welcome praise from the multitude of visitors, health and enriching experience. home. It takes a very caring care representatives, and resindividual to put time in for a idents who never get the chance to even meet her. cause and expect nothing in return. She is not alone either. Many ladies from the FAH Working with volunteers is an amazing, powgroup share her vision and my column is too short erful, humbling, and enriching experience. If you for all of their names. We thank you all! are interested in volunteering at the ANRC, please There are many other friends to the ANRC that contact my office and I will help you find a rewardvolunteer to assist and aid other departments to ing experience that you may never have known function when our staff is unable to. Our home existed. Thank for reading my column and as alrecently had the opportunity to host a volunteer ways, be well! appreciation dinner on May 1st to those volunVolunteers dont get paid, not because teers who provide hands on support by show- they are worthless, but because they are priceing our thanks in a very small way. The Activities less! ~Sherry Anderson

Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide at the Memorial at the Armenian Home. L to R: Father Hovnan Bozoian of Sts. Vartanantz Church and Father Diran Boyadjian of St. Leons Church
HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2008 3

Health Care
Mediterranean Diet Helps Alzeimers Patients Live Longer
Maggy N. Petrosian, RN, CDP o the heart has a natural pacemaker called the sinus node which produces electrical impulses. These electrical impulses cause the heart to contract and pump the blood throughout the body. The impulses travel from the natural pacemaker cells down through an electrical pathway enabling the heart muscle walls to produce contractions. The Mediterranean Diet Helps Alzheimers Patients Live Longer. A new study published in the Sept. 11 issue of Neurologist, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that Alzheimers diseased patients live longer if they consume a Mediterranean- style diet. The diet is typically defined as rich in fish, olive oil, cereals, fruits, and vegetables and enjoyed with a glass or two of alcohol, usually wine, with the evening meal. Alzheimers patients who adhered to the diet to a moderate degree lived 1.3 years longer than those people who least adhered to the diet, researchers concluded at Colombia University Medical center in New York. And those Alzheimers patients who followed the diet very religiously lived an average four years longer. The study followed 192 New York residents living with Alzheimers. The researches found that those patients who most closely adhered to a Mediterranean diet showed a 73 percent reduction in mortality risk compared with those who followed the diet least. An accompanying editorial to the study pass the Grain, Spare the Brain by James Galvin, M.D., of the Washington University School of Medicine- asserted that the study is important beyond Alzheimers. [Despite] all of the medical and pharmaceutical advances made in the last century, perhaps the most important things we can still tell our patients, regardless if age, is to stay mentally active and physically fit and to eat a healthy and balanced diet. q

Aging. Are we doing this successfully?: The Benefits of Exercise

Carol Somerville, LCSW he senior population is growing larger, especially as the baby boomers continue to age. In general we are living longer as a population the result of modern medicine, public health initiatives, health education and improved and enhanced socioeconomic conditions. According to the Census Bureau it is anticipated that 62 million people, or almost one in five Americans will be aged 65 and older by 2005. By the year 2045, the elderly population will reach 77 million. (Source: American Demographics, August 1994, P.38). As we all begin to age, there are many interesting questions that we can ask: Are we living a quality life? Senior years are often thought to be a time when there is a decline in physical and emotional well being, including attractiveness, vitality and health. However, this is not the truth. Most seniors are very active, vital, and are contributing members of our society. Helping seniors to be the best they can is an important element in keeping these folks thriving. What can you do as a senior? Take time to learn the truth about aging. Talk to your doctor and find out what is right for you. Unless you have a major medical problem, your doctor will be proud to hear you say you want to exercise. He will be also able to tell you the risks and benefits of exercise for you. Find out what is safe and consistent with your lifestyle. It is as good for the young, as the older person. Exercise can enhance the quality of your life. Years ago the absence of disease equated with health, but we have learned that this is not necessarily the truth. The bigger picture includes a continuing interrelated series of health related promoting behaviors including regular exercise. Exercise might slow down the progressive decline in function that occurs with inactivity and aging. It can provide increased muscle strength, range of motion, endurance, flexibility and posture. All of these are attributes that can only aid you as you age. What can you do? After a consultation walk add easy things to incorporate into your life style. Use the stairs instead of the elevator (take each step slowly do two at a time if you can), dance, ride a stationary bicycle, or swim. It is never too late to benefit from preventive health measures. Appreciate your life, feel better emotionally, sleep better, expand your network of friends (exercise with new people), enhance your self-esteem, avoid social isolation and increase the positive feelings you have about yourself. Age graciously; disease and decline are not inevitable in later years. Do things for you; stay healthy, vital and you should feel functional for decades. q

Father. Vahrij Shirinian being interviewed by the Bergen Record on Armenian Martyrs Day
4 HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2008

In the Kitchen with Chef Alan Fass

m sure everyone is feeling the strain of higher prices for food and fuel in their own kitchens. Well the kitchen of the ANRC is no different from yours, except that we prepare about 300 meals a day, not counting special food for the Activities Department. Some of the ways we are coping with higher prices, is obtaining new vendors that have better pricing, but always assuring the same high quality of food that the residents and staff demand, and changing cooking techniques that will result in higher yields. We have implemented our new Spring-Summer menus. Some of the changes are adding more Salads (Bulgur, Couscous, and Lentil Salads), and more Middle Eastern dishes (Baked Fish with Tomatoes & Rice, Fried Eggplant with Peppers and Tomato Sauce, Chicken with Rice and Pine Nuts). On the equipment front, we have received our new oven. We formerly used electric ovens with very little capacity. This new oven is a gas-convection oven with enough capacity to eliminate three of our present ovens, but we will keep one because of the range top. Not only will these ovens cook faster and more uniform than the old ones, but also they will save the ANRC money since they use gas instead of costly electric. I want to personally thank the Board for approving the oven. Its money well spent! Well thats about it. Have a safe and healthy summer, and well speak in the fall. Now for our Recipe, a nice lite salad for the summer. Mediterranean Salad Serves 6 3T extra-virgin olive oil + c 2 cloves garlic, minced 1pound box Israeli couscous (or another small pasta) 3c chicken stock (or vegetable stock, if you want to keep it vegetarian) 2 lemons, juiced 1 lemon, zested 1/2t salt 1/2t freshly ground pepper

1c chopped fresh basil leaves 1/2c chopped fresh mint leaves 1/4c dried cranberries (or other dried berries) 1/4c slivered almonds, toasted In a medium sauce pan, heat 3T olive oil. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the couscous and cook until lightly toasted and browned, stirring often. Carefully add the stock, and the juice of one lemon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until the couscous is tender, but still firm to the bite (al dente), about 8-10 minutes. Drain. In a large bowl, add the warm couscous with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, zest and salt & pepper. Cover and put in the refrigerator until cool. Once cooled, add the fresh herbs, dried cranberries and almonds. Toss and serve. If you want, an assortment of vegetables or proteins can be added to the salad (tomatoes, zucchini, sugar snap peas, cooked chicken, shrimp, calamari). q

UPCOMINGEVENTS
June 1st AnnuAl MeMbership Meeting June 4th live entertAinMent w/CAndyCe giAgiunto June 5th top your own pAstA June 14th sAddle river bAnd/FlAg dAy CelebrAtion June 15th FAthers dAy lunCheon/ArMeniAn Children entertAinMent June 18th live entertAinMent w/MAry stellA June 22nd ridgewood CAvAliers bArber shop singers June 26th resident outing June 27th suMMer pArty hero by the inCh July 4th independenCe dAy CelebrAtion July 9th iCe CreAM sundAe pArty July 18th viennese tAble July 23rd hot dog dAy July 30th beACh pArty August 5th Friendship dAy pArty August 8th pizzA pArty August29th shopping dAy
HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2008 5

Received with Thanks the following donations for the ANRC

IN MEMORY OF RENE LAJOIE Ajc Consulting Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Paul Clavio Mr. & Mrs. Donald Eddy Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Grastat Leigh Technologies, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Svajdlenka Mr. & Mrs. Keith Van Saders IN MEMORY OF MANUSAK TEMURCU Mr. Sarven Akdemirian Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Araian Mr. & Mrs. Arman Barsamyan Mr. Manuel Benzer Mr. & Mrs. Agop Dedeoglu Mr. & Mrs. Khoren Pashalian Pronto Jewelry Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Arto Sanag Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Tabibian Ms. Narin Yesiltepe ARMENIAN HOME DONATIONS Mr. Haig Boyadjian Mr. & Mrs. Hacik Sariminasyan Mr. & Mrs. James Yost DONATIONS TO FAH Virginia L. Hajeian Arax H. Chirkian Dr. Roupen and Dr. Pat Siraganian Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Stepanian Mr. and Mrs. Ara Setrakian Mr. and Mrs. Leon Kassabian Mr. and Mrs. Levon Kassabian Mrs. Silva Zadurian

TOTAL: $670.00

IN MEMORY OF PAT DALESSANDRO Ms. Jane Devito IN MEMORY OF ELIZE TASCI Oritani Savings Bank

TOTAL: $1,900.00

TOTAL: $700.00

In honor of Alice Philibosians 80th Birthday Ida Gueyikian Grace Bedrosian Mrs. Nedurian Bertha Vanishikian Elbiz Baghdikian

TOTAL: $1,200.00

TOTAL: $410.00

he Armenian Home turned green during St. Patricks Day with a festive Irish Occasions for all. Chef Alan cooked up Bangers and Mashed while the residents enjoyed themselves to Irish entertainment provided by Jonnin Music!

e gladly thank Varoujan Vartanian, Noubar Boyajian and Ara Dinkjian for their continuing entertainment support for the ANRCs residents. Varoujan, Ara, and Noubar have routinely visited the home year and year out to provide our residents with traditional Armenian music. The music they provide and interaction with our residents is appreciated by all! q

Varoujan Vartanian, Noubar Boyajian, and Ara Dinkjian along with Administrator and Dave Rowan (Treasurer)
8 HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2008

Varoujan Vartanian entertaining the residents

Activities Corner
Sandy Cortelyou, ADC, Director of Activities

ith the beautiful weather upon us the Activity Department is planning several trips outside of the home. On May 18th the residents of the home visited the River Dell High School to listen to the Shoghig Choir of Armavir, Armenia. This concert will benefit the AMAA Summer Camp Programs in Armenia and Karabagh. We all had a wonderful time! In both June and October we are planning a trip to the Bergen County Zoological Park. This park is home to a wide variety of both domestic and wild animals. The zoo is an animal lovers delight and many of our residents have not been to one in quite some time. In the hot months of July and August, we are planning outings where the residents will be able to remain indoors. Whether we decide to go out to a restaurant or the mall, any time out of the home for our residents will come with certain admiration. September is the time where out residents will attend the Annual Senior Picnic. It is held each year at Van Saun Park in Paramus. The Bergen County Division of Senior Services sponsors this event each year and the residents enjoy this event each year while sitting in the park and listening to bands, visiting merchant booths, and taking in the fresh air. Lastly, our department held a Volunteer Apprecia-

Community Outings

On April 22nd a few residents from the home visited the Paramus Park Mall for a day of shopping, Pictured (above) L to R: are Zepyur Grigorian, Alice Aginian, John Johnson, Zepyur Mardekian and her granddaughter Christine Mardekian, Ginny Alexander, ANRC Administrator Matthew Russo, and Sona Doudoukjian. Picture taken by (and a special volunteering thanks to) Steve Hortian!

tion Party for all of the volunteers that assist our department with functions previously mentioned in this column and beyond! Our party was held on May 1st and Chef Alan delighted our volunteer guests with his culinary presentations and delicious entrees. Both our community and family volunteers impact the residents in so many ways. Each volunteer was also given a small gift for his or her time, spirit, and appreciation; we thank everyone for joining us! q

During Holy Week and Easter the home was blessed with the presence of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and Bishop Anushavan Tanielian. All of the residents were given a special blessing by the Archbishop and we are incredibly fortunate for his visit!
HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2008 9

Friends Of The Armenian Home - FAH

FAH Poon Paregentan Party

Linda Amerkanian n Friday, February 1, 2008 Friends of the Armenian Home gave their yearly Poon Paregentan party for the residents. All of the FAH ladies that were present did an outstanding job from preparing the delicious food table to decorating the

L to R: David Rowan, Der Vahrij Shirinian, blessing the food table, Andrew Torigian and Matthew Russo Great Room of the Home. The residents also enjoyed the festivities and participated in singing and clapping to the music on a newly purchased karaoke machine. The FAH ladies went to each resident and adorned them with crowns and beads which put big smiles on their faces. Der Vahrij Shirinian, a resident himself, was kind enough to give the blessing of the food table, said a few words about Poon Paregentan and led us in singing the Hayr Mer while another resident of the Home, Isabella, accompanied us on the piano. Ica Kouyoumdjian, our FAH Vice Chairperson, generously underwrote this party. It was a very gratifying day for everyone. q

FAH Ladies at Poon Paregentan table, L to R: Linda Amerkanian, Verkine Marashian, Armine Pechdimaldji, MaryAnne Bonjuklian, Ann Takvorian, Ica Kouyoumdjian, Anita Temiz, Lily Anne Babigian and Elbiz Baghdikian

Shoghig Choir performs at the ANRC!

On May 20, 2008 the AMAAs Shoghig Choir from Armavir, Armenia performed at the home to everyones appreciation. They sang and performed Armenian popular songs and dances. At the end of the concert, Rev. Garush Antonyan, the pastor of Armavir Church and the Artistic Director of the choir, addressed the residents with these very touching words. We have been here for almost twenty days. We consider this the most honorable work we have done. I assure you and remind you that Gods eyes are always on you, and he has you in his heart. Your life gives us life and if you dont honor your life, we cannot honor ours. You are my family and my parents. Rev. Antonyan left with a special blessing for the home and an outpouring of emotion by many was apparent. We thank the Shoghig Choir for their recent visit to the home and wish them the very best God has to offer. Many thanks to Elbiz Baghdikian for volunteering her time and efforts to bring this event to our home! 10 HYE DOUN | April/May/June 2008

In honor of National Nurses Week, May 4th through May 10th, we salute all nurses who provide excellent care for the ANRCs residents year in and year out!

Vilma Manalese, CNA and Shakeh Bautista, RN, DON

Alice Azar, LPN

Isabel Pena, RN

Harjindar Kaur, CNA

Maria Colina, LPN

Say Cheese! MDS Coordinator, Faye Yu, RN

Rosalinda Puno, CNA

Marielucie Merdecat, CNA

Lisa King, RN

Barbara Tory, CNA, Mari Camcikyan, RN, Shakeh Bautista, RN, Maggy Petrosian, RN, Marlene Fonvil, CNA

Helen Crimmins, RN, Chondra Wade, LPN, Gerald Gallyot, LPN

AMAAs Shoghig Choir with Hye Doun Residents and Staff

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc.
70 Main Street Emerson, NJ 07630 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Emerson, NJ Permit # 4