Hye DounA Publication of the Armenian Nursing And Rehabilitation Center, Inc., Emerson, NJ

Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

2 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

Andrew Torigian

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 07630Phone: 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 EmersonBy 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.

Board of TrusteesANDREW TORIGIANPresident of the Home and Chairman of the Board of Trustees

TED TAKVORIAN, Esq.Vice President

PETER BONJOUKLIANTreasurer

JOHN VANISKHIANAssistant Treasurer

KHOREN NALBANDIAN, RPHRecording Secretary

ANNETTE TAMALIAN-ALMONDCorresponding Secretary

H. CRAIG FROONJIAN, DMDOmbudsman

SONIA MARDINIAN, RPHNABIL J. NOURINORA ZABEL TOSSOUNIAN, MDBoard Members

GREG TOUFAYANAlternate Board Member

MATTHEW RUSSO, LNHAAdministrator

JAN MRANI, M.D.Medical Director

Hye DounEditorial Board

Andrew TorigianChief Editor

Louisa JanbazianEditor

Matthew RussoAdvisor

Olia SileoProof Reader

Howard TorossianPhotographs

Layout & Design by Caspian Seal

Caspianseal.com

Printed byPRINTSOLUTIONS

Englewood, NJ201.567.9622

The President’s Message

A s we are in this joyful Thanksgiving and Christmas season, we look back on the activities that took place at the Arme-nian 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. WehavemadesignificantprogressinourhearingsbeforetheEmerson 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 con-forminguse,andmeetallthezoningrequirementsandhopetofindout 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 theiropinion.IcanhappilyreportthattheyhaveconfirmedourFOURSTARrating.Wegetmany letters from our residents (the latest is on page5). Ofcourse thisonlyhappensbecauseof the leadershipofourAdministratorMattRussoandtheterrificstaffofnursesheadedbyourDirectorofNursing,ShakehBautista,RN,WhoisassistedbyourPatientCareCoordinator,MaggyPetrosian,RN.OurthanksalsotoChefAlanFass(whowillsoonberetiring);SandyCortelyou,ADC,DirectorofActivities;ConnieGard-ner,RDA,ANRCDietician;BetheAymar,MSW,LSW,SocialWorker;JillKerrs,BusinessOfficeManager;AhmadJamal,PhysicalTherapist;ourLPNsandCNAs;andourMaintenanceCrew led by Howard Torosian. WethankourVolunteerBoardofDirectorsforthemanyhourstheydevotetotheANRC,andtheFriendsoftheArmenianHome(FAH)whogivemanyhourstobeautifytheANRC.Merry Christmas to all.

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)

From the Administrator’s Desk

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 3

Matthew L. Russo, LNHA, Administrator

Our 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. Thedictionarydefinesanursinghomeas“aprivateresidential 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 with-out regard to their ethnicity, religion, race, gender, social or monetary status. If you have read every column I’ve written over the past six years, you’ll see I’ve 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 some-one 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 be-ing smeared, the gospel overheard was the parable about the sheep and the goats. While listening, I felt the calm reassurance that what we’re doing holds great weight in how God wants us to lead our lives through His service,

Faith In The Workplace 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 me…Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

I haven’t felt serenity from our recent opposition in quite some time, but through this passage and many others

contained in the Bible, I felt com-forted in knowing that what we’re doing today is linked with God’s will for us and for future genera-tions. This time of year, we place great emphasis on New Year’s resolutions to become better per-sonally, under certain terms. I am thankful that, although my faith has been tested over time, God’s words have again beenput firstin 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 we’re doing holds great weight

in the eyes of how God wants us to lead our lives through His service”

UPCOMINGEVENTSJanuary

1 - Resident Social

11 - Show and Tell

21 - The Sima Trio featuring

Cellist Ani Kalayjian

February

8 - Chocolate Fondue Party

10 - Making Valentine’s Day Arts and

Crafts

14 - Valentine’s 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.

Brain 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 iscalled“abrainattack”.

Causes of Stroke1. Blockage of an artery

Narrowing of the small arteries can cause lacunar stroke, (lacunarmeans “emptyspace”). Blockageofasinglearteriole can affect a tiny area of the brain tissue causing ittodie(infarct). Hardening of the arteries(atherosclerosis)leadingtothebrain. The anterior circulation controls most motor activity, sensation, thought, speech, and emotion. The posterior circulation supplies the brainstem and the cerebellum, controlling the automatic parts of brain function and coordination. If these arteries become narrow as a result of atherosclerosis, plaque, or cholesterol, debris canbreakoffandfloatdownstream,cloggingthebloodsupply to a large part of the brain, causing a stroke.

Embolism to the brain from the heart. Blood clots can formwithintheheartandbreakoffandtravel(embolize)to the arteries in the brain and cause a stroke.

2.Ruptureofanartery(cerebralhemorrhage)The most common reason to have bleeding within the brain is uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other situations include aneurysms that leak or rupture or artheriovenousmalformations (AVM), inwhich there isan abnormal collection of blood vessels that are fragile and can bleed.

Most common risk factors are: high blood pressure high cholesterol smoking diabetes increasing age

When strokes occur in younger individuals (less than 50 years old), less common risk factors to be consideredinclude illicit drugs, such as cocaine or amphetamines, rupturedaneurysms,andinherited(genetic)predispositionsto abnormal blood clotting.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke is a

Health

4 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

StrokeShakeh Bautista, RN, ANRC Director of Nursing

short-lived stroke that gets better and resolves. It is a short-livedepisode(lessthan24hours)oftemporaryimpairmentof 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 fromaclot 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.Some TIAs develop slowly while others may develop rapidly. Bydefinition,allTIAsresolvewithin24hours.Astroketakeslonger to resolve than a TIA. With stroke, complete function mayneverreturnandreflectsamorepermanentandseriousproblem. Although most TIAs last only a few minutes, all TIAs should be evaluated with the same urgency as a stroke. A patient who has been affected by a TIA may experience temporarydoublevision,dizziness(vertigo),lossofbalance,one sided weakness or complete paralysis of the arm, leg, face, or one whole side of the body or be unable to speak or understand commands.

Symptoms of Strokes When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they cease to perform their usual tasks. The symptoms that follow a stroke depend on the area of the brain that has been affected and the amount of brain tissue damage. Small strokes may not cause any symptoms, but can still damage brain tissue. These strokes that do not cause symptoms are referred to as silent strokes. According to the U.S. National Institute of NeurologicalDisordersandStroke(NINDS), theseare thefivemajorsignsofstroke:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, 1. especially on one side of the body. The loss of voluntary movement and/or sensation may be complete or partial. There may be an associated tingling sensation in the affected area.Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding. 2. Sometimes weakness in the muscles of the face can cause drooling.Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. 3. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or 4. coordination.Sudden severe headache with no known cause.5.

If any of the above symptoms suddenly appear, activate emergency Medical System,(Call911).Thegoalistogettheperson to the emergency room where they can be evaluated andconfirmthediagnosisanddecideonatreatmentmethod.If delays occur, the opportunity to intervene and reverse the stroke is lost. Happy Holidays!

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 5

Health

On Sunday, October 23, over 5,000 people gathered at Van Saun Park in Paramus to end Alzheimer’s disease. Among those walking was Team Armenian

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 thekids. The walk was three miles in length and looped around the park with musical entertainment and cheerleaders en-

couraging and guiding the par-ticipants along the way. Walk-ers wore t-shirts in memory of those they were walking for and carried fabricpinwheelflowersfrom the “memory garden” onwhich they wrote the names of friends and family mem-bers affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The sight of so many people gathered for a common cause was overwhelming and truly heartwarming. The event brought in over $300,000.00 to-wards Alzheimer’s care, supportand research. Team Armenian

Team Armenian Home Walks for Alzheimer’sBeth Aymar, MSW, LSW

ANRC Board of Trustees Beth AymarLynda AymarShakeh BautistaThe Berry FamilyInge BuchertBJ & Bob CassidyPoornima ChauhanKatie ChupakSusan ChupakEmily GavaganGreg & Cheryl GennekenJudy & George GennekenAnna Gonzalez Olive Gordon Julie HafflerKimberly HafflerPhil & Cathy HafflerJill Kerrs Robin KerrsHarriet KestinLisa King

Thank You for Your Donations!

Rafi Krikorian Linda LeppingRonnie Madel Diane & Jack McGoughNicole “Nee” MulliganLaura NeeterJoseph O’ConnellTimothy O’ConnellRosann PellegrinoJean Resnick Barbara RobeThe Russo FamilyRobert SadowskiRich SchwennEllen TestaAndrew TorigianDorathea WiessnerLinda WilkThe Yarock FamilyFaye Yu Sonia Zdrite

Homedoubledtheirgoalof$1,000.00toraiseafinal totalof$2,015.00!Ahuge“thankyou”goesouttoeveryonewhoparticipated in and donated to this wonderful cause!

This is an example of many letters we receive from our family members. Thank you Laverne and nursing staff, we are proud of you!

October 26, 2011Dear Laverne and Staff, I really don’t 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 couldn’t 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, it’s OK and I feel I’ll be fine. My health is good and I feel strong. All is good I can’t thank you enough for all the help you gave to my aunt. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Sincerely,Susan Aprahamian

Maggy Petrosian, RN,Patient Care Coordinator

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OnSeptember 21, 2011, Friends of the ArmenianHome, (FAH) of the Armenian Nursing andRehabilitation 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. FAHChairperson,BerthaVaniskhian,welcomedgueststotheluncheonandspokebrieflyaboutthemissionofFAH.We also honored the twentieth anniversary of the Armenian Republic as FAHmember Zivart Balikjian explained thehistory and significance of the day while we all joined in singing the American and Armenian national anthems accompaniedbycellistElizabethKalfayan.AtrulyprofoundblessingwasgivenbyFAHmemberAlicePhilibosianpriorto 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; CarmenNegron ofDeseosofHillsdaledisplayedavastcollectionoffashionand home accessories; and Donna O’Connor provided aselection of her hand crafted beaded jewelry. The speaker for the afternoon was Heather Zwain,Fashion Editor of 201 Magazine. Her enthusiasm forfashion was infectious and using stylish accessories, she discussedthisfall’strendsandcolors,whilestressingthatitis quite possible to create a distinct look without exceeding one’sbudget. The event was chaired by Armine Norian, Armine PechdimaldjiandAnnTakvorian.OurcommitteememberswereAlicePhilibosianandMarilynBedigianReservations;MaryAnneBonjuklian Invitations andRaffle gifts;GraceBedrosianMailingaddresspreparation;BerthaVaniskhianDécor;LucieBandazian,AlineKassabian,KarenNargizian,Anita Temiz and Talene Tchorbajian, Chinese Auction Raffle, and Linda Amerkanian Publicity and Photography. The luncheon presented by the Waterside was lovely and thecamaraderieofthosethatcamewasapparent.Friendslove to see friends and this is one of the nice things you

Friends of the Armenian Home

Linda Amerkanian, MaryAnne Bonjuklian and Armine Norian

FAH “Autumn Luncheon on the Hudson”

appreciate when or-ganizing these events. The Chinese Auction raffle included manywonderful gifts and all were donated by the women that are part of theteamatFAH,sup-porters and vendors. Such enthusiasm of our guests encour-ageFAHmembers tocontinue working to provide a warm and inviting living envi-ronment for the resi-dentsoftheHyeDounof Emerson. q

Pictures top to bottom:L to R standing: Rosemary Alashaian and Louise Stepanian. L to R seated: Beatrice Postian and Virginia SarkisianL to R: Mary Ann Saraydarian, Maryann Kallem and Martha Sara-ydarianL 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)

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 7

In The Kitchen

My career at the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has been as rewarding as it was challenging. There hasn’t been a day in the

pastfiveyearsthatIdidn’twanttocometowork,becauseI 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. I’m going to miss all of our residents and their families, ourBoardofDirectors,and,ofcourse,Mattand“thegirls.”I’lllongrememberthefun,argumentsanddaily“therapysessions”atlunch,listeningtoeachother’strialsandtribulations.I’ll miss the friendly rivalry I enjoyed with Matt when discussing the weekend’s football games every Monday morning. (Go, Giants!)Now I’m looking forward to my new life as a retiree and having the time and the freedom to pursue my hobbies and interests, including travelingand just “hangingout”withmybeautifulwife,Stella,andour twonewpuppies, “Sam‘n’Ella.” I lookforward 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 stillworking.(Yes,therearecompensationsinlife’stransitions!) 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 ashappyandfulfilledhereasIwas.They’vebeenawonderfulteamtoworkwith. Thankyouforhavingbeenapartofmylifeduringthepastfiveyears.Ishallmissyouall.q

Alan Fass, Director of Dietary Services

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

Rev. Fr. Aziz HadodoSt. Gabriel’s youth Group with Sona DoudoukjianSt. Gabriel’s youth group with

Rosemary Phillips

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Activities Corner

Despite 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 Alito’s 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 see-ing 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

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

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!

On November 12th, residents from the ANRC at-tended a night of musical entertainment they

will never forget! Our residents visited the RiverDellHighSchoolforaperformancebytheBlueChipChorus of Bergen County. The Blue Chip Chorus pro-vided a number of free tickets for our residents and as you can see their smiles are self-explanatory! We kindlythanktheBlueChipChorusandDaveBuchnerfor kindheartedness and goodwill!

Rosemary Phillips and Kenneth BuchnerLaurice Buchakjian

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 9

On September 14th, 2011, residents from the Arme-nian 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.

10 HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011

On October 31st the residents had their Halloween party at the Hye Doun. Entertainment was provided by

singing sensation Randi Acardi!

Barbara Boothby with her mother Barbara Sofia and Jerry Belmonte

Sylvia Soultanian, resident Rose Soultanian and her son Steve Soultanian

Ramona Conklin Zartar Cinar

George Melekian and Carmella DiDino

HYE DOUN | Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 11

Donations to the Armenian HomeMr. & Mrs. Haig Didizain.

Total $ 3000.00

In Memory of Zarouhi DerKrikorianDeloian

Ms. Janice BradyMrs. Sendella CollinsMs. Anna Elasarian

Ms. Elizabeth ElasarianMs. Anahid Ghazarian

Mr. & Mrs. Charles HarowitzMr. & Mrs. John Jerikian

Dr. & Mrs. Murad KerneklianThe Mangigian FamilyThe Moogalian Family

Mr. & Mrs. Milton OwenMr. & Mrs. Stephen PepleMr. & Mrs. Harry Pilafian

Mr. Walter ScottMs. Florence Soghoian

The Soudjian FamilyMs. Judith SutherlandMs. Patsy Thompson

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald VanSickle Total $ 1040.00

In Memory of Alice NazarianMr. & Mrs. James Azarian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Azarian

Mr. Richard KalbianMr. & Mrs. Michael Medina

Mr. & Mrs. Edward PechdimaldjiMr. & Mrs. Salvatore Terranova

Total $ 255,00

Received with ThanksFaces in Our Crowd

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

Robert Devian and George Melekian

Jermin Tirpan

Miriam Khatchadurian

Resident Helen Taylor with Katie Chupak

Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Inc. 70 Main StreetEmerson, NJ 07630

Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDEmerson, NJPermit # 4

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, Ica Kouyoumdjian, Chairperson Vice Chairperson