A Message from Michelle

On behalf of all of us at Pickering Manor, it’s my pleasure to congratulate Bucks County Community College on their 50th anniversary. We have enjoyed a partnership with BCCC since 2007 when we welcomed our first group of students and served as an LPN clinical rotation site.

Since that time, we have begun hosting the Certified Nursing Assistant students as well. In 2009, we made the decision to sponsor a $1,000 nursing scholarship to a deserving student.

It continues to be evident that the synergy we share with the college is one that we respect and plan to continue. Several of the students actually return to visit the residents that they have grown to know. The students are truly dedicated individuals who aspire to learn and we are certain that their experience with us helps them to develop an understanding of the aging process. The nurses that choose this area of specialty are those that are interested in developing lasting relationships and those that can see the difference that a simple touch can make.

Free Tickets for Glen Campbell Film

Presented by Pickering Manor

On Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m., Pickering Manor will present a screening of "I’ll Be Me" – an award-winning film about legendary singer Glen Campbell and his fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The movie will be shown at the Newtown Theatre, 120 N. State Street in Newtown.

Tickets are free but only 200 are available. Tickets are limited to two per person and can be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis at Pickering Manor, 226 N. Lincoln Ave. in Newtown between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This is the only screening of "I’ll Be Me" in Bucks County.

In 2011, Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and was told to hang up his guitar and prepare for the inevitable. Instead, Campbell went public with his diagnosis and announced that he and his family would set out on a short "Goodbye Tour." This three-week engagement turned into an emotional and critically acclaimed 151-show nationwide tour.

"I’ll Be Me" documents this amazing journey as he and his family attempt to navigate the wildly unpredictable nature of Campbell’s progressing disease using love, laughter and music as their medicine of choice. Rare vintage footage and new performances of Campbell’s most beloved hits immerse this moving cinematic account in the overwhelming talent of this humble family man.

Pickering Welcomes New Class from BCCC

Students from the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Bucks County Community College are currently in their final clinical rotation at Pickering Manor before their graduation in May. During their rotation, these students spend three days a week as part of the Pickering team while they learn LPN skills such as taking vital signs, giving medication and participating in resident assessments and documentation.

Pickering Manor also sponsors an annual $1,000 scholarship to one worthy student chosen by the BCCC Foundation. The long-term relationship between the two organizations is mutually beneficial, as BCCC students get "real-world" experiences and Pickering often hires quality LPN’s when they graduate.

Puréed Food Becomes Tasty Artwork
at Pickering Manor

While puréed food doesn’t typically conjure up images of beauty, a cook at Pickering Manor is preparing attractive and tasty meals like grilled pork chops topped with roasted yellow squash and black bean sauce, served with a pan-seared risotto cake – all of it puréed and then artfully sculpted to resemble the actual food items.

The work of Pickering cook Vince Rodriguez, the puréed items help to adequately nourish residents who have trouble swallowing. He says the extra effort transforms puréed food into "real food" that preserves dignity, appeals to the senses and enhances the overall health and wellness of the home’s residents.

"With a little extra effort, purées can not only mimic the taste of traditional fare, but also the look," says Rodriguez, who has a background in pastry arts and is employed by Cura Hospitality, Pickering’s food service partner. "Our goal is to serve the puréed version of whatever is on the regular menu, be it sandwiches, fish, pie or cookies."

Often, when seniors switch to purées, their nutrition takes a turn for the worse. Rodriguez and the Pickering dining team have worked hard to ensure that taste and presentation is top notch – especially for those residents who dine with friends who aren’t on restricted diets.

"Whenever Vince cooks, my mother eats," said Tina Moore, whose 90-year-old mother lives at Pickering Manor. "By taking the time to accommodate her palate, Vince purees almost anything for mom, adding seasonings to her favorite meals like egg salad and chicken with raspberry sauce."

Resident Activity Room Upgraded

The resident activity room area was recently upgraded with new carpeting and a 65" television. The upgrades were made possible thanks to generous donations from the family member of a Personal Care resident and Lodge #9 F. & A.M., a Masonic lodge in Philadelphia..

Residents Make "Tweets" for Feathered Friends

Picking residents recently had fun creating birdseed biscuits for our outdoor feathered friends. The biscuits are made with birdseed, agave, gelatin and flour. The residents prepared the mix and pressed it into greased molds. The biscuits dried overnight and then the residents made gift boxes with flowers and feathers to present them to friends, family and visitors. Some of the treats will be hung outside the East Wing resident rooms, attracting birds to the area and reminding everyone that spring is here!

Pickering Auxiliary Luncheon and Fashion Show

The Pickering Manor Auxiliary will hold its annual spring luncheon and fashion show on Thursday, April 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Washington Crossing Inn. Attendees will enjoy lunch and fashions from Carousel Boutiques in Wrightstown. Tickets are $40. For more information, contact Sue Hayes at 215-968-4848.

Consider Joining the Pickering Manor Auxiliary

The Pickering Manor Auxiliary was organized in 1963 by a group of women who wished to provide help to the residents of Pickering Manor in whatever way they were needed. Today, the Auxiliary has both female and male members and is always open to new members and/or volunteers who simply wish to give of their time.

The Auxiliary holds membership meetings in March, October and December. Auxilians are at the helm of two fundraisers each year – a luncheon in April and a cocktail party in September. They also provide holiday gifts to the residents each year and run the Monday afternoon bingo game in Personal Care each week.

For more information about the Auxiliary, please contact Jo-Anne Nardo at 215-968-9052 or Sue Hayes at 215-968-4848.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Pickering Field

As it does every year, Pickering Manor hosted the Newtown Business Association’s Easter egg hunt. Hundreds of children (and children at heart!) scampered across Pickering’s north field to gather up eggs that had been stuffed with candy and more than 500 prizes that were donated by NBA members.

Leave a Legacy at Pickering Manor

Legacy gifts, or "planned gifts," can make a significant impact on your designated charity, with no impact on your current lifestyle or your family’s security. Some options, such as a Charitable Gift Annuity, can even supply you with income during your lifetime, while ensuring your charity receives your intended donation.

Planned gifts from your estate can ensure the future of Pickering Manor and the continuation of its mission for years to come. Gifts you can make include:

Gifting options vary, so it is best to consult your attorney about your individual estate and bequest options. For more information about how you can support Pickering Manor through a planned gift, or to inform Pickering of your commitment, please contact Susan DeLuca in the Pickering Development Office at 215-968-3878 ext. 1112.

Join the Pickering Family

Are you looking for a rewarding career? Look no further! Pickering Manor is accepting applications for the following positions:

For more information contact Pickering Manor Human Resources at
215-968-3878. Pickering is an Equal Opportunity Employer.