I am very proud to announce that Messiah Village is listed in the “2011 Who’s Who in Business in Harrisburg” in the retirement community category by Susquehanna Style Magazine. We were selected as a result of independent research of consumers in the Harrisburg region in August 2010. It is wonderful to know that the general public thinks so positively of Messiah Village. Your dedication and commitment to residents and clients make these kinds of awards possible! Thank You!

More good news…an employee in the beauty salon recently sent this email —- I was in Palmyra at my CPA’s office, and he told me he has customers who are residents from the Village. He asked what we do to keep residents so happy. Everyone he works with from the Village can’t say enough good about the place. He said “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing.”

This is a good reminder that we never know who and where the impact of our work might be felt. I am always impressed with how far employees drive to work at the Village and how wide our impact is. Thanks to those of you who live in Cumberland and Dauphin counties, but also to those of you live in Adams, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, York and other counties. Your commitment is particularly appreciated as gas prices continue to go up.

If you would like to rate the best businesses in the 2011 “Simply the Best” program sponsored by Harrisburg Magazine you can still vote until April 1, 2011. To vote go to www.harrisburgmagazine.com.

Thanks for reading the Winter Edition of Echoes. In the video below, I talk a little more about Romans 12.

Last week I had the privilege of working with another great President’s Circle member – Kelly Herbster, Gift Development Assistant. Kelly is located in the Gift Development Office, but splits her duties between the Gift Development Office (GDO) and Marketing and Communication. Kelly is a key person in the GDO in that she welcomes guests, processes checks, maintains the donor/mailing list software and keeps things organized! For Marketing and Communication, Kelly is one of the main people who keeps our websites current. For example, while I was working with her she updated the Mount Joy Country Homes website. She also helps with our Facebook page. Thanks, Kelly, for sharing your interest in technology, design, and style with us! It is great that Kelly is willing to work for two departments and that the GDO is willing to share her time and expertise with others.

Emerson working with Kelly Herbster in the Gift Development Office

This week will be the launching of the 2nd annual Messiah Village Christmas video! It is another fun and exciting Christmas greeting produced by the Communications Team with Nate Shields being the main guy! Other members of the team include Kristen Heisey, Karin Bisbee, Kelly Herbster, Jamie Seilhamer and Kelli Murtoff. The video will be on the website after Thursday, December 16. Don’t miss seeing it!

I hope you are getting into the holiday spirit! The Village is certainly getting into the spirit. Yesterday was a standing room only concert in the Chapel, tonight is the Carols in the Atrium tradition in the apartment building, and next Monday is the Live Nativity in the Chapel. There are other activities planned in Enhanced Living and Nursing Care —- and other departments. Thanks to many of you who have helped or will help residents, employees, families and the general public enjoy the holidays at the Village. The outdoor lights are also very festive this year!

Last week I had the privilege to work with Isabelle Williams, a member of the 2010 President’s Circle. Isabelle coordinates our transportation services. This includes our on-campus car service that takes residents wherever they need to go on campus and our transportation that takes people to medical appointments, home from the hospital, to the store, or to the airport or train station. She also coordinates the pickup and delivery of the noon meal that is transported daily to the Carlisle Adult Day Center. I was impressed with how many vehicles and items there are to track and how flexible Isabelle needs to be because things can change very quickly. This is an important service to many residents, and Isabelle has direct impact on the well-being of many people. She is also responsible to coordinate the installation of the “lifeline” alert system in client homes. Thanks, Isabelle, for helping me to learn more about your important work. Thanks for enhancing the lives of many residents.

Emerson works with Isabelle Williams in Transportation