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By TOM SCHAPPERT Times Leader Correspondent
Thursday, January 27, 2000 Page: 3
Little Flower Manor in Wilkes-Barre is not only beginning a new year, it’s
kicking off a special anniversary year. On Friday, the Little Flower community
celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Mass at the Chapel of St. Therese on
the grounds at 200 S. Meade Street. Celebrant was Bishop James C. Timlin.
Little Flower, owned by the Diocese of Scranton and managed by the
Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, opened in 1975.
Among the many staff members in all departments who helped arrange for
Friday’s observance was John Maday, director of development and community
affairs. He is involved with fund raising and marketing projects.
Little Flower Manor is a skilled nursing facility that accommodates up to
133 residents. Two years ago, the facility expanded to include the St. Therese
Residence, an assisted living facility that accommodates up to 75 residents.
All activities planned for the year will be in conjunction with the
anniversary, Maday said.
The mission of the Carmelite Sisters is to make the residents feel as
comfortable as possible, he said. Residents take an active role in planning
their own activities, according to Margarete Kreglewicz, director of
activities. Along with activities aides like Barb Sakavage, residents get
involved with fund-raising projects like making hoagies for hoagie sales and
preparing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every month for St. Vincent De
Paul Soup Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre. Other activities include shopping at local
stores and trips to the Farmers Market on Public Square in the summer.
Nine members of the original staff that first served Little Flower in 1975
are still at the Heights facility. Two of them work in the human resources
department with Joe Booth, director, and Jeanmarie Ryan, Wilkes-Barre. Booth
stressed the staff’s dedication to the residents and its positive influence in
their own lives. “By setting examples and caring for people, our own personal
lives have improved.” Volunteer Vera Skibicki, of Wilkes-Barre, has been
working at Little Flower since its inception. She helps feed residents and
works on fund-raisers. Many residents were excited about Friday’s special
event, including Mille Shovlin, who has been at Little Flower for nine years.
Shovlin said she has many friends in and outside Little Flower who shared the
daylong festivities with her. Among her favorite activities are bingo and
e-mailing her sister and brother-in-law who visit her regularly. She is
satisfied with the staff and the activities. “They try to make it as pleasant
as they can.” Following the liturgy, a luncheon prepared by the dietary
department was served. The staff also decorated the room with special table
settings; 180 corsages were distributed. The Rev. W. Jeffrey Paulish, chaplain
at Little Flower Manor, was concelebrant. He offers Mass each day for
residents, family and staff members.