Reprinted from The Daily News
By Rebecca Berdar
Daily News Staff Writer
May 14, 2010

It wasn't so much a leap of faith that promoted Joann Kimmel's family to move her father  from Huntingdon to the new nursing care facility in Orbisonia, but rather a simple, and welcome, opportunity to bring dad back home.

"Both of my parents were born and reared in Cromwell Township," said Kimmel of Rockhill, who is among area residents ready to celebrate Woodland's silver anniversary.

Her mother, the late Olive "Billie" Weston, sister Jan and she herself were all residing in the Orbisonia area at the time Woodland Retirement Community (then Woodland Retirement Center) opened its doors in May 1985.

Kimmel said it only made sense to return John Weston to his native surroundings where he could be near his loved ones. He ended up being Woodland's very first resident.

"He always got very good care there," she said. "We were very pleased."

Joann Kimmel remains a member of Woodland's auxiliary as a continuing show of support for the facility almost 21 years after her father passed away in 1991 at age 94 after six years of residency at Woodland.

"It's a wonderful place to have in our area - people would be traveling great distances if it wasn't here," she said.

On Saturday, Woodland is celebrating 25 years of service to area residents like John Weston and their families.

To mark the occasion of its silver anniversary, Woodland is inviting the public to visit with current residents and staff, and to share in a carnival atmosphere complete with food, crafts, and live music from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Among entertainers is musician Chris Woodward, bluegrass band Larry and the Gang and Jimbo the Clown. Representatives from local health agencies such as Home Nursing Agency and Huntingdon County PRIDE will be sharing information on their services, as will the veteran benefits coordinator for Presbyterian Senior Living.

Leslie Berrier, marketing and admissions director, said the Woodland community has been gearing up for the anniversary celebration with a week's worth of activities and competitions, ranging from a wilderness retreat to costume contests and scavenger hunts. The festivities coincide with National Nursing Home Week.

"It's a nice coincidence how it's all coming together," Berrier said.

She said Woodland is a much different place than it was in 1985, except for continued staff commitment to quality care and compassion fro residents, and the leadership of medical director Dr. Gary Wertman who is among staff members celebrating 25 years with the facility.

Over the years, the "nursing home" concept has evolved from a more institutionalized atmosphere to one that recognizes that facilities like Woodland are indeed "home" to its residents, whether on a short- or long-term basis.

"People can come in, get rehab and go home, or stay for the long-term," Berrier said.

"You can come in anytime of day or night to visit with your loved ones, which helps make our residents feel at home.

Berrier says Saturday's open invitation to the public isn't a one-time special event, but rather a standing invitation, and a reminder that Woodland and its residents are very much a part of the surrounding community.

"We want the community to get more involved," she said. "It's a home atmosphere and for our residents, this is their home. That's why we try every day to do our best  for them."

Woodland opened as a 90-bed facility, adding the 34-bed Mulberry Lane wing in 1988. In 1991, 24 more beds were added and in 1993, a 148-bed outpatient facility opened.

Short-stay rehabilitation services, for individuals recuperating from illness or surgery, is yet another of Woodland's services to the Huntingdon County community. As they improve their stamina before returning home, rehab patients benfit not only from the care provided by Woodland's experienced staff, but also from staying close to home.

"After my hip replacement surgery, I needed physical therapy before I could return home and Woodland provided me with the help I needed," said Mount Union resident Carl Wiser. "The therapy team and other help here are very nice - and the food is great, too."

In August 2006, Woodland added five Independent Living apartments, each featuring a private entrance with security system, individual controlled heat and air, 24-hour emergency call system and reserved parking.  There residents are given the opton to receive meals, housekeeping, maintenance, daily scheduled activities, laundry service and in-home assistance.

"I love living in my apartment at Woodland," said Ellie Cornelius, an Independent Living resident for the past two and on-half years. "I have lots of privacy, but I am close to people if I want to visit."

The facility is among four homes operating  under the direction of Presbyterian Senior Living, formerly Presbyterian Homes Inc.

Speaking as a member of the staff, Berrier, a Huntingdon County native herself, says working in a field where she can serve local residents holds its own  unique rewards.

"The staff helps Woodland stay connected to the Huntingdon County community and their experience leaves residents and their families feel safe during their stay," she said. "It truly is a great place to work."

And residents, like Dot Krause, say its a great community in which to live.

"I enjoy it here," Krause said. "Everybody's so good to me and I've met a lot of nice people and made a few good friends."