A Message From Michelle  
Lights gently twinkling; snow softly falling; the sound of those Christmas carols we’ve heard since childhood floating through the air. This is the season that evokes a palpable beat in our hearts stirring up memories from long ago. Nestled within these memories are what shape time-honored traditions. Whether it’s sending cards, baking cookies, finding the perfect tree; the traditions we find ourselves striving to perfect are sometimes the most elusive.

As I’ve grown (by the way, that’s a code word for ‘gotten older’), I’ve realized that the traditions I love so much are sometimes a fantasy of my reality. Each year, I have the best of intentions to honor the traditions that are tried and true and I even resolve to over-achieve and create new ones! And each year, I’m disappointed when I realize I’m not living up to my own ‘Tradition Expectations’! I’m not sure any of you can relate, but this is a symptom of what I call, Holiday Stress Syndrome (HSS). That is a diagnosis you won’t find in a medical journal and no, you won’t find a cure at CVS. Yes, HSS is all around us; many of you may suffer from it but, don’t fret, I’m working on a cure!

I’ve decided the best prescription is to just slow down and celebrate every single moment this season throws my way; no matter how big or small. I have no tree this year (long story) but I have a fabulous front door wreath and garland that was hung by a kind elf! I felt my grand baby-to-be move for the first time; now, THAT’S got Christmas magic written all over it! I’m excited to celebrate the holiday with a trip to NYC where my husband and I will surely find a Christmas tree and enjoy a nice glass of red but most importantly, I’m trying to make sure the people I love know exactly how I feel about them....

And so, my admission to all of you is that you probably won’t receive a card from me; but I’ll hug you extra-hard when I see you. You won’t receive any homemade cookies, but I’ll do my best to make you feel welcomed at my table. I may not be able to sing carols with you (although I was always enchanted by the idea of going door to door) but I promise to hum extra-loud as we watch the Goodnoe Elementary 6th-graders sing for our residents!

But most of all, my wish for you is that you also slow down; breathe in every moment this season throws at you; worship and celebrate whatever religious tradition you honor; giggle at the sight of a red-cheeked toddler staring in wonder at the Santa on the corner; inhale the scent of pine; and listen for the bell signaling an angel just got it’s wings!

Merry Christmas, dear friends.....thanks for sharing 2018 with me!

Michelle

Michelle Knobloch
Executive Director


 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

The concrete for the foundation has been poured, and if you look into that giant hole you will see that the walls of the ground floor are going up!! Check our Facebook page often for day to day progress photos! 

 PERSONAL CARE RESIDENTS GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

The decorations are up! We are ready for the Holidays here at Pickering Manor! Each year we have something special adorn our tree - this year you’ll find pictures of our lovely, hard-working and dedicated staff!
SANTA BABY, LEAVE A MERCEDES UNDER MY TREE!  

A Pickering Manor Car Raffle ticket makes a great Holiday gift! For $100 you have the chance at winning a 2019 Mercedes Benz, or $25,000 cash! Buy a ticket and join us for the Drawing Cocktail Party on Friday, April 26 th at 5:30 at The Newtown Theatre.  Purchase your tickets here!

 PICKERING MANOR RECOGNIZES ALZHEIMER’S AWARENESS MONTH

In honor of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Staff and residents alike wore purple on the second Friday of November.


PICKERING MANOR SPONSORS GREATER KENSINGTON STRING BAND IN ANNUAL MCCAFFREY’S NBA HOLIDAY PARADE

Pickering Manor marched with The Greater Kensington String Band in Newtown’s Annual Holiday Parade on December 2 nd ! It was great to see so many familiar faces in the crowd!


LET IT SNOW!  

As the first snow of the season fell, our residents loved looking at the beautiful landscape, and watching the neighborhood children sled and play on our lawn outside! We are so thankful to be located in the heart of Newtown!
DESIGNER BAG BEACH BINGO! 

Speaking of snow, when you are tired of looking at it in February, join us for a Great Girl’s Day Out, on Sunday, February 24 th at St. Frances Cabrini in Fairless Hills. Preview at 1:00 p.m. First game of Bingo 2:00 p.m. BYOB. Snow Date March 3 rd .  Purchase your tickets here! For more info call Jennifer Miller, Development Coordinator at 215-968-3878.

Sponsorships are available! Click here to see how you can support this community event!




THANKSGIVING

Our residents enjoyed a hearty Thanksgiving feast courtesy of our fantastic Dining Department!



Pickering Manor hosts Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group

Meetings will be held once per month on the first Tuesday from 10am-12 noon in the Living room. Open to all caregivers. Call Meri Barboni at 215-968-3878 for more information.
About Pickering Manor

Located in Newtown, PA, Pickering Manor is a non-profit senior-living facility offering 10 semi-detached cottages, 24 apartments, 22 private personal care rooms and 47 licensed skilled nursing beds. Pickering was founded in 1963 and is the only community-owned and operated senior residence in Pennsylvania.