In The News

Administration was initially carried out by the steward and matron who acted as nucleus of an extended family. Sixty-eight years later, with the hiring of Rev. and Mrs. W.S. Shelly, the term “administrator” came into use for leadership of the major two-story addition finished in 1957. Prior to government licensing, administrators were chosen from conference ministers. They would preach as services, lead devotions and prayers at meals as well as perform the day-to-day duties or operation. Rev. Larry Smith came to Frederick’s role of administrator as a single man. It was here that he met Marlene Ruth, a nurse who would later become his wife. They had two children and Donnie and Debbie grew up around the residents and enjoyed the benefits of Christmas with a “Home” full of “Grandparents” to shower them with many purchased trinkets. Larry and Marlene lived on the grounds. He saw his work as a ministry; the home was operated as a mission for those who lived here, many of them with limited resources.     Continue Reading

Frederick Living congratulates LeadingAge PA 2021 Professional Development Scholarship Program Award recipients Lauren Thomson and Alyssa Schwab!

LeadingAge PA is excited to announce the award of $36,000 to members through the 2021 Professional Development Scholarship Program. Recognizing the continued need for developing the senior services workforce, LeadingAge PA has awarded more than $450,000 to supporting scholarships and grants for members in just the last five years.

“We proudly encourage and support the professional development of our members through this scholarship program and others throughout the year,” said LeadingAge PA President and CEO, Adam Marles. “There are many rewarding career paths within senior living and it’s a privilege to award those seeking to better their opportunities, particularly following such a difficult year for our members. We applaud these awardees and celebrate their perseverance and ambition!”

The LeadingAge PA Professional Development Scholarship Program helps staff of LeadingAge PA member communities who are pursuing further education, training, and certification that will benefit the senior services field. As part of the Association’s workforce initiatives, the program enhances opportunities for advancing career aspirations and improving professional skill sets.
LeadingAge PA is pleased to congratulate the scholarship recipients who are furthering their education and professional development both within and outside the field of nursing!

Way to go Lauren and Alyssa!

Continue Reading

On Wednesday, June 16^th, 2021, Frederick Living kicked off the public phase of its 125^th Anniversary, Lighting the Way Campaign. The campaign focuses on renovations to Cedarwood Health Care Center, support for Benevolent Care, assisting with the purchase of emergency power generators to sustain power to the main building on campus, and relief from COVID-19 effects.

The campaign is Co-Chaired by Frederick Living Board Chair Warren Tyson and residents Ruby Ifkowitz and Bonnie Kauffman.  Campaign supporters and campaign volunteers were thanked for their generous gifts of time, talents and resources.  Leadership donors were recognized, including a number of individuals and Univest Corporation.  The event also featured a special presentation to Sodexo, who is supporting the campaign with a $250,000 matching gift challenge.

The campaign, which is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2021, has received gifts and pledges of more than $852,000 toward a $1.1 million campaign goal in this anniversary year.  For more information about Frederick Living’s 125^th Anniversary, Lighting the Way Campaign please contact Amy Cummings-Leight at 610-754-7878 Ext. 1250.

Frederick Living is a leading rehabilitation and continuing care retirement community nestled in the beautiful countryside of Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania. For 125 years, our focus has been on living well in every aspect of our lives—body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in our Mennonite heritage, we honor the dignity and autonomy of each person we are privileged to serve, regardless of their faith journey. Frederick Living is located at 2849 Big Road, Zieglerville, PA 19492. For more information, please call us at 610-754-7878.

Continue Reading

Around 1915, Menno S. and Lottie Landis Rosenberger of Milford Square, Pennsylvania often drove to Frederick Mennonite Home along with a group of other West Swamp Mennonite Church parishioners. The families would hold a Sunday worship service, which included special music.  After the service, they shared a meal with residents of the community that they had brought along with them. These were special occasions of fellowship for the farm families. The children romped on the grounds and roamed to check out the chicken barn, the plow horse, and the piglets bought to be fattened up for the fall butchering.

Clarence Rosenberger and his sister Marian Rosenberger Mohr were young children back then, but they knew that “Mom and Pop were always supportive of The Home.” They, along with their parents, Menno and Landis, faithfully visited friends, church members, and relatives such as Norwood Landis, J. Walter Landis, and Sam Hillpot who lived here. Menno served on the Board of Managers. In 1957, he donated funds for Frederick Mennonite Community’s first chapel in memory of his wife, Lottie.

Continue Reading

The Frederick Living Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Rassler as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Michelle currently serves as the Vice President of Landis Communities and Executive Director of Landis homes. Michelle has a history with Frederick living serving as Vice President of Operations.

After an extensive search, Michelle was the clear choice for the position.  She brings experience in senior living, serving in various capacities in retirement communities.  Michelle understands the importance of working with staff, residents, and the community to build on the strengths and 125-year tradition of Frederick Living.

“Frederick Living is blessed to welcome Michelle Rassler as our next CEO,” Frederick Living’s Board Chair Warren Tyson said.  “The Board was particularly influenced by the very clear way in which she connects with our mission through her faith.”

“I am grateful God has directed my path to Frederick Living,” Michelle said. “A community so close to my heart. I look forward to working collaboratively towards a successful future.”

Michelle will begin her employment at Frederick Living on June 28, 2021.  Michelle and current interim CEO, Jeremy Kauffman, will overlap for a short time to ensure a smooth transition.

Please join us in extending blessings to Michelle as she joins Frederick Living.  We believe, with Michelle’s leadership, the organization will continue to uphold our mission to enrich the lives of older adults, while valuing the staff, volunteers and community that serve them.

Frederick Living is a leading rehabilitation and continuing care retirement community nestled in the beautiful countryside of Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania. For 125 years, our focus has been on living well in every aspect of our lives—body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in our Mennonite heritage, we honor the dignity and autonomy of each person we are privileged to serve, regardless of their faith journey. Frederick Living is located at 2849 Big Road, Zieglerville, PA 19492. For more information, please call us at 610-754-7878.

Continue Reading

Our Founder

Rev. Nathaniel Bertolet Grubb, born in Frederick, Pennsylvania in 1850 had limitless energy and strong conviction. Pastor of the large First Mennonite Church, Philadelphia, he was a popular preacher throughout the Eastern District Conference of the General Conference Mennonite Church up to at least his 86^th year. (He preached over 7,000 sermons.)

A man of action, Grubb obviously moved quickly when there was human need, but he also was a man of prayer and contemplation. He was described by a friend this way: “In him is no evasion, but practical Christianity of kind words and deeds, an unselfish and upright life.”

Some of his accomplishments as an innovative leader and organizer include:

• Christian Endeavor
• Young People’s Convention
• President Eastern District Conference
• English secretary Eastern District Conference
• Founder and Editor The Mennonite
• Founded Mennonite Home for the Aged
• Ordained Ann Allebach in 1911
• Commissioned Annie Funk to India
• Member Publication Board General Conference Mennonite Church
• Founded and edited the Schwenksville Item Newspaper

 

 

Continue Reading

Our Beginning

Dreamer and visionary, Rev. N.B. Grubb went out on a financial limb in 1896 when he negotiated to buy the defunct Frederick Institute following a public auction with no acceptable bids. He had no firm institutional backing except the last minute go-ahead of his own congregation.

Rev. Grubb must have been a persuasive man. Donation of pennies and dollars began coming in from all over the community and all the congregations. Support was so enthusiastic that they ‘quit collecting when they had secured the needed $1,521.50 with only part of the conference solicited.” Meticulous accounts in ledgers, recorded every donation, whether money, two jars of jam, or a basket of turnips.

Without authorization, Rev. Grubb purchased the Frederick Institute; he did, however, have the last-minute approval of the First Mennonite Church, Philadelphia, who promised a solid contribution of $586. Grubb’s friends donated another $154. Purchased for $1,150, The Frederick Mennonite Home opened officially on September 1, 1896, about six months after Grubb’s maverick purchase.

Benjamin Bertolet was chosen as the first president of the Home’s Board of Managers “In recognition of the services rendered in consummating this project.”

“The spirit of benevolence has always been a noted characteristic of the Mennonite Church, and the care of the needy among their number is a cardinal principle of the church, though not always carried out in practice as it should be. The Home of Frederick is an outgrowth of this spirit of charity.” Rev. N.B. Grubb, 1897

The first Annual Report was published in May of 1897. The name of the organization was The Mennonite Home of the Eastern District Conference.

Continue Reading

Anyone who serves on the Board of a non-profit organization performs a noble work. I am deeply grateful for those individuals who give of their time and talent to lead and to provide effective governance for Frederick Living. Accordingly, we acknowledge the dedicated service and the commitment to mission of outgoing Board members, James Longacre and Dean Stoesz. “Thank you” Jim and Dean for investing yourselves in our community.
Welcoming the following to their first term on the Board was a highlight of the November 2020 Board Session:
Sunita Nikerle teaches mathematics in the higher education setting.
Sharon Holfeld is a senior level administrator for a multi-site physicians practice.
Jim Landis is a recently retired business owner/operator.
Diverse backgrounds and expertise are important to a Board that seeks to lead with a future mindset. Just as critical are the traits and qualities of the individual themselves. Each of the above was interviewed prior to appointment to ensure commitment to mission, alignment with core values and readiness for the robust engagement that Board leadership entails.
We request your prayers for our new members and for the full Board complement as they seek to lead well in the days ahead.

Continue Reading

If your looking for a Holiday Dinner idea, look no further! Our very own Chef Shawn has got you covered with a Holiday Coffee Rubbed Venison Tenderloin w Mushroom and Port Reduction!

Check out the recipe!

Holiday Coffee Rubbed Venison Tenderloin with Mushroom and Port Reduction

Continue Reading