Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 4-2-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                          April 2, 2020

        I know that this isolation is getting tiresome, however I am very happy with the amount of people who are abiding by these regulations.

To clarify some concerns of yours:

-        As of right now, housekeeping is on an emergency basis – therefore, you will need to call the front office in order to discuss your need

-        We are working on a way to service you in the future, but are not there yet

-        If you are waiting for a 2020 Census, keep waiting - they are late and you will receive a hard copy eventually

-        If you’re having trouble getting groceries, this is the perfect time to take advantage of companion services who can shop for you!

o  If you’re interested in more information, please call the front office

-        There should still be no non-medical visitors in the building – dropping off supplies is permitted but we recommend it be done while the front office is open

There are a lot of unknowns during this pandemic, but what I do know is that every decision we make as a team is for your wellbeing and that will always continue!

Stay Safe & Healthy,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-31-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                  March 31, 2020

        With April 1st arriving tomorrow, and the current state of regulations we are abiding to, the April Gazette will look much different – expect a minimalist calendar which will include upcoming holidays, tenant birthdays, etc. However, with the fact that we are unsure as to when we will be allowed to host events again, we will keep these off until we receive further guidance.

        Being that some staff members are working from home, we are going to be a little late handing it out. As we think of more programs & activities that we can implement while practicing social distancing policies, we will continue to let you know. These programs will try to engage you all as a community, while utilizing the technology that we have like telephones.

We appreciate your understanding & support throughout this time period and we look forward to getting back to “normal.” In the meantime, I recommend you take the time to pick up your phone and call a neighbor to see how they are doing. Staying in contact with each other is going to be the connection we need in a time of isolation.

Stay Safe & Healthy,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-30-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                  March 30, 2020

        As you may have heard on the news, our federal, state and local officials have extended the COVID-19 response guidelines until April 30th. Although this is disappointing to hear, we totally understand the seriousness of this situation and how we have to continue our precautions until well after the “peak” of this virus. It is projected that the highest number of cases in the U.S. will be reached by Easter Sunday.

Therefore, in order to keep you SAFE & HEALTHY, we will continue our internal precautions with minor tweaks as we move forward. The information changes almost on an hourly basis, so we are adapting with what is being presented to us. One change moving forward is that Dairy Delivery will be done on Fridays until further notice.

        We know that not only is this virus a threat, but so are the results from social isolation. We are working as a team to figure out how we can bring you motivating, inspirational, thoughtful & productive gifts at your door. The Sunset Wood Team is speaking daily about how we can improve our services with the new reality we are dealing with.

        Federal & State officials have continued the following precautions:

-        Listen to and follow the directions of your federal, state and local authorities

-        If you feel sick, call your medical provider

-        Matilda Laws are still in effect

o  New York State’s vulnerable populations, including individuals age 70 and older, those with compromised immune systems and those with underlying illnesses

o  Measure requires this group to stay home and limit home visitation to immediate family members or close friends only when in need of emergency assistance

o  If a visit is necessary, this visitor must get prescreened at the front office and both individuals should wear a mask for the duration of the visit.

o  Can go outside for solitary exercise

o  Always stay at least six feet away from individuals

These regulations are outside of our control – however, our response is 100% in our control. The more we abide by these precautions, the sooner we can get back to having fun. Please, tell you family members the seriousness of this situation because they should be practicing these precautions even more than you!

Stay Safe & Healthy,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Comforting Thoughts & Verses from our Chaplain

COMFORTING THOUGHTS & VERSES FROM OUR CHAPLAIN

March 29, 2020

And we all know that in all things God works for the good of those

who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8: 28 NIV

We exist to give honor to His name. It's Not About Me - Lucado

You are Mine. Once I have set on you My stamp and seal of ownership all My Hosts throng to serve and protect you. Remember you are people of a King. from God Calling p.139

God offers authentic love. His­devotion is the real deal. But he won't give you the genuine until you surrender the imitations. A Love Worth Giving - Lucado

Jesus loves you fully and completely, not just because of who you are, but simply because you are. Early Light - C. Stanley

Patience is the red carpet upon which God's grace approaches us. A Love Worth Giving - Lucado

God has taken charge of your soul and He gives you grace. From your heavenly Father, you get eternity. When God Whispers Your Name - ­Lucado

I walk alongside you. We are yoked together. But I pull the weight and carry the burden. A Love Worth Giving - Lucado

You were created for Gods pleasure. The Purpose Driven Life ­

God thinks you're worth his kindness and he's a good judge of character. A Love Worth Giving - Lucado

Your prayers are heard by a personal God.

Early Light - C. Stanley

When Jesus says he will keep you safe, He means it. Satan is powerless against the protection of Christ.

A Gentle Thunder - M. Lucado

God loves you. Personally. Powerfully. Passionately. Others have promised and failed. But God has promised and succeeded. He loves you with an unfailing love. And his love- if you will let it- can fill you and leave you with a love worth giving. A Love Worth Giving - Lucado

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV) Isaiah 40:31 NIV

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  I Corinthians 10:13 NIV

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  2 Coriatians 12:19 NIV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.  Ephesians 6:18 NIV

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, Isaiah 61:1 NIV

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3 NIV

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 NIV

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Revelation 21:23 NIV

My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.

Philippians 4: 19 NCV

Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who are cruel to you. Luke 6: 27 - 28 NCV

The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in His love; he will sing and be joyful about you. Zephaniah 3: 17 NCV

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 NIV

Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect love drives out fear... We love because God first loved us.

I John 4:18-19 NCV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV

The Lord is my light and the One who saves me. I fear no one. The Lord protects my life; I'm afraid of no one. Psalm 27: 1 NCV

For it is by Grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2: 8 NIV

Your pain has a purpose. Your problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end-the Glory of God.

It's Not About Me -M. Lucado

When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God Himself, we cross a threshold.

It's Not About Me -M. Lucado

You have begun to live the new life, in which you are being made new and are becoming like the One who made you. Colossians 3: 10 NCV

We exist to give honor to His name. It's Not About Me - Lucado

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4: 13 NIV

God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there, He wants you to be just like Jesus. – Just like Jesus - Lucado

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (KJV) Isaiah 60:1

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NRSV

Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth.” Jeremiah 1:9 NRSV

Let the same mind be in you that was[a] in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore, God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-29-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                  March 29, 2020

        I have received good news from the state that our social distancing, self-isolation, and good decisions are making a difference in slowing the spread of COVID-19! However, that means we have to continue doing what we are doing so this can finally come to an end in the future.

        I hope you all were able to find a positive that came out of this weekend, whether it be that you spoke to a loved one on the phone, had the chance to self-reflect, or just got in some well-needed relaxation time.

Being that it is Sunday, I have attached some comforting thoughts and verses from our Chaplain, Pastor Elizabeth Smith.

Respectfully,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-28-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                  March 28, 2020

        I know a lot of you are feeling “cooped up” during this pandemic. I would like to assure you that that by taking all of the precautions NOW, it will help us get back to normal SOONER.

-        Continue to practice social distancing – staying 6 feet or more from one another

-        Staff will only be entering units to deliver food and for emergencies

-        Although YOU may not be worried about this virus, your NEIGHBOR might be

-        There is a no unnecessary travel recommendation from the Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente

-        If you have a housekeeping emergency (spills, messes, etc.) please call the front office (315) 733-1389

        One again, the Oneida County Health Department has set up a hotline for those who are experiences mental stress & anxiety due to the isolation we are facing. This hotline is now LIVE from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. If you would like to speak with a mental health professional, please call 1 (800) 678-0888.

        The Front Office is OPEN this weekend from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. If you have questions, are running low on supplies, etc. please call us at (315) 733-1389.

Respectfully,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-27-2020 Coronavirus Relief Bill

Dear Tenants,                                                     March 27, 2020

        I am writing to inform you that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package which is expected to be signed by the President immediately. What does this mean for you?

-        Individuals earning less than $75,000 per year can expect a one-time cash payment of $1,200

-        Married couples earning less than $150,000 can expect a one-time cash payment of $2,400

-        The checks start to phase down after that and disappear completely for individuals making more than $99,000 and couples making more than $198,000

-        These thresholds are based upon your 2019 tax filing

o  If you have not yet filed, the threshold will be based upon your 2018 filing

-        You should expect payment in the manner you received your last return

o  For example, if you received direct deposit last year, you will receive the check via direct deposit

o  The same goes for if you receives last year’s return via mailed check, that is how you will receive this payment

-        People who receive Social Security benefits but don’t file tax returns are still eligible

o  Checks will be based on information provided by the Social Security Administration

-        The IRS and NYS has extended Tax Day to July 15, 2020

-        CONTACT YOUR PERSONAL ACCOUNTANT REGARDING YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR THESE BENEFITS

        One again, the Oneida County Health Department has set up a hotline for those who are experiences mental stress & anxiety due to the isolation we are facing. This hotline is now LIVE from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. If you would like to speak with a mental health professional, please call 1 (800) 678-0888.

        The Front Office is OPEN this weekend from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. If you have questions, are running low on supplies, etc. please call us at (315) 733-1389.

Respectfully,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-26-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                     March 26, 2020

        I hope you all haven’t gotten sick of hearing from me yet! As I speak to staff every day, we all agree that this “era” we are living in is something I wish would pass. However, I believe it is bringing us closer as a community, and as a team – to fight this virus by doing the noble thing and staying home.

        I do not have any updates for you regarding federal, state, or local provisions. I do believe that tomorrow will lead to more information about where we are going as a society.

        The Oneida County Health Department has set up a hotline for those who are experiences mental stress & anxiety due to the isolation we are facing. This hotline goes LIVE on Friday, March 27that 8:30 am. If you would like to speak with a mental health professional, please call 1 (800) 678-0888.

        I will leave you with a quote that I believe is fitting for the situation at hand:

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

-        Helen Keller

Respectfully,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-25-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                     March 24, 2020

        As we keep moving forward with the statewide lockdown, I would like to clarify some local & internal policies:

-        The cancellation of internal events is an Executive Order from Governor Cuomo

-        Room-service for dinner is an Executive Order from Governor Cuomo

-        If you need supplies, do not call neighbors – call the front office at (315) 733-1389

-        The federal & local governments recommend that anyone who has traveled to New York City should self-isolate for 14-days – this includes your family members

-        Please continue to call your doctors ahead of time to see if your appointment is deemed essential

-        Regarding the 2020 Census, anyone who doesn’t have a computer will receive a paper copy to fill out in the future

o  Please be aware, with the fight against COVID-19 continuing the hard copy census will be late

-        If you are feeling the effects of isolation and need to speak with a professional, the Oneida County Health Department has a helpline set-up to speak with mental health providers (315) 798-5439 from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm.

-        Oneida County also has volunteers that may help get supplies for seniors

Respectfully,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO

Sunset Wood COVID-19 Update 3-24-2020

Dear Tenants,                                                     March 24, 2020

        As cases continue to rise in the county, state, and country, I can only say that I am very proud of each and every one of you for helping to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus by taking precautions. As Gov. Cuomo stated today, the reason why our state is bring so strict on limiting travel, businesses, etc. is to provide safety for the vulnerable – which include seniors in our community.

        As a staff, we are just as frustrated as you with the fact that the timeframe for these precautions are unknown. We will continue to take internal precautions while keeping you up-to-date on any tightened, or loosened, policies.

The greatest advice I can give is to do the best that you can because that is all be can do as a society! Be cautious about who you are interacting with, where they may have come from, and what you can do to protect yourself (wear a mask, scarf etc.). If you know of anyone not taking this seriously, please let them know that by staying home now, we can start getting back to normal sooner.

I can speak for the entire staff in saying we miss seeing all of you, BUT we know this is the best course of action in order to keep us ALL safe & healthy.

Respectfully,

Dominick M. Manfredo

Executive Director / CEO