News & Events

Honoring Lives, Celebrating Legacies.

At Reformed Church Home, we believe that every life is a precious story, deserving of love, remembrance, and celebration. To honor the residents who left us, our community recently gathered for heartfelt memorial service, a touching tribute to the lives that have touched our hearts and enriched our community. The memorial service provided a comfort for residents , staff, and friends to come together in shared mourning and gratitude. The service was filled with moments of prayers, music, and storytelling. During the service, we displayed photographs and memorabilia allowing attendees to recall joyful moments and milestones. A candle lighting ceremony   symbolized the enduring light of those we remember, offering solace and inspiration to all present.  As we bid farewell to our dear residents, we remain committed to honoring their legacy through compassionate care and respectful remembrance. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported a meaningful event. May we carry forward the memories to those we’ve lost, cherishing the lessons of kindness, resilience, and grace they have imparted.

Celebrating Father’s Day at Reformed Church Home: A Day of Joy, Reflection, and Community

Father’s Day is a cherished occasion to honor the love, guidance, and enduring
presence of fathers, grandfathers, and paternal figures. At Reformed Church Home, the
day was celebrated with joy, reflection, and connection—bringing together residents,
staff, and families for a series of uplifting activities that honored both legacy and
community.

Antique Car Show: A Journey Through Time
The festivities began with an eye-catching antique car show, where classic vehicles
from decades past lined the parking lot. Residents and guests admired the
craftsmanship and beauty of each automobile, sharing stories sparked by the familiar
curves and chrome of days gone by. The event stirred fond memories and meaningful
conversations—an ideal start to the day that celebrated tradition, legacy, and the
timeless bonds of fatherhood.

Celebrating with Word Games
Next came an energetic round of word games, filled with laughter and a spirit of friendly
competition. Residents exercised their minds with puzzles, trivia, and wordplay focused
on themes of family, fatherhood, and life lessons. The games created opportunities for
connection across generations, proving that engagement and joy have no age limit.

Father’s Day Worship Service: Honoring Faith and Family
The heart of the day was a special worship service led by Reformed Church clergy. With
hymns, prayers, and reflections, the service offered a space to honor the spiritual and
moral influence of fathers and paternal figures. It was a time of reverence and
gratitude—reminding all presents of the faith-filled love and steady presence that guide
us through life.

A Day to Remember and Cherish
Father’s Day at Reformed Church Home was a beautiful blend of celebration,
remembrance, and togetherness. Every moment—from the classic cars to the joyful
games to the moving worship—was thoughtfully created to honor the fathers and father-
figures in our lives.

As the day came to a close, the smiles, stories, and shared gratitude
lingered—reminding us that family, faith, and community are gifts to treasure not just on
special days, but every day.

Celebrating National Nursing Home Week at Reformed Church Home

Exploring the World, Growing Together

National Nursing Home Week is a special time to honor the residents, staff, and families who bring life and love to Reformed Church Home. This year, our theme — Visit the World, Grow Together — reflects our deep belief in the power of shared experiences, curiosity, and connection. And we couldn’t be more excited to share the incredible journey we’ve taken together.

 Throughout the week, we’ve explored cultures and traditions from around the globe. We began with virtual visits to Australia, taking in breathtaking landscapes and learning about the unique challenges of its wildfires. We felt the thrill of the Running of the Bulls with our own spirited “office chair races” — lively, fun, and full of energy! A cultural fashion show brought the week to a vibrant close, featuring attire from Africa and Asia that celebrated global beauty and diversity.

 These joyful experiences remind us that creating a home isn’t just about where we live — it’s about how we live together. At Reformed Church Home, we build community with heart. We empower one another, listen with curiosity, lead with compassion, and grow side by side.

 To all who are part of our journey — residents, families, and team members, especially our nurses and others in the Old Bridge community — we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your presence adds to the rich fabric of our home. Together, we are stronger. And each day brings new opportunities to learn from one another and lift each other up.

Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month

April was a special time of the year as we celebrated volunteer appreciation month, a time to recognize and honor selfless individuals who dedicate their time and energy to enhancing the lives of others. At Reformed Church Home, we are fortunate to have an incredible group of volunteers whose contributions have a significant impact on our residents. Their commitment to service not only enriches the lives of those they help but also foster a strong sense of community and belonging.

One of our cherished volunteers is Bob, who generously shares his musical talents by playing Piano for our residents every month. His performance brings joy and nostalgia, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that many look forward to.

We also want to shine light on Terry, who selflessly helps in the hair salon service to our residents twice a week. Terry’s work is in making our residents feel cared for and valued.

Maggie, alongside her friends from Colts Neck Reformed Church, their visits bring companionship and support to our residents. Also, we are grateful for the presence of Ray, Linda and Boomer from Lares Home Care and all the students who volunteer to make our residents happy. Finally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to various pastors and priests who graciously visit Reformed Church Home regularly.

As we celebrate volunteer appreciation month, let us take a moment to acknowledge the profound impact that these individuals have on our community at Reformed Church Home. Thank You to all the remarkable volunteers who make Reformed Church Home a better place.

Odyssey The Therapy Horse

In a heartwarming initiative, Swan Hospice has generously sponsored Odyssey, an exceptional therapy horse, to bring joy and comfort to the residents of Reformed Church Home. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the well -being of those in care through equine-assisted therapy, allowing residents to experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with animals.

Odyssey is an American Miniature horse, silver bay with bald face and blue eyes born July 23,2019. Odyssey. Known for his gentle dementor and friendly nature , has already began making regular visits to the Reformed Church Home community. These visits provide residents with opportunities for companionship, emotional support, and physical engagement, fostering deep connection and uplifting spirits. As Odyssey continues to visit the residents, both the horse and the community at Reformed Church Home benefits from these interactions. Residents often express their delight during therapy sessions, sharing smiles, laughter and cherished moment that bridge the gap between human and animal companionship. With Swan Hospice the future looks bright for Odyssey’s continued impact at Reformed Church Home, promising many more memorable experiences for all.

A Bid Farewell

Reformed Church Home is preparing to bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most cherished members, Alberta Romaniello. Alberta, a loving wife and a mother of five children and grandmother to five grandchildren, joined Reformed Church Home in 2003 as an activities aide on the skilled side. In 2004, she transitioned to the assisted living side while attending school full-time to become a licensed director of activities. After two years of hard work and dedication, she graduated in 2006.

From the very beginning, Alberta brought creativity and compassion to her role. Under her guidance, the activities program blossomed, offering a wide range of programs that catered to the diverse interests and needs of the residents. These included art classes, fitness sessions, movie nights, and intergenerational events with local schools.

Reflecting on her time at Reformed Church Home, Alberta fondly recalls her early days and her mission to create a home-like atmosphere. “When I first started, my goal was simple: to make every resident feel valued and included,” she said. “I wanted to ensure they had opportunities to engage and connect with each other and the wider community.”

Over the years, Alberta’s initiatives have not only fostered personal growth among the residents but also cultivated a strong sense of community within Reformed Church Home. Her openness and genuine interest in each person’s story have created lasting bonds between staff and residents alike.

Next month, Leading Age and the community will gather to celebrate a statewide achievement of Alberta, The Excellence in Community Service Award. This award recognizes LeadingAge  member achievements that contribute to their communities by providing outstanding services, programs, and opportunities for engagement.  In a heartfelt message to her colleagues and residents, Alberta said, “I am truly grateful for the chance to be a part of this amazing community. Each of you holds a special place in my heart, and I will carry the memories we’ve created together into this next chapter of my life.”

A Heartwarming Holiday: Reformed Church Home Toys For Tots Success

Our journey began with determination of our talented residents in Reformed Church Home assisted living, who crafted an array of wonderful handmade goods for a special craft sale raising $633. These funds went directly towards purchasing toys for the Toys for Tots.

The idea to collect toys for children in need was not just an act of charity: it was a rallying call to foster hope and happiness among our youngest community members. The response was nothing short of remarkable from the moment the Toy drive was announced, donations began pouring in. The Reformed Church Home staff worked diligently to set up collection points and coordinate logistic while community volunteers joined the effort with enthusiasm.

Thanks to the commitment and compassion of everyone involved, The Toy Drive exceeded all expectations. As we reflect on this wonderful experience, Reformed Church Home would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Toy for Tots drive.

Your generosity kindness, and willingness to give back embody the true spirit of the holiday season.

COVID-19 Vaccine Brings Hope to Long-Term Residents, Staff at RCH

Residents and staff members at Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge received the first dose of the 2-dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on January 5, just 3 weeks after the vaccine became available in New Jersey. Evelyn Arndt, who celebrated her 104th birthday on December 25, was gladly one of the first recipients during the vaccination clinic, as well as Magdalene Holland, a 92-year-old assisted living resident who was the Home’s first COVID survivor. The clinic at Reformed Church Home was conducted by Walgreens, whose team will return on January 26 to administer the second vaccination.

RCH Executive Director and Administrator Kate Shepard, reflecting on the importance of the day, said, “The clinic could not have happened a moment too soon! Although we have been blessed with no COVID fatalities, the fact that families have been separated from their loved ones is upsetting on many levels. Whatever it takes to try and bring residents and families back together, we are going to do it.”

Grace Brunner, RCH Advanced Practice Nurse, shared her enthusiasm as well, stating, “It was one of the happiest days here in a long time! We are starting the year off right, as in my opinion immunization is the only way out of this devastating situation. It’s the first step to recovery as a nation and to a return to a more normal lifestyle for our residents.” Brunner, in close collaboration with RCH medical director Edward Mezic, MD, and many dedicated nursing staff members, has coordinated care for residents infected with COVID-19 since the pandemic took hold last March.

Assisted Living resident Magdalene Holland, 92, said the vaccination clinic went very well and was very organized. “It [the vaccination] didn’t hurt. I was asked to wait for 15 minutes so they could observe if I had any side effects. I continue to have no ill effects whatsoever.” Holland was diagnosed with COVID-19 in April 2020 and spent 3 weeks recovering at Reformed Church Home in a separate COVID wing. Upon discharge, she insisted on walking back to her Assisted Living apartment, refusing wheelchair transport. When asked her opinion on the importance of the vaccine, she added, “We [the elderly] are at a high risk. It’s there for a reason so I feel we should take it.”

(Published in the Suburban News, January 13, 2021. See link below for full news article and photos.)