State of What?

 

Here we go again! How is it that on February 5, 2015, Gracedale is given a standing ovation by County Council and Executive Brown, and yesterday Mr. Brown is positioning Gracedale as a major culprit in his budget?

We know that on January 26, 2015 Matt Assad of the Morning Call reported that Gracedale came in under budget for the year 2014.

So why does Mr. Brown continue to project such ridiculous numbers? Numbers that we all know are skewed to make Gracedale out to look like some kind of money hungry facility. Perhaps because he has a hidden agenda to try and sell Gracedale.

Mr. Brown needs to look back at what the voters said when they voted to keep Gracedale in county hands - they clearly said:

LEAVE GRACEDALE ALONE!!!

Mr. Brown also needs to understand, and not forget, that by an almost 3-1 margin the taxpayers of the Northampton County also said: We are willing to pay for Gracedale.

If by chance our Executive is not wise enough to understand that mandate, then we suggest he speak to Ron Angle, who also cooked the numbers. And because he was exposed, his untouchable status went from untouchable, to very touchable, simply because he thought Gracedale was an easy target.

Our current County Executive has made many errors in his first year, and we have remained silent. This foreseeable mistake however, should he decide to make it, will, instead of having him looking towards another term as Executive, will have him looking elsewhere for another job.

If he thinks we're kidding, he should consult with John Stoffa, Michael Dowd, Bruce Gilbert, John Cussick, to name a few, who were also removed from office for messing with Gracedale. Asked them how it all worked out for them.

You may think the bear is asleep Mr. Brown. Notice however, if you will, that the bear has one eye open. If foolishly you awaken the bear, your future as County Executive Mr. Brown, will certainly be uncertain.

You can take that to the bank!

WFMZ69's View - Gracedales Clean Bill of Health

As most of you know by now, Gracedale and her supporters are rejoicing in a historical moment of triumph.

As a direct result of "We, The People's" perseverance, Gracedale today has proven her worth.

Please follow the link: http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/gracedale-gets-clean-bill-from-department-of-health/31123590

The Truth Is Once Again Truth!

We knew it was possible!

Today, Ron Angle and John Stoffa, as well as others who desired to destroy Gracedale know, not only that it is possible for Gracedale to sustain herself, but before their very eyes it materialized. It is not magic folks, and it's not a miracle! It is simple evidence of what humanity can do when it puts it's best foot forward.

Today, a reality that no one can deny is, Gracedale can, and Gracedale will continue to sustain herself, as long as she is allowed to run the way she was intended to run. And, she will continue to serve all those she was designed and intended to serve, and to care for.

It can be said that John Brown has taken a beating in his first year as County Executive. For what, some ask? For various reasons. The verbal punishment he has endured has come from other blogs and the one-sided media in Northampton County. We're not saying it's wrong or right. We will say however, we told Mr. Brown that if Gracedale was given the opportunity, and is operated professionally and properly, she would prevail against all odds. She has done just that! As some would say: the proof is in the pudding. On this blog however, we decided to sit back and watch. Make no noise, just watch vigilantly. We can tell you from our observation, with a high degree of certainty, that Executive Brown did what he told us he would do. He gave Gracedale the opportunity to prove herself. On February 3, 2015, Mr. Brown reportedly said he was proud of Gracedale's accomplishments. In his words: "The administration has been committed to stabilizing Gracedale's operations while continuing to provide the highest levels of quality care." The previous administration (Stoffa) did not want Gracedale stable. They could not justify the sale of a stable Gracedale. Instead they did all they could to destabilize her. Mr. Brown went on to say, "We are proud with the results."

According to other blogs and the media, Mr. Brown may be doing many things wrong. According to this blog, Mr. Brown is certainly doing one thing right...Gracedale!

To the electors, the taxpayers, and all residents of Northampton County we say: Don't ever again let anyone tell you Gracedale can't, because today, without a doubt you know she can! We said the tax increase threats going back to 2010 were nothing more than scare tactics. Today, you know that's just what they were, tactics of deception intended to steer us like cattle in the direction they wanted us to go. However, for five years since, there have been no tax increases. Why not? Because they were not necessary then. Yes, a tax increase is looming in 2015, but today Mr. Brown will be the first to tell you - it's not because of Gracedale. And while it is true that the reserve funds have dwindled, as a community we can thank Mr. Stoffa for that. If you recall, he refused to pull the Swap-option trigger when it was under 10 million dollars. His failure cost the taxpayers 27+ million dollars. Had he done his job professionally and properly, we would possibly have an additional 17 million dollars in our reserves today.  Gracedale didn't make that mistake, John Stoffa did. We hope he is enjoying his retirement mandated by the electors.

 In loving memory of our friend Peggy, who is rejoicing with our loved ones in heaven over this great and exciting news.

Lastly, we extend a warm congratulation to D. Freeman, Gracedale Administrator, for helping us prove our case, and for providing an honest effort to turn things around. Job well done! Thank you. 

We Understood This Was Possible!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Department of Health Finds Zero Deficiencies at Gracedale Nursing Home First time in the history of Nursing Home that the Long Term Care Facility Survey receives Unprecedented Results   Easton, PA - February 3, 2015 The Northampton County Administration announces that after a week-long intensive inspection and Audit by the Department of Health (DOH), Gracedale Nursing home has no deficiencies and received a zero deficiencies survey result.   Based on a Medicare/Medicaid Recertification survey, State Licensure survey, and Civil Rights Compliance Survey, completed on  January 30, 2015, at Northampton County Home-Gracedale, it was determined that there were no deficiencies, related to theHealth portion of the survey process, identified under the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B.  Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities and the 28 PA Code, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations as they relate to the Health portion of the survey process.   "The administration has been committed to stabilizing Gracedale's operations while continuing to provide the highest level of quality care," said John Brown, Northampton County Executive.  "We are proud with the results of the DOH survey. This confirms our cost-effective measures and teamwork are moving us in the right direction."   The DOH Survey is an in-depth week-long process that examines  health care facilities and looks for any possible deficiencies that violate any of the standard regulations set forth by the DOH. Penalties can be as severe as loss of license.   In the past Gracedale has received an average of five to eight DOH Survey deficiencies per year. Additionally, Gracedale has received an average of eight independent DOH complaint  inspections;  Gracedale has not received any such complaint visits since April 2014.     "We are very pleased with the success of our efforts. These outstanding results from the DOH Survey are a true testament to the hard work and care given by our team here at Gracedale," said D. Freeman, Gracedale Administrator.

 

YES...We Are Still Watching!

It has been a while since we have posted any information on this blog. That should not be taken to mean that we have gone away...we have not!

We have been keeping watchful eyes on matters. And, we have been meeting semi-regularly to discuss items of interest relating to Gracedale.
 
It pleases us to express some very good news - Gracedale has been reported to be near breaking-even. According to news reports, "Gracedale is on track to meet its 2014 budget." 

Yes, it's true that a tax increase is looming, however, it won't be because of Gracedale. As we have seen over the last four years, it was never necessary because of Gracedale. In a one-hundred-thirty-three million dollar budget, Gracedale tax contributions are but a drop in the bucket. Let us focus on - where there rest of the tax funds are going. And, let us look for tax cuts where spending is out of control, and, possibly not necessary. Gracedale serves the greatest element in life...Humanity - Gracedale is necessary!

Still Alive And Well!

It has been a little while since we have posted anything on our blog. Not because we disbanded, we have not. But, because we want to give all of our newly elected officials a sincere opportunity (of at least a year) to demonstrate their faithfulness to "We The People" without distractions from us.

The Coalition of Alzheimer's Families never desired to govern the county. If that were so, we would have run for office. Our desire from the start (and still is today) was to speak for those who could not speak for themselves. No one can deny we accomplished that mission. No one!

Our current silence on this blog is nothing more than a well earned period of rest. We are alive and well, and still meeting to discuss matters that regard our county gem "Gracedale".




We cleaned our house, and are now enjoying a moment of peace.




Rest assured however, if we see our house becoming filthy again, we will not hesitate to rise once again.

Yes, "We The People" will rest, and yes, we will sleep (in turn of course). But, we will always have a watchman watching! Prepared to sound the alarm.

The John Stoffa Legacy...

...Or better said - DECEPTION!
As we near the end of 2013, we look back with humble pride at the history making event - "The Gracedale Initiative".

Regardless what any one person may say, the Gracedale saga unified the community and the county in a manner never witnessed or experienced before. Not in Northampton County. And, in all probability...not in the state or the nation.

Recently, an outsider asked: "What was the Gracedale initiative really about?" Our response: The Gracedale Initiative was about helping each other, with special consideration for our elders. Whom, in their day molded our great nation into what it is today. We went on to explain that while we continue to be  proud Americans who love our country dearly, these days we're not always so proud of some of our Government officials.

A miserable liar - John Stoffa

Elected government officials like outgoing County Executive John Stoffa pollute the existence of any office they hold. In retrospect, it certainly appears that Stoffa's main concern was putting his name on a building. And, hanging a self-portrait on a wall...to be worshipped like God. But, God he is not.

He has been portrayed as "pulling his last weed". We suggest that he has pulled his last hairs while cursing COAF for exposing him. His portrait was painted using a hypocritical brush. His legacy will be remembered forever, but not for anything positive. Stoffa himself would like us to believe that except for a half mil tax hike he had promised during his campaign, he never raised taxes beyond that. We agree, he did not! However, lets explore why not...At one point, we had as much as a sixty-two million dollar surplus. So the real question is: Why would he raise taxes?

While Stoffa was being lifted, it was stated that his one regret is the Swaption. Of course, it was quickly noted that he inherited the swaption. We agree! He did. We would also note however, that he could have come out smelling like a financial genius if he pulled the trigger on the swaption gun when it was well under ten million. Instead, his failure to act in the best interest of the tax payers (in a reasonable time and manner) cost the tax payers in the area of twenty-seven million dollars, with absolutely nothing to show for it. So really...how financially astute is he? And, did he fail to act out of ignorance, stupidity, or vindictiveness? In any case - it cost the taxpayers millions that could have been better used to do good for our community. For example: It could have helped sustain Gracedale for the next fifteen years. The Millions carelessly wasted exposed Stoffa's financial incompetence. 

On the subject of the Human Services building, Stoffa pushed, and pushed some more for it without any hesitation. Why??? Well, in our opinion, because he thought County Council would dedicate the building to his failed eight years legacy. They, of course, did not! Great decision by County Council.

Now, before he leaves office, he wants to waste more of our hard earned money. On what you ask? On an issue that has been decided several times. The issue? The Gracedale ambulance service. On December 21, 2013, as we prepared to celebrate Christmas, Stoffa was preparing to appeal a ruling by the Honorable Judge Leonard Zito. Judge Zito ruled against Stoffa. Stoffa's legal council argued that County Council overstepped their authority by not accepting Stoffas recommendation. Really??? That's just as ridiculous as it sounds. A recommendation by definition is a suggestion, which means that County Council was well within their right to reject the recommendation. Not only did they reject it once, but several times. So why can't Stoffa just accept the decisions? Because Stoffa want's to continue to drain what's left of our once healthy surplus.

John Stoffa's legacy is nothing more than what he practices - deception! In our opinion:

He lied to us to get elected.

He lied to us regarding his Gracedale intentions.

He lied to us about "not appealing" his failed court case against "We The People".

He lied to us about not using tax dollars to sue "We The People".

His entire eight year term was a web of lies.

We don't take pride in making these statements, but they are true! That's how we will remember John Stoffa...as nothing more than a liar. Your time has come John. Good bye, good riddance...and know that you will not be missed!