A “Holiday” Iron-Style Chefs Competition Challenges Phoebe Residents,
Cura Chefs with Secret Ingredient

WHAT:   Residents of Phoebe Ministries’ senior living communities in Allentown, Richland, Berks and Wyncote, PA, will “don” their chef coats to compete side-by-side with Cura Hospitality chefs in the organization’s second annual “Holiday” themed “Chef Challenge” event!

Based on the Food Network’s popular “Iron Chef” show, each team is required to prepare five servings of each food with one show plate per course in one hour (appetizer, main entrée and dessert) using a secret ingredient that will be announced several days prior to the competition.

Resident sous chefs include Bob Gehris, 84, a resident at Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center.  Gehris can probably teach us a thing or two about the Chef Challenge!  He was the former host of The Mandarin Chef cooking show which aired on the former Twin County cable TV network.

Hazel Pongracz, 94, lives at Phoebe Richland.  Mrs. Pongracz was proud to be part of a glorious era in Atlantic City, NJ, serving as back-up entertainment on the Steel Pier for stars like Red Skelton and Perry Como!

An impressive panel of “celebrity” judges will award “The Culinary Flame” based on food taste, presentation and originality. They are:  Paul King, Editor, FoodService Director Magazine of New York City; Linda Jones, Editor, Advance for Long-Term Care Management Magazine of King of Prussia, PA; Scott Stevenson, President and CEO of Phoebe Ministries; Anita Dwyer, Vice President of Operations, Cura Hospitality; and Sara Heintzelman, who is 84 and lives at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown.

The winning team will recreate their meal on WFMZ’s Channel 69′s Sunrise Show on Friday, November 30th!

“Through Cura’s LivingLife, we offer activities and food entertainment events that increase socialization, wellness and memory support among older adults.  Most importantly, these activities enhance life around great food,” said Cura Hospitality Founder and President Mitch Possinger.

(SEE DETAILED RELEASE BELOW)

WHEN:           Monday, November 19, 2012; 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE:        Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, Moyer Hall
1925 W. Turner Street
Allentown, PA 18104

INFO:             www.phoebe.org<http://www.phoebe.org>; www.curahospitality.com<http://www.curahospitality.com>

A “Holiday” Iron-Style Chefs Competition Challenges Phoebe Residents,
Cura Chefs with Secret Ingredient

ALLENTOWN, PA, November 3, 2012 – Residents of Phoebe Ministries’ senior living communities in Allentown, Richland, Berks and Wyncote, PA., will don their chef coats to compete side-by-side with Cura Hospitality chefs in the community’s second annual “Holiday” themed “Chef Challenge” event Monday, November 19, 2012, from 2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center.

Based on the Food Network’s popular “Iron Chef” show, each team is required to prepare five servings of each food with one show plate per course in one hour (appetizer, main entrée and dessert) using a secret ingredient that will be announced several days prior to the competition.

Resident participants will be permitted to bring one ingredient of their choice, while Cura chefs will provide pantry items including flour, sugar, spices, fresh herbs, produce, pork, poultry and beef.   Teams are judged based upon a 20-point system, with a maximum of 10 points given for taste, five for presentation, and five for originality.

While cooking experience is not a prerequisite, some Chef Challenge residents have culinary expertise!

Bob Gehris, 84, is a resident at Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center.   Gehris can probably teach us a thing or two about the Chef Challenge!  He was the former host of The Mandarin Chef cooking show which aired on the former Twin County cable TV network.  The show was taped live at the 25th Street Shopping Center at the Mandarin Chef restaurant in Easton, PA.  With over 100 taped shows, Gehris has a folder full of recipes – and learned about the culinary art of Chinese cooking!

Hazel Pongracz, 94, lives at Phoebe Richland.  Mrs. Pongracz was proud to be part of a glorious era in Atlantic City, NJ, serving as back-up entertainment on the Steel Pier for stars like Red Skelton and Perry Como!  Hazel also worked at Captain Starn’s Restaurant on the boardwalk, one of the most famous restaurants on the East Coast!

An impressive panel of judges will award “The Culinary Flame” based on food taste, presentation and originality.  They are: Paul King, Editor, FoodService Director Magazine (New York City); Linda Jones, Editor, Advance for Long-Term Care Management Magazine (King of Prussia, PA); Scott Stevenson, President and CEO of Phoebe Ministries; Anita Dwyer, Vice President of Operations, Cura Hospitality; and Sara Heintzelman, who is 84 and lives at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown.
The winning team will recreate their meal on WFMZ’s Channel 69′s Sunrise Show on Friday, November 30th!

“Through Cura’s LivingLife, we offer activities and food entertainment events that increase socialization, wellness and memory support among older adults.  Most importantly, these activities enhance life around great food,” said Cura Hospitality Founder and President Mitch Possinger.

Join us for this exciting event where Phoebe residents will flex their culinary muscle!

ABOUT OUR CHEF’S CHALLENGE TEAMS
TEAM PHOEBE CULINARY CANARIES

Naomi Schleicher, 90, has lived at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown for 12 years. Born and raised in California, Mrs. Schleicher taught school in Merced, California before meeting her husband at a United States Organization dance. The couple moved to Easton, PA, her husband’s hometown. “My husband loved graham cracker cream pie – so I prepared it often. I also make lemon sponge pie.”

Ray Ziegler, 83, is a resident at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown. Born and raised in Fogelsville, Ziegler graduated from William Allen High School and Penn State University. While working at Lehigh Portland Cement Company, Ziegler was asked to cook for his brother-in-law’s hunting group. “It started as a joke in 1960. Now 35 years later, I continue to cook for them! My specialty is roast beef with filling, endive with homemade bacon dressing and cheesecake!”

Bob Gehris, 84, is a resident at Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center. Gehris can probably teach us a thing or two about the Chef Challenge! He was the former host of The Mandarin Chef cooking show which aired on the former Twin County cable TV network. The show was taped live at the 25th Street Shopping Center at the Mandarin Chef restaurant in Easton, PA. With over 100 taped shows, Gehris has a folder full of recipes – and learned a little about the culinary art of Chinese cooking!

Bonnie Schwenger, is Assistant Director of Dining Services, The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown. Ms. Schwenger is a self-taught food service professional. She started her career as a waitress at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown and next served as executive sous chef where she enjoyed preparing for catered and theme meal events. “What I enjoy most about working at Cura is the opportunity for advancement and that you’re treated as part of their family.”

Jessica Pettie, Production Supervisor. In her present position, Ms. Pettie oversees the production and dinner service at The Terrace at Phoebe Allentown. With an Associates Degree from Bucks County Community College, Ms. Pettie enjoys preparing Italian entrees and baking. “Most of all, I appreciate the teamwork atmosphere at Cura which helps me to improve and build my career.”

Michelle Virella, a Cook at Phoebe Allentown, has been employed at Phoebe for 14 years! A graduate of William Allen High School, Ms Virella’s specialty is preparing homemade soups. Home-meal replacement meals and soups are a comfort to her.

Mike Carew, is a Cook at Phoebe Allentown. A graduate of Brockton High School in Brockton, MA, Carew has served the contract and quick-service food industries for several years. Some of Carew’s specialty culinary talents include baking and preparing meals for large parties. “What I like best about working at Cura are the people you get to meet, and the interaction with residents.”

TEAM GUTES ESSEN (translated as Good Food)
Doris Howerter, 82, is a resident at Phoebe Berks Village. A retired dairy farmer from Wernersville, PA, Mrs. Howerter is participating for the first time in the Challenge. “I cook with common staples like celery, onions and potatoes. I’m proud to bring my Pennsylvania Dutch culinary skills to the table.”

Hazel Pongracz, 94, lives at Phoebe Richland. Ms. Pongracz was proud to be part of a glorious era in Atlantic City, NJ, serving as back-up entertainment on the Steel Pier for stars like Red Skelton and Perry Como! Mrs. Pongracz also worked at Captain Starn’s Restaurant on the boardwalk, one of the most famous restaurants on the East Coast!

Mary Neville, 88, is a resident at Phoebe Wyncote. A native of Northeast Philadelphia, Ms. Neville was a waitress who picked up cooking and serving tips in the restaurant. “I don’t prepare anything special, but I do enjoy cooking. My family loved my stuffed cabbage and potato pancakes.”

Sam Mengel, Sous Chef at Phoebe Berks Village, is a graduate of Daniel Boone Area High School and Penn College of Technology.  Mengel loves to spin and toss pizza like a boss! “What I like best about working at Cura are the people.”
Jeanette Donald-Duson, Team Leader and Cook, has been employed at Phoebe Wyncote for 27 years! Hailing from the Philadelphia-area, Mrs. Donald-Duson works as a cook primarily. “If no one bothered me, I could cook and bake all day long. When you like the elderly and love what you do, it’s an easy job!

Chris Deeter, Cook, at Phoebe Berks Village, received his Certified Dietary Manager certification at Lehigh Carbon Community College and his Associates Degree in hotel and restaurant management from Montgomery County Community College. Deeter enjoys grilling and baking. What Deeter enjoys best about working at Cura is that he gets to use his skills and make a wide array of food on a daily basis.

Eric Shocket, Executive Chef at Phoebe Berks Village, has served in the food industry for the last 28 years. The first twelve years were in wholesale meat & seafood distribution. “My passion for cooking with my mother as a young boy into manhood pushed me to become a restaurateur, opening & operating two successful businesses. Being a self-taught chef, I enjoy my job and hope to grow in my career with Cura.

ABOUT CURA HOSPITALITY

Cura Hospitality is a highly responsive and innovative dining services and hospitality provider dedicated to a mission of Enhancing Life Around Great Food.  Cura serves over 50 senior living communities and hospitals in the mid-Atlantic region.  Cura’s culinary, guest service and clinical professionals provide hospitality and clinical care to more than 20,000 residents, patients and guests each day.  Visit us at www.curahospitality.com<http://www.curahospitality.com/>.

ABOUT PHOEBE MINISTRIES

Phoebe Ministries is non-profit, multi-facility organization specializing in healthcare, housing and support services for senior adults throughout eastern and central Pennsylvania. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Phoebe Ministries offers 16 Phoebe communities that provide a variety of living options and levels of care to suit the diverse needs of senior adults and their family members. These services include independent living, long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, award-winning memory support services for persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and respite care.  Visit us at www.phoebe.org<http://www.phoebe.org>.

Trina Johnson-Brady
Community Relations Specialist
Marketing and Institutional Advancement
Phoebe Ministries
1925 Turner Street | Allentown, PA 18104
P: 610-794-5150| C: 610-844-6811 | F: 610-794-5414
tbrady@phoebe.org | www.phoebe.org