Former commissioner remembered at manor

COAL TOWNSHIP - It's a "house of love."

That's how longtime Northumberland County Commissioner James P. "Jim" Kelley referred to Mountain View Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Kelley, who passed away nearly one year ago - on Nov. 15, 2008, at the age of 80- worked diligently to bring a nursing home to Northumberland County. He held a special place in his heart for the manor, visiting often and caring for the facility's residents.

"My father dreamed of a place where the elderly in the community could come and be treated with dignity and with love," son James F. Kelley said. Jim's love for the manor was memorialized Sunday when a newly renovated solarium, or recreation room, was dedicated to him.

"Your vision lives on in the hearts of Mountain View Manor employees. So many have received so much because you cared," Mary Ann Swartz said about Kelley in a note written to his family. Swartz works at the manor.

A plaque now displayed on the wall of the solarium reads, "Mountain View Manor stands as a symbol of the love and concern that all of us share for those of our citizens who need our help and care. It is a house of love! No one expressed his love for the manor more than Jim Kelley. His kindness and dedication to the residents will always be remembered through this beautiful room."

A group of family and friends packed the solarium Sunday night.

Looking back ...

James P. Kelley, a six-term county commissioner, who served from 1972 to 1996, would spend countless days at the manor. His children remember accompanying him to visit manor residents and later visiting their grandmother, Jim's mother, at the facility.

Standing tall, like his father, James F. Kelley spoke the words that his Dad said on the day the manor was dedicated in 1973.

"This building has been designed to provide long-term nursing care for the aged citizens of Northumberland County. To that goal, we, the commissioners of Northumberland County, pledge our sacred honor to do all in our power to make the last days of those who need the county's help days of dignity, comfort and well-being," he read.

During the manor's dedication in 1973, Jim thanked taxpayers for their support. He said employees would "give a little extra love and care to each of the guests."

Jim remembered the names of nearly all the employees and the residents at the nursing home, his son said Sunday.

Working at the manor gave son James an inside look at just how hard the employees work - when he was just 16 years old.

"I could feel the love for the residents," he said, remembering a time he used to watch television with a resident each morning.

"This place will be here forever if we take proper care of it," he added.

Jim's widow, Joan, who unveiled the plaque, said she was thrilled that the administration chose to dedicate the solarium.

She recalled how often her husband would visit the manor, often stopping by after work and even coming back in the evenings to spend time with residents.

Daughter Trisha said she had accompanied her father to the manor since grade school, and the halls hold many memories for her. She believes visiting the manor helped to create her compassionate spirit.

Son, U.S. Coast Guard Captain Brian Kelley, was also present to honor his father on Sunday.

'A new chapter'

County Commissioners Frank Sawicki and Kurt Masser were in attendance, as well as District Attorney Tony Rosini and county Chief Clerk Rose Marquardt.

Sawicki reiterated the commissioners commitment to Kelley's dream of having a skilled nursing facility for the aging population in the county. Masser thanked the Kelley family, and said his first thought when the commissioners decided to sell the manor back in September was, 'What would Jim think?' The manor is scheduled to be sold for $16.5 million in January to its current managing firm, Complete Healthcare Resources (CHR).

Mary Ann Chaklos, newly-hired administrator at the manor, said she is honored to help run the manor.

"My goal is to continue the dream that put this facility together," she said. "A new chapter is opening, but we will continue."

James thanked former and current commissioners for their work, including Oscar Kehler, Dr. William Rumberger, Lawton Shroyer, Dr. George Dietrick, Judge Frank Moser, Charles Lewis Sr., Dr. Calvin Wolfberg, Lester Blevins, Robert Jones, Eleanor Kuhns, Allen Cwalina, Charles Lewis Jr., Sam Dietrick, Robert Greco, John Boback, Kurt Masser, Frank Sawicki and Vinny Clausi.

During his tenure as a commissioner, Jim was also instrumental in starting the County Area Agency on Aging, now consisting of 11 centers. He was recognized by the State for Aging Programs.