Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Inc.
Highlights
FALL 2000 - VOL. 8, NO. 3
The following are the articles that ran in the above issue of Highlights. This corporate newsletter provides news about Lutheran Homes of Michigan and related services.
Articles in this issue (just click on the article you'd like to see or scroll through all of them):
- You're Invited for a Visit
- There's Still Time to Match Your Gift
- Golf Outing a Big Success
- 2001 Golf Outing Set
- Welcome New Members
- A Float Full of Thank-yous
- Frankenmuth - Bavarian Festival
- Monroe County Fair
- Millington Old Fashioned Days
- News from our Ladies Groups
- Bridging Gaps
- LHM Welcomes New Development Director
Living Life to the Fullest
A picnic in the park. A trip to the old fishing hole. An afternoon at
Comerica Park watching the Tigers play. Worshipping with friends and
family on a beautiful summer morning. Attending an outdoor concert.
Events and activities that we all enjoy, and which make for wonderful
summer memories.
I'm not describing a typical summer in the life of a child. I'm relating actual events and activities that our Lutheran Home residents have enjoyed over the summer months. Many residents thought they would never again experience such moments when they began living at a "nursing home." A Lutheran Home, however, is not a typical nursing home. It is a community of people focused on helping each resident enjoy his or her life to the fullest, despite the affects of aging.
The activities staff and volunteers, together with committed family members, work hard to make these events possible. Behind the scenes, our donors provide invaluable support to Lutheran Homes. The result is a set of experiences and events that our residents can continue to enjoy - sometimes into their 10th decade of life. Activities we might take for granted are deeply appreciated by frail residents who must cope with the loss of physical functioning.
We live in a world that often measures value and worth of life in misguided ways. Wealth, fame, beauty and youth - all fall far short of the Biblical definition of the value of life. Our Heavenly Father tells us in His word that each day is a gift from Him to be cherished and lived "abundantly." In fact, we know that our days are numbered, each with a purpose defined by God Himself.
At Lutheran Homes, we not only acknowledge this truth, we live it through our actions. The summer activities our residents enjoyed, while earthly in nature, were motivated by a divine mandate and contain eternal value. We are affirming our frail elderly as valuable children of God.
The next time you enjoy one of life's simple pleasures, take a moment to reflect on how the ministry of Lutheran Homes enables others to enjoy those times as well. Consider how you might become involved in supporting this special ministry, through prayers, volunteering, or financial support.
Together in service,
David Gehm, President and CEO
If you don't know what to do after church on a Sunday afternoon, why don't you take a drive to the Lutheran Home of Frankenmuth? This facility isn't just a "nursing home" but our "home away from home." Staff members have transformed the area around the facility into a colorful display of flowers and plants.
As you walk through the front door, a full sized oak aviary will immediately capture your attention. Residents enjoy sitting in the lobby and watching pairs of unusual birds build nests and care for each other.
Our resident cats and dogs also add to the warm atmosphere. During your tour you might see cats purring in the arms of a visitor or staff member. Look at the expression of tenderness in the eyes of residents when a dog lays his head on their lap to be petted.
As you continue your walk through the halls you will see Christian woodcarvings. This beautiful collection continues to grow through monetary donations from families and friends of the Lutheran Home, often in honor or in memory of a loved one.
You might choose to stroll through the central outdoor courtyard and admire the flowers and greenery. Staff, volunteers and residents work together to keep the courtyard's plants flourishing.
Because of our genuine love for our residents, we continue to strive to maintain a quality of excellence that will, with God's help, continue for many, many years. Please visit us soon!
There's Still Time to Match Your Gift
The three-year Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation Member Matching program ends on November 30, 2000. Since December 1, 1997, the Lutheran Brotherhood has matched gifts from 86 contributors. These funds - $9,655 to date - are used to support the Christ Cares, We Share campaign and other ministries of Lutheran Homes, as designated by our donors.
You are eligible to participate in this program if you have a Lutheran Brotherhood life or health insurance contract, or annuity contract in force, or if you own shares, individually or jointly, in a LB mutual fund. Gifts of cash or securities from $25 to $100 are eligible for the match. Only one gift per member will be matched per year.
Please call the corporate office of Lutheran Homes at (517) 652-3470 to request a matching gift form, or call your LB agent.
November 30, 2000 is the final date to participate in this program!
It's a "Fore"gone conclusion: Golf Outing a Big Success
Ninety-three golfers braved gray clouds, thunder and cracks of lightening at the 2nd Annual Golf Outing July 14 at the Cracklewood Golf Club in Macomb. Despite the weather, golfers had a great time and managed to raise $14,814 for the Christ Cares, We Share campaign.
Tournament winners for a second year were John Bartoletti, Jim Breaugh, Ken Dargatz and Roger Swarthout. (We should have known when they came dressed in matching golf shirts.)
Trophies were also awarded to the following: Women's Closest to the Pin - Lisa Breaugh; Women's Longest Drive - Jennifer Britton; Men's Closest to the Pin - Rick Gram; and Men's Longest Drive - Matt Britton.
No event happens on its own. Many thanks to the outstanding Golf Outing Planning Committee: Roger Swarthout (chair), Ron Bales, Mike Bird, Joe Foerster, Jim Garber, the Rev. Victor Halboth, the Rev. Dr. Robert Kasper and Marv Moser - all assisted by Claire Heise. Also, thank you to the many volunteers, which included youth and adults from St. Peter, Macomb who helped to make this a successful event.
Lutheran Homes would like to recognize the generosity of the following donors who made a significant contribution to this year's annual golf outing.
Major Sponsors: Aid Association for Lutherans: The Golden Agency, Frankenmuth; The Jarrett Agency, Canton and LA-Z-Boy, Inc.
Special Support: American Glass and Metal, Plymouth; John Bean Agency of Lutheran Brotherhood; The Sam Britton Organization, Bay City and Reimold Printing, Saginaw.
Hole In One Sponsors: U.S. Airways and Holiday Chevrolet, Redford. (Unfortunately neither prize was awarded!)
Matching Funds provided by: AAL Branches of the Park Jarrett Agency including :#3089 Guardian, Dearborn; #2542 Emmanuel, Dearborn; and #3125 Hosanna Tabor, Redford.
And a special "thank you" to the many corporations and friends of Lutheran Homes who provided hole and flag sponsorship, gifts and services.
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18 HOLES OF GOLF WITH CART
- CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
- LUNCH AT THE "OPEN GRILL"
- HEAVY HORS D'OEUVRES FOLLOWING GOLF
- BEVERAGES ON COURSE AND AFTER GOLF
For further information or to register your foursome, contact Lutheran Homes of Michigan at 517-652-3470 or visit our web site at www.lhminc.org
ALSO ASK ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
LUTHERAN HOMES OF MICHIGAN
2001
3RD ANNUAL
GOLF OUTING
Monday, July 23, 2001
Bay Point Golf Club
4001 Haggerty Road
West Bloomfield, MI
EVENT: 4-person scramble
TIME: Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
SHOTGUN: 10:00 a.m.
Inclusive outing fee of $150.00 per golfer includes:
Welcome New Members
We welcome St. Paul Lutheran Church of Niles as the newest
member of our Lutheran Homes organization. We are pleased to have Pastor
Robert M. Zagore and the congregation of St. Paul partner with
us in our ministry to the elderly.
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A Float-full of Thank-yous
Once again, the volunteers and staff from our three residential homes
and the HOME CARE Agency created an award-winning float. The float
has already earned honors in Frankenmuth, Monroe and Millington, and
will soon appear in Richville and Caro. Some residents have
participated in the parades and others have enjoyed the festivities
from front row seats. We would like to thank everyone who made the
float a success.
First, some people have generously contributed their time and talents since the inception of this project in 1993. Volunteers Irene Rodammer (chair), and Wilmar Bierlein and Herman Schellhas have constructed the float each year to match that year's theme. Joann Rinne, activities director, Monroe, has also been a part of this venture since its beginning. We extend our thanks to these individuals and all others who have worked on this project throughout the years.
Frankenmuth - Bavarian Festival
At the Bavarian Festival parade, held in Frankenmuth on June 11, we
received the Chamber of Commerce trophy. Our chaplain, Pastor Joel Kaiser,
his sons and Alyssa and Emily Mikolanz greeted the crowd from
the float. Robert Stoddard skillfully maneuvered the vehicle
loaned by Zehnder Chevrolet-Buick through the parade route.
Some staff members, under the direction of Debbie Mikolanz,
activities director, also participated by pushing residents in
wheelchairs while following the float. Ron Schneirla,
Maintenance Director, helped with assembly and Connie Palmer,
Lutheran Home Care Agency Supervisor, added her special touch in
arranging the flowers.
Monroe County Fair
At the Monroe County Fair Parade on July 30, the Monroe Home won 1st
Place in the Commercial Division. Beautiful pots of flowers planted
by Eunice Hanson, a resident of the Monroe Home, graced the float.
The team of volunteers from Monroe who worked on the float project included: Planning - Joann Rinne, activity director, and Shirley Guy, activity aide; Assembly - Donald and Leona Secord, Donita and Robert Auxter, Donna, Rachel, Andrea and Nathaniel Koehneke, Brenda Lawrence, Administrator, and Michael Lawrence and John D'Arpini, maintenance supervisor. Brenda and Michael Lawrence pulled the float in a truck loaned from Groulx Olds, Monroe.
Riding on the float were: Georgia Mizelle, L.P.N. and her grandchildren Zachary, Olivia and Lucas, Lela Zink, Volunteer of the Year, Elaine Farris, Jean Stigen, Stephanie Stigen and Joann Rinne.
The residents on the bus, driven by Kenneth Hobson, included: Carl Reckling, Eunice Hansen, Anne Liedel, Milda Metz, Nelda Hanson, volunteer and Eva Lange, volunteer.
Making the flowers for the float were: Lela Zink, Karea Stoll, Eunice Hanson, Carolyn Taylor, Evelyn Botticher and Milda Metz. Bonnets were made by Eva Lang. Earl Neiman and Arthur Miller transported the Float from Frankenmuth to Monroe.
Millington Old Fashioned Days
"Going Courtin' the Old-Fashioned Way" was the theme of the
Millington Old-Fashioned Days Parade. The Lutheran HOME CARE Agency
staff was responsible for this entry. They received a 1st Place award
for Commercial Non-local with their "Old-Fashioned Garden
Wedding" scene. Emily Abbenante and Troy Zwerk portrayed
the happy couple. Jane Cesar sang the Lord's Prayer, a special
addition to the tableau. Dick Blackmer was in charge of
driving the vehicle to pull the float for this parade. Al Kaul
transported the float from Monroe to Frankenmuth.
Frankenmuth Auxiliary
The role of the Auxiliary is to enhance the quality of life of our
residents. Recently, Auxiliary members purchased three high-low beds
for the Frankenmuth Home. Members continue to make clothes protectors
for the residents.
Fifty-four people attended the July 24th meeting to listen to guest speaker Kathy Sanders talk about the jail ministry she started in Bay City. Sanders spoke of the positive results of the Bible study she conducts for women inmates. Prayers are requested for the continuation of this ministry.
The Annual Card Party was September 25 at St. Lorenz School Gym. The St. Peter's, Hemlock Aid Association for Lutheran's Branch #275 provided matching funds.
Wally Bronner, founder of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, will speak at the October 23rd meeting. The title of his talk is "Gratitude Galore, Christian Innkeepers." Faith, Bridgeport AAL Branch #3139 will match funds raised at the bake and bakeless sale.
For information about the Auxiliary, please contact Marlett Grueber, President, 652-6634.
Monroe Ladies Guild
Members of the Ladies Guild assisted with the Monroe Home festivities
for the Monroe County Fair parade on July 30. At the September 27th
meeting the Guild had a food shower for the Home.
Mark your calendars! A Country Fair will be at the Monroe Home Sunday, October 1 from 2:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. You won't want to miss the animals, antique cars, brass band, ice cream social, popcorn, food and other attractions of this annual event.
For information about the Ladies Guild, contact Nelda Hanson at 734-269-2061.
Bridging Gaps
"I don't like when I have to leave," says Mandy Blanchett,
founder of the teenage group, Time With Seniors is Time Well Spent.
"The people get sad and some even cry. I stay later and later
each week."
Members of Time With Seniors visit residents at the Lutheran Home in Monroe every Monday evening. Mandy Blanchett of Newport, was just 17 when she formed the group a year ago to bridge the gap between senior citizens and teenagers. She approached Joann Rinne, the home's activity director, about the community's need for a visiting program for the elderly. Mandy, who will be attending Monroe County Community College this fall, hopes not only to keep the group going, but to expand it.
Mandy often spends time with resident Barbara Farrell. "It's interesting for her to visit," the 95-year-old resident said. "It's nice that she's not motivated by school credit or recognition. She simply wants to make others feel better."
"I look forward to coming," says Niki Langton, 18, another member of the group. "The people are fun to be around, they're happy. They have stories to tell."
Elise Venia, 15, looks forward to the visits. She remembers one time she brought a birthday gift to a resident. "She was just so happy. It's nice to know that they appreciate you coming."
LHM Welcomes New Director of Development
The Board of Directors of Lutheran Homes of Michigan is pleased to announce that Matthew Britton has accepted the position of Development Director. Matt will begin his position September 25.
Through the search process, it became evident that Matt demonstrated the talent, gifts, and passion for ministry required in the position of Development Director.
"Matt has a head for business and a heart for service, a rare but necessary combination in senior care ministry work," says David Gehm, president of Lutheran Homes.
Matt has worked with Valassis Communications, Inc., Livonia, since 1996, serving as Midwest Sales Representative, Product Category Specialist, and Promotion Coordinator among others. He holds a bachelor degree in Food Marketing from Western Michigan University, as well as an associates degree in Business Administration from Delta College. Matt graduated from Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw.
In his new role of Development Director, Matt will be responsible for helping to "tell the story" of Lutheran Homes, and for increasing public awareness, church involvement, and volunteer support. Long term fund development, as well as specific fund drives, also will fall under Matt's responsibilities.
Matt and his wife Jennifer reside in Milford and attend St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lake.
Together with the entire family of Lutheran Homes, please join us in welcoming Matt and praying God's blessings on his work with us.