January 2015 • Issue 557
FAITH
AS A
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
A “firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust; something that is believed esp. with strong conviction”… several definitions of the word “faith” from the academic perspective when turning to the old f ait hful W eb st er.
Maintenance staff provides Christmas cheer.
—
Rod Mason, Executive Director
Whoever wrote the book of Hebrews, however, got the definition just a bit more eloquent, and is the perspective from which I now address you. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). In verse three the author goes on to say “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible”. Whoa! Think about that! Every little thing that was made
way back then and that has been made in our modern society has been framed by the word of God, thereby creating the very tenants from which trees, seas, rocks, civilization, buildings, highways/ byways, etc. even come to a reality. Thinking on these lines, it took the faith of many to create the vision, the mission and ultimately the reality of the ministry of Swiss Village. Faith perpetuated the continued development, the growth, the modification of program Cont. on page 2
SWISS VILLAGE EXECUTIVE TEAM AND BOARD MEMBERS Board of Directors:
Executive Team: Rod Mason Executive Director Alma Ahmetovic Director of Healthcare Services
Kent Liechty, President Tom Muselman, Vice-President Linda Eicher, Secretary
Derick Bailey Director of Resident Services
Greg Meyer, Treasurer
Joe Burkhead Director of Information Services
Paul Zuercher, Immediate Past President
Margie Dougherty Director of Human Resources
Mark Settlemyre Sharon Sprunger Wulliman
Michelle McIntosh Director of Marketing
Nancy Subler
Roger Young Controller
Mary Fox Scott Bixler
Inside this issue: New Residents
2
Saturday Night at the Village-Alan & Cathy Godsey
3
Village Meltdown
4
Residential & Healthcare 5 Activities South Campus Wellness & Wellness Pavilion
6
Kinder Haus
6
Staff News
7
Swiss Village Mission Statement: Swiss Village Retirement Community is a not-for-profit corporation, committed to providing quality and affordable retirement living facilities and services in a Christian environment that enhances life with dignity, meaning and appropriate care for the senior adults from the surrounding community without regard to race, religion, sex, or handicaps that can be accommodated within our delivery system.
WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
Doug & Judy Milligan Decatur, Indiana
Swiss Village Staff and Residents welcomed Doug and Judy Milligan on Thursday, December 8, 2014. She enjoys swimming, water walking, rubber stamping, and quilting. Doug likes to play his trombone, and enjoys being involved in the community. "We like the social activity here at Swiss Village," said the Milligans. "It is so peaceful here and we don't have to worry about home maintenance. The staff is just outstanding, and we are so happy here."
CONTRIBUTIONS Berneta Lehman, Pauline Grosbach, Rowene Whisler, Jill Padgett, Steve & Myrna Bauman, Elizabeth Meyer, Jean Kirchhofer, Mary Lou Campbell, Helen Fields, Bud & Anita Marble, Eric & Jean Sprunger, Florine Flueckiger, Richard Teeple, Richard Beitler, Eleanor Flueckiger, Howard & Phyllis Baumgartner, Eloise Eddy, Steven & Sandy Augsburger. Mary Lou Birdsall Memorial: Neil & Connie Potter. Victor Steiner Memorial: Chester & Phyllis Smith. Sherman & Ruth Neuenschwander Memorial: Robert & Rosalyn Neuenschwander.
RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS JANUARY
3 5 6 7 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 21 21 23 24 26 29 30 31
James Bailey Bonnie Habegger Bette Bailey Ermal Amstutz, Deanne Costello, Donavon Gerig, & Mary Linn Beverly Liechty Lillian Gilruth Georgia Arnold Donald Graber Kathryn Moore Betty Zurcher DeLora Fennig Jean Neuenschwander Nancy Graber, Louise Houser, & M. Eveline Smith Howard Flueckiger Janet Zeigler Artise Habegger Jean Noll Juanita Arnold Marjorie VonGunten
**All memorials and/or gifts given in honor of an individual(s) will go towards the Samaritan’s Endowment Fund unless otherwise designated.
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
FAITH…
18 Paul & Edith Augsburger (73 Years)
JANUARY
(Cont. from pg 1)
and services, and faith has brought the many “servants” to the ministry to provide their continued outreach to the residents of yesterday, today and yet tomorrow. While many of the Biblical faithful were nudged by God in directions that had no clear outcome and created, often, periods of scorn by their peers, family and tribes (think Noah!), they pushed through and achieved their final prize as was intended by the Almighty. Similarly, Swiss Village continues to “push forward” in faith that God’s ultimate goal for service will fulfill His ultimate plan. I hope you are willing to join me in faith as we continue the journey. There are many exciting days ahead in which we will need to rely on faith as we reach for that “prize”. In this New Year 2015, may your days be filled with faith, with joy and with your continued support of His wonderful ministry at Swiss Village.
Page 2
January 2015
Saturday Night at The Village Swiss Village presents Saturday Night at the Village. Fun free entertainment will be provided the second Saturday of every month from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m. January 10 residents and guests will enjoy entertainment by Alan and Cathy Godsey of the Northmen. This duet and pianist are from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Alan is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and Cathy is from Marion, Indiana. Alan and Cathy have sung in four foreign countries and 36 states including Alaska and Hawaii. Their ministry is to entertain and uplift Christians, as well as reach out to a lost and dying world to let them know that Jesus still saves. Saturday Night at the Village is open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.
CHRISTMAS TREE WALK — Michelle McIntosh Congratulations to the winning trees. Berne TriWeekly News received the honor of being voted most elegant, American Legion was awarded best theme, and Swiss Village Residents was voted overall favorite.
IN MEMORY Swiss Village experienced the loss of a resident who called Swiss Village home. Condolences go out to the family and friends of Marjorie DeArmond who passed away December 16 at the age of 93. Marjorie came to Swiss Village in July 2006. Elmira Wulliman was at the age of 94 when she passed away on December 19. November 2000 was when she came to Swiss Village. We express our sympathy to the family and friends of Elmira. On December 19 Eva Houser passed away at the age of 97. Eva had been at Swiss Village since April 2011. Our condolences are with Eva’s friends and family. Condolences go out to the family and friends of William Habegger who passed away December 21 at the age of 95. William came to Swiss Village in July 2005.
Page 3
VILLAGE MAKES DONATION
Swiss Village recently made a donation of $8,000 to both the Berne Police Department and the Berne Fire Department. “The Swiss Village Community, as well as our surrounding Berne community, relies upon these organizations to keep us safe and secure,” said Swiss Village Executive Director, Rod Mason. “As a charitable non-profit we feel it is definitely our responsibility to ‘give back’ a token of our appreciation through contributions such as this. We extend our warmest words of appreciation for their excellence in service.” The Berne Fire Department applied their donation toward the purchase a thermal imaging unit, and the Berne Police Department purchased body cameras for the officers and will be using the reaming funds for computer/IT upgrades. Pictured left to right: Rod Mason, Swiss Village Executive Director; Tim Taylor, Berne Chief of Police; John Crider, Berne Fire Chief; and Kent Liechty, Swiss Village Board President.
January 2015
CHANGING LIVES NOW —
Sarah Conrad
Goals are being achieved and lives are being changed at the Wellness Pavilion. Wellness Pavilion members, Sylvia Lawson and Abby Tumbleson have something in common this year – their gratitude for their health that the good Lord has provided for them. During the past two years, Sylvia has lost a total of 90 pounds and Abby has lost a total of 105 pounds! Sylvia’s journey began in May of 2012 when her doctor gave her a choice, lifestyle change through a healthy diet and exercise, or insulin. Sylvia’s family has a long
VILLAGE MELTDOWN —
in 2012 with a special friend and it was just the motivation that she needed. She began keeping food journals, increasing her daily activity, and exercising with Brent and Chris Hyman. While having a routine with exercise buddies and accountability through her food journals have been a key component of her success, Abby gives God all of the glory. “This journey is about Him and the ministry opportunities he has provided for me,” she stated. While neither of the two ladies have backed off their goals and focus – these days, they are standing a little taller, smiling a little brighter and moving a little lighter on their feet. Let the Wellness Pavilion be the first step in your success story. Our team of knowledgeable staff, instructors and trainers are here to help. Call us today at 260.589.4496.
Sarah Conrad
Do you need an incentive to lace up those gym shoes, pull out that swimming suit, and get into shape? The Wellness Pavilion and the Berne Tri-Weekly News are partnering up to offer the 7th Annual Village Meltdown. Participants of the Meltdown have lost a combined total of 5,085.5 pounds during the past 6 years! Let us be a part of your
Page 4
history of diabetes and she made a decision right then and there that there was no way that she would be on insulin. Sylvia drove to the Wellness Pavilion immediately after leaving the physician’s office and never looked back. Sylvia enjoys water exercising as well as strength training in the weight room and senior yoga. Sylvia’s advice to those looking to make a change: “You have to do this and make this decision for yourself, you cannot do it for someone else! It is a journey that is about improved food choices and increased activity. Some days, you go off the wagon. That is okay. Don’t look behind in the past – just start up again and do not beat yourself up for the bad days.” Abby’s lifestyle change came when she made the decision that she was, indeed, “worth it!” She had joined the Village Meltdown
success story as you keep yourself accountable to your partner and us. The contest begins with the initial weigh-in on Monday, January 5th and concludes with the final weigh-in on Friday, March 20th. At least one team member must weigh in each Friday, during regular business hours to remain eligible in the contest. Teams of two will compete to log the highest
percentage of weight loss. You pick your partner and the results will be reported in the Berne Tri-Weekly. Only the teams’ weight loss percentages will be reported; contestants’ weights will remain confidential. The cost to enter is $20 per team. The Village Meltdown is open to the entire community and is not limited to Muselman Wellness Pavilion members.
January 2015
RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITIES —
Jamie Kittle
December is always a bustling month full of festivities and holiday cheer! Of course, the month began with lots and lots of Christmas decorating thanks to a number of Swiss Village "elves" who assisted the staff with this mighty task! Thank you to Jerry and Sue Sprunger, Art and Marian Habegger, Karen Emberlin, Marilyn Spurgeon, Willa K Sprunger, Dawn Kinzer, Lillian Gilrth, Barb Liechty, and volunteer Gloria Sprunger for helping make Swiss Village so beautiful this Christmas season! Our tree lighting ceremony unveiled the 12 foot pine tree lit with 1800 lights and adorned with 150 feet of gold ribbon! We also toured Portland's Festival of Trees and took a Christmas Lights Bus Ride. We had a variety of holiday entertainment including Arlene Stoller, Echoes of Happiness, Adams Central's 5th Grade Choir, a Christmas recital, Carolyn Fletcher, Gabe Bailey at Saturday Night at the Village, and Lima Beane Barbershop Chorus! We ended the month with a New Year's Eve Celebration in the Auditorium with entertainment provided by Doug Milligan on trombone.
HEALTHCARE HAPPENINGS — Karen Rowell Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our healthcare residents! The month of December found us very busy with holiday activities. Although a number of our plans had to be changed due to the untimely arrival of the flu, we still had a great time of enjoying Christmas music and treats. Part of our residents were able to enjoy an evening social time with their guests, listening to the Tom Frye Family Band in the auditorium, while the rest shared an evening of Christmas carols and refreshments. Santa made the rounds as well, making deliveries to our residents of cards from the Daycare children. And, on Christmas Day everyone received a beautiful gift from Swiss Village!
Page 5
BLUMENGARTEN ACTIVITIES —
Cole Rupp
Blumengarten is so beautiful with the lovely decorations from family and friends! We have enjoyed just looking around as almost daily, something has changed! The residents' have made numerous Christmas decorations or" whipped up " their favorite candy or cookie as we are all becoming anxious for Christmas! We are thankful for the health God has given us and for the opportunity to come and go with our families and friends to many gatherings. We are grateful you have come and shared so willingly, your time and talents during this time of the year. May you feel God's richest blessings during this season and in the coming new year!
ALPENROSE —
Donna Stout
Christmas trees were decorated with the help of great direction from the residents. They didn’t really want to hang ornaments, but can still spot a hole on a Christmas tree. We have been so busy decorating Christmas cookies, sending Christmas Cards, practicing Christmas carols, Making Cookies in a Jar, and more. Our Christmas party with Sonnenblum was canceled, but we didn’t let that spoil our fun. We were able to get together with our families in Alpenrose. We had light refreshments and sang many Christmas carols. Residents shared what they liked about the winter season (or not). It was truly a touching moment. Wishing you all JOY this Christmas and Always!!
January 2015
SOUTH CAMPUS WELLNESS — Happy New Year! If you wish to get started with a wellness program, please give us a call in the South Campus Wellness Center at ext. 4467 or stop by our office. We will then set you up with an appointment for an assessment and get you started from there. We will send in a medical clearance to be signed by your doctor. At your assessment, we will sit down
Emily Arnold & Rachel Rosswurm and talk with you about your health history, your goals, and your personal interests. We will also assess your balance, strength, and flexibility. Then, we give you a printout of where you fall, compared with others in your age category. Finally, we will then give you a recommendation for an exercise program that may work best for you.
ART & GLORIA MUSELMAN WELLNESS PAVILION — December brought much excitement to the Wellness Pavilion. Santa made an appearance at the Wellness Pavilion. Children were invited to stay and participate in a coloring contest following photos with Santa. Seniors throughout the community
THERAPY —
Sarah Conrad
joined us as we showed the classical movie, Miracle on 34th street, complete with hot chocolate and Christmas snacks. Facility attendance numbers grew and grew as we welcomed back our Canned Food Drive. Non-members of the facility were able to visit
the pavilion for 3 nonperishable food items per person. Members of the facility who brought in cans were entered into a drawing for a f r ee m em b e r s hi p . C an s collected went to local food banks in Berne and Geneva.
population continues to grow. Neuroscientists are gaining valuable information about the connection between body and brain. Two thirds of the way our brains age is determined by lifestyle. Meaning what is good for the body is good for the brain. Lack of physical activity is a risk factor for heart
disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke, obesity, and high blood pressure which also affect the brain. The body was designed to move. The more we engage the body, the more we engage the brain. Exercise is medicine. Choosing to exercise regularly makes a difference in achieving and healthy body and brain.
Tara Farlow
Weighing in at 3-4 lbs, the brain is held responsible for all of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This complex system requires 8-12 glasses of water a day and 8 gallons of blood in an hour for optimal functioning. Aging and the brain health is a topic of great interest as the older-adult
Page 6
Doris Liechty & Ruth Sommer take advantage of the South Campus Wellness Center to stay healthy.
January 2015
KINDER HAUS —
Heidi Schoeneman
Why is Jesus Better than Santa Claus? Santa lives at the North Pole… JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year. JESUS is an ever-present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies… JESUS supplies all our needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and enters your heart by invitation. You have to wait in line to see Santa… JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. Santa lets you sit on his lap… JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what's your name?... JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our history and future, and He even knows our hearts and how many hairs are on our heads. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… JESUS has a heart of full of love, grace, mercy and forgiveness. All Santa can offer is HO HO HO. JESUS says, “Cast your cares on me for I care for you”. Santa’s little helpers make toys… JESUS makes a new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but.. JESUS give you joy that is your strength. While Santa put gifts under your tree… JESUS became our gift and died on the tree, for you and for me. JESUS is the reason for the season! Author – unknown.
SWISS VILLAGE 5K RUN/WALK & SENIOR 1 MILE WALK Swiss Village 5k Run/Walk & Senior 1 mile walk will be on Saturday April 11, 2015 at 9 am. Please visit our website at www.swissvillage.org to print your registration form, course map, & complete race details. Our race is also part of the Adams County 5k Run/Walk Challenge. Come join us at the Arthur & Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion for a fun race with unique awards for top 3 finishers per age group & gender & overall female and male winners.
Avienda Miller enjoys her visit with Santa.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STAFF JANUARY
2 3 5 6 7 8 10 12 12 14 16 17 17 19 20 20 22 23 24 25 26 27
Wendy Weaver & Rachel Rosswurm Nancy Donahoe Gabriella Sindone Kara Haines Susan Teeple Beverly Liechty Christine Jellison, Lora Sprunger, Maria Anderson, Lauren Turner, & Olivia Turner Dezaray Roberts & Sharon Allspaw Fonda Fiechter Rochelle Fox & Ariana Myers, & Heather Dailey Samantha Schwartz & Tanya Cuellar Melody Dearmond, Judi Thomas, & Laura Bryan Chelsea Keller & Annabel Crow Monica Schwartz Karla Farris Kathleen Tibbs & Janelle Jackson Amy West Chandler Ingle & Joe Burkhead
Village News compiled by: Tammy Seffernick
Page 7
January 2015
Swiss Village, Inc.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Berne, IN 46711 Permit No 71
1350 W. Main St. Berne, IN 46711
Visit www.swissvillage.org and click on the Facebook Like button on our website.
CHARITABLE GIVING NEWS — Jennifer Lehman
Music can elicit great emotion from us. A song from childhood can make you laugh Jan. Event while a song from your 5 Village Meltdown Weigh-in wedding can bring a joyful tear Saturday Night at the Village- to your eye. Music is powerful. 10 Alan & Cathy Godsey 7 pm Memories can come flooding back with a certain song or tune. The same can be true for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Music can help to unlock memories. That is why Swiss Village is starting a Music & Memory Be sure to check the Swiss Village P r o g r am . T hr ou gh t his Website at www.swissvillage.org for the complete listing of this program music playlists will be months Residential and Healthcare designed for individual Activities. residents to help spark memories. Music has been shown to be helpful in many different areas for those struggling with dementia. A Music & Memory Program can help residents be happier, more social, decrease the
UPCOMING EVENTS
number of behavioral issues, and can assist in building relationships with family members, staff members, and other residents. You can help to support someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia by making a gift to the Music & Memory Program at Swiss Village. Your support of $50 provides one iPod, $25 provides 25 songs, $15 provides a set of headphones, and $10 provides a splitter cable for group listening. Thank you for helping those living with dementia through music.