December 2012 • Issue 533
MERRY CHRISTMAS “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd and He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” -Isaiah 40:11
As we hear these words sung in Handel’s
"May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!" ~Unknown
—
Daryl L. Martin, Executive Director
“Messiah” we feel hope push itself to the surface. It is like the lava in a volcano that cannot be contained and erupts with a great burst. Handel’s music and words carry us to a new place. The obstacles and burdens of life lose their grip and shrink into a broader perspective. Hope overtakes despair as light dispels darkness. Suddenly, we realize again that we are a part of a much broader scheme than what our immediate circumstances would allow us to believe. The Advent Season is
special because of the promise of hope that is contained in the coming of the Christ. God is with us. We are comforted and reassured to know that God gathers and carries us in our times of need. No longer are we alone; now nor in the future. In the awareness of our connectedness with God, we receive the freedom of accepting, and then of letting go of our need. All of us know that life can be sabotaged by events that cause heartbreak and pain. Things do not always go (CONT. ON PAGE 2)
SWISS VILLAGE EXECUTIVE TEAM AND BOARD MEMBERS Executive Team: Daryl L. Martin Executive Director Linda Arnold Director of Healthcare Services
Board of Directors: Kent Liechty, President Tom Muselman, Vice-President Linda Eicher, Secretary
Derick Bailey Director of Resident Services
Ted Lautzenheiser, Treasurer
Joe Burkhead Director of Information Services
Andrew Briggs
Margie Dougherty Director of Human Resources
Paul Zuercher, Immediate Past President Mark Settlemyre
Michelle McIntosh Director of Marketing
Sharon Sprunger Wulliman
Roger Young Controller
Greg Meyer Nancy Subler
Inside this issue: New Residents
2
Kinder Haus
3
Christmas Tree Walk
4
Residential & Healthcare 5 Activities South Campus Wellness & Wellness Pavilion
6
Give the Gift of Wellness
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 HEALTHCARE Stanley Teeter is a new resident to Swiss Village since November 2. He has been a Portland resident and is a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church. Mary Teeple is a new resident to Swiss Village since November 9. She has been a Bryant resident and is a member of the Geneva Church of the Nazarene. Dora Tarkington is a new resident to Swiss Village since November 15. She has been a Berne resident.
MERRY
(Cont from Page 1)
right. Bad things do happen and good people do suffer. It is in the midst of these experiences that an emotional vacuum void of hope can leave us reeling. The Christmas message speaks forth hope that can help reset us on our feet. Nevertheless, the reality is that often we can use a hand from our friends to help secure our balance. During the festivities this year, remember to reach out and provide a steadying presence to those who are experiencing loss and hurt. On behalf of Swiss Village, I wish you and yours all the blessings of Christmas! May the promises and hopes of the Advent be yours in whatever circumstances that you find yourself!
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RESIDENTIAL Swiss Village Residents and Staff welcomed Coleen Allmandinger on November 3, 2012. Coleen enjoys artwork, sewing, painting, and reading. She is looking forward to participating on some of the craft and painting classes offered at Swiss Village. "I feel very secure living here at Swiss Village," said Coleen. "This is Coleen Allmandinger such a wonderful community, and it is so nice to be Decatur, Indiana near my husband. It is a great place to live."
IN MEMORY Swiss Village experienced the loss of several residents who called Swiss Village home. Condolences go out to the family and friends of Mildred Brinneman who passed away October 20 at the age of 94. Mildred came to Swiss Village in April 2010. Naomi VonGunten was at the age of 94 when she passed away on October 30. October 1998 was when she came to Swiss Village. We express our sympathy to the family and friends of Naomi VonGunten. On November 21 Sandra Liechty passed away at the age of 70. Sandra had been at Swiss Village since October 2012. Our condolences are with Sandra’s friends and family. Condolences go out to the family and friends of Alice Settylemeyer who passed away November 26 at the age of 100. Alice came to Swiss Village in April 1997.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RESIDENTS 1 4 5 6 9 10 12 14 18 18 20 22 22 25 26 29
Dawn Kinzer Mathilda Neuenschwander Duran Balyeat & Betty Mayer Mary Able Esther Biberstein & Ellen Leyse Evelyn Donovan Lois Bryan Ernest Liechty Helen Augsburger, Bonnie Flueckiger, Verna Sprunger, & Lavon Wulliman Doris Liechty Neva Pharr, Norma Poorman, & Burnice Williams Glendola Yahn & Kenneth Yoder Arthur Habegger & Betty Young Francille Zimmerman
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES DECEMBER 1
Kenneth & Mary Beer (72 Years)
17 Grant & Bonnie Habegger (12 Years) 24 William & Coleen Allmandinger (61 Years) 24 Gail & Doris Runyon (41 Years) 31 John & Lucy Price (34 Years)
December 2012
CONTRIBUTIONS Howard Flueckiger, Betty Walters. Harry Luginbill Memorial: Daryl & Karen Martin. Jessie King Memorial: Daryl & Karen Martin. Lewis King Memorial: Daryl & Karen Martin. Thelma Flueckiger Memorials: Merritt & Ruth Ann Gardner, Daryl & Karen Martin. Doris M. Sprunger Memorials: Mary Warsing, Victoria Kiel. Mildred Brinneman Memorial: Gene & Shirley Wolf. Naomi VonGuten Memorials: Robert & Miriam Liechty, Paul Nussbaum, Devona Amstutz, Richard Beitler, Sharon Sprunger-Wulliman. Appreciation for all employees, staff, volunteers who make Swiss Village special: Anonymous Giver. **All memorials and/or gifts given in honor of an individual(s) will go towards the Samaritan’s Endowment Fund unless otherwise designated.
Kinder Haus —
Heidi Schoeneman
A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5 year old son waiting for him at the door. “Daddy, may I ask you a question?” “Yeah, sure, what is it” replied the man. “Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?” “That’s none of your business! What makes you ask such a thing?” the man asked angrily. “I just want to know. Please tell me how much do you make an hour?” pleaded the little boy. “If you must know, I make $20.00 an Page 3
hour.” “Oh, “the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, “Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?” The father was furious. “If the only reason you want to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you’re being so selfish. I work long hard hours everyday and don’t have time for such childish games.” The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy’s questioning. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money. After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the
little boy’s room and opened the door. “Are you asleep son?” he asked. “No daddy, I’m awake.” Replied the boy. I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier, “said the man. “It’s been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here’s the $10.00 you asked for. The little boy sat straight up, beaming. “Oh, thank you daddy!” he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some more crumpled bills. The man, seeing that they boy already had money started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then looked up at the man. “Why did you want more money if you already had some? The father grumbled. “Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do.” The little boy replied. “Daddy, I have $20.00 now… Can I buy an hour of your time?” As the holidays are approaching… don’t forget to have time for those you love!
December 2012
CHRISTMAS TREE WALK Swiss Village Retirement Community will be hosting a Christmas Tree Walk December 14, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. View beautiful Christmas Trees decorated by local businesses throughout the hallways of
Swiss Village. Guests are invited to enjoy Christmas Cookies and Wassail in the main lounge. Parking is available at the Swiss Village Circle Drive Entrance. Swiss Village is located at 1350 West
Main Street, Berne, Indiana 46711. For more information contact Michelle McIntosh, Director of Marketing at 260.589.3173 or visit www.swissvillage.org.
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. – 8:00 p.m. December 8, 2012, residents and guests will enjoy Christmas Favorites performed by Tab Beechler. From the time Tab began pounding out melodies on a blue, battery-operated toy piano at the age of 5, it was clear that God had an extraordinary plan for his life. Six recordings and thousands of performances later, Tab is a celebrated pianist/vocalist and seasoned worship leader whose words and music have brought Hope, encouragement and God’s Truth to countless listeners. Join us Saturday, December 8, and enjoy many of your favorite Christmas Songs. For more information about Saturday Night at the Village, contact Michelle McIntosh, Marketing Director, at 260.589.3173 or visit www.swissvillage.org See you at Saturday Night at the Village, December 8, in Swiss Village’s Auditorium.
THERAPY —
Tara Farlow
According to AT&T, their team of scientists have been developing prototype connected health products, with the goal of making everyday household items “part of the network cloud.” Bob Miller of AT&T labs and his team want t o c o n n e c t
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thermometers, scales, blood pressure cuffs and other “old technology” along with wireless radios to leverage WiFi networks and Bluetooth interoperability for connected medical devices. That includes slippers. Called “sm art slippers,” they have pressure sensors embedded in their
soles to transmit foot movement data over AT&T’s network. If something is amiss in an elderly patient’s gait or there is a fall, the device will alert a doctor via e-mail or text message. The slippers are undergoing clinical trials and may be available as early as next year.
December 2012
RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITIES —
Teri Sank
HEALTHCARE HAPPENINGS — Karen Rowell
We did some shopping at Hobby Lobby in Fort Wayne and enjoyed lunch at Steak and Shake. We also went to Darlington Holiday Warehouse Sale where many residents picked up some neat gifts and goodies for the holidays. In celebration of Veterans Day, we had a program with Brian Milgiore called “March of Days”. The holiday craft bazaar was a huge success this year and a big thank you goes out to all the residents who helped with this wonderful event. The residents were invited to a piano recital put on by Betty Grimm’s piano students. Saturday Night at the Village featured the Jay Fox Band. We went to see the Wells County Chorus at the first Baptist Church in Bluffton. Swiss Village also hosted the Senior Center for a friendly pool tournament. The First Missionary Church Men’s quartet performed an afternoon concert. The residents made their own Thanksgiving cards and addressed them to send to family members.
This month our major focus has b e e n o n Thanksgiving and remembering. It is good to consider all the things we have to be thankful for! Our annual Veteran’s Day program was very well attended, as we gathered to recognize not only the veterans in our midst, but also to honor all those who have served in the Armed Forces. We so much appreciated the members of the Berne American Legion for their participation in our program. Later in the month our families joined us for an evening of delightful entertainment by the South Adams Jazz Band at our Harvest Social. We all enjoyed the toe-tapping music, the visiting, and the pumpkin pie!
BLUMENGARTEN ACTIVITIES —
In, November, we took pause to honor our greatest treasures, our brave men and women who served our country in uniform, protecting us from the evils of tyrants and protecting our way of life with a Veterans' Day program. Our veterans don’t ask for anything in return, but we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. To our veterans, we extend are deepest gratitude and eternal thanks. Let us not forget their sacrifices for our sake, and may we always honor our veterans. The Harvest Social was held this month. The South Adams Jazz Band performed for the residents and their guests. The band did an outstanding job!
Cole Rupp
We all have so much to be thankful for! Each and everyone of us may be at different levels but still so much. In this picture we are making some cards for our family members who can't be near us on this Thanksgiving! We miss a lot of our family members this time of year! We have once again welcomed in some new residents to assisted living. We have enjoyed making desserts and snacks for our movie night on Friday nights. The Kinder Haus kids have come and entertained us and we love to sing along with Curt Claassen's piano playing!
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ALPENROSE —
Donna Stout
December 2012
SOUTH CAMPUS WELLNESS — “Planning ahead, being sensible about food, scheduling, and shopping, and having realistic expectations about the holidays can do much in making the season a brighter, healthier one for you, your children and your whole family.” Dr. Herbert Mandell, Medical Director of Kids Peace Children’s Hospital. Here are a few specific tips: 1. Acknowledge your feelings and reach out if you need help.
Emily Arnold & Rachel Rosswurm The holiday season can be a hard time for many people. Reach out to others if you are feeling lonely or depressed. 2. Stick to a budget. Try to not overspend. Family gift exchanges or donating to a charity help bring back the true meaning of Christmas. 3. Learn to say no. There are so many things you could do and volunteer for. Know your limits.
Art & Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion — The Arthur & Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion would like to invite everyone to participate in our Annual Give and Get Fit Holiday Food Drive. NonMembers will be able to use the Wellness Pavilion for free each
Coming in 2013!!! —
Andrea Miller
time three non-perishable food items are donated. Current members who bring in items will be entered into a drawing for a free one month membership. The food drive will begin on December 9th and end on
December 31st. Last year over 1,500 pounds of food was donated to area food banks. Wishing you and yours, a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year from the staff at the Muselman Wellness Pavilion.
Michelle McIntosh
New Remodeled one and two bedroom independent living apartments in Zurich and Lucerne Haus. These newly updated independent living apartments will feature new kitchen cabinets, indirect lighting, bathroom fixtures, and window treatments. In addition, residents will also see changes to the hallways, main corridor, and lounge.
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D o n ’ t abandon y o u r healthy eating a n d exercise p l a n . Eating right and exercising are always stress reducers! Merry Christmas!
Let Swiss Village simplify and enhance your life with our new Bundled Service Packages. Beginning in 2013 Independent Apartment Residents will have the option to receive significant discounts in regard to meals in the main dining room, housekeeping services, and garage rental through a convenient daily rate structure. These new apartments are selling
fast, so be sure to contact Michelle today to pick out your apartment. Call Michelle at 260.589.3173 to schedule lunch and a personal tour.
December 2012
FROM THE DESK OF MARGIE —
Margie Dougherty
It is the day before Thanksgiving so I have been thinking about Swiss Village with a “thankful heart”. I am grateful for the opportunity to work here and especially thankful to each resident who brightens my day. Residents bring joy in so many ways – from residents playing hymns at the piano, the hello in the morning, casual conversations at the Suisse Café, to goodbyes in the evening. The relationships I have with many residents are meaningful and special. I am truly thankful for those joys. I know residents feel similarly when they think about employees. I’m often told by residents how much they appreciate staff members and all of the “extras” that staff members do for them. They wonder how they can express that gratefulness. I suppose it is human nature that we do not express our appreciation often enough, but it is an honest thank you that brightens anyone’s day. The spoken word is better than a gift. So, at this Thanksgiving, I offer an honest, sincere thank you to the residents who brighten the days for the employees of Swiss Village, and to the staff who brighten the days for the residents.
NEW EMPLOYEES Swiss Village welcomes several new staff members this month. Amanda Mikesell is a new CNA in Healthcare and Gail Lengerich is a new CNA in Blumengarten. Jennifer Lehman is the new Director of Development/Volunteers.
Watch Your Mailbox… During the month of December you will be receiving a Village News address update form in the mail. If you would like to make a year end contribution to the Endowment Fund please return your contribution form along with your Village News address update form.
GIVE THE GIFT OF WELLNESS The Arthur & Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion can help you with your holiday shopping stress. Give the gift of wellness this holiday season. Let your friends and family enjoy the benefits of the Arthur & Gloria Muselman Wellness Pavilion. The Wellness Pavilion has individual and family membership gift certificates available for purchase. Contact the Wellness Pavilion Today and Give The Gift of Wellness.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STAFF 1 2 3 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 17 18 19 20 20 22 23 24 25 27 28 31
Kyle G. Schmidt Leah M. Grimm Haley D. Vorhees April N. Pries Tammera S. Heyerly Katie M. Lairson Carla K. Ringger & Kristen J. Bedwell Amanda S. Hunley Tia R. Fravel Tyler N. Hunley Chloe R. Zurcher Lisa Habegger & Joshua Zimmerman Lisa R. Affolder & Lindsey L. Graber Julie K. Beer Allison N. Cook , Sara J. Sprunger, & Bruce E. Meyer Phyllis E. Brotherton Jacqueline D. Liechty & Evelyn S. Brewster Colleen M. Rupp & Joyce A. Augsburger Rachel L. Miller Trista K. Lairson & Jessica A. May Cynthia A. Bessesen Taylor Murray & Amanda L. Brodbeck
Village News compiled by: Tammy Seffernick
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December 2012
Swiss Village, Inc.
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Berne, IN 46711 Permit No 71
1350 W. Main St. Berne, IN 46711
We are on the Web! www.swissvillage.org
Visit www.swissvillage.org and click on the Facebook Like button on our website.
CHARITABLE GIVING NEWS — Daryl L. Martin, Executive Director
UPCOMING EVENTS
“Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”
Dec. Event Santa to Visit Wellness 2 Pavilion 2-4 pm Saturday Night at the 8 Village-Tab Beechler 7 pm Christmas Tree Walk 14 6-8 pm Wellness Pavilion 9-31 Can Drive
Be sure to check the Swiss Village Website at www.swissvillage.org for the complete listing of this months Residential and Healthcare Activities.
In Genesis, chapter 4, we read the story of Cain and Abel. Cain is the elder son. In a moment of jealousy he killed his younger brother. God confronted Cain and asked the whereabouts of Abel. Cain responded with, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This is one of the first questions posed by man to God. It is clear that Cain wants to claim no responsibility for his brother. Imbedded within this question is a disguised tone of rebellion, masquerading as innocent independence. Cain wants to be responsible for no one. Do you and I hide behind our own declaration of independence? Are we takers or givers? Do we use the blessings that we have received to bless others or to keep for
ourselves? How readily do we step up and declare through our words and actions that we do have a responsibility to those around us? Swiss Village through the Samaritans’ Endowment seeks to serve those who need our services, but who through no fault of their own do not have the financial resources to pay for the care needed. Monies given to the Samaritan’s Endowment are used to help those among us who have need. Your charitable gift to the Samaritan’s Endowment will help to underwrite the cost of care for those who do not have the financial means to pay for their care needs. Cash donations, giving through your estate, donating stocks or property, and/or the purchase of a charitable gift annuity are all good ways of giving to the Samaritan’s Endowment. This Christmas season you can be your “brother’s” keeper.