RB Landmark Community of Caring

Community of Sponsored by

Pillars

Golden Agers

Community Nurse

Sharing to help PAGE 4

Keeping the fun going PAGE 5

Giving back PAGE 11

RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD

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PACTT GivingTuesdayAd.pdf November 2, 2016

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10/6/16

12:16 PM

Community of Caring

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Seasonof

Giving

Concordia University Chicago invites you along with family and friends to begin your Christmas celebration with us. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments and fellowship.

Saturday, December 3 Service of Lessons & Carols 4:00 p.m.

Reception between concerts Service of Lessons & Carols 7:00 p.m.

All events located in Chapel of Our Lord.

Video broadcast of Lessons and Carols Sunday, Dec. 4, 6:40 p.m.

Sunday, December 4 Service of Lessons & Carols 4:00 p.m.

Reception to follow

7400 Augusta St. River Forest, IL 60305

The Scottish Home | Providing Care 100+ Years Unique Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing

THE CALEDONIAN HOUSE THE CALEDONIAN HOUSE

“Redefining Memory Care”

Friday, December 2

University Band Christmas Concert, 8:00 p.m.

(708) 771-8300

CUChicago.edu

The Scottish Home The Best Kept Secret is out!

Season of Giving 2016.indd 1

10/13/2016 3:20:05 PM

Providing loving care and services for over 100 years Where Friends become Family

The Scottish Home offers the finest care, a full range of social activities and freedom from cooking, cleaning and laundry.

This is my Home. I live here. Where people love me.

“If I can’t be at home I choose to be here.” (resident) “I don’t worry anymore.” (daughter) “I live here. Where people love me.” (resident)

OPENING SUMMER 2016!

Alzheimer’s | Dementia Love, Dignity, and Amazing Care.

If you’re looking for a warm inviting home call (708) 447-5092

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois 60546 (708) 447-5092 • www.thescottishhome.org • Like us on

Now Taking Reservations!

2800 Des Plaines Avenue, North Riverside, Illinois 60546 (708) 447-5092 • www.thescottishhome.org • Like us on

Community of Caring

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A B O U T

O U R

S P O N S O R

The Caledonian House

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Focused on the future, raising the quality of memory care, creating a new model of living

he Caledonian House is a new venture of the Scottish Home. Set in five park-like acres in North Riverside, the Scottish Home has a tradition of personcentered practice that emphasizes warm community, close bonds between residents and staff, and strong links to family and friends.

Research shows that just such an environment fosters the best outcomes for people in memory care.

America faces an unanticipated epidemic.

As society ages, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms Of dementia affect more and more seniors and their families. The Alzheimer’s Association projects that, by 2030, 16 million Americans will be living with the disease - A four-fold increase that could cost A trillion dollars each year.

The Caledonian House is a practical response to this challenge, providing a haven of expert care deeply informed by a century of experience.

The new two-story building will feel like home with 10 private resident rooms on each floor. All resident rooms open on to a great room where meaningful activities take place by the fireside. Comfortable living space is matched by an inviting dining area filled with the aromas of home cooking from the on-site kitchen. There will be no long, disorienting corridors cluttered with medical equipment, nursing stations will be kept to a minimum, and the atmosphere will be that of a family residence rather than an institution.

Best-in-class memory care is built on oneto-one interaction. The Caledonian House has caregivers cross-trained in personal care, nutrition, meaningful engagement, and housekeeping. They interact constantly with residents, building familiarity, trust, and wellbeing. With only 10 residents in each home, the Caledonian House will give constant individual attention and encourage residents to remain active, engaged, and fulfilled.

November 2, 2016

Staff

Contributing Writer Deb Quantock McCarey Photographer Kevin J. McCarey Editorial Design Manager Claire Innes Editorial Designers Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT and Digital Developer Mike Risher Advertising Production Manager Philip Soell Advertising Design Manager Andrew Mead Advertising Designers Mark Moroney, Debbie Becker

Advertising Director Dawn Ferencak Display Advertising Sales Marc Stopeck, Joe Chomiczewski Media Coordinator Kristen Benford Inside Sales Representative Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Distribution Coordinator Caleb Thusat Chairman Emeritus Robert K. Downs Editor and Publisher Dan Haley Business Manager Joyce Minich

About our contributor Deb Quantock McCarey is an Illinois Press Association (IPA) award-winning freelance writer who has worked with Wednesday Journal Inc. since 1995, writing features and special sections for all its publications. An avid urban gardener and growing naturalist, she is also a local “green” advocate and community volunteer. As a WJ gardening blogger, Deb is also the host of Deb’s Big Backyard, which runs on oakpark.com and airs on Oak Park public cable, Channel 6.

ON THE COVER: Longtime neighbors Mary Ann Mudra, 81, (left) and Irving Fencka, 89 (right) at the Scottish Home’s Caledonian House in North Riverside. For more about Caledonian House, see page 6 and 7.

PHOTO BY KEVIN J. MCCAREY

If you want to help This year we feature the following agencies and groups: Pillars, page 4 Golden Agers, page 5 Scottish Home, pages 6, 7 Nami Metro Suburban, page 8 HONR, page 10 Community Nurse Health Center, page 11

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TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT

“ life without limits for people with disabilities ” VISIT

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UCP SEGUIN | 332 HARRISON ST | OAK PARK, ILLINOIS 60304 | 708.863.3803 | INFO@SEGUIN.ORG

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Community of Caring | Pillars

November 2, 2016

RBLANDMARK.COM

Getting Smack’d

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By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

amelie Ford, 52, of Maywood is a proud mother of seven children, a grandmother and a survivor of domestic violence. For that she offers thanks to the support she has received from Pillars Domestic Violence Services at the Constance Morris House, a shelter where victims of domestic violence as well as their children can begin to heal.

Since 2013, Ford has been involved with Smack’d as a speaker. It is a Pillars presentation that is a mix of domestic violence information and a personal story told by a survivor to groups at churches, hospitals and schools.

Here, as a living snapshot of the one in four women who will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, Ford, with emotion in her voice, shared her survivor story again.

Her cycle of abuse Jamelie met and fell in love with Bob (a fictitious name) in Maywood. Her cycle of abuse began on a date at a drive-in movie.

He hit her with an open palm in the face when her toddler, who was in the back seat, was too loud.

“I told him to take me and him home,” Ford said. “…and, to apologize. He said, ‘I do not know why I did that, Jamie. That won’t happen again. I am just aggravated and tired today.’”

Weeks of flowers, romantic dinners and love talk soon faded away, as the battering resumed with him, now her live-in boyfriend, having the need to control her whereabouts 24/7.

“Me and the kids had gone to a birthday party, and when we pulled up in the driveway, he was on the porch waiting,

Pillars Address: 333 N. La Grange Rd. La Grange Park, IL 60526 Note: Constance Morris House is at an undisclosed location in the western suburbs.

Phone: 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) 24-hour domestic violence hotline: 708-485-5254 Website: www.pillarscommunity.org

Photo by Kevin J. McCarey

Domestic violence survivor Jamelie Ford is helping other victims of abuse by sharing her story with groups at hospitals, churches and schools during Pillars Domestic Violence Prevention programming’s Smack’d presentations. and he started running toward the car,” Ford said. “I rolled up the window, and he put his whole fist through the window, and the glass splattered all over my face.

He was getting ready to hit me again. But I pressed on the gas…and the first person I saw I asked them to call the police, and they did.”

That time, and many other times, the police did not lock up Bob. There were times he would disappear for two to three days

Leadership contact name: Ann C. Schreiner, AM, LCSW, president and CEO; Lynn Siegel, LCSW, vice president of domestic and sexual violence services Statement of purpose: Pillars is the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in the western and southwestern suburbs, serving 10,000 people through direct client services each year.

Our main lines of service include Mental Health, Addictions, Domestic and Sexual Violence, Child and Family Services, and Community Housing; within

but would come back to restart his cycle of ping ponging between loving her, then choking, or hitting her with an open hand or fist, or brutalizing her with a switch blade and gun, until she begged for her life time and again.

At the point where she no longer felt safe, Jamelie fled to Pillars’ Constance Morris House, but didn’t stay long, choosing to believe that Bob was no longer a threat.

those five lines of service are nearly 30 programs, to provide comprehensive care to our clients. If there is any service we can’t provide in-house, staff will connect clients to the appropriate resources.

How long have you been in existence?

Pillars can trace its history back to 1928 through predecessor agencies.

Our domestic violence program dates back to 1979.

Ways volunteers can help: Pillars does not have regular volunteer opportunities, as much of our work is

clinical and we cannot allow volunteers to work directly with our clients.

However, we do offer a couple of opportunities to volunteer within our lines of service.Such opportunities include becoming a crisis advocate and staffing our domestic violence hotline, or dropping off a meal for families living at the shelter. Visit www.pillarscommunity. org/volunteer.

Useful donations other than money: Constance Morris House may be able to accept item donations. Please call 708.PILLARS (708.745.5277).

Twenty-two years ago, on Sept. 24, is when her belief was put to the test. “[We quarreled] and Bob said, ‘Look, bi--h, I am going to show you how crazy I can be,’ and then he jumped on me, hitting me with a closed fist in my face. I was trying to protect myself, so I grabbed the phone off the nightstand and hit him. It made it worse. He took my arm until he pulled it all the way back and broke it. I was defenseless, and he kept beating on me,” Ford recalled. “He took a switch blade razor and put the blade next to my neck and said you better say your last words because you are going to die in here. Long story short, he said I wasn’t worth it and walked out of the house. I filed charges. He was locked up and I went to heal at a far away domestic violence shelter.

“Many people will ask me, why did you go back? Did you bring this abuse on yourself ? I understand now that it was because I was suffering with my own low self-esteem because I was so much in love with him that I could not see the forest through the trees. And, growing up, I was taught by my stepdad that you can love somebody, and still be abusive in some ways,” Jamelie says.

“I have had to really grow myself, and learn what a really good and healthy relationship is. Pillars has helped me with that.”

RBLANDMARK.COM

Community of Caring | Golden Agers

November 2, 2016

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Good to be golden

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By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

n early October, at a late-morning meeting of the North Riverside Golden Agers social club, the long tables were filled with chatting seniors, passing the time until lunch was served, while club president Mildred Decosola, 84, and Vice President Arlene Biba, 83, were rolling out the welcome mat to a few new members.

Soon, Biba, a longtime bingo game caller, would be flipping on the electronic ball bubbler machine for another rousing round of bingo, a proven crowd pleaser.

For these 50 or so age-60-plussers, creating connectivity through fellowship, and playing pinochle, rummy, bunko and yes, bingo, is par for the course. It is also why on Nov. 17, 1969 this socially-driven “generational” gathering for senior citizens in North Riverside was born, says Teresa Michalik, North Riverside’s director of parks and recreation.

“We play bingo, and cards and have fun, you know. I think you probably don’t age as fast by getting out and being with people. I think you need to be active as much as you possibly can.”

Dorothy Tvrdik

Nowadays, with a few minor day-of technical assists from her department, the autonomous club for seniors is flourishing, thanks to the ongoing support from Riverside Township, an annual pitch-in of $5,000, and the village of North Riverside, which annually donates $2,500, she says. To join,

Photos by Kevin J. McCarey

Golden Agers club officers Mildred Decosola, 84, (left) and Arlene Biba, 83, (right) are ready to play bingo, as are the 50 or so other members who attend the social club’s meetings the first and third Wednesdays of the month at North Riverside Village Commons. Below, Golden Agers socializing at a club meeting in North Riverside. members pay $10 per year.

“To help out, we offer our bus services for them to get here, if they call in and schedule a ride,” Michalik says. “Honestly, recently the Golden Agers have seen an influx of local residents, and seniors from neighboring towns, which is exciting.”

Dorothy Tvrdik, 94, a long time resident of North Riverside, first paid her dues 33 years ago and has not let them lapse.

“We play bingo, and cards and have fun, you know. I think you probably don’t age as fast by getting out and being with people,” she said. “I think you need to be active as much as you possibly can.”

Henrietta Draus, 88, was a former club secretary, and its current “sunshine lady.”

She’s been an active member since 1990.

“I send out cards to sick people, and birthday cards, so all that comes from me,” she said.

Not settling to be homebound, is why she keeps coming back the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

“If you don’t get out of the house and meet people, you will go stir crazy because you can’t just sit home and clean house all the time.”

Her only criticism is “we do not have too many men,” she laughs.

One table over, though, is 69-year-old John Demetrakakes, a new member who jokes he came to “play bingo with the old ladies … no really, it is a lot of fun.”

The twice-a-month lunch bunch also go on fun outings, and hold “business meetings” featuring speakers who talk about everything from the nuances of Medicare and tax preparation to hearing speakers that address better ways to manage diabetes, as well as the ins and outs of home and personal safety, which is covered by speakers from the North Riverside police and fire departments.

Golden Agers’ youngest member, Mary Klaus, 62, joined a month after moving to North Riverside. She says “the ladies are very friendly” and have helped her to quickly acquaint herself with her new community.

“A lot of people my age stay in their home and they cannot go anyplace because they don’t function very well anymore,” Decosola says. “They can’t go anywhere too far, but we are right in the neighborhood, so they can get here.”

Golden Agers Address: North Riverside Village Commons 2401 Desplaines Avenue North Riverside, IL 60546 Phone: 708-442-5515 Website: www.northriverside-il.org Leadership contact name: Mildred Decosola Statement of purpose: To sponsor good fellowship for those that have reached the age of 60.

How long have you been in existence? November 17, 1969 Ways volunteers can help: The Golden Agers are always looking for informative speakers at meetings.

To volunteer, call: Feel free to call Mildred at 708-447-4432 Useful donations other than money: Any type of food item to contribute to luncheons would be appreciated.

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November 2, 2016

Community of Caring | Scottish Home

RBLANDMARK.COM

Photo by James Richards IV, DistractYourFacePhotography

Thanks for the

F Photo by Kevin J. McCarey

Irving Fencka, 89, a man experiencing a severe memory loss, at the Scottish Home’s Caledonian House in North Riverside.

memories

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

or 49 years, Irving Fencka, 89, and Mary Ann Mudra, 81, along with their spouses, have been next door neighbors and fast friends in LaGrange Park.

Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Irv is what the Mudras kids call the Fenckas, who Mudra says “co-parented” them.

Mudra’s husband and Irv shared a passion for fishing. So, much of their “men time” has been bonding over fishing trips together.

Irv, a WW II vet, was “always a sparkling conversationalist, with a long memory for details, including the births and deaths of his 14 siblings,” Mudra recalls.

And, when he wasn’t working his full-

time job at a canning factory, Irv would putter around fixing things, or flying in like a bird to help her unload her trunk full of groceries.

Eight years ago, was when Irv’s memory started to fail, and in September, thanks to Mudra, Irving Fencka became the sixth resident of the newly constructed Caledonian House, which is a venture of the Scottish Home for individuals, 65 and over, who have been diagnosed with early to mid-level dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

A good fit for Irv at this stage in his life, the home is a quaint, two-story structure with 10 resident rooms on each mirrored-designed floor. Built on five park-like acres in North Riverside, next to the Scottish Home, Caledonian House’s approach is described as person-

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Community of Caring | Scottish Home

November 2, 2016

Scottish Home

Photo by Kevin J. McCarey

Next-door-neighbors Mary Ann Mudra, 81, (left) and Irving Fencka, 89 (right), enjoy spotting birds off the veranda of the Scottish Home’s Caledonian House in North Riverside.

“We provide communities that offer that quality of life that can provide the services for them and make the transition from home to a new home a little easier, a little bit more soothing for people.”

Rebecca Drennan Photo by James Richards IV, DistractYourFacePhotography

centered, says Rebecca Drennan, marketing director at the Scottish Home.

“More and more people now are being diagnosed every day with Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Drennan. “There is no cure yet. But, what can we do? We provide communities that offer that quality of life that can provide the services for them and make the transition from home to a new home a little easier, a little bit more soothing for people.”

Slipping away Two years ago is when Mudra says Irv began to severely slip into deep memory loss.

“Before that he had always had a

wonderful memory.” Mudra said. “Now, unfortunately, all he talks about is being with his mother, who died when she was 96.

“He is stuck in that time warp.”

Over this past summer was when it became clear that Irv could no longer live independently in his own home, especially with Dorothy falling ill. That illness has kept Dorothy from visiting her husband at Caledonian House so far.

Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) at the Caledonian House, Drennan says, are cross-trained in personal care, nutrition, meaningful engagement and housekeeping.

Meanwhile, mid-day, Irv is snoozing on a cozy couch, passing the time until

he can grab his rolling walker and head out to the secure veranda to look out into the trees and spot a few species of birds, which, along with daily walks, remains a passion of his.

“Irving is a great nature lover and he feeds everything in God’s creation.

The birds, the deer, the raccoons and the squirrels. In fact, I am going to bring his bird feeder and all his seed,” Mudra says. “To be able to be outside is what makes him the happiest, I think.

Last week, the CNAs showed him the picture of his wife, and he didn’t know who that was. But, then, they say, hey Irv, that is your wife. He waited a few moments and said, oh, Dorothy. I miss that gal.”

Address: 2800 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside, IL 60546 Phone: 708-447-5092 Website: www.thescottishhome.org Leadership contact name: Rebecca Drennan, director of outreach and marketing Statement of purpose: Allowing family members a sense of comfort knowing they can sleep soundly with the knowledge that her/ his mother/and or family member is well cared for and loved at the Scottish Home.

How long have you been in existence? 100 plus years Ways volunteers can help: Make a difference…with meaningful engagement The Caledonian House provides best-in-class care specially designed to meet the needs of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The two-story building operates as two separate homes, accommodating 10 residents per floor. This innovative assisted living home offers long-term memory care that builds upon the relationship-centered philosophy that has long been the hallmark of our Scottish Home. By providing a warm community feeling; maintaining close bonds between staff and residents; and ensuring strong links to family and friends – we empower residents to be active and engaged. Like our Scottish Home, the Caledonian House is truly a place where friends become family.

People of all ages are encouraged to share their talents at The Caledonian House as we offer rewarding opportunities for those who want to enhance the lives of older adults.

Any gift of your time is appreciated and important: a few hours a month, a weekly commitment or help with a onetime special event- we’re always happy to accommodate your schedule.

Consider sharing your time and talents whether it’s socially, creatively, spiritually or physically. In the process, you may build relationships, learn something new and have some fun. Volunteers who give of themselves also enjoy feeling connected to the people and community you serve and the special knowing that you enriched lives and made a difference.

Our orientation program consists of a building tour, resident care introduction, background check and an overview of campus policies.

Volunteers contribute in many ways: Helping with special events Serving as life enrichment assistants Friendly room visits Accompanying residents on walks and to events Sharing talents (music, art, dance, language, social media, etc.)

Cooking or gardening programs Fitness programs Assistance with Interfaith Services Holiday or seasonal decorating To volunteer: Our Activity Director Kay Ford 708-447-5092 Useful donations other than money: Sharing your time, Music, storytelling, sharing your talents, gardening, birding, travel guides…

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Community of Caring | NAMI Metro Suburban

November 2, 2016

RBLANDMARK.COM

There is help.

There is hope.

Are you or someone you love over the age of 18 and experiencing an increase in mental health symptoms?

Photo by Kevin J. McCarey

Visit The Living Room, a proven alternative to the hospital emergency room for adults 18 and over.

Guests are screened by masters-level clinicians and can meet with trained recovery support specialists to discuss concerns, identify recovery obstacles and develop wellness plans.

Kimberly Knake, executive director of NAMI Metro Suburban (from left); Peter Briggs, Living Room recovery support specialist; and Shelly Lustrup, director of recovery and support services at the new Community Wellness Center and Living Room in LaGrange welcome in and help walk in “guests” who are experiencing a heightened level of mental illness symptoms.

Welcome to their living room

All services are provided free of charge and do not require insurance.

The Living Room & Community Wellness Center 4731 Willow Springs Road La Grange IL, 60525 708.582.6434 thelivingroomlg.org Open 365 days/year | 2:00pm to 10:00pm

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

W

hen people living with a diagnosed, or undiagnosed, mental illness experience a heightened level of emotional distress the goal is to help them calm down, says Kimberly Knake, executive director at NAMI Metro Suburban. And oftentimes walking into, or being dropped off at a loud, chaotic and fast-paced hospital emergency room is not the best answer, as it can only exacerbate a person’s symptoms.

Now, there is a peer-led, local alternative to the ER, she says.

On Oct. 1, in response to a rise in area teen suicides, and to help decrease the number of unnecessary trips to the ER, NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) Metro Suburban debuted the Community Wellness Center and Living Room in La Grange.

Knake emphasizes that a trip to the ER is appropriate when a person is “in psychosis, that break from reality, or who is suicidal, which means they have a plan and means to commit suicide. Those individuals need to be diverted to the hospital, and we have

the protocol in place, and the relationships with the hospitals to do that in a non-traumatic way,” says Knake.

Decompressing in a warm, safe space Based on a national model of care, the Living Room, says Shelly Lustrup, its director of recovery and support services, will serve individuals age 18 and over. Once there, they will initially undergo a brief medical assessment, then be led into a calming Living Room by Peter Briggs, who is one of six rotating support specialists, and a man who is in recovery, living with bi-polar depression himself, Lustrup says.

Briggs, who underwent extensive on-thejob training, says his role is to comfort, “calm them down and get them back into a stable mindset, then try and take it one step further and start the conversation about creating a recovery plan.”

Creating a plan is easier with the assist of an individual such as himself who knows first-hand what is happening now, and what comes next.

“We know that one in five people will

RBLANDMARK.COM

Community of Caring | NAMI Metro Suburban

November 2, 2016

NAMI Metro Suburban Address: The Living Room, 4731 Willow Springs Road, La Grange, IL 60525 Phone: 708-582-6434 Website: namimetsub.org and thelivingroomlg.org Leadership contact name: Kimberly Knake, executive director Statement of purpose: To improve the lives of individuals and families affected my mental illness through education, support and advocacy.

How long have you been in existence?

25 years Ways volunteers can help: Office and data entry, special events, learn and share your story, attend MHFA and tell your friends.

To volunteer, call: 708-582-6434 Useful donations other than money: New couch, high boy tables and chairs, foosball table.

“...calm them down and get them back into a stable mindset, then try and take it one step further and start the conversation about creating a recovery plan.”

Peter Briggs

be affected by mental illness. But, what is even more disheartening is that between the ages of 13 and 18 and 24 years of age is when youth will start beginning to feel the effects and symptoms of mental illness, but only 50 percent of youth and students will have treatment,” says Knake. “Through our Community Wellness Center we can really start educating residents and families about the signs and symptoms of mental illness.”

Lustrup hopes “patients” will keep returning to the space for its educational classes, and to check back in with a recovery support specialist as they move toward recovery.

“There was no service like this in this area, so we worked with Community Memorial Foundation and Westlake Health Foundation [and numerous other collaborating community partners] to build something that would service the West Cook County area,” Knake says.

For Briggs, this is a job for which he is well suited.

“If I had had an opportunity to go to a place like this when I was in crisis, or slowly going into crisis, or feeling like I was getting into crisis, I could have avoided a lot of in-patient treatment at hospital psych wards,” says Briggs. “I do believe I can be helpful in this role, because I am somebody who has walked in their shoes and am now in recovery.”

AARP gives you the information to help care for your loved ones, just like they did with you once. You don’t have to do it alone and it’s okay to ask for help. Visit our website or call now to get practical health and wellness tips to provide even better care for those who once took care of you.

We provide you information to give care and give back.

aarp.org/caregiving 1-877-333-5885

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Community of Caring | Hispanic Organization of North Riverside

November 2, 2016

RBLANDMARK.COM

An HONR for Hispanics

A

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

s the Hispanic population continues to grow in the U.S., a local example of this trend is found in North Riverside, where Mayor Hubert Hermanek Jr. says one-third of his village’s residents are now Hispanic.

Thanks to the tireless interest and effort of resident Raul Pelayo, founder of the Hispanic Organization of North Riverside (HONR), these residents now have a voice in the doings of their hometown, while learning more about, and being able to celebrate their cultural heritage.

“Our village has about 7,000 people, and about 2,300 of them are Hispanic,” says Hermanek, adding that the gradual rise in this particular population has been related to “our low taxes and good services, but also the schools. So, a lot of young families [from Berwyn and Cicero] are moving here [related to that], and many of them are Hispanic.”

In 2001, Pelayo was hired as the first Spanish speaking Hispanic police officer in North Photo by Matt Morales Riverside. Five years later, he and his family became residents of the village.

Its founding members are honored to be HONR (the Hispanic organization of North Riverside) a nonprofit that is filling a niche in Over those years, as Officer Pelayo walked North Riverside, says its Mayor. Left to right: Matt Morales, HONR Treasurer; Priscilla Skenandore, HONR Secretary; North Riverside his beat, he began realizing that “our HisMayor Hubert Hermanek Jr., and Raul Pelayo, HONR President. panic community is not united in any way, shape or form,” he said. “And a political organization, or that is why I wanted to start a make any endorsements of group, because there’s no comHow long have you been in existence? HONR any kind. Our purpose is munity events really promotwas founded on May 5, 2015. to help anybody who needs Address: 2353 5th Ave ed for the Hispanic population Ways volunteers can help: it. That is why HONR was here in town.”

North Riverside, IL 60546 Visit and LIKE our Facebook page at www. formed, why we are growing, Choosing to “bring local Phone: 708-309-9606 facebook.com/HONR.ORG/. Sign up as a supporter and why we are still here.”

Hispanics out of their shells” and/or volunteer on our website. Donations are A year ago, HONR made Website: honrcommunity.org by creating family-centered always welcome and appreciated. its splash with the first of activities that spurred civic Leadership contact name: many annual events, “Famand cultural pride, as well To volunteer, email: Raul Pelayo, president ily Fiesta.” On Sept. 11, 2015, as local volunteerism among Priscilla Skenandore, HONR secretary, at pjskenanStatement of purpose: Our purpose is to it was a “picnic for Hispanic his Hispanic peers, was his dore@yahoo.com promote the traditions and rich cultures of the residents where we brought proactive approach. To do it, Raul Pelayo out traditional Mariachi Pelayo hand picked a small Hispanic community through unification, empow- Useful donations other than money: New items that can be raffled at fundraising events music, had Mexican taquelike-minded volunteer board erment, and education. ria [traditional tacos]and of directors – Peter Garza, brought piñatas for the kids. vice president; Matt MoAs a proud Latina, Skenandore says, “I We invited the mayor to speak, and overall including folkloric dancers. Since then, rales, treasurer; and Priscilla Skenandore, HONR has held a Mexican Christmas party, was so tremendously moved because this it was a huge success and great time.” secretary – to help him gather the support plus a free festival at the Village Commons was my children’s first experience with Since that opening, many other familyof local businesses and other groups for his seeing our culture in this way.” centered community gatherings have come where hundreds of people came. new nonprofit called HONR. They have also held a free seminar for For Mayor Hermanek, he believes and gone.

“I know all the business owners, and Hispanics. Covered were the issues of wills HONR is “filling a niche in our vilOn May 1, was a well-attended Cinco when I came up with the idea, and they and financial planning, as well as “probde Mayo celebration at North Riverside knew what kind of person I was, they were lage, and I am happy to help out,” he lems around their status here,” Pelayo says. says.

Park Mall with all the cultural trimmings, happy to help,” Pelayo said. “We are not

HONR

“Our purpose is to help anybody who needs it. That is why HONR was formed, why we are growing, and why we are still here.”

Community of Caring | Community Nurse Health Center

RBLANDMARK.COM

November 2, 2016

11

Community Nurse Health Center turns 95

By DEB QUANTOCK McCAREY

W

hen Maribeth Reimer, 55, recalls how she became a volunteer at Community Nurse Health Center’s The Community Shop, she says the memory is bittersweet.

Back in 1994 is when Reimer, a long time resident of Countryside, says her husband fell ill with an aggressive form of leukemia.

Nine months later, in 1995, he died after to a failed bone marrow transplant.

Beyond grief, the young widow was left to raise their three young sons, ages 8, 5 and 3, alone.

Through the first year after his death, Reimer says they were covered by her husband’s company’s health insurance plan.

When that ended, a $700 a month COBRA policy would kick in, or Reimer had the opportunity to return to a demanding full-time job, at a time when her three little boys were dealing with losing their dad.

Neither option suited her parents, so they stepped up and supported their uninsured daughter while she began building an inhome daycare business.

Meanwhile, her boys still had to get school physicals and wellness check-ups.

And, at the time, her option as a person without health insurance was to walk in to a free clinic (since then Community Nurse Health Center has shifted from that model) and wait their turn.

“I am in Countryside, right at 55th and Plainfield,” Reimer said, “There was no way that I wanted anyone to know I needed help like this. I was embarrassed and ashamed. That is why I went to another community to get what needed to be done, done.”

When one of her sons had a dental health crisis, she decided that only getting him to a dentist mattered, and for a short window of time they benefitted from the traditional health care services that have been in place in LaGrange for 95 years now.

“Community Nurse Health Center has always seen a huge variety of people who have needs to be met,” says Ellen Kunkel, its development director. “It could be shortterm – a person who has lost his or her job, or like Maribeth, is starting a new business. Even with the Affordable Care Act, this is true.”

Angela Curran, CEO and president of Community Nurse Health Center, adds that her nonprofit also fills a need for patients who are experiencing many forms of homelessness: People who are oftentimes doubling up with friends or relatives, living out of their cars, or residing in homeless shelters.

Other patients are a population of Hispanic individuals who interact with bilingual staff members, she says.

“The biggest change for us has been the conversion from more of a free clinic model

Photo by Kevin J. McCarey

Maribeth Reimer of Countryside volunteers at the Community Nurse Health Center’s “The Community Shop.” Twice a week she gives back to the agency that helped her through a rough patch when her husband died of cancer years ago.

to a community health center where fulltime we have three medical providers, three dental providers, on-site psychiatry, and obstetrical services, in an effort to increase the number of patients we can serve” says Curran.

Currently, about 30 medical specialists volunteer their services.

For the last three years, Reimer says, as a twice-a-week volunteer, she is happy to give back.

“I volunteer at The Community Shop in the basement being a Christmas elf, pricing lights and garland, then putting the items on the shelf … and I cashier,” Reimer says.

“Oh my gosh, you really have to enjoy Christmas, and I do. I have so much fun down there.”

Community Nurse Health Center Address: 23 Calendar Ave. La Grange, IL 60525 Phone: 708-352-0081 Website: www.communitynurse.org Leadership contact names: Angela Curran, President & CEO Ellen Kunkle, director of development Statement of purpose: Community Nurse Health Center is dedicated to enhancing the health of our community. We serve as a community healthcare center for residents of the western suburbs of Chicago, focusing on those who have limited access to care. We value patient dignity, community collaboration and prevention and wellness by delivering coordinated and integrated health care services and education.

Our vision is a healthy and productive community where all residents have access to quality healthcare.

How long have you been in existence?

95 years Ways volunteers can help: Volunteers can work regular shifts in The Community Shop, resale shop for furnishing, home décor, jewelry, books & more. We periodically schedule groups for sorting and pricing and special projects. Volunteers are encouraged to organize drives of goods to be donated to the shop, particularly gently used books, jewelry, and seasonal items. Shop proceeds support medical, dental, and behavioral health services.

To volunteer, call: Joan Metz, manager of events & volunteer services 708-579-2403, jmetz@communitynurse.org Useful donations other than money: In addition to the above noted items, donations of gently used furniture are welcome and pick-ups can be arranged. For more information please call 708.579.2425

12

Community of Caring

November 2, 2016

RBLANDMARK.COM

The Scottish Home | Providing Care 100+ Years Unique Assisted Living

THE CALEDONIAN HOUSE THE CALEDONIAN HOUSE

“Redefining Memory Care”

OPENING SUMMER 2016!

A CULTURE OF CARING

For more than 100 years, the Scottish Home has emphasized warm community, close bonds between residents and staff, and strong links to family and friends. The Caledonian House is the Scottish Home’s bold, innovative response to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

HOME IN EVERY WAY

Each of the Caledonian House’s two floors will be home to 10 residents, all with private bedrooms and full bathrooms, all opening on to a great room where activities take place by the fireside and an inviting dining area is filled with the aromas of home cooking from the on-site kitchen.

WHERE FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY

Caregivers are cross-trained in personal care, nutrition, meaningful engagement, and housekeeping.

Constant caregiver-resident interaction builds familiarity, trust, and well-being and encourages residents to remain active, engaged, and fulfilled.

BEST-IN-CLASS MEMORY CARE

• Assisted living with the atmosphere of a family residence • No long corridors or nurses stations • Only model of its kind in Chicagoland • Set in five park-like acres twenty minutes west of downtown Chicago • Sponsored by the oldest 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in Illinois

2800 Des Plaines Avenue | North Riverside, Illinois 60546 (708) 447-5092 • www.thescottishhome.org • Like us on