DECEMber Isssue - Adams Heritage

Woodcrest Retirement Community
1300 Mercer Ave.
Decatur, IN 46733
V O L U M E
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I S S U E
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D E C E M B E R
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Christmas Festivities
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Activities Nook
Christmas Festivities, continued
2
Woodcrest Resident Becomes CEO, continued
2
December Birthdays and
Anniversaries
2
There’s No Beaten’ Eaton:
Ginny Turns 100!
3
A Message from the Executive Director
3
New Resident: Second Barb
Kohne relocates to Woodcrest
4
Annual Christmas Village
Returns
4
Committees Deck the Halls
4
Committees Deck the Halls,
continued
5
Bible Corner
5
“Welcome Candles” Bring
Joy
6
Senior Moments
6
Ginny Eaton Becomes
“Chairwoman”
6
Eidam, 58, has been a Woodcrest resident for a number of months and,
after more than 35 years with Adams Memorial Hospital in various capacities, she was promoted to the top job by a unanimous vote of the
Adams Health Network in October.
Deer and Puppies make
Woodcrest News
6
She had been the interim CEO since January 1, 2013, following the departure of Thomas Nordwick.
Short Funny Christmas Story
6
“I am pleased and honored to lead our organization. We have a great group of people here
who do a terrific job,” Eidam said upon accepting her latest title.
From The Editor
7
Harriet Soldner and Bill and
Janet Yunk come aboard
7
Eidam joined what was then called Adams County Memorial Hospital on June 19, 1978 as a
laboratory technologist, then was named the chief of the department in the early 1980s.
What’s Up
7
Eventually, she was named as the director of other departments, then was promoted to assistant executive director of professional services in 1991.
Memories
8
December is finally here and l am so excited to announce this months
activities. As usual, please pay close attention to your weekly activity
sheets. This month always proves to have last-minute activities.
Here is a glimpse of what December has to offer you:
On Thursday, December 5, the Decatur Rotary will be caroling in the
auditorium at 6 p.m. for a half hour.
On Friday, December 6, we will have lunch at Niblick Bistro and then head to tour the Fort
Wayne Botanical Gardens. Cost to enter is $3 per person. The Botanical Gardens is decorated
in a “A Fireside Christmas” and the desert is decorated in a “Piñata Paradise.”
On Saturday, December 7, we will have our second-annual “12 Days of Christmas.” Amy Saum
will be dazzling us with hors d’ouerves, followed by the amazing John Hebein singing Frank Sinatra music. Friends 55 and older are invited and this event is free.
On Sunday, December 8, we will be attending the St. Mark’s Annual Coffee House leaving at
2:45 p.m.
Continued on Page 2
Woodcrest Resident Becomes CEO of Adams Health Network
JoEllen Eidam of Decatur is almost certainly the only chief executive
officer of a large hospital system in the United States who lives in a retirement community owned by that hospital operation.
Continued on page 2
Christmas Festivities - Activities Nook, continued from page 1
PAGE
Tuesday, December 10, we will leave at 6 p.m. for the annual Philharmonic Holiday Pops concert at South Adams High School in Berne. Tickets are $10 per person.
Thursday, December 12, we will leave at 10 a.m. for lunch at The Schnitzelhaus
in Fort Wayne, followed by The Festival of Gingerbread. Cost of the Gingerbread
Festival is $3 per person.
On Sunday, December 15, local students will be playing the piano and some
singing in the auditorium from 12:30 to 1 p.m.
On Monday, December 16, we will leave at 10:30 am for lunch in Celina at Pullman Bay, followed by shopping at Peebles.
On Wednesday, December 18, we will again do our annual Christmas Program in
the auditorium with Max Stuckey on the piano beginning at 6 p.m. The Organ program will begin at 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday, December 19, our annual Christmas Dinner will begin at 5 p.m. with hors d’ouerves in the auditorium.
Doug Milligan will be performing Christmas music during this time on his trombone.
On Friday, December 20, we will leave at 6:30 p.m. to tour Christmas lights in Decatur.
On Sunday, December 22, Cathy will be taking a bus load to Sweetwater in Fort Wayne to have lunch and watch the Old
Crowne Brass Band. Details on this event to be announced.
On Tuesday, December 31, we will have our annual New Year’s Eve bash beginning at 6 p.m. in the basement. Please
note location change.
Submitted by Natasha Graves
Woodcrest Resident Becomes CEO, continued from page 1
In 2007, she was given the title of chief operating officer under former hospital CEO Marvin Baird,
who retired and was succeeded by Nordwick.
Eidam lives at Woodcrest in a villa with her husband, Rudy, who is a longtime member of the Indiana
State Police, having risen to the rank of captain. He is now a member of Indiana’s gaming enforcement division.
(This story is based on an article in the Decatur Daily Democrat.)
Submitted by Ellen Mann
December Birthdays
December Anniversary
7 Fred Soldner
13 Wally and Wanda Hertel
19 Mary Bess Walters
20 Lee and Pat Hoopingarner
21 Virginia Eaton
Happy Birthday &
Happy Anniversary To
All!!!
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ISSUE
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There’s No Beaten’ Eaton: Ginny Turns 100!
The World Of Woodcrest is helping to celebrate “Ginny” Eaton’s 100th birthday by printing her
recollections of her long life. By coincidence, she once considered moving into a retirement
community in Tennessee called Crestwood and then wound up here at Woodcrest.
“I was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 21, 1913. I had three brothers.
“I graduated from high school in 1931. At this time, jobs were scarce. Fortunately, my dad
owned a small grocery store, so I was able to work with him.
“In 1941, my dad sold the store. He and my mother moved to Michigan. I stayed in Chicago
and moved in with my aunt. I worked in several office jobs.
“When World War II started on December 7, 1941, one of my brothers was drafted and, in the service, he met John
Eaton. After four years in the service, they returned home and remained close friends.
“I married John in 1950. We lived in an apartment until 1958, when we bought a house.
“In 1964, John lost his job and he wanted to move to Tennessee, where he had been reared. We lived there for 33
years, until John died.
“My youngest brother was deceased, but his family suggested I move to Indiana, where I had several nieces and nephews.
“My niece Elaine checked around and decided Woodcrest was the best place. I moved here in 1997, so I guess she was
right.
“Merry Christmas Everyone!”
A Message from the Executive Director
Written by Virginia “Ginny” Eaton
Submitted by Janet Yunk
I was having a discussion with a friend a week or so ago and we were discussing what we were thankful for
as the holidays rapidly approach us.
I immediately thought of the dedicated and hard-working staff at Woodcrest for it is the job they do daily
that makes my job so much easier. Woodcrest recently had the honor of serving as a host for a monthly
meeting of the Adams Health Network Board of Trustees and I was proud to walk with them as we surveyed
the facilities. They were lavish in their praise for the job being done for our residents, how well maintained
our facilities are kept, the high quality of the food service department, the cleanliness of the rooms and hallways, and the cheerful employees they encountered during the walk through.
Bill Watson, Exec. Dir.
I, of course, was not surprised by those thoughts because I see it every day in the way our employees perform their jobs. During my career as a health care administrator, I have had the privilege of serving in a variety of locations and types of
health care institutions. I can honestly say that the time spent with you folks here at Woodcrest is without question at the top of my list.
Woodcrest has changed several things this year and I appreciate your willingness to help adopt these changes. Check out the Woodcrest
website (www.woodcrestofdecatur.com) to see some of our changes; it also will include up-to-date lists of activities and events going on
here. On December 1, Christmas decoration lighting ceremony will occur at 7 p.m. The best views will be from the campus center or in
the greenhouse (decorations to be turned on at all AHN sites at that time). The hospital location will include the singing of Christmas
carols and serving hot chocolate and cookies inside the main entrance by the big Christmas tree.
Please take the time during the coming holiday season to let those who mean the most to you--family, friends, and others--know how
much they mean to you. Things like a kind word or a smile can brighten a day. I wish you all blessed holidays, with many more to come.
Bill Watson
NEW RESIDENT
Second Barb Kohne Relocates To Woodcrest
We’re pleased to welcome our newest resident, Barb J. Kohne, at Villa 37. She likes the
many helpful and friendly people she has met here since moving in October.
She and her husband, Ferris, reared a family of three on a farm off of US 27 west of Decatur. Their children are Scott (wife Debra), Dee Ann (husband Scott), and Rhoda
(husband Len). They also have nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Barb’s schooling included Monmouth Elementary School and Adams Central and Bellmont high schools.
After high school, she was employed by a local loan company, then took a position with
Central Soya in the office and later began working as a lab technician. She retired from Soya after 32 years and says
that, while she enjoyed her job, she missed her co-workers.
After retiring, Barb had time to do extra sewing, some gardening, helping out on the farm, and taking care of the family’s
three-story home. A daughter is moving into the home, so Barb is pleased it will stay in the family.
Her travels included three trips to Hawaii and renting a large beach house in North Carolina so the whole family could
be together for two weeks and enjoy lots of different activities, such as card games and reading.
Annual Christmas Village Returns
Submitted by Harriet Soldner
After three days and countless errors, the village in the inside entrance to the
500 wing is again on display. Please stop by and admire the
scene.
All of the village is owned by Woodcrest Residents. Some
new items were purchased this year. Hope everyone enjoys!
The beautiful arrangement beside the village scene is made
with all natural items collected from the Woodcrest woods:
greenery, pine cones, berries. It was created by Eileen
Zeissig.
Submitted by Barbara A. Kohne
Committees deck the halls
Shortly after the Christmas decorations were put up around the gazebo and the front entrances of Woodcrest, Santa’s
industrious elves have been busy this past month getting various areas decorated with Christmas trees.
Cathy Berkshire, Rev. Follett, Natasha Graves, Norm Koons, Catherine Laucks, and I started by sorting everything out.
Each week two or three trees were decorated in the hallways and the auditorium with the extra help from Elly Bridge,
Harriet Soldner, and Ginny Eaton.
The dining room tree will appear shortly.
At the same time, city planning and lighting elves, Eileen Zeissig and Barbara A. Kohne, lent their expertise to the lighted
village. Check out Eileen’s all-natural centerpiece next to the village. The lobby will see their talents, too.
Continued on page 5
Committees deck the halls, continued from page 4
PAGE
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Last, but not least, are the elves who hide out in the basement, coming and going at all times. They have also helped with the heavy lifting
and the moving to and fro of boxed trees and tables.
As an added bonus, Betty Hoverman has graciously once again set
out her Christmas novels on the table with the nativity in the 500 wing.
For more Christmas reading, check out the library.
Thanks to all the residents and staff for your tremendous help. I hope
the decorations, trees, and village, bring holiday cheer to everyone.
Barbara Litterer Reporting
Bible Corner By Chaplain John Follett
Do You Believe?
“Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).
In the kingdom of God, believing is a prerequisite to receiving. God spoke to Mary and gave the
assurances He always gives when He assigns the impossible to His people. Everything was in
place for God to act. Everything waited on Mary to believe Him. Once she believed, it was done!
It takes an undivided heart to believe under such circumstances and a pure heart to see God
(Matt. 5:8; Heb. 12:14).
Mary, like other young women of her day, dreamed of being the one that God would choose to
bear the promised Messiah. Those prophecies were well known to them, as they were read regularly in their worship services. However, Mary could not see all that had been arranged and assembled in the courts of Heaven. She could not see the legions of angels prepared to protect her
and her baby. She was unaware of the future and all that she and her child would face.
All she knew was that God had spoken to her and that was enough . So she responded:
“Behold the handmaid of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
When God speaks about His plans, He does so with everything already in place to fulfill
His word. God never speaks hypothetically. He knows exactly what will come to pass. He
simply asks you to believe Him. You will experience great blessing when you place your
absolute trust in Him. Mary could not have dreamed all that would result from her faithful
obedience. Likewise, you cannot possibly imagine all that God has in store for you when
you trust Him. He knows exactly what He will do to bring salvation to someone you have
prayed for or to heal your friend or to provide for your needs. God has everything in
place. Will you believe Him? (Henry T. Blackaby).
When I read the account of Mary visiting Elizabeth, it always causes me to take note of how in tune with God these two
were. Elizabeth never questioned why Mary was with child, not yet being married, but immediately understood why her
child had leaped within her womb. In a culture in which it was a crime for one who was betrothed to be found unfaithful
that was never an issue in this situation, except for a short time in Joseph’s mind until the angel informed him otherwise.
To God be the glory!
Yours in Christ,
Chaplain Follett
PAGE
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“Welcome Candles” Bring Joy
One day after lunch at Woodcrest, Janet Yunk told me how much she appreciates my electric candles in all my windows
in Villa 34. She also said it is warm and comforting when she looks out of her windows at night.
I told her that I had the candles in Berne since 1969. At that time, they were called “welcome candles.” Some people
just used them at Christmas time, but I use mine all year.
It made me happy that Janet told me she enjoys them.
Submitted by Janet Yunk from a note given to her by Billie Stuckey
Senior Moments
“Maybe there was a creature
stirring after all.”
Submitted by Barb A. Kohne
Ginny Eaton becomes “Chairwoman”
Ginny Eaton (99 and 11/12 years old) recently discovered that a light plastic chair on her patio had blown and landed on
one of the antlers of a deer figure in her yard! This gal probably weighs 76 pounds soaking wet, but she ventured out
and put the deer out of its suffering by removing the chair. I sure would have loved to have been there.
Deer And Puppies Make Woodcrest News
Submitted by Barbara A. Kohne
Mel and Theresa McBarnes and Marge DeBolt have reported that their sons have shot eight-point deer this season.
Mel and Theresa McBarnes are happy to say that they have become “great-grandparents” to between four and 14
golden retriever puppies, born around Thanksgiving.
Submitted by Barb A. Kohne
Short Funny Christmas Story
Just before Christmas, an honest politician, a generous lawyer, and Santa Cluas all got into the lift
(elevator) at the Ritz Hotel in London. As the lift travelled from the fifth floor down to the ground level, one by one they noticed a £50 note lying on the lift’s floor.
Which one picked up the £50 note and handed it in at reception?
Santa, of course, since the other two don’t actually exist!
Submitted by Barb A. Kohne
From the Editor
PAGE
7
The Thanksgiving banquet on November 20 was so delicious everyone I spoke with said they had eaten too much. It
was simply perfect from the cranberry gelatin salad to the pecan and pumpkin pies. We want to thank Woodcrest for
treating us to a really old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner.
Three new staffers have been added to the newsletter staff and you will begin seeing their bylines beginning with this
issue. We welcome them aboard and thank them for volunteering, They are Harriet Soldner and Bill and Janet Yunk.
The staff of the World of Woodcrest want to wish all Woodcrest residents and all the workers who make it such a great
place to live the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year ever.
Ellen Mann
Harriet Soldner Comes Aboard
One of the new staff members of the World of
Woodcrest is Harriet
Soldner, who was born in
Metamora, Illinois in a
family of six, with a twin
brother, Harold.
She graduated from Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in
teaching home economics. She taught in Adams County
Schools for 20 years.
Harriet married Fred Soldner in 1950 and he will celebrate
his 90th birthday on December 7 this year. The Soldners
have four children, six grandchildren and three greatgranddaughters.
The Soldners also traveled a lot with their family in the United
States and overseas.
Bill and Janet Yunk Come Aboard
Two of the new staff
members of the World
of Woodcrest are Bill
and Janet Yunk, who
live in Villa 24. They
had lost their partners
and met at a meeting
of a bereavement
group, then dated for
more than a year before marrying on Valentine’s Day of 2013.
They say they are not only husband and wife, but also “truly
best friends” who really enjoy each other’s company.
The Yunks further report that they fully agree with author
Rainer Maria Rilke, who once wrote, “Now let us welcome
the new year, full of things that have never been.”
Submitted by Janet Yunk
Submitted by Harriet Soldner
What’s Up?
Nov. 1, 2013, wind was blowing fiercely, but it was a fairly warm fall day. The leaves were flying helter-skelter all over
the 300 entrance, blowing in the doorway and there was Betty Hoverman with her broom in hand, sweeping the leaves
away from the door. That is what is so neat about Woodcrest: There is always someone willing to help when needed.
Thanks, Betty!
Be sure to stop and see the lovely Thanksgiving tableau that Barbara Litterer has created in the library showcase. It is
complete with turkeys, pilgrims, Indian corn, and even a wee little Pocahontas. Take an appreciative look and then
thank Barbara.
Decorated Christmas trees are appearing in the hallways and lounges now, with Barbara Litterer’s Decorating Committee in full swing. It is a lot of careful work, done precisely, and it really adds a sparkle to Woodcrest. It just transforms
the campus center and adds so much color and glitter.
Nov. 12, 2013– first snowfall of the season– and what a scene it was! My fir tree, redbud tree, and forsythia bush were
layered with fresh white snow and it was glistening in the sunshine. A heavenly sight.
To celebrate the snow, Mary Thieme wore a sweatshirt her friend had made for her with a snowman on it, saying “All my
friends are flakes.”
Submitted by Ellen Mann
World of Woodcrest Staff:
William Watson, Executive Director
Natasha Graves, Event Coordinator,
Makeup Editor, & Photographer. Email me
for a subscription @
[email protected]
Ellen Mann, Editor
Reporters: Eileen Zeissig
Catherine Laucks
Barbara A. Kohne
Bill Yunk
Janet Yunk
Harriet Soldner