a working man

Staying True
to Our MIssion
2
Jazzy's
Good Life
8
A Very Special
Field of Dreams
11
Discoveries
Winter 2015
A WORKING MAN
In honor of our friend
Peter Macauley Ferguson
1950 - 2015
Page 4
“Good friends are hard to
find, harder to leave, and
impossible to forget.”
— Anonymous
LEAD
>>
STAYING TRUE TO OUR MISSION
By John Estrem, CEO of Hammer
T
hroughout our almost 93-year-history we have stayed true to our roots
and our mission: to provide support for people with disabilities that focuses
on the individual and their needs. While we have stayed true to our mission,
much has changed in how we provide support. Hammer started out with rented
houses, then moved to a "campus" that included a school, then went on to four- and
six-person homes, to apartments, as well as individualized supports provided in the
individual's home. We have adapted and changed with the times.
Today, Hammer provides a diverse array of service supports. While we provide these
supports on a daily basis, we continue to search for ways to provide even better and
more person-centered services. We are focused on broadening our offerings, so the
people we serve have a true choice in how they live and how they are supported.
Looking to the Future
Right now we are working with Hennepin County to open a new children's home.
While the moratorium on opening new homes still remains, counties can ask the
state for an exception for a particular need. The County has identified a need for
a new children's home and asked us to help make it a reality. We are thrilled at the
chance to once again serve children.
Change is Good and Necessary
We are also consulting with another county about expanding our apartment model
into their area. These conversations are just in the beginning stages, but we have
been received well and are excited about the prospects. Also, we are looking at a
slightly different apartment model for people who may not need quite as much
on-site support.
In our Customized Support Services, where we provide support in one particular area
of life, we are expanding again. This gives us the opportunity to provide even more
case management, support planning and health care coordination for the people we
serve throughout Minnesota.
Hammer Discoveries
Our promise at Hammer is always to search for new ways to provide support to the
people we serve while remaining focused on the individual and their needs. It is how
Alvina Hammer did it in 1923, and that is what will guide us into the future.
Contributors
Barbara Brandt, John Estrem,
Paige Garrett, Kim Hansen,
Ann Martinka, Kevan Nitzberg,
Wendy Paulson, Juane Rose,
Cathy Thoma,
Ellen Timmerman-Borer,
Ginger Venable
With gratitude,
Managing Editor
Barbara Brandt
[email protected]
Graphic Design
Jennifer Larson
John Estrem, CEO
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William Young
President
SalesFitness, LLC
Kent Scholten
Secretary
Merrill Lynch
Joe Reis
Vice President
Coldwell Banker Burnet
*Barbara Tuckner
Immediate Past President
Tuckner Consulting, Inc.
Gregory Anderson
Treasurer
Thrivent Financial
*Jerry Caruso
University of Minnesota
2 | Hammer Discoveries
* Indicates Hammer family member
George Daum
Microsoft Corporation
Janet Lerch
US Bank
Lisa Dongoske
Cushman and Wakefield
Michelle Lureen
Fidelity Bank
*Rebecca Furnival
Community Leader
*Joe Koltes
US Home Source Realty
*Kevan Nitzberg
Anoka-Hennepin School
District
*Nino Pedrelli
Real Estate Advisory Services
*Al Tennessen
Retired
Bruce Volkart
Volkart May & Associates, Inc.
*Alan Wilensky
Attorney at Law
>>
BOARD SPOTLIGHT
CHANGING PERCEPTIONS: A Spotlight on Bill Young
By Barbara Brandt, Director of Communication
H
ammer Board President,
Bill Young, is a family man,
business owner, and community
volunteer. Perhaps less well known is
that Bill is the oldest sibling in his family
by a mere six minutes! Bill has a younger
twin sister, and two other siblings. He
lives in Plymouth with his wife, Bonnie.
They have three children.
collaborative. “When each of us shares
our unique talent with the people we
serve, we learn from each other, and
build community,” Bill says.
Bill’s innovation and forward thinking,
honed throughout his business
adventures, has opened his mind to
thinking in new ways about how to
change the way people with disabilities
are perceived. “Being open to new ways
of thinking is important,” says Bill,
“especially when you want to change the
way people think.”
Family Man and Business Owner
Bill grew up on the east side of Cleveland,
Ohio and also lived in Chicago and
Philadelphia prior to moving to
Minneapolis in the summer of 1985.
He began his business career in the late
’70s specializing in paper office business
forms, and later transitioned from
paper to current electronic business
technology.
With a background in business and
education, Bill soon found his passion
for training sales staff in the use of
technology. He now is part of a business
that uses cutting-edge technology to
train sales staff across the country, using
their mobile devices.
Although he started his entrepreneurial
career later in life, Bill has always been
an educator, businessman, and a pioneer
of new business ventures. His specialty
has always been problem solving for
businesses, but now he is also integrating
technology to keep businesses thinking
in new ways.
A Volunteer: The Connection
Brought Him to Hammer
Years ago, when the Young family
was looking for a church home, they
attended and later joined Holy Name
of Jesus Catholic Church in Medina,
Minnesota. After a few months, Bill
started to notice there were quite a
few people at the service with Down’s
syndrome. He was curious to learn
that a church member and soon-tobe friend, Joe Reis drove people who
lived at the Hammer homes to church
“When each of us shares
our unique talent with
the people we serve, we
learn from each other,
and build community,”
Bill says.
each Sunday. Bill’s interest was piqued,
and he needed to find out how he could
help. Before long, he was partnering
with Joe, making sure each person had a
ride to church from the Hammer homes.
One of the people who greatly impacted
Bill was a gentleman who always sat in
the front pew of the church wearing a
tall cowboy hat. “His name was Donny,”
Bill says, “and he was larger than life
with that big cowboy hat, enjoying the
moment, and loving life.” Bill notes how
Donny was always fully engaged in the
sermon and sang the hymns with such
great passion.
Changing Perceptions
Bill’s leadership style has always been
inclusive and relationship based. As
an example, he encourages all board
members to have dinner with the
people Hammer serves at their home.
Bill believes it is important to be
Sharing his exceptional and savvy point
of view has allowed Bill to promote
innovation and thoughtful conversations
as President. He states, “Being part of
the board has been a chance to use both
my business and education experience
for the greater good to help others. I am
thankful to have the opportunity to be
part of such a wonderful organization
such as Hammer.”
IN THIS ISSUE
PAGES 4-5
A Working Man:
In Honor of our Friend Peter
PAGE 6
Healthy Lifestyles for All
PAGE 7
Evolution of a Volunteer
PAGES 8-9
Jazzy's Good Life
Quality of Life Fund
PAGE 10 Our Hammer Culture
DSP Corner
PAGE 11
A Very Special
Field of Dreams
PAGE 12
Because I Traveled,
I Gained Confidence in Me!
PAGE 13
Angels All Around Us
PAGES 14-15
Our Donors
BACK COVER Hammer Updates
Hammer Discoveries | 3
A Working Man
In honor of our friend, Peter Macauley Ferguson, 1950-2015
By Wendy Paulson, Human Resource Specialist
The Promise
Peter Macauley Ferguson had just turned eleven
when he moved to Hammer School. It was 1961,
fourteen years before landmark legislation would
establish the rights of children with disabilities to
attend public schools. Hammer School promised
Peter an education as well as a home for the rest of
his life. I first met Peter when I worked in the men’s
dormitory in 1980. He was thrilled to be working for
Opportunity Workshop (later renamed Opportunity
Partners) at their new Minnetonka site. His strong
work ethic and personal identity required a job and
a paycheck and he frequently announced, “I’m a
working man!” and “making the big bucks!”
Sheridan was His Home
In 1985, Peter moved from the dorm into Gleason
Lake group home with five roommates. In 2001
he moved again to Sheridan where he had his own
bathroom and space for his recliner where he liked
to watch the news and his favorite game shows.
His room was decorated with family photos and
keepsakes, including an autographed picture of Bob
Barker, host of The Price is Right, a reminder of
when he attended the show’s taping in California.
Peter enjoyed outings with just one person, more
than group activities, with the exception of weekly
church services. Peter always took pride in his job
and cared about his personal appearance. He liked
to make toast in the morning, take out the trash, and
bring in the daily mail.
Good Friendships are Simple and Fun
Peter Macauley Ferguson passed away October 29, 2015
at his Hammer home surrounded by the people that loved
him dearly. His family and friends gathered to celebrate
his life on November 6, 2015.
4 | Hammer Discoveries
Pete and I lost touch during the years I did not work
for Hammer. When I returned to work in Human
Resources six years ago, Pete came by my office and
suggested supper at Perkins. We reminisced about
old friends and places and remembered how much
we enjoyed each other’s company. He often shook his
head and observed, “We’ve been knowing each other
a long time.” He loved to joke and tease. An evening
spent with Pete always reminded me that good friendships
are simple and fun. There were no demands from Pete, he
was genuinely glad to see you, and that was enough.
Pete was a Blessing to Us All
When Pete fell last August, they repaired his hip, but he
was not recovering. Soon thereafter came the shocking
diagnosis of advanced cancer. Difficult, sad conversations
followed during long hours at the hospital. Pete did have
one clear, decisive message: “I want to go home to Sheridan
and sleep in my own room.” Pete wanted the journey to be
his way and a strong faith helped him confidently proclaim
he would be “with the Lord!”
Caring for a man with a serious illness meant hospice
professionals and extra caregivers, and Pete was not
comfortable with strangers. Only trusted and familiar faces
reassured him now. When he went home in September,
volunteers brought meals to free up time for staff to be with
him. Friends visited often. His sister called daily, his pastor
shared communion, and his guardian brought his favorites
for lunch. When I visited, Pete would hold my hand while
asking about my day.
Pete could not go out anymore, and spent most of his time
in bed. He had to let go of a lot. Pete’s final wishes were
simple: his home, his room, his friends, and his Hammer
family. The promise made to his parents all those years ago is
embodied in Hammer’s explicit mission to help individuals
live their lives to the fullest. For all of his caregivers, it was
an honor to care for a man who taught us to be positive and
to appreciate the simple pleasures. Thanks friend, you have
been a blessing to us all.
Hammer Discoveries | 5
COMMUNITY LIFE
>>
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES FOR ALL
By Paige Garrett, Community Life Coordinator
O
ne of the goals of our
Community Life program at
Hammer is to help the people
we serve lead healthy lifestyles. There are
many components of a healthy lifestyle,
and leading one requires more than just
a commitment to exercise and nutrition.
Overall wellness involves community
integration, mental health, positive
social relationships, and participation
in recreation events to name a few.
Hammer offers the people we serve
many opportunities and encourages a
well-rounded commitment to health and
wellness.
Our Community Life program offers
alternating eight-week blocks of Yoga,
Zumba, and dance classes. Depending
on the season, the people we support can
participate in one of these activities on a
weekly basis at our central office. These
exercise classes serve as more than just
an outlet for fitness. They offer a place to
connect, make friends, unwind and relax.
Ours is a supportive environment that
removes the pressure that may be found
in more traditional gym environments.
We are currently offering a Wednesday
evening Zumba class. For people who
like to dance, Zumba is an aerobic
dance fitness program that incorporates
choreography inspired by multiple styles
of dance, such as Hip-Hop, Soca, Samba,
Salsa, and Merengue. Zumba is fun,
upbeat, and adaptable to fit a variety of
fitness levels and abilities.
Exercise does not have to be a chore.
Instead Zumba makes getting exercise
fun, along with meeting new people
and making friends. Dancing in front of
a crowd can be a little intimidating, but
folks have stepped up to the challenge.
The individuals we support inspire us
daily. Health and wellness can be fun and
joyful, which are two fundamental
components for our programs.
6 | Hammer Discoveries
Dancing to Zumba as part of our healthy
living initiative at Hammer
>>
VOLUNTEER
THE EVOLUTION OF A VOLUNTEER
By Cathy Thoma, Volunteer Resources Manager
R
ondi Pacheco first learned about Hammer in
2001. Living in Plymouth at the time, she read an article
about Hammer and the opportunities to volunteer. “Do
you want to make a difference in someone’s life?” the article
asked. Rondi responded with a “Yes!”
Rondi and Adam B.
Rallying at the Capitol
First Volunteer Mission
Rondi’s first volunteer assignment
was to become a pen pal to
Janet. Emails, letters, and cards
have continued to be shared for
fourteen years! Rondi and Janet
were delighted to meet each other
for the first time at a Hammer
Annual Breakfast. Knowing how
happy Janet was to have a pen pal,
Rondi agreed to become a pen pal
to Leo as well.
A New Volunteer Experience Emerges
This year, when the time and opportunity presented itself,
Rondi’s interest in becoming a Hammer Travel Volunteer
became a reality. All arrangements had been made for
Hammer’s February trip to a dude ranch in Texas, when a travel
volunteer had to cancel. A call went out for a replacement,
and Rondi quickly responded. She was able to rearrange her
work schedule, and within a week, was on her way to Texas.
Not only did Rondi enjoy the trip with those we serve, she also
became friends with the trip leader and staff members who
were assigned to the trip.
Rondi says, “Hammer is great. It is
nice to know that there is a nonprofit
out there making a difference for those
with special needs. I am happy to be a
part of that.”
Rondi returned from Texas energized. Her experience made
her more aware of the challenges that people with disabilities
face. Buildings are built for those without disabilities. Elevators
are filled with those who could take the stairs, leaving no room
for someone in a wheelchair. Rondi came to the realization
that she was privileged to be able bodied.
She also realized that it often takes a unique individual to
work with people with special needs and that direct support
professionals (DSP) face challenging, albeit rewarding
work, with minimal pay. This realization led Rondi to take
her volunteering a step further by becoming an advocate
for persons with developmental disabilities. She did this by
becoming a member of Hammer’s Public Affairs Committee.
Rally at the Capitol
As it turns out, Rondi’s favorite volunteer memory is going to the
"Rally at the Capitol" for the 5% Campaign. She was partnered
with Adam. They rode the bus to the state capitol, rallied at the
National Guard Amory, and spoke with state representatives
about the needs of the developmentally disabled, including an
increase in pay for our DSP staff. Rondi found it exciting to see
our government, and the people we serve, in action.
While Rondi enjoys volunteering on the Public Affairs
Committee, being a pen pal, and helping at the Reach for Ralph
Gala, her favorite way to volunteer is with Hammer Travel,
where she meets and travels with the individuals we serve.
Through her traveling volunteer experience, Rondi is able to
see first-hand that she is making a difference in someone’s life.
We are happy and very grateful that you are a part of Hammer
too, Rondi. Thank you for making a difference in our lives and
in the lives of those we serve!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE >>
If you are interested in volunteering contact:
Cathy Thoma, Hammer Volunteer Manager at
952-345-8554 or [email protected]
Hammer Discoveries | 7
GIVE
>>
JAZZY’S GOOD LIFE
By Julane Rose, Associate Director of Development and Ellen Timmerman-Borer, Chief Development Officer
You have a good life, right? With family, friends, everyday experiences,
and your favorite things around you. We all want that for ourselves. At
Hammer, we want that “good life” for Jasmine, too.
Jazzy's high
school photo
Jasmine (Jazzy to her friends) is a beautiful and vibrant freshman at
Wayzata High School. Like any teenager, she can be dramatic about her
likes (the boy band, One Direction) and her dislikes (school lunches).
Jazzy's favorite class is math and she dreams of being a math teacher one
day, because as she says “I always have my math brain on.”
Jasmine was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and needs a
wheelchair to get around. Donors like you helped cover the costs for
Jasmine’s pre-surgery hotel stay in Rochester, which was one of many
surgeries in her young life.
Jazzy Still Needs Your Help
Jasmine relies on you and the Quality of Life Fund, a fund many of you
support, so she can live her life to the fullest. Because of your gifts,
Jasmine has been able to take swim lessons, develop her social skills
at Camp Friendship, and actively participate in school activities. With
your financial support, together we are helping Jasmine live a good
life. Jasmine feels connected with her classmates and teachers and is
contributing in many meaningful ways. She is a neighbor and a friend
who makes loving connections.
Quality of Life Fund’s History
Hammer’s Quality of Life Fund, was created by Bill Bieber
almost 20 years ago! Bill and several thoughtful volunteer
board members launched a plan to help those who could not
help themselves--people served at Hammer who do not have
enough money to create the life they deserve.
Leading by example, each year, Bill has mailed a personal
appeal to his friends and colleagues asking them to give to
make lives better for the people we serve. You have also found
ways to encourage others to give. Perhaps you have decided to
forego holiday gifts, asking friends and family to give to those
who will never be able to fully support themselves.
Thank you.
How You Can Help
Each year, you have chosen to walk in the shoes (or roll on
the wheels) of those who need your support. Your gift of any
amount makes living a good, full life possible for Jasmine and
so many others. Please, give the gift of a good life.
Create Your Own Personal Appeal
Annually, each Hammer home hosts a party with family,
friends, staff, and those we serve. Some call it our “State of the
House” event. A custom brochure is created for each event
8 | Hammer Discoveries
to share news and needs with the group. This brochure is a
great tool for you to inform your friends and family and to
ask for their financial support.
If you would like a custom brochure to share your loved
one’s story and their home needs, contact Ellen at
[email protected] or call 952-277-2433.
GIVE
<<
Basic Needs Expenses
QUALITY OF LIFE FUND
•
•
•
•
This year, you have contributed more than
$100,000 to help Jasmine and 274 others
who need you.
New bedding
Clothes
Shoes
Haircuts
10%
Vacation Expenses
Recreational Activities
Expenses
20%
40%
•
•
•
•
Art classes
Swim passes to Courage Kenny
YMCA memberships
Camp fees for Friendship
Ventures and True Friends
• Tickets to sporting events
• Spending money for lunch
with a volunteer or friend
• Participating in annual weekend
fishing trip in Brainerd
• Plane tickets to visit family
• Spending money for Hammer
Travel trips
30%
Needs Expenses
+ Medical
• Tub and chair lifts for our aging individuals
•
•
•
•
•
Dental work not covered by Medicaid such as new dentures
Music therapy for anxiety
Massage therapy for chronic pain
Eye glasses
Hearing aids
IN HONOR OF LISBETH VEST ARMSTRONG
Gifts listed below were made to the Employee Emergency Fund in honor
of Lisbeth and her years of dedication to those we serve. You contributed
more than $7,000 to assist employees when they need to get to work.
Thank you!
Marshall and Dru
Anderson
Janet and David
Anderson
Lester and Barbara Bauer
John and Nancy Berg
Angela and George
Bernhardt
Peter and Julie
Birgersson
Charles and Deb Carlson
Darlene and Lonnie
Cooper
Denise and Steve Cronin
Lisa and Scott Dongoske
Sarah Duniway
Marvin and Rosemary
Fish
Marilyn Fryer
Rebecca and Ron
Furnival
Carol Gottschalk
Ilja and Sue Gregor
Debby Grote
Donald and Ida Hanna
Ronald Haskvitz
John and Cindy Hitt
Pat and Michael Houston
Vicki Jackman
John and Alice Johnson
Restor and Sally Johnson
Judith M. Johnson
Kim Keprios
Hugh and Julie Kirsch
Bill Krippner
Jeffrey and Susan
Lambert
Audrey Gail Lazarus
Virgil and Patricia Leih
Mary Lenertz
Marcia and Fred LeVoir
Living Well Disability
Services
Robert and Michelle Luke
Mary K. Lund
Mary Metzler
Matt and Marty Mueller
Al and Vicki Olson
Sandra and David Olson
Gen Olson
Bruce and Merry Jo
Parker
Mary Patterson
Father Don Piche
Betty Pomerleau
Chris Poppe
HAMMER STAFF CONTRIBUTORS
January 1 – October 20, 2015
Julane Rose and Charlie
Hautman
William and Jeanne
Rouch
Mindy Rudd and John
Craynock
Greg and Patricia Salmi
Mary and Russell Schmidt
Norman and Janet
Schuenke
Nancy Schwalen
Jane and Don Shaffer
Cari and Jeff Sheley
Ellen and Kevin
Timmerman-Borer
Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe
Sally and Peter Tulkki
William and Nancy
Wagner
Pete and Carolyn
Wahtera
Patricia Williams
Richard and Sandra Willis
Pamela Wright
Susann Zeug-Hoese
Although Hammer is not an official designee for United Way, you may still write in Hammer as a donation choice.
Simply write in our official name (Hammer Residences Inc) and our Tax ID # (41-0841103).
We are proud to honor you, the visionary individuals who have made
a Legacy Gift by naming Hammer in their will, charitable trust or
planned giving vehicle. On behalf of those we serve, thank you for your
extraordinary investment in our mission.
Moses Agbonkhese
Itishar Alexander
Lisbeth Armstrong
Samon Bahtuoh
Dianne Berg
Angela Bernhardt
Joan Boerschinger
Kelly Bosch
Dan Bottiger
Aaron Briggs
Michael Bryant
Becky Buehler
Alterlene Capehart
Virginia Carpenter
Tomeko Champion Patrick
Chelsea Clark
Colin Clark
Kacy Dickinson
Deanna Edeh
Dan L. Egan
Ashley Emerson
Tim Eshelman
John Estrem
Tom Gillespie
Theo-Wiaplah Giple
Kim Hansen
Patricia Hastings
Jan Hopper
Melissa Hutchins
Tim Janssen
Amy Johnson
Denise Johnson
Momo J. Johnson
Aljahi Kamara
Marko Kushnir
James Landt
Wally Lentz
Ann Martinka
Terriann T. Matejcek
Regan McGowan
Kevin McLaughlin
Emily Miller
Stefanie Miller
Judith Nchang
Stephanie Neufville
Neh Ngosong
Joanne Nolan
Katherine Noon
Christine Olsen
Maima Parker
Brian Quast
Rachel Revels
Rose M. Rizzi
Julane Rose
Thomas L. Russeth
Peter Schaffran
Elizabeth Senne
Cari Sheley
Catherine Smith
Margaret Starr-Knox
Esther Swen
Ellen Timmerman-Borer
Jerry Towianski
Becky Treb
Diana Vang
Ginger G. Venable
Susan Walker
Suzanne Wanous
Tara Wegleitner
Peter Wiering
Jon Woidylla
Cathie Wood
Dennis Zelee
Hammer Discoveries | 9
HAMMER CULTURE
>>
THE EMPLOYEE EMERGENCY FUND
Unique Hammer Culture
By Kim Hansen, Director of Human Resources
A
t Hammer, we believe in going the extra mile to support our
employees, because they often go the extra mile to ensure the people
we serve are living life to the fullest. Thanks to the generosity of our
donors, Hammer was able to help 38 employees with car repairs this year
so they could get to work safely, and travel where they needed to go. The
Employee Emergency Fund is quite an amazing and unique program. If an
employee has car trouble, preventing them from getting to work, Hammer
will provide up to $500 in emergency car repairs to the employee that need
not be paid back. This program is part of our unique culture at Hammer,
and has helped us to be named one of Minnesota’s 100 Best Companies to
work for by Minnesota Business in 2015. Hammer Residences is also one of
13 companies that has made the Star Tribune's list of Top Workplaces each
DSP CORNER
Direct Support Professionals
(DSPs) are the foundation of
our organization and should
be recognized for the amazing
support they provide.
These sometimes unsung
heroes embody Hammer’s
mission to provide those with
developmental disabilities the
opportunity to experience life
to its fullest.
>> DSPs OF THE MONTH
JULY 2015
Larissa Brandl
Eden Place
AUGUST 2015
Justin Monsrud
Hammer Travel
SEPTEMBER 2015
Patty Brossman
Eden Place
“If an employee has car trouble, preventing them from getting
to work, Hammer will provide up to $500 in emergency car
repairs to the employee that need not be paid back.”
of the six years it has been produced. Our employees are so thankful when
they receive assistance for emergency car repairs. It truly makes an amazing
difference to our caring and dedicated employees. A recent recipient of this
support sent the following thank you:
“Thank you, thank you, thank you to Hammer and the committee that runs the
Employee Assistance Fund. I am so grateful and appreciative for the assistance
I received. It never ceases to amaze me what a great company that I work for.
This act of generosity leaves me without words.” –A Hammer staff member and
Emergency Fund recipient
Hammer is grateful for all the contributions towards the Employee Emergency
Fund by our generous donors and our staff members. For more information
visit hammer.org/donate.
10 | Hammer Discoveries
OCTOBER 2015
Lisbeth Vest
Armstrong
DSP and CPO, Retired
NOVEMBER 2015
Kim Whelan
Royal Oaks
Apartments
DECEMBER 2015
Amanda Sortor
ICS
>>
A VERY SPECIAL
VOICE OF A PARENT
“Field of Dreams”
By Kevan Nitzberg, Parent and Hammer Board Member, Public Advocacy Committee Member
B
ack in the late 1980s and early 1990s the Woody
and the Nitzberg families got together to fill a need that
was not being met in the Wayzata area. That need was to
provide kids with special needs the opportunity to get involved
in sports.
After meeting with Parker’s Lake personnel regarding the
start of a weekly adaptive softball team, we began a multicommunity-based group that met on the field across from the
lake and below the picnic area. Parents brought their kids for
what became an institution on that
field for a number of years. The
players ranged from elementary to
junior high school students with
very diverse challenges.
As the “coach and starting pitcher,”
I either gently lobbed the wiffle ball
we used to the awaiting batter or set
it up on the t-ball stand as needed.
Whether in braces or wheelchairs
(motorized or manually operated),
visually impaired or sighted,
Waiting for the pitch
understanding how to navigate
the bases or not, everyone who showed up got to play ball, at
whatever level was appropriate for them. Each one sported the
hats and T-shirts the Woodys were able to supply them thanks to
the sponsorships provided by various local businesses.
Parents and older siblings (including my wife, Laurie, and
occasionally our daughter, Corly) served as base coaches helping
students make it to first-base (a major achievement for many),
or on to successive bases. Once in a great
while someone managed to make it
all the way to home plate! Whether a base hit, a double, a triple,
or that elusive homerun, the
enthusiastic onlookers in the
The
“Coach”
and Travis
A trip around the bases
bleachers all clapped and cheered the players on, irrespective
of whose kid was up or how far they managed to make it. There
were no losers only winners in that weekly game which, in
retrospect, was these kids’ very own “Field of Dreams.”
Our son, Travis, was one of the active members of this
group of enthusiastic athletes, along with Leslie Fish and
Nathan Schofield, who are all now together again, in
a manner of speaking, as the people who are served by
Hammer. The accomplishments they were able to achieve
on that “softball” team decades ago have continued to grow.
The Team
The game of baseball connected them during their youth.
Today these young adults have another connection, bringing
them together full circle, successfully navigating a different set
of bases as adult members on a much larger team.
They work on a hobby farm called eQuality – Pathways to
Potential. On the farm, a thriving Community Supported
Agriculture operation, these young adults help supply many
of our Hammer homes with fresh produce during the
growing season.
Hammer Discoveries | 11
HAMMER TRAVEL
>>
BECAUSE I TRAVELED, I GAINED CONFIDENCE IN ME!
Ann Martinka, Business Development Associate at Hammer Travel
“I was nervous at first, but then it was OK. I
gained a lot of confidence in myself in going
on a trip to New York City.”
P
ack Up Your Cares
chance to meet and talk with Jon after the taping. In fact, Joe
says it was quite an exciting trip and has become one of his
best memories.
When someone packs a suitcase to travel, they will
always pack the essentials like underwear, socks, pants,
shirts, and toothbrush. But, what also needs to be packed is an
arsenal of personal characteristics such as patience, flexibility,
kindness, and acceptance. Each to be used and reused, except
for the underwear!
One More Thing to Pack for His Next Trip
One of the people we serve at Hammer, Joe G., likes his
regular routine. He likes to know what is going to happen
and when it will happen. He does not like surprises and most
of the time is not comfortable doing new things…but that
would soon change.
Now, Joe has one more characteristic from this experience to
pack and bring with him on his next trip – Confidence!
Out of His Comfort Zone
Joe decided he wanted to take a trip to New York City with
Hammer Travel. New York City is filled with lights, smells,
sounds, and many different and exciting things to do and
experience. It took some convincing, but Joe moved outside
his comfort zone and went with a group to the Broadway
show, The Lion King, as well as The Daily Show during his
stay in New York City.
Joe loves telling the story of Jon Stewart and The Daily Show,
and how his name was mentioned on the air. He also had a
12 | Hammer Discoveries
This was Joe’s first travel experience without his family, and
now he has his own travel story to tell. He said “I was nervous
at first, but then it was ok. I gained a lot of confidence in
myself by going on a trip to New York City.”
“Joe found out that even when things get
mixed up, he could work through it with
help from the staff and still have a good
trip.”­
—
Joe's mom, Jean G.
TO KNOW MORE >>
If you would like to know about more Hammer Travel trips,
contact Tom Ryan at 952-277-2461 or [email protected].
You can also visit the website at hammertravel.org.
Angels All Around Us
>>
SUPPORT
By Ginger Venable, Event Coordinator
A
s the holiday season approaches, we anticipate spending time with
family and friends, along with sharing traditions to honor our loved
ones who have passed away.
How do you remember loved ones during the holidays? Do you light a candle,
display a photo, or share special stories? At Hammer, we honor and remember
our family and friends with a lighted display of angels entitled, Angels in
Hammer Heaven.
Our archivist, Rose Rizzi, and her office mate, Nan Bigot, Finance, as part of an
office-decorating contest at Hammer, started the angel display tradition a few
years ago. On the display, each angel has a photo and name of someone that was
part of the Hammer family, who has passed away. The lighted folds of fabric on
the display hold each angel in place, to honor and remember each of our friends.
The Hammer staff was so moved by the display, that Nan and Rose won the
office-decorating contest by a landslide, and the angel display became part of
our holiday tradition, in honoring our Hammer family members and friends
who have passed away.
Hammer Discoveries | 13
CONTRIBUTORS
$25,000 or greater
Anonymous
Bieber Family Foundation
Delta Dental of Minnesota
Foundation
Weber Shandwick
Mary Wesley +
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous
Greg Anderson
James Bebo
Michael and Mary Drazan
Giving WoMN
Medica Foundation
Plymouth Housing and
Redevelopment Authority
Richard M. Schulze Family
Foundation
TCF Foundation *
We gratefully acknowledge contributors who have given to Hammer.
$5,000 -$9,999
Anonymous (2)
Lisa and Scott Dongoske
Rebecca and Ron Furnival
Geritom Medical, Inc.
Don and Heidi Haberman
Joseph and Shelly Hoesley
Pat and Michael Houston
Lexus Pursuit of Potential
Lurie Besikof Lapidus &
Company, LLP
Michael and Julie McGlynn
Bruce and Merry Jo Parker
Nino and Susan Pedrelli
The Jay and Rose Phillips
Family Foundation
Joseph and Kathy Reis
Jim Ryberg
Mike and Pam Sime
Don and Annie Smithmier
State Street Realty Advisors
Drs. Mary and Jan Tanghe
Alan and Barbara Tennessen
Karole Whipps
$1,000 - $4,999
Absolute Sourcing, Inc.
ACI Asphalt Contractors, Inc.
Allegra Print & Imaging
Joel and Mary Amundson
Dr. Kevin and Barbara
Amundson
Lisa Anderson
Marshall and Dru Anderson
Avtex Solutions, LLC
Dorothy A. Bailey
Bankers Title, LLC
Garry and Shannon Banks
John and Sally Battaiola
Bell Mortgage
Benevity Community Impact
Fund
Andrew Bennett
The Beverly Foundation
Mike and Julie Braun
Carmen Bringgold
Buffalo Wild Wings
Ted and Amy Carlson
Brian and Cindy Carroll
Sarah Caruso
Coborns Delivers
CocoLaPalm Seaside Resort
John and Pauline Coleman
George and Peggy Crolick
Lisa and Tim Curtin
Joe and Sondra Dahmer
Charitable Fund
Jim and Brenda Damiani
George and Carol Daum
Gerry and Vicki Degner
Ditter Cooling & Heating
Enterprise Holdings
Foundation
Esch Construction Supply, Inc.
Fidelity Bank
Jaime Frischmann
Maryanne Galvin
Jean and Bill Gjetson
Debra and Darold Gjoraas
Don and Becky Gromek
Susan Argall Haas and Brian
Haas
Hamel Lions Club
Jess Friedrichs and Scott
Henderson
Hennepin County Environment
and Energy
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP
John and Cindy Hitt
Linda and Kenneth Holmen
Bradley A. Johnson
14 | Hammer Discoveries
| January 1 – October 20, 2015
Karen Lafferty Design
Joe and Dawn Keller
Knights of Columbus
Chanhassen #10031
Arne Kolbjornsen
Jo Ann Koltes
Rikki Lalim
Jeffrey and Susan Lambert
Laurence and Jean LeJeune
Janet and Steven Lerch
Lions Club of Maple Grove
Lions Club of Plymouth
Lions Club of Wayzata
Hosain Lipson
MacQueen Equipment
Mall of America
David and Kimberly Marrone
Martinson Clinic Foundation
Andrew and Jennifer Matysik
Pat and Victoria McConnell
Mark and Diane McMorrow
Medica
Microsoft Giving Campaign *
Solveig Misner and Leigh Wold
Morgan Stanley/Peter
Sellwood
Christy and Terry Morse
Michael Moschogianis
Matt and Marty Mueller
Denny and Mary Newell
Kate and Richard Olson
Otten Bros. Nursery
Mary Patterson
Bob and Barb Paulson
Cathryn Peel
Dan and Linda Pelak
Greg Petryszyn
Popp Communications
Chris Poppe
Dan and Katherine Poppe
Ring Foundation
Sarah Ring
Rotary Club of Excelsior Minnetonka
Kent and Traci Scholten Fund
of the Bank of America
George and Audrey Schultz
Dan and Helena Seidel
Peter and Jen Sellwood
Serrano 17
Jane and Don Shaffer
Siegel Family Foundation
Mitchell and Elva Sill
Adam Skibek
Renee E. Solinger-Audette
Tom and Laura Stein
Mark and Izabella Stipakov
Michael and Barbara Tenney
Thrivent Choice Program
Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans Foundation *
Richard and Nancy Timp
Tolomatic
Toro Company *
Truist
Barbara Tuckner
Paul and Sarah Tuckner
U.S. Bank
Wayne and Kathy Vagts
Bruce Volkart
Howard and Gladys Volkart
John and Judy Vosika
Mark and Kathy Wallraff
Carla Warner
Warners' Stellian Company Inc.
Wayzata BP/Glen Lakes
Service Center
Wells Fargo Insurance Services
USA, Inc.
Ted and Erin Wentink
West Suburban Women's Club
Whitney Foundation
Wyndham Grand - Shelborne
Les and Mary Anne Young
$500 - $999
Anonymous
Alerus Financial
James and Patricia Amlicke
Janet and David Anderson
DeWalt H. Ankeny, Jr. Fund of
the Mpls Foundation
Susan Baker
Lawrence and JoAnn Barbetta
Sheila and John Barbetta
Irvin and Kay Bergsagel
Jeff and Widdy Bird
Noah and Becky Bly
Bremer Bank
Tim and Julie Bullock
Sandra C. Carlson
Bruce and Diana Clark
Cummings Mobility
Conversion
Edward and Sherry Ann
Dayton
Denis L. Harrington Consulting
DeWitt Mackall Crounse &
Moore
Loretta Docken
John Dockter and Cindy Vavra
Etta E. Pettyjohn Trust
Marvin and Rosemary Fish
Sheila J. Foss
Bruce and Kim Gillespie
Kathryn H. Glen
Gray Plant Mooty
Martha and Edward
Gschneidner
Tom and Mary Harding
Scott Hedberg
David Hess and Theresa
Dangers-Hess
Mary Hilgert
Ronald E. Hovda
Pam Howe
iHeartMedia
Dan and Julie Johnson
Sherri and Steve Johnson
Lane Jorgensen
Kevin and Pat Kennefick
Dorothy Keprios
Knights of Columbus #13096
Knights of Columbus #13359
Joe and Gina Koltes
Sheila and Peter Lind
Loffler Companies
Michelle and Jimmy Lureen
Medline Foundation
Kevan and Laurie Nitzberg
Northland Country Club
Al and Vicki Olson
Orville and Vonnie Olson
Tim and Nancy O'Malley
Mary and Michael Ongstad
Michael and Sue Oreck
Daniel Palmer
Park Tavern
Michael Patterson
PepsiCo Foundation *
Pohlad Family Foundation *
Gary & Susan Rappaport
Family Fund
Red Cow Restaurant
Sandberg Leih Corporation
Peter and Geri Scherer
Norman and Janet Schuenke
David Sovell
Strand Industrial Machinery
Co LLC
Linda and Bob Tomaschko
Marie Tuckner
Nolan and Anne Vaughan
Walt Disney World
James and Wynona Warner
Michael and Mackie Wesley
Julia and Wymond WesleyWong
John Wetterlund and Laurel
Feddema
Alan and Connie Wilensky
Linda Zimmerman and
Associates
$100 - $499
Anonymous (3)
Tim and Wanda Aaser
Amir and Sarah Abdelwahed
Margaret and John Abdo
ADP, Inc.
All Over Media
T.L. Althauser
Joanne Anderson
Robert Anderson
Aramark Refreshment Services
Arts & Flowers
Atlantis Pools
AV for You
Pat and Sophia Baisley
Tony Baisley and Mark Murphy
Bank of America *
David and Christine Bardwell
Lester and Barbara Bauer
Benilde-St. Margaret's Hockey
Team
John and Nancy Berg
Josephine Berge
Laura Berger
Michael and Cathy Bishop
Gregg Bjork
Sue Blake
Tom and Angela Blanchette
Margot and Jim Blewett
Bob's Shoe Repair, Inc.
Allison Bolgrean
Lance Bolson
Earl and Margaret Borer
Dave Brand
Dawn Brasch
Cathy and Jerry Brennan
Carol Bros
Wes Bue and Denise Eng
Buehler Family
Builder Direct Remodeling
Business Choice, Inc.
Paul and Mayone Byron
Candlelight Floral & Gifts
Carissa
Barry and Julie Carlson
Marlan and Janis Carlson
Tim and Kelly Carlson
Dave and Lin Carter
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
Stephen Charrier
Cliff Foundation
Coldwell Banker Burnet
Phillip and Mary Jo Cole
Alfred Colling
Michele Combs
Community Shares of
Minnesota
Darlene and Lonnie Cooper
Shirley Cormier
Gary and Susan Cramer
CSM Bakery
William and Joanne Culbert
Patrice and James Dahl
Judith and Kent Davidson
Nancy Davidson
Day Distributing
Designer Teez Custom
Tony Determan
Matthew and Patti Dion
DoTopia
Louis Doelz
Dave and Jean Dovenberg
Sarah Duniway
Elements Therapeutic
Massage
EverGreene Jewelers
Michael and Jackie Fair
Gene and Cindy Farrell
Michael and Joan Farris
Patrick Ferguson
Kristin Finberg
Bob and Terrisa Fisher
Debbie Flannery
Tom Flicker
Food Perspectives, Inc.
The Foursome
Shirley (Rip) Freeman
Marilyn Fryer
Gina Gaglia
James and Joan Gardner
Kathryn Garin
Joan Gecik
Myra Giesener
Greg and Janet Gillies
Sam Gondeck
Donna Gorski
Andy and Cheri Granberg
Gray Plant Mooty Foundation
Sharon Green
Ilja and Sue Gregor
Debby Grote
Tim and Karla Haley
Shirley Hammes
Donald and Ida Hanna
Kay Hannemann
Gary and Barbara Hanovich
Michael and Margaret
Hanrahan
Denis and Caroline Harrington
Ronald Haskvitz
Judy and Jim Hathaway
Robert A. Hensel
Dorothy Herman
Mary Hill
Shelly Hill
Daniel and Barbara Hoffman
Erin Holmen
Sandy Lynne Hongerholt
Ben Horsch
Hot Plate
Marianne Houlihan
James and Ann Howard
Robert and Janet Huddleston
Barb Huether
Dick and Sandy Hume
Carol Jacobson
Kelly Jacobson
Perry Jacobson
Stanley and Margaret Jaffy
Vicki Luehmann and Frank
Janes
Amy and Craig Jensen
Dale and Janice Johnson
Judith M. Johnson
Virginia Johnson
Heidi and Jeff Jopp
Richard and Kathy Jordan
Judd Frost Clothiers, Inc.
Julie Jurrjens
Leonard Juster
Jay Kasdan
Anne Lynn Kelley
Kim Keprios
David and Susan Kibler
Kimberly Clark Foundation *
Kristine Kircher
Hugh and Julie Kirsch
Dan H. Klein
Barbara and David Kleist
Vicki Klima
Knights of Columbus #13506
Knights of Columbus #3949
Mike Kogelis
George Krozser
Dena Kuenzel
Emilie Kuenzel
Lafayette Club
Gabby Lambert
Paul and Falen Lambert
James Lassell
Mark and Joni Lauffenburger
Virgil and Patricia Leih
Mary Leisz
Sher and Roger Leksen
Teresa Lenertz
Marcia and Fred LeVoir
Steve and Katie LeVoir
Herbert and Kathie Levy
Lili Salon Spa
Living Well Disability Services
Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King &
Stageberg PA
Robert and Michelle Luke
Bill Luther and Janet Robert
Marie Mack
Robert and Ardell Mack
Elizabeth Mansfield
Marriott City Center
Massage Energy Therapy Inc.
Marcia Massee
Michael Mattson
Kerri and Travis McAfoos
Edward McConville
John McCoy
Kevin McCoy
James and Adriana Metz
John Meyer
Midwest Financial Search
Kathy and Tom Miller Family
Foundation
Ross and Darcy Miller
Richard and Susan Milteer
Minneapolis Elks Lodge 44
Minneapolis Portfolio Group
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Twins
J. Keith and Marilyn Moyer
Renee Mueller
Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino
Mike and Karen Nelson
Paul Ness
New Reflections Salon
Kenneth and Kathy Noblet
Sandra and David Olson
Lillian Orenstein
Mark and Robin Osmanski
Pakor, Inc
Joe Parker
Doug and Marilyn Paul
Catherine Paulson
Jeff and Ellen Pearson
Bill Perrine
Lois Peterson
Mary Kaye Pfau
Susan and Greg Pfeiffer
Father Don Piche
Betty Pomerleau
Maureen Pranhofer
Kelly Putney
Abe Quiring
Cheryl and Geoffrey Raile
William Rebholz
Redstone
Matt Retterath
H.G. and Kimberly Reynolds
Linda and Michael Richardson
Dick and Jaye Richter
Riedell Shoes
Mark and Helene Roback
Wayne and Jennifer
Rosengren
William and Jeanne Rouch
Mindy Rudd and John
Craynock
Carole Sayer
Nathan Schofield
Rita Schofield
David and Marcy Schuh
Nancy Schwalen
Kristin Seibold
Select Ride
Paul and Marilyn Serber
David Shimota
John and Francoise Shirley
Jill and Steven Sicheneder
Thomas and LeAnn Silver
Joni Slack
Gary and Gwen Solseth
Lloyd Sorensen
Tom and Pam Spitznagle
Mark and Gayle Stage
Brian and Anne Stanchfield
Sherm Stanchfield
Ben and Mary Stephens
Stewart Title
Pete and Stephanie Stiles
Christine and Allen Strande
Trevor and Traci Studanski
Kathy Suddendorf
Arnulf and Deni Svendsen
Bob and Carole Swales
Talenti Gelato
Richard and Pamela Tanaka
Target Center
Juris and Jackie Terauds
Barbara Thode
Verna Thurs
Andy and Carole Truchinski
Jack and Cheryl Tuckner
Tuttles
Thomas and Lorri Underwood
The UPS Store
Elizabeth and Kent Urness
Gay and Deb Urness
David and Jan Usset
John VanDanacker
Lisa Vandenham
Ron and Shirley Vescio
Linda Vest and John Klein
Leah Wandersee
Matthew Ward
Mark and Annette Weber
Elsie Weisenbacher
Wells Fargo
Wellspring Health Center
Keith and Willie Mae
Westbrook
Michael Westergreen
Kathryn White
Patricia Williams
Thomas and Rose Winkels
Mary Ann and John Wolters
Margaret Wong
Julie Wood
Karen and Scott Wooldridge
Rick and Mary Worringer
Pamela Wright
Lori Wurth
Wyndham Grand Chicago Riverfront
Chuck and Kitty Yancey
Bill and Bonnie Young
Zerorez
Under $100
Anonymous
A la Mode Boutique and
Nail Spa
Donald Abel
Al Vento
William and Diane Allen
Amazon Smile
Gervae Anderson
Jody L. Anderson
Steven and Mary Jean
Babcock
Barbette
Sharon Barrett
Stephen and Charlene Barron
Susan Becker
Virginia Beckett
Matthew and Stephanie Beebe
James and LeeAnn Belski
Louis and Sandra Bennett
Matt Berg
Rodney Bernu
Best Buy *
Peter and Julie Birgersson
Mark Blazei
Blue Plate Restaurants
Erin Boerschel
Kari and David Boese
Jeffrey and Sarah Boggess
Jane Bolter
Mark and Sara Bonk
Earl Borene
While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our donor records, errors occasionally occur. If your name
has been omitted, misspelled or misplaced, please accept our apologies and contact Cari at 952-277-2454.
Alvin and Janice
Bottineau
Nita Bradford
Breadsmith
Chris and Tracy Brewer
Joan and Quincy Brown
Kristina BruggemanMaag
Brunswick Zone XL
Bryant Lake Bowl
Jennifer Buchanan
Kenneth and Laurie
Buckeye
Erin Buntain
Cafe Latte
Cannon River Winery
Charles and Deb Carlson
Scott and Gerda Carlson
Harold and Marilyn
Christensen
Glenda Condon
Joyce Holt Conley
Patrick Conry
Scott and Deborah
Cooper
Sue and Denny Cota
Ed Cracraft
CRAVE
Denise and Steve Cronin
Cub Foods
Lt. Andrew Daum
John and Rebecca Davis
Margaret Davis
Dean DeGroot
Stacey Dekalb
Nancy Dorau
Peggy Douglas
The Dressel Family
James and Norma Driver
Gretchen Dullinger
Daniel Duty
Edina Grill
Eric Eischens
Excelsior Brewing
Company
Fat Lorenzos
Jennifer and Johnny
Fils'Aime
Duane Findstad
Mitchell and Marjorie
Fink
Cheryl Fischer
Harry and Elizabeth
Fischman
Leslie Fish
Patricia A. Fleming
Steven and Julie
Friedman
Fulton Brewery
Future Funds ATM
Gandhi Mahal
George and the Dragon
Will Gharrity
Gianni's Steakhouse
John Giblin and Randee
Held
Knute and Joann
Gilbertson
Diane Gillespie
Gina Maria's Pizza
Sara Givand
Gold Nugget Tavern
and Grille
Esther Goldberg
Marlene Goldberg
Carol Gottschalk
Therese Grina
Sylvia Grismer
Grizzly's Wood-Fired
Grill
Shirley and Lowen
Grodnick
Zaimah Hakim
Wes Hamilton
Thomas and Donna
Hanrahan
Ron and Linda Hanson
Maureen Harrington
Gary and Laura Hawley
Hennepin Theatre Trust
Thomas and Linda
Herdale
Bradley Herman
Rose Hexum
Angela and Cole
Hickman
Cole and Katherine
Hickman
Janine Hogan
Dave Hornung
Sandra Hougan
John Hovren
Kent and Marilyn Howe
Thomas and Sharon
Hughes
Kay Hunt
Dr. Heather H. Huseby
Ichiban Japanese Steak
House
Vicki Jackman
Richard and Kathleen
Jackson
Jade Fountain Chinese
Restaurant
Noel and Ruth Jagolino
Meghan Jahnke
Susan Jans
Constance Jennison
Jimmy John's
Brian and Kelly Johnson
Bruce Johnson
Larry and Mary Johnson
Restor and Sally
Johnson
Steve and Marion Kahn
Melody Kannas
Sharon Kapeluck
Jeff and Raleigh Karatz
Hilary Kershberg
Michael and Mary King
Gerald Konietzko
Bill Krippner
Emmet and Norma Kurtz
Don and Elaine Lange
Kelly Larmon
Philip and Joann Larson
Robert and Sue Latham
Audrey Gail Lazarus
Andy and Rachel Lee
Kevin and Kathleen
Leighton
Mary Lenertz
Dr. Richard and Joan
Lentz
Let's Dish
David and Laurie Levi
Gayle Lightowler
Lions Tap
Mary Lou Loacker
Mary Margaret LoahrWright
Kristin Lofquist
Dr. Tony Lopez
Corey Luke
Mary K. Lund
Steven and Janice
Lundquist
Lunds & Byerly's
Ginger Luoma Anderson
Alicia Luther
Lydia Mackenzie
Maggies Family
Restaurant
Jenny Makovsky
Julie Manworren
Martin's
Jay and Jan Matykiewicz
Maynard's Restaurant
Jeanette McChesney
McCormick's
Terry and Mark
McFarland
Jim and Robin McWethy
Melting Pot
Dwight and Roberta
Merryman
Danforth Messerly
Mary Metzler
Mathew and Laurie
Meyers
Mid America Festivals
Mill Valley Kitchen
Barry and Mary Jo Miller
RJ Mitchellette
Jessica Moland
Jay Molter
Frederick Moore and
Patricia Pfeifer
Skeeter Moore
Tyler and Beth Morrison
Joe Mueller
James and Kathryn
Murphy
John Murphy
Clareyse Nelson
David Nelson
Sharon Nelson
Kurt Nowacki
Gen Olson
Dr. Susan Olson
Cathy Otto
Oxendale's Market
Rondi P. Pacheco
Betsy and Bruce
Pankonin
Paradise Charter Cruises
Pat's Tap
Peace Coffee
Daniel Pearl
Barbara Pearson
Penn Cycle and Fitness
Mary Ann Pfeiffer
Joe Piersak
Mary Plant
Patricia Pocrnich
Michael and Renee
Popkin
Glen and Kim Prodahl
Deborah Rada
Red Stag Supperclub
Allen and LaVonne
Ribbe
Ribiki Cheese, Ltd
Roasted Pear
Mary Roek
Fredric and Andrea Rose
Audrae Rosenzweig
Kim Ryan
Marvin and Judy Saarela
Sakana Sushi and Bistro
Bar
Greg and Patricia Salmi
Janice Sanner
Jill Sato
Delores Schlaifer
Mary and Russell
Schmidt
Dr. Marvin and Stefanie
Segal
Dewey Senneseth
Josh and Jessica Senso
Ina Shaughnessy
Perry and Loreen
Silverman
Skin Therapease
Forrest Smith
Mary Smith
Patty and Greg Solum
Mary Ellen Sparrow
Mary Stage
Stages Theatre
Lee Stephenson
David Stevenson and
Carolyn Hartwigson
Katherine Steward
Derek Strande
Sun & Slope Outfitters
Surley Brewing
Peggy Swanson
Juanita Sweet
Cheryl Sykora
James Theros and
Kathryn Dowling
Art and Mary Thole
Tiny Acorn Portraits
Tonkadale Greenhouse
Jan Traff
Trenk Mechanic LC
Frank and Toodie
Trestman
S. L. and S. D. Truempi
Shirley Truempi
Frank Tsuchiya
Sally and Peter Tulkki
Ellie Tungseth
Clay and Adele Tutland
Dave and Jodine Urdahl
Dennis and Margaret
Valentyn
Valle d'Or Town Home
Neighbors
Claudia and Douglas
Vendel
Francisca Villamil
William and Nancy
Wagner
Pete and Carolyn
Wahtera
Allison Warner
Amy Wartick
Wayzata Bar & Grill
Jacqueline Weinzetl
Robert and Susan White
Brad Wicklund
Paul and Janice
Wicklund
T.A. Willems
Brian and Jona Williams
Richard and Sandra
Willis
Guyle and Barbara Wills
Peter and Judy Wolf
Amanda Ylvisaker
Susann Zeug-Hoese
The Zumbusch Family
ALVINA HAMMER
HERITAGE SOCIETY
We are proud to honor you, the visionary individuals who
have made a Legacy Gift by naming Hammer in their
will, charitable trust or planned giving vehicle. On behalf
of those we serve, thank you for your extraordinary
investment in our mission.
Anonymous (3)
**Leonard Aase +
Lisa M. Anderson
Margaret and James + Argall
Steven Argall Trust
Lisbeth and Mark Armstrong
Dorothy A. Bailey
Leigh Bailey
Angela and George Bernhardt
Richard and Judith Corson
Judith and Kent Davidson
Rosemary and Marvin Fish
Shirley (Rip) and Ted + Freeman
Jean and Bill Gjetson
Don and Heidi Haberman
**Claire and Don + Hinrichs
Beulah + and Ingvald + Hongerholt
Dean Hongerholt Trust
Pat and Michael Houston
**Mary Ann and Jack + Huddleston
Bill and Joan + Krippner
Laura Langer
If you are interested in
Robert and Michele Luke
learning more about
Jill and Lewis Mithun
making a planned gift
Jean and Tim + Nelson
Bruce and Merry Jo Parker
to Hammer, please
**Robert M. Reed + Trust
visit our website or call
LaVonne and Allen Ribbe
Ellen at 952-277-2433.
**Clara Schonlau +
Elaine and Marshall + Siegel
Don and Annie Smithmier
Deloris + and Wallace + Solseth
Ellen and Kevin Timmerman-Borer
Barbara A. Tuckner
**Grace + and Paul + Voetmann
Pete and Carolyn Wahtera
**Mary Wesley +
** Legacy gift received
Bold type = new to Heritage Society
+ Deceased
Red type = Monthly Electronic Transfer Contributors
* Matching Gift Company
+ Deceased
HONORARIUMS AND MEMORIALS | May 16 – October 20, 2015
In Honor of
Christopher Blasewitz
Tom and Laura Stein
Marie Byron
Paul and Mayone Byron
Ted Deikel
Ronald Haskvitz
Leslie Fish
Susan Becker
Marlene Goldberg
Sue Oreck
Lillian Orenstein
Joe and Kathy Reis
Virginia Beckett
Cathy Schubilski
Mary and Russell Schmidt
Beth Siewert
Audrae Rosenzweig
Amy Sovell
David Sovell
Elle Furnival
Marvin and Judy Saarela
Suzanne Wanous
Marilyn Fryer
Cindy Garin
Kathryn Garin
Robin Westergreen
Michael Westergreen
Hammer Staff
Gerald and Katherine Roehl
Brenda Damiani
Gina Damiani
Mary Damiani
Peggy Damiani
Romona Damiani
Josephine Berge
Claire Hinrichs
Sandra Hougan
Don and Elaine Lange
Dean Hongerholt
Michael and Cathy Bishop
Elaine Jabenis
Scott and Deborah Cooper
Pat McConnell
Robert and Ardell Mack
Pat, Victoria and Michelle
McConnell
Atlantis Pools
Michael Oreck
Paul and Marilyn Serber
Sammi and Brandon
Marshall and Julie Oreck
Mark Weiss
Michael and Sue Oreck
Ginger Bell
Marja Engler
Leroy and Miriam Kieffer
Joyce and Stuart Newman
Marcia Pinkus
Paul and Melissa Siegel
Shirely Ziptin
Elaine Siegel
In Memory of
Lynn Aase
Karole Whipps
Kelly Bonk
Mark and Sara Bonk
Kate Budd
Whitney Foundation Wheelock Whitney
Flora Burandt
Renee Mueller
John and Andrea Casey
Greg and Janet Gillies
Donald George
Gervae Anderson
Jeremy Grecula
Barbara Thode
Alvina Hammer
Kathryn H. Glen
Janet Haskvitz
James and LeeAnn Belski
Louis and Sandra Bennett
The Beverly Foundation
Jane Bolter
Harold and Marilyn
Christensen
Phillip and Mary Jo Cole
Stacey Dekalb
Cheryl Fischer
Harry and Elizabeth
Fischman
Steven and Julie Friedman
John Giblin and Randee Held
Therese Grina
Sylvia Grismer
Gary and Laura Hawley
Shelly Hill
Kay Hunt
Dr. Heather H. Huseby
Larry and Mary Johnson
Bruce Johnson
Leonard Juster
Emmet and Norma Kurtz
David and Laurie Levi
Lommen, Abdo, Cole, King &
Stageberg PA
Minneapolis Portfolio Group
David Nelson
Barbara Pearson
Glen and Kim Prodahl
Kelly Putney
Fredric and Andrea Rose
Delores Schlaifer
Dr. Marvin and Stefanie Segal
John and Francoise Shirley
Juanita Sweet
James Theros and Kathryn
Dowling
Frank and Toodie Trestman
S. L. and S. D. Truempi
Shirley Truempi
Brad Wicklund
T.A. Willems
Peter and Judy Wolf
Donovan Hinrichs
Rick and Mary Worringer
Beulah Hongerholt
Michael and Cathy Bishop
Beth Kato's Brother
Marvin and Rosemary Fish
Terry Kirsch
Myra Giesener
Jessica Moland
Deborah Rada
Bob Koltes
Don and Becky Gromek
Jo Ann Koltes
Christine and Allan Strande
Margaret Mattson
Shirley Cormier
Barry and Mary Jo Miller
Gladys Maxson
Juris and Jackie Terauds
Sue Murray
Alan and Barbara Tennessen
Thomas Potter
Gervae Anderson
Don Rosen
Scott and Deborah Cooper
Missy Sehnert
Duane Findstad
Lee Stephenson
Betty Lou Snyder
Nancy Dolan
Claudia and Douglas Vendel
Bill Swanson
Judy and Jim Hathaway
Barry and Mary Jo Miller
John Murphy
James and Kathryn Murphy
Dennis and Margaret
Valentyn
Marlene Tombers
Rose M. Rizzi
Robert Westergreen
Valle d'Or Town Home
Neighbors
Miriam Wexler
Patty and Greg Solum
Ann Carr
Gordon Elleby
Bob Griffiths
Janet Kopietz
Kathy Lewis
Jane Lick
Bill Pepper
Jere Urista
Shirley (Rip) Freeman
Paul Molzahn
Phyllis Normand
Claudia Porter
Renee Mueller
Elliot Royce
Nathan Schwartz
Eva Taran
Michael and Sue Oreck
Jim Finney
Don Rudd
Jeff and Ellen Pearson
Hammer Discoveries | 15
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
TWIN CITIES, MN
PERMIT NO. 31688
Hammer Residences, Inc.
1909 East Wayzata Blvd.
Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 473-1261
hammer.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Please mail all versions of duplicates, deletions and incorrect addresses to Hammer.
Contact Cari Sheley at 952-277-2454 or [email protected] with questions.
HAMMER HIGHLIGHTS
1
10% post consumer
recovered content
2
>>
REACH FOR RALPH 2016
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, July 14, 2016
AUGUST
JJ HILL DAYS 2015
We have outgrown Nicollet Island
Pavillion and are excited to move
to Earle Brown Heritage Center.
Plan to join us with your friends and
family to fill ample space and enjoy
the beautiful outdoor patio to make
Reach for Ralph 2016 the best yet.
Again this year, Hammer took
part in Wayzata’s largest
community event, JJ Hill Days
2015. Thanks to everyone who
stopped by our booth and
painted Ralph statues. It was
great to see you. The parade was also a big hit
along with the food and community engagement.
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3
SEPTEMBER
SAVE THE DATE!
HAMMER’S FAMILY DAY PICNIC
Saturday,
September 17, 2016
OCTOBER
LISBETH VEST ARMSTRONG'S RETIREMENT
Best wishes on your next chapter
Lisbeth! Thank you for your
service to Hammer and your
dedication and support for
the people we serve.
We had a successful family
day picnic this year…and
already have the date set
for 2016. Save the date!
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6
DELTA DENTAL OF MINNESOTA FOUNDATION
NOVEMBER
GIVE TO THE MAX DAY 2015
Equal Opportunity Employer
We greatly appreciate the generosity of our supporters
during this year’s Give to the Max Day! You helped us reach
our goal, raising over $79,000. Thank you. This money
will help us to continue
our mission to provide
adults and children with
developmental disabilities
the opportunity to live life
to its fullest.
Hammer Received a $25,000 Delta Dental
Grant and Declared 2016 the Year of the Smile!
The $25K Delta Dental Grant will help the people
we support achieve good oral health
in 2016. We believe each person
we serve should have access to the
resources to achieve a healthy and
bright smile that that comes from
consistent daily oral health.
Hammer: Because everyone deserves to experience life to its fullest.