Care Center News

David Stewart arrived on the Church of Christ Care Center campus from his Nashville home, as the Interim CEO. This was just a few months before the Coronavirus became a household word. He had some quick learning to do. Technically, David is from Brent-wood, Tennessee, in the southeast suburb of Nashville. He is the creative owner of a private company where he is an independent management consultant for senior care communities. His past work focus has not been about protecting residents from the dangerous COVID-19 menace. But life has a way of introducing new challenges. When asked by the board to serve as Interim CEO for a few months while searching for a permanent CEO, David thought it was plausible. However, he and his wife, Cheryl, did not want to make the move to Michigan as their son, Ian, is still in high school. So, he agreed to commute to Michigan to work during the week and travel home on weekends. This would not be ideal, but seemed workable. So, David would help sustain this important work until a permanent person was found. (continued on page 5)

What’s New?

• Focus on David Stewart, as permanent CEO

• Philanthropy successes

and Challenges • Strange, but happy story

about Sarah and Elda! • COVID-19 Focus • New staff on campus • How do you define a year

with COVID-19 present? • A new title for Patti

Jenema

Inside this issue:

Care Center News

CEO Story 1

Doug’s Column 2

3

4

5

A Staff Focus 6

Church of Christ Care Center, 23575 15 Mile Road, Clinton Township MI 48035

Phone: 586-791-2470 website: www.cofccc.org email: [email protected]

FALL NEWSLETTER 2020

INTERIM STATUS REMOVED!!

David Stewart with Golf Sponsor and Advisory Council member, Mike Embry

David Stewart, CEO, meets with (L to R ) Doug Edwards, Shanita Bradley and Andie Webb to discuss flooring replacement in the nursing home.

How Can We Describe the Year We Have Experienced?

A year like no other! Thank you

front-line care-givers for your

dedicated work. Thank you all

staff for going the extra mile.

Thank you donors for helping to

purchase PPE and other needed-

supplies.

See the bigger story

inside on page 5

Describing a

difficult COVID year

Feature of resident

family from past

SCR donors honored

Yes, I want to help care for residents!

Name: _________________________________

Address: _______________________________

City: __________________________________

In Memory/Honor of: ____________________

Am. Ex.____ VISA ____ MC ____ Disc. ____

Credit Card #: _____________________________

Expiration Date: _______________ CVV: _______

Enclosed is a gift of $_____________ to be used for:

Phone: _____________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________

State: _________ Zip: _____________ - __________

Please Acknowledge to: ___________________________

Other _____________________

I would like to discuss my will or trust and estate planning.

Please send me information about starting an endowment.

Please remember the Church of Christ Care Center in your will or trust:

Nursing Home Flooring

If you wish to make a gift online, please go to:

www.cofccc.org/ways-to-give

Unrestricted

11/2020

Care Center Fall News 2020

Doug Edwards

Director of Philanthropy

Despite Coronavirus Our Fundraising Events Were The Most Successful Ever!

STEAK AND CORN ROAST: It seemed so sad that after 32 years, we had to cancel the Steak and Corn Roast for the first time ever. But we had the first Steak and Corn Roast Light ever! With no food, no tent, no entertainment and no crowd, we raised $19,436 net—a record! GOLF CLASSIC: We were equally concerned about whether we could do the classic golf tournament at The Orchards, but we were determined. We had a great turnout for the event with 108 golfers. We brought in a

record net amount for the tournament at $11,638. Thank you Patti Jenema for your excellent work with the tournament. The two events together brought in another record of $31,074 net! Through these events and, other fund raising efforts, we have now raised $43,327 towards new flooring for the Care Center. We are still nearly $57,000 short of what we need f or the project. We must wrap this up before Christmas so that we can proceed to other needs. Please consider a gift to help us get this done! Thank you for helping in an unplanned campaign! You helped raise nearly $43,000 for personal pro-tective equipment (PPE), including a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of SE Michigan. In the next year, we have other huge needs and especially want to get back to the Memorial Garden and Lounge project to provide another important blessing for our residents. As you recall, Susie Carter left an estate gift to help build this and other projects. Brother Dallas A. Walker, Jr. said “Susie Carter was a faithful member of the Church of Christ and worshipped with the Wyoming Avenue congregation for over 20 years . She was well respected by her fellow parishioners and is missed by all!” The Garden will be named after her deceased son, Bobby, and Susie Carter. It will be named the Bobby and Susie F. Carter Memorial Garden.

Dr. Dallas A. Walker, Jr.

The “Strange” Case of Sarah Brady

For many years, the Church of Christ Care Center would receive messages from a dear out-of-state lady who lived in a small town of Texas. In our exchanges, a friendship developed, through the mails, though no one really “knew” her. We did not want to be “nosey,” but wondered who this friendly lady was who

seemed to be very interested in the Care Center. She lived very far away. So what is the connection? We could have simply called to ask the obvious: “what has sparked your interest in the Care Center?” She beat us to the punch!

After many years, Sarah Brady Strange called to make a “strange” request. What is the the burial place of her favorite minister while growing up in Toledo? He had last served the Garden City Church of Christ in Michigan until his death in June, 1982. His name was Hobart Ashby. Through a call to minister, Dennis Swindle, in Milan, we quickly learned the answer to the puzzle: Cadillac Memorial Gardens West.

Sarah B. Strange describes herself to be an amateur historian and a genealogist. She needed the answer so she could put that history to rest. Prior to Garden City, this minister served at Sarah’s home church in Toledo, Ohio, called the Western Avenue Church of Christ. This church later transitioned into the Echo Meadows Church of Christ in Oregon, Ohio.

The reality is that there are many families out there who have stories similar to Sarah’s. These stories can be fascinating. Our current residents are building their own stories. Some are difficult to share, due to the presence of COVID-19 and the mandated measures to keep them safe.

We have learned so much more about Sarah and especially her mom, Elda Brady, who became a resident on our campus until her passing in 1994. She loved the Church of Christ Care Center so much and enjoyed visiting with her friends here. When she decided it was her time to join them, living on campus, she simply checked herself into the Care Center. Amazing! She did not need to bother her family and just checked herself in as a resident!

Elda enjoyed the games, fellowship and activities of the Care Center. She especially enjoyed the food that the chef would prepare. Sometimes she requested something special from the chef and it would be provided. Elda’s favorite vegetable was green beans. There was usually some kind of “greasy” addition to the beans, done the way they did them in the South. Her friends learned to love those special green beans made for Elda.

Elda Brady was a beautician, but when she arrived at the Care Center, her health did not permit her to practice her work. However, Sarah’s sister Sue often visited and brought one of her own grandchildren each time so that Elda could spend quality time with either Katie, Jaimie or Christine.

When Sarah’s mom died she left behind 1 son, 2 daughters, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Thank you, Sarah Brady Strange, for your love of history, genealogy and the Care Center, which helped to bring us together. We are grateful to know more about your story.

Sarah Strange with her mom, Elda Brady


Elda Brady

(L to R) Sarah’s sister Sue, Elda Brady, and Sarah’s brother, Hugh,

at the Care Center


Patti Jenema Approaches Her Work With New Title

Patti Jenema has received a new title at the Church of Christ Care Center. David Stewart, CEO, recognized that much of Patti’s work was much broader than her previous title indicated. This prompted him to re-think what would be a more appropriate title. At the Care Center Golf Classic, David announced that Patti would now assume the title of Vice President of Campus Operations. Patti has recently worked closely with CEO, David Stewart. She works to ensure many details are analyzed, documented, communicated and kept secure. Many changes are in progress on campus and Patti is outstanding with detail. David stated, “Patti accomplishes a lot and helps us provide high quality and passionate care. She is highly committed and cares deeply for the elderly whom we serve.” Patti has been with the Church of Christ Care Center for 27 years. Thank you for your service, Patti!

Thank You for Making S&CR Light A Huge Success!

MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS FOR STEAK AND CORN ROAST LIGHT

Patti Jenema

S&CR LIGHT TABLE PURCHASERS IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF:

Mike Embry, Comprehensive Benefits, Inc. —in Memory of Carolyn McMichael and the wonderful Care Center staff!

Willie and Virgie Crawley—in Memory of Louis and Ethel Anthony

Pat Johnson — in Memory of Mabel Johnson

Peter and Judy Morphy —in Memory of Ernie and Betty Maness

David and Cheryl Stewart—in Memory of Matthew Kelly Stewart

Dr. Basem Almasri MD

Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe

313-473-1000 Top major events sponsor Himanchu Dave, 586-412-5810

OLV Investment Group

Joel LaGore

800-338-4586

Mobilex

Susan Richards

www.tridentcare.com

SSR Law Office

Farrah Ramdayal

586-239-0871

USI Insurance Services

Paul Gillihan

www.usi.com

Rochester University

Brian Stogner, President

248-218-2000

*Tables of 8 are $600 each. Comprehensive Benefits provided more than three tables

Thank you sponsors!

We appreciate those who Supported

S&CR Light!!

HealthPRO Herie

Sherri Schultz

www.healthpro-heritage.com

No Longer Iterim (continued from page 1)

So, alas, after months of challenging work with the COVID-19 virus setting in, the board realized that

David Stewart was the man for the job. He had done very well and seemed to be the person who was

needed for this time. The board of directors offered to

remove the “interim” title and urged him to stay on for

a longer term. Our care team is so grateful to have him

on campus to lead this beautiful outreach to seniors.

His plan for the present is to continue to commute

from Nashville, with his son still in high school.

David Stewart grew up in Memphis, Tennessee in a

Godly family. He attended a Church of Christ growing

up and attended Harding Academy in Memphis through

his teens years. His faith was what eventually drew

him towards the Church of Christ Care Center. He met

his wife, Cheryl, while attending at Harding Academy.

David, God bless your excellent work.

How Can We Describe the Year...? (Continued from page 1)


David Stewart visits with top event sponsor, Himanchu Dave of America’s Choice Home Care.

As this article is written, we are almost COVID free, depending on a test with one more resident. But it has been a year like none other at the Church of Christ Care Center. We are praying for an end to the nightmare. We have had many who have had the virus and some who very sadly passed away. It has

been very difficult for both staff and residents. Keeping optimal levels of proficient staff has been tough. State regulations have been pouring in to our campus and it is hard to navigate. Erik Tryggestad of the Christian Chronicle, wrote a story that Chronicled some faith-based senior housing challenges across the country and especially the isolation issues. He interviewed our own chaplain, Jim MacKenzie, who expressed the following: “Isolation has hurt us all, real-ly, but maybe on a more pro-

found level with the elderly,” MacKenzie said. “They really cherish those contacts with their loved ones.” Despite a lot of daily struggles, we have heroes caring for the residents. We have good food, comfortable quarters, medical services and people who provide activi-ties for residents every day. Things are never perfect in life, but it is a great place for people to live and be served in a place of faith. Please keep our residents in prayer.

Katie Murphy (right) takes residents for a walk around the building. They love the outdoors, getting exercise and sunshine.

Caregivers, through games and activities, remind residents and loved ones that despite COVID-19 hardships, they are there for them!


Spotlight: Mashawn Lynk Excels!

On the Church of Christ Care Center campus, Mashawn is known as ‘Shawn’ and Shawn is on contract through Morrison Living to manage our maintenance, housekeeping and laundry operations. He has been a blessing to our campus with his energetic leadership and magnetic personality, anchored through his faith. Before coming our way, Shawn was Plant Operations Director at EHM Senior Solutions. He was given the August Spotlight at Kimberly-Clark and honored as the frontline health hero for that month. This recognition program was

designed to highlight and lift-up outstanding EVS personnel who are going above and beyond to make a difference during these very challenging times. Congratulations Shawn! We are grateful to have you serving on our campus. Shawn is now our Plant Operations Director on the Church of Christ Care Center campus through a contract with Morrison Living’s parent company, Compass Group.

Shawn Lynk

Congrats Julie Maher! Former CEO was women’s longest drive winner at both the Rochester University and the Care Center golf tourneys!

Encouraging Things!

This corner in front of Assisted Living is where one can find Chuck Schuster most mornings whether rain, shine or COVID! This World War II hero is an inspiration to all who know him.

Caregivers and Front-line workers love to celebrate with those who recover from COVID-19.

Continuation of Memorial Gifts from Page 7

Muri Wheeler Linda Case Bob and Mary Jean Wilson Bob and Sue Wilson

Michael Thomas Averill and Wilma Thomas Dr. James Thompson Sarah Stovall Charles and Marilyn Thornbro Todd and Patti Jenema

John T. Vitale Carol Vitale Mary Vsetula Jane Vsetula Dorothy Walker Herman Walker

GIFTS IN LOVING MEMORY OF:

Honor and Memorial Gifts from March 11, 2020 to October 12, 2020

GIFTS IN HONOR OF GIFTS IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Care Center Fall 2020 News

Louis and Ethel Anthony Willie and Virgie Crawley Debra Barber Joe and Lori Mason Ross and Ollie Bateman Dan and Anne Bateman Mark and Debra Bateman John Bizovi Keith Ingalls Marge Knapp Edward Bonior Carol Bonior Jack Cardwell Ramona Cardwell Nicholas Carlisi Mark and Debra Bateman Ronald Case David and Jackie Case Bill and Catherine Courneya Tom and Cindy Courneya Joe Cutshaw David Barnett Karen Jo Dishman Wayne March Brenda Mitrushi Dave and Maureen Semels-berger Lynne Tersch Ken Dearment Theresa Dearment Jeff Debandt Mollie Debandt Inez Dunn Dimple Correa Ron Dye Mary Moebs Carolyn Elliott Ramona Cardwell Don and Venus Elliott Todd and Patti Jenema Joe and Lori Mason George Elsey Glenn Elsey James Esdale Gary and Debbie Johnson Joseph Ferzo Marcy Stefaniak and Virginia Sheehy and Family

Joseph Ferzo Marcy Stefaniak and Virginia Sheehy and Family Ruth Flint Dennis and Beverly Wineinger Lillian Fox Darrel and Pat Fox William and Alice Gillespie Fredrick Gillespie Nellie Gondek Mr. and Mrs. Dan and Joan Goleski Dennis and Jeanne Walkowicz Vernon and Opal Hampton Danny Hampton Jim and Lois Harrington Jim and Debbie Arnett Thelma Harrington Jim and Debbie Arnett Geraldine Heacock Jim and Bonnie Gatewood Chuck Holzhauer Sharon Lapointe Gunther and Jane Schlender Waurine House Richard House Elza and Beulah Huffard Ron and Loreta Rea Walter and Cordelia Jan-kowski Diana Woloszyk Mable Johnson Robert Johnson James and JoAnna Kopjo Gary and Vicki Loftis Jack and Joyce Loftis Gary and Vicki Loftis Ernie and Betty Maness Peter and Judy Morphy Irene Manowski Maureen Snowden Carolyn McMichael Comprehensive Benefits, Inc, Mike and Jeanne Embry Mary McQuillan Marilyn Markey

Jack Allen's 96th Birthday Jim and Wendy Burcham Joan Appell Donna Prince Jane Carlisi Mark and Debra Bateman Doug Edwards Joanne Shinsky Anna Foshee Donna Prince Glory of God Dimple Correa Elizabeth Janutol Gerald and Carolyn Gianunzio David and Karen King Betty Robinson Tina Lentz Linda Case Anniversary of Ron and Bessie Lorenzo Donna Prince Donna McLeod Donna Prince John Mikle Patricia Mikle Our Mothers Natalia Lonchyna Alexa Prince's 1st Place in Baking Competition Donna Prince Dawn Prince's Birthday Donna Prince Wonderful Care Center Staff Comprehensive Benefits, Inc, Mike and Jeanne Embry Dean Hampton

IN LOVING MEMORY: Rita Albright Elton Albright Doug and Janet Edwards Nathan and Tina Gurganus Robert Johnson Kevin and Angela Lavalle Ron and Elaine Losher Cathy Ries Larry and Lynne Stewart Kathy Whiteman

Richard (Dick) Messier Bob and Sue Wilson Marie Miller Donna Prince Lawrence E. Moebs Mary Moebs Gene and Mary Monroe Bob and Sue Wilson Dorothy Ogburn Ogburn Family Dean Oliver Don and Nell Bone Doug and Janet Edwards Robert and Kim Martin Virginia Phillips Jim and Bonnie Gatewood William Putty Helen Putty William Rabenau Patricia Mikle Carolyn J. Roberts Jim and Debbie Arnett Martha Bouman Walter and Ruth Gibson Gary and Debbie Johnson Robert Jones Keith and Peggy Walker Randy Rogers Jerry and Rosiland Rogers Oliver and Dorothy Schick Gerald and Marcia Byars Phyllis Schoensee Sandra Schoensee Jacklin (Jackie) Serilla Mike and Karen Serilla Betty Smith Norma Castellucci John Spring Joanne Spring Bob Stanger Brad and Linda Stanger Cecilia Stanislawski Kathleen Peet Jerry Tallman Joe and Lori Mason Jim and Bertha O'Rourke Mel and Diane Storm Mike and Ersella Winters (Continued on page 6)

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“An Evening to Honor” NEW DATE for your calendar!

THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021

Care Center News

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