Christian Haven Home | 704 Pennoyer Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 | 616-842-0170 | www.christianhavenhome.org

Masterpiece in the Making

When Lucy Quigg was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she and her husband, Mike, decided to come up with a hobby that would keep her mind active. When discussing the options, Lucy said she had always wanted to build a doll house. They purchased a kit for a 1,600 piece miniature house, and she was on her way to creating a masterpiece. The minia-ture house took Lucy one year to construct … but that was just the beginning.

Lucy soon noticed the house did not have a bathroom, so one of the rooms was divided to incorporate a bathroom.

Next, she had to install the floors, paint the entire house and add the crown molding around the ceilings, which took another year. And then the real fun began.

Lucy joined a miniature collection group where participants shared all their fun and creative ideas. Lucy learned how to whittle toothpicks into crayons and paint brushes. She put the tiniest of sea shells around a mirror to create a spectacular frame and glued micro beads together to make a cologne bottle. Old earrings were turned into a chandelier and front porch lights. A false eyelash became a feather duster.

Before long, Lucy decided the house needed a spiral staircase. Rather than going to a store to purchase a readymade one, Lucy was determined to create one herself. It took her 6 weeks to craft it and the result is remarkable.

One of the items she is very proud of is her Jack-in-the-box. The total height of the Jack–in-the-box is a mere three-quarter inch.

Each bed has a handmade trunk at its foot and a miniature quilt on top.

But the miniature house is more than a creative outlet for Lucy. She says it has given her

a tremendous sense of purpose.

Lucy ‘s amazing miniature house moved into Christian Haven Home with her. She still spends many hours perfecting the house with all her inventive ideas. With each new season, Lucy changes the décor both inside and outside the house. Because there is always repair work to be done on the pieces that are so fragile, and because she is such an imaginative artist, Lucy says she will never be done. “It keeps my mind active, and I still have a lot of ideas. I love it.”

Lucy is happy to show her ever-changing house to residents, staff and visitors at Christian Haven Home. Keep creating, Lucy; we love it, too.

INDEPENDENT AND ASSISTED LIVING

Home Life Spring 2021

Christian Haven Home

A Note from the Board President

This year marks the 60th year of operation for Christian Haven Home. The organization was founded by local Christian Reformed and Reformed churches to provide a retirement home for senior citizens that is Christ-centered. Over the years this has been maintained and the home has transitioned into an assisted living facility. During these many years the home has been led by highly dedicated staff.

There have been many challenges over the last 60 years, but none greater than this past year. Our present staff has been outstanding. I am thankful for each one. Due to the effects and restrictions of COVID-19 for the last 12 plus months, our number of residents declined significantly but we are making progress as new people are beginning to move in. It is affirming to me to see how the Lord continues to work in each and every situation.

Please promote our home to your friends and family. We are also looking to expand our board and would welcome new members.

We have a wonderful home that is unique to other homes due to our Christ-centered focus and dedicated staff. Please continue to pray daily for us and consider supporting us with a financial gift. We give God all the thanks for how he continues to work.

Tom Vander Lee, Board President

Christian Haven

Board of Directors

Tom Vander Lee, President Mary Erickson, Secretary

Dan Bussa, Treasurer Penni DeWitt Wes DeWitt

Ralph DeYoung Dan Groenhout Bill Richmond Craig Sytsema Dale Thielbar

Christian Haven Home is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization

Christian Haven Leadership Team

Sue Wilson …………... Administrator

Lori Strand, LPN …….. Clinical Care Coordinator

Leysa Rader …………. Director of Dining Services

Marianne Stuparits ….. Life Enrichment Coordinator

Kim Schosso …… ……Night Supervisor

Ryan Carlson ………... Maintenance Director

Dan Bussa ………..….. Director of Finances

Do you, or someone you know, have a knack for making people feel welcomed?

Christian Haven Home has a part-time Receptionist position currently open. As the first person our guests will meet when they enter our Home or call us on the phone, the Receptionist plays a vital role. The Receptionist will show courtesy while answering the phone and assisting guests, co-workers, and residents at the office window. The Receptionist will carry out other tasks near the office such as putting mail in resi-dents’ mailboxes, checking in visitors, etc. This position is every Monday and every other weekend, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Do you, or someone you know, enjoy making people happy? Good food can do that!

Christian Haven Home is seeking a part-time second shift Cook to prepare our light suppers. Experience preparing tasty meals for large groups of people is preferred, but we will train the right person. The ability to think on your feet, understand cooking techniques and timing is required; familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment is a plus. Must be able to follow recipes, as well as handle and prepare all food in accordance with local and state Health Department regulations. This position is 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and includes every other weekend. Christian Haven Home is a low stress environment. And we get to work with the nicest people! To apply for either position, please email Sue at swilson@christianhavenhome.org. No phone calls, please.

Words to Inspire “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory.” - Dr. Seuss “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill “I think goals should never be easy. They should force you to work, even it they are uncomfortable at the time.” - Michael Phelps

Celebrating with a Purpose!

Project Safe Stroll

Sixty years ago, Christian Haven Home opened its doors as a “retirement home”. Residents hoped to simplify their lives, while at the same time, enjoy the companionship of others. In those days, most residents enjoyed a great deal of independence. Over the years, we have welcomed residents whose physical or cognitive needs require additional assistance. Now that the weather is warmer, residents are once again enjoying the fresh air, sunshine, and beautiful blooming flowers in our back-yard. While our backyard has served us well in the past, we now feel it is necessary to install a fence along it’s perimeter. It will be a metal fence that allows unobstructive views, and the gate will have a passcode so that residents who can safely walk in the neighbor-hood may continue to do so. For those residents with cognitive or physical conditions that leave them unsafe to leave the property unaccompanied, they can remain safely in the backyard. In addition, we are planning a walking path around the gardens and behind the gazebo so all of our residents can safely reap the physi-cal and emotional benefits of walking in the fresh air. So, what does this have to do with our 60th anniversary? What better way to celebrate our 60th year than to make another improvement in the quality of life for our residents! In the near future, we will be asking our families and friends to join us in Project Safe Stroll. We’ll explain the giving options and how you can help us achieve our goal. If you’re looking for a good cause to put your stimulus check towards, this might be it! Watch for more information coming in the near future.

Christian Haven Home is a non-profit 501 c3 organization.

Paul is the ultimate animal lover!

Drexyl toasts the New Year!

Ann never fails to bring her sense of humor!

Christian Haven Home | 704 Pennoyer Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417 | 616-842-0170 | www.christianhavenhome.org

CURRENT RESIDENT OR

NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

PAID GRAND HAVEN, MI

PERMIT NO. 37

704 Pennoyer Ave.

Grand Haven, MI 49417

Hometown Values

Hometown Friendliness

Hometown Decisions

Spring is a wonderful time to consider a move into Christian Haven Home!

Our beautiful grounds are coming alive again and with the warming weather, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy it. We currently have some lovely rooms available, including a few that overlook

the gardens and gazebo.

3 Tasty Meals Daily • Medication Management • Bathing Assistance

Daily Activities • Housekeeping & Laundry • All Private Rooms

We are giving inside tours and would love to show you around our home.

Call Sue at 616-842-0170 for more information or to schedule a tour.