Town Hall Tidbits, distributed at Town Hall Meeting, include Eastmont Board of Directors’ actions and administrative staff reports. Notes that follow are in addition to those in Tidbits. Following Town Hall, Tidbits are available at these locations: The Seasons – first floor counter; The Springfield – front office; The Sycamore and The Saratoga – by the mailboxes. Be sure to get your copy!

TOWN HALL MEETING NOTES November, 24, 2015

ADMINISTRATION Bond Refinancing – Carol Ernst, Executive Director, announced that in connection with the refinancing of the 2011 Bonds, residents who may wish to buy some bond issues for personal investments may do so by giving their name to her.

STRATEGIC PLANNING Schematic Design - When Samson Construction comes back with a bid after viewing the schematic design of the Yankee Hill project the Board of Directors will have information about how to go forward. With many decisions to make, the Board may choose to meet monthly rather than in alternate months.

FINANCIAL SUMMARIES Michele Kelley, Director of Financial Services, reported that Eastmont’s investments, along with everyone elses’, took a hit a few months ago but have since regained strength. Part of the negative balance in the Fiscal Year-to-Date October Actual is due to October having three, rather than two, pay periods.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Scott Webster, Network Administrator of Computer Services, reported that Eastmont’s transfer of internet service from Time Warner to fiberlink via Nebraska Link will result in the system being “down” two to three hours on Tuesday, December 2, but result in dependable and much faster service. Time Warner will continue to provide cable service.

MARKETING Betsy Sheets, Director of Marketing, noted that several new residents will be featured at the December New Residents’ Reception, and commended both Melinda Stone, Foundation, and Megan Smith, Special Events/Marketing, for good work. She said that the December 16 program in the Main Lounge will introduce the artist for the Duchampian Water Tower north of the Main Lounge, along with personnel from the Lighthouse, the organization benefitted by the “light bulb project,” and other representatives of Lincoln’s public art community.

FACILITIES John Schweitzer, Director of Facilities, announced that the problem of the strong wood burning odor recently pervading Sycamore should be alleviated by the installation of an electronic air cleaner. He said that garland-hanging hardware will be installed for anyone wishing to outline their door for Christmas and letting him know by telephone or by writing it in the service book, as well as plastic hooks for wreath-hanging.

EASTMONT COURIER A NEWSLETTER FOR RESIDENTS

November, December, 2015

Volume 26 www.eastmonttowers.com Number 2

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RESIDENT ASSOCIATION COUNCIL NOTES September 15, 2015

Norm Griswold announced new personnel changes on the following committees: Residents’ Council…Leonard Hamsa will fill in the remainder of Norma Kamtz’s term through

2016. Bulletin Committee…Melinda Holcombe replaces Norma Kamtz Birthday Committee…Phil and Zodie Kaye are off this committee. Marilyn Williams is the

replacement. Shirley Bair is seeking a second replacement. Courtesy Committee…Mary Hild and Pauline Stoddard will carry on. Historical Committee…Marjorie Yohn is off and Audrey Haas assumes the position of Chair. Floor Chair…Dorothy Dolezal replaces Norma Kamtz for Sycamore 1st floor. Employee Christmas Fund…Dottie Mathews replaces Elizabeth daSilva. Courier…Dottie Mathews will replace Elizabeth daSilva as Associate Editor. . . . Dottie Mathews, Secretary CAROL’S COMMENTS . . .

Holiday Greetings to all! What beautiful weather we have had so far this December. The absence of snow is not something I’ve missed! While I do like a little white for Christmas, I am content with the 50-60 degree temperatures we are currently enjoying.

At this time of year, there is always so much happening around Eastmont. There are many special programs and events, the halls and entries are decorated, the dietary department is busy with countless special events for groups large and small, and many visitors and friends make stops here this time of year. I hope some of you have had time to enjoy the Advent services, and I look forward to our annual Christmas service on December 23.

Recently our youngest grandson, age five, called to tell us what he wanted for Christmas. He wants pajamas: Ninja Turtle pajamas, to be specific. Turns out I had already purchased Batman pajamas, so he may be getting both sets. It has been a year now since our son and daughter-in-law made the journey from the National Republic of the Congo to bring him here to join their family. During the past year he has quickly assimilated, his English skills have improved with astonishing speed, and his wit and humor are also amazing. He freely talks about the Congo and his life at the orphanage, and to talk with him you would not get the impression that the conditions there were poor. He’s observant, too. He recently told me “Grandma, you need a new leg.” I would imagine to him this new world is full of possibilities, so why not?

A huge thank you to those of you who participated in our combined annual United Way Campaign. We raised $13,771. I appreciate the many ways our staff and residents “give back to our community.” The CANopy of Joy was yet another example of your kindness and compassion for those less fortunate.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. . . . Respectfully, Carol Ernst

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EASTMONT STAFF SUPPORTS TAX-FREE STATUS

As a tax-free organization (501)(c)(3), Eastmont has an obligation to “give back” to the community. Many activities by staff members ensure that this happens, although they are largely unseen by most residents. They include the following:

Perhaps at the top of the list is charitable care for persons in need: for community residents

at the Monarch and benevolent care for Eastridge Life Care residents who have depleted their funds. Both these options make Lincoln a leader in end-of-life care services.

Eastmont employees lead the way in jointly planning with residents the annual United Way

campaign, and are active in the United Way Day of Caring. The staff delivers Meals on Wheels two or three times per month. Dietary Staff prepares,

delivers, and serves meals at the People’s City Mission once a month. Eastridge is the only organization that does this.

Staff and residents join together to pick up trash in Taylor Park three times a year. Each fall

they collect canned goods for the Canopy of Joy that supplies local Food Pantries during Thanksgiving.

Kay Rider of Seasons Program and Events coordinates an intergenerational program that brings students from all grade levels to Eastmont to meet and socialize with “the older generation.” They play games (including cards if they’re 12 to 18 years of age), go on walks, and play with their new friends. Visitors range from high school leadership groups to youngsters from Kennedy Day Care. Kay says, “You should hear the first grade choirs at Christmas time!”

Eastmont employees lead the way by participating in activities that ensure Lincoln’s

reputation as a city that cares for the well-being of its residents. . . . Wayne Stephens

IN MEMORIAM Norma Elaine Kamtz Roseline Wudel

06/16/24 to 10/17/2015 11/30/1922 to 11/14/2015

Eastmont Resident since Eastmont Resident since

10/31/2002 02/06/2015

George C. Holdren Anne L. Johnson

11/20/1925 to 11/30/2015 11/13/1922 to 12/14/2015

Eastmont Resident since Eastmont Resident since

11/01/2013 01/15/1997

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight and no vision. . . .Helen Keller

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. . . .Sir Winston Churchill

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BETSY’S BYLINE . . .

While this week it certainly doesn’t feel like December the halls are officially decked. I hope you will take some time to tour the campus and enjoy all the trees and decorations. There are four trees in The Seasons, six trees at The Saratoga, one at the entrance to The Sycamore, lovely trees in our health care areas on 5th and 6th floor, as well as the Main Lounge and Springfield Din-ing Room trees. Each one is unique and special. I think the campus, including our exterior deco-rations, looks exceptionally festive this year. Enjoy! This holiday we look forward to being together with our children, grandchildren and extend-ed family. Having small children around certainly helps to enhance the season. There are cookies and gingerbread houses to decorate, hot chocolate to sip, classic stories to read, games to play and traditions to pass down. Through their eyes we revisit our own childhood and the savor those special memories we hold so dear. Their enthusiasm and excitement just cannot be contained and is delightfully contagious. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is attending the Children’s Service on Christmas Eve with my family. Everyone is decked out in their finest Christmas apparel, beauti-ful little girls in velvet and bows and little boys who look so handsome in sweaters and “real” shoes. The church is filled with poinsettias, the children tell the Christmas story in verse and song, and the minister tries to deliver his message over the din. Finally we all light our candles, the lights go out and we sing Silent Night. Try as I might most years I can only make it through the first two verses before my dad reaches out to hand me his handkerchief. At this quiet moment surrounded by fam-ilies and love I am reminded of the lyrics to one of my favorite Christmas songs “Tonight the stars shine for the children, And light the way for dreams to fly, Tonight our love comes wrapped in rib-bons, The world is right, And hopes are high.” It is my heartfelt Christmas wish that this year you and yours are surrounded by love and experience the magic of Christmas. Since the last edition of The Courier we have welcomed Donna & Norman Nelson to Sarato-ga 428, Serge & Kay Boudreau to Saratoga 326, Nancy & Jim McClelland to Springfield 410 and Darlene Schroeder to Sycamore 107. After the New Year, Meredith DuBois will make Sycamore 508 her new home and Nancy Cookson moves to Springfield 314. Please join me in welcoming these new friends and neighbors.

There have been some changes in the Marketing Department. On November 30th Megan Smith, our Marketing and Special Events Coordinator, tendered her resignation. She is pursuing other opportunities. We appreciated Megan’s many talents and are thankful for what she brought to our community during her employment with Eastmont. I will be interviewing for her replacement in the weeks ahead.

. . . As always, fondly, Betsy Sheets

Joy goes against the foundation of mathematics: it multiplies when we divide.

. . . Paul Coelho

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TINA’S TIDINGS . . .

Sometimes a few programs or events are added to the Programs and Events calendar after it’s completed, such as the Christmas Sing Along in the Saratoga Lounge on Friday, December 18th at 6:30 p.m. Also, the fine folks from The Lighthouse plan to come for their “Act of Kindness Caroling” in the Main Lounge on Monday, December 21st at 6:30 p.m. We love supporting The Lighthouse and all they do to help guide Lincoln’s youth.

The Eastmont Choir helped bring in the holiday season at Eastridge Presbyterian Church on the first day of Advent. They joined their church and bell choirs along with the River City Ringers, whose members hail from Lincoln, Omaha and Council Bluffs. They represented Eastmont well.

.

December started off very well! Four unique groups of Southeast High vocal music stu-dents, who always do a great job, entertained us. It was especially nice to see resident Darryl Kile drafted to join in some jolly (and impromptu) music and choreography with them! The Lincoln Cho-ral Artists will come on Thursday, December 10th, their first time here. This accomplished musi-cians’ group includes resident Jim Butler’s son Curt and granddaughter Carrie.

Monday the 14th will be the day of the strings. We start off with a morning concert by the Sheridan/Kahoa Elementary Orchestra. If you’ve witnessed them before you know how exceptional they are. If you haven’t, please come and find out. That evening you will be over-the-top amazed by professional violinist Ellen Jewett. She comes all the way from Turkey to perform for us. (Oh, AND to spend time with her mother, Saratoga resident Jan Jewett.)

Our annual Resident Christmas Party, Sunday, December 20th, will include one of East-mont’s favorite entertainers, Tom Roth, who always brings a lot of energy and talent with him. Be sure to wear your Christmas outfit. Lots of holiday goodies will be served in the Springfield Dining Room after the program. The Dietary staff always “does it up big!”

Both of my boys will be here for Christmas, which is a rarity. My “Little Drummer Boy” (of 6’3”) Andrew returned from Germany after a week of playing music. He fell in love with Berlin. He also ran a 50-mile race at 14,000 feet elevation in November. He does NOT get his determination, etc. from his mother! Brian, from Vail, CO, will spend the winter here while his girlfriend finishes up at UNL. It’s good to have him close by, even for a few months.

Happiest of holidays to all my good friends at Eastmont! Looking forward to what’s to come!

. . . Tina Tyler

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BIRTHDAYS ARE CELEBRATED

Saratogans celebrated birthdays for three residents at the birthday dinner in November with balloons, cake and song. A similar celebration is planned for three birthday celebrants in December.

The Springfield/Sycamore: November's theme in the Main Dining Room was “We are so Thankful to be at Eastmont” when eight residents were recognized. “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” is the December theme when three birthdays will be celebrated.

. . . Jan Jewett.

What do you call a bunch of grandmasters of chess bragging about their games in a hotel lobby....Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.

What do you get when you cross a Christmas tree with an ipad? A pineapple.

In lieu of gifts, I’ve decided to give everyone my opinion.

KAY’S QUOTES . . .

The Holidays are here! We are fortunate that so far the white stuff has been minimal…but you know how Nebraska is . . . it will be coming. The good news is all the beauty that comes along with the Holiday. Family and friends, beautiful trees and other decorations and most of all, a warm place to live.

We welcome two residents who have joined our Seasons community. Betty Gould came to us from the Saratoga, and Janice Wacker came to us from Lincoln, where she has lived for many years. Both add much to our Seasons family and we are glad to have them.

Thanksgiving ice brought headaches for many who had plans to travel but had a ten-hour “watch” to determine whether they should go on the roads or stay home. With Christmas only two weeks away almost all the decorations are in place and everything is “beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” The Seasons residents were blessed several years ago with a gift from one of the resi-dents of enough ornaments to give each of our four trees a theme: The Old World, Crystal, Santa, and Silver Balls. They are a treasure. If you have time, please stop by for a visit to admire the beauty of these trees.

We have already had and will continue to have many Children’s programs this month along with Carolers and Storytelling. We will have a night to Tour the Lights, a Wine and Cheese Celebra-tion, and dining events such as a Christmas Eve Lunch and New Year’s Eve Breakfast. We also plan a White Elephant Exchange with cookies for refreshment. Closing out the year will be a special New Year’s Eve Party with Chris Sayre, to say goodbye to 2015 and look forward to another “Art of Living Well” in 2016.

On behalf of The Seasons residents, I wish you a happy, safe Christmas Holiday and New Year!

. . . Until next time, Kay Rider

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ONE RETIREMENT, ONE NEW LIBRARIAN

The Springfield library is undergoing a change, as long-time librarian Alice Lane retires and Kay Kile, former librarian at St. Paul United Methodist Church (UMC), takes over. Alice, a retired University of Nebraska librarian, organized Eastmont's hodgepodge of donated books into a func-tioning system divided into fiction, non-fiction, biography, religion and reference areas. She al-so developed a computer directory and managed the periodic loans of public library books--both reg-ular and large type--until that service shut down due to lack of funds. (The Springfield library is one of three at Eastmont, the other two being in Saratoga and The Seasons.)

Kay's love affair with books began when she first learned to read; it grew through high school and volunteer work at the public library. Upon coming to Lincoln she became librarian of St. Paul's large collection of 4,500 books. Her 18 years (12 at St. Paul) working with books--labeling, catalog-ing, weeding, setting up reading programs and introducing challenges, has given her a deep under-standing of library services. Her first priorities, she said, will be to update shelving, weeding and se-lecting books from a backlog of donations. In addition she wants to maintain a welcoming, friendly environment, and who knows, perhaps a sponsored challenge-reading program to raise money for the library and/or Eastmont's Foundation. At St. Paul the challenge program raised $12,000 as well as providing lots of fun for church members.

Thank you Alice, from the heart, and welcome, Kay. We're glad you're here.

. . . Anita Fussell

SARATOGA LIBRARY NEWS

Now in the Saratoga Library we have Harper Lee's book GO SET A WATCHMAN; according to the Omaha World Herald this is number ten on the best-seller list. Harper Lee is well known for her book TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and did you know she accompanied Truman Capote to Kansas to assist him in writ-ing IN COLD BLOOD?

. . . B.J. DeBord, Librarian

What do you call Santa’s helpers?....Subordinate clauses Why does Santa have 3 hoes?...so he can “ho, ho, ho.” What did Adam say the day before Christmas? It’s Christmas, Eve.

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MELINDA’S MAIL…

As a child growing up, I remember this time of year as “Craft Boutique” season. Crafting was a family tradition and every-one participated. Items were made all year long then packed up and taken to church basements, community centers and conference rooms to be sold. What was sold during craft bou-tiques became each family’s Christmas budget.

Everyone was involved in this endeavor. My maternal grandma knitted slippers, covered hangers, and sewed quilts, quilted placemats and coasters. My mom was skilled at cross stitch and would make everything from ornaments to large framed pieces. When my grandmother passed away, my mom took over making quilted placemats, coasters and casserole covers, though she never quite mastered the slippers.

My paternal grandma made doilies, afghans, crochet-topped hand towels, baby blankets, plastic mesh creations, and ornaments. Her mother, my great-grandma, was famous for dish scrubbers she had made and even though she had passed away when I was young, each relative had their stash. My grandma’s sister made ceramics while her husband sold nuts and dried fruit. I have fond memories of spending weekends listening to Husker football games while working at these boutiques. As a child you don’t appreci-ate all the time and effort that goes into everyone’s crafts and I had no idea that once the boutiques would stop, how treasured the items and memories would become.

My mother loved Christmas and one of her favorite collections was an assortment of Old World Santa’s. These Santa’s were the artwork of my grandma’s sister, Doris Yost. Each year at the Holiday Boutique she would debut a new Old World Santa. These Santa’s were designed to represent Santa’s from across many different cul-tures, countries and themes. Doris purchased them as Greenware, then hand-painted each one before being glazed and fired. Many of these Santa’s had year round placement in my parents’ home, while the others were carefully labeled and stored await-ing the next Christmas season.

This Holiday Season, some of my mom’s treas-ured Old Word Santa collection will be on display in the Foundation Office. I invite you to stop by and see the collection any time. Sharing these beautiful piec-es with you is a way to continue to share my mom’s love of Christmas and to honor my family’s crafting tradition.

. . . Melinda Stone

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MARK’S MEMO . . .

Remember how nice the weather was in the fall? I enjoyed a beautiful autumn afternoon bike ride with (left to right) Stephanie Krause, Nursing; Jay Spracklen, me; residents Jack and Shirley Cole, and Cady Belli, PTA.

This year we have taken five community walks with 6-18 residents, plus staff. Locations have been the MoPac Trail East, the Children’s zoo area, the new Union Square at 19th and O, the State Capitol, and around Holmes Lake. Would anyone be interested in walking some of the

“horse trails” on the MoPac East? If so, let me know by phone (477) or note.

Eastmont’s physical therapists have been busy in their professional group, APTA (American Physical Therapy Association). Pictured with me (I’m on the right) are Jay Spracklen, PT (left), who at the state group in October received an award for 35 years of membership, and Julie Peterson, PT (center), President of the Nebraska APTA. Way to go, guys!

. . . Mark Sunderman

BIRTHDAYS ARE CELEBRATED

The Saratoga: Saratogans celebrated birthdays for three residents at the birthday dinner in November with balloons, cake and song. A similar celebration is planned for three birthday celebrants in December.

The Springfield/Sycamore: November's theme in the Main Dining Room was “We are so Thankful to be at Eastmont” when eight residents were recognized. “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” is the December theme when three birthdays will be celebrated.

. . . Jan Jewett

Make out your Chopin Liszt before Debussy season, when you have time to check out Verdi good bargains are, can still get gifts Faure good price, not to have to Handel large crowds and have time to give Bach things you decide you don’t want.

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WELCOME TO NEW RESIDENTS. . .

Darlene Schroeder . . .

You have to admire Darlene Schroeder. Four weeks a widow, she still keeps in touch with a large circle of friends, many of whom live at Eastmont. "They keep me going," says the former farm wife, secretary, bank bookkeeper, yarn shop owner, knitting instructor, wallpaper hanger and mother of three sons. One big job---hanging wallpaper in the Lincoln Hotel ballroom--helped her earn enough extra money to take a son to Europe.

Born in Columbus, NE, she grew up on a farm near Duncan. Among her fondest memories are fishing in the Platte River, building sandcastles and eating frog legs from frogs shot by her brothers in a nearby slough. After high school she went to business college in Omaha and worked as secretary for an insurance agency. She and her husband Wayne met at The Music Box, a popular dance spot in Omaha. He was a Lincoln area farmer and the Schroeder's farmed first in the Walton area and eventually near Eagle. Her oldest son Randy lives on the family farm, helped by her youngest son Ted, a professor of Ag Economics at Kansas State. Middle son Ron, after working for years at the statehouse as an aide to legislators, went back to school and now counsels problem gamblers. Welcome to Eastmont, Darlene, and get ready to make a lot of new friends. . . . Anita Fussell

Roger and Shirley Schutte. . .

We welcome Roger and Shirley Schutte as permanent residents in 338 Saratoga. They began their move in June, 2014 after living for 43 years in their country home near Gretna, now their “getaway” place.

Roger, born in Redfield, SD, moved while young to the Lincoln area, completed high school in Waverly, and earned a UNL degree in Architectural Engineering. After working for Pittsburg Des Moines Steel in Des Moines he moved back to Omaha. There he operated his own company – Roger L. Schutte & Associates – for 25 years from 1967 until he merged with Wilscam Birge to form RDG Schutte Wilscam Birge and worked for 13 more years until retiring. Planning retirement communities throughout the country, Roger had a long association with Kenneth Berg, the visionary entrepreneur of CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), of which Eastmont was one of the first.

Shirley, born in Oakland, NE, moved to Onawa, IA, then Lincoln, where she finished high school at Northeast and completed nearly all course work for nursing at Bryan Hospital. She worked at Bryan, at doctors’ offices, banks, and Roger’s company. Their two daughters and five grandchildren live near Schuttes’ country home. The family shares dinner nearly every Sunday.

Work, he says, has been Roger’s hobby, but he also enjoys reading, particularly about the Civil War. Shirley likes gardening, flowers and birds, reading, and handiwork. They have traveled, often in their motor home, to national parks, Civil War sites, all of the “lower 48” states and Alaska, and most of the Canadian provinces.

. . . Jan Jewett

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Jim and Nancy McClelland. . .

Jim and Nancy McClelland are new residents of 410 Springfield. Jim’s early years were spent near the Indians and the Browns stadiums in Cleveland, Ohio. Through good and some not-so-good seasons he remains an avid fan of both clubs. He earned a Master’s degree in Russian History at Amherst and a Doctorate at Princeton. He spent school year 1965-66 as an exchange student at Moscow University - a fantastic year, he says; the people he met were nicer than the politicians. Sound familiar? In the U.S. he taught at Stanford University and University of California at Santa Barbara, joining the UNL History Department in the fall of 1979. He likes backpacking, jogging, walking and swimming. After once serving as a U. S. Forest Service firefighter working out of Monterey, California he has some insightful comments about that adventure.

Nancy McCelland was born in Maryland at the Bethesda Naval Hospital. After her father finished his Army service he earned his Doctorate in International Law and subsequently taught Law at UNL. Nancy is a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School and fondly remembers Mary Commers, one of her teachers. Nancy served in the Peace Corps in Chile in 1968-1969, and assisted in an archeological dig in Tanzania in 1969. She has a Master’s in Political Science, has taught in New York City’s Harlem, earned another Master’s in Remedial Education, and taught in Lincoln elementary schools for 20 years.

Nancy and Jim married in 1980, a year after Jim came to Lincoln. They have frequently hosted exchange students as a way to expand their circle of international friends. Nancy’s mother, Helen Cowles, was an Eastmont Towers resident. The McClelland children live in Boston, Massachusetts and Brooklyn, New York. . . . Wayne Stephens

Norman and Donna Nelson . . .

We’re happy to welcome new neighbors Norman and Donna Nelson to 428 Saratoga. Born and raised in Mason City, NE, Norman was drafted soon after his high school graduation and served with the occupation force in Japan after WWII. He returned to Nebraska to earn his degree at UNL in mechanical engineering and remain in Lincoln for his entire working career--first with a heating and air conditioning company, and for the last 29 years in his own business designing mechanical heating and air conditioning systems.

Donna, born in Greenwood, NE, completed high school there, attended UNL for two years and then began clerical work which led her to a very unique career as the receptionist at the Nebraska Capitol for four Nebraska governors. She has signed pictures from them all: Val Peterson, Robert Crosby, Victor Anderson, and Dwight Burney. Although Donna's health problems have limited her activities for the past four years, she continues to participate and communicate with Eastmont residents with Norman's help.

Donna and Norman met and were married after both were well established in their careers. They have a son and a daughter who both live in Lincoln with their spouses, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. They have enjoyed many trips to Europe and Canada, which were sometimes provided as compensation by the company for which he worked. . . . Jan Jewett

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CHAPLAIN’S CHAT . . . Good News of Great Joy

When was the last time someone brought you such good news that you experienced joy?

One of the great things about being a Pastor is that people share good news with me all the time. A short time ago, I was told that someone I was very worried about is doing great – her cancer is in remission! (I don’t know why I was so surprised – after all, my church had been praying for her every week!) As a Pastor I share with people in their sorrows, but I also get to share with them in their joy… and I consider that a great privilege.

Nevertheless, there are some joys that are truly transcendent. A little over 2,000 years ago, an angel suddenly appeared to some shepherds (frightening them in the process), and told them “I bring you good news of great joy… a Savior has been born” (Luke 2:10-11). I doubt the shepherds understood the full implications of the angel’s words; but it goes on to say that the shepherds found the newborn baby Jesus, and then “returned, glorifying and praising God” (Luke 2:20).

Friends, during December as we celebrate Advent together at Eastmont Towers, we will rediscover this “Good News of Great Joy” the angel spoke about, and discuss how it still applies to us today. . . . Your partner in His service, Pastor Kerry O’Bryant

VESPER VISITS This series shares stories of the clergy and lay leaders who generously spend their Sunday afternoons leading our Vesper Services.

Growing up in rural Switzerland, Pastor Thomas Dummermuth, Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, could never have guessed the path his life was going to take.

Pastor Thomas was raised in the Swiss Reformed Church, spoke Swiss German, and graduated from the University of Bern with a Master of Theology degree. Pastor Thomas’ first church was a small German-speaking congregation in the French part of Switzerland that he served for over five years. But things started to change, and even though he was fascinated with what lay east of Switzerland, love led him west.

Pastor Thomas first came to the United States with a seminary exchange program in 1998. Later on in Vienna, he reconnected with a young American woman from Nebraska. When it was clear their long-distance relationship was no longer satisfactory, they set their sights on the United States, first settling in West Virginia, and later on returning to Nebraska. Thomas’ wife Jenn, a native of Schuyler, is a physician at Bryan Health, and they have two sons: Micah, age two, and Jonah, six months.

Switzerland was established in 1291 as a confederation with four distinct cultures and languages. Although the country does not a have a state religion, many cantons (member states) officially recognize either the Catholic Church or the Swiss Reformed Church, a close relative of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Religious affiliation is primarily dependent on location, and larger cities, such as Bern, Geneva, and Zurich, are predominately Protestant.

The benefits related to “freedom of religion” are not lost on Pastor Thomas. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve Eastridge Presbyterian and loves the chance to connect with the many Eastridge members and our other residents who make Eastmont their home.

. . . Deb Davis

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LIGHTHOUSE SCULPTURE IS DEDICATED

Wednesday, December 16 was a blue ribbon day at Eastmont when the serene blue light bulb inscribed with “LINCOLN” was dedicated at 2 p.m. in the Main Lounge. John Walters, president of Eastmont Tower's Board of Directors, said he purchased the sculpture, Duchampian Water Tower, and gave it to Eastmont because he liked it, plus "it's neat; it says LINCOLN."

An entry in Lincoln's latest public art project, Illuminating Lincoln: Lighthouse 2015, the sculpture is one of many celebrating the 25th anniversary of Lincoln Lighthouse's after-school program. Its most striking feature is the spiky black rack supporting it. Artist Eric Saxon, Instructor in Art History at Nebraska Wesleyan University, said he was inspired by a 1914 sculpture, Bottlerack, by Marcel Duchamp. (Perhaps Duchamp's most famous painting is "Nude Descending a Staircase," which shows the model's multiple muscular movements.) Duchamp called his Bottlerack sculpture "readymade" because its appearance was identical to a rack for drying bottles sold in department stores. Its spiky appearance earned it the nickname "Hedgehog."

Dedication guests included donors John Walters and Julie Smith, artist Eric Saxon, patrons Holly Acklie Ostergard and Phyllis Acklie of the Acklie Charitable Foundation, and Lighthouse representative Pete Allman. An unexpected treat for the eyes from Eastmont's new work of art occurs whenever the sun slants through the tree just southeast of it, creating interesting patterns across its sky-blue surface. . . .Anita Fussel

DID YOU KNOW THAT . . . ?

Helen Weber, 111 Sycamore, has written an illustrated autobiography, A Life Remembered, about her life from Nehawka, NE childhood through nurse’s training and college, to Supervisor of LPS School Nurses. To read it, see Helen.

The CANopy of Food project resulted in a pile of foodstuffs and a monetary collection of $304 during the Thanksgiving service. John Hicks, speaker for the Food Bank, accepted the offering and the food with thanks.

The four artistic pumpkins on a table along the east wall of the Main Lounge in October were the final contestants in an employee contest. The winner was Aaron Foulk, Chef, for the Baby Carriage, second from the left. Congratulations, Aaron.

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Frostbite

What Christmas song is missing from this alphabet? ABCDEFGHIJKMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ. (no L)

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LONGACRE GRANDSON JOINS NFL

Bragging about your children is a major right of elder folks. Enjoying the success of grand-children is also good for your psyche. Dick and Joan Longacre are rightly proud of their grandson, Matt, and his achievements as a football player. They have been Matt’s faithful and enthusiastic fans as he progressed through high school, college, and now professional football. As true fans they braved eight years of travel to attend home and away games at Millard West in Omaha and Northwest Missouri State, Maryville, MO.

Matt Longacre, an outstanding player for Millard West, always wanted to play football at the college level. After considering Nebraska-Omaha and North Dakota, he visited Northwest Missouri State (NWMS), a Division II school well known for its excellent football program, where he won a scholarship. Matt played defensive end for NWMS for four years and earned back-to-back Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Conference Defensive Player of the Year awards and Division II National Awards for the same position.

Undeterred when he was not selected in the 2015 National Football League (NFL) draft, the St. Louis Rams gave him an opportunity to try out as an “undersized and undrafted free agent.” At 6’3” and 260 pounds it is hard to believe that he is “undersized.” The Rams signed him as an “undrafted free agent.” After fall practice, he earned a place on the practice squad. On November 6, he was promoted to the 53-man roster and is currently playing on Sundays.

Rams Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams says he is “a tough guy, played very well and deserves to play in this league.” Rams coach Jeff Fisher notes that “he makes plays, is playing the run really well, knows the Ram’s system, is hard to move, keeps pressure on quarterbacks and is an instinctive player.” Matt says speed is everything and it took a lot of adjustments to contend with everything happening more quickly than at the college level. This is a wonderful story of a young man whose persistence has been rewarded. (This piece was excerpted from an article in the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH of 11/26/2015.) . . . Wayne Stephens

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