starr news winter 2013
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Volume 70, Number 1.TRANSCRIPT
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Inside:
TLC’S Response to Sandy Hook Shootings
Glasswing Seminars
Reclaiming Youth International
R E S I D E N T I A L – C O M M U N I T Y - B A S E D – P R O F E S S I O N A L T R A I N I N G S – E D U C A T I O N
STARR
STARR COMMONWEALTHWe Think The World of Kids
STARR
Contents
3 President’s Message
4 TLC Responds to
Sandy Hook Shootings
6 Circle of Courage
8 The Glasswing Experience
12 Approaching Treatment
Holistically
14 Commonwealthalia
16 Starr Historical Trivia
17 Chaplain’s Message
18 Honor & Memorial Gifts
C R E A T E P O S I T I V E E N V I R O N M E N T S W H E R E C H I L D R E N F L O U R I S H
Starr News Winter, 2013 Volume 70, No. 1Starr Commonwealth is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families & Children.
Starr Commonwealth is a non-profit organization serving children and families regardless of race, religion,
color, or national origin. Founded in 1913, Starr is licensed by the states of Michigan and Ohio and serves
children and families from locations in Albion, Battle Creek, Clinton Township, Detroit and Harper Woods , MI.;
Columbus and Van Wert, OH; and Lennox, S.D. The Albion campus is a Michigan Historic Site.
Starr Commonwealth receives funds from social agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Kyle Caldwell, Chairman of the Board; Martin L. Mitchell, Ed. D., President and Chief Executive Officer;
Christopher L. Smith, B.B.A., C.P.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
Wm. Chuck Jackson, MA, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer;
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSW, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Administrative Services Officer;
Gary Q. Tester, MRC, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd. Albion, MI 49224-9525 800.837.5591 [email protected]
TLC Responds to
Sandy Hook Shootings
See Page 4
The Glasswing Experience
See Page 8
IMPACTING
1.5 MILL ION
CHILDREN
AND
FAMIL IES
WORLDWIDE
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D., President/ CEO
In this edition of Starr News, we celebrate the incredible work of Starr’s Global
Learning Network, which includes The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children
(TLC), Reclaiming Youth International and Glasswing, each underpinning our position
as a knowledge leader.
As we celebrate our 100th year at Starr Commonwealth, we not only reflect on the many
wonderful ways in which our work has touched the lives of young people and their families
since 1913, but we also focus our minds on what the next 100 years may hold.
If there is one thing we can be sure of, it is that as Starr pursues its mission of creating
positive environments where children flourish around the world, we will operate in
ways different to what we’ve known over the last century.
Our operating environment is changing, new opportunities to lead the way in children’s
services are emerging, and Starr is responding wherever it can, while staying true to the
values that our founder Floyd Starr instilled in us all those years ago.
These values and Starr’s belief in the strength and resilience that can be found
in every child are constantly called upon. The recent school shooting in Newtown,
Conn., which shocked all of us at Starr, is just the latest example of where
our expertise provided valuable assistance in a time of need for children
and their families.
While there are many unknowns when we look to the future, core to our work
in the years ahead will be supporting fellow professionals to work effectively
with vulnerable children. It is remarkable to consider that we have gone from
supporting two young boys – Thaddeus Newcomb and Harold Bellair – in 1913
to our current reach of 1.5 million people per year, and our learning network
is a major part of this success.
In this historic year for Starr, I thank you for your continued support
and I hope to see you at what will be an extra-special Founder’s Day
event Sunday, Oct. 6.
3
It’s an unfortunate reality that many of the serious effects of incidents
like Sandy Hook will occur long after the media spotlight has moved on,
but at Starr we know that our support will be needed for years to come.
Sandy Hook once again brought the importance of Starr’s work to
the fore, especially TLC, which was providing critical support within
hours of the first reports of what turned out to be one of the worst
mass shootings in U.S. history.
“Trauma is not just an incident but rather an experience that can impact
children and families significantly, not just as direct victims or witnesses
but also as peers. This is because trauma is anything that leaves a person
feeling hopeless, helpless and powerless to do anything about their life,
their safety or the safety of the children in their care,” Kuban said.
“The first 4-6 weeks following trauma is the acute stress phase where all symptoms and reactions are normal
and should be expected, as everyone will experience trauma differently. This is a time when we want to help
individuals feel safe, calm, taken care of, nurtured. Following this acute stress phase, if there are still symptoms
and reactions that are troublesome, we assess for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).”
As well as providing advice through the media and talking directly to parents who were unsure of how to talk
to their children about what happened, TLC has, with the help of Starr’s generous donors, distributed its “Brave Bart”
and “Helping Children Feel Safe” resources to groups working with children in the Newtown area.
Professionals working on the ground have been assessing needs and providing immediate crisis support,
while also preparing for long-term needs, which are plentiful. Consultation, trainings, and the gathering and
dissemination of resources have been the primary focus for many members of the team.
Dr. Jennifer Lefebre-McGevna, a child psychologist and play therapist, has been working in the
Newtown area with the help of TLC.
4
SANDY HOOK:
The real work starts now. That’s the message
from Caelan Kuban, director of The National Institute
for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC), on the effort
to support those affected by the trauma of the
Sandy Hook school shooting.
TLC distributed copies
of “Brave Bart” to groups
working with children in
the Newtown area.
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
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“The amount of young children traumatized by this event is astounding. Additionally, many of the helpers have
been vicariously traumatized from assisting in the early stages of crisis response,” she said.
“TLC's support allows therapists to have a variety of resources to meet the needs of an entire community that was
affected as a result of the tragedy in Newtown. With the donations of books such as “Brave Bart,” clinicians will
be able to reach more children quickly, as resources are becoming quickly exhausted.”
Tragedies such as the Sandy Hook school shooting highlight a wide range of issues that demand attention,
and while the debate continues as to what can be done to reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences, it seems
Starr’s work with professionals who deal with traumatized youth will continue to grow in line with demand.
For TLC, part of the Starr Global Learning Network, this means expanding its reach and providing new oppor-
tunities for a wider range of professionals to benefit from its expertise and resources.
More research, more networking and new publications will feature, as will
the targeting of new international markets.
“We want to replicate our Trauma Learning Series, which has been
successful in Wayne County, Michigan, and Columbus, Ohio. This allows
counties, cities or organizations to contract with us to provide a series of
trauma training that leads to TLC certification and provides specialized
training within the field of childhood trauma,” Kuban said.
“TLC is also looking to build on its Parent Trauma Resource Center to
create more materials and resources directed specifically for parents in
addition to what is currently provided for professionals.”
5
continued on page 17
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
6
Despite treating these vastly
different children, one model
of universal needs that will
carry Starr forward promotes a
profound consilience
of thought between all of
Starr’s services – the
Circle of Courage.®
In 1990, three leading
professionals, faculty at
Augustana College in
Sioux Falls, S.D., published
“Reclaiming Youth at Risk:
Our Hope for the Future.”
That book, in its second print-
ing, has been published in several languages and introduced to more than 30 countries worldwide.
It remains the No. 1 book sold through the Reclaiming Youth International bookstore.
Sharing the Circle of Courage model can make a difference in communities around the world, which is why
Reclaiming Youth International, a member of the Starr Global Learning Network, is committed to that goal.
Last year, RYI provided training in Circle of Courage-based services in 10 countries around the world.
In “Reclaiming Youth at Risk,” Dr. Larry Brendtro, Dr. Martin Brokenleg and Dr. Steve Van Bockern described
the Circle of Courage, which identifies the four universal needs all individuals require for healthy development:
belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. We refer to these as vital signs for strength, health and
hope in the lives of the young people and families we serve.
CIRCLE OF COURAGE
The strength-based approach employed by Starr Commonwealth
since 1913 has been essential to working with youth who face
a wide range of challenges, including trauma, abuse, neglect and
substance abuse among others.
Mark Freado,
President of Reclaming
Youth International,
leading a seminar
in 2012
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
BELONGING
Connections with others allow individuals to form meaningful
relationships that can last a lifetime.
According to the authors of the Circle of Courage:
“In Native American and First Nations cultures,
significance was nurtured in communities of belonging.
Treating others as kin forges powerful social bonds that draw
all into relationships of respect. Even if parents died or were not
responsible, the tribe was always there to nourish the next generation.”
Unfortunately, if caring adults are not present to nurture this need, children
and adolescents can look to other areas – like gangs – to find a sense of belonging. But creating an environment
where children can build healthy relationships will undoubtedly put them on a path to reach their potential.
MASTERY
From setting and meeting goals to developing new skills, mastery is important for personal growth.
The Circle of Courage says: “Competence in traditional cultures is ensured by guaranteed opportunity for mastery.
Children were taught to carefully observe and listen to those with more experience. A person with greater
ability was seen as a model for learning, not as a rival.”
At Starr, we believe all children have strengths. Cultivating those strengths can lead to higher self-esteem
and give children the motivation to set increasingly challenging goals.
INDEPENDENCE
Teaching children the values of independence allows them to thrive on their own, while building a sense
of responsibility.
The authors indicate: “From earliest childhood in native cultures, children were encouraged to make decisions,
solve problems and show personal responsibility. Adults modeled, nurtured, taught values and gave feedback,
but children were given abundant opportunities to make choices without coercion.
GENEROSITY
Many children struggle with the idea of generosity in early developmental
stages. Through activities like service learning projects, youth in Starr’s programs
learn the value of giving back to the community and what that can do for
personal advancement.
According to the Circle of Courage: “In helping others youth create their own proof
of worthiness. They make a positive contribution to another human life.”
Each of these pillars to the Circle of Courage represent the objective of all of Starr’s
services: helping youth to become productive members of their communities. A young Montcalm School volunteer
established a relationship with a resident
of Jackson Friendly Home by offering
to give her a manicure.
7C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
INDEPENDENCE BELONGING
GENEROSITY
MASTERY
In 1996, after Starr Commonwealth leader-
ship attended a seminar by renowned
author Nathan Rutstein, the organization
adopted the core belief of the oneness
of humankind in an effort to educate
Starr employees – as well as Albion and
surrounding communities – on the
subjects of racism and racial healing.
In its first form, Starr’s racial healing
initiative was born. It later adopted the
name Glasswing, a reference to a South
American butterfly with transparent wings
that only flourishes in the highest quality
and most hospitable habitats. The butterfly’s wings represent a lens through which individuals see each
other clearly, without color barriers or the distortion of prejudice.
For many, Glasswing’s two-day experience is transformative. The stories shared by participants during these
sessions illustrate the profound impact racism has on the everyday lives of some.
“This was a very unique experience for me,” said John Zeigler, director of the Egan Urban Center at DePaul
University in Chicago. “It’s so refreshing to see an organization like Starr take such an interest in this topic.
It can be uncomfortable to talk about race, and I think that’s why most people shy away from really
delving into the issue. I wish more places did this.”
THE GLASSWING
Despite advances in the battle against
racism, it remains a widespread challenge
in today’s society. It transcends cultures
and knows no boundaries. But it is not
always at the top of the national and
international consciousness, as racism
continues to be relatively unaddressed
on a global scale.
8 C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
One of the objectives of Glasswing is to turn
participants into champions of diversity and racial
healing in their communities.
As a child, Zeigler, who participated in Glasswing
in November 2012, moved frequently, living in
locations across the United States and Europe.
Those experiences have given him an admiration
for culture. Because of this, Zeigler is involved
with many racial healing activities, including being
a participant in the W. K. Kellogg Foundation’s
America Healing Initiative.
“I’ve been able to witness different cultures for my
entire life,” Zeigler said. “Knowing there are different
ways of life than the way we do things in the U.S.
has given me a rich appreciation for others. I’ve
been a minority in many scenarios, not just as an
African American, but as simply an American trying
to find a niche in Europe in some cases. Glasswing
really does a good job of showing that despite
our differences, we are all members of one family.”
Through one-on-one interactions and group sharing, Glasswing empowers individuals to reflect on questions
posed by facilitators. This process allows participants to open up about experiences with racism or share ideas by
engaging the senses, including sights, smells and sounds. continued on page 11
Glass·wing (glas wing),
n. 1. a rare and delicate
butterfly of South America
with transparent wings.
The presence of this rare
tropical gem is used by
rain forest ecologists
as an indication of high
habitat quality.
2. a lens through which
we can see each other
clearly, without color
barriers or the distortion
of prejudice.
39C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Helping children flourishfor the next 100 years.
Goal: 2113 donorsDecember 2013
Goal: 286 donorsFebruary 2013
starr.org
Since 1913, supporters like you have made
it possible for Starr to help children reach
their potential. Pledging your support of
Starr’s mission to create positive environments
where children flourish over our next 100
years ensures that today through 2113,
Starr will still be providing a brighter future
for struggling children and families.
Donate today.
11
Glasswing continued
“The one-on-one sessions are
great and really get you in touch
holistically,” Zeigler said. “It’s one
thing to have a conversation with
someone about race, but when
you’re really listening intentionally
to someone, taking into account
the surroundings, it creates
a substantial experience.”
Facilitators also set up activities
for participants to see tangible
examples of the impacts of racism.
One activity Zeigler was particularly
affected by was a game about life,
in which members of the group
took one step forward for positive
life events related to race and one
step backward for negative events.
“The life activity really opens people up and makes them vulnerable, which is a good thing,” Zeigler said.
“You can see people from a different vantage point than you did before, as a spiritual being. It’s a powerful process.”
According to Jim Longhurst, lead facilitator for Glasswing and retired senior vice president at Starr, the key to
having an impactful experience with Glasswing involves feeling more and thinking less.
“It’s really important to make that shift from your head to
your heart,” Longhurst said. “Most of the time, we try
to rationalize and think about the implications of a topic
such as racism. But what must occur is a shift from
solely thinking to really feeling and experiencing some-
one else’s reality. The goal of Glasswing isn’t to solve the
issue of racism in two days. It’s about realizing we
are all members of a larger human family, and ideally,
participants in Glasswing leave the experience
feeling inspired and hopeful.”
Zeigler believes this idea is what sets Glasswing apart
from other racial healing exercises.
“Having a space for people to open up is so important,”
Zeigler said. “A lot of people think we live in a post-racial
society, and that’s just not true. Racism is less overt
today, but it’s still there. Glasswing really allows you to
see that and how it impacts people on a deep and
personal level.”
“The key to having an impactful
experience with Glasswing involves
feeling more and thinking less.
It’s really important to make that shift
from your head to your heart.”Jim Longhurst, lead facilitator for Glasswing
and retired Starr Commonwealth vice president
“…beneath the skin, beyond the differing
features and into the true heart of being, fundamentally,
we are more alike, my friend, than we are unalike.
– Maya Angelou –
”
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
12
Creativity, diversity and enthusiasm are critical components to any effective treatment for troubled youth.
The kids in our care need us to connect to them, not through the creation of “therapeutic rapport” to establish
“internalized objects” of their
therapist to develop more
robust “ego strength,” but
through a relationship that
conveys our genuine desire
to see them be successful in
the future. Embracing their
strengths, despite their flaws,
we need to join with our
troubled youth to reset the
trajectory of their futures.
We have, however, resorted
to relying on psychiatric
medications – more than any
other country in the world –
to manage the difficult behaviors and feelings of our kids and adolescents. These powerful medications are
designed to manipulate behavior, thoughts and feelings through influence of brain chemicals. It is important
to recognize that, so far, our science has not reliably demonstrated any so called “chemical imbalances” for
psychiatric disorders. In other words, while we would like to believe the use of these medications is firmly rooted
in a scientific knowledge of what causes depression, anxiety, anger, mania, desperation, loneliness, psychosis,
etc., understanding these experiences from a neurological perspective has been particularly elusive.
HOLISTICALLY
The care of troubled youth is a challenging task. With ever-
evolving technologies in medical care, one could expect that
the treatments in psychology and psychiatry have achieved
rates of effectiveness that are found in other areas of medicine.
But there are no cures in psychology and psychiatry, despite
our ambitions to find a remedy for our interpersonal and
spiritual crises in a pill or a 10-week therapy strategy.
Dr. Robert Foltz
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
continued on page 15
Help them take their learning to a higher level.
Starr Commonwealth Scholarship ProgramSince 1978, we’ve provided 938 Starr graduates the opportunity to pursue
higher education through the Starr Commonwealth Scholarship Program.
Created in 1977 with the estate of former trustee Thomas Lloyd, the scholarship
program provides financial assistance for those students in “good academic
standing” who want to take their education to the next level. Last year,
57 students were awarded over $250,000 in fund assistance, however, total
requests averaged over $370,000. Your generous donation will help us
continue to provide scholarships to students who want to reach even higher.
Please donate today.To learn more about how you can contribute to the Starr
Commonwealth Scholarship Program, please contact Amy Reimann,
Alumni Coordinator, at 800.837.5591 or [email protected].
Within weeks
of officially
moving into
Gladsome
Cottage, “Uncle”
Floyd employed
a teacher, Miss
Helen Sprague,
to give daily les-
sons to the boys.
Twenty two boys
were resident at the
new Commonwealth
by Christmas 1913. A
small schoolhouse was built by spring 1914 to
allow the continuation of classes in a less-
crowded space than the living room of Gladsome.
In 1917, “Uncle” Floyd secured support to build a
large, two-story school building to accommodate
the growing needs of the campus. Dormitories
that could house a total of 60 boys together ne-
cessitated a larger educational space as well. This
gave rise to the construction of the Emily Jewell
Clark school
building, with
classrooms, a
library, admin-
istrative of-
fices and
space for an
auditorium.
An article
published
Sept. 4, 1931 in the Albion daily
newspaper by Albion College professor Dr. Thomas
Carter extols the desire of “Uncle” Floyd to make
advances in Starr’s educational program with the
help of the local community. Citing the need to
have the best facility and a large variety of educa-
tional practices available for all the diverse needs
of boys living at the Albion campus, “Uncle” Floyd
had deployed a newly-visioned educational unit
with large overhead for equipment and supplies.
Dr. Carter described the new teachers and new
methods in place for best educating every
one of the Commonwealth’s residents.
COMMONWEALTHby Amy Reimann, Director of Archives
14
Professionalism has always been a top priority for Floyd Starr and his “Commonwealth for Boys.” A look through the archives and records of Starr Commonwealth’s Albion campus from thelast 99 years shows us, time after time, thecases in which Floyd Starr required and insistedon the best and newest methods for helping troubled children in their greatest time of need. He engaged educated and certified adults in any area that would impactchildren’s lives and affect their welfare.
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Holistic Treatment continued
Another concern with relying on this method of intervention is that far too often, other strategies are then
neglected. For example, a recent study examining the use of psychiatric medications in young children found
that while the medication use was increasing, the referrals for psychotherapy were decreasing. Moreover, there
have been increasing trends toward the use of multiple medications simultaneously. This practice, although
common, raises significant concerns over potential side-effects, unknown neuro-
logical complications and unknown/unstudied outcomes.
While medications can play a role in multidisciplinary care, we need to remain
very mindful that all of these troubling behaviors occur in the context of
relationships. Thus, maximizing our efforts through interpersonal strategies
will likely achieve the greatest benefits when working with anyone in distress.
It is important to continue to pursue advancements in our treatments, but we
should not lose sight of what we know makes the greatest difference.
Dr. Robert Foltz, associate professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, has spent more than
two decades working with severely troubled youth. His professional experiences include both administrative
and clinical responsibilities in the delivery of care to struggling children and teens. His considerable research
and experience in the study of psychotropic medication with children and adolescents has led to valuable
insights on the integration of these treatments with psychosocial approaches. In addition to his role as an
associate professor, Foltz maintains a private practice in Illinois, working primarily with youth suffering from
emotional and behavioral difficulties.
15
Social Services were also employed at Starr
as early as the 1940s. Joan Staudt was hired to
head a specific Social Service Department so that
boys in need of counseling services could be
provided those services right on campus. Many
alum fondly remember Miss Staudt in their letters
and photos from that era and the good that came
from having these services available to them.
From the very beginning, “Uncle” Floyd was
working to provide the best atmosphere and
services to the young men who came into his
care. He extolled the virtues of having the best,
newest practices in place in any part of his
operation, be it education, social welfare or any
other aspect of child care. We try to continue
these practices today.
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S 15
SAVE THE DATE!Celebrate Starr’s 100 years of serving children, families and communities
by joining us on Founder’s Day, October 6, 2013, on the Albion campus.
HISTORICAL TRIVIA
Q Floyd Starr is quoted as saying, “If I had to keep only one
activity for my boys, it would be Scouting.”
Q In 1949 Floyd Starr was awarded the Silver Antelope Award,
Boy Scouting’s highest honor for non-scouts.
Q On March 16, 1952, Starr’s Albion campus was visited by
Lady Olave Baden-Powell, wife of Boy Scouting’s founder
Robert Baden-Powell.
Q During the 1940s Starr’s Albion campus was designated a bird sanctuary. Many birds were present,
including peacocks, quail, mallard ducks and Chinese pheasants. The birds were beloved by
the students who cared for some as if they were pets.
A few times the peacocks escaped the grounds, and the
birds flew into the nearby town of Albion and roosted in
the elm trees on Maple Street, causing quite a ruckus.
Q The total operating costs of Starr Commonwealth in 1925
were $25,000. Twenty-five years later, the operating
costs were $256,000 per year.
Q In 1938 100 Starr boys had Thanksgiving dinner at the
Battle Creek Sanitarium as guests of Dr. Kellogg.
Q The Hannah Neil Women’s Service
Board owned a silver tea service dating
to the 1940s and used it for events.
The tea service has been put on display
in the Starr Columbus offices.
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S16
Lady Olave Baden-Powell visited “Uncle” Floyd in 1952
Starr’s Campus was designated a bird sanctuary
Chaplain Ken Ponds
CH
APLAIN
’SM
ESS
AGE
When I was informed of the topic, “Learning,” as in Starr Global Learning Network,
for this edition of Starr News, I immediately thought of a novel written by Gordon Parks,
“The Learning Tree.”
The story is about Newt, a black youth, growing up in Kansas during the 1920’s and 30’s.
It was a time when racial discrimination was both a social norm and legally sanctioned
in many parts of the United States. The story captures Newt’s life – his responses to it and
his personal growth – as his life intersects with racism and racial
discrimination. I was drawn to the novel because when it was
first published, and later made into a movie, I was attending high
school and later college in Kansas. I could envision the Kansas
landscape where the story was playing out, and I could readily
identify with much of what Newt was experiencing in his life,
especially the need to personally grow in my life as it intersected
with racism and racial discrimination.
For me, the Starr Global Learning Network has become one of
my “learning trees,” especially its Glasswing component, which
focuses on the “Oneness of Humankind” and the impact of
racism on this oneness.
Within Glasswing, education of the mind and education of the heart takes place.
Simply stated, education of the mind focuses on providing information related to racism.
Education of the heart focuses on our feelings associated with racism and how each
person experiences it, especially in terms of racial discrimination. Education of both the
mind and the heart allows one to personally grow during their journey of racial healing
and the necessary action of embracing our oneness as members of the human family.
I believe that most young people at Starr will attest - personal growth is difficult at best.
However, personal growth in the areas of racism and racial discrimination is possible as one
learns more about him or herself and about brothers and sisters in our human family.
Sandy Hook and TLC continued
“I would love to provide parents with resources, training and tools that help
them with their kids who are dealing with day-to-day stressors like
getting vaccinations, home moves, changes in family dynamics
and much more,” Kuban said.
You can pledge support for TLC’s work. See page 10 for details of how
to donate. For more information on TLC, visit www.starrtraining.org/tlc.
17C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
GIFTS
18
HONOR GIFTS are thoughtful ways to
remember a special person and/or
a special occasion, such as a birth,
birthday, anniversary, graduation,
Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, while
also helping Starr children. When
sending an honor gift, please provide
the address of the honoree. We will
send an acknowledgment card to
let them know of your thoughtful-
ness, but we won’t mention the gift
amount. You may call in your honor
gift for faster acknowledgment at:
800.837.5591. Honor gifts also may
be made online at: www.starr.org.
MEMORIAL GIFTS offer an enduring
tribute to the memory of a friend or
loved one, while extending a helping
hand to the children of Starr Common-
wealth. When sending a memorial
gift, please provide the address of
a family member of the deceased to
whom we can send an acknowledg-
ment card. We will let them know
of your thoughtfulness but won’t
mention the gift amount. You may
call in your memorial gift for faster
acknowledgment at: 800.837.5591.
Memorial donations also may be
made online at: www.starr.org.
Here is a listing of Honor and Mem-
orial gifts received from 10/13/2012 -
1/18/2013. Donors are listed below the
name of the person in whose memory
or honor they contributed. Gifts not
listed here will appear in a future
issue of Starr News. If we missed your
name or an error has occurred with
your listing, please forgive us and
contact us so we may correct it
in the next issue.
IN HONOR OF:
ALAN BAKALETZ
Ms. Kelsey Bakaletz
KELSEY BAKALETZ
Mrs. Lauren Bakaletz
MICHAEL J. BAKER
Mr. and Mrs. James Query
SUSAN L. BEAZLEY
Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey
LAWRENCE AND GAIL BERKOVE
Ms. Priscilla Pettengill
EDIE AND DAVID COLE
Mr. and Mrs. Harold L. Walters
JEROME A. DIXON
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Dixon
CALEB DONOVICK
Dr. Valerie Perdue
LEONARD W. SMITH
Mr. and Mrs. John J. Kresnak
ROBERT M. FAILING
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Raber
GEORGE AND JUDITH GOODMAN
50TH ANNIVERSARY
Mrs. Shirley Dorsey-Martin
SGT. LARRY E. HUEPENBECKER II
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Huepenbecker
MR. AND MRS. MILES JONES AND FAMILY
Mrs. Evelyne Jones
MR. AND MRS. RONALD JONES & FAMILY
Mrs. Evelyne Jones
JACK KEENAN
Ms. Caelan K. Kuban
NATALIE KIRCH
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kirch
ONICA KIRCH
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kirch
CAELAN K. KUBAN
Mr. and Mrs. Michael McElroy
DR. JAMES E. LONGHURST
40 YEARS OF SERVICE
William and LuAnn Duncan
MARCELLA MOOTZ
Miss Sara Lou Teets
Miss Anna Lee Teets
PRISCILLA PETTENGILL
Mr. Robert Pettengill
JOAN STAUDT PRACY
Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Failing
ALEXANDER RICHEY
Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey
THE GREG RICHEY FAMILY
Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey
THE RANDALL RICHEY FAMILY
Mrs. Sylvia S. Richey
SYLVIA S. RICHEY
Ms. Susan L. Beazley
MENDELSSOHN COTTAGE
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Beard
STAFF OF MONTCALM SCHOOL
Dr. Joel Weinthal
IN MEMORY OF:
EVELYN ARQUETTE
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
PHILIP BALDWIN
Dr. and Mrs. Larry K. Brendtro
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
LOVELLA BARHITE
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Barhite
HELEN BERRY
Mrs. Walter Fisher
TERRY M. BOWMAN
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
MICHAEL CAHILL
Kelly Vanacker
ELTON “JEFF” CARREL
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
JUNE CHAMPION
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
FORREST CREASON
Mr. and Mrs. Walter E. Wille
JEANETTE A. DAVIS
Ms. Jane D. Ferger
THERESA DAVIS
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
J. STEFAN DUPRE
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
ARLENE A. EDWARDS
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
Mr. Thomas J. Edwards
LLOYD S. EDWARDS
Mr. Thomas J. Edwards
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
PHYLLIS EDWARDS
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
Mr. Thomas J. Edwards
VIRGINIA EDWARDS
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
Mr. Thomas J. Edwards
MADALYN EHRET
Mr. Hervey R. Ehret
AIRELTA ELLIS
Grace and Jim Colter
C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
PATRICIA L. ENDRESS
Mr. Richard B. Endress
CONCETTA FALCONE
Mr. John Falcone
ROBERT GLADWELL, JR.
Grace and Jim Colter
WAYNE L. HARTMAN
Mrs. Carol Hartman
Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Walz
MARGARET HEIRMAN
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
HARRY HELWIG
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
HAROLD AND MARY HURDLEY
Mr. and Mrs. John Dick
MICHAEL J. JOKERST
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Butler
Mr. Joe Dubois
Mrs. Cecelia R. Jokerst
CHARLES "BUCKY" JONES
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson
ELLEN MULRY KEENAN
Ms. Patricia Guarino
THOMAS LONG
Grace and Jim Colter
LOREN MATZ
Dr. and Mrs. Larry K. Brendtro
IRV MCCANN
Grace and Jim Colter
R. BRADNER MEAD
Ms. Pam Davis
GLADYS AND GEORGE MESLER
Dr. Linda M. Muul
GEORGIA MESSERLEY
Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Edwards
Mr. Thomas J. Edwards
THELMA MITCHELL
Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery W. Conley
Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Hampshire
SUSAN PANTON
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Jacob
Ms. Caelan K. Kuban
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
CLARA MAXINE PATTERSON
Mr. Richard A. Patterson
JERRY PATTERSON
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson
STELLA MARIE PEARSON
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson
PETER N. PETERSON
Mr. Paul E.P. Carlson
MARGARET M. PETSCH
Mrs. Marian M. Wood
JOHN W. PORTER
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
JAMES RICHARDS, JR.
Mrs. Doris Richard
GREGG B. ROBINS
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Johnson
GERALD D. ROBINSON
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cass
CHAD M. SHELTON
Ms. Donna Shelton
DONALD SKAFF
Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Walz
LOIS ANN (JENSEN) SMITH
Omni Community Credit Union
M. JANE SYNDER
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
CHARLOTTE SOUTHWICK
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Gill
CHRISTOPHER SOUTHWICK
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Gill
"UNCLE" FLOYD STARR
Mr. Charles S. Van Ark
MARY THILTGEN
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
Starr Columbus
LAWRENCE "LARRY" UNION
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson
JULIA VOELKER
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
FRED WEBERLING
Mrs. Fran Weberling
GERALD "JERRY" WEISSINGER
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew French
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
Dr. and Mrs. Arlin E. Ness
GREG WILKINSON
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
CHAUNCEY WILTSE
Dr. and Mrs. Martin L. Mitchell
HARRY W. WURTZ
Dr. Robert E. Wurtz
RONNIE WYATT
Mr. and Mrs. Christian Ferguson
ARTHUR YOUNG
Mrs. Shirley Young
SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Ms. Cathy Arbib
Ms. Janet Boller
Ms. Jessica Burkholder
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Domingo
Mr. and Mrs. Philip F. Ernzen
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew French
Ms. Sarah Gillette
Ms. Lisa Gries
Ms. Patricia Guarino
Ms. Amy Hopkins
Ms. Karen Kemp
Ms. Caelan K. Kuban
Mr. Fred Ladd
Mr. and Mrs. Michael McElroy
Ms. Nanette Newbern
Dr. Valerie Perdue
Ms. Priscilla Pettengill
Mr. Robert Pettengill
Ms. Robyn Plocher
Mr. Cameron Rudolph
Ms. Veronica Sanitate
Ms. Janie Slayden
Ms. Mary Ann Uznis
Ms. Keely Vanacker
Names appearing in blue denote
gifts designated for Starr Columbus.
The IRA Charitable Rollover Is Back for 2013!
The charitable IRA rollover legislation allows you to transfer lifetime gifts
up to $100,000 using funds from your individual retirement account (IRA)
without undesirable tax effects. Call Sherie Veramay, Fund Development
Portfolio Manager, at 800.837.5591, email [email protected]
or visit www.starr.org/givingtostarr.
19C E L E B R A T I N G 1 0 0 Y E A R S
Duplicate mailing? Call (800) 837-5591
Address service requested
Non Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDPermit #975Lansing, MI
Officers
Martin L. Mitchell, Ed.D.President Chief Executive Officer
Wm. Chuck Jackson, MAExecutive Vice PresidentChief Program Officer
Christopher L. Smith, BBA., CPAExecutive Vice PresidentChief Financial Officer
Elizabeth A. Carey, MSWExecutive Vice PresidentChief Strategy Officer
Gary Q. Tester, MRCExecutive Vice PresidentChief Development Officer
Board of Trustees
Kyle Caldwell, ChairProgram DirectorCharles Stewart Mott FoundationFlint, MI
Michael Leach, Vice ChairChief Financial OfficerNationwide InsuranceColumbus, OH
Tom Kolassa, SecretarySenior Vice President Hub InternationalBattle Creek, MI
Honorable Eugene A. Moore, Immediate Past ChairChief Probate Judge (Retired)Oakland CountyPontiac, MI
Wally BakareVice President, OperationsTime Warner CableMid Ohio DivisionColumbus, OH
Scott BennettVice President UBS Financial ServicesBirmingham, MI
Ralph J. BurrellPresident and CEO SymCon, Inc.Detroit, MI
Craig CarrelPresident and PartnerTeam 1 PlasticsAlbion, MI
Gary TaylorOwnerTaylor Auto Sales Inc.Van Wert, OH
Bruce Vande VusseAttorneyFoster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.Farmington Hills, MI
George WilsonGeneral AgentWilson Insurance ServicesGilbert Wiseman AgencyFlint, MI
Trustees Emeritus
Margaret Starr LeutheuserDaughter of Floyd StarrHaverford, PA
Michael J. GableChief Operating OfficerHoward and HowardRoyal Oak, MI
George D. GoodmanExecutive Director (Retired)Michigan Municipal LeagueAnn Arbor, MI
Dr. Russell G. MawbyChairman EmeritusW.K. Kellogg FoundationBattle Creek, MI
William K. Stoffer Chairman and CEOAlbion Machine & Tool Co.Albion, MI
Dr. Velma ClayDirector of Equal Employment Opportunity (Retired)Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal CenterBattle Creek, MI
Honorable John HallacyDistrict Court Judge10th District CourtBattle Creek, MI
Lawrence GivensBlackmond and Givens, Inc.Southfield, MI
George A. GoodmanYpsilanti, MI
Jack KresnakJournalist / Child AdvocateLivonia, MI
Dr. Pamela LemerandProfessorEastern Michigan UniversityYpsilanti, MI
Albert LittleVice President and Business Development OfficerGreenleaf TrustKalamazoo, MI
William C. RandsManaging PartnerSagres Partners, L.P.Grosse Pointe, MI
Cornelia RomanowskiEducatorShavertown, PA
Erick StewartPresidentStewart Industries LLCBattle Creek, MI
Honorary Trustees
Anne Willson DupréGranddaughter of Floyd StarrToronto, Canada
Diana Starr LangleyMontecito, CA
Sylvia Starr RicheyGranddaughter of Floyd StarrSeal Beach, CA
President Emeritus
Arlin E. NessPresident EmeritusAnthem, AZ
Locations
Michigan: Albion, Battle Creek,Clinton Township, Detroit, Harper Woods
Ohio: Columbus, Van Wert
South Dakota: Lennox
®
www.montcalmschool.orgwww.starrtraining.org
13725 Starr Commonwealth Rd.
Albion, Michigan 49224
www.starr.org