The JournalWestern Home

Communities is acharitable Christianservice organization

that assertively creates fulfilling lifestyles

for those we serve,their families

and our employees.

July 2020 Volume 24, Issue 7

Inside this issue:

Donor list 3

Walking by faith 4

At your service 6

Eight over 80 7

Embracing obstacles 8

Sidewalk art 8

Birthdays 9

Employee of the Month 10

A wish for summer 10

Appreciations 11

Tasty temptations 12

The gift of givingHand sanitizer donation spreads throughout IowaThe power of generosity and networking paid off with a timely donation to benefit employees and residents of Iowa’s long-term care communities.

Continental Manufacturing Chemist, Inc., of Huxley produced a huge order of hand sanitizer that its customer then decided it didn’t want, after all. So the company’s service manager reached out to her relative, Sadie Fuson, a certified medication aide (CMA) at Madrid Home Communities in Madrid and Huxley, operated by Western Home Communities.

Sadie informed executive director and administrator Matt Garcia, who quickly accepted the offer of a free supply.

“Since COVID-19 hit, we’re going through hand sanitizer faster than ever,” says Garcia. “The price keeps climbing due to supply and demand, so this is a generous and useful donation.”

Garcia immediately shared a supply with the network of Western Home Communities affiliates in Cedar Falls, Grundy Center, Jesup, Reinbeck, Denver, Sumner, Cresco and Nevada.

Then, as a second even larger supply became available, Garcia turned to others who could help Sadie Fuson became the first

point of connection for the hand sanitizer donation.

Continental Manufacturing Chemist, Inc., of Huxley donated nearly 18,000 bottles of hand sanitizer.

Continued on page two

2 The Journal July 2020

share the bounty: Martin Bros. Distributing, which serves 85% of Iowa’s nursing homes and assisted living communities, and Lee Agency, an insurance provider based in Muscatine.

Martin Bros. agreed to transport the pallets of product to its customers and Lee Agency offered to pay shipping to the remaining 15% of providers. LeadingAge Iowa, a state association, promised to spread the word via its newsletters and other communications.

The end result? Every long-term care community in Iowa will receive a case (three gallons) of hand sanitizer – to help keep germs at bay.

It’s been said this virus brings us to our knees. But this example proves how it can also bring us together in powerful ways.

Each pallet includes 55 cases; each case contains 12 bottles of hand sanitizer.

By the numbersHand Sanitizer Donation:

27 pallets55 cases/pallet = 1,485 cases12 bottles/case = 17,820 bottles32 oz./bottle = 4,455 gallonsWholesale value = $65,934

The first cases were delivered to Madrid Home Communities and supplied the organization with enough to give every employee a bottle, too.

Continued from page one

Volume 24, Issue 7 The Journal 3

Western Home Foundation and Western Home Communities appreciate being honored through estate gifts, memorials and other donations. We list donor names each month as one way of thanking donors for their generosity. This list reflects gifts received through June 17. If you would like to make a gift or investigate estate planning and other gift opportunities, please contact Mary Taylor, director of development, at 859-9338.

In memory of: Federico Barrionuevo Coleen LimingJ. B. Bartling Eldon HayesJim Anderson Jon & Kelly BachmanEva Jones Donna PohlHelen Hannan Robert & Virgina CouchmanLinda Kennedy Richard Kimball David & Wendy BeareChad & Jaime CurtinLeann HoffmanDarlene Klatt Jon & Kelly BachmanKarl Koch Mervin AndersonJoyce CampbellCraig & Holly SchwerdtfegerJames Magnuson David & Carol DraperJake & Barb JacobsonRon & Norma LeiboldFrancis PardoeRussell Nielsen Vern & Mary CordesMike & Jane IngrahamRuth Peterson Vern & Mary CordesCliff & Donna Hansen Ken & Jean HoerMike & Jane IngrahamTheresa KindigSheldon & Mary HornbackHelen LundGerald & Judith MohlingJudy MoodyFrancis PardoeJames PetersonEugene & Laverne PuetzRobert Robinson

Terri TobinMiriam WalkerFloyd & Sherry WinterJames Polacek Carl & Evelyn BoiceMarleta MathesonLeon & Mary NelsonNell WilsonDon Rasmussen Linda DavisMarleta MathesonRichard & Bev MichaelJim PlattRichard & Martha StanfordDon & Mary Jo WoodyTheresa Rodeghiero Richard & Pamela HilemanRon & Norma LeiboldRichard & Bev Michael Thelma StevensBetty Schoeberl Jon & Kelly BachmanJill MurrayVerna Schofield Hank & Peg BrownVern & Mary CordesVern & Marcia HansenTheresa KindigDonna PohlDuane Weiden Homer LeymasterMargaret Willoughby Bob & Rosemary BeachJane BridenJoyce CoilNancy ColvinJohn Jr. & Jodi DeeryDean & Sharraine DreyerCharlene EblenPenny FrackiewiczKris & Sue HansenTom & Kathy FergusonJudith HarringtonMike & Jane IngrahamColeen LimingGenevieve Manatt

Richard & Karen McAlisterMarilyn McCalleyDr. Edward & Cathy McKenzieMichael & Charlotte Mitchel SmithRon & Sherry PadavichJames & Mary PlantanClair & Florine RoweCraig & Holly SchwerdtfegerJean TrainorCatherine WilloughbySteven & Karen WohlwendJoe Wilson Nancie HandorfCOVID-19 FUNDRon & Mary BroLouis HellwigRon & Norma LeiboldMarybeth Mack-WilsonPatricia Martin EstateMarleta MathesonElizabeth NashBonnie & Wes PoleyRobert RobinsonCraig & Holly SchwerdtfegerTom & Kathy Thompson  Ann Williamson Nell WilsonRon & Mary BroPatricia Martin EstateRobert RobinsonNell WilsonEmployee Appreciation FundAnonymousDavid & Wendy BeareLarry & Deb BurgerWinston Burt Chad & Jaime CurtinCharlene “Mac” EblenStephen FortgangRichard & Beatrice KoontzElaine LogueAnna MadsenMarleta MathesonLouis OdleMarilyn RoseberryNell Wilson

4 The Journal July 2020

Chaplain’s Corner: Choosing to walk by faith by Rev. Mark Eggleston

It’s fun to watch a child go from crawling to walking, to running and jumping. With every new step, there is new confidence and assurance to take the next. So it is with the Christian who walks by faith. As we grow spiritually, God asks us to trust him with our lives and future. Faith springs from the firm conviction that God is good and can be trusted, even when we don’t know what the future holds. In Hebrews 11, we’re told of those in the “Hall of Faith” who followed God’s plan even when it didn’t make sense. This chapter teaches three facts about faith. Walking by faith pleases God: In Hebrews 11:6 we read, “Without faith it’s impossible to please God.” We can only walk by faith when we come to understand who God is. Scripture assures us that he is all-wise, all-powerful, all-loving; his thoughts and ways are much higher than ours; he is able to do more than we can ever imagine. Corrie Ten Boom said, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” God sees our lives from a higher perspective and from beginning to end. So when he asks us to step out and follow his plan, we can believe that he has a good purpose and will provide for us along the way: “He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 12:6b. Believers receive more ability to trust, more strength and more influence as we step out by faith.

Walking by faith gives us an eternal perspective: In Hebrews 11:13-16 we see examples of those who followed after God even when it meant waiting for heaven to experience some of his promises. “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they are strangers and aliens on earth….they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one.” There is a day coming when our faith will be sight and we will find ourselves in the very presence of God, where all the challenges of earth will be left behind and all of God’s promises will be experienced on a personal level. The best things truly come to those who wait and persevere in their faith. Walking by faith gains God’s approval: Hebrews 11:39 says, “All these…gained approval through their faith….” Faith means that we walk not by what we can see, but instead by what God says. It’s like a parent cheering wildly as a toddler lets go of furniture and takes a few steps toward their open arms. That’s how God feels when we choose to trust him. Maybe God is asking you to let go of what feels safe. Maybe his calling makes no human sense and yet you perceive his open arms beckoning you to step forward. Will you choose to trust that his plan is good and he has your best in mind? Will you choose to believe that he will provide for your needs? There is no better place to be than walking with the security and approval of your heavenly father! Faith pleases God, gains his approval and leads us to a life of influence and joy.

Donors to Fresh Wind and the Alice Isenhower Fund will now be listed quarterly,in the September, December, March and June issues of The Journal.

Summer's Arrival

Stanard Family Assisted Living residents shared notes of appreciation for their caregivers during CNA Week in early June.

Volume 24, Issue 7 The Journal 5

Who found the pot of gold on June 24? Photo credit, villa resident Loyce Dumke.

What a sweet gesture. Donuts arrived with a note of appreciation from the Eichers.

Dan and Millie Eicher of Windridge treated their fellow resident 'survivors' to a visit from the 'Emergency Donut Vehicle' by Hurt's Donut on June 24. They said the pandemic had created several snack attacks that needed to be addressed!

Thalman Square residents

watched larvae grow into

caterpillars and then beautiful

butterflies that they released.

The butterflies landed on flowers and residents in the courtyard on release day before taking off to explore the world.

A caring crew from Thalman Square shared a message that's top of mind for all of us lately.

6 The Journal July 2020

New times, new tasks, new talentsNeed stamps? “I can help you.”No shampoo? “No problem.” Lonesome? “Let’s talk.” TV or computer on the fritz? “Let’s figure it out.”

Each affirming response is said with a smile – behind the mask.

Resident coordinators at independent living communities typically have a hands-on job, which unfolded in new ways during the pandemic shutdown.

The work of planning activities and chauffeuring residents on local excursions came to a stop, replaced by delivering meals, newspapers and mail; setting up video calls; answering questions from family; assisting with online orders; and even resetting television connections.

“Deliveries were the highlight of my day, because that’s when I could see and talk to residents, even if only for a minute or two,” says Carla Ward.

Coordinators admired residents’ resilience and valued that their communities are safe places to express loneliness or frustration. They appreciated a sense of humor displayed on resident doors where signs, cartoons and clippings kept them laughing.

“A Willowwood family member expressed amazement at our quick response to protect residents,” says Mary Kofron of Willowwood. “He really appreciated how well we were doing.”

Stephanie used some extra time to organize the Windcove office and dream up future trips for residents. Mary kept spaces super clean. “I won’t take the cleanliness of any surface for granted,“ she laughs. “I definitely look at door handles in a different way!”

Coordinators changed their lives at home, too. Stephanie completed home improvement projects and tried new hobbies. Carla sorted

photos collected over 43 years and parted with her sons’ sports cards collections. Teresa finished a rock garden. Brandy said good-bye to television, revived an interest in pottery and took up running. Mary practiced social distancing at state parks as soon as campgrounds reopened.

Lisa Haugen, director of hospitality, leads the resident coordinator team. She supported the coordinators with timely communication, unexpected treats, encouragement and a listening ear. She hopes residents have further appreciation for the loyalty of each coordinator.

One of their most frequently asked questions has been, “When will things get back to normal?” Lisa’s response was frequently “2025,” code for “We just don’t know.”

Until then, rest assured the resident coordinators are on the job and ready to help.

Photo of resident coordinators taken from a Google Meet video call. Clockwise from top left: Teresa Gronowski, Windridge; Brandy Berky, Windermere; Carol Peters, Windgrace; Mary Kofron, Willowwood; and Stephanie Berky, Windcove. Not pictured are Abby Moore, Prairie Wind; Carla Ward, villas; and Director of Hospitality Lisa Haugen.

Eight over 80 from Courier Communications honors octogenarians who have had a significant impact on the quality of life in the Cedar Valley through leadership, volunteerism, advocacy and generosity.

The 2020 award luncheon was rescheduled from June to September due to COVID-19 but honorees have been announced, including villa resident John Focht.

The Navy veteran served eight years as a classroom teacher, 25 years as a principal and more than four years after

retirement as an adjunct instructor at UNI. His impact remains strong as he continues serving as a classroom volunteer, which prompted nominations from several teachers.

“John’s warm uplifting spirit engages meaningful conversations with everyone,” wrote Deb Marchesani. “John leads by example, shares life stories, engages students in learning, provides valuable lessons of friendship, and works diligently with children who need extra skill development. He teaches students the value of integrity, hard work, and compassion.”

John also enjoys the creative pursuits of nature photography and painting custom chairs or footstools for friends and charity auctions.

Congratulations, John, on being named to this year’s Eight over 80!

Volume 24, Issue 7 The Journal 7

Painted rocks and pet pebbles are part of John’s unorthodox teaching toolkit. “There are hundreds of former students who still have their painted rocks and pet pebbles as a keepsake of their school experience,” he said.

Kari, left, Dan and Lawson Maginn recently visited John, right, and Judy, second from left, in Cedar Falls. John could not pass up a teaching moment as Lawson observed the rich variety of stones in the landscaping west of Jorgensen Plaza.

John’s Facebook friends know that phototgraphy is one of his favorite ways to share the beauty that surrounds him.

Eight over 80 Class of 2020 announced

8 The Journal July 2020

Villa resident John Eastland shared encouraging messages for those who walked on campus throughout the pandemic shutdown. Thanks to Bev Michael for snapping and sharing these fun photos of John’s sidewalk chalk art.

For more than a year, I have been working with a coach to help further my goals in fitness and nutrition. We meet once a week and discuss a variety of different pieces that relate to my goals, but more importantly he has helped me realize all of us will have obstacles in our lives and all of us will have trying times; it is those who trust in their own processes, goals and determination to fight against those obstacles who prevail.

One of the first books this coach challenged me to read was “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. Holiday has published many encouraging self-discipline books throughout his career. I have many of them; however, this one in particular keeps coming back into my

reading scape on a monthly basis. His thoughts and ideas on how to overcome obstacles truly resonate with me, and I believe can have a real impact on all of us, especially with our current state of affairs in this world.

Here’s a quote of his that I love: “The great law of nature is that it never stops, there is no end…When you overcome one obstacle, another is waiting for you in the shadows. Life is a process of overcoming these obstacles, one after another. The obstacle becomes the way so you might as well enjoy it.”

What a statement. What a thought to think about in times like these. I challenge you to think of your obstacles as just a way to a bigger and better outcome. I challenge you to think of your obstacles as the way to truth. I challenge you to think of your obstacles as a joy rather than a hardship. That change in mindset, I believe, can change and move us to a place we never dreamed we’d reach.

The obstacle can be our way!

Words of Wellness: The Obstacle is the Way by Director of Wellness Amanda Lynch

Volume 24, Issue 7 The Journal 9

Wayne Hochhalter PW July 1LaVonne Neese TS July 1Dave Glasener VTH July 1Rodney Tomson WC July 1Dennis Freet WHAL July 1Lloyd Loonan SFAL July 2Dick Betterton VTH July 2Sherrie Dreyer VTH July 2Kenneth Bertch MS July 3Carol Keller VTH July 3Sue Mutchler WW July 3Lorraine Crotty WR July 3Betty Fridley PW July 4Eleanor Tompkins PW July 5Ann Kemp CTG July 5Sue Heth VTH July 5Steven Vanous WC July 5Merle Meimann SFAL July 7Edith Kimpston MS July 7Karen Fisher TS July 7Cyrilla Haugen DS July 7Maylene Frink WR July 7Ethlyn Potratz SFAL July 8Jerie Ramsey WHAL July 8Ronald Versluis DS July 9Dick White VTH July 9Judy Gillespie WM July 9Orvin Peterson WHAL July 9Beverly Greenway SFAL July 10Carolyn Christenson PW July 10David Lewis PW July 10Burnetta Irvine CTG July 10Jan Burrington WC July 10Terry Simcox VTH July 11Alan Tapper WM July 11Wilma Bruess MS July 12Joyce Folsom PW July 12Karen Kitchen PW July 12Sara Moe VTH July 12Karen Entz PW July 13Cindy Fisher PW July 13Mike Ingraham PW July 13Rita Welter TS July 13Jim Volgarino VTH July 13Lorna Ericson WR July 13Gary Harris WM July 14Pat Schultz WHAL July 14Lee Larsen VTH July 15Steve Christoph VTH July 16Sharon Kreb VTH July 16Mary Ellen Murphy VTH July 16Margaret Shay VTH July 16

Linda Buchanan VTH July 17Bob LaFavre VTH July 17Jim McCutcheon VTH July 17Curtis Wilson WC July 17Jesse Gonzales WHAL July 17Sue DeBower WC July 18Betty Heine WC July 18Betty Goettsch WM July 18Arthur Schrader DS July 19Barb Beil VTH July 19Barbara Cardamon VTH July 19Hazel Foote WG July 19Marian Christiason WHAL July 19Jean Hansmeier VTH July 20Roy Justis VTH July 20Bev Haugen WC July 20Bill Thrall PW July 21Mimi Zischke WG July 21Homer Leymaster WHAL July 21Evelyn Boice VTH July 22Janet Simcox VTH July 22Howard Schaa WG July 22Tim Grady VTH July 23Monte McCunniff VTH July 23Joyce Cutshall WC July 23Terri Tobin WC July 23Dione Young WR July 23Shirley Ackerman SFAL July 24Virginia Rugger DS July 24Mary Bader VTH July 24Margene Grady VTH July 24Lois Taylor VTH July 24Leona Pruisner WM July 24Bev Zirkle WG July 24Donna Geary SFAL July 25Gilbert Hewett DS July 25Cecelia Mudd CTG July 25Joanne Heath WC July 25Marilyn Taylor SFAL July 26Robert Decker VTH July 26Joan Farstad WW July 26Mac McInroy VTH July 27Dean Meier VTH July 27Loretta Dykes WR July 27Bob Kellner SFAL July 28Kay Connelly VTH July 28Rae Freet TS July 29Sally Davis VTH July 29Lillian Marks WR July 29Ruby Hockey SFAL July 31Don Woody VTH July 31

Happy July Birthday!

10 The Journal July 2020

Congratulations These three employees celebrate work anniversaries with Western Home Communities in July.We appreciate their service and dedication!

Loula Winters5 years July 22 Dining Services manager

Christian Saltzman works in the dining department at Standard Family Assisted Living. He has been part of the Western Home Communities family since August 2017.Here are a few things Christian’s co-workers had to say about him:

• He shows servant spirit by using his downtime to do extra cleaning that no else wants to do, without being asked.

• Christian works quietly and diligently.

• He has a kind and compassionate heart and takes his job seriously.

Congratulations, Christian, for being named Employee of the Month for June 2020.

Meet our Employee of the Month, Christian Saltzman

Mindy Schmidt10 years July 6 atHome with Western Home scheduler

Maria Murphy5 years July 29 Director of Resident Relations

A wish for summer

Author and artist Felecia Babb found retirement didn’t suit her well, so she decided to write, take up painting, make more friends, plant gardens and advocate for local causes in the Cedar Valley. Her first book is “A Charmed Life: Learning to Love What Is.” You can find more reflections and artwork from Felecia on Instagram and Facebook.

George Naber, MS    June 22 Jeanine Johnson, DS      June 20 Darleen Buehner, MS June 12Don Brown, DS June 10Eva Jones, DS June 8Jeanne Harms, DS June 6J. B. Bartling, MS June 4Marvin Brewster, MS June 2Rita Engelken, DS May 31Jonathan Schoer, DS May 30Duane Weiden, WHAL May 28

In sympathy

Volume 24, Issue 7 The Journal 11

Like us on Facebook!We're online at www.Facebook.com/WesternHomeCommunities 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Larry Fox, ChairKathy Flynn, Vice ChairSarah Brown, SecretaryGreg Schmitz, Treasurer

Foundation Development Council Robert Beach Jan Andersen Judith Benson Ron Bro Susan CardBob Dieter John Falk

Building AbbreviationsMartin Suites MS Stanard Family Assisted Living SFALWindhaven Assisted Living WHAL Thalman Square Memory Support TS Willowwood WW Windgrace WG Windermere WM Windcove WCWindridge WR Windcrest Villas & Townhomes VTH Nation Cottage and Thuesen Cottage     CTGPrairie Wind   PWThe Deery Suites DS

The Journal is a monthly publication of the WHC office of communications and public relations. To subscribe, ask questions, offer content suggestions or unsubscribe, please contact Linda Hudwalker Bowman, editor, at (319) 859-9337 or linda.bowman@westernhome.org.

Kathleen Hesse Gary Karkosh Bev Michael, ex-officio Sid Morris Miller Roskamp Martha Stanford

Richard Frankhauser, M.D.Ron Gaines Willard JenkinsJim Wohlpart

Notes of appreciationMany thanks for the big beautiful red rose sent to Don’s memorial service. We were truly in awe over the loving care Don received during his short stay at Nation Cottage, and to the attention given to his family members also. Your loving care is priceless. Marlene Rasmussen and family

Thank you for the red rose sent at the time of Jim’s death. It is still giving me comfort. My family and I will always be grateful for the loving care which Jim received at Thalman Square and Nation Cottage. I am fortunate to be part of such a caring community. Marge Polacek

Thank you for the beautiful rose sent at the time of Karl’s death and thank you for the care and love shown us by the CNAs, nurses, housekeepers, maintenance, chaplains and the entire Western Home family. The family of Karl Koch

We are filled with gratitude for all the compassionate care Richard “Dick” Kimball received at the Deery Suites third floor for 22 months. We found loving and caring nurses, social workers, CNAs and hospitality services on his journey. The family of Dick Kimball

Words cannot express how we feel about each of you. May God be with you all and many, many thank you’s for your care. Family of Eva Jones

5307 Caraway LaneCedar Falls, Iowa 50613

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