A P u b l i c A t i o n o f t A c o m A l u t h e r A n r e t i r e m e n t c o m m u n i t y f o u n d A t i o n

THE

spring2011

This past summer, I was given an extraordinary opportunity by the Board of Governors of

Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community to take some time off from work for a period of study. During the months of August and September, I was able to explore other retirement communities around the country to see what services they provided and how they were preparing themselves for the future. Upon my return, I shared my experiences with our boards and staff and will use the information gathered to aid in guiding our planning for the future.

On my travels around the United States, I visited about a dozen organizations similar in size to Tacoma Lutheran. I picked up many ideas and discovered ways to improve our services and programs. One example was that while we were well ahead of most organizations with use

of technology in our approach to rehabilitation, we were behind many when it comes to incorporating technology to assist our nursing staff to provide the most efficient care for our residents. We are taking the necessary steps to improve this process and are researching various hardware and software programs available. Not only will these programs improve our ability to get a clearer picture of residents needs, it will also free valuable staff time, allowing more time to be spent with individual residents. It is my hope that everything will be up and running this year.

Another area many organizations are exploring is creating some type of home care program. These programs were typically designed to keep people as independent as possible. Services such as meal preparation, transportation and some personal care were made available to those living independently on their respective campus. While we do offer some of those programs currently, we look forward to creating more options to support those in our community to live independently longer!

This has been a learning experience for me on many levels and I am grateful for the opportunity to visit and learn about the excellent programs and services these organizations provided. Sometimes you have to look at others to gain a better appreciation of what you already have and what is possible to achieve. Together with the support of our mem-ber congregations, our boards and staff, we will live our vision “…to creatively and faithfully respond to the changing needs, anticipating the desires of those who look to us in the future.”

Paul Opgrande, President/CEO

If you have any comments, please call us. Ruthmarie Zimmerman, Director, TLRC Foundation 253-756-7560Robby Lanouette, Development Specialist 253-284-7508, Nancy Caldara, Foundation Assistant 253-284-7538

President/CEO’s Message

Paul Opgrande

Our campaign for 2011 is Redesigning Dining, Phase II. Because of the changes that are taking place, we decided to continue the Redesigning Dining Campaign for 2011.

Dining is an important social part of each resident’s day. Through conversations and time together, residents bond like family.

We all know that our surroundings affect our mood and overall health. The updated dining room will promote more conversation and enhance the overall atmosphere.

Phase II will support the Daytime Deli / Evening Dining Room. This is one of the busiest places on our campus as it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady flow of residents, family members and staff come in from opening to closing. In the evening it becomes the dining room for our independent apartment residents.

Our VISION for the Daytime Deli / Evening Dining Room• folding wall in the back to create a small, private dining area for resident and family gatherings • new contemporary ceiling lights• new attractive carpet• French doors leading out to a patio with outside tables and chairs, allowing residents and family members to enjoy dining alfresco in our courtyard

Donors who contribute gifts of $500 or more to the Redesigning Dining Phase II Campaign will be honored with their name on a Donor Wall outside the redesigned dining room.

For more information or to donate, call us at 253-756-7560 or donate on-line at www.tacomalutheran.org.

Russ and Maggie Hewitt have been married over 65 years. What is the secret to their success?

“We are best friends.” Maggie says. “I tell everyone. That is the key to a long, happy marriage.” They are truly best friends. Rarely do you see one without the other.

Before they were married, Russ served in World War II, courageously fighting on Iwo Jima. By the end of the first day, almost everyone in his platoon had died including both his captain and chief executive officer. In the heat of the battle, he had become his company’s commander. On the third day, he was hit by shrapnel that lodged

into the back of his right leg. He spent the next year in the hospital while the doctors considered amputating his leg. Russ recovered not only to walk, but to enjoy hobbies such as golf and skiing!

Russ and Maggie met and married in 1946 when Russ returned from the war. They lived a full life while experiencing several different careers. One of Russ’ most rewarding was as a real estate agent in Tacoma for 25 years. He is still stopped on walks and at restaurants by grateful former clients who all have a story about how Russ helped them find a great home.

Maggie took her energy to the schools, where she loved being around the children and families as an elementary school secretary. Maggie also enjoyed leading a table at Bible Study Fellowship for many years.

Maggie recalls the stories of her life with great joy and energy, whether it’s as 50 year season ticket holders to Husky football games, vacations to Lake Chelan, or trips on their boat. Through it all, Russ and Maggie have remained best friends. Now in their 90s, they still love to take walks together and to eat out at restaurants. Just like when they were first married, they enjoy being together.

Russ and Maggie – thank you for your support and generosity! You are a great example to us all. For more information on how you can be part of the Enthusiast Club, (a donation of $300 or more annually) contact the foundation office, (253) 756-7560 or donate on-line at www.tacomalutheran.org.

Donor Profile Ru s s a n d Mag g i e He w i t t

Redesigning Dining Phase II 2

Campaign 2011

Best Friends Forever

The Daytime Deli / Evening Dining Room will benefit from Redesigning Dining Phase II

If you are like me, you now do some shopping online. What if TLRC earned a percentage of every purchase you made online?

Goodshop.com is an online shopping mall which donates up to 30% of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy’s, Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you’ll be supporting TLRC!

Goodsearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue to the charities its users designate. You can use it just as you would any search engine. It’s easy to makewww.goodsearch.com your home page.

Make sure you designate Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community so all your searches and shopping credit Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community! Questions? Contact Robby Lanouette, 253.284.7508.

How can a person support organizations that help people in need? Charitable giving provides an opportunity to engage both head and heart in making a difference. The following tips can help donors make the most of their charitable gifts.

• Choose a reputable organization. Never give to an organization without first knowing its purpose and effectiveness. • Budget for donations. Systematic gifts spread throughout the year may help donors give more than if they give a one-time gift based on their financial leftovers.

• Keep good records. To deduct donations for tax purposes, people must keep appropriate record of their contributions. • Take advantage of tax benefits. For a charitable donation to be tax-deductible, the charity must be recognized by the IRS as a qualified organization. • Give generously and wisely. From wills, living trusts, charitable gift annuities, endowments and mini-foundations to gifts of appreciated stock, retirement funds or real estate, there are many vehicles through which individuals can make charitable gifts. • Consult with experts. Always consult a financial, legal and/or tax professional before putting a gifting plan into action.

When moved to make a difference, donors should remember there are many options for making a financial gift. By fully planning a charitable gift, a person can ensure that both head and heart are satisfied.

Cathy Kostelecky, FIC, is a Financial Representative with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Puyallup, WA. She can be reached at 253-445-2423. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a Fortune 500 financial services membership organization helping nearly 2.6 million members achieve their financial goals and give back to their communities. This column was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use by this representative.

Planned Giving se a R c H t H e int e R n e t to su p p o Rt tLRc!

Goodsearch.com

Ivan Larson (87 years) Using his Ipad.

Financial Insights FR o M tH R i v e nt F i n a n c i a L F o R Lu t H e R a n s 3

Charitable giving: where head and heart meet

Cathy Kostelecky

Donor Events two ca n’t Mi s s ev e nt s!

Back by popular demand, our 3rd Annual Joeseppi’s Takeover will be held on Tuesday, April 5th at Joeseppi’s Restaurant, in Tacoma. Enjoy great food and support TLRC!

Make sure you thank Joe Stortini for donating a percentage of the evening’s food receipts to us! Supporters can eat in the restaurant or simply call in for takeout between 4 pm and 8 pm. Come early to beat the rush. Don’t miss the silent auction and raffle; you need not be present to win.

AND just in time for Mother’s Day, we are partnering with Watson’s Greenhouse & Nursery for our 2nd Annual Watson’s Night Out on Thursday, April 28th. Tickets are $20 each for this private event. Sips and Apps will be served and each attendee will receive 30% off one item the night of the event with their admission ticket.

All who attended last year had a great time! Watson’s has a large selection of flowers, shrubs, trees, garden sculptures, and pottery as well as home décor. This is a perfect place to help landscape your yard and find a great gift for Mom or yourself. Tickets are available in the TLRC Foundation office or by calling 253-284-7508. You may also order tickets online at www.watsonsgreenhouse.com.

For more information, please contact the TLRC Foundation at 253-284-7508 or donate on-line at www.tacomalutheran.org.

Have Fun & Support TLRC

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Tacoma, WA

Permit #297

TLRC 2011 Board of Trustees tLRc Fo u n dat i o n

The Joy of Giving Fi n a n c i a L Fu n n i e s 4

1301 N. Highlands Parkway Tacoma Washington 98406-2116

Return Service Requested

Family CircusJeff and Bill Keane12-05-09

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If this newsletter is a duplicate or you no longer care to receive this mailing, contact us via e-mail at ncaldara@tacomalutheran.org or call 253.284.7538.

Enthusiast Masthead Design: Al AbbottEnthusiast Design: CarrotStick Marketingwww.carrot-stick.com

OFFICERSChairJ. David SnowFranciscan Foundaton

Vice-ChairBeverly McConaghy, Principal Financial Network Investment Corp

TreasurerKarla McLaneSVP, Columbia Bank

SecretarySally Ann McLean, Lay Minister St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

MEMBERSBruce Arneklev, Ed.D Psychologist, Retired

Terry D. ArcaAqua Arca

Dick Beeson, Broker/OwnerWindermere/Commencement

Wayne Campbell, RetiredVP, Total Door Supply

Gina M. ErniWindermere Real Estate/South

Ann FishVP, Heritage Bank Cathy KosteleckyThrivent Financial for Lutherans

Gay Landry, OwnerAffairs Chocolates & Desserts

Char LeoneCitadel Patent Law

Don Lloyd Rushforth Construction

Sue ManiatisManiatis Consulting

Janet MonroeFranklin Pierce Schools

Kathryn J. NelsonSuperior Court Judge

Allen C. OlsonCEO, Rockmann Investment

The Rev. Norman OrthTLRC Resident

Andrea PetersonC.B. Richard Ellis, Sr. Assoc.

Chuck UhlmanDeveloper Consultant

Kathy WellerAlbers & Company

Steve Wright, PresidentWright Mature Market Services

ADVISORY COMMITTEEJonathan EdmondsThrivent Financial for Lutherans

Paul Ellingson, Pres/CEOBargreen-Ellingson

Eileen S. Peterson, AttorneyGordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim

EX OFFICIOThe Rev. Lyle Miller Chair, Board of Governors

Paul M. OpgrandePresident and CEO, TLRC

DIRECTORRuthmarie Zimmerman TLRC Foundation