THE VISIONEER A Project Update for Our New Vision Campaign Partners

August-September 2012

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Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio

410 W. Elm St Bluffton, OH 45817

The Visioneer is edited by Doug Luginbill

419-358-1015 x263 dluginbill@mmhliving.org

“A Home Blessing: Celebrating Life” on Oct. 14 The opening ceremony for the Green House homes is scheduled for Sun-day, October 14 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of THE GREEN HOUSE® Project is planning to participate in the ceremony. Tours of the Green House homes at Willow Ridge will also be available. At 6:30 pm Dr. Thomas will entertain guests with story telling, book sign-ing and folk music. It is exciting to be close to the point of celebration after years of dreaming, planning and constructing. We couldn’t have done it without you. Please participate in the celebration if you are able. Look for an invitation with more details in the mail in a couple of weeks.

A New Vision Campaign Update Total campaign giving so far is $1,815,000 or 86% of our $2.1 million goal. Campaign visits with individuals and businesses continue. An invi-tation was recently sent to our many volunteers inviting financial support of the project through “A Grand for a Grandparent” and/or providing equipment and supplies for the Green House kitchens. If you know of others who may wish to support the project financially or if you would consider extending your pledge or make an additional gift, please contact Doug Luginbill at 419-358-1015 x263.

Engelhardt Landscape Inc. of Bluffton has done a beautiful job of bringing life to the gardens and open areas at Willow Ridge. We hope to receive the keys to the homes by mid-September.

When and how will the 20 elders be selected to live at Willow Ridge?

On August 21 Laura Voth, CEO, Rhonda Wolpert, Green House Guide, and Brenda Reichenbach, admissions director, hosted nearly 15 families in the Green House homes to talk about the process of elder selection and answer questions. Elder selection will take place in late September or October. Elder selection will likely be one of the most challenging aspects of the project knowing that most elders would benefit from this new environment. Some of the consid-erations in selection include: Interest of the elder and family members Longevity with Mennonite Home Communities Anticipation that the elder would thrive in the new

environment Recommendation of direct care staff Payer source (Like at Mennonite Memorial Home

there will be a mix of elders who pay privately and those who utilize the Medicaid program.)

Green House Staff Chosen Many exceptional candidates applied for the positions at Willow Ridge. The fol-lowing have accepted positions.

Shahbazim Jennie Barga Terry Graff Kayla Herrmann Paula Inkrott Lisa Karn Barb Lawrence Asia Lee Vicki Norman Peg Sautter Tammy Weidman Karen Wilkins

Nurses Sarah Jebson, RN Coral Lamb, LPN Jennifer Mason, LPN Annie Spallinger, RN Wendy Sutherly, LPN Samantha Wireman, LPN

Director of Nursing: Heather Clum

Green House Guide: Rhonda Wolpert

Question

of the

Month?

Left: A bedroom in the “cottage style” home is shown with wood-grain vinyl flooring. Each room has its own lockable and lighted medicine cabinet. No more medication carts! Right: The den (Arts and Crafts home) will have a television, bookshelves and comfortable furniture.