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St. Ann Center’s quarterly newsletter, Season’s of Life

January-March 2019 Newsletter Cover Story

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Testing relish are Trealaand Rosser, Minnie Henry and volunteer Michelle Woodard

When Michelle Woodard’s sons complained about the same-old meals, she knew where to go for inspiration. “St. Ann Center is filled with excellent cooks,” said Michelle, a volunteer at the Bucyrus Campus. “I asked clients for their favorite recipes, and before I knew it, I had enough for a cookbook.”

With help from fellow volunteers Nancy McCray and Martha Kelly, Michelle put together “Old Fashioned Recipes from Famous St. Ann Center Cooks.” She explained, Read more

Oct-Dec 2018 Newsletter Feature

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A Family Affair

Like a lot of sisters, Sandy Szopinski and Ellen Cook look forward to spending time together. In fact, they have a standing lunch date every Tuesday at St. Ann Center, and their mutual BFF (best furry friend) joins them.
Sandy, a client at the Stein Campus for the past four years, breezes from one activity to another in her power wheelchair. “She’s involved in so many great programs at St. Ann Center,” Ellen, a professional photographer, said. “I wanted to find a way my dog, Sofie, and I could help out here.” Ellen registered her charismatic Bearded Collie as a St. Ann Center pet volunteer, and Sofie instantly became a shaggy celebrity.

In exchange for treats, she will speak, give high fives and snuggle. “One young client was having a difficult day, so I lifted Sofie up so he could pet her,” Ellen recalled. “He immediately relaxed.”

“Sandy is happy that her family has become such a fun part of her life at St. Ann Center.” – Ellen Cook

Although having cerebral palsy can make things difficult, she said, “I feel at home here.” Living in a senior apartment complex just blocks from the Stein Campus, Sandy takes a van to the center five days a week. “I look forward to the whirlpool baths and massages,” she said. She gets haircuts and manicures at the center’s beauty salon and enjoys making jewelry and ceramic pieces.

Recently, Sandy had her first appointment at the Gardetto Family Community Dental Clinic at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus. “The staff was nice and very respectful,” she said. Ellen added, “There are few options for someone with CP and other disabilities to receive dental care.”

St. Ann Center allow Sandy to live independently with dignity as she ages. Ellen said. “It’s a place where she is well cared for–where she can socialize and do things she enjoys with people she likes.”I’m thrilled Sofie and I can be part of this experience.”

Sandy and Ellen’s story is just one example of how your connection to St. Ann Center helps enhance the lives of people of all ages and abilities. In the October-December issue of Seasons of Life, you will find more stories of the difference generous people like you are making at St. Ann Center every day.

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July-Sept 2018 Newsletter Feature Story

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Her Heart’s in the Right Place

Volunteer Gayle “Gigi” Simmons made her way around St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, patting backs, rubbing shoulders and giving hugs. When she reached Jerome, one of the adult clients, she stopped and looked at him closely. “His mouth was twisted,” she said, remembering. “So, I told the staff about it.”

 

Gayle "Gigi" Simmons

Her keen observation detected the early signs of a stroke. Jerome was immediately transported to the hospital. “He’s back here with us now, and he looks good,” Gigi said. “I was at the right place, at the right time.”

Gigi knew St. Ann Center was the right place for her. She came to the center three years ago through SER Jobs, a program that gives mature workers useful training through community service. On any given morning, you’ll find her making the rounds of the adult day care, going client-to-client pouring water and coffee. “I ask them how they’re feeling…let them know I’m glad to see them…maybe tell a couple of jokes,” she explained. “This is our bonding time.”

Forced to retire early after several eye surgeries, Gigi thought her vision problems might limit her opportunities. She needn’t have worried. “I was asked to help out at the reception desk,” she said. “I sat down and found somebody had enlarged the instructions so I could read them easily,” she said. “That’s the kind of place this is.”

“I always remind them, we’re family.” – Gigi Simmons

A few months ago, she unexpectedly needed to find day care for her 10-month-old godson. “Everyone was helpful, and I was able to enroll him at St. Ann Center,” she said. “I think the intergenerational idea is great. Whenever the children come around, the clients get wrapped up in the happiness.”

Gigi was recently honored as this year’s Bucyrus Campus Volunteer of the Year. “I just remind people that someone cares,” she said with a smile. “My prayer is ‘God, let them see your love through me.’ I believe that’s what He’s doing.”

Gigi’s story is just one example of how your connection to St. Ann Center helps enhance the lives of people of all ages and abilities. In the July-September issue of Seasons of Life, you will find more stories of the difference generous people like you are making at St. Ann Center every day.

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April-June 2018 Newsletter Feature Story

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Talent at Her Fingertip

You don’t have to be able to hold a pencil or a paintbrush to be an artist. And Natalie Fiske proves just that. She works magic on a canvas using only one finger and her imagination.

Natalie Paint Portfolio Adult Day CareA client at St. Ann Center’s Stein Campus, Natalie was born with cerebral palsy and a spine disorder that requires her to use a wheelchair and limits mobility in her upper body. “That doesn’t mean I’m retired,” she said. “I consider my art my job now.”

The upbeat 31-year-old was drawn to painting three years ago when she discovered one of her aides was also an artist. “I told him I really wanted to try making art and asked if he could help me,” she remembers. “At first, he made stencils for me to use. But after finishing a couple of pictures, I was able to paint freehand.”

To create her amazing acrylics, Natalie uses a special tabletop easel to hold her 16-in. x 20-in. canvas. Since it’s hard for her to grip, her right index finger is her paintbrush. “Usually, I have three or four paintings going at once,” Natalie said, “so I always have a painting to work on when others are drying.” Applying finger stroke after colorful finger stroke, her most intricate pieces take more than two months to finish.

“Go for it. If I can do it, so can you.” – Natalie Fiske

Natalie came to St. Ann Center a little over a year ago when health issues made it necessary for her to leave a job training center. To make her muscles less rigid, she gets regular massages at the center. Another favorite activity is singing in the Stein Campus adult choir. “I enjoy music,” she said, adding she has made several friends in the choir. “Everyone here is so nice. People care about one another.”

Natalie has a growing portfolio of paintings. Her subjects range from flowers to Star Wars characters to her boyfriend at a Packers game. “I especially like painting pets and capturing their expressions,” she said. In fact, her pet portraits have become a burgeoning business. She paints both dogs and cats on commission.

Natalie’s work has been exhibited at the IndependenceFirst Gallery Night which showcases artists with disabilities. She sees each of her pictures as proof that people with disabilities can live full, exciting lives.

Natalie has one piece of important advice for others who want to pursue their passion, “Go for it,” she said. “If I can do it, so can you.”

Natalie’s story is just one example of how your connection to St. Ann Center helps enhance the lives of people of all ages and abilities. In the April-June issue of Season’s of Life, you will find more stories of the difference generous people like you are making at St. Ann Center every day.

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bucyrus campus ministry

January-March 2018 Newsletter Feature Story

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Sister Act

Going to work is a family affair for Diane Beckley. As chief operating officer at St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, she oversees daily programming for nearly 300 children and adults, including her own sister, Menrose Johnson.

A lively 96, Menrose is one of the senior-most clients in the Simba adult day care unit. “I’ve been coming here since this place was built,” Menrose said about her Monday-Wednesday-Friday routine for the past two years. With a ready smile and tack-sharp mind, she’s quick to tell everyone within earshot that her little sister “is doing a very good job.”

Used to being busy, Menrose ran the historic Metropolitan Hall bar and restaurant with her husband, Aaron, for many years. An expert cook, she also contributed signature dishes to the menu of a restaurant owned by their son, Greg, with whom she now lives. “When Menrose first started coming to St. Ann Center, I knew we’d have to get her busy cooking right away,” Diane said.

As a result, “Cooking with Menrose” has become a popular intergenerational activity at the Bucyrus Campus. Adults and children circle up around the kitchen island in the Ubuntu Room as she takes them step by step through her recipes. So far, she’s demonstrated how to make spaghetti, banana pudding and her most in-demand dessert. “Everybody loves my peach cobbler,” Menrose said.

“A person shouldn’t just sit alone in the house watching TV. You have to get out and be with people.” – Menrose Johnson

This talented woman is also apt to become a fixture in the new Multi-Fiber Arts Room once it’s completed. The space will offer instruction in traditional handcrafts like knitting, crocheting, weaving, tatting and sewing. “I learned to make silk lampshades when I was a girl,” Menrose said, explaining the intricate stitches that go into their construction. She’d like to be able to pass along the time-honored technique to the next generation.

In fact, children are among the reasons Menrose likes coming to St. Ann Center so much.  “I enjoy watching them play—they’re busy as little bees,” she said. “They keep me feeling young.”

Read all the stories of our joyful intergenerational community in the January-March Issue of Seasons of Life. 

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