OMEGA HOUSE 2017 AnnuAl RepoRt · Savitri Padmanabhan Pamida Foundation John T. Parks* Paul and Sharon Pietila Portage Health Foundation R. C. Mahon Foundation Range Bank - Calumet

O M E G AH O U S E

2017 AnnuAl RepoRt

Dear Friends,

I am proud to share with you the 2017 Omega House Annual Report. We send you this publication as a personal thank you for your support. Your generosity helped provide care to 31 residents in 2017 and over 500 residents since 2005. Your gift also gave the family and friends of these residents peace of mind knowing their loved one had exceptional and personal 24-hour care in a peaceful, homelike setting.

In this annual report we once again recognize our volunteer of the year along with updating you on various programs we offer at Omega House. Our feature article is dedicated to Scott Rutherford, one of the founding

members of Omega House, who inspired many during his time.

There are many ways to support Omega House to invest in its future. Inserted into this year’s annual report is our “Planned Giving Brochure” which offers you several giving options. A planned gift in your will to Omega House may provide tax advantages for you and your heirs. Our promise to donors is to use their gifts wisely and for the purpose intended—to care for the dying. Please consider a gift of support to ensure that anyone needing a gift of home will not be turned away.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the donors listed in this report, to our board of directors, staff members, volunteers and our residents and their families who make Omega House a unique treasure in our community that is open to anyone in need at a special time in life—when caring matters most. Please join me in securing the future of Omega House through your continued support.

Sincerely,

Michael LutzExecutive Director

www.omega-house.org

2211 Maureen Lane Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 482-4438

Board of Directors

Deb YoungPresident

Guy St. GermainVice President

Sharon FisherSecretary

Don Van UumTreasurer

Brian GeshelPast President

Neil AholaMagdalena BelejCindy GriffinMary Beth Hines, DOSigurds Janners, MDLeah KinnunenMark MironRay Weglarz

Staff

Michael LutzExecutive Director

Mary Kay GrabigHouse Coordinator

Carol PfefferkornMarketing CoordinatorAdvanced Care Planning Coordinator

inside this issueVolunteer of the Year .............................................2Volunteers: House, Student and Mailing ................3Omega Companions Volunteer Program ................3Caring Hands Program ..........................................4Respite Care Services .............................................4Accumulated Giving ..............................................5Donations: In Kind, In Honor, Thrivent Financial, Keweenaw Community Foundation .......................6

2017 Donors ..................................................... 6-7Remembering Scott Rutherford ......................... 8-9Community Grief Support ....................................10Donations In Memory.................................... 11-13Planned Giving Programs ....................................14How Can I Give to Omega House? ........................15Events and Sponsors ............................................16Statistics .............................................................17

www.omega-house.org

GRoWthOmega House opened its doors for the first time in September

2005. Since then, we have cared for over 500 community residents faced with a terminal illness, and we continue to be a community leader and resource in end-of-life care.

Consistent with our 2020 strategic vision, we have expanded our community resources to educate individuals about Advance Care Planning, which discusses the importance of end-of-life choices with loved ones, well in advance. Decisions about end-of-life care are deeply personal, and are based on one’s values and beliefs. Conversations about your wishes and beliefs help relieve your loved ones and healthcare providers of the need to guess what you would want, when you cannot make those decisions.

In addition to Advance Care Planning education, Omega House has opened a new room that provides short term residential respite care. Respite care offers relief to individuals and families, and provides 24-hour care for physically dependent loved ones.

In 2018 we will continue to offer grief support for families and loved ones, consistent with our community resources continuum of care. We will include a range of grief support offerings, from individual counseling, to support groups and specialized workshops.

The generosity of our community makes all of this possible. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who support the mission and vision of Omega House. Please continue to include Omega House in your annual charitable giving. I ask you to consider leaving a legacy of compassion by including Omega House in your will or estate plans. Again, thank you for your support.

Deb YoungPresident

Katriina Hopper, MDDon MorinClare Gaff Deb Stouffer

Thank you outgoing Board Members, for your service.

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The 2017

Volunteer of The Yearis presented to Mary

DAAVetiLLA

…who has graced Omega House since 2015. Mary Jean’s presence brings warmth, calm, laughter, and a sense that everything is ok.

“Growing up, I watched my mother and sisters, who all lived together. My aunt suffered from congestion, and without my mother’s and aunts’ home care, would have had to leave the area. It was simply more convenient for her to be [with us] at home. Without ever saying so, my mother’s job was to take care of her sister and her family. She taught me this.”

In response to a question about her most important accomplishment, Mary Jean said, simply, “My family. They are my proudest accomplishment—I love my kids and grandkids.”

“My job was my family. And when I think of my family, I [also] think about our family here, at Omega House. There is something about this home. I miss it when I am not here.”

paST

Volunteers of the Year

2005 Finlandia University Nursing Students2006 Mary Erva2007 Jan Wieber2008 Carol Niileksela and David Milford2009 John Van Westernburg2010 Adele Masters2011 Ruth Fitzgerald2012 Joan Thornton2013 Cyndy Quello2014 Toni White2015 Rich Featherly2016 Shelby Hamar and Bruce Ragusett

Jean

#Volunteers do not necessarily have the time;

they just have the heart.”$

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Janelle AdomeitCassidy Beciaelle Colombeerin DiephauseMadi Dillingertayler DimmerAmber FlahertyHarlee FrobergHeidi GoudgeBrittany HeikkilaDelaney HeinonenGracie HerbertClair HuukiAbby Huukievan HyrkasClaire HyrkasMalone JepsenMaggie JewkimaMarya JulioLexi KangasJenna KeranenKayley KingAmelia KlemettMaddy KlobucharKristen KoskinieniBrita Larsontaylor LoukusDeanna MakiJada MarkhamJanis MotlKristi MuonioKristina NelsonKara Pietilaemma PietilaGrace RajalaMaddie RajalaDacee RantaMaili RautiolaJordyn RoweRachel SearsAmanda SmithClare StromerFrankie Stukeltyler turcotteLily Wakeham

student VolunteersJoan AntilaMagdalena BelejBillie BloomfieldBarbara BurnsMark CinelliKatherine CocciarelliMary Jean DaavettilaCynthia DaavettilaMary eckhartRich FeatherlyRuth FitzgeraldLennon HughesMichele KerbanJody Kindall-RiveraJoann KriegeRod LindrusSue LutzSandra MacinoLorie MakiKaren MattilaBernadine McCarthySandra PalosaariCarol PfefferkornLouAnn Vitton

mailing VolunteersKathy AbbottJoan AntilaMagdalena BelejBarb BertramLynette BochonokKarl BorreeJulie BranyonSarah CheneyMark CinelliKatherine CocciarelliCynthia DaavettilaMary Jean DaavettilaMary DixonRichard FeatherlyRuth FitzgeraldJulie FosterShelby HamarJim HertelMargaret “Peg” HertelKaren KentJody Kindall-RiveraMargaret KonoskySusan LutzDavid MilfordPauline MillerDon MorinModeste MuhireJudy PlesheJill PoliskeyCyndy QuelloBruce RagusettBill Sewellerin SmithLois VankarsenJan WieberLouAnn Vitton

house Volunteers

omega Companions Volunteer program“You are at your most alive before you die,” says Mary Foss, who has cared for people personally and at Omega House for many years.

Death is an important part of life, and the goal of hospice is to comfort the mind, body, and spirit of both the dying and their loved ones. Our new Omega Companions volunteer program will provide an extra layer of comfort.

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as trained and expert companions to residents and their family and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity for people who are interested in cultivating mindfulness, practicing contemplative caregiving, and engaging in a compassionate end-of-life movement.

If you are interested in volunteering as an Omega Companion, please call Omega House at (906) 482-4438 to learn more.

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respite Care serViCesAre you caring for a loved one at home

and have an unplanned situation? Maybe you just need a break from caregiving or you’ve put off that vacation of a lifetime far too long. These situations can create a need for immediate care by an alternative care-giver. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person needing the care continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

If you are interested in Respite Care services through Omega House, please call us at (906) 482-4438 to schedule your appointment today.

UpDaTe: April marked the two year anniversary of the Caring Hands Program, which provides comfort massage to the residents of Omega House. During this time 273 massages have been provided by the team of state licensed massage therapists. The residents’ feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. While aiding in the decrease of pain and anxiety, residents also find the connection with the massage therapist significant and often comment that “you can come back anytime” or “you have made my day.” Dependability and dedication have been demonstrated by our therapists from the onset of the program. Massages are provided weekly and are sponsored by grants and community funding. Offering comfort massage to our dying community members requires a heartfelt dedication to them and the hospice philosophy. This program is a valued addition to the work of the Omega House team and adds the extra level of comfort and quality care we have come to expect from this facility.

Wendy Van Valkenburg Caring Hands Program Coordinator

Mia Moilanen

Estelle Laru

Mary Ovist

Caring hands program

massage therapists Wendy Van Valkenburg

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aCCumulated giVing

James Adams*Ameriprise FinancialMagdalena BelejRobert and Christine Bohnsack*George and Barbara ButvilasBud ColeFinlandia University Student NursesMarilynn HamarDr. Sigurds and Candace JannersJoseph NicholasMargaret Lombardo*Jackie ManchesterPearl and Yalmer Mattila*Northern Star Industries, Inc.Portage Health Auxiliary

William and Sally PowersWilliam RaduchelCorbin Roy*William and Lois SilerGuy and Kathy St. GermainSuperior National BankThrivent Financial for LutheransUP Engineers & Architects, IncUPPCOJohn and Joyce VanWesternburg

Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital James A. Ruppe FoundationValeda Tomasi*U.P Health System - PortageJim and Lorraine Vivian, Sr.*

Ronald Gratz*Ernest Griff James LaBelle Family* Keweenaw Community Foundation Rebecca Sandretto*

$100,000 $50,000Patricia Anderson*AnonymousJoan AntilaLois BergPhyllis BoutilierCoca Cola Bottlers’ FoundationJoe and Gail EvansPauline Givogre*Richard Heckel*William Hodge*Tom HrubyKeweenaw Bay Indian CommunityKeweenew Home Nursing

Joe KirkishLions Club InternationalLions Clubs of the UPFather Wayne Marcotte*Mike and Vicky MattilaEileen Niva*Portage Lake HospiceMarcia Pruner*Rice Memorial Clinic FoundationSt. Ignatius Loyola Catholic ChurchSuperior Health Foundation

$25,000

$10,000

Maurice E. Anderson*Aspirus Keweenaw Health FoundationBenjamin and Gillian BattinoSusanne BoxerCampioni EnterprisesPat and Jan CampioniJohn and Rebecca ChristiansonChassell Lions ClubMark CinelliCopper Country Ford Daily Mining GazetteGeorge Dewey and Andrea PuzakulichJohn and Cathi Drake Charitable FundGalleher, Inc.Brian and Michelle GeshelChris and Abbey GreenEdith GreeneWilliam and Eloise HallerH-B-K County Medical Society

John Hendrickson and Marylou WhitneyHoly Cross Lutheran ChurchHoly Trinity Lutheran ChurchHoughton High School Honor SocietyHoughton Rotary ClubMarlene HouleHouse Family FoundationJoyce & Warren Brule FoundationSheri KerrKeweenaw Brewing Co.Dr. Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen KingsleyKoppers, Inc.Dr. Ethelbert and Violet LaraBarbara LideDrs. Wade & Audrey ListonDr. Paul and Kari LyleMarathon Petroleum Matching Gift & Volunteer Incentive ProgramSuzanne McLean

Memorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral ServicesNoteworthySavitri PadmanabhanPamida FoundationJohn T. Parks*Paul and Sharon PietilaPortage Health Foundation R. C. Mahon FoundationRange Bank - CalumetAurel and Bessie Roy*Rukkila/Negro and AssociatesBetty SajdakSandstone Piecemakers GuildWilliam Sewell and Ruth RobertsonJames SpainDianne and Nancy SpragueDrs. Pichai and Rajanee SripaipanStewart Manufacturing Inc.

Superior Sand & Gravel, Inc.Tom ThorntonDoris Veldhuis and Bill LassiWalmart - HoughtonWarm Rain CorporationDavid WiitanenRick and Kathryn WrightYalmer Mattila Contracting, Inc.Deb and Mark Young

$5,000

*Deceased

house photos with good lighting and high reso-lution?

with people?

“ …Omega House…the care, the compassion and attention (my dad) received was beyond imagination. Every staff member and volunteer made sure to see to all of my dad’s needs and, more importantly, made their own connection with him. ” gEOrgE s.

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2017 donorsPamela AhoNeil and Tammy AholaVirginia AhonenStephen and Judith AlbeeEleanor AlexanderAlgomah Acres Honey Farm & Hive ProductsAlpha Delta Kappa Gamma AlphaAmazon SmileAmerican Legion Auxiliary #444American Legion Post #90Ameriprise Financial ServicesAmalia AndersonKenneth AndersenMarilyn and Douglas AndersonPatricia AndersonTodd and Hilary AndersonWilliam AndreiniAndrew HeikkinenAnonymousJoan AntilaApostolic Lutheran Church ToivolaNancy and Gary ArchambeauAspirus Keweenaw HospitalAspirus VNA Home Health, Inc.Auto-Pro Glass & TireDelores BaileyC. Allan Baker and Shirley GalbraithBob and Sarah BaratonoJean BarberisDiane and David BarilMyrtle BarretteDr. Phillip and April BarryMark and Patricia BaseDallas and Carol BatesGary BaysRev. Bucky Beach and Julie BelewBruce and Mary BekkalaMagdalena BelejJames and Linda BeloteBethany Lutheran Church of KeweenawJames and Mary BillingsLeonard Bohmann and Janeen StephensonSteven BohnsackKaye BowersSusanne BoxerKaren BrooksMina Brotherton

Cynthia BrownBy NatureMorris Contracting, Inc.Calumet Women's ClubDavid and Karana CarlbornDavid and Annette CarlsonPatricia CarlsonRobert and Betty CarlsonPeter and Patricia CarmodyAda CarozzaCentral Vac InternationalJoan Schumaker ChaddeEva ChiminoJim and Bonnie ChmielewskiChristian Women's BrunchJohn and Rebecca ChristiansonCharlotte ClouthierKevin CodereDale CollinsWhite Pine Community United Methodist ChurchJames and Janelle ConeCopper Country FordCopper Country Old Timers Hockey LeagueCopper Country Veterinary ClinicDarwyn and Sue CoteCourt North Star No. 17 Foresters Of AmericaLawrence CrowleyFrank and Martha CuffD & L Janitorial Services, Inc.Robert and Mary Jean DaavettilaArthur DahlgrenThomas and Julene DahlgrenDaily Mining GazetteJanet Anuta DalquistStephen DanisAlex and Mary Ann De ForgeDelta-Menominee Heart of the North Lions ClubGeorge Dewey and Andrea PuzakulichJames and Nancy DionneMary DixonCarol DolataDollar Bay - Tamarack City Area SchoolsDollar Bay Linoleum & TileJames and Coreen Dompier

James DougovitoDawn DoyleDP ConstructionRichard and Marcia DrenovskyMike and Judy DrewyorJulie DunstanAl and Mary EckhartEcono FoodsBill and Connie EddyJoanne EdwardsBrian and Michelle EggartElectric Brewing Supply, LLCJoe and Gail EvansFaith Lutheran ChurchJohn and Cheryl FarquharGaylord FaullFrank Fiala and Emily Dekker-FialaFine Line TireBill and Barry FinkFinlandia University Student NursesBarbara FisherGregg and Sharon FisherFlowers by SleemanJudith and William ForemanFraternal Order Of Eagles Ladies Auxilary 2239 Mr. and Mrs. Frederick GrandchampJim and Vicky FredianelliTed and Karen FredricksonAlice K. FrimodigMary Furnas-CroninMichele GagnonFred GallowayLouis and Kaye GarnellTed and Arlene GastMary GebrokoffFred and Colleen GeisRobert and Diane GertcherBrian and Michelle GeshelCarol GeshelRenate GianniniGeorge and Judith GillMichael and Diane GiltropGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchJulie GodfriedGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchHugh and Bonnie GormanDaniel and Mary Kay GrabigGrace Lutheran ChurchDonna GranrothRonald GratzGreat Lakes MutualJ.B. and Phyllis GreenChris and Abbey GreenErnest GriffCindy GriffinMargaret GrifforTom and Nancy GrimmGS EngineeringArthur and Krystina HaapalaJudy and Robert HaatajaMartin HaavistoElizabeth HakolaWilliam and Eloise HallerLee and Judy HaltunenDouglas and Shelby HamarJulie HamarJohn and Marjorie HankeClifford and Joanne HannulaNancy HannulaTodd HansenDennis Harbour and Andrea BourneDr. Martin and Mary HarkinsAndrea HaugeKathy HayrynenSteve HechtCharles and JoAnn HeidePatricia Heiden

donations

In Honor of…All patients in need;

Frank and Michelle Brychta All we do

William and Alexandrine Rose Mark and Ann Roth

Magdalena Belej Allflex Packaging Products, Inc.

John and Marilyn Cooper Randall Freisinger and Jill Burkland

Sister Ellen Enright Deacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Nancy Harris Tom and Jean Heider

Richard & Donna Holmstrom Deacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Dr. Sigurds Janners Harold and Carol Forbes Larry Greenspon

Ibarra Kai James and Margaret Keating

Eleanor Kirkish Kathleen Funkey

Rachel and Larry Lankton Bruce and Nancy Seely

Maddy Laux Jack and Donna Laux

Omega House Staff Harold and Ann Evensen

Marie Regis Deacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Margaret Thurber Joanne Thurber

Stan and LouAnn Vitton Robin and Greg Meneguzzo

Ray Weglarz Donna MacIntosh

Deb Young Julie Hamar

In Kind…Pamela Aho Steven Bohnsack Cynthia Brown Daily Mining Gazette Dawn Doyle D & L Janitorial Service, Inc. Joe and Gail Evans Mary Gebrokoff Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Daniel and Mary Kay Grabig Douglas and Shelby Hamar Jerry and Karen Hershey Houghton County Medical Care Fac.

Peggy and Will Jackson Julie Karvonen and Ashley Duquette Ed and Karen LaBonte Lee Luoto Mike and Sue Lutz Lois SilerShirley Slusarzyk St. Paul’s Lutheran Church - Mass City SmartCreativeTrinity Episcopal Church Trinity Lutheran Church John Uponen White’s Piano Service

Keweenaw Community FoundationJoseph B. KirkishMichael and Susan LutzLinda OttRuth Sablich Charitable Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas StuartMark and Deb Young

Thrivent FinancialNancy and Gary Archambeau Elizabeth Hakola James Johnson Steven and Sharon Johnson John Kaniarz Kelly Kitchin Donald Liljequist Betty Narhi

Warren Perger Anna Redmon Dennis Timm Ray and Viki Weglarz Timothy Young

“Thanks for making my father’s last days so

comfortable and for your hospitality to our family.

”david p.

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Hein SurveyingLloyd and Patricia HeldtJanice HenkelNancy HerckHerman Gundlach FundJerry and Karen HersheyKaren and James HewettGerald HietalaAndrew HildenJohn and Christy HilgersHoward and JoAnn HilshorstDonna HiltunenMary Hindelang and Mark SilverDr. Mary Beth and David HinesJill and William HodgesClarence and Joan HoffmanHoly Cross Women Of The ELCAHoly Trinity Lutheran ChurchMarvin and Elenore HopfBruce HorschMary HosangHoughton County Medical Care FacilityHoughton Rotary ClubShannon HouleDoris HuhtaLloyd and Vivian HuotariIBM International FoundationNorma InghramIRTelemetrics, Inc.Martin and Gale IskraDavid and Bonnie IsolaPeggy and Will JacksonJames A. Ruppe FoundationPatricia JandaEmily JensenDaryl and Sylvia JestilaJohn & Arthur Penegor, Inc. Forest ProductsDana JohnsonEthan and Danielle JohnsonJames JohnsonKatherine JohnsonMark and Gail JohnsonSteven and Sharon JohnsonTed and Dianne JohnsonWillie JohnsonJonathan M. LuseBruce and Mary JoostenPat and Kathie JoyceDouglas and Janelle JurmuBetty KalcichDonald and Michelle KalcichJorma KalliokoskiPeter Kamarainen and Carol ChappellPaul and Karen KangasJohn KaniarzJulie Karvonen and Ashley DuquetteJune KauppiHelen KauralaEsther E. KeelingMarie KellanPaul and Ann KemppainenPatrick and Colleen KetolaKeweenaw Automotive, Inc.Keweenaw Brewing Co.Keweenaw Community FoundationWilliam and Kathleen KilponenGeorge and Linda KingstromDr. Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen KingsleyKelly KitchinSteve and Carol KlobucarichMary KlupsFrank KohlPauline KokkonenMichael and Wanda KolbJulie KollerAlfred KommesChristine Korhonen

Gordon KoskiBernard and Patricia KoskiniemiJoAnn KriegeGeorge KronschnabelChadwick and Eleanore KuivanenEd and Karen LaBonteHans and Susan LagerloefErland and Barbara LahnalaTodd and Kristy LaitinenJames LaJoieSouth Loop ATV RideRev. Robert and Delores LangsethLarry and Rachel LanktonL'Anse United Methodist WomenDonald and Donna LarsonFred and Lorraine LassilaMabel LaurieMike and Margaret LaurinDr. John and Karla LawtonLarry and Nora LeClaireRichard and Lynnette LehmannMary LehtoBenjamin and Mary LeikerNathan C. LeinonenDennis and Kathleen LewandowskiMr. and Mrs. Donald LewisGilbert Lewis and Sue BagleyPaul and Karen LewisJames and Christine LickmanDonald LiljequistDavid and Anne LinjaLions Club - HoughtonLions Club - CalumetLions Club - ChassellLions Club - KeweenawDrs. Wade & Audrey ListonJean LockhartMarshall and Joan LogueJohn and Greta LonghiniSalvatore and Nina LoSchiavoNeil and Kelley LowneyCharles and Lou Anne LucchesiDavid and Shelly LucchesiRudy and Kelly LuckLee LuotoMike and Sue LutzRobert MaattaGudrun MacDonaldJohn MacDonaldJames and Sandra MadajewskiRobert and Diane MajurinRuth MakiDavid and Kathleen ManderfieldMichael and Cynthia ManderfieldMarathon PetroleumAdam MarvarMark and Karen MassicotteVerna MastersJames and Karen MattilaMike and Vicky MattilaDonald MattsonGary and Judith MattsonJames MattsonJohn and Cheryl MattsonRandy and Gretchen MayraA. Peter and Shirley Du Fresne McArthurRobert McCarthyDr. Thomas and Renee McConnonPamela McCulloughBob and Betty MckieFrancis and Darlene McMahonRichard MeeseWillie and Gloria MeltonMemorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral ServicesAnn and Jerome MyersRobert and Geralyn MichelsMichigan Tech Fund

Midway Telephone CompanyDonald and Sharon MikkolaMary MikkolaPaul and Lois MilanowskiBryan and Patti MildeLynn and Mark MillaneDanny and Diana MillerJames and Kathryn MillerRodney and Patricia MishicaTammy MitchellMichael and Mary MomontPhil and Judy MonticelloKenneth and Carol MorganDr. C. Michelle and Philip MorganJosh MorleyFaith MorrisonLinda MottDouglas and Doris MoyleModeste MuhireNicholas and Marie MuschalKanak NanavatiRuth NaraBetty NarhiAnn NelsonLinda NeumannNewmont Ventures LimitedSara NiemeyerAllen and Judith NiemiRaymond NiemiElsie NikkilaEva NikkilaRoberta NoetzelLinnea NopolaLisa NormandNorthern Mutual InsuranceLola and Gerald NousainDennis and Deborah O'BrienJames and Roberta O'ConnellMargie O'ConnellMichael and Sara OjaWilliam and Claire OjalaMr. and Mrs. Clyde OllilaPaul and Joyce OllilaDonald and Joanne OlsonRichard and Michele OlsonO'Neill - Dennis Funeral HomeLinda OttoJerry and Pat OvistDavid PaeskeAnita PakkalaKen PalosaariJack and Lee ParkerRobert and Debbie ParksJohn and Charmaine ParsonsChris and Fran PasserelloWayne and Laura PenningtonJean PeralaWarren PergerJudith Perlinger and Noel UrbanDavid PersonsPeter and Cynthia MethodBarbara and Cecil PetersonRolf and Carolyn PetersonCarol PfefferkornPaul and Sharon PietilaJames and Linda PiiparinenPortage Health AuxiliaryPortage Health FoundationWilliam and Sally PowersBetzabe and Frank PraegerJosetta A. BergQuality First Forest Products, Inc.Fredric QuivikJames and Laurie RaffaelliAdam RajalaMarvin and Carole RajalaMichael and Phyllis RamosRange Bank - Calumet

Glen RantalaMerlyn RastelloAnna RedmonJack and Karen ReissPete and Johnna RileiBetty RiuttaRon and Dorothy RiuttaDon and Gloria RobbinsRobert and Elaine Allen Family FoundationRobert and Joanne Chalgren Jr.Patrick and Anna RocheLinda RoeRoger LewisRobert and Barbara RossThomas and Verna RossBruce and Karen RovanoMark and Colleen RoweLorna RowleyJohn RudakBrian and Susan RuddyFred and Ruth RuelleBruce and Patricia RukkilaRukkila/Negro and AssociatesDavid and Linda RulisonJohn RyanRoger RyynanenDonald and Rita SaariRuth SablichSacred Heart Soc. LodgeSaint-Gobain Corporation FoundationBetty SajdakBetty SamuelsonDonald SaveraValerie SavinaAnnette SchaeferKarin SchlenkerDoug and Ginny SchubertTimothy and Roxanne SchulzAndrew and Anne SchumerGladys SchutzKen SeatonMax and Mary Ann SeelKayla SemmensWilliam Sewell and Ruth RobertsonKenneth and Diane ShaldaMarge ShannetteSharon Avenue Express MartDanielle SharpRobert and Donna SheaStephanie ShemChing-Kuang Shene and Su-Shen HungGisela ShonnardShopko FoundationWilliam and Lois SilerBeverly SimonsonDaniel and Mary SivonenDenis and Mary SkoglundShirley SlusarzykAllan and Mary SlyeSmartCreativeCharles and Rosemary SmithGregory and Gail SmithKen and Slena SmithStephen and Ruth SmithRobert and Mary SmolenTed and Alice Soldan Dennis SotalaEugene and Theodora SoumisSouth Range Eagles Aerie 1122 FOEJames and Theresa SpenceWilliam SprouleCharles E. St. ClairGuy and Kathy St. GermainSt. Paul's Lutheran Church - Mass CityBill and Pat StarkStewart Manufacturing Inc.Charles Stickels

Joseph and Susan StokerAaron and Janet StormKenneth StormFrank and Elaine StoryDebbie Stouffer and Ed KauttoJeffrey and Julie StrickerRebecca StroubeDoug and Norma StuartDavid SundbergHarry Suojanen, Sr.Mary TaddeucciMary TarboxTemple JacobLouise and Doug TerrellThe Oberheide Family FoundationDave and Kathy ThomasThrivent FinancialPatrick J. ThulisJudy TimmLorraine and Paul TomasiCharlsie AntikainenCarolyn TormalaPeter and Rebecca TorolaJohn TownsendTrinity Episcopal ChurchTrinity Lutheran ChurchAnna TrudellJerry and Pat TrudellRichard and Barbara TrudgeonDavid and Janis TuckerPaul and Catherine TulikangasWalt TurinoLarry TurnerJames TurnquistU.P Health System - PortageUnited Lutheran Church Women, L'AnseUP Engineers & Architects, Inc.UP Health System Portage Oncology DeptJohn UponenVainutis VaitkeviciusDonald Van UumJoshua and Caitlin VanstratenRobert and Yvonne VeeserDoris Veldhuis and Bill LassiJohn and Eva VencatoRichard VendlinskiNorma VeurinkVFW Chassell Post #6507Ann VollmerRobert and Linda VollwerthJohn WagnerJohn and Nancy WakemanRichard and Lynn WalkerRuth WanhalaWarm Rain CorporationRay and Viki WeglarzJohn T. Welch and Rosemary GrierLukasz WeselinskiArthur WheelerWhite's Piano ServiceWayne and Violet WiitalaDavid WiitanenTim WilliamsChristopher Wojick and Jacqueline HuntoonJane WyattDeb and Mark YoungTimothy YoungDebra ZeiJames and Joy ZiemnickHarold and Valerie ZimdarsWomen's Missionary Outreach Zion Lutheran Church

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remembering scott rutherford

Scott Rutherford, a friend to many and a founding member of Omega House, died quietly with his loving wife Joyce; his

daughter, Anne; and faithful dog, Carmen, at his side, February 9, 2018. So many of us loved and learned from Scott that we thought it appropriate to ask several of his friends and family members to remember him, here.

Anne Rutherford Harrington recalls her father: “When I think about my Dad, he is always in motion. He travelled a lot for work and always brought me a doll from wherever he’d gone. He commuted to his job in downtown DC, and I would run up the street to walk him home the last few blocks. Later, when quitting smoking caused him to put on weight, he took to biking downtown. Then biking became running marathons.

But even when his body was at rest, his mind seemed never to be. On vacations, sitting in his sand chair at the surf ’s edge he’d have, as often as not, a yellow, and slightly damp, legal pad on his lap, writing down his thoughts about—well, I never really knew for sure: the world in general, his world, his visions of what “it” all meant and what should be done to fix things.

We were in motion again together the September before his cancer diagnosis. He shared the beauty and history of the UP with me as he did with other visitors: we went down the Quincy mine, explored Calumet and Hancock, and walked along the ridgeline of Copper Harbor. Too quickly, the physical motion became too difficult, but the mind was moving right to the end. Sheets of yellow legal pad were never empty, as he wanted to put down the many thoughts, ideas, feelings he felt friends and loved ones should know before he ran out of time. So, that’s how I’ll remember him, a man always in motion, a force of nature that only another force of nature could ultimately make still.”

Magdalena Belej says, “ I have known Scott for almost 20 years. We first met while working together on the dream—Omega House. On February 9th, I was privileged to welcome Scott to Omega House on his final coming. It was very emotional. He was hoping it would be a temporary stay, but we both knew….” “It was an honor to know you Scott.”

Ray Weglarz recalls…“in 1997, while working in hospice at Keweenaw Home Nursing & Hospice, I received a phone call from someone at the Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center in Iron Mountain.” ‘Hello, this is Scott Rutherford and I am trying to help a Native American veteran. He is terminally ill and wants to return to his home near Baraga for his final days. He is very weak—can you help us?’ Through our efforts, Scott was able to help this man come home to the land and reservation he loved for his final days.

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“Little did I know from this call how our lives would change and have a significant impact on the future of our community. Not long after this, Scott, Bill Sewell and I began to meet regularly at Marie’s Deli (now Victoria’s Kitchen). Through these informal chats, members of the community came and worked together to found Omega House.”

Scott’s, pastor, Bucky Beach, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, spent years knowing and working with Scott. He says, “Scott was a deeply religious individual who worked tirelessly for peace and justice issues all over the world. Many people do not know the specific and religiously Christian side of Scott Rutherford. As his pastor, I did. His conversion to Christianity [was based] on very troubled issues of violence and war, racism and oppression. We are continually blessed by his presence. The struggle goes on, and so do we. And so does Scott!”

Bob Pizzi, a longtime friend, recalls, “I met Scott in the winter of 1999, when I moved back to the Copper Country to care for my father. Scott was my father’s hospice volunteer and we met through

Keweenaw Home Nursing and Hospice. Scott came over to my dad’s house and engaged him so naturally. Scott’s compassion shone through. A great example of Scott’s devotion, compassion, and ability to connect with people and gain trust was his support work for the struggle for tribal voting rights with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Baraga. At a naming ceremony, he received the Ojibwe name, Nigit Bimosse, or ‘Walking Otter.’ I remember our early morning walks with dog Carmen, breakfasts at the Kaleva, laughs and lamentations about the sorry state of the world—just being with Scott.”

Scott helped launch Omega House, where he spent his final days with his devoted wife, Joyce. I find it compelling that wherever you might find Scott you could count on something meaningful, imaginative, and valuable happening. Omega House reflects his values so completely. It is a lasting legacy to this community. I will always consider it one of my most cherished life experiences to have met and to call Scott Rutherford my friend.”

Debbie Mues says, “Scott was a beam of light in this world. We all benefited from his friendship and his work with social justice, peace, and the environment, which spanned continents from Vietnam, Central and South America to right here in the Upper Peninsula where he lived the rest of his life. He died the way he lived , facing the prow of his boat into the waves and taking care of everything that came. And how profound that he died at Omega House, the wonderful place he helped found.”

10MISSION STATEMENT

To provide a home-like environment

where people at the end of life

may live to the fullest, receiving

compassionate and competent care

from professioal volunteers

and family caregivers.

To the Omega House residents who have gone before us in 2017

We remember you

Community grief supportGrieving is the most difficult life experience that

we all share. We grieve many deaths of loved family, friends, and pets, and we grieve layers upon layers of other life losses that need our attention too. Even though grief is such an important part of life, compassionate support can be difficult to find. Myths of grief stages and timelines also cloud how we grieve and how we comfort others—none of these persistent myths adequately explain our diverse and individual expressions and feelings. Grief has no timeline and no agenda. Keeping love and the relationships at the center of our grief offers us solace and honors our loved ones.

“Grieving is Love” is the compassionate message at the heart of the new Omega House Community Grief Support program, which includes grief resources, counseling, and group support for all community members. The Omega House board of directors initiated this program in their Strategic Vision 2020. The board’s Community Grief Support committee, comprised of counseling, clergy, grief, and hospice experts, is focused on building a special program to address our community needs.

Omega House started the grief program in 2017 with two workshops about grieving during the holidays. Then in early 2018, an Omega House social work intern, trained in grief therapy, began offering free grief and loss counseling to community members. Future plans include a monthly grief support group and grief in-service workshops at local organizations and businesses.

Recognizing the need for grief resources, the Rice Memorial Clinic Foundation recently donated $6,450 to Omega House. With this continued and

growing support, we plan to expand the program to help teenagers deal with grief and loss and help community members grieve traumatic deaths such as suicide and the opioid epidemic. The need for expert and compassionate grief support has never been greater in our community and in our culture. Omega House is helping to meet these challenges. If you are interested in a unique giving opportunity, please consider donating to our Community Grief Support program.

Omega House Community Grief Support Committee:Sarah Cheney, Cynthia Drake, Kathy Johnson, Michael Lutz, and Ray Weglarz.

Marilyn BowersCarol BradstromThomas BurridgeKaren CavaleriArbutus DurocherRoy HarjuEdsel JohnsonJane JordanMargaret KiiskilaShirley KindallFrank LideRuth MacFarlaneRobert McLainLaurie Monticello

Walter MorrisLido PaoliLouis ParedesHenry PetersJohn PyykkonenRobert RossAnita RouxRonald SibbaldJames SiegelKaren SleemanJill SligerCasper SorvalaGladys Wiitanen

11

James E. Ahola Christine Ahola

Charles S. AllenJohn and Cathi Drake Charitable Fund

Donald P. AllenJames and Sally Allen

Sylvia AllisonL. H. and R. M. Fredianelli

Carl AndersonDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Jean AndersonBrant and Carol AndersonAnita Welhouse

Doris AndreiniWilliam Andreini

Larry AntonyDoug and Pat AntonyWilliam and JoAnn Antony

Walter ArchambeauDonna Archambeau

Janice BaudinoRodney and Patricia Mishica

Michael BausanoMark Cinelli

Louise BeaudoinBeverly Berg

Carol BennettsRaymond Laurich

Ethel BishopHenry and Susan BrennimanWilliam and Diane MitchellPeter and Cynthia RothNancy Wilson

Robert and Christine BohnsackDavid and Channon ArtemanDale and Kay CarlsonHeather Bohnsack Miller Bruce and Nancy SeelyDavid and Klaartje Stegmaier

Dorothy BonenWilliam and Susan Baccus

Margaret BonenAndre Bonen

Jane BorsvoldGordon Borsvold

Richard BorutaConnie Boruta

Marilyn BowersSteve and Jane BowersWilliam and Mary C BryanJohn and Jennifer DeeganSuzanne DickinsonCheryl HarrisLinette and Teri HicksElayne LastofkaBeverly LyonMary MertinJohn and Carol MeyersSchneider National Foundation, Inc.Kay SellersRonald and Jane Splingaire

Alex and Elsa BradofKristine Bradof

Carol BradstromKatherine CocciarelliThomas and Suzanne JonesJeanne Tomlinson

Mary BratetichDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Earl BrinkmanRoberta Noetzel

Lois BrookhouseRobert and Christine Hodges

Albert Brunk, SrNancy Pawlowski

Arlene BykkonenJessica BessnerGerald Penegor

Ken and Lydia BylkasPaul Bylkas

Helen CampbellCharles Kerfoot and Lucille Zelazny

Charlotte Ann CappoLeonard and Patricia BolducBernice McCarthyLinda St AubinTerry Wuorinen

Karen CavaleriJamey AndersonMaria JanowiakJohn and Sharon Nelson

Art ChaputDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Jeanette Chevrette Dennis and Pauline Moore

Patricia ChoppRodney and Patricia MishicaDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Russ ClearyScott Leonard and Sethany Kirkish-Leonard

Ellen ClischReuben and Evelyn Turunen

Ed and Barbara CloutierLowell Peacock

Ann CooperEleanor Dahlstrom

Mary Ann CourchaineSusan and Thomas Haviland

Ruth CourterThomas and Ruth Kelley

Tom CourtneyMary Courtney

Deb DanielsonMichelle Danielson

Meri DiandaJeanne Dianda

Fran DixonRichard and Marja Salani

J.C. DixonMary Dixon

Theresa DorvinenDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’BrienRonald Strong

Dottie and MitziCarol Lee Jestila-Sikorsky

Ruth DowdMike and Sue LutzBernice McCarthy

Edith DreelanElizabeth Hakola

Robert and June Drew Drew ConstructionJohn Drew

Gail DubeJames Dube Kirt and Paula Dube

John DupuisJoan Dupuis

Arbutus DurocherRaymond DurocherSharon MakiMarie Ross

Glen EdgarTheresa Holombo

Peter EricksonLaura EricksonKathy Maki

June ErlandsonRoy Erlandson

Judy ErvaBrian and Julie Diercks

Nancy ErvaTimothy and Christine Loukus

Ethel EskolaMark and Christine Kilpela

Nancy Fenili-RomaniniKaren Haischer

Loretta FinleyGrace Ala

Donald FisherGregg and Sharon Fisher

Kenneth FisherShirley Slusarzyk

June FloydBetty ErnestSuperior Block Co.

John FlynnDr. Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen Kingsley

Leonard and Alice FranzScott and Tracey BershingJoyce CrozeGary and Barbara FranzPat Rotundo

John B. GarberArthur Bates

Anton GerichRichard and Sally Johnson

Bob GreenMargaret Pistner

Howard GreenleyMark and Cathy Campbell-OlszewskiEdwin and Joanne GransellRon and Lou HelmanCraig Morris and Kay O’ConnorSteve PalosaariDonna RangusLisa RosseauWalgreens StaffDr. Phoebe Wienke

Eugene GriffErnest Griff

David HaapapuroJoanne Haapapuro

Miriam HaapapuroMartin Haavisto

Paul HainaultMr. and Mrs. Donald LewisCharles and Mary Weber

Ralph HakalaJoyce Hakala

John HamarStephen and Judith AlbeeAnonymousDonald and Susan BeckScott and Tracey BershingOscar and Patricia BoldtThomas and Renee BoldtLeonard and Patricia BolducDebbie BradfordJeffrey and Lori BudwegRuth CampbellWilliam and Elaine CrouterKaren ErvaNancy FentonJulie GadesLaurie GaleGary and Lois ShandleyDan and Mary Kay GrabigMarsha GregorichJulie HamarMarilynn HamarJay and Pam HillierGeorge and Suzanne HouleDavid Kent

Ted and Fran KoehlWalter and Joanne KuntzeRobert and Mary KuopusMichael and Kimberly LorenzettiGerald and Robin LucierMichael and Susan LutzDan and Ardys MakiDavid and Kathleen ManderfieldRonald and Mary Beth MikkolaJoanne MorosRoberta NoetzelNorthern Mutual EmployeesMargaret O’NeilJulie OrrJerry and Pat OvistNancy PaananenNels and Catherine PaulScott and Jeanne PeckAlmor and Kathy PenegorJudy PleshePortage Hospital Medical StaffGordon and Holly RintalaJohn and Janice SanregretMarge ShannetteJames SpainDrs. Pichai and Rajanee SripaipanJames and Marcia StoneJohn and Helen SullivanSharon TorgesonU.P Health System - PortageStan and LouAnn VittonJohn and Nancy WakemanDavid WiitanenThomas and Darlene WilsonCharles and Norma YoungMark and Deb Young

Frances HamlinTheresa Hamlin

Roy HarjuDavid KentTeresa Molloy Jerry and Carole Scrivo

Betty and Angela HarryGerald Harry

Janet HauswirthRick Hauswirth

Edward HautalaPaul and Anita Campbell

Robert HedmanBetty Tollefson

Marie HeinonenDennis and Susan Gassittie

Sandy HenkelTom and Darlene Wilson

Phyllis HildenAndrew Hilden

Myrtle HillenbrandRobert and Teresa Nelson

Sulo HiltunenElizabeth Hiltunen

Betty HodgesRoy and Lenore BoniniHillard and Lois Posey

Beverly HolmanKenneth Holman

Aundrea HolmesRaymond LaurichRichard Schaefer and Rheta Wolfe Schaefer

James HolomboTheresa Holombo

Don Holsa, JrBetty Tollefson

Don and Marilyn HonDaniel and Mary Kay Grabig

Mary HookanaNancy Bird and Kenneth CyganBruce Wagner

Peter and Pierre HouleMarlene HouleDebbie and Bruce Linn

Ernestine HruskaJohn and Barbara Nickola

Audrey HunterJim and Pam Grill

Rick InghramNorma Inghram

Joann IsaacsonRichard and Barbara Trudgeon

Lynda JanovskyCharles Janovsky

Bill JilbertMary Aldridge Rock

Edsel JohnsonSusan GodellJames JohnsonMark and Christine KilpelaChristine PionkRobert and Yvonne Veeser

Frederick JohnsonJames and Christine AittamaCatholic Church of the ResurrectionCopper Country Bar AssociationCharles and Christine GoodmanRick HauswirthAudrey JohnsonPatrick and Colleen KetolaLinda LuseMary MikkolaRev. James and Kristine WeidnerRuth Wisti

Jane JordonRobert and Rita AchenbachRonald and Jayne FredrickGeorge and Suzanne HouleDebra MakiEugene and Faye MarionCraig Morris and Kay O’ConnorBernadette Yeoman-Ouellette and Charles OuellettePatricia Smiley

William JuntikkaJohn and Lynn GierkeJean Juntikka

Julie JunttilaNeil and Tammy AholaBurton and Kelly ArolaPatrick and Linda BayneSteven and Ann BendaBucko’s Party StoreBrad and Joni CarlsonCollege Avenue Vision ClinicGemignani’s Italian RestaurantBobbie HolomboAngeline and William JunttilaScott and Judith KacenaRichard and Emilie KrznarichRyan MilkeyCliff NicholsBob and Paula NutiniShawn and Douglas OppligerMark Palosaari

donations In Memory Of…

12

Almor and Kathleen PenegorMark Peterson and Barbara BattersbyDianne RossRobert SandersonDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’BrienEric and Eva SzilagyiClyde and Lloyd Wescoat

Eric JurgensenMarty and Mary Jurgensen

Madonna KajanderMagdalena BelejJohn Kajander

Helvi KangasAnna M. AnttilaRaymond and Betty HalonenWesley Kangas

Rudy KauranenAlbert and Elsa Clement

Fred KekkoMargaret Kekko

Erma KetolaJessica Bessner

Eileen KiiskilaMelvyn and Judith Mikkola

Margaret KiiskilaSarah CloutierJean Jackson

Shirley KindallWalter HitchKristin Zolltheis

Bradley KingTheodore Tober

Russell KinnunenBarbara Kinnunen

Jean KirkishJohn and Carole AholaShirley ArvoWilliam and Nancy BalmaRobert and Carla BanfieldBruce and Jaclyn BarnaMagdalena BelejAnthony and Carol BenaglioDarlene BiekkolaJames and Ronda BoganLeonard and Patricia BolducTed and Laurie BornhorstMorris Contracting, Inc.James and Georgeann DeroeckMarvin and Martha LouJimmy Diehl and Sue Beske-DiehlJeanne EilolaJason and Amy EvansNancy FentonNaomi Fish

Barbara FisherMr. and Mrs. Frederick GrandchampKathleen FunkeyJames and Stephanie GaleLaurie GaleDr. David and Barbara GilbertRobert and Susan GrasseschiMarilynn HamarJohn and Christy HilgersEsther E. KeelingMichele KerbanDaniel KirkishJoe KirkishStephen KoehlerPaull Kroll and Nancy SvacinaRichard and Emilie KrznarichDr. Craig and Jeanne KurtzMichael and JoAnn LaCourtGerald LaurinJon LehtinenAnn LockwoodMichael and Kimberly LorenzettiMark and Julie MarosteDavid McAdamJames and Mary Sue MonetteDennis and Pauline MooreNeil and Mary NelsonRobert and Carol NiilekselaMargaret OdgersKaren OndejkoCraig PakkalaGerald and Jean ParkerBrent and Kristin PetersonSusan PetersonKathleen PintarJudy PlesheEric and Jean PyhtilaRobert QuinnDavid and Beth ReedPeter and Patricia RobertsLorna RowleyRob and Mary RoyMichael and Kimberly SalmiJohn and Janice SanregretFrancis ShirodaWilliam SprouleFrank and Sharon StipechJohn and Martha StoneDavid and Jacalyn StrongJohn SullivanSurplus OutletSharon TorgesonRoger and Janet TurpeningStephen and Shannon Vairo

James VanDykeVern and Trish WatwoodPeter and Betty WickleyDennis and Barbara WiitanenDan and Patricia WilliamsRichard and Jane WilliamsRuth WistiMary Zanoni

Robert KiviniemiLinda Kiviniemi

James KluttsAndrew Murtagh

Arthur L and Louise KolehmainenArthur Kolehmainen

Don KoopBarbara Ann Lindblom

David KorhonenCalvin Naasko

Gordon and Nora KoskiDr. Sigurds and Candace Janners

Ann KotilaR & M Consultants, Inc

Christine KramerTracey Beauchamp

Sandy KruppRichard and Barbara Trudgeon

Mary KumpDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Gretel LagerloefHans and Susan Lagerloef

Bruce LaityDion and Jean Paquette

Barbara LangdonJoseph and Kate Langdon

Grace LangenAndrew Murtagh

George LazzariMargaret O’neil

Peter LehtoVernon and Susan LeBlanc

Carl LesceliusKenneth and Christine Raisanen

Francis “Frank” LideStephen and Judith AlbeeMagdalena Belej

Glen LiikalaJames and Kathy Jaaskelainen

Eva LindemanRobert and Beverly AuelGeorge and Judith GillDonna HiltunenDorothy Thorpe

Nancy J. LohelaWilliam Lohela

Naomi LoukinenRobert Loukinen

Carol Jean LowneyDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Jeanette LowneyGloria Judnich

Myrtle LuomaDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Edward LutzMike and Sue Lutz

Ben LytikainenBetty Tollefson

Ruth MacFarlaneKaren BergMary and Walter LukkarilaMarcia Pietila

Rose MakiHelen Stimac

Jean MakkonenAndrew Murtagh

Gary MakuchWilliam and Elaine Crouter

Edward ManninenWayne Manninen

Mark S. MarinoKathy and Joseph Marino

Margaret Elaine MarkhamTimothy and Christine Loukus

Denise MarthJo FoleyDrs. Pichai and Rajanee Sripaipan

Gabe and Verna MasiniAlfred and Kerri Masini

Earl MattilaLeo and Marian Mattila

Mattson and Heikkinen FamiliesDonald Mattson

Al McCarthyBernice McCarthy

Verna McCarthyRobert McCarthy

Claudia McIntyrePat’s Auto & Sports Center Staff

Kathy McLeanCharles and Christine Goodman

Norman McLeanSuzanne McLean

Kathy McMillianTom and Darlene Wilson

Yvonne MendanhallDrs. Pichai and Rajanee Sripaipan

Lafayette and Lucille MerrillAndrew Merrill

Nada Teodosijeva-MicevksaDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

John P. MillerRobert and Mary BucklinChristine HollandGregory and Joanne Rule

Paul MoilanenMargaret LaBellWilliam LaBell

Laurie MonticelloPaul and Marilyn HeinonenJohn and Margaret La SotaDennis and Barbara Wiitanen

Walter MorrisGary and Wendy AndersonJohn and Eileen BenaglioLinda BilichBluffs Senior CommunityJoe and Gail EvansLaurie GaleGrandchamp, McBride, Wallner, Wallner & Prophet, CPA’s, PCMr. and Mrs. Frederick GrandchampSusan Johnson Ted and Dianne JohnsonFred LazzariKathy and David ManderfieldMark and Julie MarosteMargaret O’NeilKathy PtaszekMax and Mary Ann SeelRoger and Janet Turpening

James MorrisseyJudith JuntunenCraig Morris and Kay O’Connor

MothersJohn P. CarpenterRalph and Tracey Matkin

Lorraine MoyleBrian and Michelle Geshel

Spencer MuellerMichael and Wanda KolbDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Byron MuljoJoseph and Kate LangdonKathleen MuljoDion and Jean Paquette

Dr. David NaraMike and Sue Lutz

Betty NarhiJoanne Edwards

Mary NegriJoanne EdwardsDennis and Micki SlivaDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

In MeMory of… continued

“ although our mother was only there for a few short days, you made those days peaceful and comforting for all of us. You are very special and we could not thank you enough.”bOb p.

13

Elmo NegroRobert HodgesDaniel and Joan Steck

Jean NelsonLois Berg

Mary Audine NelsonVance Nelson

Erickson NevaRobert and Christine Hodges

Joan NichollsCharles and Christine Goodman

Reuben NiemistoReuben and Evelyn Turunen

Paul NormanTracey Beauchamp

John O’BrienDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Claire OrrBarbara BausanoGerald PenegorSally Weathersby

Ellen OrrGerard and Barbara Bartkowiak

Reubin “Archie” PaavolaDavid KalliainenDebbie PaavolaLucille Paavola

Lido PaoliJamey AndersonWilliam AndreiniLaurence and Betty ChabotJane DickowThomas and Carol FrankAllan and Julie HessHoughton County Dept. Of Veterans AffairsMaria JanowiakColleen and Randall LaLondeJoan LarocheClifford and Betty LehmanMary ListonDavid PaoliKris PoncekSouth Range Lions Club MembersHelen StimacThomas and Cheryl StimacTuesday Night HoopsBetty Voght

Esther ParoliniJames and Barbara Manderfield

Reynold PeckBarbara Stallings

William PenegorGerald Penegor

Fred PernaskiDr. David and Carol Kass

Donald A. PeryamJames and Karen Laurinaho

Robert and Rita PetersonEugene CavicchioniTed and Helen KearlySally Ann SuttonNancy Wilson

Ruth PetersonMark and Chris Waldron

Dorothy PidgeonAnnette Schaefer

Dominic PizziRobert Pizzi

Millie PlanteBarbara E. Laurie

Joseph QuiliciRobert Hodges

Joanne RacetteDonna MacIntosh

Martin RaffaelliJulie Karvonen and Ashley DuquetteGregg and Sharon FisherBetty Voght

Mary RaltmanSuzanne Knott

Esma Redzepova-TeodosievskaDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Larry RheaultGerald Penegor

Reuben RheaultAndrew MurtaghMargaret Rheault

Donald RichardsPatricia EKDavid and Beth Reed

Sherwood RintalaTheresa Holombo

Pearl RitolaJohn Ritola

Francis RobertsDeacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Barbara RobillardDavid and Mary KuureRichard and Barbara Trudgeon

Robert “Bob” RothThomas Roth

Anita RouxJames and Bonnie Foley

Tom RyynanenJames and Frederica Taddeucci

Ann SaariReuben and Evelyn Turunen

Eli SaloMr. and Mrs. Dennis Salo

Jaysen SaloEvelyn Lescelius

Tom ScanlanAndrew Murtagh

Rick SchulzAnnette Schaefer

Mary Ellen ShaneElizabeth GandelotUP Health System Portage Medical Records Dept.

Douglas SherkNancy Sherk Deacon Art Stancher and Beth O’Brien

Bill SigmundAlice Kolehmainen

Julia SimulaAndrew Murtagh

Margaret SkufcaPatricia Wheeler and Roger Skufca

Helen and Karen SleemanPaul SleemanWilliam and Vicky Sleeman

Jill SligerDonald and Diane Moilanen

Grayce SlonakerRobert and Phyllis Koivu

William A. SmithMartyn Smith

Casper SorvalaGracia BraccoMary SagerMarie SorvalaEleanore Tauriainen

Samuel and Florence SowkaJames Sowka

Patricia SpainSalon by Michelle

Vieno M. StaloDavid and Mary Gustafson

Adrian “A.C.” SteinPatricia Stein

Kenneth SteinerBarbara LideAndrew Murtagh

Dennis StenKathy and Joseph Marino

Ed StephensSue Stephens

Father Charles and Ann Terese Strelick

Deacon Art Stancher and Beth O’BrienMichael Strucel

Gregory and Denise MaronenDonald Sturvist

Judith SturvistBridget Sullivan

Lowell and Peggy ElmbladTeresa KempenTherese Sullivan

Debbie SwetichGary Thomas

Winifred SyriaWilliam Johnson

Michelle Taddeucci-CutlerJames and Frederica Taddeucci

Joyce TaivalojaFrederic and Kathryn Gaabo

Sarah TeddyShirley Slusarzyk

Kathy TekelyTrent and Barbara McGrew

Maila TervoDavid and Agnes Pyykkonen

Duane ThayerMary Thayer

Dennis TimmGregory and Karen Lazzari

Jack ToyraHerbert Jarvi

Janet TrastiPaul Trasti

Marie TuohimaaBetty Voght

Evelyn TurpeinenDonna HiltunenReuben and Evelyn Turunen

Harold UsitaloRichard and Barbara Trudgeon

Gerald VairoKarl and Ruth ParksShirley SlusarzykClaudette Vairo

Janice VandenbuschJames and Judy VandenBrook

Hazel VencatoDaniel and Denise Vencato

Marion VerranJerry and Florence OberlanderJames and Marjorie Olson

Henry A. VervischKen and April Vervisch

VeteransDanny AlderPeggy and Will JacksonCliff NicholsRangers Auxiliary VFW 6165Michael and Ann SoumisJane Wyatt

Clayton VialCharlene VialMike and Robin Bonini

Paul VoghtBetty Voght

Ray WadagaGarland and Vivian Davis

Rita WiinamakiWayne and Sandra Jarvi

Gladys WiitanenChristine AholaJohn and Carole AholaStephen and Judith AlbeeShirley ArvoRalph and Mary BammertRobert and Carla BanfieldCentury 21 North Country AgencyMartha DicksonDorothy DourosKaren ErvaJoe and Gail EvansMartin FeiraNancy FentonJohn GrandelisTim Halkola and Marilyn SwiftKaren HalonenMarilynn HamarMichael HamiltonBob and Mary HauswirthLavern HayrynenDavid and Nancie HermansonRobert and Christine HodgesDavid Hughes and Lennon Mattila HughesKathleen JohnsonTed and Dianne JohnsonDavid and Jessica JukuriKenneth and Lani JunttonenDonald Juntunen and Marie KangasMaripat KemppaJohn and Pat KotilaMichael and Sharon LahtiRobert and Barbara LewisCarol LindrusMasini Aero Marine LLCMichigan Amateur Hockey Assn.Robert and Suzanne MikeschMary MikkolaMelvyn and Judith MikkolaMichael and Martean MikkolaRonald and Mary Beth MikkolaDouglas and Doris MoyleMary NominelliBernadette Yeoman-Ouellette and Charles OuelletteMary PekkalaMary QuayleBruce and Carol RagusettFred and Ruth RuelleBetty RuohonenDoris RuttleRichard and Marja SalaniFrancis ShirodaLuci SintkowskiEdith SnortlandMarjorie StimacGeorge and Shari StockeroEileen and Wayne StordahlJohn SullivanAdele and Brian TaavolaMary ThomasSharon TorgesonRobert and Yvonne VeeserWayne and Violet WiitalaDavid WiitanenMary Ann WillmerRoss and Fayth WolfeSteve and Jane Zutter

Russ WilderLee and Judy HaltunenBuzz and Allison Johnson

James WilliamsJohn Rudak

Judy WinquistPaul Winquist

Robert WuoriLinda BurcarNorman and Barbara KendallWilliam LohelaRudy and Bertha MakiJean MakkonenDavid and Ellen NorkolRobert and Violet NorkolBob and Paula NutiniAdam RajalaTracie and Daryll Williams

Donny WuorinenTerry Wuorinen

James ZurcherJames and Judy Zurcher

In MeMory of… continued

every effort has been made to

include all donors.

We sincerely apologize

for any omissions

or misspellings.

Please let us know of

any mistakes so we

can correct them.

Thank you for

your patience and

assistance.

“i can’t thank youenough for all that you did in helping

to make my father’s passing

painless and peaceful. it meant the world to me to have such loving

and caring people around us at this

difficult time.

”Kim C.

14We make a living by what we get,

but we make a life by what we give.—WINSTON CHURCHILL

William Sewell (left) received the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Volunteer of the Year Award in 2004, for his work in

hospice and helping to create Omega House.

With a planned gift you Can:• Make a larger charitable gift than you thought

possible during your lifetime

• Prioritize the financial needs of your family

• Provide inheritances for your heirs at a lower tax cost

• Reduce your income tax and even avoid capital gain taxes

• Diversify your investment portfolio

• increase income and effective rate of return

• Leave a gift without giving up assets

planned giVing programMessage from a Founding Co-member of Omega House

Since its inception, it has always been the goal of Omega House to make care

accessible to all, without cost, regardless of finances. However, to achieve this goal will require substantial financial resources. Currently, to ensure that Omega House continues to serve our community well into the future, we need to maintain operations on a sliding scale of reimbursement where residents pay to reside at Omega House based on their income levels.

One way you can help Omega House meet these goals would be to include Omega House as a beneficiary in your will. Making a generous bequest is the best way to build an endowment fund, which would guarantee our continued existence and progress towards reducing costs to residents.

The enclosed Planned Giving Brochure discusses several ways in which you can support Omega House through a will or estate planned gift. “In the past several months, two personal friends and fellow co-founders of the Omega House have passed on: Dyann Edgerton and Scott Rutherford. I take comfort in knowing there is a special place in your community to provide personalized end-of-life care.”

William Sewell

“ i tell everyone how comfortable dad was at Omega House. it was so quiet and peaceful. Everyone was so nice and helpful. i can’t tell you what it means to me to have my dad in such a great place.”sHirlEY H.

15

how can i give to Omega House?annual GiftsAnnual donations to Omega House support the daily operations of the House. These gifts are essential for us to fulfill our mission. Annual gifts can be designated in memory of a friend, loved one or someone important in your life. Please consider becoming a Sustaining Donor with on-going donations via a credit or debit card. We bill in a secure manner at the amount and interval that you direct us to. Contact Mary Kay at Omega House for more information. [email protected] fundThe Founders Fund recognizes individuals who make donations at the $25,000 level. These gifts are payable over a period of one to three years. A gift of this level provides resources to operate the entire House for a month. It helps ensure that no will be turned away. The Founders Fund is named for the early organizers who helped make the vision of Omega House a reality.Veterans fundSince opening our doors, U.S. military veterans make up 30% of all residents. We are honored to serve them. You can recognize a veteran, a branch of service or a veteran’s group with your gift.Naming opportunitiesOmega House has naming opportunities available for donations small and large. This is a unique way to forever honor or remember a loved one. For gifts of $1000 an etched glass panel commemorative wall has been created that greets visitors as they enter the House.eventsEvents are held in the community throughout the year to benefit the House. Some events are planned and conducted by Omega House staff, volunteers and board members. Other events are planned and conducted by individuals and organizations in the community on behalf of Omega House. Please consider becoming a sponsor for an annual Omega House event or hosting an event of your own. See the Event section on page 16 to identify ways that you can support Omega House. For assistance in planning an event to benefit Omega House, contact Michael Lutz, Executive Director at [email protected]

Gifts-in-KindThere are many non-monetary contributions of products and services that you can gift Omega House that support the daily operations of the house. Our on-going Wish List is updated regularly and includes items such as postage stamps, gift cards to area stores as well as kitchen and bathroom items needed at the House. View the wish list on our website at www.omegahouse.org.Keweenaw Community foundation endowment fundThe Keweenaw Community Foundation (KCF) manages a designated endowment fund for the benefit of the Omega House. The perpetual fund was established in 2005 to support our operations and programs. For more information or to donate call KCF: 906-482-9673, [email protected] or online at www.keweenawcommunityfoundation.org. You can also contact your financial advisor for planned giving options to this fund and make it a Gift For Good, For Ever!Community outreachIf you would like an Omega House representative to speak to your community group, educational class, civic organization, church group or veterans organization please contact us. We will work with you to present a program that meets the needs of your group.Donate onlineOur website provides you with a convenient and secure way to donate online anytime. Donations can be made using a credit card and you may designate a special fund or make the gift as a memorial or honorarium. Support Omega House online at www.omega-house.org and click on the Donate tab.

for more information about gifts to omega house contact Mike Lutz • (906) 482-4438 [email protected]

16

Fall Concert Sponsors

PlatinumRuth Nara

SilverGregg & Sharon FisherDr. Mary Beth & David HinesDr. terry Kinzel & Sue ellen KingsleyGuy & Kathy St. GermainRay & Viki Weglarz

CopperAlgomah Acres Honey FarmBob & Sarah BaratonoRev. Bucky Beach & Julie BelewGeorge Dewey & Andrea PuzakulichCindy Griffin & Ray KramerMichael & Wanda KolbBernard & Patricia KoskiniemiJohn & Charmaine ParsonsDeb Stouffer & ed KauttoArthur WheelerMark & Deb Young

Golf Outing SponsorsAmeripriseAspirus At HomeAspirus Keweenaw HospitalCentral Vac internationalCopper Country Veterinary ClinicDP ConstructionKeweenaw AutomotiveKeweenaw BrewingJonathan M. Luse, Sr., P.C., CPAMemorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral HomeC. M. Morris ContractingPenegor LumberRange BankRukkila / Negro & Associates, CPAUP Health System-PortageCopper Country FordCountry inn & SuitesGartner’s GalleryMichigan tech Athletic DepartmentMichigan tech Campus Store & University imagesPeterson’s Fish MarketPortage Lake Golf CourseShopkoVollwerth & Paul Baroni CompaniesWalmartDeb and Mark Young

2017 eVents

THE mOsT successful

E v E n T

is the one that

achieves your

goals and

exceeds your

expectations.

17

2017 Income $409,106

Resident Payments ...................... $ 172,060

Donations ........................................ 202,287

Events ............................................. 30,902

Medical Equipment Rentals .......... 18,914

Percentage of Room & Board Paid by Residents

Num

ber o

fRe

side

nts

56

7Residents paid 25%

Residents paid 50%

Residents paid 75%

Residents paid 100%

13

31

stat

isti

Cs

2017 Expenses$433,925

Payroll and Related ..................... $ 300,976Insurance ........................................ 23,361Maintenance, Utilities & Other .... 53,024Printing & Mailing ......................... 22,812Events ............................................. 11,400Miscellaneous Operating ............... 22,352

# of Care Days

Provided

Average Length of Stay

148110 days

uOmega House provides care

to anyone in need on a sliding scale.

Residents are charged a daily fee based

upon their income and are

billed monthly.u

Males

Nearly 50% of Residents served were Veterans

Females

Residents Served

1615

www.omega-house.org

Sharon ave

econo Foods

Culver’s

Copper Country Ford

Festival

Walmart Aspirus

M26

HANCOCK

HOUGHtON

Designotype Printers Inc. • Calumet, MI

W. S

haro

n

ave

2211 Maureen Lane Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 482-4438

Non-ProfitUS Postage

PAIDHoughton, MIPermit No 10