The Fairhaven Navigatorfairhaven.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Navigator.pdf · 2016-07-05 · Navigator Vol. 8, Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2016 The Fairhaven Charting our course for the

NavigatorVol. 8, Issue 2

Spring/Summer 2016

The Fairhaven

Charting our course for the future of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center

This issue will feature the first of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center’s seven Core Values. Core Value #1: Serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs with an eternal perspective.What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deut. 10:12Goal - Peace of Mind

Mission Statement: Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center’s mission is to provide a comfortable lifestyle and exceptional care which enhances quality of life in a manner that glorifies God.

10 Interesting Facts about Fairhaven1. Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, located in Rockford, IL, is a not-for-profit continuing care retire-ment community (CCRC).2. We offer a variety of services within one commu-nity, and housing options, social activities and increased levels of care as our residents’ needs change.3. Fairhaven provides four lifestyle options all on one campus-Duplex Living, Independent Living Apart-ments, Supportive Care and Intermediate Nursing Care.4. The benefits of each level vary according to indi-vidual levels of independence. 5. If the residents’ needs change, Fairhaven can ac-commodate them and still give them a high level of peace and comfort.6. Since 1968, our residents have enjoyed our carefree lifestyle.7. Rooted in traditional Christian values, this active retirement community has steadily grown to be home to about 400 residents who love its refreshing balance of lively opportunity and respect for privacy.8. This Christian Retirement Community is associated with the Great Lakes District of the Evangelical Free Church of America.9. It is governed by a local Board of Directors and managed by a licensed Executive Director.10. We are committed to the highest quality of service with a compassionate, dedicated, skilled and well trained staff.

Save the Date...Swedish Pancake Brunch June 25th!

Because last year’s event was such a huge success, we are excited to announce this year’s SWEDISH PANCAKE BRUNCH, to be held at Fairhaven on Saturday, June 25th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. (Please note the change of time from last year.) Our friendly staff and volunteers will, once again, be serving many delighted families and friends. Come and enjoy a time of fun and fellowship together! Tickets will be on sale in the Main Office. Advance ticket price is $7.50; kids 5 and under eat free; and tickets sold at the door will be $9.00. Funds raised will go to the “Good Samaritan Fund” which assists Fairhaven with supply and medicine provision costs for residents no longer able to pay for them.

New Entry Portico CompletedThe roof was installed in January! We are enjoying this much needed shelter. We were blessed by Give-a-Gift support in 2014-2015 as well as memorial gifting which was applied to this project. A Dedication is planned for May 24th 2:00pm! Thanks to all who gave to make it possible.

From the Executive Director Development Department Update

Partnering with FairhavenStop in the Development Office or the Front Office and pick up a copy of each of four brochures detailing the many ways you can partner with Fairhaven to keep it vital and growing.

8 Gifts Of Love 8 Endowment Fund 8 Fairhaven Legacy 8 Capital Gifts

The Fairhaven Board of Directors honored Executive Director, Tom Bleed and Director of Finance, Jeff Reierson on the celebration in April, 2016 of their 20th year of leadership at

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center. Both started on the same day. Thank you, Tom and Jeff. P.S. We are pleased to announce two new board members, Mrs. Brenda Buzzard and Ms. Rita Versendaal. Welcome to our Fairhaven family.

We all want to be smart donors as we share our resources with ministries. Here are some suggestions.

WHAT ARE FIVE BEST TIPS FOR MAKING SMART DONATIONS ? By Brian Kluth, EFCAThe first “R” is relationships. Smart donors give to organizations where they have a personal history in the organization, its leadership or staff members, or they personally know people that have been helped by the organization.The second “R” is resolve. Smart donors give to organizations that they know are positively impacting the lives of the people they serve.The third “R” is research. Smart donors give to organizations that they have researched and verified and are organizations with quality leadership, sound financial practices, and ministry and program effectiveness.The forth “R” is reputation. Smart donors give to organizations that have a sound reputation in the community and in the media.The fifth “R” is reports. Smart donors give to organizations that give ongoing reports to the world through online, written, and personal communication.

MAINTENANCE BUILDING DEDICATIONOn October 21st, 2015 Fairhaven hosted an Open House in the newly built Maintenance Building. The event was attended by about 125 people. Special Guests , Alderman, Kevin Frost; Ribbon Cutter, John Hoefling; four Fairhaven Board Members; Contractors

on the project; Fairlaners, and residents of the Haven.

Inspiration Park Coming!On April 7th, 2016 the garages positioned on the south-east end of Terrace View Lane were demolished. The garage doors, openers, aluminum siding and some good lumber were removed prior to the demolition. Fairhaven is working with a local landscape contractor to redefine this space into a park-like setting. More details will follow. The view at that intersection will be more open without the garages, which we hope will promote everyone’s safety.

Tom and Jeff took a break to enjoy some “time on the beach” to celebrate their 20th anniversary at Fairhaven.

Alderman Frost gave a greeting and congratulated Fairhaven on this nice improvement that will facilitate property and facilities maintenance and help care for the equipment that is used to perform that work.

After a prayer of Dedication offered by Chaplain Wes Engstrom, Assistant Administrator Jeff Reierson began the ceremonial ribbon cutting with some historical facts about the important roles John and MayDelle Hoefling have had here at Fairhaven. In fact, John was the first employee hired to be the Maintenance Director before the facility opened and MayDelle was hired to be the Bookkeeper at Fairhaven and they served from 1968 to 1996 before retiring. John continued to be involved part time with Maintenance doing pickups and deliveries and MayDelle served on the Volunteer Board after her retirement from 1998 to 2015 being Chairman for 14 years. They have lived at Fairhaven on Rolling Meadow Lane since 2007.

Jeff then told the gathering it was his pleasure to announce that the Fairhaven Board voted unanimously to name the new Maintenance Build-

ing the HOEFLING Maintenance Building and he produced an engraved placard that will be mounted by the entrance to the facility. He then asked the Hoeflings and their two sons (Kevin and Kent), who were present, to step forward to conduct the ribbon cutting. There was gracious applause from attendees of this event. Guests were invited to enjoy refreshments and tour the space further. We thank God for this building.

Front Row L to R) David Norberg

Perseverance By Mrs. Sharon Conrad, Fairlaner ResidentThe definition of perseverance is “to continue a course of action in spite of difficulty”. Synonyms are persisting, remain, pursue, prevail, keep on, ride out, withstand, and endure. Perseverance is something you will never know until you are severely tested.On October 3, 2014, because of some sudden symptoms and a trip to the emergency room, I was told I had a mass in my stomach and was admitted to the hospital. That was the beginning of a ten-month journey that no one plans to take. October 15th my stomach was removed and my esophagus was attached to my intestines. On October 31st, I was taken by ambulance to UW in Madison, WI because there was a leak and my surgeon did not feel confident that he could solve the problem. They placed a stint in the area and hoped that the leak would close up. But, after having to replace the stint, neither of them solving the problem, and getting infection; they decided I needed to get stronger physically and then go back in to see what could be done. After 7 months on feeding tubes and recovery time from the first major surgery they performed a 5-hour surgery to repair the leak and by August 12, 2015 I was dismissed from the surgeon’s care and was beginning to get back to a normal life. At one point in this ordeal they told Arnie that they were not sure I was going to make it.I learned over those long months that God was my source of strength. It was so amazing to me to read and have read to me cards, letters and booklets sent by so many dear family and friends. I was blessed with many wonderful visits. I was prayed for by people all over the world and by people I did not even know personally. There were miracles that God performed and strength that I know only can come from my Lord and Savior. I did not believe I could endure one more time of having my feeding tube clog and need to be replaced. This happened at least 3 times. Two other times the Lord saw fit to help my home nurse unclog it. I prayed for strength to do all I was asked to do and at times became discouraged. My brother-in-law, and husband, Arnie, would come and do devotions with me every night. I know there was only one person I could cry out to and that was my Lord.Romans 5:1-5 is very precious to me now because I experienced the truth found there. God’s peace comes by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5 says we have God’s grace and we rejoice in the hope because some day I look forward to sharing in His glory. There were days in the hospital when I wondered if that day would be soon. However, God saw fit to heal my body for the present and I know God has more for me to do on this earth. Romans 5:4 “Endurance (perseverance) develops strength of character and it strengthens our confident expectation of salvation.” (NLT) Romans 5:5 “Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (NAT)In one of the churches we served a dear saint gave me a card with Is. 41:10 on it. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I have always struggled with fear but I kept this passage in my mind and felt its strength over and over.What have I learned from this experience?

1. As Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” We do not know when our days on earth will end.

2. We are here to praise, worship and serve our Lord.3. We are here to share the message of Jesus Christ because nothing else is important.4. God’s grace and mercy don’t give up on us.5. I am thankful I have energy to be productive in work, home or when out and about.6. Be thankful for family and friends because they are there when you need them.7. I’m not in charge, God is!

Thank you, Ralph Colburn, for the beautiful organ music you share so willingly with our residents at

Chapel Services and Concerts.

Chapel Speaker Rev. Phil DelRe gave a copy of his new book “The Biblical Worldwide Training Seminar” to Haven resident Bill Johnson after the Chapel service.

“The Perks of Being Over 80”1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.3. No one expects you to run into a burning building.4. People call at 9 PM and ask, “Did I wake you?”5. People no longer view you as a hypochon-driac.6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.7. Things you buy now won’t wear out.8. You can eat dinner at 4 PM.9. Your joints are more accurate meteorolo-gists than the national weather service.10. Your secrets are safe with your friends

because they can’t remember them either.

Welcome! New Residents at FairhavenOctober 2015 - April 2016

• Haven • • Duplex + Health Center ++ Supportive Care

Fairhaven Memorial Services are held quarterly to celebrate the lives of those “family members” who have passed away. They will be remembered with great fondness and will be missed. Those who have passed away between September 11, 2015 and April 15, 2016.

Modern Tradition: Richard RolanderRichard Rolander, born in Rockford, Illinois, in 1927, began working in wood at an early age. His appreciation for the handwork of Sweden, eventually led him to import Swedish antiques and collect old and new Dala horses. He also used his wood-related skills to create pieces of his own inspired by Swedish traditional art, including Dala horses. His carved horses were typically painted by two different painters, one in Illinois, and another in Sweden.

His work attracted attention when he sold some of his painted horses at a market in Sweden. In 2001, Grannas Olsson Hemslojd a Swedish company well known for Dala horse production commissioned Rolander to carve a limited-edition horse in their “new copies of antique horses” collector’s series. That first horse, aptly named Ro-lander, sold out. There followed a series of limited-edition horses, with a different horse every year or so. Altogether, more than 500 of these horses have been sold in Sweden.

Sadly, in 2013 Dick Rolander lost nearly all of his eyesight, and so was forced to quit carving horses. But, as with other carvers, his work continues to please and inspire.

Dick Rolander has been a resident of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center since 2014. He currently has 25 of his carvings on display at the Vester-heim Norwegian/American Museum in Decora, Iowa. His carvings are of Scandinavian style figure carving and “Flat plane” carving in particular, horses.

Spika - Painted in Sweden to replicate an old horse.

Penny - Grey horse, high neck, painted in Sweden.

Havet - Black horse with “wave” pattern painted in USA.

Brown Horse - Rosemaled, in Michigan, Gulbrandsdal style.

Santa - Carved and painted by Dick Rolander, Folk-art

Bird - Arctic tern (looks like a Seagull)

Dick Rolander and his daughter, Karen Bieschke, a Rockford resident.

A Good Question!

What if We Treated our Bibles Like We Do our Cell Phones

walways carried it around wlooked at it many times a daywwent back to get it if forgottenwfelt we couldn’t live without itwgave it to our children as giftswused it when traveling

wneeded in case of emergency

Jesus already paid the bill and there’s no dropped calls!

UFF DA isweating hot soup with a runny nosewwaking yourself up in church by snoringwsneezing your front teeth into the potatoeswseeing flashing red lights in your rearview mirrorweating a delicious sandwich and realizing the spread is catfood.wwhen your two “steady” girlfriends find out about each other.

Julanne Davis Verna Ketcher Dagmar Erickson Pauline Roland Evelyn Rudolph Marjorie Wilber Viola ParrishLois SmithWinifred RorheimJohn BetzHarriet CarlsonWillie BellPhyllis FieldNancy KleinJoanne Strand

John PalmShirley JohnsonPatsy CarlsonJ. Lowell HawkinsonLorena JenningsAlice Jane LossauLoretta RobersonOrville RoenJoy RushtonDonna Sutton

New Residents:June Morgensen ++ Donald & Sandra Barnum ** David Roen * Alice Schaefer * Lola Becker + Roberta Mellberg ++ James & Nancy Klein ** Claudette Brown + Daniel Gustafson + Ruth Stahl ++Roland & Esther Gustafson * David & Gertrude Hesselgrave *

Lyle Morgensen ++ Leona Pavlik ++ Roberta H. Gambrel * Beatrice Otdoerfer + Alvin Shaver + Michael Ciesielka + David J. Wood * Mary Lou Dickinson ++ Charlotte Wells * Roger Johnson ++Dolores Shaver *

Our Friends at Fairhaven,Thank you for the beautiful plant and for all the efforts you made to make sure that mom’s memorial service honored her and was a blessing to all who attended. Mom was only at Fairhaven a short time but we so appreciate the warmth and caring and acceptance she received while she was a part of your community. The staff and residents of Fairhaven will continue to be in our prayers - May God bless you alwaysJodi and Jay Ehlman (Joan Fernatt’s family)

Joan FernattErnest Sanders Esther Goss Elaine Carlson

“Getting to Know You!” Lorraine Ekberg Seagren tells her story.

I was the first child born to Hilding and Agnes Ekberg in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota on March 3, 1922. Seven siblings followed me.We lived on a farm so I learned to do chores indoor and outdoors like other farm kids did. I grew up without

electricity or running water. We used gasoline engines, steam engines plus horses to plant and harvest crops and pump water.Tom Bleed’s family lived in our neighborhood and they attended the same church which was Estes Brook Evangelical Free Church. I graduated from 8th grade in a one-room schoolhouse district #59, attended Foley High School and DeKalb University.I married Reuben Seagren and we have two sons, Lowell and James Seagren, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. After farming for several years, Reuben and I built our Amway International business which included many miles of traveling and holding sales meetings.Reuben and I attended the dedication of the grounds of Fairhaven in December 1966, listening to several speakers and stood during the whole service.We lived in Arizona for seven years and after Reuben’s death in 2003 I decided to return to Rockford.It is a special privilege for me to spend my senior days at Fairhaven and I thank God for my many blessings.

Chapel Gift These beautiful Brass Candlesticks with fluid wicks were given to Fairhaven in memory of Harold and Lorraine Carlson, former volunteers, residents and deceased parents of our Board of Director’s member Kathy Arnold, and her brother Steve

Carlson. They were charter members of Evergreen Covenant Church. The candlesticks were given to the Church in their memory back in 2003, and this church has now closed. Kathy and Steve wish to have them benefitting our worship table in the Chapel as pictured. Thank you for this wonderful gift to Fairhaven.

Thank You, Chapel Speakers!

On Friday, March 4, 2016, Fairhaven sponsored a Pancake Breakfast at Stockholm Inn for the 2015-2016 Chapel Speakers. Over 40 were able to attend. Our guest speaker was Rev. Chuck Rife from First Free, Rockford, who shared thoughts on 1Timothy 4:11-16, “Your Emissivity” - Giftedness, Meditation, Loyalty, Example, Orthodoxy, Persevere.”

MORNING THOUGHTS1. Wouldn’t it be great if we could put ourselves in the dryer for ten minutes; come out wrinkle-free and three sizes smaller?2. Last year I joined a support group for procrastinators. But we haven’t met yet!3. I don’t trip over things, I do random gravity checks!4. When I was a child I thought Nap Time was a punish-ment…now, as a grown up, it just feels like a small vacation!5. The biggest lie I tell myself is … “I don’t need to write that down - I’ll remember it.”6. I don’t have gray hair. I have “wisdom highlights”. I’m just very wise.7. I’m going to retire and live off of my savings. Not sure what I’ll do that second week.8. Why do I have to press one for English when you’re just gonna transfer me to someone I can’t understand anyway?9. Chocolate comes from cocoa which is a tree … that makes it a plant which means …chocolate is salad!10. I hear just fine … in fact, I hear 100% of everything I want to hear.

Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah’s Ark….

1. Don’t miss the boat.2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.4. Stayfit.Whenyou’re600yearsold,someonemayask you to do something really big.5. Don’tlistentocritics;justgetonwiththejobthatneeds to be done.6. Buildyourfutureonhighground.7. Forsafety’ssake,travelinpairs.8. Speedisn’talwaysanadvantage.Thesnailswereon board with the cheetahs.9. Whenyou’restressed,floatawhile.10.Remember,theArkwasbuiltbyamateurs;theTitanicbyprofessionals.11.Nomatterthestorm,whenyouarewithGod,there’salwaysarainbowwaiting.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Prov. 17:22

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 34 North Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois 61114 Phone: 815-877-1441 www.fairhaven.ccIn SummaryAs Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center continues to grow . . . we need prayer and financial SUPPORT . . . to carry on the VISION, FAITH, and COMMITMENT of this ministry.

Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 3470 North Alpine Road, Rockford, Illinois 61114 815-877-1441 www.fairhaven.cc

Phyllis and Vern Anderson celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary in Janu-ary 2016 with their daughter Lori. Lori brought a cake and desserts to share with the residents.

Geri Chapman enjoys a piece of anniversary cake.

Paul Erickson and John Hagberg look like they’re counting the calories.

If Shirley Olson has a “puzzled” look ... what’s before her on the table is why!

It must be Spring if this much mulch is getting ready for Fairlainer duplexes.

“Bowling for Candy”... A New Olympic Sport?

Friends Gather to Play Dominos and Enjoy Each Other’s Company!

Always Be Ready to Share the Gospel!

It was a grass cutting day in September and as I sat on my patio reading, Pedro was cutting the grass along my patio. He did a good job getting around all the corners and the edges. He stopped his lawn- mower and asked if I was reading the Bible. I replied no, but that it has words from the Bible in it. He kept asking questions about the Bible and asked if he could get a copy of my book. After some conversation I told him I would be glad to get a book for him. It shows that God is always at work, and we never know when we will be able to present the gospel when we least expect it.

My Four P’s by Linda Christiansen,

“Prayer, Prioritize, Patience, Persistence”“To keep my life in perspective, I rely on four P’s: prayer, prioritize, patience and persistence. I use them as guidelines for weaving a rich and colorful life. As a quilter, I see how the colors I use blend together to make something so beautiful. I can do that with my life, too!Each day I start with prayer, devotions, and that first cup of coffee. Then I prioritize the things that are most important for the day. Then as the work begins, I get my patience in order….the older I become, the more patience I need. It just takes a long time to get things done. Finally, persistence gets me to the end result of the project at hand. If I start something, I will always get it done.I am thankful for my family, my career, and to be able to do all I can. Happiness is directly linked to thankfulness. If I start out each day with gratitude, happiness is sure to follow.”

Chuckle for the DayRemember, old folks are worth a fortune, with silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys, lead in their feet, and gas in their stomachs. Since I saw you last, a few changes have come into my life. I’m quite a frivolous old gal and am seeing four gentlemen every day. Will Power greets me in the morning, Char-lie Horse comes along in the afternoon, Arthur Ritis is my companion most of the day and takes me from joint to joint, and finally I end the day with Ben Gay. What a life!

Lloyd and Joyce Anderson enjoying a stroll around Fairlainer’s Lane