Like many couples longing for parent-hood, Theresa and Jeff McDermott

turned to adoption after many years of deal-ing unsuccessfully with infertility problems.

Unlike many others in their situation,they didn’t turn to international adoptionservices, but to a local service specializ-ing in the adoption of children with special needs.

Part of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries,Adoption Services of The Lutheran Homeat Topton appealed to the McDermotts formany reasons, one of which was the factthey both had worked at The LutheranHome retirement community at one timeor another.

“My husband was working in thephysical therapy department at the time. I had worked there when I first got out ofschool,” says Theresa McDermott, addingthat they both are therapists.

“We decided a special needs adoptionwould be best for us.”

Her husband was quick to agree.“There are a lot of kids out there needing ahome,” he says. “We decided to adopt achild between three and 8 years old.”

In the winter of 2000 the McDermottsbegan an eight-week series of classes to

Family members lucky to have one another

www.diakon.org

The McDermott family

HEADLINES

northeastern pennsylvania

winter 2002-2003

Please turn to Page 5

Adoption ServicesCommunity Services for Seniors(Berks & Schuylkill counties)

Caum Assisted Living, Reading

Congregational AdvocatesFamily Life ServicesFoster Care ServicesHospice Saint JohnKidzStuff, Monroe County

Luther Crest Retirement Community,Allentown

The Lutheran Home at ToptonLuther Ridge at Seiders Hill, Pottsville

Lutherwood, Scranton

Pocono Lutheran Village, East Stroudsburg

Pregnancy ServicesRSVP (Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon counties)

Saint Luke Village, Hazleton

TresslerCareVolunteer Home Care

Luther Crest residentsearn CROP Walk honors . . . . . . . .5

You have a choicein hospice care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Pastoral Care Teamsstrengthen congregations . . . . . . .7

Topton, Saint Luke Villageamong renovated campuses . . . .10

Pocono residentsoffer ‘tasty’ feedback . . . . . . . . . .11

2

Mission: In response to God’s love in JesusChrist, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministrieswill demonstrate God’s command to lovethe neighbor through acts of service.

Diakon serves some 50,000 personsannually in Pennsylvania, Maryland, andDelaware though adoption, foster care,refugee services, volunteer home care,retirement villages, housing accommoda-tions, congregational ministries, hospiceservices, and more.

Board of Directors:The Rev. Philip S. Bendle IIIEmried D. Cole, Jr., Esq., ChairLynn CromleyDonna FolkemerAlan B. GrafRobert Hobaugh, Jr., Esq.Peter L. KernThe Rev. Wayne MuthlerWilliam Plavcan, M.D.Mitchell G. PossingerDebra PriceJ. Douglas PriceDr. James RaunCecile ReidSusan T. SchellenbergSusan Ebbert WambaughJesse Weigel, M.D.

Dialog, including the regionalDiakonnection, is published quarterly by Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.

William Swanger, APRV.P., Corporate Communications(717) 795-0308

Elizabeth Johnson Regional Director of Public Relations(610) 682-1292

Editors

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries798 Hausman Road, Suite 300Allentown, PA 18104-91081-888-582-2230

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries is committed to a diverse workforce. As aresult, qualified applicants are consideredwithout regard to race, color, creed, religion,sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age,marital status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap.

www.diakon.org

In its nearly 20 years, Luther CrestRetirement Community has been home for

many residents. Because of the many friend-ships and happy memories formed within itswalls, residents and family members oftenchoose to show their appreciation throughcash donations or gifts to the community.

Bequest One long-time resident, who was familiar

to most everyone at Luther Crest, was RoseSchlappig. When Schlappig passed away lastsummer, she was one month short of reach-ing her 102nd birthday.

A former legal secretary, Schlappig wasknown for being an astute investor who grewup during the Depression and continued herfrugal habits throughout her life, says theRev. Charles Adami, executor of her estate.A careful spender, Schlappig amassed a siz-able estate that she willed to Luther Crestwhen she died.

“She wanted to do something tangible forLuther Crest and so she made her bequest tothe Luther Crest Endowment Fund,” he says.“In this way, her gift will continue to be usedto improve the lives of the residents.”

Gift of art Don Dreisbach, son of former residents

Clarence and Margaret Dreisbach, recentlydonated 30 of his father’s original paintings toadd to the enjoyment of Luther Crest residents.

Clarence Dreisbach had a studio on thesecond floor of Building 100 where he did a great deal of painting while a resident.

Gifts have special meaningfor those giving and receiving

Dreisbach also gave two additional cashgifts to be used this year and next for thepurchase of local artists’ work.

“Don Dreisbach wanted his gift to beused to purchase the work of Lehigh Valleyartists for the purpose of improving thequality of life for Luther Crest residents,”says Rhonda Dietz, regional director ofadvancement. “The gift is in recognition ofthe excellent care his parents received atLuther Crest. They were among the firstpeople to move in to Luther Crest.”

Jeanne Oski, Luther Crest’s executivedirector, is working with the Baum Schoolof Art in Allentown and the Banana Factoryin Bethlehem to purchase the paintings.“The residents will be involved in choosingthe artists’ work for the community,” shesays. “They will vote and we will purchasetheir top choices.”

Projection TVAnother gift enhancing the lives of

Luther Crest residents is a new Crest Hallprojection television and screen. Donatedby residents Dr. Herman Beam and Mrs.Jane Coyne Beitel, as well as Crest GiftCenter volunteers, the new ceiling-mountedprojection TV and screen provides enter-tainment for football and movie fans alike.Dietz says the components will improveaudiovisual presentations as well.

Those interested in learning more abouthow their gifts can support Diakon’s localprograms should contact Dietz at (610) 682-1266.

Luther Crest Retirement Community lounge

3

prepare them for their adoption journey. “They tell you different things about

what you might encounter. They alsoprep you a lot and make you fill outpapers about what you think you canhandle in terms of behaviors,” saysTheresa McDermott. “It is reallygood. It makes you thinkhard about things you neverthink would be an issue.”

In October of 2001, theMcDermotts’ caseworker founda match, and five-year-oldJasmine entered their home.

“In the beginning there werea lot of control issues. I made alot of calls [to my caseworker].Now we are working with a coun-selor,” explains Theresa McDermott,adding that Jasmine’s transition into theirfamily has been a continuing process.

Yet Jasmine, whose recent finalizationis part of Diakon’s celebration of its3,500th adoption, is doing a great job ofadjusting, according to her father.

“There are some attachment issuesthat we deal with on a daily basis thatcan make it challenging at times,” hesays. “We have to realize it isn’t directedtoward us, but it is a defense mechanismthat Jasmine has for a way of coping withher life.”

If anything, this behavior makes theMcDermotts more determined than everto give Jasmine a loving, stable home.

“She needs stability. She needs toknow that this is going to be a consistentplace,” says Theresa McDermott. “I amvery confident that with a stable home, alot of reassurance, and a lot of love, wewill get her through her bad times.”

The McDermotts credit a supportivefamily and their continuing efforts toeducate themselves as reasons they aresucceeding in being the parents theywant to be.

“Being a mom is an experience thatI’ve waited a long time for,” says TheresaMcDermott, 39. “I think the things that I

Continued from Page 3

Family members…

Luther Crest Retirement Community heldits second annual CROP Walk in October,with 27 residents raising more than $2,000to support efforts to eliminate hunger.

“They did a wonderful job,” saysChaplain Diane Kareha. “Last year weraised $1,445.”

Of the funds raised, 25 percent supports the Allentown Area EcumenicalFood Bank and the Lehigh CountyConference of Churches Soup Kitchen,while Church World Service has receivedthe remaining 75 percent for disasterrelief and development assistance.

In the past, Luther Crest residents par-ticipated in the Greater Allentown CROPWalk, but sight and other problemsprompted the retirement community toinitiate its own version of the fundraiser.

“We established an outside CROPwalk route along the perimeter road andan inside route, if weather were to dampen our plans,” says Kareha.

The Lehigh County Conference ofChurches recently presented Luther Crestresidents with the “Top Dollar Award” forthe 2001 CROP Walk for Hunger.

NEWS-IN-BRIEF

Residents top lastyear’s earnings forCROP Walk

Luther Crest CROP walkers with ChaplainDianne Kareha, center.

really like about it are all the little things.Like today I got to go to her school andbe the mystery reader.”

Jeff McDermott, who at 41 believesbeing a dad is a big, but welcome adjust-ment, says he is glad they had the oppor-tunity to adopt.

“We’re very lucky to have Jasmine,”he says, “and she is very lucky to have us.”

Jasmine McDermott

4

AYork woman is leading adoption servicesat Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.

Suzanne Piccolo recently joined the staff asexecutive director of adoption services,which consists of Adoption Services of TheLutheran Home at Topton and TresslerAdoption Services of Central Pennsylvaniaand Maryland.

“I’m excited about this opportunity towork with Diakon because of the agency’soutstanding reputation in the adoptioncommunity,” says Piccolo. “Having theopportunity to place children in two stateswith permanent families is very rewarding.”

She has more than 30 years’ experiencein child welfare, with the past 20 spent inthe adoption field. Most recently, she wasdirector of social services for York County,where she supervised adoption, foster care,and independent-living programs.

In addition, Piccolo developed a curricu-lum entitled “Foster-to-Adopt,” which ispresented to caseworkers and foster parentsthroughout the state. Foster-to-adoptencourages permanency by placing childrenwith foster parents who plan to adopt themafter parental rights are terminated.

Diakon’s adoption services offices arelocated in Topton and York, Pa., andBaltimore, Md.

Suzanne Piccolo

It’s never easy to think about hospice care…but when a family member needs such

care, you need to know you’ve made the rightchoice. And you do have a choice in selectingwho provides care.

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, one such choice is also one the oldest and mostexperienced hospice providers in the state—Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ Hospice Saint John.

With offices in strategic locationsthroughout the region, Hospice Saint Johnfocuses its care in the home, where patientsare most comfortable and comforted.Offices are currently located in Hazleton,Pittston Township, and Allentown.

“It’s not by choice that patients and theirfamilies find themselves searching for hospicecare—but it is their choice as to which hospiceprovider offers that care,” says Debbie Search,Hospice Saint John executive director.

“When faced with this ever-importantdecision of who will be responsible for end-of-life support and nurturing, we wantto help,” she says. “As a mission-driven,faith-based program, Hospice Saint Johnstrives to bring solace, during this criticaltime, to patients and their families.”

Hospice care, she adds, begins with aphysician-approved referral. While thereferral may come from anyone, includingthe patient’s physician, clergy, family, orfriends, it must include the consent of thepatient’s attending physician. When permissionis obtained, the hospice team, composed ofprofessional staff members and volunteers,meets with the attending physician to discuss the patient’s physical, emotional,social, and spiritual needs.

The hospital team, Search notes,includes the patient and his or her family,the medical director, professional nurses,home health aides, social workers, the program’s full-time chaplain, bereavementcare coordinator, and numerous skilled volunteers who help with end-of-life care.

Team members are available 24 hoursa day, seven days a week, to assistpatients and families. From home visits tophone calls, the team helps patients livetheir last days comfortably. Servicesinclude pain and symptom management,community referrals, spiritual evaluations,education for family members on providing care, transportation to medicalappointments, assistance with personal care,light household chores and errands, andrespite for the primary family caregivers.

In addition to providing care in thehome, Hospice Saint John also serves thosein nursing and assisted living or personalcare facilities.

But Hospice Saint John offers evenmore than direct care. Long a communityleader, the program provides supportgroups and counseling, including chap-laincy services and camps and a range ofother bereavement services for children.An educational resource on end-of-lifeissues, Hospice Saint John has even part-nered with school districts to help chil-dren affected by the death of a loved one.

You have a choice forhospice care

Piccolo headsadoptions

5

In the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod,Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’

Family Life Services has actively supportedPastoral Care Teams for more than 20 years.In recent years, Family Life Services—orFLS—has expanded its territoryto reach congregations inneighboring synods.

St. Luke LutheranChurch in Gilbertsville,Pa., a member of theSoutheasternPennsylvania Synod, isone of those congregations.

“In the last few years,Pastor Weidner has asked usto do a number of things [with his congregation], such as educationalprograms, grief support groups, counselingreferrals,” explains Louisa Weber, coun-

selor/program specialist for FLS. “As herequested these services, he learned aboutPastoral Care Team ministry. I think whenhe heard about it, it resonated with his style

of ministry.”Pastoral Care Teams—orPCTs—consist of a group

of six to nine lay mem-bers of a congregationselected to work withthe pastor and acounselor to developways of providing

support to membersand community residents

in crisis or transition.“We thought the PCT would

be one way in which we could build on someof the strengths for caring that already existedin the congregation,” says the Rev.Christopher Weidner, St. Luke pastor.

In addition to helping set up a team andselect members, FLS provides an initialweekend of intensive training, as well ascontinuing counselor support.

“One of the roles of the FLS counselor isto make sure that Pastoral Care Team mem-bers don’t overextend what they do and thatappropriate referrals are made,” Weber says.“The lay person’s role is to be a supportive,caring presence to people—following up on phone calls,coordinating meals, con-necting them with a community service.”

After St. Luke’scouncil agreed tomove forward withthe ministry, the congregation began thesearch for members whocould bring specific gifts to thecaring ministry. At the same time, the councilrealized there would be costs, such as train-ing and continuing FLS consultant support,which had not been budgeted.

“Nonetheless, they approved this min-istry as a significant one they wanted tosupport,” says Weidner. “Several years agoa donor family gifted the congregation tohelp pay off the mortgage, as well as tofund special ministries that supported ourmission but were outside typical year-to-year budgetary matters. The thought wasthat fund could support this ministry.”

At the same time, Weidner had becomeaware of Wheat Ridge Ministries in Illinois,which offered 50 percent funding—through its Congregation Health and HopeGrant program—to Lutheran congrega-tions beginning new ministries.

“We were approved for a $1,595 grantfor 50 percent of the cost of the initial teamtraining and for the two years of consultantfees, based on the FLS fee structure,” saysWeidner, adding that this was the firstgrant proposal he’d ever written.

“This is a marvelous encouragement tocongregations who may not think that theyhave the ability or resources to launchnew ministries. We are very grateful forboth the technical ministry support ofFLS and for the financial support ofWheat Ridge to make this feasible.”

The pastor has also been heartened by the support from his members. Kathy

Billger, a member of St. Luke’sPCT, believes her congrega-

tion’s person-centeredministry is a good fit

with the PastoralCare Team concept.

“We’ve beenreaching out in

terms of communityinvolvement for years,”

Billger says. “The PastoralCare Team invites us to become

ministers to our members, helping all ofus to live out our mission, ‘Knowing,sharing, and celebrating Christ!’”

Pastoral Care Teams strengthen congregations

Resident honoredfor contribution tohealth center

Planned Parenthood of NortheastPennsylvania recently recognized LutherCrest resident Jack Burkholder, his latewife Susanne, and Mary Kriebel for theirrole in establishing Planned Parenthood’sfirst health center in Allentown.The chapterdedicated the lobby of the NewAllentown Health Center in their names.

“Throughout their lives Jack, Susanne,and Mary gave so much to the community,”says Leon Silver, director of development,in a letter to Jeanne Oski, Luther Crestexecutive director. “We honored theircommitment in the most fitting manner.”

Luther Crest residents attended the September open house and dedication ceremony.

NEWS-IN-BRIEF

Please turn to Page 9

“I want to roll up mysleeves and get involved a little more and help people

through the process, hopefullygrowing a little personally

and spiritually.”

“This is a marvelousencouragement to congre-gations who may not thinkthat they have the ability

or resources to launch new ministries.”

6

Ann and Paul Palmer were new to theWyomissing area when they found “a

wonderful congregation” at The LutheranChurch of the Atonement. Within sixmonths, Ann found herself facing the ordealof her life and learned first-hand what madeher new congregation so wonderful.

At age 56, Paul Palmer was diagnosedwith frontal temporal dementia, and Annmade the decision to care for him at home.The disease is different from Alzheimer’sin some ways, Ann says, but does rob itsvictims of many mental abilities, meaningshe has to provide as much attention asshe would to a toddler.

“I spent many hours trying to come togrips with the reality of my husband’s ill-ness,” Ann says. “And I know I never wouldhave gotten through the last year without thehelp of so many terrific people at church.”

Through the church, Ann explains, shemet an attorney and a financial advisor whohelped her to make a range of necessarylegal arrangements.

Then she met Congregational AdvocateJill Heidel, who helped her with insuranceforms and other paperwork, and encouragedher to join the caregivers’ support group.

“I didn’t think it would help because atfirst, I was just crying all the time,” Ann says.“But they taught me that I have to take care ofmyself so I can take care of Paul. They’re oneof the threads of support I really count on.”

Being a pillar of support is just one ofthe roles of Diakon’s CongregationalAdvocacy program. Broadly, the ministryserves as a type of advocate for peoplewhen they are dealing with health care orsocial service concerns. Available to people ofall ages, including those in the community-

Congregational Advocateis advisor, supporter, friend

at-large, the program is especially helpfulto older persons.

“The congregational advocate helpschurch members who are going to behospitalized, as well as their family members, and anybody who needs medicalservices,” explains Amy Reinsel, Diakon’sdirector of congregational ministries. “It’s easy these days to get confused bythe health-care system and just abouteveryone can use a little help, particularlyolder persons.”

Reinsel adds that Congregational Advocacy services also are helpful forcaregivers and adult children coping with aging parents.The program offers:• Needs assessment for services such as

Meal on Wheels or home health care• Home safety surveys• Long-term care planning• Referrals to continuing care, personal

care, or skilled nursing facilities• Resource materials on aging • Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care

insurance information• Referrals for social services• Seminars on contemporary health issues.

“The elderly have the most need,” Reinselsays, “but we’ve also served young motherswho’ve just had a baby, families where thebreadwinner has been injured, folks whohave insurance questions, and couples whoneed help with long-term care.”

Another Congregational Advocacyprogram is in place at San Martin dePorres, a primarily Hispanic congregationsupported by and housed at St. PaulLutheran Church in Allentown. Thisadvocacy position developed as a resultof a request from the congregation, whichreceived an “In the City For Good” grantfrom the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

St. Paul Lutheran Church and the office building of San Martin de Porres (on left). Please turn to Page 11

7

The Rev. Daun E. MeKee, Ph.D., Diakon president/CEO, visits with Hannah and Bradley, adopted children ofBaran and Lanna Hendrickson, following the Teddy Bear parade at this fall’s Anniversary Day festivities of TheLutheran Home at Topton. The 2002 event raised nearly $30,000 for campus programs.

For David Janzow, also a team member, the ministry’s formation couldn’thave come at a more appropriate time.

“The timing struck me because wehad just been through a teen suicide inthe congregation. I felt a little awkwardand didn’t know how to approach thatkind of a situation,” he says. With thesupport and training offered to PCTmembers, “I want to roll up my sleevesand get involved a little more and helppeople through the process, hopefullygrowing a little personally and spiritually.”

As St. Luke’s PCT moves forward,Weidner hopes his congregation understands he wants to empower others to care.

“I am not the only person who canoffer help to members of our congrega-tion,” he says.

“Part of the hope for the whole ministry is that people who focus theircaring efforts through this ministry willhelp to strengthen the congregation withits own caring and its gifts for supportingone another in community.”

Pastoral Care Teams

Continued from Page 7

Resident recognized for message of hope

Ruth Yeo

Luther Crest Retirement Communityresident Ruth Yeo recently received

the 2002 Pennsylvania Governor’s Silverand Gold Award in the category ofOvercoming Adversity.

The awards honor Pennsylvanians 60years of age or older who use their gift oflongevity to benefit the community.

Luther Crest nominated the 90-year-oldYeo for the honor because she is a messenger of hope for people with maculardegeneration. “Don’t despair, learn to cope,and never mope,” is Yeo’s message andthe slogan of the Lehigh Valley MacularDegeneration Group.

An active volunteer, skilled musician,teacher, and activist, Yeo says her missionin life is to convince others suffering frommacular degeneration to enjoy life as activecontributors to society.

While growing up in Boyertown, Pa.,she discovered the benefits of walking forgood health. Later, she would turn her loveof walking into support for various charities.During her 14 years as an active participantin the CROP Walk, she raised a substantialamount of money to fight hunger. Today,she has turned her energies to the Blindand Visually Impaired Association’s Walkfor the Blind.

Walking two to three miles daily, Yeoserves as an inspiration for others withmacular degeneration.

“I feel good doing something for others,” she says. “I am grateful for myability to share my belief in social causes,and I thrive on making a difference.”

8

Renovate—a word that means “torestore life, vigor or activity.”

If you ask the residents of Saint LukeVillage in Hazleton or The Lutheran Homeat Topton, they will readily agree renova-tions can restore life and vitality. Theirhomes are among those recently refurbishedby Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.

The two retirement communities completed two-phase renovation projectsduring 2002.

The Lutheran Home at ToptonAt The Lutheran Home at Topton, theHenry Health Care Center’s rotunda, diningarea, lounge, gift shop, and reception area

received complete facelifts. In the secondphase of work, the Timothy M. BreidegamCenter, the campus’ dementia-care assistedliving residence, received a newly designedfamily room, dining area, and a country-arbor indoor porch designed to provide anoutdoor atmosphere.

In addition, the Tower Court independent-living complex received new paint, wallpaper,lighting, and carpeting in common areas.

“The new rotunda area with the radio isvery nice and it’s used a lot. The new paintand decorations make everything brightand cheerful,” says Francis Bernardo, aHenry Health Care Center resident. Shenotes that her favorite change is in thedining room where large windowsallow for a beautiful view. “It’s agood feeling to have the sunlightstreaming in,” she says.

Saint Luke VillageThe first phase of renovationsat The Manor at Saint LukeVillage were “behind thescenes.” New heating and air-conditioning units were addedin each room to enhance thecomfort of residents, while asprinkler system and boiler wereinstalled as well. Brighter lightingwas added to enhance residentand staff areas.

The project’s second phase includedreconstruction of the central nurses’ station, dining rooms, and therapy suite.The center lounge was renovated toincrease capacity at mealtimes and duringactivities, while the rehabilitation suitewas expanded to enhance therapy sessions.

In addition, The Pavilion at Saint LukeVillage now boasts The Lighthouse andThe Weinberg Wing.

The Lighthouse is a thoughtfullydesigned care unit to meet the unique needsof residents with dementia-related illnessessuch as Alzheimer’s disease. The WeinbergWing offers care for terminally ill residentsin a comfortable, homelike atmosphere.

“The place is just beautiful,” saysVeronica Bunsa, a resident of The Pavilionat Saint Luke Village. “I think it hashelped with our attitude and outlook.The colors are bright and cheerful and ithas sort of re-energized us.”

“The residents are pleased with theoutcome and they love the color scheme,”says Ann Quinnan, executive director ofSaint Luke Village. “I think the renova-tions turned out to be more wonderfulthan we could have imagined.”

Retirement villages renovated

Residents of The Manor at Saint Luke Village enjoy a renovated and well-lighted dining room.

The Pavilion at Saint Luke Village has a completelyrenovated lobby to welcome residents and visitors.

Residents enjoy the newly refurbished rotunda inthe Henry Health Care Center.

9

CongregationalContinued from Page 8

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries’ corporate office is now located on the third floor of the Medical ArtsBuilding at Luther Crest in Allentown. Some support offices, including Financial Services, are located at theformer Tressler Lutheran Services building near Mechanicsburg, Pa.

Sometimes they want to request a specialfood item. Sometimes they want

someone to listen to a concern about amenu selection. And sometimes they justwant to pay a compliment to the chef.

Whatever opinion or question PoconoLutheran Village residents have about the food they eat, they have an easy wayto pass it along, thanks to their ResidentFood Council.

“We look for feedback on the menuselections, the quality of the food, thelevel of service, and anything else thataffects the dining experience,” explainsKeith Miller, Pocono’s certified dietarydirector. Miller is part of the CURAHospitality team that manages diningservices for all Diakon Lutheran SocialMinistries facilities.

“Resident input affects a lot of ourdecision-making about menu selectionsand in developing specialty and holidaymeals,” he notes.

Residents offer ‘tasty’ feedbackMiller educates residents through the

food council as well as through one-on-oneconversations about what to expect in foodchoices. He and his dietary staff, he notes,are actually replacing home cooking, andoffering foods residents would prepare intheir own kitchens.

While the menu is varied, it cannot,of course, have unlimited choices.Yet, efforts are continually made tomeet special requests.

“The residents had askedfor a clam bake last year, forexample, so we did one inthe fall,” says Miller, whoadds that the food council isworking very well.

Miller says he also makeshimself personally availablefor feedback, trying to circu-late among residents at mealsand asking for on-the-spotinput. Comment cards are placed

The person who serves in this role is abilingual social worker. The pastor, TheRev. Ivis La Riviere-Mestre, continuallyidentifies the social service needs withinmember families. The social worker thenassesses the needs and assists families toconnect with appropriate services andprograms in the community. The youthsof the congregation also benefit frommentoring opportunities, guidance, andinvolvement in the many youth programsof the congregation. Congregation membersare very supportive of one another.

Beyond these two programs, Reinseland Heidel have shared the CongregationalAdvocate concept with other congregationsand organizations.

“A group of congregations could share anadvocate,” Reinsel says, “or the job could bedone by a qualified volunteer. Qualificationsinclude experience in the medical or socialservice field, assessment capabilities, and aknowledge of community resources.”

on every table to help him meet his goalsof freshness, variety, and quality.

“Mealtime is important to our residents,”he says. “It’s a highly social time and wewant it to be a happy time all around.”

10

On Jan. 19, Saint Luke Village in Hazleton installed the Rev. Peggy Sue Pfeffer as chaplain of the retirement village, in a joint program with St. Luke EvangelicalLutheran Church in Freeland, which she also is serving. Taking part in the installation service at Saint Luke Village were the Rev. Thomas Reinsel, Diakon’s vicepresident for church relations; Bishop David R. Strobel of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod; the Rev. Pfeffer; Amanda Pristein, a resident of The Manor at SaintLuke Village; Veronica Bunsa, a resident of The Pavilion at Saint Luke Village; and, behind them, Gloria Brill, a resident of Amity Place at Saint Luke Village.Village residents presented the new chaplain with a baptismal shell, a bible, and a chalice and paten.

The retirement facility was nominated byRuth Bloom, president of the BrandywineCommunity Library, which has been housedon the Topton campus, at no cost to thelibrary, since 1988.

“Without the support and encouragementof this corporation,” Bloom notes, “this librarycould not exist.”

The Brandywine Community Libraryrecently was relocated from the first floor ofthe Family Life Services building on theTopton campus to “Old Main.” That buildinghad until recently served as corporate head-quarters for Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries.

Diakon’s corporate offices are now locatedin the Medical Arts Building at Luther Crestin Allentown.

Lutheran Home honoredfor Berk’s library supportThe Friends of the Reading-Berks

Public Libraries recently selected TheLutheran Home at Topton as CorporateCitizen-of-the-Year.

The award recognizes a corporation ororganization that demonstrates outstandingsupport for library services.

The Rev. Philip S. Bendle, III, pastor of TrinityLutheran Church in Pottsville, was the guest speakerat the recent “Evening of Thanksgiving” to supportDiakon’s Volunteer Home Care in SchuylkillCounty as well as benevolent care at Luther Ridgeat Seiders Hill. The event raised more than$47,000 in support of both programs.

11

IN MEMORY OF DONATED BYMrs. Jonnie Acker Anonymous

Hassan Ahmad Mrs. Qudsia Ahmad

Joseph Antolick Mr. & Mrs. Roy Antolick & FamilyMillville Area Education AssociationMr. & Mrs. Donald A. Seyfried

Sara L. Aungst Anonymous

Elmer A. Bailey Mrs. Anna M. Bailey

Margaret Balestrieri Ms. Emma Jean Brandt & FamilyDruker, Rahl & FeinMr. & Mrs. Alan KizorMarty Stundel Painting & RedecoratingMr. & Mrs. John PeroneMr. & Mrs. Anthony M. PinelliMs. Barbara Platten & Mrs. Frank ClarkMr. & Mrs. Nat Robertson

James Banghart Ms. Diane E. Beesley

Lillian M. Barry Mr. John J. Barry

Raymond Batz Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bendekovits &FamilyMs. Linda LichtenwalterMr. & Mrs. Robert R. Wagner

Margaret Becker Anonymous

James Belletiere Mr. William R. BoyleChrist United Church (Women’sService Circle)Hershey Food Employees, Hazleton, PAAttorney & Mrs. George R. HludzikMs. Anna Mott

Samuel Bennett Mr. & Mrs. Arlo L. Dixon

Ms. Sara J. Best Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Fister

Meta Bogh Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Skok, Jr.

Arthur Borchert Mrs. Constance L. Borchert

Ernest W. Borger Mrs. Miriam M. Borger

Anna Bove Hazleton School Employee CreditUnion

Elda R. Bower Mr. & Mrs. Jere E. Brady

Laura Bower Mr. & Mrs. Jere E. Brady

Connell Boyle Ms. Sharon Bodik & FamilyMr. David A. Bryan & Ms. Marcia J. BoyleMs. Catherine Durnin & Ms. PatriciaA. PierceEmployees of Provider SystemsMr. & Mrs. Aloysius J. HeaneyMr. & Mrs. Richard T. KuhnMr. & Mrs. Robert S. Kuhn, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. John J. McShane & FamilyMr. & Mrs. William R. Reabold, IIIMr. & Mrs. Paul SebastianMr. & Mrs. Joseph Svetik

The following memorial gifts were received by Diakon programs within theNortheastern Pennsylvania Synod from early fall through early December.In 2003, memorial gifts will be listed in a new donor publication.

Eileen Brancucci Dr. Peter P. Brancucci

Mary P. Brislin Mr. John A. Brislin

Philip E. Bruckman Greater Allentown PioneersMr. & Mrs. Ronald A. JanyMr. & Mrs. Bruce O. KellyMr. & Mrs. William T. Wisser

Evelyn Clarke Anonymous

Mr. Robert W. Cober Mr. & Mrs. Myles T. BealerMr. & Mrs. James E. FinleyAnonymousMs. Susan ShannonMr. & Mrs. Irwin Zwilling

James M. Collier, Jr. Miss Andrea Korko

Mr. Benjamin J. Conard Mr. Arthur L. Hilt

Genevieve Cook Mr. & Mrs. Jack A. PersingMr. & Mrs. David ShafferMr. Mead F. Shaffer

John Crolick Mrs. Romayne Crolick

Mrs. Margaret V. DalMaso Mr. & Mrs. Douglas C. FrankenfieldMr. & Mrs. John N. Heid

Anthony L. D’Angelo Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. BallMr. Frank Bielen & Ms. Carla ColangeloMr. & Mrs. Albert BredbennerMr. & Mrs. Anthony J. ColangeloMr. & Mrs. Raymond CudwadieMrs. Genevieve D’AngeloMs. Carol A. DoughteryMs. Cynthia P. O’NealMr. Gerald E. PalermoMr. & Mrs. Anthony P. PiemonteseMr. & Mrs. John RoughMr. & Mrs. Kevin Wackley

Dee Dee Mr. & Mrs. Robert D. Smith

Rachel DeRoy Anonymous

Lorene A. Devitt Dr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Buckey

Eleonore M. Diehl Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. FisterMr. & Mrs. Robert L. KronerMs. S. Blanche Wehrung

Hans Dienel Ms. Barbara C. CummingsMr. & Mrs. Robert H. Lundberg

Doris E. Donald Mr. Thomas B. Donald

Hilda Dornblatt Mr. Frederick DornblattAnonymous

Antoinette Dorry Mr. George Dorry, Jr.

Samuel N. Downs, Jr. Anonymous

Dorothy Eaton Mr. Louis Eaton

Clarabelle K. Eberhart Anonymous

Davie E. Ebersole Mr. & Mrs. David H. Ebersole

Lee Edwards Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas BelloMr. & Mrs. Frank CalusicMrs. Carole B. EdwardsMr. George F. GuggeisMonday Ladies Other Shop

12

Aaron J. Gundrum, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. George C. Gundrum

Mrs. Lynnie Haas Ms. Mary E. Keller

Geraldine Harris Ms. Helen E. Reimer

Mrs. Gertrude Harrison Ms. Genevie BolkcomMs. Lori BurrittMs. Elizabeth DennisMr. Jesse L. HarrisonMs. Kathleen M. HunterLehigh Valley Hospital Blood BankMr. & Mrs. George Martin, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Thomas H. OsmunsonMr. & Mrs. Roland PfundMs. Nancy RobinsonMrs. Joan SpryMr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Weist

Fred Hartman Ms. Anna BonhamMr. & Mrs. Walter W. GroteMr. & Mrs. Walter MullenSugar Sands Community Club

Kenneth Hartzell Ms. Lareda Hartzell

Ellery B. Haskell Church Women United of Reading &Berks CountyMr. Arthur L. Hilt

Mrs. Catherine Hautman Anonymous

Edward A. Heckman Anonymous

John Heckman Mr. Herman BarthMs. Pearl HeckmanStonedock Hunting Club

Marian H. Heckman Miss Lois E. Eisenhard

Ruth Heil Mr. & Mrs. Kermit K. Keck & FamilyMr. Richard Kline & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Kenneth Kline

William S. Hellyer Anonymous

Marie Brown Henry Mrs. Rita M. Smolko

Emily Hensel Cylogix Employees

Benjamin A. Herman Anonymous

John Herman Ms. Lucretia CronkFriends & Neighbors of Thomas HermanMr. & Mrs. Thomas C. HermanMr. & Mrs. Thomas D. HermanIBM Endicott/Owego Quarter CenturyClub

August (Joe) Hertweck Mr. & Mrs. Andrew J. ClarkMrs. Nanette Hertweck

Andrew G. Hess Mrs. Mary J. Hess

Pearl A. Hevalow Mr. & Mrs. Vincent A. BakerMr. & Mrs. Richard D. Seidel

Helen Higgins Mrs. Ruth Haussler

Allen A. Himmelwright Mr. & Mrs. Kevin J. Ryan

Mrs. Darthea P. Holtzinger Anonymous

Alberta Horst Mr. & Mrs. Henry G. Rouland

Ethel Houda Anonymous

Eileen Eisenhower Mr. & Mrs. Terry C. BlockerMr. Glenn EisenhowerMs. Dorothy Fenkner & Ms. DeborahRoederMs. Cathy A. FiesL. V. E., IncorporatedMr. George Moll & Ms. Marian Tucker& ZakMrs. Linda ObertOrioles Auxiliary #183Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Rang, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Bruce R. RehrigMr. & Mrs. Stephen T. SkrabakMr. & Mrs. Robert D. Strausberger, Sr.Walmart #2169

Beatrice Embody Ms. Hazel M. Henshey

Mrs. Grace Esposito Ms. Margaret Pape

Alma E. Evert Mr. William H. Evert

Evelyn M. Falk Mrs. Ruth L. Laubach

Ms. Helen A. Falk Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Balascki

Ida Flothmeier The Rev. & Mrs. Donald M. Wilson

Helen Focht Mrs. Frances Sharp

Margaret Fortuner Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Albert

Katherine Fox Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. BrooksMr. Allen FoxMr. & Mrs. Louis MarancikMr. & Mrs. Michael Spadell

Margaret Franek Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Baranko, Sr.

Ruth Frye Mrs. Margaret D. Shaner

Helen Gabovitz Mr. Stephen Gabovitz

Cleona A. Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. SassoMr. & Mrs. Harry Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. SassoMrs. Cula S. GardnerAnonymous

William (Sam) Gates Mr. & Mrs. Calvin E. FisherMr. & Mrs. Charles K. GlomanMrs. Beverly Thomas

Guy German Mrs. Thelma German

Mrs. Lillian Gillespie Anonymous

Renee Gold Mr. Lester Neuman

Peter Goranitis Mrs. Helen Fetchko

Marie R. Greth Ms. Sharon DiPietroMrs. Loretta GilbertMr. & Mrs. Riley T. SmithMr. & Ms. Ray Wolf

Ruth Griesemer Ms. Marie E. EltzMs. Corrine B. FryMr. & Mrs. William R. Knecht, Jr.Ms. Elizabeth MillardMs. Dorothy M. Nagy

Robert Grimila Mr. & Mrs. Francis L. FlansburgMr. & Mrs. Michael Morcom

Darrell Grogan Ms. Susan J. Kern

13

Ms. Marcella Howells Ms. Linda HansonMr. & Mrs. Edward Krubitzer

W. Galen Howerter Mr. & Mrs. William G. Howerter

Carl Hoyt Mr. & Mrs. William A. BostonMr. & Mrs. Alton CulverMr. & Mrs. Roy E. DieffenbachMr. Louis RoatMr. Kurt D. SchneiderMs. Carroll E. Snyder

Robert B. Hughes, Jr. Anonymous

Ann Marie Humanewski Mr. & Mrs. Donald Havard

Raymond H. Humbert Mrs. Emma N. Humbert

Charles Johnson Anonymous

Florence Kerchoff Mr. Bruce K. Gehret

Mrs. Jean M. Kern Anonymous

Josephine Kestel Mr. & Mrs. Barrie Lindsay

William J. Klinger Mrs. Jean Klinger

Bertha Knoble Ms. Esther N. FreckMr. & Mrs. William F. HannaMs. Sharon E. KenzlerMr. & Mrs. Ronald B. Knoble, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. KresgeMs. Lucille A. MatosekMr. & Mrs. George Wallish

Julia Kobelka Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Weinstock

The Rev. Ivan E. Koberlein Mrs. Kathryn Fenner

Dr. Arthur Koch AnonymousMs. Bette AuerbackMr. & Mrs. Leonard BrennerMs. Carolyn M. DrasherDr. & Mrs. George E. FavaMr. & Mrs. Joseph S. Gans, IIIMs. Coleen HaleckyMr. & Mrs. Bernard M. HoleckoDr. Drew KochMr. & Mrs. Norbert LapinskyMr. & Mrs. Robert McDermottMs. Margaret MenaleMr. & Mrs. Nicholas R. ScattonMr. & Mrs. John SoceyMs. Ellen M. Stefanski

Emanuel Kopp Mr. R. J. Soltis

Bernard S. Koskulitz Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bartman

Mary Curran Koskulitz Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bartman

Paul Kram Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Kram

Eleanor D. Kramp The Rev. & Mrs. Paul F. Kramp, Jr.

Caroline Kroninger Friends at Bechtel BettisJeanneMs. Beatrice Swenson & Ray

Sue Kushner Mr. Lester Neuman

Anna Kusiak Mr. Frank Kusiak

L. B. L. Mrs. Louise B. Giles

Silvia Lande Anonymous

Roberta Laper Mr. & Mrs. Mario Mucciolo

Donald Lawson Co-Workers of Mary Ann LawsonMs. Catherine GaffneyMr. & Mrs. Charles GanleyMr. & Mrs. Robert GeiserCol. & Mrs. Joel P. KaneMr. & Mrs. Joseph KaneMs. Christina A. PoulakosMr. & Mrs. Robert A. Volpicelli

J. Mauser Lerch Mr. & Mrs. Frank K. HoernerAnonymous

Stanley Lesser Mr. Lester Neuman

Sally Loftus Mrs. Mary A. McGuire

Joseph R. Longo Mr. & Mrs. Joseph LarockMrs. Lois LongoMrs. Celestine Pekala

Angelo Lorenzoni Mr. & Mrs. Albert B. Lorenzoni

John Lukaszuk Mrs. Inga E. Lukaszuk

Martha Machala McNeil Nutritionals, Division ofMcNeil-PPC, Inc.

Beth Martin Mr. Gregory Bruno

Rex Martine Mr. & Mrs. Louis Mammone

Ann Martinez Ms. Donna M. Lord

LeRoy Marvin Mr. & Mrs. Robert A. DeSantoMs. Shirley HaydtMs. Ann JonesMrs. Violet MarvinMs. Alison T. MillerMr. & Mrs. George MillerMr. & Mrs. William T. Morgan

Ralph Maynard Anonymous

Trudy McDermott Ms. Renee McDermott

Mrs. Katherine McHugh The Rev. Connell A. McHugh

A. Evelyne Michelson Ms. Linda E. Michelson

Barbara Miller Mr. Thomas Miller

Alvina Miranda Ms. Joie L. BarryMr. & Mrs. Randal DietzMs. Susan J. Kern

Stanley Moorhouse Mrs. Gertrude K. Moorhouse

Gloria Moyer Ms. Lillian AbrahamsenMr. John BlakeMr. Hiram GreeneMr. Ted HeinsohnMs. Mildred K. RobertsonStephentown Post Office Employees

Melvin Mumper The Rev. & Mrs. Wayne T. Lupole

Kathryn Musto Mr. Louis AdamsMr. & Mrs. Dominick Gratalo

Mrs. Charlie Nail Anonymous

Lenore Neuman Mr. & Mrs. John D. Moten

14

Mr. & Mrs. William E. Throne

John & Mary Rosenstock Dr. & Mrs. Francis X. AntonelliMr. & Mrs. Thomas GallagherMs. Eileen M. GibsonMr. & Mrs. Thomas Keal & MargieHinkle

Edith Roth Mr. William HorvathMrs. Holly Howard

Marge Saalmuller Mr. & Mrs. Hartmut Boellmann

Elizabeth Sacco The Rev. & Mrs. Charles R. CarrickMs. Eleanor H. Shipley

John Sauka Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. CrofcheckMr. & Mrs. Joseph C. GiacchinoMrs. Josephine Sauka

Mrs. Edith F. Saunders Anonymous

Olive K. Savitz Mrs. Lillian S. Schaedler

Johann Schanzenbacher Bavoso & PlotskyMr. Heinz K. BorowskiGerman American Club of MiddletownNew York

Joan Schietrumpf Mr. & Mrs. John M. CipalaMr. Harry Shumakch

Rose L. Schlappig Anonymous

Marian B. Schlicher Anonymous

Anthony Schoendorf Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Baker

James Schrope Ms. Lorraine Busdeicker

Susan Schwartz Ms. Joan C. Scully

Alfred Sengbusch Dingmans Choice & Delaware BridgeCompanyMr. Manfred Kehr

Anne Serfass Ms. Joanne Sipos

George & Cora Shrauder Mrs. Helen R. Gehring

Russell Silfies Mr. & Mrs. Gerald S. EverettMr. & Mrs. Walter J. Gursky, Jr.Hayman Water Systems, LLCMr. & Mrs. Joseph C. LendvayMr. & Mrs. Joseph J. SiekonicMr. & Mrs. Stanley E. Silfies

Lillian Simmons Dr. & Mrs. Paul Brown, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios SemosMs. Dawn F. Whitfield

Ms. Doris Sipple Mr. & Mrs. Allen AustinMs. Helen Walsh Bartosh

Patricia Skarzenski Mr. Frank BauerMr. & Mrs. Henry GelbMr. & Mrs. Roy J. HartMr. & Mrs. Joseph PerinMr. & Mrs. Bernard J. RogersMr. Adam Skarzenski

Cyril & Bruce Speicher Ms. Lillian E. Speicher

Patricia Spess Ms. Diane S. BarrassoMs. Stella GallagherMr. & Mrs. Thomas P. Haines, Jr.

Phoebe L. Newhart Mr. Dale E. Newhart

Noah Ninotti Mr. & Mrs. Ronald J. Ninotti

Joseph Oreovecz Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. BilligMr. & Mrs. Stephen FetchkoMr. & Mrs. Donal F. KelleyMr. & Mrs. Carlton R. PeckMs. Doris B. Yenser

Samuel A. Ott Mr. & Mrs. John KuchmaMr. & Mrs. Joseph W. McDermott, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Webb & Family

Theresa Ott Mr. & Mrs. Timothy J. FoleyMr. & Mrs. Frank J. Furst, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Donald N. KmieczakMr. Michael LoewMr. & Mrs. Richard M. NalichowskiMr. & Mrs. Arthur E. RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Walter L. Schlaner

Irene Paige Anonymous

Betty Parry Ms. Eunice E. BuskirkMs. Phyllis MessingerMr. & Mrs. Thomas O. MooneyMr. Douglas P. NiebellMr. & Mrs. James M. SchertzingerSHS Class of 1943Mr. & Mrs. Joe Wisocky

John Pecha Ms. Mary FedorchaMr. & Mrs. Stephen MaliniakMrs. Mary ThomasMr. & Mrs. Joseph TrimnelMr. Anthony Yankowski

Violet Polito Mr. & Mrs. Alexander CurtoMr. James GallichioMs. Pauline Wagenhoffer

Sarah B. Pomerantz Anonymous

David Poplawski Anonymous

Elmer J. Postie Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Tychinski

Mary Prickett Anonymous

Janice Rehn Anonymous

Charles Reiner Mrs. Lorene E. Reiner

Jesse Renninger Ms. Gretchen FittingMr. & Mrs. Martin RenningerMr. Thomas Renninger

Myrtle Renninger Ms. Gretchen FittingMr. & Mrs. Martin RenningerMr. Thomas Renninger

Catherine Risser Anonymous

Mrs. Catherine Rohrbach Ms. Joie L. BarryMrs. Alice CarterMr. & Mrs. John R. ClaypotchMr. & Mrs. Arthur DingfelderMrs. Mary R. MarshallMrs. Jean MohrMs. Helen E. ReimerMrs. Grace SnyderMs. Catherine StroupMrs. Robert Tarasevich

15

Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. IfkovitsMr. Theodore M. KonekMr. & Mrs. John LazorMr. & Mrs. Michael S. LazorMr. & Mrs. John PammerMs. Elsie Z. Petrash & Ms. Debra S. BacakMs. Gloria A. PovinelliMr. & Mrs. James M. SpessMr. & Mrs. Vincent E. Spess

Anna Starruick Mr. & Mrs. Thomas P. CrofcheckMs. Joan S. Sauers

John Stephens NJPR Hospital & Medical SupportServices

John J. Stephens The Gaudio’s Family

Ann Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Frank EllsionMs. Dolores Zaltuskey

Parents of the Strachans Mr. & Mrs. William J. Strachan

Lorraine Stull Mr. Sheldon Stull

Marion L. Stump Anonymous

Esther A. Sultzbach The Rev. & Mrs. Paul F. Kramp, Jr.

Gene Susco Ms. Annette ArmstrongMr. & Mrs. Frank BauerMr. & Mrs. James BodnarMrs. Minnie BruskoMr. & Mrs. Robert J. BruskoMr. Lawrence L. DeutschGreater Allentown PioneersMr. & Mrs. Frederick E. KernMr. & Mrs. Joseph R. KornfeindLife Member Golf LeagueMr. & Mrs. Angelo MaglianeMr. & Mrs. Robert S. MarlottMr. David M. RaytickMr. John A. RaytickMs. Jean A. ScherbaMr. Al ThomasMr. & Mrs. Steve TiuchtyMs. Helen WinarchikMr. & Mrs. Thomas YastropMr. & Mrs. Phil Yevics & Family

Joanne Swavely Mr. & Mrs. David B. KingMs. Elaine B. Noel

Sharon Tanczos Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bocko & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Roanld C. BoltonMr. & Mrs. Charles BroudyMr. & Mrs. John W. CsencsitsMr. & Mrs. Rudolph E. Dresh, Jr.Dr. & Mrs. Tom EnglertMs. Emma FarkasGeorge’s Transportation Company, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. HarrisMr. & Mrs. Gregory G. HeffelfingerMrs. Eleanor JohnsonMrs. Phyllis KobalMr. & Mrs. Michkey C. OrndorffMr. & Mrs. John S. PolzerMr. & Mrs. Darryl E. RobertsMr. & Mrs. Brian SchuylerMr. & Mrs. Glenn F. SnyderMr. Ted S. SnyderDr. & Mrs. Michael A. Soltysiak

Mr. & Mrs. Edward I. TanczosMr. & Mrs. Edward L. TanczosMr. Joseph TanczosMr. & Mrs. Robert TanczosMr. & Mrs. Philip H. TorciviaMr. & Mrs. Cory Yanders

Belle Traverse Mr. & Mrs. Wilford CoultasMr. & Mrs. Robert S. EverlyMs. Marjorie H. HuberMs. Ann RedpathMr. & Mrs. Walter Stoeckel

Stephen Valenti Ms. Lois Collicott

Paul Vymazal Ms. Gail A. GriffithsMr. & Mrs. Larry R. MoyerMr. & Mrs. Carl A. Rettstadt, Jr.Mr. & Mrs. H. Frederick ShillingMr. & Mrs. Edward A. Vymazal

Mrs. Herman Wagner Mr. Robert E. Wagner

Walter Wagner Mr. Robert E. Wagner

Ammon Webster Mrs. Debra A. Gould

Taylor Wenck Mr. & Mrs. Cerf BerkleyMr. & Mrs. Donald D. BoyerMs. Patricia CrawfordMs. Carol Doyle & FamilyMr. Donald E. EitnerMr. Rodney D. Glover & Mr.Thompson MayesMs. Sharon L. MarburgerMr. & Mrs. Chester M. MillerMr. & Mrs. Robert W. NumbersMr. & Mrs. Warren RosenMr. Wharton L. SchneiderMrs. Barbara WeitzmanMr. Thomas Wenck & FamilyMs. Joyce H. WenckMs. Rita R. Whispell

Mary Wentzel Mrs. Elizabeth Clinton

May Werley Mr. & Mrs. Nelson D. EyerMr. & Mrs. George C. Gundrum

Emmett Whitehead Ms. Jessie Amico

Beverly S. Whyte Mr. Martin B. Whyte

Mickey Wietzke Mr. & Mrs. David M. Healy, Jr.

Lois & Homer Woodruff The Woodruff Family

Maureen Andres Yakupoin Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Muth

June Yeager Mr. & Mrs. Edward S. Powell

Delores L. Zaengle Mr. & Mrs. Donald N. BoyceKnight, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Wayne P. SayatovicMr. & Mrs. Michael SchneiderMs. Susan M. Smith

Nellie T. Zelinsky Mr. Frank Zelinsky

In the final issue of Life at Luther Crest Retirement Community, there wasan error in the memorial gift list. The listing should have been printed asbelow. Please accept our apologies.

In memory of Dr. & Mrs. H. Edwin Eisenhard by Miss Lois E. Eisenhard

16

IN HONOR OF DONATED BYMiss Lois E. Eisenhard Mrs. Mildred M. Arnold

The Rev. & Mrs. Ralph W. BaggerMr. Franklin BallietMr. & Mrs. William G. BartholomewMs. Peggy BearMrs. Jane C. BeitelMr. John BurkholderMs. Arline K. CawleyMrs. Marion L. ClewellMr. & Mrs. Mark E. ClewellMrs. Florence W. CooperMrs. Flavilla R. DickMr. & Mrs. Warren EckMrs. Jean C. EvansMrs. Florence V. EversonMr. & Mrs. Lee S. Gaumer, Jr.Mrs. A. E. GentherMrs. Irene M. GromanMrs. Agnes L. GrossMr. & Mrs. Robert B. HelkerMrs. Kathryn S. HeydtMrs. Ruth S. HornMrs. Christine M. HosfeldMr. & Mrs. Graham B. HoveyMr. William R. HowellMrs. Helen K. JohnsonMrs. Moira LangeAttorney & Mrs. James C. Lanshe, Sr.Mrs. Jean LeeMrs. Evelyn LichtenwalnerLuther Crest Employee Appreciation FundMrs. Frances C. McCartneyMr. & Mrs. Donald R. Merriman

Mrs. Louise V. MillerMr. & Mrs. Emmet M. Molloy, Jr.Mrs. Pauline M. MoyerMrs. Ludmila MrazMs. Margarete F. MuellerMr. & Mrs. Chester A. MyromMrs. Dorothy J. PappDr. & Mrs. Charles SchaefferMrs. Emily R. SchultzMrs. Alma C. SnyderMrs. Jane StampfleMrs. Esther G. StaufferMrs. A. L. TysonMr. Carl W. VeitMrs. Jeanne V. Wismer

Ms. Theresa M. Engelmann Rhonda & Randy Dietz

Mrs. Grace C. Haskell Church Women United of Reading & Berks County

The Rev. Carlton L. Heckman Miss Lois E. Eisenhard

Dr. Albert F. Johnson Mr. Arthur L. Hilt

Mrs. Elizabeth I. Kromis Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Hinkle

Ms. Etheleen Madeira Mr. & Mrs. Paul T. Trax

Mr. & Mrs. Earl L. Mummert The Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth C. Feinour, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Dan Perin The Rev. Walter Kuntzleman

BIRTHDAY OFMrs. Hazel S. Wertley Ms. Sarah P. Bond

Welcome Box” service projects havebeen around a long time in

refugee-sponsorship circles, says AlanDudley, executive director for Diakon’sTressler Refugee and ImmigrationServices in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

It just hadn’t been used to tie RefugeeServices to other programs within DiakonLutheran Social Ministries.

Now it has.Involving the collection of new or used

items in good condition and the packagingof them into categories, such as “kitchen,”“bathroom,” “bedroom,” or “cleaning,” theproject, Dudley thought, would be a goodone for Diakon’s retirement communities.

When Angele Tran-Pham, rehab managerfor Region II of Diakon’s Retirement &

“

Area retirement villages providewelcome packages for refugees

Health Care Services (eastern Pennsylvaniaand eastern Maryland), heard about the project,she thought it would be a great serviceopportunity for facility staff in her region.

“Everyone was very open to the idea. The Diakon mission statement itself says alot about the organization and its staff andwe wanted to give back,” says Tran-Pham.“We were still under the wake of 9/11, andeveryone wanted to do what they could.”

Within the Northeastern PennsylvaniaSynod, staff members from The LutheranHome at Topton, Luther Crest inAllentown and Saint Luke Village inHazleton participated in the project.

“The Lutheran Home at Topton reallycame through and collected a lot of stufffrom the staff and the independent-living

residents on the campus,” Tran-Pham says.Tressler Refugee Services, which

distributes the collected boxes to refugeefamilies, also worked on the project withDiakon’s Frey Village in Middletown, Pa.,Manatawny Manor in Pottstown, Pa., andFrostburg Village of Allegany County inwestern Maryland.

The response to the Welcome Boxproject campaign has been strong andcontinues to be appreciated.

“It goes beyond having nice things forour refugee clients,” says Dudley, “to ourcoming to know that others withinDiakon, both staff and residents, under-stand what we do and support our effortsto reach out to displaced people fromaround the world.”