Spring is a time for planting and new growth. Recently, we potted petunia seedlings at the House of Friends. We’ll nurture these plants at home and enjoy their flowering beauty into the summer and fall. I have just finished reading Never Eat Alone, a book that focuses on developing personal relationships. “If you want to transform your life,” says relationship expert and author Keith Ferrazzi, “you need the help of others.” At the House of Friends, we reach out to care for each other and build supportive relationships in our program and in the community. Look inside this issue to see a sampling of ways that we have been connecting with others in meaningful ways. At our March educational seminar, the dynamic Jim Comer highlighted the changing roles and needs of adults and built public awareness of caregiving needs.

Organizations provided resources and guidance to individuals navigating the caregiving journey. Support groups - the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group and Caregiver Coffees - and Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a caregiver education series, promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and families and encourage quality caregiving. A key House of Friends focus in 2012 is enhancement and growth of our core dementia program, adding additional staff, updating our organizational structure, and reviewing procedures. Our partnership with St. David’s Foundation provides support to focus on our program strengths, deepen our commitment to be an educational model in the community, and work with other groups to develop dementia respite programs.

Successful gardening is about providing care essentials and building strong roots.. Likewise, caring for one another and building partner- ships are blessings for those who give as well as those who are the care recipients. It’s about reaching out!

Nancy joins Susie who was “Queen for a Day”

celebrating her birthday at HOF.

For the latest news… check out our website at: www.bethanyHOF.org

Susie Petersen Rev. David Lutz Kim Natwig Director Care Ministries Pastor Newsletter Editor

Volume No. 43, May/June 2012

FRIENDS CONNECTING

Bethany United Methodist Church 10010 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX 78750

by Susie Petersen, HOF Program Director

OUR VISION is to provide the highest quality respite program for families caring for someone with dementia at home through demonstrating the love of Christ for them in tangible ways.

OUR MISSION is to provide respite to caregivers and enrich the quality of life of their loved ones with dementia through a stimulating, loving and safe community environment.

Won’t you join us?

House of Friends is a

2012 Grant Recipient

www.stdavidsfoundation.org

“Stay connected to love, which is the heart of caregiving, & your joy will be rewarded many times over.”

Beth Witrogen McLeod

Jim Comer answers questions from the group at the educational seminar

“Planning for your future”!

HOF CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

MONTH OF MAY

3rd TH

HOF SESSION Worship with Pastor Dave Theme: National Day of Prayer

5th RECYCLING DAY AT BETHANY UMC Batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, etc. 8:00-11:00am Get info at: www.grolland@goleaps.com

10th TH

HOF SESSION Yoga with Genevieve

Theme: Mother’s Day ~ Sharing Circle

Lunch & Pickup in the Bethany Café

Alzheimer Caregivers Support Group, Ministry Ctr.

Bethany 12:00-1:30pm RSVP Dave Lutz 310-9451 A Bethany Stephen Minister will be the guest speaker!

13th MOTHER’S DAY

16th HOF FINANCE TEAM MEETING

2:00-3:30pm, Bethany Room D-211

17th TH

HOF SESSION Worship with Pastor Dave Theme: Armed Forces Day

19th ARMED FORCES DAY

20th HOF PROGRAM TEAM MEETING 2:00-3:30pm, Bethany Room D-212 (3rd Sunday this month only)

21st LUNCH WITH SUSIE RSVP to Susie at 258-6017 Johnny Carino’s Italian Restaurant (11620 RR-620 N)

24th TH

HOF SESSION Caregivers Coffee: 9:30-11:00am, Ministry Center

31st TH

HOF SESSION HOF celebrates our “8th ANNIVERSARY”! Hill Country Dixieland Jazz Band-Tom Van Tassel

28th MEMORIAL DAY

MONTH OF JUNE

7th TH

HOF SESSION Worship with Pastor Dave Theme: Wedding Day

14th TH

NO HOF SESSION

BETHANY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Week 1

SUPPORT GROUP WILL MEET - room change! Alzheimer Caregivers Support Group, Room D-200

Bethany 12:00-1:30pm RSVP Dave Lutz 310-9451

FLAG DAY

** HOF July/Aug Newsletter articles due **

13th HOF FINANCE TEAM MEETING

2:00-3:30pm, Bethany Room D-211

21st TH

NO HOF SESSION

BETHANY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Week 2

VOLUNTEER POTLUCK LUNCHEON at home of Nancy Kier; RSVP to Nancy at 250-5501

28th TH

HOF SESSION Theme: Father’s are Special Caregivers Coffee: 9:30-11:00am, Ministry Center

Lunch provided by Shenandoah Villa Assisted Living

& Lighthouse Hospice

17th FATHER’S DAY

20th FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

LOVE

The Caregivers Coffee, which is an informal support group, meets on the 4th Thursday of every month

at 9:45am in the Disciple Ministry Center. This is an

opportunity for caregivers to share problems or

successes. You can come and/or leave whenever you want. Pastries and coffee are furnished.

No need to RSVP, just show up

and join in on the fun!

MAY 24th & JUNE 28th

We meet monthly, on the 2nd Thursday (12:00-1:30pm), in the Bethany U.M.C. Ministry Center on the first floor of the Disciple Building.

Thursday, May 10th * & Thursday, June 14th**

This is an opportunity to discuss individual challenges, help work through solutions, and hear guest speakers that will provide timely advice. Bring a sack lunch.

Won’t you join co-facilitators Pastor Dave Lutz & Victoria Bovard, R.N. at our next meeting?

The Alzheimer’s Support Group is open to all Care Givers, not just those that have a loved one in the House of Friends Respite Program. If you know of someone that would benefit from the session, please let them know about us.

For more information call Pastor Dave Lutz , 310-9451 or Victoria Bovard, 669-1547.

* A Bethany Stephen Minister will be the guest speaker. ** Room change, June 14th only, to room D-200.

“There are only four kinds of people in the world - those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be

caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter

“Vigorous physical activity is actually

the most important predictor of a

long, healthy life.” ~ Dr. Oz

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK

all the organizations

and individuals who have made

significant contributions

to House of Friends this year!

1 How many Linda’s does it take to serve pizza? The answer would be four! Linda Chambers, Linda Winn, Linda McLeod, & Linda Hampton. Linda Hampton of Senior Sitters provided the pizza, salad, & cookies for our lunch on April 26th..

2 Students from the Bethany UMC pre-school dazzled us with

their annual Easter parade featuring “home made” Easter bonnets

& hats!

3 Bill & Sue pose with the new HOF storage cabinet! Thanks to Bethany UMC staff (Sherman, Mark, Dave, & Cecilia) and HOF volunteers (Ken & JW) who all played a part in getting this cabinet ordered and delivered!

4 Tammy Nestoroff from Lighthouse Hospice brought cookies for the morning snack time. She was joined by Karen & Zalina

Williams from ShenandoahVilla, an assisted living & managed

care facility, who brought a large fruit bowl.

5 Sharon & Bruce Leach have been big supporters of HOF. We

love the mornings they bring us their homemade cinnamon rolls!

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Flossie holds the microphone while Marian sings

God Bless America during music.

Fantastic Turnout For

Volunteer Core Training! by Linda Chambers

Ten House of Friends volunteers attended Volunteer Core

Training on April 10, 2012. This two hour orientation is for

all volunteers who have roles in the Thursday sessions.

Susie Petersen, Director of HOF and Linda Chambers,

Assistant Director of HOF led the training and were

delighted to have such a great turn out! During this training

we emphasize meeting the needs of the person with

dementia and honoring their personhood (the standing or

status given to an individual, encompassing recognition,

respect and trust; that cluster of who that person was). In

our interactions on Thursday and always, we follow Jesus as

a model of how to honor an individual. The training was

interactive with lots of discussion and sharing of ideas for

dealing with issues that arise in the weekly sessions.

The following volunteers have completed the training:

Heather Bylander, Barbara Cardwell, Nancy Dick,

Christina Hwang, Mindy Long, Kay Palazzari, Mary

Smith, Sandra Thompson, Susan White, & Nancy Wise. We believe in the simple joys of life. In 2012, consider spreading these simple joys to those around you. You can share these random acts of kindness with your loved ones and beyond.

• Send a card to a friend – for absolutely no reason

• Bake goodies for a neighbor

• Buy an old friend coffee

• Compliment a waiter or waitress on their service

• Hold the door open for a stranger

• Pick up litter

• Write a thank you note to someone special

• For one day (or even one hour), smile at

everyone you pass by

• Let someone go ahead of you in line

• Pass on a memento to a loved one

• Invite a neighbor over for dinner

• Call a family member and tell them how much

they mean to you

Marilyn has a big smile and a hug for Vesta!

Christina, Mary, Susan, Mindy, & Jim (who attended a previous class) show off their training certificates!

“It may not seem like physical health and cognitive health are related, but they are. When you get your heart to pump more blood, it sends more oxygen and nutrients to the brain. It also protects against illnesses like diabetes, which is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. And we’ve found that lifting weights can improve cognitive health, too, perhaps due to the brainpower spent on maintaining proper form”. Doctor Gary Small

Each year House of Friends surveys our Caregivers and Volunteers to gain insights into how we are

currently meeting the needs of our caregivers,

participants, and volunteers and to identify ways to improve the program.

Christina Hwang,

RN (a House of

Friends intern this semester from the

UT-Austin School of Nursing) tallied the 2011Caregiver

and Volunteer

Surveys, cataloging

the responses.

Photo: Dr. Regina Johnson & Linda Chambers give input to Christina.

Christina states, “The yearly survey is an important tool that helps us

understand the volunteer and caregiver’s satisfaction, suggestions, and

concerns with House of Friends. Both groups expressed an overall

positive response to HOF and their experience”.

After attending a Thursday session, caregivers described that their loved

one appeared to enjoy HOF. They were happier, calmer, had a more

positive attitude, were more alert and better able to cope with situations. Caregivers felt more energized and less stressed after having the respite

time. Their favorite aspects of the program were the attitude, enthusiasm

and friendliness of the volunteers, that it was a social environment, and that there were different themes each week. Many wished that there were

more area respite programs or that HOF sessions were longer.

Most Volunteers stated that being with both the participants and other volunteers was what they enjoyed most about the HOF. Suggestions for

changes that would enhance their HOF service experience included

recruiting more volunteers, keeping on topic, starting and ending on time,

more funding, and more time for activities. They hope to gain satisfaction in helping others and learning about dementia through volunteering.

The survey isn’t the only way

we gain input. HOF keeps caregivers and volunteers

informed though weekly

e-mails, the bi-monthly newsletter, and our website.

Caregivers and volunteers feel

comfortable making suggestions

throughout the year!

In February and March, HOF was a learning site for UT-Austin student nurses, an impactful partnership since 2009. Here are several reflections from students:

“I realized that I should focus my nursing practice more on establishing a therapeutic relationship” …

“At House of friends, I did not need to do any medical “skills” to be a good nurse; rather communicating and showing

interest in the participants as individuals was fundamental to being an effective nurse”.

… “the setting was relaxed and filled with song and laughter”.

“I absolutely loved every about this program. The volunteers were absolutely amazing. Every one of them seemed so passionate

about the participants and it truly inspired me”.

Ashton Swan, a UT-Austin nursing student, who visited in one of student groups under Assistant Instructor Ana Todd, enjoyed HOF so much that she came back to HOF as a volunteer as part of her required clinical hours.

UT-Austin nursing student, Arthur, serves our mid-morning snack to Jerry & Ken.

UT NURSES Impressed with HOF

Photo: Anne gets a hug from

Kathy during a watercolor session!

To review the complete results of the survey, go to our website at: www.BethanyHOF.org

1. Jerry & Sandra talk about their week during social time. 2. Linda leads the group in Balloon Volleyball. 3. Virginia, Linda, & Bob S. celebrate “BINGO WINNER” Bob C’s V-Victory!

4. Margo, Ollie, Katie, & Kathy have fun with a parachute activity. 5. Ken & Bob test their memory skills with a ‘Word Find’.

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I’m a gardener and I’m OK

I sleep all night and I plant all day!

I dress in grubby clothing,

And hang around with slugs.

Oh I’m happy in the garden

With dirt and plants and bugs . . .

Master Gardener, Pastor

Dave, gave planting tips

to the group. (above)

Cassandra & Bob pot

their plants while Susan,

Ken, Nancy, & Mindy

look on. (left)

Nancy, Susie, & Tekla

take turns adding soil to

their plants. (right)

Starbucks, (Hwy 183 & Anderson Mill Rd) - pastries Mindy Long, Mary Smith, & Sue Hosking - fruit

Donna Speas - breakfast bars

Susan Rader - four parachutes

Dave Lutz - 4 dozen plants, soil, & pots Virginia Alexander - glue sticks

Peggy Kirkland - famous chocolate chip cookies

Northwest Austin Rotary Club - Girl Scout cookies Austin Fire Station #44 (11612 Four Iron Dr) - Girl

Scout cookies

Lighthouse Hospice, Tammy Nestoroff - large tray of cookies

Sharon & Bruce Leach - homemade cinnamon rolls

Kim Natwig - hanging photo displays

Anonymous - small frames & playing cards Shennadoah Villa, Zalina Williams - large fruit

bowl & pastries

Bill Power & Jim Jones & Trenda Osborne - fruit Kathy Maurer - fruit & BINGO winner awards

Ken Bray - flash stick for photos

Syble Goodwin - sweet bread

Donations for March & April

We are grateful for the generous donations from the following friends of our program.

In these times there are so many things that require

our attention—trip to the grocery store, visit to the doctor, paying bills, filling the gas tank, ironing, doing the dishes, etc. We sometimes get flustered

by our routine tasks and do not take the time to reflect upon all the blessings God gives us each day. I challenge you to make a list of all the

blessings you have received this day and then list what you think are “non-blessings.” The blessings list always surpasses the “non-blessings” in length.

Then, if you reflect further on those things that you do not consider to be blessings initially, you can find blessings in most of them. We should

consider every day as a valuable gift from God. We should use each day wisely, enjoy each day

fully, and appreciate each day as God’s gift of love to us.

by Pastor Dave Lutz

Pastor Dave has been with HOF for over 7 years & leads our group in devotions twice a month.

He also co-facilitates the Alzheimer’s Support Group.

Psalms 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it”.

Tom Mc Donnell 7/14/1934 to 1/03/2012

Each Thursday we start HOF off with coffee and a light snack. We use the time to socialize and catch up while everyone arrives. If you would like to sign up to bring fruit, muffins, or baked goods for one of our sessions, contact Sue at 258-7848.

In Loving Remembrance of House of Friends members who have passed away.

Our lives were richer having counted them as our friends. They brought their own special gifts to

HOF and our prayers go out to their families.

Joe Howell 2/6/1933 to 3/1/2012

Dear HOF Friends,

Thank you for the last 2 ½ years of caring, loving, compassion, hugs, words of comfort, understanding, guidance, and Christian fellowship you shared with “my Joe” and me…. “My Joe” loved going to HOF. How he loved the Thursday-with-a-theme. He loved all of you, his Buddies – Bob Hosking and Herby

Note from a spouse of a HOF alumnus.

and looked forward to winning a game of dominoes against Jack Wells – Loved the singing. Oh, the Joy and enjoyment HOF gave to “my Joe”.

We were traveling an uncharted path – so perplexing, so much unknown ups and downs and I felt such a desire to make Alzheimer’s go away. When I hit a pot hole in the path, HOF lifted me up with Christian love…

Thank you so much. ~ Lore Lee Howell

These are just a few of the glowing comments from attendees at the very successful educational seminar - Aging Parents and Adult Children: Planning for Your Future featuring Jim Comer, hosted by House of Friends at Bethany United Methodist Church on March 24, 2012. The seminar was sponsored by St David’s Foundation and underwritten by Health’s Angels (a St. David’s Community Fund service organization that provides charitable support to nonprofit organizations serving older adults and their families).

Eighty-one individuals from throughout the community attended, ranging in age from 20 to 65 plus. Attendees were able to speak with and/or get materials from 19 service providers and Austin aging and dementia experts at our Resource Tables (see the list of resource providers in the box)! Attendees also had the opportunity to discuss issues raised by Jim Comer during facilitated discussions at their tables. At the end of the seminar, door prizes were provided to attendees by the Resource Providers.

A+ Longevity Management**

Accolade Homecare**

AGE

Arden Courts Alzheimer’s

Assisted Living Buckner Hospice – Not-For-

Profit**

Faith in Action Caregivers

Family Eldercare

Greater Austin Cares

Heavenly Caregivers

House of Friends, Alzheimer’s

Respite Program**

Humana

Jim Comer **

Legal Information – Larry

Russell, Eldercare Attorney

Merrill Gardens at Parmer Woods

Mike’s Place, Alzheimer’s Respite Program at Meals On

Wheels and More

Odyssey Hospice**

Renaissance Retirement

Independent and Assisted Living

Senior Sitters – Assistance with

Living**

The Cottages at Chandler Creek**

**Door Prize Donations

As the keynote speaker, Jim Comer presented a humor-filled and informative talk on steps to take when parents age and encouraged

all present to be ready when parenting roles reverse. His

inspirational stories about being the caregiver for his parents led us

to laugh, smile, and cry! He shared with us about being told when dealing with his mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

disease to “quit trying to drag” her into his world instead he must

go into her world. Another idea he shared with us is when given the choice between being right or being kind, always choose

kindness. This led one attendee to write on the seminar survey,

“Thank you for shining a light on oft-shadowed subject. I feel encouraged and inspired to be a better caregiver.”

Thanks to planning team: Susie Petersen, Linda

Chambers, Christina Hwang, & Dave Lutz Thanks for Hospitality provided by Syble Goodwin,

Linda McLeod, &Sharon Leach Thanks for the great set-up help by Virginia Alexander

“Great planning – good conversation – great presentation – energizing, inspiring, great information.”

“Jim Comer is fabulous! And great to have the vendor tables.

Thanks very much – also great to learn more about the

church’s outreach.” “The facility and staff are exemplary of kindness and efficiency.

Speaker was sensitive and inspirational.”

Photo 1: Jim Comer shares his experience with aging parents.

Photo 2: Information providers Victoria, Linda, Shallen, Mary Jane,

Brenda & Dee provided resources to the seminar attendees.

Photo 3: Winner Collage - Door prizes from Accolade Homecare,

Senior Sitters, & A+ Longevity Management Concepts.

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Take Simple Steps

to Prevent Bruises

• Eliminate household clutter that could cause bumps or falls.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to provide an extra layer of protection for your skin.

• Limit prolonged exposure to the sun to help you avoid its aging effects and increased risk of bruising.

• Once a bruise has formed, however, not much can be done to treat it. Most bruises eventually disappear as your body reabsorbs the blood - although healing may take longer as you age. If the bruise is swollen, it might help to apply a cold compress and elevate the affected area. After the swelling decreases, a warm compress might speed removal of the blood. If the sight of a bruise bothers you, cover it with clothing or makeup.

Additional information: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/easy-bruising

HOF Volunteers,

Sharon Reeves &

Nancy Dick serve up

a delicious lunch for

a hungry crowd!

Above & Beyond the Call of Duty Awards

March/April

Linda Tenpas - Separated out the “B” mugs Marie Smith - Great buddy to Marian Nancy Guevremont - Led Easter table decorating Ken Bray - Discovering supplies in our storage closet Marian Daly - Beautiful solo “God Bless America” Linda Chambers, Christina Hwang, Dave Lutz, Susie Petersen - GREAT March educational seminar Jim Jones - Brought wonderful Easter decorations Morning Warriors - JW, Ken, Herby - Great table color-coordination! Mary Smith - Coordinating session photography Mindy Long, Marilyn Appleby, TJ Osborne, & Ken Bray - taking photos at sessions Dave Lutz - Planting set-up and tips for plant care Virginia Alexander - Glue sticks for Jim Comer seminar folders Nancy Dick & Sharon Reeves - Great hospitality in March Nancy Wise - Creative birthday celebration for Susie Flossie Young - Music for “O Texas, My Texas” Lore Lee Howell - A blessing to us all Tim Duffee - Delivering extra pastries to Fire Station Joe Haggard & Vernon Moeller - St. Patricks’s Day music program

Lloyd Gilbert

a retired electronics

engineer, loves music and

collecting art work.

Tekla Ronnbeck

A native of Sweden, is a

fabulous quilter and likes

to do crossword puzzles.

Recently we completed the spring offering of the course on this topic and all who participated found it helpful in providing

suggestions on how to take care of themselves personally. This

“six week course” covers the following topics: Taking Care

of YOU, Identifying and Reducing Personal Stress, Needs and Concerns, Communicating Feelings, Communicating in Challenging Situations, Learning from Our Emotions,

and Mastering Caregiving Decisions. Participants make "Action Plans" weekly to commit to taking time to do

something for themselves.

This course, open to all who are providing care to other family

members and facilitated by Pastor Dave Lutz and Stephen Minister Cheryl Goad, is being offered again this fall on

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31;

Nov. 7, 14. To register, contact Pastor Dave Lutz at 310-9451 or david.august.lutz@gmail.com . Registration is limited.

HOF welcomes Lore Lee Howell (L) as our newest volunteer! Lore Lee is one of our caregiver alums & we are happy to have her as a volunteer. Lore Lee joins Lavon at the piano while Lavon entertains us with her wonderful music!

Together we are the hands and heart of God building a house of friends.

The House of Friends is a faith-based, volunteer-staffed social program for those with early stages of Alzheimer’s and related diseases and provides respite to caregivers.

House of Friends at ... Bethany United Methodist Church 10010 Anderson Mill Road Austin, TX 78750 (512) 258-6017 Susie Petersen, Program Director s.petersen419@gmail.com

www.bethanyHOF.org

If you wish to be removed from this newsletter mailing list, or receive the newsletter digitally via e-mail, please send an e-mail to kimnatwig@austin.rr.com

MAY-JUNE

2012

Return Service Requested

Bob Swem

If you think you might be interested in becoming associated with the House of Friends & would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer with

the program, go to: www.BethanyHOF.org or contact Nancy Kier at 250-5501 to set up a time for you to come and visit our program.

HOF VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION … by Nancy Kier

The idea never took off, but Bob had fun working on it.

Last summer Bob was a member of a mission team from Bethany UMC that spent two weeks in Maua, Kenya (eastern Africa). Bob helped build a small “cabin” for an AIDS mother with 4 young sons. The team also supported the Methodist hospital there. Bob says the time in Maua was one of the best experiences of his life.

We at House of Friends are privileged to have Bob Swem as a faithful weekly volunteer. Like all of our volunteers, he brings a smile and a giving heart each week as he interacts with participants and volunteers alike.

Bob Swem became a House of Friends volunteer a year ago. He was born at home, which also served as the telephone office for the rural Kansas area. Bob’s mom ran the main switchboard and his dad maintained the equipment and the phone lines. Bob grew up in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from Wichita University with a BS in Physics. This was accomplished after attending classes at night for 10 years.

Bob and his wife, Shirley, have lived in Austin for 33 years. As an engineer for Data General, Bob was sent to Austin to start a new plant. He later worked for Tandem Computers and Vtel. The Swem family includes 2 married sons who live here in Austin, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grands. Bethany UMC has been Bob’s church home for many years.

In addition to fishing, military history, and restoring old cars, Bob lists “building wooden computers” as a hobby. He always thought computers were ugly, and as a trial built several computers that were covered with exotic woods such as walnut and mahogany. The idea was that they could go on executive’s desks.