July-August Newsletter
- 1. Then JesusThen JesusThen JesusThen Jesus said untosaid untosaid untosaid unto them, thethem, thethem, thethem, the decisivedecisivedecisivedecisive time for metime for metime for metime for me has not yethas not yethas not yethas not yet arrived, butarrived, butarrived, butarrived, but the decisivethe decisivethe decisivethe decisive time for youtime for youtime for youtime for you is at hand.is at hand.is at hand.is at hand. (John 7:6, my translation) On this past July 4th , as most of us enjoyed the fireworks display from a place of comfort and safety, a boat filled with friends capsized in the waters of Cold Spring Harbor. Three chil- dren, 11-year-old Harlie Treanor, 7-year-old Vic- toria Gaines, and Victoria's 12-year-old cousin, David Aureliano, all died in the accident. Often we read the names of “victims” and after a few days, along with the media, we seem to forget their names and their family’s on going strug- gles. I was at the funeral home Sunday night leading a worship service for another family, and one of the directors informed me that Victoria’s wake was in the adjacent room. I entered the room and spoke with Victoria’s parents and young brother and embraced them. I told them that the people of Good Shepherd prayed for their family at our worship gathering earlier that day and will continue to do so. I asked if I could lead some prayers of comfort, and they allowed me that privilege. I reminded them that little Victoria was a lamb of God and that Jesus would always be her shepherd. After the prayers, I knelt before Victoria and wept. While most of us are quite aware of the probability and frequency of accidents, acts of violence, and acute terminal illnesses which are indiscriminant of age, our awareness is often buried deep and shackled in one of those Pan- dora type boxes residing somewhere on the edge of consciousness. Those boxes do, however, make an anxious rattle and rudely awaken us from our slumber of denial when we are thrust into situations that cause us to question the injustice of premature death. Maybe it is be- cause of the spiritual wrestling I have done since 9/11 and the ministry of consolation that I have been entrusted with since, but I have found it hard to turn over and rejoin that slumber of de- nial. Time is of the essence. The time we have left on this terrestrial ball is a time that seems too short (to quote a familiar prayer from our funeral liturgy). As Jesus said, when addressing his brothers, “…the decisive time for you is at hand.” Jesus lived only till his early thirties and was engaged full time in active ministry for only a few years. During that seemingly short time, however, he was wide-awake and did not hesitate to use each moment of engagement to rouse oth- ers to the reality that the time for ignorance and denial was over. Jesus knew his time was to be sacrificial. The climax of Jesus’ ministry would be the cross, the ultimate wake up call for all who believe. In John’s gospel when he ad- dresses his brothers prior to the feast of taber- nacles, they are tired of Jesus’ wake up calls and they want to snooze. They are trying to get Jesus to go to Judea- away from Galilee, but Jesus knows that he is a marked man and that he has some loose ends to tie up before that great moment of salvation. He calculates his moves and sneaks into position at the festi- val in the most effective location at the temple and teaches with precision. You get the feeling that the plan is executed carefully with no wasted movements. (Take a moment and read again John chapter 7) You and I were awakened by Jesus and have been given a special assignment in the divine mission. Time is of the essence! Like the brothers of Jesus and the disciples in Geth- semane, we often prefer to bury our head un- der the pillow, but Jesus keeps calling us, splashing baptismal water on us, ringing bells to call us to worship, tugging at our ears through the reading of his word, sending us messengers of love in our time of need. God calculated his moves and empowered his chil- dren 60 years ago to create The Church of The Good Shepherd- Lutheran in Plainview, New York to wake up our community to the sound of the good news of eternal life through faith in Jesus. God has not wasted a moment of his time on you or me. We were singled out to continue Christ’s divine mission. We stand brave together even when confronted with the gross injustice of premature death because we know that there is a resurrection that Jesus won for all those who love him. We know that God’s final word for us is life and we need to help and get the word out! So let us start to regroup and strategize on how to effectively carry on the mission of love. Let us come to worship and wipe the sleet from our eyes and clear our throats with a hymn. Time is of the essence, let us stretch, train, plan and execute our loving mission TO- DAY. Awake in Christ, Reverend Eric Olaf Olsen Pastor Dear Faithful People of Good Shepherd: G O O D S H E P H E R D L U T H E R A N C H U R C H & S C H O O L J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 2 A M E S S A G E F R O M O U R P A S T O R
- 2. As we come to the close of our fis- cal and active year, it is good for us to look back at this past year and what we have accomplished. There is much that we have ac- complished, and we should be proud of what has been done and thank God for His blessing and guidance in this work. ✛ There has been growth in membership. ✛ There has been growth in the giving of time, talents, and treasures of our mem- bers. ✛ We have upgraded the appearance of our Church home by completing the renova- tion of the front landscape and hiring a new landscaping company to cut the grass and maintain the beds. ✛ We have made some badly needed repairs to the property. There is still more to be done to bring the prop- erty up to where it needs to be. We have enhanced some old programs and added new ones. For the coming year we have committed the money that is available (since we will finish the year with our income exceeding our expense) for ongoing repairs. We have not been the best of stewards for our property in the past, and we now need to invest to bring the property up to a quality standard. More funds will be needed in order for us to implement all of the necessary long-term projects. We are creating a list of tasks that need to be com- pleted over the next five years and beyond, determin- ing an estimate cost for them, and then prioritizing them in order to execute things in a proper manner. We have committed to finding a youth worker to launch a vibrant youth program in the fall. Jim Mason leaves the council as of June 30. We thank him for his faithful service over the past years. Elaine Cassimatis, Virginia Schroeder and myself were re-elected for a three-year term. Roy Steinhil- ber was newly elect to the council. The new officers of the church/church council for next year are John Schwaninger, president, Sue Devine. vice president, Paul Hinsch, treasurer; and Bob Rickmeyer, secre- tary. The council will be installed on Sunday, July 22, at our 10:00 a.m. worship. Please plan to be there to celebrate and offer congratulations and support to these faithful people who do the work of the church for and with you. Love, Peace and Joy, Forty seven youngsters ranging in ages 3 - 12 attended our Vacation Bible School during the week of June 25 -29, enjoying our Stories by the Sea theme. Our storyteller, Pastor Olsen, brought the stories to life each day for the children. Amy Pietrofere led the music with assistance from Irma Carlson on the piano. Lori Tollefsen directed the crafts, which were Loretta Ruff planned. Outside activities were supervised by Chrissy Cannino, Gillian McGowan, and Robbie Pietrofere while members of our Seniors’ Group--Martha Peterson, Eleanor Pearson, Virginia Schroeder, Diane Maisch, Janet Cox and Irma Carlson—administered the snacks. We thank all who helped to make this week a fun learning experience for all the children. Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School re- cently awarded Judy Hinsch with their “2012 Randy Abbe Christian Service Award” and Paul Hinsch with their “2012 Crusader Christian Service Award.” The Randy Abbe Christian Service Award honors Judy’s devotion and service to the lives of those she has touched during her ministry at Good Shepherd. Judy was recognized for her “tireless work in many capacities,par- ticularly her effective leadership of Good Shepherd School,” and cited as a “Christian who is deeply motivated by love for His people, a motivation that comes from a deep faith and trust in Jesus Christ.” The Crusader Christian Service Award acknowl- edges Paul’s “willingness to help minister the love of the Lord,” through his “constant participation and enthusiasm in all that he does,” and his “willingness to use his gifts and talents toserve.” We extend our congratulations to these two “good and faithful servants” of the Lord.
- 7. A lifelong Bethpage native, Bonnie Beach-Gadigian attended Sunday School and was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. For nine years, she also worked as their church secre- tary until she accepted a position in 2010 at South Woods Middle School in Syosset. Bonnie and her husband, Joe have four children. Richard Collins grew up in Levittown and graduated from LI Lutheran in 1980. Maryellen grew up in Westbury, graduating from East Meadow High school in 1981. While working as camp counselors for GIFT at LuHi in 1979, Richard and Maryellen met and were married seven years later at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hicksville. Last September 6th, they celebrated their 25th wed- ding anniversary. Newlyweds Richard and Maryellen settled in Hicksville, and their children are the sixth generation of Hicks- ville residents in Rich's family. Rich has worked for UPS for 24+ years and currently drives a tractor trailer 5,000 miles to Illinois and Kentucky every week. Maryellen is a tax partner in a local CPA firm in Bethpage. Their children—Marykate just graduated from LuHi last week and will be attending Marist College in the fall; Daniel will be a junior and Jenna a seventh grader at LuHi in September. Jeff & Mary Lynn Eisle and their children Emma Lynn and Charlie, visited Good Shepherd around Christmas time with Mary Lynn’s mother, Alice Vorstadt. They very much enjoyed our worship service and felt so comfortable and wel- comed by our congregation that their children asked to attend our Sunday school program! In addition to enjoying our Sunday school, six year old Emma Lynn likes being with her friends and playing softball while her ten year old brother, Charlie, swims and plays travel baseball. Jeff manages Charlie’s Island Trees team. On July 19, Jeff and Mary Lynn will be celebrating 15 years of marriage. Vincent has been worshipping with us at Good Shepherd since Pastor Eric’s arrival in 2010. A resident of Floral Park, Vin- cent is a retired New York City Police Sergeant and a former cap- tain of active Hook & Ladder in New Hyde Park. He enjoys be- ing a grandfather and is looking forward to becoming more active here at Good Shepherd. Most of us already know Tim, Valerie, Eric and Danielle from their involvement with Good Shep- herd over the years, and it was only fitting to officially welcome them into our church family. Valerie has been an elementary school teacher in the Levittown district for almost 15 years, teaching primarily kindergarten. She loves gardening and her dogs Callie and Caesar. A practicing CPA for over 20 years in public accounting with Big 4 firms in NYC and Jeri- cho, Tim recently accepted a new position with BDO USA, LLP. Tim enjoys coaching baseball and softball. Twelve year old Eric has served as an acolyte and has played both piano and trumpet on special occasions here at Good Shep- herd. He was on his school’s swimming team and also plays baseball. Danielle (7) loves to dance and takes gymnastics class in addition to playing softball and competitive swim- ming. Judy Mazzara has been a resident of Old Bethpage for 38 years and has been working in the town of Bethpage for 20 years. She enjoys baking and planting in her flower garden and loves summer. She has two grown children— Anthony and Doreen. Anthony and his wife, Robin, will be celebrating four years of marriage in November. Judy says that Robin “is a very lovely girl, and they are a very happy couple.” Robin and Judy are both very happy to be a part of our Good Shepherd family. Eleven month old Hailey Grace Nacewicz was the first member of her family to become part of our Good Shepherd family at her baptism on January 15. Her father, Christian, became friendly with Pas- tor Eric years ago at his grandfather’s funeral. He and Kate were married by Pastor Eric in June of 2008. A NYC firefighter, Christian enjoys taking his toddler son, Hunter, fishing; and Kate enjoys being a mom to her two little children in their Garden City Park home.
- 8. Meagan Nanocchio hails from Plainview while her fiancée, David Knapp lives in Ronkonkoma. When they got engaged last year, they decided that the church would be an important part of their lives together. Growing up, it had been part of their lives, for Meagan, here at Good Shepherd, and for David, the Roman Catholic Church. But at some point, the extracur- ricular activities that are part of so many kids’ schedules left them little to no time to be regulars at any church. As part of their decision to return to the church, Meagan and David be- gan to attend services at Good Shepherd. Just as she had dis- covered at age eight when she had moved to Plainview and came here with her mother, Meagan found our congregation to be as warm, welcoming, and as friendly as she remembered. David and Meagan enjoy coming to mass here as often as possi- ble and each time leave feeling they have learned something new. “Becoming members of Good Shepherd will really be a strong bond that we need and should have in our relationship,” says Meagan. David, who is currently studying nursing, and Meagan, who works in the admitting department at NSUH Plainview, will walk down the aisle and exchange vows here at their “new” church on the morning of October 6. Hillary and Thomas Passolo have been married for almost eleven years. They have two beautiful children named Austin and Morgan. Austin is a student at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. “We started going to church at Good Shepherd when Austin and Morgan started Sunday school,” Hillary explained, “ We found the school and church to be so welcoming and loving that Good Shepherd ultimately became a part of our lives. We find comfort and peace here and we are so elated to have officially become members of the Good Shepherd Family.” Former New Hyde Park residents, Bob and Jenn Picciano met in the New Hyde Park Fire Department in 1996 and were married by Pastor Ol- sen in 2006. Bob, a 50-year member of the fire department is retired from the sanitation department of New York and also retired from North Shore University Hospital in Manhas- set. Now he enjoys peaceful after- noons at home in Bayville with “his buddy” Emmie, their 10 year old dog. Jenn currently works with Good Shepherd School's after care program and is also an Emergency Medical Techni- cian. The Piccianos are very happy to join Good Shepherd's family and look forward to forming new friendships and new fellow- ships. Elaine grew up in Plainview at her present address on Knickerbocker Road, and lived in Colorado Springs for 17 years where she was a home healthcare provider and actively involved in animal rescue. She recently re- turned home to Plainview to care for her 84- year old mother, Jeanne. Upon her return, she was able to reconnect with a friend who was still at the same address, whom she calls “her saving grace” citing that “God doesn’t leave her without a friend.” Elaine also returned home to Good Shepherd where she finds solace and the opportunity to socialize. When she isn’t tending to her mom or providing childcare services, she enjoys writing poetry and has penned several after hearing Pastor Eric’s sermons. We look forward to her sharing some of her work in upcoming newsletters. Marta Scherer was born in Puerto Rico, raised in East Harlem, NY, and moved to Bethpage in 1989. Married to Jerry, they have two daughters, and two granddaughters. Marta was raised Catholic and took classes with Pastor Berry at St. Paul’s in Bethpage where she was confirmed Lutheran sometime in 1996. Marta is a registered nurse at LIJ in New Hyde Park. The Schindelheim family moved to Old Bethpage in 1977 and joined Good Shepherd in 1978. For the past eight years, Kathy has worked for Lufthansa German Airlines and often trav- els home to Germany to visit/care for her parents. Both of Kathy’s daughters, Anita and Sabrina, attended Good Shepherd nursery school, were confirmed, and at- tended youth group here. Her daughters have since married and moved away, Anita to New Jersey, and Sabrina to East Islip. But they still consider it a homecoming whenever they enter Good Shepherd Lutheran church. Just this past April, Pastor Eric baptized Kathy’s first grandson Deven (Rausch), Anita’s baby, here at Good Shepherd. Kathy’s daughter Sabrina Scelza joined her in Affirmation of Baptism here at Good Shepherd on June 17, citing that as a child, Good Shepherd was a big part of her family's life, even considering it as a saving grace. But over the years, as she got older, and her daily life got busier, she lost touch with us. Recently married, at age 34, Sabrina, is thoroughly enjoying life with her husband Jerome and plans on starting a family in the next year or so. Being away from Good Shepherd, she says, intensified her faith, and as she be- gins to ponder her family’s future, her thoughts returned to the safety she once felt at Good Shepherd…so she returned, too.
- 9. If you have been to any of Good Shepherd’s morning Lectio Divina Bible studies, chances are, you’ve already met Alice Vorstadt. She’s been worship- ping among us and coming to morning Bible study for a while but was hesitant to become a member here because she was not ready to leave her long-time church. Befriended by Irma Carlson at a WELCA retreat in 2010, Alice was intrigued by all the boastful things Irma had to say about Good Shepherd. She visited a number of times on Irma’s invitation and had even attended a number of Pastor Eric’s new member gatherings but never seemed quite ready. She walked into our Bible study unknown to anyone and said that people just started talking to her as if they had all grown up together! There was no breaking the ice. There were no feelings of self- conscience—she was just here, and she was just welcome. It wasn’t until she attended a worship service here around Christmas time with her daughter’s family—the Eiseles (who also became members this past June) that she realized that we offered everything she needed spiritually. Over dinner that evening, our worship service was all they talked about! Michele Wong is a community psychiatric social worker at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. Good Shepherd has been a part of her life since childhood when she attended nursery school and summer day camp here. She shared with us these pictures of her now and at age 10, donning her Good Shepherd T-shirt. Michele is excited to be getting married here in the fall! Good Shep- herd is very special to her and has been instrumental in growing my faith. She is happy to become a member here and prays that our church and it's community will continue to be blessed.
- 10. HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!! Lauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren Banzer Michael BensonMichael BensonMichael BensonMichael Benson Tom BensonTom BensonTom BensonTom Benson Joe BerardinoJoe BerardinoJoe BerardinoJoe Berardino Declan BroggyDeclan BroggyDeclan BroggyDeclan Broggy Quinn BroggyQuinn BroggyQuinn BroggyQuinn Broggy Stacey BroggyStacey BroggyStacey BroggyStacey Broggy Gerard Coggins, Jr.Gerard Coggins, Jr.Gerard Coggins, Jr.Gerard Coggins, Jr. Gianna DeVernaGianna DeVernaGianna DeVernaGianna DeVerna Ryan DeVernaRyan DeVernaRyan DeVernaRyan DeVerna Susan DeVernaSusan DeVernaSusan DeVernaSusan DeVerna Al EhlAl EhlAl EhlAl Ehl J.P. GemelliJ.P. GemelliJ.P. GemelliJ.P. Gemelli Victoria GiacobbeVictoria GiacobbeVictoria GiacobbeVictoria Giacobbe Christophcr LorchChristophcr LorchChristophcr LorchChristophcr Lorch Corin LundCorin LundCorin LundCorin Lund Hailey NacewiczHailey NacewiczHailey NacewiczHailey Nacewicz Hunter NacewiczHunter NacewiczHunter NacewiczHunter Nacewicz Pastor Eric OlsenPastor Eric OlsenPastor Eric OlsenPastor Eric Olsen Eleanor PearsonEleanor PearsonEleanor PearsonEleanor Pearson CPT Paul RickmeyerCPT Paul RickmeyerCPT Paul RickmeyerCPT Paul Rickmeyer Alyssa TollefsenAlyssa TollefsenAlyssa TollefsenAlyssa Tollefsen Arlene WittwerArlene WittwerArlene WittwerArlene Wittwer DellDellDellDell----Ann BensonAnn BensonAnn BensonAnn Benson Tom BerardinoTom BerardinoTom BerardinoTom Berardino Giana CaporuscioGiana CaporuscioGiana CaporuscioGiana Caporuscio Travis CaporuscioTravis CaporuscioTravis CaporuscioTravis Caporuscio Elaine CassimatisElaine CassimatisElaine CassimatisElaine Cassimatis Carl GscheidleCarl GscheidleCarl GscheidleCarl Gscheidle Gail HauptGail HauptGail HauptGail Haupt Jessica HinschJessica HinschJessica HinschJessica Hinsch Andrew JordanAndrew JordanAndrew JordanAndrew Jordan HAPPY AUGUSTHAPPY AUGUSTHAPPY AUGUSTHAPPY AUGUST BIRTHDAY!!!BIRTHDAY!!!BIRTHDAY!!!BIRTHDAY!!! Mary KnotekMary KnotekMary KnotekMary Knotek Ryan LessmanRyan LessmanRyan LessmanRyan Lessman Olivia MarlinOlivia MarlinOlivia MarlinOlivia Marlin Mary OlivertoMary OlivertoMary OlivertoMary Oliverto Bob RickmeyerBob RickmeyerBob RickmeyerBob Rickmeyer CPT Genevieve SouniaCPT Genevieve SouniaCPT Genevieve SouniaCPT Genevieve Sounia Zachara VollonoZachara VollonoZachara VollonoZachara Vollono Margaret WengerMargaret WengerMargaret WengerMargaret Wenger Warren WiegertWarren WiegertWarren WiegertWarren Wiegert If you would like to submit anIf you would like to submit anIf you would like to submit anIf you would like to submit an article for inclusion in ourarticle for inclusion in ourarticle for inclusion in ourarticle for inclusion in our September 2012 Newsletter, please eSeptember 2012 Newsletter, please eSeptember 2012 Newsletter, please eSeptember 2012 Newsletter, please e----mail it to [email protected] on or before Tuesday, August 14,mail it to [email protected] on or before Tuesday, August 14,mail it to [email protected] on or before Tuesday, August 14,mail it to [email protected] on or before Tuesday, August 14, 2012. Thank you very much!2012. Thank you very much!2012. Thank you very much!2012. Thank you very much! ANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARY BLESSINGSBLESSINGSBLESSINGSBLESSINGS John & Judy HinschJohn & Judy HinschJohn & Judy HinschJohn & Judy Hinsch 35 years on July 30th35 years on July 30th35 years on July 30th35 years on July 30th Tom & Martha BerardinoTom & Martha BerardinoTom & Martha BerardinoTom & Martha Berardino————August 5thAugust 5thAugust 5thAugust 5th Margaret & Paul WengerMargaret & Paul WengerMargaret & Paul WengerMargaret & Paul Wenger————August 13thAugust 13thAugust 13thAugust 13th George & Inara HirnGeorge & Inara HirnGeorge & Inara HirnGeorge & Inara Hirn————August 14thAugust 14thAugust 14thAugust 14th CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES Lindsay HallLindsay HallLindsay HallLindsay Hall MBA in Healthcare ManagementMBA in Healthcare ManagementMBA in Healthcare ManagementMBA in Healthcare Management Hofstra UniversityHofstra UniversityHofstra UniversityHofstra University Lauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren Banzer Bethpage HS, will attend MaristBethpage HS, will attend MaristBethpage HS, will attend MaristBethpage HS, will attend Marist Miranda BensonMiranda BensonMiranda BensonMiranda Benson LuHi, will attend Seattle UniversityLuHi, will attend Seattle UniversityLuHi, will attend Seattle UniversityLuHi, will attend Seattle University Marykate CollinsMarykate CollinsMarykate CollinsMarykate Collins LuHi, will attend MaristLuHi, will attend MaristLuHi, will attend MaristLuHi, will attend Marist Gregory MaischGregory MaischGregory MaischGregory Maisch Mineola HS, will attend HartfordMineola HS, will attend HartfordMineola HS, will attend HartfordMineola HS, will attend Hartford Andrew WeberAndrew WeberAndrew WeberAndrew Weber Southside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend GettysburgSouthside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend GettysburgSouthside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend GettysburgSouthside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend Gettysburg Jeff & Mary Ellen EisleJeff & Mary Ellen EisleJeff & Mary Ellen EisleJeff & Mary Ellen Eisle 15 years on July 19th15 years on July 19th15 years on July 19th15 years on July 19th
- 11. Page 11 T H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N G F O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T R YYYY T H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E D O F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N G Roger Griffith Sue Devine & the family and friends of her friend, George Meyers, Reverend Martin Nale & the friends and family of his father, Reverend Robert E. Nale, Barbara Young & the friends & family of Jamie Perkins (Arlene Wittwer’s friend), The Olsen family & the friends and family of Lisa’s Grandfa- ther, Alfred Hansen, Bonnie Beach Gadigian & the friends and family of her father-in- law, Jerry Gadigian, the friends and family of former member Alice Skawinski (5/27). T H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V I N GN GN GN G WE PRAY FOR... Mary Ann Buffalino (Amy Pietrofere’s aunt), Claudia Churchill (Amy Pietrofere’s mother), Lorraine Cu & Leida Munoz (Marta Scherer’s friends) Fred Ruff, Kyle Gornell (John Schwaninger’s grandson), Kenneth Vorstadt (Alice’s son), Seymour Spergel (Suzanna Allan’s father), Toni Anne LaGois, Carol Bowles (Alice Vor- stadt’s friend), Rashid Ghani (Lori Mason’s friend), Carlos & his mother (Karin Kienle’s friends), Ian Spadaro, Judy Weiss- man and Roy Hoffman (Sue Devine’s friends), Marion Tucker (Nancy’s mother), Maureen Wilers, John Pietrofere, Martin Boltizar (Louise Lamont’s cousin), Leon Thompson (Lisa Olsen’s father), Glenn Schabel, Max Ludewig, Lori & Meghan Or- tega (Lisa Olsen’s sister & niece), Ann Araco (Lori Tollefsen’s mother), Susan Dowd (Maisch family friend), Bea McCabe, Peggy Taylor (Amy Pietrofere’s friend), El- eanor Davis, Warren Wiegert, Justin Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew) and Chris- tine & Tom Greenwood, his parents, Jason Damiano (Anna’s grandson), Chris Cucci and his family, Ed Simmons (Pastor Eric’s friend), Ruth Odwazny, Ryan Faret & his family, Genevieve Sounia, Susan Boettcher (John McGowan’s sister), Dr. Stanley Bart- kow, Joy Parisey (GSL teacher Cindy Can- nizzaro’s sister), John Binsfeld (Benner family friend), Maureen Araujo, Ken Dixon (Pastor Eric’s friend), Sven Faret (Gunhild Schabel’s son), Diane Lisa (Cathy Vollono’s friend), Janice Ridings (Rickmeyer family friend), Francis Lee (Helen Kopf’s son), Lynne Carlson (Irma’s daughter-in-law), Mary Ellen Moyse (George’s wife), Don and Francine Unger (Katalina Paterakis’s grandparents), Joyce Tare, Jake (Maisch family friend) and his family, James Fields (Vincent and Dorothy Cronin’s nephew), Mary Gessing (Dorothy and Vincent Cro- nin’s cousin), and Rita Cunningham (Cronin family friend). T H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N G I N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R Y CPT. Paul Rickmeyer, USMC Lance Corporal Nicholas Ventrelli-O’Connell (Patty Larson’s family friend), David Jacobs (Joyce Tare’s nephew, Alec & Madison’s cousin), LTC. Phillip Sounia, Christopher Zito (Mary Knotek’s friend), Sgt. Vincent Mezick, Spe- cialist Sean Hassett (Lori Mason’s cousin). T H O S E W H O J O I NT H O S E W H O J O I NT H O S E W H O J O I NT H O S E W H O J O I N U S I N S P I R I TU S I N S P I R I TU S I N S P I R I TU S I N S P I R I T Anna Damiano, and Dorothea Spadaro, Elizabeth Adolphus, and Pauline Poma, who are unable to join us in body but are with us in spirit
- 13. POB/JFK High School Choir Mid-Summer Concert Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m. On a hot summer’s evening, Cool off in the lovely air conditioning Of Good Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran Church 99 Central Park Road, Plainview99 Central Park Road, Plainview99 Central Park Road, Plainview99 Central Park Road, Plainview And listen to the melodic voices of Our neighborhood students! A free-will offering will be requested to Fight Malaria in AfricaFight Malaria in AfricaFight Malaria in AfricaFight Malaria in Africa Every minute a child dies from Malaria, The ELCA’s Malaria campaign is uniquely positioned to provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medi- cation, health care, education and more to help eliminate deaths from this disease—for good. 100%100%100%100% of your donation will support this need.
- 15. You will recall that at the beginning of the year, we rallied our congregation to attend a public meeting on Sunday, March 25, at our Lady of Hope Regional School in order to solicit a public commitment from Supervisor John Kaiman and the taxi companies to partner with LI-CAN (Long Island Congregations Associations and Neighborhoods), of which Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a founding member, as well as the Visiting Nurse Service’s Partners in Care, to support our Home Health Care Initiative. Roughly 15 of us attended along with many other congregations for a estimated attendance of 250. On July 2, Pastor Eric attended a meeting that included LI-CAN’s Lead Organizer, Jeanne Appelman and Steven Marx, the Town of Oyster Bay’s Attorney and Aide to Supervisor John Venditto to explore ways in which we might be able to work together to help provide quality home healthcare for seniors in our community. Pastor Eric left the meeting feeling encouraged that they would support our efforts. Not so long ago, Ms. Appleman also met with Hempstead Supervisor, Kate Murray, along with her three top aides to explore the same in this neighboring town. Following are two articles that detail our mission, an Op-Ed piece that appeared in NEWS- DAY and another from THE LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC: There is hardly a day when we don't have a conversation with someone about an elderly relative who needs care. Who among us on Long Island isn't touched by seniors in the family who can no longer cook a meal or shower unaided, or who prematurely move to a nursing home because they can't afford or find a qualified home health aide? The number of seniors on Long Island is quietly growing larger by the year, and the challenges in providing quality home health care and the workforce to deliver it are growing too. Through several hundred individual conversations with congre- gants of different faiths and backgrounds, those of us at LI-CAN (Long Island Congregations Associations and Neighborhoods, a multifaith, nonpartisan citizens' organization) have heard the frustration of those unable to find qualified aides. Demand for home health aides far exceeds the number available, even though thousands of Long Islanders are unemployed. Other congregants are immigrants, working as home health aides, who are frustrated by how little dignity they are afforded because they are "foreign." They are often taken advantage of by employers, whether a family or an agency. Aides speak of receiving inadequate supervision, and there is little or no ongo- ing training to care for seniors with special conditions such as Alzheimer'sand diabetes. Some aides spend as much time traveling to a two-hour shift as the shift itself. Many do not have cars, and public transportation is insufficient and expensive. Government-regulated reimburse- ments to home health agencies for home care are shrinking, leaving those agencies that do provide quality care with fewer dollars to deliver it. Often aides are asked to perform intimate acts of care for our beloved family members but are paid way below the minimum wage -- indeed, some agencies take the bulk of the fees a family pays for an aide, leaving the worker with less than a living wage. A related problem is the lack of comprehensive, coordinated home care involving the patient, family, doctor and home-health aide. Dur- ing a fact-finding conversation, one doctor lamented that she was unaware of her patient's skin infection because the aide didn't have training to recognize danger signs. In another, an aide told us that her repeated attempts to alert the family that her senior patient wasn't eating and drinking enough fell on deaf ears. LI-CAN has also met with industry professionals and has begun craft- ing potential solutions with government and business partners. One approach involves recruiting potential home health aides from our members' congregations, along with other unemployed or underem- ployed residents. They could be hired by an agency and matched with seniors who live close by. The Town of North Hempstead/Project Independence and two local taxi companies have committed to helping to provide more affordable taxi fares for aides who care for seniors. We believe that a culture of respect for aides and an emphasis on problem-solving and communication are keys to quality home care. To that end, we are exploring the creation of a team-based, coordi- nated approach to home care by a suitable agency partner, an ap- proach that involves the aide, the senior and his or her family, the doctor, nurse, and social worker. Now is the moment for leaders in the home health industry and elected officials to work with their customers and constituents, as well as community groups like ours, to ensure quality care at the low- est possible cost. It will take a coordinated effort to prevent a crisis of home health care for seniors on Long Island. But our welfare, and the welfare of our parents and grandparents, is at stake. Opinion:Put focusonhome healthcare Originally published: January 16, 2012 4:53 PM Updated: January 17, 2012 10:08 AM The Rev. Ralph Sommer is pastor of St. Brigid's Catholic Church in Westbury. Eric Schulmiller is the cantor and social justice liaison of the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, in Manhasset.
- 16. Msgr. Ralph Sommer, pastor of St. Brigid’s, chats with attendees before the March 25 meeting. WESTBURY — With the aging population of Long Island growing, local parishes and other Catholic groups are lead- ing the way to make sure home health aides are trained properly and have affordable transportation so that seniors can “age with dignity” in their own homes. More than 250 people packed the gym at Our Lady of Hope/St. Brigid School here March 25 for the unveiling of the partnership between Long Island Congregations, Asso- ciations and Neighborhoods (LI-CAN), the Town of North Hempstead, Partners in Care, and Visiting Nurse Service of New York to provide the training and transportation neces- sary for home health aides to be able to care for seniors who wish to remain in familiar surroundings in their later years. LI-CAN is a multifaith community organization dedi- cated to improving the common good, engaging average citizens in their local governments and addressing local issues. The Daughters of Wisdom, Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, Catholic Charities, St. Brigid’s Church here, St. Boniface Church in Elmont, St. Martha’s Church in Union- dale, and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Wyandanch are all LI-CAN members. “We love our relatives, our friends,” said Msgr. Ralph Sommer, pastor of St. Brigid’s, during his introduction. “We love the people who live among us who are aging and are now in need of something more than they can provide for themselves. We all know that it’s a concern what happens when we don’t have adequate, affordable health care so that people can age in their own homes, the places they’ve raised their families.” Several people in attendance gave testimonies of their experience as home health aides or as family members of someone who required home care, including St. Brigid’s parishioner Gia Montelbano. When her mom got sick, “the promise of a home health aide to cover during my work hours was a godsend,” she said. “Overall, (the aides) were well-meaning, hard-working, good people, but it soon be- came obvious that the home health aide component of the care plan was plagued with hiccups,” such as aides arriving late and having to leave early to coincide with public trans- portation schedules and not being aware of the level of care her mother required. “Something needs to be done and I believe this is the perfect time to start.” he two-year initiative will expand hiring and training of home health aides by Partners in Care and Visiting Nurse Service of New York, match seniors and aides living in the same geographic cluster, and provide transportation subsi- dies for home health aides within and between clusters. “We realized that if aides and seniors lived in close prox- imity, transportation concerns would be minimized,” said Carol Blumenthal of the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore, where the initiative first took shape. In addi- tion to being a home care strategy, the initiative is also a job creation strategy. “Elder care jobs are an untapped engine for job creation and economic growth,” she noted. Those who see this as an important issue for Long Is- landers are not just older people, but the younger genera- tion as well. “I think that it’s a great program,” noted Kelle Tirrito, 19, who attended the meeting with five other teens and young adults from the LI-CAN contingent from St. Mar- tha’s. “Being that I have grown up with a lot of elderly peo- ple in my household, I could understand how people would need the proper help and support. I see it as being impor- tant, and I think it would be great if St. Martha’s could do something, considering they have a lot of elderly within the parish.” LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLELONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLELONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLELONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLE Group seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homesGroup seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homesGroup seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homesGroup seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homes April 4, 2012 | Vol. 51, No. 1 • By MARY GORRY MARY GORRY | TLIC LICAN (LONG ISLAND CONGREGATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND NEIGHBORHOODS) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISITING NURSE SERVICE OF NEW YORK AND PARTNERS IN CARE provides access to high quality home health care for seniors on Long Island and quality jobs for home health aides. Are you looking for quality home health care for you or your loved one in the comfort of your own home? You can secure a well-trained and supervised home health aide in your area by calling 1-800-818-9348 Are you looking for a rewarding job as a home health aide on Long Island and access to subsidized transportation? Call 212-609-7973 for a job interview on Long island and more information. Partners in Care offers FREE training, and upgrade training.
- 17. GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 99 Central Park Road, Plainview, NY 11803 Phone: 516-349-1966 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ourshepherdlives.org Ministers: The Members of Good Shepherd Reverend Eric O. Olsen, Pastor Judy R. Hinsch, A.I.M., School Director Teresa Ratkowski, Director of Choir and Organist Maureen Cooke, Church Secretary/Newsletter Editor Lindsay Kuefner, School Secretary Ed Indellicati, Accountant/Bookkeeper John E. Menig, Jr., Sexton Bobby Lang, Sexton Welcome, summer! It’s time for our annual conference picnic. Please join us at the Grove picnic section (on the right, area 5), where we will set up our chairs in the cov- ered area that shelters us from sun and rain. This year’s Bible study is called Travels. Can you think of any Bible stories that fit this theme? Come and find out how accu- rate your guess was. Bring a cold beverage if you want one. Coffee will be pro- vided. Please also bring a chair and a food item to share for lunch. You may want to just listen, or bring your Bible to follow along when we read passages. This day is all about fellowship as we enjoy a light study and then eat together. Consider asking a friend to join you. No reserva- tions needed! Cedar Creek Park is located on the south side of Merrick Road, ¼ mile east of Wantagh Parkway, or ¾ mile west of Route 135 (Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway). Questions? Irma Carlson 516-336-5363 Karen Smith [email protected] Joyce Anderson 516-496-8871 NNORC Knitting CircleNNORC Knitting CircleNNORC Knitting CircleNNORC Knitting Circle Mid Island Y-JCC Boardroom 45 Manetto Hill Road Plainview, NY Beginners & Beyond—Learn to knit or Crochet 10:30 a.m.—Noon. on Tuesdays July & 14, August 7 & September 4 CONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RNCONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RNCONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RNCONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RN Shepherd Hill Community Center 115 Central Park Road Plainview, NY 1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m. on these Wednesdays: July 18: Recreational Therapy—Memory Frames Presented by Michele Wachter August 15: Identity Theft—What to Look For September 19: TBA BOOK CLUBBOOK CLUBBOOK CLUBBOOK CLUB POB Library 999 Old Country Road Plainview, NY 10:30 a.m.— Noon Thursday, September 20. CASE HISTORY by Kate Atkinson Moderators: Beth Spickler-Lerman & Gretchen Browne COMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RNCOMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RNCOMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RNCOMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RN POB Library 999 Old Country Road Plainview, NY 1:00 a.m.— 2:00 p.m. on these Thursdays: July 12: Important Information You Need to Know About Dental Healthcare, presented by Dr. Gary Sherman, DMD August 9: Skin Care presented by Dermatologist, Dr. Rebecca Chusid KEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANSKEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANSKEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANSKEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANS Led by Kelly Sorel, RN. Mid Island Y-JCC Boardroom 45 Manetto Hill Road Plainview, NY 10:00 a.m.— Noon, Bi-Monthly on Tuesdays Call Kelly 516-822-3535 x 381 for summer schedule
- 18. POB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly VisitorsPOB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly VisitorsPOB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly VisitorsPOB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly Visitors ✛ If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home- bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment? ✛ What about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive anyWhat about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive anyWhat about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive anyWhat about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive any longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food? ✛ If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company; someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline. Please consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. CallPlease consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. CallPlease consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. CallPlease consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. Call Robyn at 822Robyn at 822Robyn at 822Robyn at 822----3535, extension 385 or e3535, extension 385 or e3535, extension 385 or e3535, extension 385 or e----mail [email protected] for more information.mail [email protected] for more information.mail [email protected] for more information.mail [email protected] for more information.
- 21. UPDATE FOR JULY 2012 WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN: NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools Suicide rates are highest for those in the 65 years old or older age group. Furthermore, four out of five suicides in older adults are men. One reason that older men are much more likely than older women to commit suicide may be related to the direct link that many men make between the suc- cess of their professional careers and their personal identities, often tied to their sense of self-worth. Men in particular, but indeed all of us should de- velop a well thought out plan to make retirement enjoyable before the actual retirement begins. The most important factor in having a happy and purposeful life as an older adult is good health— both physical and mental. Of course, financial se- curity is also very important but it does not trump the benefits of good health. What plans can we put into action in order to increase the chances of maintaining good health well into retirement? Here are seven major steps that are shown to have a large impact: Develop a positive attitude. Recent research shows the following advantages for optimists in- clude: ✛ Increased immune function as participants’ optimism grew ✛ Less illnesses and less risk of heart disease than those with a negative attitude ✛ Greater life-span by 7.5 years ✛ A greater appreciation of life and other God-given gifts and blessings Develop an exercise habit NOW. Regular exer- cise not only helps keep one’s weight in check and improves one’s physical health, but it also improves one’s mental health. Although we are not sure how this happens, research has shown that exercise has positive effects on the brain and can improve brain functioning in the elderly. Not only is the release of endorphins during exercise associated with a sense of well-being but a boost in the activity of the brain’s frontal lobes and the hippocampus also occur as a result of exercise. Stresses and anxie- ties tend to be minimized when one exercises on a regular basis. Adopt a pet. Not only does the pet increase the well-being of the older person who lives alone, but research shows that dog owners have lower blood pressure, healthier hearts, and lower cholesterol than those without dogs. Cat owners appear to have a 30% lower risk of heart attacks according to a study by the Minnesota Stroke Institute. A loved one, whether a family member or a pet, can make a huge difference in one’s outlook on life. Cultivate friendships. A Brigham Young Univer- sity study reports that a circle of close family and friends increases your odds of survival by 50%. Retirees with many friends are reported to be hap- pier than those without close friends. Eat a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and avoiding saturated fats are all correlated with decreased risk of stroke and heart disease. In addition, it is esti- mated that 30% of cancers in developed countries are affected by diet. Retire earlier rather than later. Working longer isn’t always better. It is important to be able to handle retirement financially but waiting too long can endanger the chances of enjoying good health. Remain active in retirement. Even if you can’t afford to take a lot of trips or have exotic vaca- tions, plan activities that you enjoy on a regular basis. This can include volunteering for your church or a favorite organization, working part- time or doing favorite activities such as hiking, cooking, art, etc. If you can’t “let go” and enjoy retirement, call us at LCC. A professional therapist can help you work through anxieties and any family relationship prob- lems you may have so that you can come to a sense of peace and get you ready to move forward with a happy retirement. If you or someone you know is in need of counsel- ing support for this or any other mental health is- sue, please call the Lutheran Counseling Center at 516-741-0994 or 1-800-317-1173 or e-mail us at [email protected]. Visit our website at www.LCCNY.org. We have eight sites over the NY area. Secrets to Increasing the Odds of a Happy Retirement By: Molly W. Blancke, MPA, Executive Director