- Oak Crest Retirement Center

Board of Trustees
Tim Beasley
Mike Borden
Rev. Joseph Gastiger
Jake Goodrich
Karen Grush
Don Hettel
Josh Huseman
Rev. Jon Hutchison
Carol Larson
Dave Louis
Karen Manning
Linda Mason
Mary Jo McAdams
Rev. Young-Mee Park
Brian Scholle
Kathy Spears
Dick Stokke
Dr. Paul Stromborg
Ann Tucker
Wendy West-Krauch
Executive Director
Stephen Cichy
Truck
•••
Oak Crest is looking for a full-sized pickup truck for donation or purchase. Please
contact Stephen Cichy at (815)756-8461
or scichy@oakcrestdekalb.org
Thurs., March 19
Thurs., March 26
Thurs., April 16
7 pm
2 pm
7 pm
Thurs., April 23
7 pm
Wed., April 29
Sat., May 2
7 pm
7 pm
Wed., July 8
7 pm
Sat., Aug. 8
7 pm
Spring 2015 • Volume 36 • Number 1
NIU School of Music
Spring Fashion Show
“Brass Bash” with John Smith
and Friends
Volunteer Recognition “Whooo
Makes A Difference?”
Philippine Students Program
Oak Crest’s 35th Anniversary
Spring Dance
Annual Ice Cream Social,
“Tropical Paradise”
“Wild, Wild West” Trivia Night at
Oak Crest
Trips & Excursions
Mon., March 30
Patty Waszak — Starved Rock
Wed., April 8
Church Basement Ladies Last Potluck —
Circa 21
Thurs., April 30
All Shook-Up — Fireside
Wed., May 13
Anything Goes — Marriott
Thurs., May 14
Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets at
Wrigley Field
May 14-17
New York City Theater
August 4-6
Lake Michigan Summer Harvest
October 11-16
Southern California & Queen Mary Getaway
Contact Joan Launer at (815)756-8461 to register or
jlauner@oakcrestdekalb.org.
Circle•••of Care
The Door Opens
In Welcome
•••
Top to bottom:
Liz & Frank Kilgore – Sleepy Hollow, IL
Pat Ecker – Rolling Meadows, IL
Patricia Thurow – Hampshire, IL
Carolyn Haber – DeKalb, IL
Oak Crest’s Annual Giving
Campaign begins May 1, 2015. We
are again looking to our friends in
the community for support. This
fund benefits those who outlive
their financial resources. In past
years Oak Crest residents have used
in excess of $200,000 from this
fund. This rate of utilization continues to increase to accommodate
the growing number of residents
requiring assistance. The Good
Samaritan Fund is supported solely
through contributions and donations. All proceeds generated by the
Circle of Care Campaign directly
benefit the Good Samaritan Fund.
At the time of our 25th Anniversary
we established the Silver Acorn
Donor Program. Supporters of this
program have made a donation or
pledge to the Circle of Care
Campaign in the amount of $2,500
or more. A number of people are
already participating and we wish to
thank them again for their continued
support and invite you to join them.
Of course, each and every donation
is welcomed and appreciated.
Letters will be sent to previous and
prospective donors. These letters
will tell you more about the Circle
of Care Campaign. Please consider
making a donation. Your generosity
will ensure that the Good Samaritan
Fund continues.
If you should have any questions, or
would like additional information on
the Circle of Care Campaign, the
Good Samaritan Fund, or Oak Crest
please call Stephen Cichy at
(815)756-8461. We look forward to
hearing from you and appreciate
your support.
Brian Scholle
Community Relations
OAK CREST - DEKALB AREA RETIREMENT CENTER • A CHURCH RELATED RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Good Samaritan Nominations
Annually the Board of Trustees of the DeKalb Area Retirement CenterOak Crest recognizes and honors an individual in the community as a
modern day Good Samaritan. This award is presented to someone who
has demonstrated his/her commitment to the community and to its people – in any number of ways. A modern Good Samaritan is a person who
cares for others beyond the normal compassion of most people; or a person who actively participates in various community organizations and
combines community service with personal caring; or a person who
works quietly to better the lives of others. Currently, nominations are
being accepted. This year the honor will be bestowed on a deserving
individual on Friday, August 7, 2015. You are encouraged to nominate
someone who exemplifies the high standards of the Good Samaritan.
Application forms are available by contacting Oak Crest Reception desk
(815)756-8461 or e-mail cbuehler@oakcrestdekalb.org
From The Executive Director
•••
A very real challenge that faces
every organization is that of
strategic
planning. Regardless
of size or purpose, leaders of
every successful
organization must
devote sufficient
time and energy to plan for the future.
Through our thirty-five years of service
we have witnessed and recognized that
people have changing needs, and as an
organization we continually seek innovative approaches, emphasizing each
Trivia Night
•••
•••
•••
“A Wild, Wild West
Trivia Night”
Twice a year for sixteen years, the Board
of Trustees has awarded a grant in the
amount of $300 to a deserving employee
to pursue educational or enrichment programming. This grant is in addition to
the annual Employee Scholarship
designed for employees or their dependents pursuing an undergraduate
degree/program of study. The purpose of
the grant is to allow additional opportunities for employees to pursue their individual goals.
The Board of Trustees of the DeKalb
Area Retirement Center—Oak Crest welcomed new Board Members and
acknowledged the efforts of four members completing their terms of service.
Oak Crest Board of Trustees President
Mary Jo McAdams acknowledged the
efforts of Tim Dunlop, Kevin Hickey and
Bill Lenschow. These three members
were presented certificates of appreciation, and in the spring oak trees will be
planted in their honor.
Mary Jo McAdams conducted the installation of new members Mike Borden,
Josh Huseman and Carol Larson.
Mike Borden came to DeKalb as an NIU
student in 1982 and majored in
Communications. While completing a
master’s degree he became interested in
the area of project management. He is a
certified project manager and is employed
as KishHealth system. He and his wife
Lisa have two children. For many years
he has been involved in coaching youth
sports. He has served as a member of the
DeKalb Barb Boosters, has been involved
with NIU athletics and was a past member of the Kishwaukee Kiwanis.
This proposed plan will feature larger
apartments, wellness facility, pool, and
dining. This is a monumental undertaking. We are confident that a project of
Board Members ending terms of service, l-r:
this scope will directly benefit the Oak
Tim Dunlop, Kevin Hickey & Bill Lenschow.
Crest community and the people we
serve. With a dedicated Board of
Trustees, a qualified and caring staff,
and the support and interest of our
many friends in the community, we are
New Board Members, l-r: Mike Borden, Josh
confident we can see this dream
Huseman & Carol Larson.
become a reality. As an organization,
the mission is in place and the vision is
clear. For more information about Oak
2015 Board of Trustees
Crest or this exciting project, please
Back row l-r: Paul Stromborg, Mike
feel free to contact me personally.
Borden, Mary Jo McAdams, Ann
Tucker & Linda Mason.
Stephen P. Cichy
Middle row l-r: Karen Manning,
Brian Scholle, Tim Beasley, Josh
Huseman & Jack Goodrich.
Front row l-r: Dick Stokke, Kathy
Spears, Rev. Joe Gastiger, Carol
Larson & Karen Grush.
Executive Director
Board members not pictured: Don
Hettel, Rev. Jon Hutchison, Wendy
West-Krauch, Dave Louis & Rev.
Young-Mee Park.
s
Over our history we have seen the Oak
Crest community grow. With each new
project, we have recognized the need to
constantly monitor, evaluate and develop programs and facilities to meet the
ever-evolving needs and wants of a customer driven organization. The Board
Leadership strives to ensure that each
construction and renovation project
directly reflects our mission of service
to the community. As a charitable organization, we exist for and are responsible to the community we serve. With
this end in mind, we are in the process
of laying the groundwork for future
growth. We are examining ways we can
best reach out into the community and
extend our services on this campus.
person’s independence and security.
We also recognize that there continues
to be a strong demand for larger apartment homes with increased amenities
and services. Being mindful of this, the
Board of Trustees is working with a
local contractor and architect to create a
comprehensive plan that will meet the
ever-changing needs and desire for
space, amenities and an active life style.
A nnual B oard of Trustees Dinner
Josh Huseman is a 10 year finance professional, with 8 years at Castle Bank. He is
a “concierge” at the bank, caring for the
private banking and wealth planning needs
for business owners and busy families.
Josh is a graduate of Northern Illinois
University. He and his family live in
Sycamore. Josh is actively involved in the
Illinois Bankers Association and a board
member for Christ Community Church in
DeKalb.
Carol Larson is a returning Board member
and has spent a life time in this community and volunteered for a number of local
organizations. Carol holds the distinction
of being a part of the Oak Crest community since its inception. She has served on
the Board of Trustees for many years as
committee member, chair and is a past
President. She also has been a part of
nearly every construction project ever
undertaken at Oak Crest and most recently
chairs our Expansion Committee and will
serve as a member of the Building
Committee.
W hooo M akes A Difference?
•••
Join your friends for our annual volunteer recognition program on
Thursday, April 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Oak Crest Vista Room. The evening
will feature a sumptuous dessert and
entertainment, followed by the presentation of the Oak Leaf Award. This
annual program is just one way of recognizing the many volunteers who
enrich the lives of those around them.
Volunteers are invited to bring a friend
and enjoy an evening of music, food
and fellowship. RSVP by calling Joan
Launer at (815)756-8461 or email
jlauner@oakcrestdekalb.org.
The Annual Trivia night to benefit the Oak Crest Good
Samaritan Fund will be held
Saturday August 8th at Oak
Crest. Cost is $10.00 per person
with a maximum of six players
to a team. Don your best western attire and join us for a rootin’
tootin’ good time. Winners
receive bragging rights for a year
and everyone is guaranteed an
evening of mind stretching and
rib-tickling fun.. Register by
calling (815)756-8461 or e-mail
jlauner@oakcrestdekalb.org
35th Anniversary Spring Dance
You and a guest are cordially
invited to join us
“Some Enchanted
Evening”
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Oak Crest Vista Room
7:00 p.m.
Planned in cooperation
with Sycamore High School
Interact & Key Club
Oak Crest Grant
This year’s grant was awarded to
Alexandra Treadwell who has worked in
the nursing department as a certified
nursing assistant since January 2012.
She is currently enrolled in the nursing
program at Elgin Community College. In
her grant application, Alexandra said, “I
feel that becoming a nurse will provide
me with additional abilities to continue to
help others.” She is looking forward to
applying all that she has learned and her
work related experiences into the growing field of medicine. Alexandra is a
wonderful example of a person whose
hard work and determination will make
her dreams of becoming a nurse a reality.
Stephen Cichy, Executive Director said,
“This grant is just one way that Oak Crest
continues to acknowledge the hard work
and commitment of the people who make
Oak Crest successful. Whether their
interests are in the areas of academics or
life enrichment, this grant supports our
employees and our vision to be an innovative leader in long-term care and services.”
C raft F est
•••
In anticipation of the Art & Craft Fest at
Oak Crest scheduled for Saturday,
September 26. We are looking for volunteers to assist with planning and craft projects. Our craft group meets on Wednesday
afternoons at 1:00 p.m. This is a great
opportunity to socialize with good friends
and work on a variety of craft projects. To
join the Oak Crest Crafters or participate
as a vendor contact Joan Launer,
Community Events Coordinator at 815756-8461.
Alexandra Treadwell receiving Grant from
Brian Scholle.